Games News Preview Info

Xbox 360 | Ice-T chilling Gears of War 3

2010-06-17T19:30:00.001-07:00

Xbox 360 | Ice-T chilling Gears of War 3

E3 2010: Law & Order star joins Drake as second musician to voice a character in Epic Games' final chapter of the Gears trilogy.

Get the full article at GameSpot

"Xbox 360 | Ice-T chilling Gears of War 3 " was posted by Eddie Makuch on Thu, 17 Jun 2010 14:08:35 -0700

IceT presents Mac Repair

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/gearsofwar3/news.html?sid=6266539

Xbox 360 | Metal Gear Solid: Rising devs talk Zan-Datsu

2010-06-17T15:10:00.001-07:00

Xbox 360 | Metal Gear Solid: Rising devs talk Zan-Datsu

Producer and director outline major design concepts for Raiden's solo adventure; says stealth action will be more akin to hunting.

Get the full article at GameSpot

"Xbox 360 | Metal Gear Solid: Rising devs talk Zan-Datsu" was posted by Randolph Ramsay on Wed, 16 Jun 2010 18:14:11 -0700

Tenacious D - The Metal Lyrics

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/metalgearsolidrising/news.html?sid=6266312

Xbox 360 | Xbox 360 Medal of Honor MP beta delayed

2010-06-17T15:00:00.001-07:00

Xbox 360 | Xbox 360 Medal of Honor MP beta delayed

E3 2010: EA pushes online test for Afghani-set FPS on Microsoft's console to later in the week, promises extended trial window.

Get the full article at GameSpot

"Xbox 360 | Xbox 360 Medal of Honor MP beta delayed" was posted by Tom Magrino on Thu, 17 Jun 2010 09:29:47 -0700

E3 2009: Project Natal Xbox 360 Announcement

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/medalofhonor/news.html?sid=6266460

Xbox 360 | 3D possible for Wii successor - Report

2010-06-17T14:50:00.001-07:00

Xbox 360 | 3D possible for Wii successor - Report

E3 2010: Nintendo president suggests company would consider new tech for next console when 3DTV adoption rate eclipses 30 percent.

LOS ANGELES--At Nintendo's press briefing, company president Satoru Iwata officially unveiled the company's glasses-free 3D portable gaming device, the 3DS. Today, Iwata hinted at 3D technology being incorporated into the next home console the company releases.

Will Nintendo bring 3D to its next console?

As reported by Andriasang, the Nintendo executive expressed concern to the Japanese newspaper Nihon Keizai Shimbun regarding displaying 3D images on standard televisions. He said if the company is to release a 3D-enabled console, it won't be until 3D-ready televisions exceed a 30 percent adoption rate.

"We're thinking that the timing should be once the 3D television adoption rates crosses the 30 percent mark," the executive said. "We're looking at the adoption trends."

Nintendo tried its hand at 3D gaming 15 years ago with the Virtual Boy, a system that soundly flopped. Speaking of the Virtual Boy, Iwata said that it released the game machine when the technology "was not ready."

YouTube in 3D

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/news/6266468.html

Xbox 360 | Retailers agree on $150 Kinect - Retail Radar

2010-06-17T14:40:00.001-07:00

Xbox 360 | Retailers agree on $150 Kinect - Retail Radar

E3 2010: GameStop, Amazon, Best Buy, Wal-Mart, Target all list common price point for Microsoft's camera-based motion-sensing add-on.

LOS ANGELES--With this year's E3, Microsoft has begun to fill in the white spaces surrounding its camera-based motion-sensing add-on to the Xbox 360. Formalizing the device's name as Kinect, the publisher has nailed down a firm November 4 launch date and offered a look at its 15-title launch lineup. Still, Microsoft has thus far withheld one of the most important pieces of information: the price.

Microsoft's new $150 controller?

With E3 winding down today, the answer to Kinect's price question isn't likely to come anytime soon...from Microsoft, at least. A range of retailers have now updated their online databases to reflect a $149.99 price point for the Xbox 360 add-on, bolstering rumors that emerged last month. GameStop, Amazon, Best Buy, Wal-Mart, and Target are all under the impression that the device will check in at $150 when it arrives this November.

Microsoft had not responded to requests for comment on the listed price point as of press time.

Formerly known as Project Natal, Kinect adds camera-based motion control to the Xbox 360's input options. As detailed during Microsoft's press conference on Monday, the device also features voice recognition, letting gamers navigate menus by simply voicing commands.

Thus far, 15 games have been announced as launching alongside the device. First-party offerings include Kinect Adventures, Kinectimals, Kinect Joy Ride, and Kinect Sports. A number of third parties are also on board, developing such titles as EA Sports' Active 2, Konami's DanceMasters, and Sega's Sonic Free Riders. Publishers have also promised postlaunch support, such as a Star Wars game from LucasArts, Q?'s Child of Eden, and THQ's UFC Trainer.

Robust Retailers

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/adventure/kinectadventures/news.html?sid=6266485

PC | Spotlight on - League of Legends Updates (at E3 2010)

2010-06-17T14:30:00.001-07:00

PC | Spotlight on - League of Legends Updates (at E3 2010)

We get a quickie update on some of the new features planned for this competitive free-to-pay real-time strategy game inspired by Defense of the Ancients.

Get the full article at GameSpot

"PC | Spotlight on - League of Legends Updates (at E3 2010)" was posted by Andrew Park on Thu, 17 Jun 2010 11:47:10 -0700

Spotlight: The game is over

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/leagueoflegendsclashoffates/news.html?sid=6266489

Xbox 360 | Xbox 360 slim can't red-ring by design

2010-06-17T14:20:00.001-07:00

Xbox 360 | Xbox 360 slim can't red-ring by design

E3 2010: Latest iteration of Microsoft's console is bereft of the now-iconic crimson lights that signaled hardware failure; Microsoft confirms "redesigned" ring.

LOS ANGELES--When Microsoft unveiled the new slimline Xbox 360 at its press conference on Monday, it neglected to mention one small detail. The new model of the console is incapable of getting the "red ring of death," the 3-red bar indicator on the front of the console that signaled a variety of hardware failures.

Unlike its elder sibling, the new Xbox 360 won't be able to red-ring by design.

The absolute impossibility of the red ring isn't by virtue of the console being failure-proof--that has yet to be determined. It's because the new console has no red LEDs at all. According to a spec sheet obtained by gaming blog Joystiq, the new console has only green LEDs in the ring on its front.

How the new console will indicate failure is unclear. When contacted by GameSpot, Microsoft representatives tacitly confirmed the change with the following official statement: "The new console’s ring of light has been redesigned with the rest of the console and uses a different illustration that our customer service team will be able to troubleshoot for you. If customers experience any issues with Xbox 360 250GB they should contact customer service at www.xbox.com/support or 1-800-4MY-Xbox."

The new Xbox 360 is already shipping to stores, and will bear the same retail price as the Xbox 360 Elite, which has been discontinued and discounted $50. It will have a 250GB hard drive and comes with built-in Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n wi-fi connectivity. Its chassis has ample venting to cool its CPU and GPU, which are both made with a 45nm production process--meaning they will run cooler to begin with. As a result, the console requires a smaller fan for its cooling system, which Microsoft promises will be "whisper quiet."

For more on the new Xbox 360, check out GameSpot's hands-on preview, or the video unboxing below.

E3 2009: Project Natal Xbox 360 Announcement

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/news/6266498.html

Xbox 360 | Brink falls off 2010 release calendar

2010-06-17T14:10:00.001-07:00

Xbox 360 | Brink falls off 2010 release calendar

E3 2010: Bethesda's shooter snags its third delay, now coming spring 2011 to PS3, Xbox 360, PC.

LOS ANGELES--While the 2010 Electronic Entertainment Expo has brought definite releases dates for long-awaited software and hardware, fans of Bethesda's upcoming shooter, Brink, have a delay to take in.

Gamers will age a little longer before they get to play Brink.

London-based development house Splash Damage announced a delay of game this week at E3, revealing that the studio's shooter will now release in spring 2011 for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC.

Brink was first dated for spring 2010 when Bethesda trademarked the title. It later slid to fall of the same year. The shooter has been delayed again, now penciled in for a spring 2011 release, which is 12 months beyond the game's original target release window.

As for the game, Brink is a squad-based shooter that was built incorporating a system called S.M.A.R.T. (Smooth Movement Across Random Terrain), which allows players to run freely through the game's environments. The game takes place in a futuristic floating city off the coast of San Francisco, and players can fight through the game's entire campaign as either the Resistance, or Security, the title's warring factions.

Brink Cinematic GDC 2010 Trailer [HD]

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/brink/news.html?sid=6266496

PC | E3 2010 attendance hits 45,600, E3 2011 dated

2010-06-17T14:03:00.001-07:00

PC | E3 2010 attendance hits 45,600, E3 2011 dated

E3 2010: Entertainment Software Association reveals attendance figures, next year's show returning to LA June 7-9.

LOS ANGELES--The 2010 Electronic Entertainment Expo wraps up today, and the Entertainment Software Association has already booked next year's event. The E3 showrunner and industry trade body today announced the annual event will return to the Los Angeles Convention Center from June 7-9, 2011.

46,500 people had the chance to play games first-hand at E3 2010.

As for this year's event, about 300 exhibitors and 45,600 attendees from 90 countries descended upon Los Angeles for the show. That figure is slightly higher than 2009's attendence, when some 41,000 developers, analysts, investors, journalists, and retailers turned out at the LACC.

News from this year's press briefings included Microsoft announcing a new Xbox 360 model and Kinect's Nov. 4 debut, Sony saying its motion-control technology rollout will begin in September, Nintendo debuting the 3DS and the next Zelda title, and lots more.

For those who missed this year's event, check out GameSpot's complete coverage of E3 2010 for a plethora of hands-on previews, news, live stage demos, and more.

E3 2010 Coverage - Machinima - Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days Interview w/ Karsten Lund (IO Interactive)

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/news/6266509.html

PC | 3DS supporting software installs - Report

2010-06-17T13:51:00.000-07:00

PC | 3DS supporting software installs - Report

E3 2010: Japanese paper states tri-dimensional handheld features full-game installation to system's internal memory.

LOS ANGELES--As detailed in GameSpot's hands-on with the 3DS from this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo, Nintendo has made sweeping changes to both the cosmetic and the internal structure of its best-selling handheld. With 3D functionality being the top-line addition, Nintendo has also increased the size and resolution of the top screen, amped up processing power, and added new cameras, motion sensors, a gyroscope, and an analog stick.

The 3DS will reportedly support zero-dimension game carts.

The publisher apparently didn't stop there, though. As relayed by Andriasang, Japan business daily Nikkei reported today that the 3DS will also let gamers install multiple full games to the handheld's internal memory. Installed games can then be selected from the 3DS's main menu.

Nikkei reportedly did not delve into the number of games that can be installed or any specifics of the process. However, it did state that the feature eliminates gamers' need to carry cartridges with them while on the go.

Nintendo had not responded to requests for comment or clarification of the report as of press time. The publisher has yet to announce a release date or pricing information for the new system.

Nintendo 3DS & Wii Floor Report

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/news/6266528.html

PC | Spotlight on - Global Agenda Updates (at E3 2010)

2010-06-17T13:40:00.001-07:00

PC | Spotlight on - Global Agenda Updates (at E3 2010)

We take a look at some of the new updates planned for Sandstorm, the first free expansion for this massively multiplayer online action game.

Get the full article at GameSpot

"PC | Spotlight on - Global Agenda Updates (at E3 2010)" was posted by Andrew Park on Thu, 17 Jun 2010 13:34:11 -0700

Spotlight: The game is over

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/globalagenda/news.html?sid=6266533

DS | Shadow of the Ninja cuts up Virtual Console

2010-06-16T21:00:00.001-07:00

DS | Shadow of the Ninja cuts up Virtual Console

Nintendo Store Update: Digital marketplace adds NES side-scroller to classics channel; crossword puzzler, electronic keyboard titles for DSiWare, PopCap Games' Bejeweled sequel on WiiWare.

Get the full article at GameSpot

"DS | Shadow of the Ninja cuts up Virtual Console" was posted by Eddie Makuch on Wed, 16 Jun 2010 12:58:42 -0700

The Rasmus - In The Shadows

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/ds/action/kappamichi/news.html?sid=6265514

PlayStation 3 | Silent Hill 8 frightens Xbox 360, PS3 in 2011

2010-06-16T20:50:00.001-07:00

PlayStation 3 | Silent Hill 8 frightens Xbox 360, PS3 in 2011

E3 2010: Konami's latest horror installment due out next year for Microsofts and Sony's home consoles.

LOS ANGELES--Today at Konami's press briefing, on top of announcing a Glee singing title and Neverdead, the publisher announced the next installment in the frightening Silent Hill series. According to series producers Devin Shatsky and Brian Gomez, Silent Hill 8 (working title) will make its way to the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 next year.

Ever had a really scary dream?

A trailer for the game was shown, painting a series-familiar setting of gloom. In the trailer, the camera panned over a rain-soaked road, coming to rest as an inmate transport vehicle sped past.

Gamers will play as ex-inmate Murphy Pendleton, a man who suffers from lucid visions when he sleeps. In the trailer, Pendleton is seen running through the forest in his jumpsuit, crossing a ravine by tiptoeing along a log, finally finding his way to Silent Hill.

Next, the player enters a building and proceeds down a hallway that begins to disintegrate, revealing that the corridor is actually a metal cage suspended in a creepy sewerlike area. After this scene, Pendleton wakes up, still on the bus.

Silent Hill 8 will remain a third-person horror game in which players will be tested by puzzles, creatures, and various otherworldly beings. Konami did not specify a release date more exact than 2011.

In April at its Gamers Day event, Konami strongly hinted at a Silent Hill announcement for this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo. A trailer for the game ended with the tagline "The Silence Ends," and a definite reference to this year's show.

Outside of a well-received remake of the original, the Silent Hill series has been dormant since 2008's Double Helix-developed Silent Hill: Homecoming.

Queensryche - Silent Lucidity (DVD)

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/action/silenthill8/news.html?sid=6266224

Xbox 360 | Neverdead arising on PS3, 360

2010-06-16T20:40:00.001-07:00

Xbox 360 | Neverdead arising on PS3, 360

E3 2010: Konami, Rebellion team on horror-themed third-person action adventure featuring swords, guns, regeneration; release date TBA.

LOS ANGELES--In advance of its 2010 Electronic Entertainment press conference yesterday, Konami announced a handful of new titles. These ranged from Kinect titles, such as DanceMasters and Adrenalin Misfits, to downloadable wares like Hard Corps: Uprising. However, the publisher apparently saved one of its meatier reveals for the press conference itself.

Dead is apparently just a state of mind.

Konami today announced Neverdead, an all-new property heading to the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The third-person action adventure is in development at Rebellion, which released Aliens vs. Predator to tepid reviews in February. Also contributing to the project will be Konami veteran Shinta Nojiri, a veteran of Kojima Productions' Metal Gear franchise.

As the story goes, Neverdead's world fell to a demonic threat centuries before the game picks up. However, for reasons as-yet-unstated, the demons created an immortal hero before receding back into the ether. With the demons now having returned, the hero is charged with defending the land, equipped with a "butterfly-inspired sword," a cache of guns, and unique regenerative powers.

The publisher's press event also offered a trailer for Neverdead, one that begins with a scene from what appears to be a postapocalyptic-looking metropolis. As a man and a woman stroll through the city, he recounts to her a fairly obnoxious story. That is, until he is decapitated by a beast that crashes through a wall. Unfazed, the disembodied head makes a glib remark, which is then followed by a gameplay montage.

Konami did not announce an expected release window for Neverdead.

NeverDead Announcement Trailer- E3 2010

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/neverdead/news.html?sid=6266235

PC | Total US software sales hit $15B+ in 2009 - NPD

2010-06-16T20:30:00.001-07:00

PC | Total US software sales hit $15B+ in 2009 - NPD

Factoring in used games, digital distribution, DLC, mobile--but not social platforms--industry group revises $10.5B figure upward by $4.5-$4.75B.

2009 wasn't a particularly banner year for the US game industry in terms of total revenue. According to the NPD Group, total dollars spent at retail on new hardware, software, and accessories amounted to $19.66 billion, a healthy number but well short of 2008's $21.4 billion spend.

NPD now thinks total software spend hit at least $15 in 2009.

Of that tally, NPD stats indicated that $10.5 billion came from software sales. However, considering that the NPD group only tracks new software sales at retail and not alternative forms of revenue, such as used games, subscriptions, or downloadable content, that figure could be seen as slightly misleading.

Today, though, NPD released a more comprehensive accounting of 2009 software sales. Taking into account used games, rentals, subscriptions, digital full game downloads, downloadable content, and mobile game apps, NPD revised its $10.5 billion figure upward by $4.5 billion to $4.75 billion for 2009. As such, the industry-tracking group now believes total software sales for the year came in at $15.0 billion to $15.25 billion.

"Our expanded estimate of consumer spending reflects the growing number of options to purchase, acquire and interact with video games ranging from GameFly rentals to iPod Touch game apps," said NPD analyst Anita Frazier. "Consumer spending on social network games like those offered by Facebook would push this estimate even higher." NPD noted that the revised figures factor in "all channels and media except for social network gaming."

NPD gathered its date through a variety of means, including point-of-sale tracking and industry research tools such as the Games Acquisition Monitor, Video Game & PC Game Subscriptions Tracker, and Consumer Purchase Tracker. It also uses sales estimates provided by retailers and publishers.

TOTAL - Can't You See (feat. The Notorious BIG)

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/news/6266200.html

PC | Fallout Online teaser site launches

2010-06-16T20:20:00.001-07:00

PC | Fallout Online teaser site launches

E3 2010: Legal battle not stopping Interplay from moving ahead with the Masthead-developed post-nuclear MMORPG; beta testers being solicited.

LOS ANGELES--The threat of a court-ordered shutdown isn't stopping Interplay from moving ahead with Fallout Online. This morning, the once-nearly bankrupt company launched a teaser site for the massively multiplayer game, which was previously known by its code name, Project V13. After offering some visual references to the first two Fallout games, released in the 1990s, the site asks visitors to sign up for a newsletter to be considered for the game's beta test.

Interplay is moving ahead with the Fallout MMORPG.

In development at Masthead Studios, the Bulgarian shop developing the post-apocalyptic RPG Earthrise, Fallout Online has been the subject of a legal battle between Interplay and Bethesda Softworks, developer and publisher of Fallout 3. The dispute stems from a disagreement about the deal, which saw Bethesda purchase the Fallout IP for $5.75 million in 2007 and then license the Fallout MMORPG rights back to Interplay.

The license agreement had a stipulation that Interplay had to start full-time development within two years or the Fallout MMORPG rights would revert to Bethesda. Two years later, Bethesda terminated the deal, citing Interplay's lack of progress on Project V13. In a lawsuit filed in September, Bethesda accused Interplay of not having enough money to move forward with the game.

The following month, Interplay accused Bethesda of acting in bad faith in a countersuit. It quickly released the first concept art for Fallout Online, claiming that work on the game was proceeding apace. In December, a judge agreed, denying Bethesda's request for an injunction that would have halted all work on Interplay's MMORPG.

However, even with a legal green light, Fallout Online faces many obstacles on the road to release--foremost of which is Interplay's shaky financial state. In a financial report released last year, the company reported a loss of $1.052 million on $854,000 of income for the nine months ending September 30, 2009, thanks mostly to $1.48 million in "general and administrative" costs. During that same period, the company reported it had only spent $195,000 on product development.

Fallout Intro Movie

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/earthrisemmo/news.html?sid=6266292

PC | Metal Gear Solid: Rising devs talk Zan-Datsu

2010-06-16T20:10:00.001-07:00

PC | Metal Gear Solid: Rising devs talk Zan-Datsu

Producer and director outline major design concepts for Raiden's solo adventure; says stealth action will be more akin to hunting.

Get the full article at GameSpot

"PC | Metal Gear Solid: Rising devs talk Zan-Datsu" was posted by Randolph Ramsay on Wed, 16 Jun 2010 18:14:11 -0700

Tenacious D - The Metal Lyrics

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/pc/action/metalgearsolidrising/news.html?sid=6266312

PlayStation 3 | PS3, PSP tuning into surround sound

2010-06-16T16:30:00.001-07:00

PlayStation 3 | PS3, PSP tuning into surround sound

E3 2010: Sony debuting all-in-one immersive audio system for console, handheld worldwide this fall for $199.

Get the full article at GameSpot

"PlayStation 3 | PS3, PSP tuning into surround sound" was posted by Tom Magrino on Tue, 15 Jun 2010 17:15:47 -0700

Smash My PS3

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/news/6265825.html

PlayStation 3 | UFC Trainer hits Kinect, Move, Wii on January 1

2010-06-16T16:20:00.001-07:00

PlayStation 3 | UFC Trainer hits Kinect, Move, Wii on January 1

E3 2010: THQ reveals new mixed martial arts tutorial title for multiplatform motion-sensing systems.

LOS ANGELES--THQ kicked off the Electronic Entertainment Expo with the news that UFC Undisputed 2010 hadn't been selling as well as expected. The publisher isn't letting that undermine its plans for the mixed martial arts franchise, as today it announced a new UFC title in an E3 analysts meeting.

UFC Trainer will teach players the finer points of punching a dude in the face. (Screen from UFC Undisputed 2010.)

Set for release January 1, 2011, UFC Trainer will be a more combative take on the fitness genre than the likes of Wii Fit or EA Sports Active. The game will be released for the Xbox 360 Kinect, the PlayStation 3 Move, and the Wii. THQ's executive vice president of core gaming, Danny Bilson, apologized to analysts for the game's absence from THQ's E3 presence, but said the publisher doesn't want to show it off until it's the best training game on the market.

"We want this thing tuned to perfection without lag," Bilson said. "And I'm not going to ship it until it's the coolest fighting thing in the world."

This is the second straight year THQ has chosen to announce a New Year's Day release while at E3. Last year, the publisher committed to launching its Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 action adventure game Darksiders on January 1. However, the publisher couldn't quite keep to that schedule, and the game slipped to January 5.

The Biggest Grudge Match in UFC History

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/news/6265835.html

PlayStation 3 | Next MX vs. ATV revs up microtransactions

2010-06-16T16:10:00.001-07:00

PlayStation 3 | Next MX vs. ATV revs up microtransactions

E3 2010: THQ's next installment in motorsports franchise to sell at a low price point but be bolstered by weekly releases of new content, from helmets to track packs.

LOS ANGELES--Earlier this year, THQ announced a round of layoffs and a new downloadable focus for MX vs. ATV developer Rainbow Studios. While gamers may have inferred that the long-running motorsports franchise would be departing store shelves entirely as a result, the publisher today shed some light on the series' future.

This guy will want to invest in the Landing Area Full of Soft Pillows pack.

In an E3 analysts call, THQ executive vice president of core gaming Danny Bilson said that the next MX vs. ATV will sell at retail for a low price point, with the publisher planning a weekly schedule of new downloadable content to bring in the bigger bucks over the course of a year. Bilson said the model should have special appeal to the "Wal-Mart audience" who loves the series but wants a value price point.

Examples of add-on content given included a free helmet and a $5 track pack. Bilson didn't discuss the platforms, release date, or price of the core game. However, in explaining the business model to analysts in the call, he did say that even if consumers don't go for the microtransactions, the company still does well "if we can get that $20 from the Wal-Mart buyer."

The last game in the series, MX vs. ATV, launched in December for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, DS, and PSP.

Next - Too Close

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/driving/mxvsatvreflex/news.html?sid=6265840

Xbox 360 | THQ confirms Saints Row film

2010-06-16T16:00:00.001-07:00

Xbox 360 | THQ confirms Saints Row film

E3 2010: Publisher says "major filmmaker" tied to game tie-in, slated for day-and-date release; Red Faction telefilm to air on SyFy week of Armageddon debut; major development talent announcement coming.

LOS ANGELES--THQ may not have had an in-person media blowout in the vein of Ubisoft or Electronic Arts, but the publisher still offered up a host of game-related announcements as part of a 2010 Electronic Entertainment Expo conference call.

The Saints Row 3 film apparently has big-name talent behind it.

The Saints Row franchise is often cited by THQ executives as a key business pillar, and the publisher said today that it plans to spare no expense for the launch of Saints Row 3. According to THQ executive vice president of core games Danny Bilson, the publisher plans to begin ramping up marketing for the title in December, having spent an extra year rebuilding the technology behind the game.

What's more, the publisher is aiming to accompany the game's launch with the "biggest transmedia blowout ever seen." Whereas many publishers stop at action figures, novels, and comic books, THQ is aiming to launch a Saints Row film day and date with the game, and Bilson noted that a "major filmmaker" is tied to its release. In February 2009, rapper 50 Cent told reporters that he was in the process of optioning the rights to Saints Row, for a filmic adaptation.

Bilson went on to note that the Saints Row game will be accompanied by a collectible card game.

In other transmedia news, Bilson offered new details on the Red Faction telefilm, which TV network SyFy announced that it would be producing in April. The two-hour "pilot" will air on SyFy the same week as the as-yet-undated Red Faction Armageddon, filling in the 50-year time lapse with information on the main character's parents. The story was penned by Bilson, with a writer currently adapting it for the screen, and the executive also noted that it will feature a budget on par with SyFy's acclaimed Battlestar Galactica.

As one other tidbit, Bilson also briefly addressed Devil's Third, the first game from Tomonobu Itagaki's Viking Studios, which will be published by THQ. According to the executive, THQ plans to announce "another major talent" that has signed with the publisher "very soon." The talent acquisition, Bilson noted, is part of THQ's strategy to lure top game developers, as opposed to purchasing independent studios outright.

THQ CEO on New Products, Future of Gaming

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/saintsrow3/news.html?sid=6265853

PlayStation 3 | Best Buy to sell used games in all US stores

2010-06-16T15:50:00.001-07:00

PlayStation 3 | Best Buy to sell used games in all US stores

E3 2010: Retailer announces nationwide buyback program launching in late summer; gamers to get gift cards in exchange for pre-played titles.

With the gaming industry's focus squarely on the biggest titles of tomorrow during this week's Electronic Entertainment Expo, Best Buy wants gamers to think about the games of yesterday. The electronics chain has announced that it will begin buying and selling used games in all of its stores nationwide beginning late this summer.

Give me your tired, your used, your beaten games yearning to breathe free.

While some Best Buy stores will have dedicated trade-in desks, most locations will handle game buybacks at the customer service desk. Customers will receive their compensation in the form of a gift card good for anything in the store, and any used games purchased will be covered by the store's return policy.

Best Buy already offers a buyback program through its Web site that allows gamers to look up the trade-in "estimates" of all their games and systems. When the in-store program launches, gamers will be able to use the Web site so they know how much to expect from their titles before they head to the store.

To date, the used game market has been dominated by specialty retailer GameStop, but there are more companies looking to undercut the chain's business all the time. Wal-Mart, Toys R Us, and Amazon have all gotten into the used buyback business to varying degrees, and even game publishers are looking for a piece of the pie.

Electronic Arts recently introduced its Online Pass program, which requires second-hand purchasers of games to pay $10 to activate functions like online multiplayer. During an investor conference call earlier this week, Activision announced its own intentions to get into the used gaming business by collaborating with secondhand sellers. The publisher believes participating in the used market could bolster its own revenues by as much as $500 million.

Best card trick in the world

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/news/6266049.html

PlayStation 3 | Gran Turismo 5 collector's edition announced

2010-06-16T15:40:00.001-07:00

PlayStation 3 | Gran Turismo 5 collector's edition announced

E3 2010: Premium pack to bear $100 price tag; includes 300-page car guide, diecast Nissan GT-R Spec V, branded key chain, voucher for five in-game cars, and stamp of authenticity.

LOS ANGELES--At Sony's press briefing, the company dated Killzone 3, PlayStation Move, and a PlayStation Plus premium subscription service, but the revelations didn't end there. Sony also revealed a release date for Polyphony Digital's racing sim Gran Turismo 5, which it first teased at E3 2005.

When GT5 arrives November 2 exclusively on the PlayStation 3, a $100 Collector's Edition will be available alongside the standard ware. In addition to the title, packed inside "premium packaging," the limited bundle will include a 1:43 scale diecast 2009 Nissan GT-R Spec V designed by Polyphony and produced by collectible car-maker Kyosho.

Will the wait be worth it?

Additionally, racing fans who pick up the premium pack will receive a 300-page "car lover's guide," penned by the developer. The contents of the book include bits of automobile history, including the history of the present day automobile, as well as relevant Gran Turismo 5 reference materials.

The pack will also include a redemption key for five in-game vehicles with "performance upgrades." It was not announced which five vehicle models will be included or what the upgrades will be.

Following the car theme, the Gran Turismo 5 Collector's Edition will come with a GT5-branded key chain, as well as a numbered authenticity certificate.

Gran Turismo 5 E3 2009 Debut Trailer [HQ] (Rate This Game)

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/driving/granturismo52/news.html?sid=6266046

3DS | Pac-Man & Galaga, Dragon Ball headed to 3DS

2010-06-16T15:30:00.001-07:00

3DS | Pac-Man & Galaga, Dragon Ball headed to 3DS

E3 2010: Namco Bandai lineup of five titles for Nintendo's new handheld also includes Ridge Racer, Gundam, Super Robot Wars.

LOS ANGELES--The 3DS was officially unveiled to the public just yesterday, but Nintendo already has an imposing lineup featuring some of the biggest third-party franchises in the industry. Namco Bandai's Ridge Racer was already on that list, but the publisher today detailed a full slate of five titles spanning six of its own biggest series.

It's coming right at us! Look out!

Beyond Ridge Racer, Namco Bandai also confirmed new installments in its Gundam, Dragon Ball, and Super Robot franchises. And reaching further back into its catalog, the publisher revealed Pac Man & Galaga (working title), promising that the two arcade classics would be "totally reworked" for Nintendo's system, while still retaining their original play modes.

As recognizable as Namco Bandai's franchises are, there will be plenty of competition for a 3DS owner's dollars. Beyond Nintendo's own efforts (spearheaded by the return of Kid Icarus), third-party publishers are supporting the 3DS with hit franchises like Metal Gear Solid, Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, Kingdom Hearts, Street Fighter, Resident Evil, Dead or Alive, Ninja Gaiden, Splinter Cell, Assassin's Creed, The Sims, Madden NFL Football, FIFA Soccer, Contra, Frogger, Saints Row, Batman, and more.

PAC MAN (REMI GAILLARD)

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/3ds/strategy/superrobottaisen3d/news.html?sid=6266092

PlayStation 3 | Time Crisis: Razing Storm Move-ing on PS3

2010-06-16T15:20:00.001-07:00

PlayStation 3 | Time Crisis: Razing Storm Move-ing on PS3

E3 2010: Namco Bandai's shooter franchise gets exclusive Sony installment this fall with new online mode; Time Crisis 4, Deadstorm Pirates packed in.

LOS ANGELES--The PlayStation Move factored heavily into Sony's 2010 Electronic Entertainment Expo press conference yesterday, as the publisher officially dated the motion-sensing controller for September 14 in the US. And as a controller is only as good as the games it supports, the publisher also rattled off a number of Move-compatible games in sizzle montage accompanying the announcement.

Razing Storm heads to South America.

Among those machine gun announcements appeared to be a new installment in Namco Bandai's long-running on-rails shooter franchise Time Crisis. Sure enough, late last night the publisher officially announced Time Crisis: Razing Storm will arrive exclusively for the PlayStation 3 this fall. In addition to the Move, Razing Storm will also be compatible with Namco Bandai's own Guncon 3 light gun peripheral.

Razing Storm's storyline follows a special task force that has been sent to South America in an effort to take out the mastermind behind a plot to topple the United States. In addition to Arcade mode, which pits players against waves of enemies, Razing Storm will include a free-roaming Story mode. The mode lets players hunt down the villainous cabal through destructible environments, utilizing cover and the new auto-look function.

Namco Bandai's latest shooter will also introduce an online multiplayer component to the franchise. Up to eight players will be able to engage in both cooperative and competitive modes in Online Battle. Sentry mode is also new, and it lets up to four players offline attempt to route a prison break attempt.

Notably, the publisher is incentivizing the purchase of Razing Storm by packing in the arcade editions of 2007's Time Crisis 4 and the just-released Deadstorm Pirates. Both games have been updated with Move functionality and will also be compatible with the Guncon 3.

Time - Pink Floyd

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/action/timecrisisrazingstorm/news.html?sid=6266102

PlayStation 3 | Little Big Planet 2 due in Nov., Move support confirmed

2010-06-16T15:10:00.001-07:00

PlayStation 3 | Little Big Planet 2 due in Nov., Move support confirmed

E3 2010: Media Molecule's imaginative platformer sequel will arrive by holidays and will be compatible with Sony's motion-sensing system; Original LBP also getting Move patch at launch.

LOS ANGELES--At Sony's press briefing, Killzone 3 was dated for February 2011, and earlier in the day, Amazon France listed Uncharted 3 for October 2011. While the latter's release window is merely a retailer's presumption, another Sony-exclusive received an official release window today.

Sony today announced a barrage of titles that will support the company's newest tech, the PlayStation Move and their respective release dates. On that list was Little Big Planet 2, confirmed for a November 2010 debut at retail.

Returning to your TV, sooner rather than later.

As for the game, at Sony's briefing yesterday, Media Molecule's Alex Evans emerged on stage and demonstrated Little Big Planet 2, the studio's sequel to the critically adored original.

The studio head talked about the new tools Sackboy has learned in the sequel. He spoke about the ethos of Play, Create, and Share and went over some of the title's new creation tools, including the ability to make games (within the game) of any genre.

The original Little Big Planet has sold over 3 million copies to date. Sony Computer Entertainment American vice president Scott Rohde confirmed to GameSpot that it too will support the Move controller when the system arrives November 4. The game will receive the update in the form of a software update.

For more on the sequel, check out GameSpot's hands-on impressions of Little Big Planet 2.

Five Little Monkeys!

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/action/littlebigplanet2/news.html?sid=6266109

PlayStation 3 | Catan, shoot-'em-up trio descend upon PSN

2010-06-16T15:00:00.001-07:00

PlayStation 3 | Catan, shoot-'em-up trio descend upon PSN

PlayStation Store Update: E3 week greets Game Republic strategy title, GundeadliGne, Hitogata Happa, Gundemonium Recollection; PSone Classic is Final Fantasy IX.

Get the full article at GameSpot

"PlayStation 3 | Catan, shoot-'em-up trio descend upon PSN" was posted by Tom Magrino on Wed, 16 Jun 2010 12:46:54 -0700

The Ballad of Catan

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/action/gundeadligne/news.html?sid=6266128

Wii | Shadow of the Ninja cuts up Virtual Console

2010-06-16T14:50:00.001-07:00

Wii | Shadow of the Ninja cuts up Virtual Console

Nintendo Store Update: Digital marketplace adds NES sidescroller to classics channel; crossword puzzler, electronic keyboard titles for DSiWare, PopCap Games' Bejeweled sequel on WiiWare.

Get the full article at GameSpot

"Wii | Shadow of the Ninja cuts up Virtual Console" was posted by Eddie Makuch on Wed, 16 Jun 2010 12:58:42 -0700

The Rasmus - In The Shadows

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/wii/puzzle/bejeweled2/news.html?sid=6265514

PlayStation 3 | Journey adventuring to PSN

2010-06-16T14:40:00.001-07:00

PlayStation 3 | Journey adventuring to PSN

E3 2010: ThatGameCompany's third PSN title revealed ahead of schedule; more information at company's presentation Thursday.

LOS ANGELES--Sony's press briefing included game reveals, exclusive deals, and more, but the company spoke nothing of a new release for the PlayStation Network from FlOw, and Flower development studio ThatGameCompany. That said, the information found its way out anyway.

From the makers of Flower comes a new PSN title.

Tuesday night, a press release and images for a ThatGameCompany-developed game titled Journey popped up on video game discussion forum NeoGAF. The press release purports that Journey will offer "simple gameplay and accessible controls," similar to the studio's previous entries, when it debuts on the PSN in 2011.

Jenova Chen, founder of ThatGameCompany, recently quickly confirmed that Journey is indeed the studio's third game, and promised further details on Thursday. The news comes via social-networking site Twitter, where Chen recently scribed "our new PSN title 'Journey' is leaked a bit early…" Accompanying the message was a link to the NeoGAF post, as well as a promise that his studio will officially unveil the project on Thursday at the Electronic Entertainment Expo.

ThatGameCompany's previous work, FlOw, and Flower featured featured simple designs in an effort to create accessible play experiences. Journey also falls within those definitions, but is being dubbed an "online adventure experience," where players can travel through expansive landscapes either alone or with strangers they meet along the way.

To stay current with this year's show, check out GameSpot's complete coverage of E3 2010.

Journey - Don't Stop Believing (Live)

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/action/flower/news.html?sid=6266149

Xbox 360 | Vanquish mobilizing in October

2010-06-16T14:30:00.001-07:00

Xbox 360 | Vanquish mobilizing in October

E3 2010: PlatinumGames' Shinji Mikami-directed sci-fi shooter narrowed to Halloween month on 360, PS3.

LOS ANGELES--Headlines at this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo have largely been dominated by happenings at the Big Three: Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft. Third parties, of course, have also been active, and today Sega announced a narrowed release window for one of its most anticipated shooters, PlatinumGames' Vanquish.

Vanquish tells the story of a Cold War gone hot.

Having previously been pegged for a winter release on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, the Shinji Mikami-directed sci-fi shooter will now arrive in October. The Resident Evil creator's latest project is the last of four games that fall under a publishing deal PlatinumGames signed with Sega in 2008. Other titles released as part of the deal include Madworld, Bayonetta, and Infinite Space.

A third-person shooter with an emphasis on action, Vanquish will follow a government-backed one-man army named Sam as he takes on robotic enemies in a world where an energy crisis has once again put the United States and Russia at odds. Unfortunately, this conflict isn't another Cold War, with hostilities started by the obliteration of San Francisco from an orbital laser cannon.

For more information, check out GameSpot's E3 preview of Vanquish.

Vanquish Debut Trailer [HD]

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/vanquish/news.html?sid=6266168

PlayStation 3 | PlayStation Plus launches June 29

2010-06-15T22:50:00.001-07:00

PlayStation 3 | PlayStation Plus launches June 29

E3 2010: $50 annually for Sony's online service grants free games, early demo access, beta invites, themes, and more; content accessible only as long as subscription is active.

LOS ANGELES--For this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo, Sony did a much better job of keeping its big announcements under wraps than last year. However, some info still slipped out early, as the company today announced a PlayStation Plus subscription service very much like one described in reports last month.

Wipeout HD will be the first month's big freebie for PSN Plus.

On June 29, Sony will launch PlayStation Plus worldwide, a subscription service that offers gamers access to free games, early demos, beta invites, discounts, free themes, and more. The first month's slate of freebies include a free copy of the downloadable racer Wipeout HD, two PSP mini games, and a handful of premium avatars.

Gamers will be able to subscribe to PlayStation Plus for $50 annually, although those just wanting to try it out can get a three-month subscription for $18. However, all of the content will only be accessible to gamers who keep their subscriptions active, so if players stops paying, they won't be able to play those games or demos any longer.

The current level of PSN service--including online multiplayer--will remain free, just as Sony Computer Entertainment CEO Kaz Hirai promised last November, when the premium online plan was first revealed.

For more of Sony's E3 announcements, check out GameSpot's live blog of the publisher's press conference.

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

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/driving/wipeout/news.html?sid=6265754

PlayStation 3 | PS3 Dead Space 2, Medal of Honor come with Extraction, Frontline ports

2010-06-15T22:40:00.001-07:00

PlayStation 3 | PS3 Dead Space 2, Medal of Honor come with Extraction, Frontline ports

E3 2010: Sequel to sci-fi horror hit will come with Move-compatible version of Wii spin-off Dead Space Extraction; Shooter's special edition to include "enhanced" edition of 2002 PS2 hit.

LOS ANGELES--At Sony's media briefing today at the 2010 Electronic Entertainment Expo, the publisher announced that special edition packs of upcoming Electronic Arts titles will be exclusive to the PlayStation 3.

When Medal of Honor launches in October, fans seeking an upper-tier experience can pick up the Medal of Honor Special Edition. Included in the premium pack will be a copy of EA's 2002 shooter Medal of Honor: Frontline, updated with high-definition visuals. Medal of Honor arrives in North America October 12 and in Europe on October 15.

On the strategic-dismemberment side of things, Sony also announced that the limited edition for Dead Space 2 will also be exclusive to the PS3. Necromorph-killing fans who pick up the premium edition will also receive a copy of last year's Wii horror title, Dead Space: Extraction.

Isaac Clarke: pointer and killer extraordinaire.

A prequel to the events of the original Dead Space and its sequel, Extraction for the PS3 will make use of Sony's recently dated PlayStation Move motion-control technology. Additionally, the once Wii-exclusive will be playable with standard PS3 controllers, includes Trophy support, and will also be sold separately in the PlayStation Store. Dead Space 2 arrives January 25.

Electronic Arts has not announced a price for either the Medal of Honor or Dead Space 2 special editions. Additionally, Dead Space: Extraction has not been priced or dated for the PlayStation Network.

Smash My PS3

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/action/deadspace2workingtitle/news.html?sid=6265763

Xbox 360 | Mindjack tapping into PS3, Xbox 360

2010-06-15T22:30:00.001-07:00

Xbox 360 | Mindjack tapping into PS3, Xbox 360

E3 2010: Square Enix bringing futuristic online action game to Microsoft's and Sony's consoles in October.

LOS ANGELES--This morning Square Enix revealed its intention to develop for Nintendo's recently confirmed portable, the 3DS. This afternoon, the company announced Mindjack, a new title for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

Square Enix provided scant details on the project, though it will apparently be an online action game. It will feature a single-player campaign as well as a cooperative multiplayer component when it arrives in October.

Why learn how to drive one of these when you can jack its mind?

Set in 2031, Mindjack puts players in the figurative shoes of a Mind Hacker fighting through a period of political unrest, where conspiracies are running wild. Players will join a team of rogue fighters, clawing for survival. Players can hack into the minds of enemies, vehicles, or civilians to control their respective abilities. Further, as players progress through the game, they will collect XP, which is used to expand their arts abilities.

Screenshots posted on the game's Web site reveal a muscled ape wearing goggles, male and females soldiers, and a large mechanized combat brute.

Mindjack is currently in development at Japanese studio Feelplus.

MindJack - Official E3 2010 Announcement Trailer [HD]

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/mindjack/news.html?sid=6265785

PC | OnLive woos free Founding Members, launch lineup detailed

2010-06-15T22:20:00.001-07:00

PC | OnLive woos free Founding Members, launch lineup detailed

E3 2010: On-demand game-streaming service offering chance to get first year on the house; 23 titles slated for June 17 launch; Japanese pubs sign on.

LOS ANGELES--Last year, on-demand game streaming service OnLive publicly snubbed the Electronic Entertainment Expo, saying its service has no place at the "retail-oriented conference." However, that tune has changed a bit for E3 2010, as the company took advantage of the publicity surrounding the event today to announce its first-year-free membership program, as well as a batch of games prepped for the service's June 17 launch.

OnLive goes online this week.

Making good use of that attention-grabbing four-letter "F" word, OnLive announced today its Founding Member Program, a limited-availability promotion that grants lucky registrants a free year of the game-streaming service. Those interested in the Founding Member Program, which is offered in collaboration with AT&T, can now register through OnLive's Web site. Those selected will also be eligible to receive a second-year monthly subscription rate of $4.95.

OnLive also announced today that the service will launch with 23 titles from a range of high-profile publishers. Highlights of the launch lineup include Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed II, Square Enix's Batman: Arkham Asylum, and EA's Dragon Age: Origins. A full list of launch titles can be found below.

Further, the company has secured additional publishing partnership deals. Newly added to OnLive's roster are Square Enix, Sega, Capcom, and Konami. All together, the service boasts support from more than 25 publishing partners, including Electronic Arts, Take-Two, THQ, Ubisoft, Epic, Atari, Codemasters, and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment.

The OnLive service aims to offer lag-free PC gaming via the Web. The company claims that since the heavy lifting of graphics processing will be done on the service's servers, it will offer high-definition gaming on any PC or Mac, regardless of graphics card or CPU speed. The service will initially be available as an application for the Windows and Mac operating systems, with a micro-console that can be attached directly to HDTVs to arrive later on in the year.

OnLive's launch will be limited to the contiguous lower 48 United States and will cost $14.95 per month for those who do not qualify for the Founding Member Program. OnLive's monthly fee does not include the purchase price of games themselves, which can be rented or bought from publishers directly at a lower-than-retail price.

The service will offer 1080p high-definition gaming at 60 frames per second starting in 2011. An international launch is also planned for an undetermined date.

OnLive launch titles:
aaaaAAaaaAAAaaAAAAaAAAAA!!! -- A Reckless Disregard for Gravity
Assassin's Creed II
Batman: Arkham Asylum
Borderlands
Brain Challenge
Defense Grid: Gold
Dirt 2
Dragon Age: Origins
F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin
Just Cause 2
Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4 Demo (Full version available 6/29)
Madballs in Babo: Invasion
Mass Effect 2
MLB 2K10
NBA 2K10
Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands
Puzzle Chronicles
Red Faction Guerrilla
Shatter
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Conviction
Trine
Unreal Tournament III
World of Goo

Coming soon:
Aliens vs. Predator
Alpha Protocol
Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood
Darksiders
Deus Ex 3
Driver San Francisco
F.E.A.R. 3
Homefront
Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days
Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4
MLB 2K10
Red Faction: Armageddon
Shaun White Skateboarding

GameSpot @ GDC 09: OnLive Full Press Conference

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/pc/action/assassinscreed2/news.html?sid=6265790

3DS | Sims 3 hits consoles October 26

2010-06-15T22:10:00.001-07:00

3DS | Sims 3 hits consoles October 26

E3 2010: Electronic Arts confirms hit PC game's debut date for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii, and DS; version for Nintendo's 3DS to follow in 2011.

LOS ANGELES--The Sims 3 family is growing, and today EA revealed an October 26 due date for the previously announced console versions of its latest bundle of joy. A 3DS edition of the game that was just announced today will debut sometime in 2011.

Thankfully, the stakes are considerably lower than this in a game of The Sims 3.

Published under the EA Play label, the game will sport many of the same customization and character creation options as the PC edition of the game, as well as some new features. These include karma powers, which players can use to give their in-game incarnations instant luck--be it good or bad.

The PS3 and Xbox 360 versions of the game will let players create and exchange content with one another, while the Wii version will focus on adventure game elements and is set in a beachfront community. The DS will also foster player creativity, with an emphasis on stylus-driven creation tools for clothes, houses, and furniture, as well as a story mode that follows a family through life.

The Sims 3 on the 3DS will make use of the system's 3D camera for face-mapping. It also features a focus on connectivity enabled by the 3DS, which can keep systems exchanging and downloading content for games even as the player uses other programs on the system.

Nine ways to kill a sim

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/3ds/puzzle/thesims3/news.html?sid=6265791

Xbox 360 | Portal 2, Steamworks PS3-bound in 2011

2010-06-15T22:00:00.001-07:00

Xbox 360 | Portal 2, Steamworks PS3-bound in 2011

E3 2010: Valve Software with Sony; Gabe Newell promises PS3 version will be "best console version" thanks to integration with developer's content-delivery system.

LOS ANGELES-- Sony's press briefing at the 2010 Electronic Entertainment Expo was full of dramatic moments, such as the surprise reveal of a new Twisted Metal. But the only truly shocking moment came as Sony Computer Entertainment America president Jack Tretton was appearing to introduce another game trailer…and the entire shrine auditorium went pitch black.

Gabe Newell on stage praising the PlayStation 3 while announcing Portal 2 for the PS3.

Then, on the on the huge presentation screens at the front of the Shrine Auditorium, a series of rotating concentric circles appeared--circles that were familiar to anyone who played the game Portal. Then, the computerized voice of GLADOs, the homicidal computer villain of the award-winning game, began to utter deranged mutterings about friendship over the speaker.

The lights came up and out walked a figure that elicited gasps from the audience: Gabe Newell. The founder of Valve Software has long been one of the PS3's most vociferous critics and had refused to work on the platform. Valve even offloaded the port of its hit compilation the Orange Box to its publisher, Electronic Arts, rather than deal with PS3 development kits.

Today, though, Newell revealed that Valve is jumping on the PS3 bandwagon with both feet. The veteran software developer revealed that Portal 2 is coming to the PS3 next year--and that it will, in Newell's terms, "be the best console version of the game." It is also in development for the PC, Valve's preferred platform, and the Xbox 360, which the company has long embraced.

Newell's reason for crowning the PS3 edition of Portal 2 was that it will be supported by Steamworks. Released in 2008, the free toolset allows developers to integrate support from its Steam content delivery service into their games. Steamworks will allow for Portal 2 auto-updates, downloadable content, and community support directly from Valve, a feature the 360 edition of the game will not have. How it will exactly work on the PlayStation Network is unclear.

Newell did not shrink from his past criticism of the PS3, joking that faux executive and TV ad character Kevin Butler (played by character actor Jerry Lambert) was introduced to him backstage as the "vice president of sharpening things." However, in a statement released after the event, Newell was effusive in his praise, saying, "Sony Computer Entertainment has proved that the PlayStation 3 is the most open platform of all the current generation consoles and has worked extremely hard to make the platform the most desirable for consumers and developers."

Portal Teaser Trailer

Source: http://www.gamespot.com//news.html?sid=6265808

Xbox 360 | Ubisoft unveils Project Dust

2010-06-15T21:50:00.001-07:00

Xbox 360 | Ubisoft unveils Project Dust

E3 2010: Ubisoft Montpellier creating god sim for XBLA, PSN, and PC for spring 2011 release.

LOS ANGELES--At Ubisoft's press briefing, the French publisher lifted the veil on a couple of new projects. Rayman Origins, a mischievously humorous 2D side-scroller was announced, but the company also had another game in tow, tentatively named Project Dust.

A trailer for the title was shown at the end of Ubisoft's briefing, and details on the code-named project were scant at the time. The brief trailer, narrated by a deep, ominous voice, showed masked tribe members living through a series of cataclysmic events as a result of lost ancestral powers.

Ubisoft is working on a god game for XBLA, PSN, and the PC.

However, more clarity has now arrived, as Eric Chahi, creative director at Ubisoft Montpellier, gushed details on the code-named project. Chahi says the game is a spiritual successor to Peter Molyneux's PC god game Populous and is a result of a "technological breakthrough."

In the game, players become God and are tasked with saving humanity from the ubiquitous environmental disasters, which include tsunamis, earthquakes, floods, wildfires, and volcanic eruptions. Players will achieve this by manipulating water, land, vegetation, and lava, as if "playing sandcastles on the beach."

Project Dust is slated for a spring 2011 release on Xbox Live Arcade, the PlayStation Network, and the PC.

[ Watch Video ]

Ubisoft E3 2010 Conference [Part 2 of 11] - Assassin's Creed Brotherhood [US]

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/adventure/projectdustworkingtitle/news.html?sid=6265811

DS | PS3, PSP tuning into surround sound

2010-06-15T21:40:00.001-07:00

DS | PS3, PSP tuning into surround sound

E3 2010: Sony debuting all-in-one immersive audio system for console, handheld worldwide this fall for $199.

Get the full article at GameSpot

"DS | PS3, PSP tuning into surround sound" was posted by Tom Magrino on Tue, 15 Jun 2010 17:15:47 -0700

Smash My PS3

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/news/6265825.html

DS | UFC Trainer hits Kinect, Move, Wii on January 1

2010-06-15T21:30:00.001-07:00

DS | UFC Trainer hits Kinect, Move, Wii on January 1

E3 2010: THQ reveals new mixed martial arts tutorial title for multiplatform motion-sensing systems.

UFC Trainer will teach players the finer points of punching a dude in the face. (Screen from UFC Undisputed 2010.)

Set for release January 1, 2011, UFC Trainer will be a more combative take on the fitness genre than the likes of Wii Fit or EA Sports Active. The game will be released for the Xbox 360 Kinect, the PlayStation 3 Move, and the Wii. THQ's executive vice president of core gaming Danny Bilson apologized to analysts for the game's absence from THQ's E3 presence, but said the publisher doesn't want to show it off until it's the best training game on the market.

"We want this thing tuned to perfection without lag," Bilson said. "And I'm not going to ship it until it's the coolest fighting thing in the world."

This is the second straight year THQ has chosen to announce a New Year's Day release while at E3. Last year, the publisher committed to launching its Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 action-adventure game Darksiders on January 1. However, the publisher couldn't quite keep to that schedule, as the game slipped to January 5.

The Biggest Grudge Match in UFC History

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/news/6265835.html

DS | Next MX vs. ATV revs up microtransactions

2010-06-15T21:20:00.001-07:00

DS | Next MX vs. ATV revs up microtransactions

E3 2010: THQ's next installment in motorsports franchise to sell at a low price point but be bolstered by weekly releases of new content, from helmets to track packs.

LOS ANGELES--Earlier this year, THQ announced a round of layoffs and new downloadable focus for MX vs. ATV developer Rainbow Studios. While gamers may have inferred the long-running motorsports franchise would be departing store shelves entirely as a result, the publisher today shed some light on the series' future.

This guy will want to invest in the Landing Area Full of Soft Pillows pack.

Examples of add-on content given included a free helmet and a $5 track pack. Bilson didn't discuss the platforms, release date, or price of the core game. However, in explaining the business model to analysts in the call, he did say even if consumers don't go for the microtransactions, the company still does well "if we can get that $20 from the Wal-Mart buyer."

The last game in the series, MX vs. ATV, launched in December for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, DS, and PSP.

Next - Too Close

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/ds/driving/mxvsatvreflex/news.html?sid=6265840

PlayStation 3 | THQ confirms Saints Row film

2010-06-15T21:10:00.001-07:00

PlayStation 3 | THQ confirms Saints Row film

The Saints Row 3 film apparently has big-name talent behind it.

Bilson went on to note that the Saints Row game will be accompanied by a collectible card game.

In other transmedia news, Bilson offered new details on the Red Faction telefilm, which TV network SyFy announced it would be producing in April. The two-hour "pilot" will air on SyFy the same week as the as-yet-undated Red Faction Armageddon, filling in the 50-year time lapse with information on the main character's parents. The story was penned by Bilson, with a writer currently adapting it for screen, and the executive also noted that it will feature a budget on par with SyFy's acclaimed Battlestar Galactica.

THQ - The Ultimate 8 Ball - Candy's Bar

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/action/saintsrow3/news.html?sid=6265853

Nintendo 64 | Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time coming to 3DS

2010-06-15T21:00:00.001-07:00

Nintendo 64 | Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time coming to 3DS

E3 2010: Following Skyward Sword announcement, publisher confirms 1998 N64 classic will be reborn on new handheld.

LOS ANGELES--Today at Nintendo's press briefing, the publisher announced a slew of new titles for its new portable device, the 3DS, as well as the Wii. Nintendo also took the lid off of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, which it had first teased at E3 2009. However, Nintendo didn't end its Zelda announcements on that note alone.

Perhaps microphone incorporation with the portable version?

The Nintendo of America Twitter account recently tweeted news that The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time will arrive in 3D, on the 3DS. Later, at Nintendo's round table, the title was confirmed for release on the portable, though a price or scheduled release date wasn't announced.

Ocarina of Time originally launched on the Nintendo 64 as the first open-world Zelda title, garnering near universal acclaim. It was later made available on Nintendo's Virtual Console in 2007.

The Lord of Darkness - Tim Curry voice

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/n64/adventure/legendofzeldaoot/news.html?sid=6265862

PlayStation 3 | Child of Eden born on 360, PS3

2010-06-15T17:30:00.001-07:00

PlayStation 3 | Child of Eden born on 360, PS3

E3 2010: Ubisoft publishing Q? Entertainment's spiritual successor to Rez on Kinect-enabled 360 and PS3 in Q1 2011.

LOS ANGELES--Ubisoft kicked off its 2010 Electronic Entertainment Expo press conference to the thumping techno beats of Q? Entertainment's latest rhythm game, Child of Eden. More than just a trailer that debuted on GameSpot earlier today (below), Ubisoft's showing featured none other than famed Q? Entertainment head Tetsuya Mizuguchi, who ran through a level of the rhythm shooter on the Los Angeles Theater stage.

Eden has gone through a bit of a change in recent millennium.

In kind, Ubisoft has now fleshed out more details for Child of Eden, saying that the game will arrive for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 during the first three months of 2011. As was readily evident in Mizuguchi's demo, the game will also make use of the Xbox 360's motion-sensing add-on Kinect, which is currently scheduled for a November 4 release. No mention was made of Sony's own motion-sensing add-on, the PlayStation Move.

Child of Eden takes its cues in large part from Q?'s acclaimed rhythm shooter Rez, and it features the same style of music-enhanced shooter gameplay with psychedelic visuals. It also bears a storyline: Gamers will attempt to rescue the embattled Project Lumi, which is an effort to "reproduce a human personality inside Eden, the archive of all human memories." A virus has invaded the program, however, and players must defeat it, before all hope is lost.

The game's visual style approximates a virtual reality universe and is heavily reliant on geometric shapes in motion against an ever-shifting background. The shapes join to take on aspects of the virus, evolving from tiny single-block creatures to giant wormlike monstrosities.

What Child Is This

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/action/childofeden/news.html?sid=6265558

PC | Modern Warfare 2 sells 20 million, Activision eyeing used market

2010-06-15T17:20:00.001-07:00

PC | Modern Warfare 2 sells 20 million, Activision eyeing used market

E3 2010: In analyst presentation, Activision says there's an "insatiable" market for new shooters, aims to be most profitable entertainment company within 10 years; planning ways to get a piece of the $500 million used-game industry.

LOS ANGELES--Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 has passed another milestone. In a pre-Electronic Entertainment Expo analysts event tonight, Activision announced that the Infinity Ward-developed first-person shooter has now sold more than 20 million copies worldwide.

Activision believes first-person shooter fans have an insatiable appetite for quality examples of the genre.

If that game's success wasn't staggering enough, CEO Bobby Kotick told analysts that the next title, Treyarch's Call of Duty: Black Ops, could possibly do even better. Kotick noted multiple times that the Call of Duty series has grown more successful with each new installment and said that preorders for Black Ops are tracking higher right now than those of Modern Warfare 2 when that game was this far out from release. Black Ops is set for a November 9 debut.

Activision has been ramping up its Call of Duty development schedule with new games in the works from Sledgehammer, Treyarch, and Infinity Ward, and it also has an Asian-focused online game in the works. The publisher even dedicated a business division to the franchise, but there seems to be little worry about flooding the market with Call of Duty titles. During the event, Activision chief operating officer Thomas Tippl said the publisher has recognized the "[first-person shooter] audience has an insatiable appetite for great new content."

The executives covered more than just its popular military shooter series in the event. Kotick set a goal to see Activision become "the world's most profitable entertainment company" in 5 to 10 years. He specifically noted that the most profitable franchises rising to prominence today are originating in gaming and then migrating to other media, where in previous years those properties were more likely to start as films.

One profitable part of the gaming industry Activision is looking to get into is the used-game market. Kotick said the publisher sees a $500 million opportunity in second-hand sales and is considering how it can get a slice of the pie. Rather than opening up its own used-game stores to compete with GameStop, the publisher suggested it would work with existing retailers to come up with new solutions. For example, Kotick suggested offering used sellers some sort of value-added content for a cut of whatever a used Activision game sells for.

Recently, publishers like Electronic Arts have adopted Online Pass models that charge extra for features like a game's online functions. However, new copies of the game are packed with a one-time-use code that grants free access to those features.

Modern Talking - Cherry Cherry Lady

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/pc/action/modernwarfare2/news.html?sid=6265569

Wii | Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword swinging in 2011

2010-06-15T17:10:00.001-07:00

Wii | Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword swinging in 2011

E3 2010: Nintendo kicks off press conference by firming up release window for Link's second new action adventure on the Wii.

LOS ANGELES--At the 2009 Electronic Entertainment Expo, Nintendo did not much more than tease that the Wii would be getting a second installment in the Legend of Zelda franchise. This year, though, the publisher led its E3 press conference with the first public demo for Link's newest action adventure, in the process definitively announcing Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword will arrive in 2011.

Link returns next year.

Nintendo's live demo of Skyward Sword was offered by none other than franchise creator Shigeru Miyamoto. Joined by Nintendo marketing executive Bill Trinen onstage, Miyamoto showed how the new Zelda will integrate with the Wii's motion-sensing scheme, with the Wii Remote doubling as a sword and the nunchuk serving as a shield. Foes confronted and vanquished during the demo included carnivorous plants, disembodied eyeballs, and orcish creatures.

Beyond Link's hallmark sword and board, Miyamoto also showed off a number of other weapons in Link's arsenal, including a slingshot, bow and arrow, bomb, and whip. Of the whip, players have precise control over its direction, thanks in part to the game's integration with the Wii's precision-enhancing MotionPlus add-on.

The demo also introduced the beetle, which flies off Link's wrist like a falcon, and players have a limited time to guide it around the level, scouting areas or picking up items.

Before ending his demo, Miyamoto noted that Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword will be available for play on the E3 show floor. As such, stay tuned to GameSpot for a more in-depth look at the game.

The Lord of Darkness - Tim Curry voice

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/wii/action/zeldawiiworkingtitle/news.html?sid=6265640

Wii | GoldenEye 007 staring down Wii in November

2010-06-15T17:00:00.001-07:00

Wii | GoldenEye 007 staring down Wii in November

E3 2010: Nintendo 64 classic reimagined for Nintendo's console this winter with four-player split-screen local multiplayer, online multiplayer, updated visuals, Daniel Craig as Bond.

LOS ANGELES--At Nintendo's 2010 Electronic Entertainment Expo media briefing this morning, Reggie Fils-Aime announced that Goldeneye 007 will arrive exclusively for the Wii this November.

A two-minute trailer for the game was shown, revealing that the remake will include updated visuals, four-player split-screen multiplayer, and new game modes. Although the original GoldenEye 007 featured Pierce Brosnan in the leading role, today's trailer revealed current Quantum of Solace actor Daniel Craig as the leading man.

GoldenEye 007 is hitting the Wii this November.

Goldeneye 007 for the Wii will also include online multiplayer, a functionality its N64 cousin could not offer. In addition, players will be able to take part in 16 game modes, including GoldenEye 007 N64 favorites Paintball, Melee Only, and You Only Live Twice. On top of that, players can square off against each other in the game's adversarial modes, with the roster including eight characters from the revered Bond classic, as well as 40 other unnamed virtual soldiers.

The game is currently in development at Eurocom under the banner of Activision, the publisher that currently holds the license to create James Bond titles.

James Bond: GoldenEye Music Video ~ Tina Turner / Drumble007 channel page

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/wii/adventure/goldeneye007/news.html?sid=6265641

PlayStation 3 | Uncharted 3 set for fall 2011 - Retail Radar

2010-06-15T16:40:00.001-07:00

PlayStation 3 | Uncharted 3 set for fall 2011 - Retail Radar

E3 2010: French Amazon site taking preorders for next installment in Sony's adventure series with a Halloween launch date.

Last year's Sony E3 press conference was somewhat anticlimactic, as the electronics giant's major announcements--the PSP Go and the motion-sensing PlayStation 3 Move controller--both leaked before the show began. The company has done a better job of plugging leaks for this year's press event, although it may have missed one just hours before the show kicks off.

If you want Uncharted 3 so badly you'll buy it not just sight unseen but game unannounced, Amazon.fr has a deal for you.

The French Web site of retailer Amazon has a PlayStation 3 product page up for Uncharted 3, with an October 31, 2011, date attached. Unfortunately, the page offers no further details about the title.

While not official, a third Uncharted game is a no-brainer for Sony. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves was critically hailed, selling nearly 3 million copies in a matter of months and dominating the Interactive Achievement Awards and Game Developers Choice Awards. On top of that, Sony also has an Uncharted feature film in the works, with I Heart Huckabees director David O. Russell reportedly considered for the director's chair.

For more on Sony's 2010 E3 press conference--and potentially for something official on Uncharted 3--be sure to follow GameSpot's live streaming presentation of the show.

Uncharted 2 : Among Thieves - Official E3 Trailer [HD]

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/action/uncharted2amongthieves/news.html?sid=6265692

3DS | Assassin's Creed, Driver, Splinter Cell, reimagined for 3DS

2010-06-15T16:30:00.001-07:00

3DS | Assassin's Creed, Driver, Splinter Cell, reimagined for 3DS

E3 2010: Ubisoft today confirms six launch titles for Nintendo's glasses-free 3D portable, including an Assassin's Creed origin story, retooled Tom Clancy games, a new Driver title, and more.

LOS ANGELES--This morning in the Nokia Theater, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata officially revealed the company's next portable gaming machine, the 3DS. First-party revival title Kid Icarus: Uprising stole the show, but the system will play host to a smorgasbord of third-party games as well.

French publisher Ubisoft will be a day-one supporter of the handheld device, as the company today announced six titles from varying genres and franchises, including a Driver installment, an Assassin's Creed title, and others, for the 3DS.

Assassin's Creed: Lost Legacy sees Ezio travel east to the Assassins' lost castle in Masyaf, where he'll seek out the origin of his order, further connecting the events of the series.

Ubisoft clearly sees potential in Nintendo's new portable.

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory will also hit Nintendo's new portable and is a redesigned version of the acclaimed Sam Fisher stalking series. Alongside Chaos Theory will be Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon where players will play as US soldiers fighting to prevent the spread of war.

Driver Renegade for the 3DS will put players in the shoes of ex-cop John Tanner, working outside the law to fight crime in New York City. Further, there are five city-controlling bosses to take down.

Hollywood 61, the working title for Ubisoft's "interactive 3D movie," includes 150 puzzles to solve and tasks players with mastering mind games.

Stepping back in time, Ubisoft will release Battle of Giants: Dino Strike. Set 150 million years ago, Dino Strike has players fighting through the Jurassic Age against other equally large creatures, such as reptilian snarling beasts.

Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood Gameplay Demo

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/3ds/driving/driverrenegade/news.html?sid=6265707

3DS | Konami Kinect-ing with DanceMasters, Adrenalin Misfits

2010-06-15T16:20:00.001-07:00

3DS | Konami Kinect-ing with DanceMasters, Adrenalin Misfits

E3 2010: Xbox 360 motion-sensing titles joined on Konami upcoming lineup by Castlevania: Harmony of Despair, Hard Corps: Uprising on 360, PS3, new Wii DDR.

LOS ANGELES--Konami isn't expected to hold its 2010 Electronic Entertainment Expo press conference until tomorrow, but the publisher announced a rash of upcoming games today.

Adrenalin Misfits extends the boarding action well beyond the snow slopes.

With Microsoft dating Kinect--formerly known as Project Natal--for a November 4 release in the US, Konami has announced a duo of titles for the Xbox 360's motion-sensing add-on. Carrying on its rhythm-game tradition, Konami's DanceMasters will be available this fall for the Xbox 360. The Kinect-enabled game will offer "full body dancing," letting players see their actions mimicked onscreen, as well as recording the moves for up to two backup dancers.

DanceMasters will feature 30 dance club tracks, ranging in style from hip-hop to R&B, pop, and techno. New songs will be available as downloadable content through Xbox Live, and gamers can also compete against up to three others through the online service. Three gameplay modes will be available--Dance, Lesson, and Status--as well as four difficulty settings.

Adrenalin Misfits is Konami's second Kinect-enabled titled and lets players hit the slopes on a snowboard. Those slopes, however, aren't necessarily of the icy variety, as Konami said seven different locales--ranging from arid deserts to volcanic hotbeds to limestone caves--will also be among the areas to shred. The no-controller-required game also integrates with Xbox 360 Avatars and features play for up to two. Konami did not indicate when Adrenalin Misfits would be available.

Konami also formally took the lid off of a pair of downloadable titles. As indicated by Microsoft yesterday, Konami will be bringing Castlevania: Harmony of Despair exclusively to the Xbox 360 in July as part of its Summer of Arcade program. It will cost 1,200 Microsoft points ($15).

Designed by noted Castlevania producer Koji Igarashi, Harmony of Despair will be a 2D side-scrolling action adventure with a new six-player multiplayer mode. Those six players will be able to step into the shoes of the series' "fan favorite vampire hunters" in their latest attempt to sink the megalomaniacal aspirations of undead kingpin Dracula.

The multiplayer adventure will feature environs inspired by previous installments in the franchise, including Dawn of Sorrow, Portrait of Ruin, and Order of Ecclesia. Harmony of Despair also features a competitive Survival mode, in which players attempt to secure the title of most effective vampire slayer. Additional characters and levels will be released post-launch as downloadable content.

On the multiplatform front, Konami announced Hard Corps: Uprising (a working title) for the PlayStation Network and Xbox Live. Described as "an homage to legacy Konami run-and-gun platformers," the 2D arcade shooter will be available later this year. It is being developed by Arc System Works, the studio behind the Guilty Gear and BlazBlue fighting franchises.

Lastly, Konami announced a new installment in the long-running DanceDanceRevolution rhythm game franchise. Coming to the Wii this fall, DanceDanceRevolution introduces a new Choreography mode, in which players match the movements onscreen by using a dance mat, Wii Remote, and Nunchuk. The new rhythm title will also integrate with the Wii Balance Board.

Konami

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/news/6265709.html

3DS | Nintendo lays out first-party 3DS lineup

2010-06-15T16:10:00.001-07:00

3DS | Nintendo lays out first-party 3DS lineup

E3 2010: Kid Icarus, PilotWings, Mario Kart, Nintendogs, Animal Crossing, StarFox, and Paper Mario all in the works for new handheld; standard DS to get new Professor Layton, Pokemon Ranger, Mario vs. Donkey Kong.

LOS ANGELES--At its E3 media briefing this morning, Nintendo stressed that the new 3DS system would launch with ample third-party support. That's not to suggest the company is slacking on first-party development, as Nintendo has already announced a lineup for the system that will see many of its biggest franchises given the 3D treatment.

Nintendo has a full lineup of 3DS titles coming straight at you.

Leading the charge will be Kid Icarus: Uprising, the first new game in the angelic action series since 1991's Game Boy sequel Kid Icarus: Of Myths and Monsters. Another dormant Nintendo franchise will be receiving a revamp, as the company confirmed it is working on PilotWings Resort, a flying sim that will see the series featured for the first time since 1996's PilotWings 64 for the Nintendo 64.

Speaking of games from Nintendo's last cartridge-based console, StarFox 64 will be making its way to the 3DS, as will Paper Mario. New installments of Animal Crossing, and Mario Kart are in the works as well, and Nintendo is making a new version of its best-selling DS pet sim with Nintendogs + Cats. For those wanting something entirely new, the company has Steel Diver, a "submarine-navigation game" in development for the 3DS. (A Professor Layton and the Mask of Miracle game was also announced for the 3DS, though Nintendo considered it part of its third-party software lineup.)

Even though the 3DS commanded the focus of Nintendo's press conference, the company hasn't forgotten its soon-to-be legacy handheld platform. In addition to Golden Sun: Dark Dawn--which was featured in the media briefing--Nintendo confirmed new installments in a trio of its franchises for the original dual-screened portable. Pokemon Ranger: Guardian Signs will launch in North America this fall, followed in the holiday season by Professor Layton and the Unwound Future and Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Miniland Mayhem.

Nintendo Sixty-FOOOOOOOOOOUR

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/3ds/action/steeldiver/news.html?sid=6265730

PlayStation 3 | Killzone 3 lands February 2011

2010-06-15T16:00:00.001-07:00

PlayStation 3 | Killzone 3 lands February 2011

E3 2010: Guerrilla Games' jetpack-equipped 3D first-person shooter to be fully compatible with PlayStation Move at launch.

LOS ANGELES--Sony kicked off its E3 media briefing today with Killzone 3, the poster child for its 3D gaming push. After showing the audience an extended 3D demo for the game, the company revealed that Killzone 3 has a February 2011 launch window and will be fully compatible with the Move motion-sensing controller from day one.

The perfect Valentine's Day gift?

As the name suggests, Killzone 3 will serve as a direct sequel to 2009's critically lauded Killzone 2. In last year's title, the Interplanetary Strategic Alliance took the fight to the Helghan homeworld, where they achieved a measure of success against the Nazi-esque civilization that invaded Earth in the 2004 original.

As detailed by Guerrilla Games managing director Hermen Hulst last month, the Amsterdam-based studio will be fleshing out the Helghan homeworld with "more enemy types, massive environments, and a broader vision of the planet Helghan and its many terrains." Killzone 3 will introduce jetpack gameplay to the sci-fi shooter series, which was shown off during today's press conference. With the jetpack, gamers gain the ability to thrust skyward for a limited period of time, affording them access to heretofore unreachable locations and opening up the possibility of aerial gunfights.

For more from the Sony media briefing, check out GameSpot's live blog of the event.

Killzone 2 Trailer

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/action/killzone3/news.html?sid=6265740

PlayStation 3 | Third parties prepping dozens for 3DS

2010-06-15T15:50:00.001-07:00

PlayStation 3 | Third parties prepping dozens for 3DS

E3 2010: Nintendo's new depth-of-field portable gets third-party lineup featuring Metal Gear Solid, Dragon Quest, Final Fantasy, Pro Evolution Soccer, Dead or Alive, Resident Evil, Ninja Gaiden, and more.

LOS ANGELES--Nintendo officially unveiled and detailed its newest portable gaming device this morning at the Nokia Theater and laid out a first-party software road map. In addition, over a dozen major franchises in development for the machine were announced. Electronic Arts has seen success from The Sims 3 for the PC and Mac since it launched in June 2009 and plans to expand to consoles in October. The brand will continue to grow, as EA today announced The Sims 3 for the 3DS to debut sometime in 2011. Also, EA will release 3DS versions of FIFA and Madden.

Something like this probably.

Tecmo Koei will bring some of its popular franchises to the 3DS, including 3D revisions of Dead or Alive, Ninja Gaiden, Samurai Warriors, and Dynasty Warriors. Tecmo did not provide examples of how each title will make use of the system's technology, only confirming their existence and promising more details "at a later date."

Square Enix today confirmed that it will release 3D versions of its popular Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, and Kingdom Hearts series. Additionally, the publisher said a racing game, tentatively dubbed Chocobo Racing 3D, has been given the green flag for launch on the 3DS.

Shifting to Konami, the publisher today promised 3DS releases of Pro Evolution Soccer, Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater "The Naked Sample," Contra, Frogger, and Baseball (working title). Konami provided nothing beyond the game's existence and said it will unveil details at a later date.

Additional third-party 3DS game announcements today included Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition and Resident Evil Revelations from Capcom, DJ Hero 3D from Activision, Saints Row: Drive By from THQ, a Batman game from Warner Bros., and unnamed titles from Harmonix, Take-Two, Atlus, AQ Interactive, Disney Interactive Studios, Hudson Soft, Majesco, Marvelous Entertainment, Rocket, Sega, and Takara Tommy.

"The Third Man Theme"

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/news/6265734.html

PlayStation 3 | PlayStation Plus launches this month

2010-06-15T15:40:00.001-07:00

PlayStation 3 | PlayStation Plus launches this month

E3 2010: $50 annually for Sony's online service grants free games, early demo access, beta invites, themes, and more; content accessible only as long as subscription is active.

Wipeout HD will be the first month's big freebie for PSN Plus.

Later this month, Sony will launch PlayStation Plus, a subscription service that offers gamers access to free games, early demos, beta invites, free themes, and more. The first month's slate of freebies include a free copy of the downloadable racer Wipeout HD, two PSP mini games, and a handful of premium avatars.

For more of Sony's E3 announcements, check out GameSpot's live blog of the publisher's press conference.

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

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/driving/wipeout/news.html?sid=6265754

PlayStation 3 | Ports included with Dead Space 2, Medal of Honor, PlayStation 3 editions

2010-06-15T15:30:00.001-07:00

PlayStation 3 | Ports included with Dead Space 2, Medal of Honor, PlayStation 3 editions

E3 2010: Shooter's special edition to include copy of updated 2002 wargame Frontline, Necromorph game packs in Dead Space Extraction with Move support.

When Medal of Honor launches in October, fans seeking an upper-tier experience can pick up the Medal of Honor Special Edition. Included in the premium pack will be a copy of EA's 2002 shooter Medal of Honor: Frontline, updated with high definition visuals. Medal of Honor arrives in North America October 12 and in Europe on October 15.

Isaac Clarke: pointer and killer extraordinaire.

A prequel to the events of the original Dead Space and its sequel, Extraction for PS3 will make use of Sony's recently-dated PlayStation Move motion-control technology. Additionally, the once Wii-exclusive will be playable with standard PS3 controllers, includes Trophy support, and will also be sold separately in the PlayStation Store. Dead Space 2 arrives January 25.

Ports Player Spotlight: Paul Smyth

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/action/deadspace2workingtitle/news.html?sid=6265763

PlayStation 3 | Twisted Metal prowling on PS3 in 2011

2010-06-15T15:20:00.001-07:00

PlayStation 3 | Twisted Metal prowling on PS3 in 2011

E3 2011: Sony's acclaimed car-combat franchise heading to Sony's current-generation console next year; multiplayer carnage, aerial combat confirmed.

LOS ANGELES--Contrary to a handful of misleading Twitter updates, Twister Metal director David Jaffe made good on his Interactive Achievement Awards promise of a new installment in his car combat franchise. Closing out its 2010 Electronic Entertainment press conference today, Sony announced that a new Twisted Metal game will arrive exclusively for the PlayStation 3 in 2011.

Sweet Tooth has a thing for blood-flavored ice cream.

According to Jaffe, who left Sony in 2007 to cofound his own independent outfit Eat Sleep Play, the new Twisted Metal development team will include many of the series' original developers. Jaffe, who also directed the original God of War, offered an on-stage demo for the multiplayer component of the game.

The demo opened with an apparently playable helicopter mowing down a car, which was cruising through a city environment. Jaffe also showed off the Nuke gameplay mode, an objective-based multiplayer scenario in which players join a faction and attempt to hold a location long enough to launch a warhead against the opposing side.

The new Twisted Metal's multiplayer component will feature two-player split-screen action, as well as online battles. There will also be an as-yet-undetailed campaign mode.

Closing out his appearance on Sony's stage, Jaffe said that Twisted Metal will be playable at Sony's booth on the E3 show floor. Check back with GameSpot's continuing coverage of E3 2010 for more on the game.

Keith Sweat - Twisted (Video)

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/driving/twistedmetal/news.html?sid=6265778

PlayStation 3 | Gran Turismo 5 revs up November 2

2010-06-15T15:10:00.001-07:00

PlayStation 3 | Gran Turismo 5 revs up November 2

E3 2010: Sony dates long-awaited Polyphony Digital racing sim at show-starting press conference.

LOS ANGELES--Five years after it was first teased, Gran Turismo 5 finally has a launch date. During its E3 press conference today, Sony unveiled a November 2 release for Polyphony Digital's racing sim.

When it launches, Gran Turismo 5 will feature nearly 1,000 vehicles on over 70 tracks in 20-plus locations. Budgeted at a whopping $60 million, it is also an official licensee of several prominent racing organizations, such as NASCAR and the World Rally Championship. An early sample of the PlayStation 3 exclusive, Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, was released in April 2008, garnering decent reviews.

The Gran Turismo launch date was just one of many revealed in Sony's conference. The electronics giant also confirmed a February 2011 release for Killzone 3, September 9 debut for its motion-sensing Move controller, and the arrival of the PlayStation Plus premium subscription service later this month.

Gran Turismo 5 E3 2009 Debut Trailer [HQ] (Rate This Game)

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/driving/granturismo52/news.html?sid=6265779

PlayStation 3 | Ubisoft announces Rayman Origins

2010-06-15T09:40:00.001-07:00

PlayStation 3 | Ubisoft announces Rayman Origins

E3 2010: French publisher today unveiled a new Rayman game, set to release episodically, and also adds a companion.

LOS ANGELES--Today at Ubisoft's press briefing, the publisher announced the next title in the 15-year-old Rayman series, and revealed that it's going to change some things about the established franchise.

Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot took the stage this afternoon and revealed, via teaser trailer, Rayman Origins. The two-minute video reveal is narrated by a soft-spoken woman telling an origin story. The video shows a creature being born, later described as a "man", then corrected as a "vegetable", then finally categorized as a "thingamajig".

Not the typical origin story.

Laden with series-familiar mischievous humor, the trailer (embedded below) also introduces a new element: a sidekick. This companion is labeled Rayman's "double," then his "blood-brother," and finally his nondescript "it." The trailer then continues its comedic route and shows Rayman and his buddy slapping a rock giant's eyeballs, and whimsically parading through the game's colorful worlds.

Created by Ubisoft's Ubi Art Framework, Origins will release as episodic content. According to a post on the Framework Web site, the decision to release the game in chapters was made because "big games take a long time to make, which in turns makes their price high." Further, the company stated "with episodes, the price must be proportional to the size of the game" and that "episodes also let us imagine a longer and more developed saga than with a more 'classical' format."

The Rayman franchise, created by Michael Ancel, was born on the PlayStation in 1995, and has since spawned numerous sequels including the zany Rayman Rabid Rabbits offshoot series.

[ Watch Video ]

Ubisoft E3 2010 Conference 8/11 - Ghost Recon Future Soldier

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/news/6265560.html

PlayStation 3 | Driver returns to San Francisco this holiday

2010-06-15T09:30:00.001-07:00

PlayStation 3 | Driver returns to San Francisco this holiday

E3 2010: Ubisoft Reflections' action racer flooring it on 360, PS3, PC, Mac later this year, featuring original protagonist John Tanner.

LOS ANGELES--Ubisoft has made no secret about the fact that it is prepping a new installment in the Driver franchise, its first since acquiring the property from Atari in 2006. As part of its 2010 Electronic Entertainment Expo press conference today, Ubisoft officially announced the title, confirming the previously registered Driver San Francisco URL registration from April.

Tanner will hit the streets of San Francisco in his shiny Shelby GT500.

Due during the last three months of 2010, Driver San Francisco will be available for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC, and Mac. The game is in development at Ubisoft's Reflections studio, which created the series in 1999 and was acquired by the French publisher alongside the franchise from Atari.

Driver San Francisco will also be a throwback to previous installments in the franchise, featuring a match-up between original protagonist John Tanner and Driver 2 antagonist Charles Jericho. As the story goes, Tanner, a hard-boiled detective behind the wheel of a 1970s-era Shelby GT500, is on the hunt for Jericho, and the two will engage in vehicular duels on the streets of San Francisco.

As detailed in Ubisoft's press conference, the game will include more than 100 licensed vehicles, all of which are subject to damage. The game will also feature a supernatural element, as Tanner is apparently pursuing his mark from the confines of a coma. Tanner's situation impacts gameplay, as players will be able to pause time to hop to a new vehicle on the fly, as well as take a bird's eye view of the city to jump to various locations.

Buju Banton - "Driver A"

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/driving/driver/news.html?sid=6265566

PlayStation 3 | Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood slices retail Nov. 16

2010-06-14T23:10:00.001-07:00

PlayStation 3 | Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood slices retail Nov. 16

E3 2010: Ezio's Roman adventure hits PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 this fall; creative director steps away from the franchise.

LOS ANGELES--Ubisoft today revealed a release date for its upcoming stealth action game Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood. A trailer (embedded below) for the Mediterranean stalking title appeared today and revealed the game has a November 16 date with retail.

The Assassin's Creed series welcomes multiplayer this fall.

The game's E3 trailer, a nearly three-minute CGI tease, provides a cinematic glimpse into what gamers can expect this fall. The clip shows Ezio brazenly walking into an assassination attempt, slaying waves of enemies and sporting slightly more facial hair than in previous entries.

A sequel to last year's Assassin's Creed 2, Brotherhood is a stand-alone product and the first Assassin's Creed game to incorporate a multiplayer component. In the title, players reprise their role as Ezio and travel in this sanguineous adventure to 1503 Rome, where the Templar order is again irking Ezio.

In other Assassin's Creed news, Patrice Desilets, creative director of the Assassin's Creed series, who has been with franchise development house Ubisoft Montreal since its inception, has left the studio according to a Game Informer report. According to a statement provided to the GameStop-owned magazine, Desilets "has decided to take a creative break from the industry and is no longer working on Assassin's Creed Brotherhood."

Ubisoft has yet to clarify how the game's multiplayer will work, but with Ubisoft's E3 2010 press conference scheduled for 5 p.m. PDT today, eager fans will likely soon get some answers.

To stay current with this year's E3, check out GameSpot's complete coverage of E3 2010.

Assassins Creed: Brotherhood 'E3 2010 Trailer' TRUE-HD QUALITY

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/action/assassinscreedbrotherhood/news.html?sid=6265383

Xbox 360 | Fable III revolution begins October 26

2010-06-14T23:00:00.001-07:00

Xbox 360 | Fable III revolution begins October 26

E3 2010: Third installment in Lionhead Studios' action role-playing game franchise dated at Microsoft's E3 conference.

Lionhead Studios' next trip to Albion finally has a release date. During Microsoft's E3 media briefing this morning, Lionhead founder Peter Molyneux announced that Fable III would be arriving October 26.

Orphan hurling would probably count as evil.

Molyneux also introduced a trailer for the game that depicted two different rulers and the ways their decisions--for good or evil--are reflected in the population. The clip also showed what appeared to be an Albion in the midst of a revolution, as well as ship-to-ship combat punctuated by ample amounts of cannon fire and swashbuckling.

Fable III is the latest entry in a franchise that has been tied up with the Xbox since 2001, when the first game in the series was shown off at the Electronic Entertainment Expo under the name Project Ego. In a reversal of course from the second game of the series, Lionhead is developing Fable III for the PC as well as the Xbox 360.

The game will ship in both limited-edition and standard flavors, with the former containing playing cards and a guild coin, as well as bonus in-game content. The in-game extras will include a new quest to unlock a legendary weapon, an exclusive location, a unique outfit, and a new breed of dog, the Boxer. The standard edition on the Xbox 360 will retail for £49.99 in the UK, $59.99 stateside, and €64.99 in the Eurozone. The Windows equivalent will cost £39.99/$49.99/€54.99.

Fable: The Lost Chapters (Fullyramblomatic review)

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/rpg/fableiii/news.html?sid=6265410

Xbox 360 | Child of Eden born on 360, PS3

2010-06-14T22:40:00.001-07:00

Xbox 360 | Child of Eden born on 360, PS3

E3 2010: Ubisoft publishing Q? Entertainment's spiritual successor to Rez on Kinect-enabled 360 and PS3 in Q1 2011.

Eden has gone through a bit of a change in recent millenium.

What Child Is This

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/childofeden/news.html?sid=6265558

Xbox 360 | Ubisoft announces Rayman Origins

2010-06-14T22:20:00.001-07:00

Xbox 360 | Ubisoft announces Rayman Origins

E3 2010: French publisher today unveiled a new Rayman game, set to release episodically, and also adds a companion.

Not the typical origin story.

The Rayman franchise, created by Michael Ancel, was born on the PlayStation in 1995, and has since spawned numerous sequels including the zany Rayman Rabid Rabbits offshoot series.

[ Watch Video ]

Driver - Teaser Trailer 2010 - US

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/news/6265560.html

Xbox 360 | Driver returns to San Francisco this holiday

2010-06-14T22:10:00.001-07:00

Xbox 360 | Driver returns to San Francisco this holiday

E3 2010: Ubisoft Reflections' action racer flooring it on 360, PS3, PC, Mac later this year, featuring original protagonist John Tanner.

Tanner will hit the streets of San Francisco in his shiny Shelby GT500.

Buju Banton - "Driver A"

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/driving/driver/news.html?sid=6265566

Wii | Modern Warfare 2 sells 20 million, Activision eyeing used market

2010-06-14T22:00:00.001-07:00

Wii | Modern Warfare 2 sells 20 million, Activision eyeing used market

Activision believes first-person shooter fans have an insatiable appetite for quality examples of the genre.

If that game's success wasn't staggering enough, CEO Bobby Kotick told analysts that the next title, Treyarch's Call of Duty: Black Ops, could possibly do even better. Kotick noted multiple times that the Call of Duty series has grown more successful with each new installment, and said that preorders for Black Ops are tracking higher right now than those of Modern Warfare 2 when that game was this far out from release. Black Ops is set for a November 9 debut.

Activision has been ramping up its Call of Duty development schedule with new games in the works from Sledgehammer, Treyarch, and Infinity Ward and it also has an Asian-focused online game in the works. The publisher even dedicated a business division to the franchise, but there seems to be little worry about flooding the market with Call of Duty titles. During the event, Activision chief operating officer Thomas Tippl said the publisher has recognized the "[first-person shooter] audience has an insatiable appetite for great new content."

The executives covered more than just its popular military shooter series in the event. Kotick set a goal to see Activision become "the world's most profitable entertainment company" in 5-10 years. He specifically noted that the most profitable franchises rising to prominence today are originating in gaming and then migrating to other media, where in previous years those properties were more likely to start as films.

One profitable part of the gaming industry Activision is looking to get into is the used game market. Kotick said the publisher sees a $500 million opportunity in second-hand sales, and is considering how it can get a slice of the pie. Rather than opening up its own used game stores to compete with GameStop, the publisher suggested it would work with existing retailers to come up with new solutions. For example, Kotick suggested offering used sellers some sort of value-added content for a cut of whatever a used Activision game sells for.

Modern Talking - Cherry Cherry Lady

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/wii/action/callofduty7workingtitle/news.html?sid=6265569

Xbox 360 | Game Party: In Motion slated for Kinect launch

2010-06-14T21:52:00.001-07:00

Xbox 360 | Game Party: In Motion slated for Kinect launch

E3 2010: Warner Bros. Interactive's party game series expands to Microsoft's new motion-control tech in November.

LOS ANGELES--Branching out from Game Party for the Wii, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment set its sights on the Xbox 360's newest piece of technology, and today revealed Game Party: In Motion for Kinect. Arriving November 4 as a launch title, In Motion for Microsoft's full-body motion-sensing technology brings sports and arcade games to the newly-renamed hardware.

In Motion connects with Facebook. Prepare for wall spam.

Packed inside the wrapping will be a total of 16 minigames, including sports games Hoop Shoot and Darts, as well as arcade classics Rootbeer Tapper, table hockey, and others. To play the titles, players will use their body as the controller to manipulate on-screen events. What's more, users can use their customized Avatars to play the aforesaid games.

In addition to local multiplayer, In Motion connects with Xbox Live to allow users to challenge friends over the Internet, and also connects with Facebook, giving users the ability to pose their in-game achievements to their Facebook wall.

Game Party: In Motion is currently in development at FarSight Studios, and will release November 4, when Microsoft unleashes Kinect. Warner Bros. bought Midway in 2009, and acquired the rights to the Game Party series. In Motion is the first Game Party title published by WBIE.

The Game - My Life ft. Lil Wayne

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/sports/gamepartyinmotion/news.html?sid=6265568

Xbox 360 | ESPN plugs into iPad, iPod Touch

2010-06-14T18:20:00.001-07:00

Xbox 360 | ESPN plugs into iPad, iPod Touch

World's largest sports broadcaster using Apple's popular portable devices to drive play breakdowns, more.

Get the full article at GameSpot

"Xbox 360 | ESPN plugs into iPad, iPod Touch" was posted by Eddie Makuch on Sun, 13 Jun 2010 15:07:11 -0700

Franklin KO's Liddell At UFC 115

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/news/6265340.html

Xbox 360 | Itagaki returns with Devil's Third

2010-06-14T18:10:00.001-07:00

Xbox 360 | Itagaki returns with Devil's Third

THQ to publish first effort from Dead or Alive creator's Valhalla Game Studios; violent action title combines swordplay, gunplay.

Months after Tomonobu Itagaki first revealed the name of his new Valhalla Game Studios, the former Tecmo developer's first project with the outfit has been officially announced. THQ has released a teaser trailer (see below) for a new game called Devil's Third, with the clip bearing the Valhalla logo and proudly proclaiming the title to be Itagaki's.

So what happened to the Devil's first two?

Devil's Third is apparently a third-person shooter for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 featuring two characters: a women clad in snakeskin boots and jacket, and a man with an X-shaped scar on his face. While the woman in the clip carries a machine gun, she is only shown acrobatically eliminating uniformed adversaries with a sword. The man, on the other hand, is depicted dispatching foes not only with swords, but also with a shotgun, a bazooka, and even a Gatling gun.

While other high-profile developers like Bungie and Respawn Entertainment have made retaining ownership of the intellectual property a prerequisite to their publishing deals, THQ holds the trademark to Devil's Third.

Itagaki is best known as the creator of the Dead or Alive fighting franchise and the producer of the Ninja Gaiden games for the Xbox and Xbox 360. Itagaki parted ways with Tecmo in 2008, and spent much of the intervening time involved in legal action against his former employer. When he split from Tecmo, Itagaki claimed the publisher owed him about $1.4 million in unpaid bonuses for development of Dead or Alive 4 on the Xbox 360 and filed suit to get it. At the time, Tecmo said it would "let the court decide" on the bonuses. The two eventually settled out of court earlier this year.

Itagaki's new game - Devil's Third

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/adventure/devilsthird/news.html?sid=6265353

Xbox 360 | Xbox 360 slim confirmed?

2010-06-14T18:00:00.001-07:00

Xbox 360 | Xbox 360 slim confirmed?

Apparent leaked ads show new 250GB, Wi-Fi-capable slimline model of Microsoft's console, promise compatibility with Kinect motion-sensing system.

It looks like the eagle-eyed readers at NeoGAF may have spoiled one of the big surprises Microsoft was holding in store for its press briefing tomorrow morning. The widely read forums of the gaming site unearthed an Italian advertisement (pictured) showing what appears to be the rumored new slimline model of Microsoft's console, the first models of which were introduced in 2005.

What's Italian for "Whoops!"?

Though its size is unclear, the new Xbox 360 appears to have a reworked cooling system, judging by its large ventilation slits. A second ad also promises that, as rumored, it will have a 250GB hard drive and will be compatible with Kinect, the camera-based motion-sensing system formerly known as Project Natal. Due out this October, the system was officially unveiled earlier tonight as part of a Cirque du Soleil-headlined event leading up to the Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles.

Though Microsoft has not officially commented on the leaked banner ads, the second ad says that the system will have built-in Wi-Fi connectivity. Current Xbox 360 models require a peripheral for wireless connections, unlike their rivals the Wii and PlayStation 3, which both have Wi-Fi out of the box.

E3 2009: Project Natal Xbox 360 Announcement

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/news/6265356.html

Xbox 360 | Fallout: New Vegas irradiating October

2010-06-14T17:50:00.001-07:00

Xbox 360 | Fallout: New Vegas irradiating October

Obsidian's semi-sequel to Bethesda's hit RPG Fallout 3 ships October 19 in North America, October 22 in Europe; new trailer inside.

Although last night's premiere of the Kinect motion-sensing system is hogging the majority of headlines, another development of import for gamers occurred early Monday. Bethesda Softworks has dated Fallout: New Vegas. The semi-sequel to the hit 2008 role-playing game Fallout 3 will ship October 19 in North America, with a European release to follow on October 22. The game will be released on the PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360.

Bethesda is betting October will be an optimal release month for Fallout: New Vegas.

Developed by many veterans of the original Fallout games at Obsidian Entertainment, New Vegas is set in the Mojave Wasteland and casts players in the role of a courier who gets shot in the head over a package and is left for dead. After recovering, players will be free to roam the desert, exploring new areas, modifying weapons, and getting wrapped up in the larger conflict between the New California Republic and the slave-trading Caesar's Legion.

In apparent conjunction with the release date announcement, Bethesda released a new trailer for Fallout: New Vegas, viewable below. For more information, check out GameSpot's previous coverage, and stay tuned for a fresh look at the postnuclear RPG later this week, straight from the Electronic Entertainment Expo.

Fallout Intro Movie

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/rpg/falloutnewvegas/news.html?sid=6265370

PC | Music stars align with Activision

2010-06-14T17:40:00.001-07:00

PC | Music stars align with Activision

Soundgarden to release its first track in 13 years exclusively in Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock; Eminem to do his part for Call of Duty: Black Ops.

Usher, Eminem, Soundgarden, Pharrell Williams, Jane's Addiction, Deadmau5, and Z-Trip are just some of the artists to feature in Activision's upcoming games, the publisher announced today. Call of Duty: Black Ops, DJ Hero 2, Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock, and True Crime: Hong Kong are all set to get the superstar treatment, with some featuring new or unreleased tracks.

Pharrell is lending his talents to True Crime.

The biggest release comes from recently reformed rock stars Soundgarden, who will debut their unreleased song "Black Rain" exclusively in Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock. This will be the first track the band has released together since its breakup in 1997. Soundgarden will feature alongside previously announced artists, such as Jane's Addiction, A Perfect Circle, Black Sabbath, and Megadeth.

R&B star Usher's hit "OMG" will be one of the new tracks featured in DJ Hero 2, alongside producer David Guetta and progressive house producer Deadmau5. Mash-up legend Z-Trip will also be lending two exclusive new mixes to the game, having consulted on its development. They follow in the footsteps of Metallica, Kanye West, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, and The Chemical Brothers, who Activision confirmed would be in the game last week.

Finally, two of hip-hop's biggest stars have lent their talents to Activision's action titles. True Crime: Hong Kong will feature the legendary beats of producer and musician Pharrell Williams, of Neptunes fame. He will be collaborating with singer Rhea, who has previously collaborated with Williams, singing in his band N.E.R.D. Gamers will also be able to enjoy the soothing sounds of Eminem, as a track from his upcoming album "Recovery" will be part of Call of Duty: Black Ops. The rapper's tracks featured heavily in the previous incarnation of DJ Hero, alongside Jay-Z.

Look out for more on DJ Hero 2, Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock, Call of Duty: Black Ops, and True Crime: Hong Kong, by keeping it locked to e3.gamespot.com.

OK Go - This Too Shall Pass - Rube Goldberg Machine version - Official

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/pc/adventure/truecrimehongkong/news.html?sid=6265374

Xbox 360 | de Blob 2 blotting 360, PS3, Wii, DS

2010-06-14T17:30:00.001-07:00

Xbox 360 | de Blob 2 blotting 360, PS3, Wii, DS

THQ's colorful puzzle platformer lands on hi-def consoles, Nintendo platforms in spring 2011.

LOS ANGELES--In February, THQ entered into a development deal with broadcasting network SyFy, in which the two would collaborate on creating new intellectual property for use in games and on TV. The deal also extended to existing IP, and to help launch SyFy's Kids brand, THQ offered up its colorful 2008 puzzle-platformer de Blob. As could be guessed, de Blob's television aspirations won't be the culmination of the franchise.

De Blob can't be taken anywhere without making a mess.

As part of the 2010 Electronic Entertainment Expo, THQ announced today that de Blob 2: The Underground will arrive for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii, and DS in spring 2011. The sequel represents an expansion to new platforms for the well-regarded original installment, having made its debut on just the Wii and PC.

In the console versions of de Blob 2, antagonist Comrade Black returns to suck the vivacity out of Prisma City, rigging an election to regain control of the commonwealth. As de Blob, players platform their way through the mired Prisma City, spreading color and restoring the city to its once-vibrant nature. de Blob will have a number of new moves and upgradable abilities, as well as a robot sidekick named Pinky. In addition to free-roaming levels, the console versions will feature a 2D underground component.

The DS version will feature exclusively 2D side-scrolling play. The handheld installment sees de Blob lounging in the tropics after having reclaimed Chroma City from the clutches of Comrade Black. In said jungle, however, the evil machinations of Comrade Black collaborator Dr. Von Bolt continue. He is conducting nefarious experiments on woodland creatures. New moves, compatriots, and enemies await de Blob in the DS adventure game.

For more information, check out GameSpot's E3 preview of de Blob 2.

Simon's Cat 'TV Dinner'

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/adventure/deblobtheunderground/news.html?sid=6265389

PlayStation 3 | Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood slices retail November 16

2010-06-14T17:20:00.001-07:00

PlayStation 3 | Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood slices retail November 16

Ezio's Roman adventure hits PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 this fall; creative director steps away from the franchise.

The Assassin's Creed series welcomes multiplayer this fall.

Ubisoft has yet to clarify how the game's multiplayer will work, but with Ubisoft's E3 2010 press conference scheduled for 5 p.m. PDT today, eager fans will likely soon get some answers.

To stay current with this year's E3, check out GameSpot's complete coverage of E3 2010.

Assassins Creed: Brotherhood 'E3 2010 Trailer' TRUE-HD QUALITY

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/action/assassinscreedbrotherhood/news.html?sid=6265383

Xbox 360 | UFC Undisputed 2010 sales disappoint

2010-06-14T17:10:00.001-07:00

Xbox 360 | UFC Undisputed 2010 sales disappoint

Lower-than-expected sales of mixed martial arts sequel, strength of US dollar push THQ to cut quarterly financial guidance roughly 18 percent.

Last year, THQ's UFC Undisputed 2009 was a first-round knockout, garnering critical acclaim and topping 3.5 million in sales. While this year's installment received comparable reviews, its sales have been disappointing, THQ revealed today.

UFC Undisputed 2010's sales pummeled THQ's financial projections.

The publisher today warned investors that its sales for the current fiscal quarter would be roughly 18 percent lower than it had previously expected, due to lower-than-expected sales of UFC and a stronger US dollar. THQ had been expecting revenues for the quarter ending June 30 to fall between $190 million and $200 million but now expects sales to range from $155 million to $165 million. It also expects to post losses of $0.20 to $0.30 per share, where it had previously expected to break even. In a note to investors, Wedbush analyst Michael Pachter said the reduced guidance suggests that UFC Undisputed 2010 sales will fall about 1 million copies shy of THQ's expectations.

THQ said it has shipped 2.6 million copies of UFC Undisputed 2010 to date, but sell-through to consumers has been below expectations. Signal Hill analyst Todd Greenwald said the publisher will need to run a lot of promotions and price cuts on the game over the next 3 to 6 months to help retailers move all those copies of the game. As for the reasons behind the disappointing sales, Greenwald noted competition from other new releases (specifically Red Dead Redemption) and suggested that UFC games aren't suited to annualized releases in the same way other sports are.

The Biggest Grudge Match in UFC History

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/ufcundisputed2010360/news.html?sid=6265404

PC | Fable III revolution begins October 26

2010-06-14T17:00:00.001-07:00

PC | Fable III revolution begins October 26

Third installment in Lionhead Studios' action role-playing game franchise dated at Microsoft's E3 conference.

Orphan hurling would probably count as evil.

Fable: The Lost Chapters (Fullyramblomatic review)

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/fableiii/news.html?sid=6265410

Xbox 360 | Microsoft partners with Crytek for 360 exclusive

2010-06-14T16:50:00.001-07:00

Xbox 360 | Microsoft partners with Crytek for 360 exclusive

Independent developer creating Codename: Kingdoms, an original intellectual property, exclusively for the Xbox 360.

LOS ANGELES--At Microsoft's press briefing this morning, Microsoft Game Studios executive vice president Phil Spencer took the stage and announced the company's latest partner and its newest game.

From the creator of Crysis comes a new Xbox 360 exclusive.

The executive announced that Crytek will create an original IP and debut it exclusively on the Xbox 360. The developer is best known as the studio behind the Crysis series, the original Far Cry title, and the CryEngine.

The live-action trailer showed an armored warrior covered in wounds, later approached by two others. As the trailer ended, the project's name appeared, revealing Codename: Kingdoms. No additional details on the project were provided at the event.

Germany-based Crytek is currently developing Crysis 2, set to debut on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC this year. Crytek also recently purchased Free Radical, creator of the cult-favored franchise TimeSplitters.

To stay current with this year's expo, check out GameSpot's complete coverage of E3 2010.

Microsoft "Courier" secret tablet

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/news/6265408.html

Xbox 360 | Kinect Star Wars title coming 2011

2010-06-14T16:40:00.001-07:00

Xbox 360 | Kinect Star Wars title coming 2011

Microsoft announces exclusive partnership with LucasArts to bring untitled Star Wars game to its Xbox 360 motion-sensing system in 2011.

LOS ANGELES--After announcing six launch titles for its newly named Kinect, Microsoft teased an upcoming Star Wars title for its motion-sensing system at today's E3 2010 press conference. The publisher unveiled an exclusive partnership with LucasArts and demoed a brief fight scene from the new game, whose title has yet to be revealed.

LucasArts is teaming with Microsoft on Kinect.

The scene revealed gameplay similar to that of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, with a Jedi character shown from a third-person view fighting wave after wave of enemies using a lightsaber and the Force as his main weapons. The scene began with the Jedi entering a semi-destroyed temple courtyard, where he immediately began using his lightsaber to deflect fire from an oncoming wave of battle droids before going on to attack a row of stormtroopers. At this point the gameplay appeared to be on-rails, as another wave of stormtroopers approached from the same direction and the Jedi continued to move forward using a series of powerslides and Force attacks. He used the latter to dislodge a nearby rock and do away with the last wave of stormtroopers before the scene ended with a dropship flying down to reveal Darth Vader, lightsaber at the ready.

Although Microsoft did not show how the new game would be played using Kinect, a live demo of the title during its world-premiere Natal/Kinect renaming event on Sunday night gave us a pretty good idea. With the game on one screen and a Microsoft actor playing it on the other, we were able to see how the title will implement motion-sensing: the actor performed a series of routine moves to control the lightsaber, the Force, and the powerslide moves in the game. The moves range from downward arm swings (for the lightsaber) to a push away from the body (for the Force) to a big step forward (for the powerslide).

Although details are still very sketchy, we look forward to seeing more of the new Star Wars game and how exactly Microsoft plans to implement Kinect throughout the whole game. Stay tuned to our extensive E3 2010 coverage.

E3: Microsoft Demonstrates the Kinect XBox 360 Game Control System

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/adventure/untitledstarswarskinect/news.html?sid=6265423

Xbox 360 | Castlevania, Lara Croft anchor Summer of Arcade

2010-06-14T16:30:00.001-07:00

Xbox 360 | Castlevania, Lara Croft anchor Summer of Arcade

E3 2010: Konami's Harmony of Despair, Square Enix's Guardian of Light join Microsoft's Limbo, Monday Night Combat during July Xbox Live release program.

Get the full article at GameSpot

"Xbox 360 | Castlevania, Lara Croft anchor Summer of Arcade" was posted by Tom Magrino on Mon, 14 Jun 2010 13:53:28 -0700

CastleVania (NES) - Part 1 of 2

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/news/6265429.html

Xbox 360 | EA Sports Active 2, Dance Central Kinect-ing

2010-06-14T16:20:00.001-07:00

Xbox 360 | EA Sports Active 2, Dance Central Kinect-ing

E3 2010: Xbox 360 add-on's launch library boasts 15 titles, including EA's workout sim, Harmonix's exclusive rhythm title, Ubisoft's Your Shape.

LOS ANGELES--Microsoft revealed an Xbox 360 redesign and solidified a Kinect release date this morning at its press briefing, but the news didn't stop there. On top of those information drops, Microsoft announced Kinect's software launch catalog includes 15 titles from big-name studios Harmonix, Electronic Arts, and LucasArts.

Kinect launch library to include Star Wars, dancing, and fitness games.

At the event, Harmonix CEO Alex Rigopulos took the stage and revealed Dance Central for Kinect. The game is promised to include more than 600 moves, 90 routines, and post-launch downloadable content. Dance Central will include a "wide range" of hip-hop, rap, and R&B and is set to arrive this holiday. Gwen Stefani's "Hella Good," and "Poison" from Bell Biv Devoe were two of the songs used to display the dancing game at the briefing.

Also hitting Kinect this November will be EA Sports Active 2. From Electronic Arts, the fitness simulator includes a heart rate monitor, wireless functionality, and an online hub for tracking digital conditioning data. Additionally, using Kinect's technology, users will be able to navigate onscreen menus via voice and gesture recognition.

Other Kinect titles announced during the company's event included a Star Wars title, Kinectanimals, Kinect Sports, Kinect Adventures, Kinect Joy Ride, Your Shape Fitness Evolved, a Sonic title, Biggest Loser, and others.

The subject of a trademark dispute, Active 2 has also been confirmed for release on November 16 for the PlayStation 3, Wii, iPhone, and iPod Touch. To stay current with the happenings of E3, check out GameSpot's complete coverage of E3 2010.

Tiger Woods 09 - Walk on Water

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/puzzle/dancecentral/news.html?sid=6265426

GameCube | Electronic Arts revs up new Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit

2010-06-14T16:00:00.001-07:00

GameCube | Electronic Arts revs up new Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit

E3 2010: EA re-imagining the '90s racer for the "connected generation" with new online features, debuting November 16 on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC and Wii.

Last year ex-Electronic Arts COO John Pleasants revealed that Criterion Games, famous for their work on the Burnout series, would assume development duties on the Need for Speed series, and promised a new NFS title for 2010. Today, on stage at EA's Electronic Entertainment Expo press briefing, that prophecy came true.

Criterion creative director Craig Sullivan announced this afternoon that Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC, will ship in North America on November 16. The game will ship in Europe on November 18 and UK on November 19. The game is said to be inspired by the 1998 racer of the same name, and according to Sullivan, is a "reimagining the franchise for a connected generation". In Hot Pursuit, players will be able to play through the game's entire campaign, as a cop, or a racer.

From the creators of Burnot, comes this NFS re-imagining.

In addition to the familiar series mainstays, Hot Pursuit will introduce the Need for Speed Autolog. This online destination lets players find and face off against each other on the track, and compare performance and statistics. A brief demo of the Autolog was shown, where Sullivan could see who was online, and what records his friends have amassed.

A title bearing the same name, but developed by Exient Entertainment, will come to Wii the same day as the others in North America. Electronic Arts did not say if the Wii version will include its HD console cousins' Autolog component.

For more on the series, check out GameSpot's brand new Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit preview straight from E3 2010.

ELECTRONIC GETTING AWAY WITH IT

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/gamecube/driving/needforspeedhotpursuit2/news.html?sid=6265473

Wii | The Last Word: June 7-11

2010-06-14T11:00:00.001-07:00

Wii | The Last Word: June 7-11

Publishers flood pre-E3 week with torrent of game announcements and release dates, while offering looks at the likes of Rock Band 3, DJ Hero 2, Enslaved, and Homefront.

The 2010 Electronic Entertainment Expo will come replete with hot new information when it descends upon Los Angeles next week. But if anyone thought big-name publishers would hold off on their big-time reveals during the week before have been proven quite wrong. To wit, THQ's Red Faction: Armageddon, Square Enix's Dungeon Siege 3, Sony's MotorStorm Apocalypse, and Warner Bros.' Mortal Kombat were among the game reveals this week.

Rock Band 3 will be tickling the ivories.

There were also myriad release dates that peppered the news wires throughout the week. Publishers also offered advanced looks at their upcoming wares, ranging from NHL 11 to Rock Band 3 to The Lord of the Rings War in the North. Reviews also abounded, as GameSpot issued ratings for the likes of Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, Rock Band: Green Day, ModNation Racers, and Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11.

The Last Word June 7-11

FEATURES
E3 isn't the only big thing happening at the moment. The world's finest soccer players are currently battling it out on the pitch in the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Fans should be sure to check out GameSpot's 2010 World Cup feature, where they'll find bios on all the teams as well as videos of upcoming matches that have been simulated using EA Sports' 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa. Who's favorite team is going to win?

For something a little more gory than soccer, GameSpot put up a full breakdown of the announcement trailer for the new Mortal Kombat, where gamers can glance at some of the characters featured in the title and some awesomely brutal fatalities. And finally, it's that time of year--the kids are out of school and Dad's looking for something cool this Father's Day. Take a gander at the Dads and Grads feature for some helpful tips on what to pick out.

GameSpot's World Cup
Mortal Kombat - The Breakdown
Dads and Grads Gift Guide

[ Watch Video ]

NEW RELEASES
Shippin' Out June 6-12: Green Day: Rock Band, Metal Gear Solid PSP
Flametail cleans up space junk on DSiWare
Joe Danger lands safely on PSN
Accio demo! Lego: Harry Potter trial hits XBL

[ Watch Video ]

NEWS
Beyond the aforementioned game announcements, publishers also came heavy with release dates during the week before E3. Of the more notable, Take-Two attached a September 21 release date to its hexagonally enhanced Civilization V, Ninja Theory's Enslaved: Odyssey to the West will be liberated in October, and 2K Marin's XCOM picked up a 2011 launch window.

Of course, the dark side of release dates also saw some play, as Valve's Portal 2 got pushed to next year while Max Payne 3 will remain underground for…an indeterminate amount of time. Among the miscellaneous and sundry, Sony launched its 3D bid with a batch of downloadable titles, Red Dead Redemption hit 5 million units sold in less than a month, the DSi XL picked up a midnight blue hue, and Dreamcast titles are looking at a rebirth through Xbox Live and the PlayStation Network.

THQ triggering Red Faction: Armageddon
Obsidian unearthing Dungeon Siege 3
iPhone 4 introduces gyroscope gaming
E3 to draw 41,000+
Elemental: War of Magic raging August 24
Marvelous gives up on original titles
Dragon Age anime-ting in 2011
Yakuza 4 mobbing North America, Europe, spring 2011
Downloadable Games for Windows to arrive day-and-date
Red Dead Redemption sells 5M, GTAIV hits 17M
Power Gig signs Eric Clapton, padless drum controller
DSi XL feeling midnight blue July 11
DJ Hero 2 spinning Dr. Dre, Metallica, Lady Gaga
Mortal Kombat Rebirth teaser touts star power
MAG expanding June 22
MTV Games, Gibson resolve patent tussle
Neversoft staffing up for 'action shooter'
Violent games mostly 'harmless' - Study
Enslaved being freed in October
Hulu Xbox 360-bound - Report
Telltale adapting Back to the Future, Jurassic Park
Sony launches 3D PS3 games tomorrow
XCOM to land in 2011, Mafia II tops 2K E3 lineup
Square Enix preps new portable Kingdom Hearts, Parasite Eve
Portal 2 closed until 2011
FIFA 11 kicking off this autumn
Atlus preps Trine 2, PSP Knights in the Nightmare
Mass Effect 2 Overlord DLC landing June 15
NBA Jam drives the lane in October
Quick Hit scores NFL license
MotorStorm Apocalypse revs up PS3 next year
Dreamcast to be reborn on XBL, PSN
Mortal Kombat set for 360, PS3 in 2011
'Real' keyboard, guitars debut in Rock Band 3
Space Invaders, Necromachina lead Square Enix digital lineup
Bad Company 2 Onslaught begins June 22
Rock Band 3 peripherals priced, bundled
Fraction of gamers aware of Move, Natal - Nielsen
Living Statue, Obstacle Course revealed for Project Natal - Report
Civilization V rises in September

[ Watch Video ]

PREVIEWS
With just days to go before E3 2010 kicks off, the previews crew got ahold of a few of the games that will be featured next week in Los Angeles. Highlights include NHL 11 and its all-new physics system, two wrestling games from THQ--WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2011 and the brand-new WWE All Stars; Ninja Theory's upcoming action game Enslaved: Odyssey to the West; and The Lord of the Rings War in the North. Add to that some FIFA 11, and previews of the new Harry Potter game, DJ Hero 2, Rock Band 3, Homefront, and de Blob: The Underground, and it was practically E3 one week earlier around these parts.

NHL 11 First Hands-On
Hands-On With THQ's E3 WWE Games
Enslaved: Odyssey to the West First hands-On
The Lord of the Rings: War in the North First Impressions
FIFA 11
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 Hands-On Impressions
DJ Hero 2 First Look
Rock Band 3 Hands-On
Homefront Updated Impressions
de Blob: The Underground First Look

[ Watch Video ]

REVIEWS
Ordinarily, the week prior to E3 might be described as the calm before the storm, but that hasn't been the case this year--at least not for the reviews team. The Sims 3: Ambitions got the week off to a great start, and the quality just kept on coming as reviews for Plain Sight, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11, and the PSP version of ModNation Racers hit. Ending the week with a bang, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker arrived on the PSP, earned itself an Editor's Choice award, and, in all likelihood, will be the editors' choice while traveling down to LA.

Age of Conan: Rise of the Godslayer (PC) Reviews Blog
Armored Core: Last Raven Portable (PSP) Review
Green Day: Rock Band (PS3, X360) Review
Hexyz Force (PSP) Review
Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker (PSP) Review
ModNation Racers (PSP) Review
Plain Sight (PC) Review
The Sims 3: Ambitions (PC) Review
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 (PS3, X360) Review
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 (Wii) Review

[ Watch Video ]

VIDEO
E3 2010 is coming up next week! The GameSpot Live team was getting prepared all week to broadcast the best E3 coverage on the planet! A couple new episodes of Today on the Spot featuring games like WWE All-Stars, SmackDown vs. Raw 2011, and FIFA Soccer 11 hit the site. New trailers also emerged for the new Mortal Kombat, Lord of the Rings: War in the North, Rock Band 3, and more. GameSpot also got a chance to talk with Dan Teasdale about Rock Band 3 and Sal DiVita about WWE All Stars.

Today on the Spot - WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011
Mortal Kombat Announcement Trailer
LOTR: War in the North - Overland Trailer
Rock Band 3 - E3 2010 Song Trailer
Rock Band 3 Interview: Dan Teasdale
WWE All Stars Interview: Sal DiVita

Susan Boyle - Singer - Britains Got Talent 2009

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/wii/action/deblobtheunderground/news.html?sid=6265269

Xbox 360 | Project Natal renamed Kinect, due in November

2010-06-14T10:50:00.001-07:00

Xbox 360 | Project Natal renamed Kinect, due in November

[UPDATE] Xbox 360 motion-sensing system to come with fitness games "built into it"; Disney and Star Wars games teased, Wii Sports-like minigame compilation, pet simulator, dance game, and rafting adventure title en route.

LOS ANGELES--Just over one year after it unveiled Project Natal to the public at last year's Electronic Entertainment Expo, Microsoft has given it a name. Tonight at a star-studded "world premiere" event featuring the French-Canadian circus troupe Cirque du Soleil, the software giant re-christened its camera-based motion-control Kinect (pronounced like "connect").

Kinect had its coming-out party in Los Angeles Sunday night.

The name seems to be a tie-in of sorts to the Microsoft Kin, a family of smartphones the company launched in April. Any details on connectivity were absent, however. Aaron Greenberg, director of product management for Xbox 360 and Xbox Live, told GameSpot that "Sunday is about entertainment, Monday is about information."

Greenberg's reference is to Microsoft's press conference on Monday morning, where harder information on Kinect is anticipated. Already confirmed for an October release by a loose-lipped Saudi Microsoft executive, the system's price remains unknown. Also unconfirmed are rumors that the add-on will be bundled with a new slimline model of the Xbox 360, which was apparently outed by an Italian advertisement earlier today.

Sunday's event was all about shock and awe--if one considers Quebecois circus acrobats in skin-tight outfits shocking and awesome. Some 80 performers and 200 support personnel were on-hand, with a stage show that took 25 truckloads of props and equipment to put on.

Though he generally avoiding divulging hard facts, Greenberg promised Kinect will still "see you, hear you, and recognize you," implying that the facial and voice recognition functionality of the device remains intact.

Greenberg promised that Microsoft's briefing on Monday morning would have a large emphasis on "core games." He called out Halo: Reach, Gears of War 3, and Fable III by name, and said all three will be on the show floor at Microsoft's booth at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Crackdown 2 will also be playable on the show floor.

Kinect, up close and personal.

For more details, check out GameSpot's live blog of Microsoft's press conference tomorrow morning or the live stream of the event on GameSpot's E3 2010 event page.

[UPDATE] At the Kinect naming event, Microsoft also announced that Disney would be an official partner on the project. It also showed a brief snippet of a Star Wars game that will use the motion-sensing system, but did not offer any concrete details about the project.

[UPDATE2] USA Today is listing four new games that will use Kinect, including the Wii Sports-like Kinect Sports. The athletic minigame compilation will reportedly include boxing, bowling, beach volleyball, soccer, ping-pong, and track and field events.

The national daily is also reporting that Microsoft is readying Kinectimals, a pet simulator that will let players train and raise over 20 virtual cats--including big cats such as a cheetah, lion, and tiger. Also apparently in the works is Kinect Adventures, which will include the river rafting simulation River Rush revealed earlier this year by screenwriter James Gunn.

Another game USA Today lists in development for Kinect is Dance Central, which will have players tackle dance challenges much like the television show So You Think You Can Dance. The previously announced game Joy Ride will also apparently be fully Kinect-compliant, having players steer cars with a phantom steering wheel much like the Burnout Paradise demo Microsoft showed off last year.

[UPDATE]: Good Morning America this morning reported that Kinect will be on shelves in November, with fitness games "built into it."

E3 2009: Project Natal Xbox 360 Announcement

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/adventure/kinectadventures/news.html?sid=6265354

PlayStation 3 | Virgin press conference--begins 5:30 p.m. PDT Monday, June 14

2010-06-14T10:40:00.001-07:00

PlayStation 3 | Virgin press conference--begins 5:30 p.m. PDT Monday, June 14

E3 2010: Billionaire Sir Richard Branson gathers press to share details about his ubiquitous brand's return to the games space.

LOS ANGELES--In the 1980s and 1990s, Virgin Interactive was a household name for gamers. Until it was sold off in pieces in 1999, the offshoot of billionaire Sir Richard Branson's multimedia empire published dozens of games for a variety of systems, ranging from the Nintendo SNES to Sony's original PlayStation.

After a nearly decade hiatus, Virgin is poised to return to gaming.

In early 2007, Branson announced that Virgin Games would return with an all-new online platform. Partnering with Game Domain International, the service was to be an "iTunes for games" and offer titles for download. However, that project, called A World of My Own, currently remains in beta, with Virgin Games currently offering only online gambling titles.

That may soon change. Last month, reports surfaced that Branson would hold a press conference at this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo. It is expected he will announce a new service in partnership with leading publishers that will offer downloadable multiplayer games on Xbox Live as PlayStation Network as well as for the PC.

Further rumors peg Virgin's new service as being a competitive online league in which gamers can put their money where their headset is and bet on online competition. A detailed investigative report on Maxconsole said the service would be "challenge-based" and be run by run by Worldgaming.com, which already lets Xbox 360 and PlayStation players compete for cash.

One thing is certain: Something is launching soon, as the URL Virgingaming.com is currently running a countdown clock which expires tomorrow.

Come back Monday at 5:30 p.m. PDT for a live blog of Virigin's press briefing, and keep up to date with all the latest from the game expo on GameSpot's E3 2010 event page

The Live Blog is scheduled to begin Jun 14, 2010 at 5:30PM PDT

What's Virgin Mean?

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/news/6265372.html

PlayStation 3 | 500GB PS3 to be unveiled at E3?

2010-06-14T10:30:00.001-07:00

PlayStation 3 | 500GB PS3 to be unveiled at E3?

The day before Sony's press conference, reports point to new model of its console with massive storage capacity; 2 new models registered with FCC.

Get the full article at GameSpot

"PlayStation 3 | 500GB PS3 to be unveiled at E3?" was posted by Tor Thorsen on Mon, 14 Jun 2010 07:14:47 -0700

Unboxed: Western Digital My Book 500 GB

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/puzzle/playstationhome/news.html?sid=6265373

PlayStation 3 | Music stars align with Activision

2010-06-14T10:20:00.001-07:00

PlayStation 3 | Music stars align with Activision

Soundgarden to release their first track in 13 years exclusively in Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock; Eminem to do his part for Call of Duty: Black Ops.

Usher, Eminem, Soundgarden, Pharrell Williams, Jane's Addiction, Deadmau5, and Z-Trip are just some of the artists to feature in Activision's upcoming games, the publisher announced today. Call of Duty: Black Ops, DJ Hero 2, Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock and True Crime: Hong Kong are all set to get the superstar treatment, with some featuring new or unreleased tracks.

Pharrell is lending his talents to True Crime.

The biggest release comes from recently reformed rock-stars Soundgarden, who will debut their unreleased song "Black Rain", exclusively in Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock. This will be the first track the band has released together since their breakup in 1997. Soundgarden will feature alongside previously announced artists such as Jane's Addiction, A Perfect Circle, Black Sabbath, and Megadeth.

R&B star Usher's hit "OMG," will be one of the new tracks featured in DJ Hero 2, alongside producer David Guetta and progressive house producer Deadmau5. Mashup legend Z-Trip will also be lending two exclusive new mixes to the game, having consulted on its development. They follow in the footsteps of Metallica, Kanye West, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, and The Chemical Brothers, whom Activision confirmed would be in the game last week.

Finally, two of hip-hop's biggest stars have lent their talents to Activison's action titles. True Crime: Hong Kong will feature the legendary beats of producer and musician Pharrell Williams, of Neptunes fame. He will be collaborating with singer Rhea, who has previously collaborated with Williams, singing in his band N.E.R.D. Gamers will also be able to enjoy the soothing sounds of Eminem, as a track from his upcoming album "Recovery" will be part of Call of Duty: Black Ops. The rapper's tracks featured heavily in the previous incarnation of DJ Hero, alongside Jay-Z.

Look out for more on DJ Hero 2, Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock, Call of Duty: Black Ops, and True Crime: Hong Kong, by keeping it locked to e3.gamespot.com.

OK Go - This Too Shall Pass - Rube Goldberg Machine version - Official

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/action/djhero2/news.html?sid=6265374

DS | de Blob 2 blotting 360, PS3, Wii, DS

2010-06-14T10:10:00.001-07:00

DS | de Blob 2 blotting 360, PS3, Wii, DS

THQ's colorful puzzle platformer lands on hi-def consoles, Nintendo platforms in spring 2011.

de Blob can't be taken anywhere without making a mess.

In the console versions of de Blob 2, antagonist Comrade Black returns to suck the vivacity out of Prisma City, rigging an election to regain control of the commonwealth. As de Blob, players platform their way through the mired Prisma City, spreading color and restoring the city to its once-vibrant nature. de Blob will have a number of new moves and upgradeable abilities, as well as a robot sidekick named Pinky.

Unlike the free-roaming adventure of the console versions, the DS version will feature 2D side-scrolling play. The handheld installment sees de Blob lounging in the tropics after having reclaimed Chroma City from the clutches of Comrade Black. In said jungle, however, continue the evil machinations of Comrade Black collaborator Dr. Von Bolt, who is conducting nefarious experiments on woodland creatures. New moves, compatriots, and enemies await de Blob in the DS adventure game.

For more information, check out GameSpot's E3 preview of de Blob 2.

Simon's Cat 'TV Dinner'

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/ds/action/deblobtheunderground/news.html?sid=6265389

Xbox 360 | Ubisoft E3 2010 press briefing--begins 5 p.m. PDT, Monday, June 14

2010-06-14T06:57:00.001-07:00

Xbox 360 | Ubisoft E3 2010 press briefing--begins 5 p.m. PDT, Monday, June 14

Community's Joel McHale hosts French publisher's tradeshow blowout, likely featuring Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood, Ghost Recon Future Soldier, new Driver, more.

LOS ANGELES--Ubisoft had solid intentions for its 2009 E3 press conference, scoring a couple hours of famed film director James Cameron's time to promote some of the first 3D footage of the critical bomb-in-waiting Avatar: The Video Game. However, the director's presence amounted to not much more than a long-winded expatiation on the development process and backstory of Avatar--sans any form of gameplay footage.

Here's hoping Ubisoft will offer a look behind the masks of Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood.

With funnyman Joel McHale (The Soup, Community) set to reprise his hosting duties at this year's event, gamers' fingers are crossed that Ubisoft's big draw will be more than just a famed movie director. And Ubisoft certainly has a number of upcoming wares that have caught the industry's eye.

Foremost for many will be Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood, a standalone expansion to last year's critical and commercial dynamo Assassin's Creed II that will feature a new single-player storyline and, a franchise first, multiplayer. At last year's event, the publisher unveiled the ship date for Assassin's Creed II, which portends well for those waiting to hear exactly when they'll be able to step back into the soft-soled shoes of protagonist Ezio.

Other top-tier titles that Ubisoft has on hand at this year's show include Shaun White Skateboarding and Ubisoft's first crack at the Driver franchise. Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Future Soldier, which got bumped to Ubisoft's January-March quarter last month, may also be on hand at the event.

Come back Monday at 5 p.m. PDT for a live blog of Ubisoft's press briefing, or watch a live video stream of it on GameSpot's E3 2010 event page.

The Live Blog is scheduled to begin Jun 14, 2010 at 5:00PM PDT

E32008 - Ubisoft I Am Alive Trailer

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/assassinscreedbrotherhood/news.html?sid=6265341

PlayStation 3 | ESPN plugs into iPad, iPod Touch

2010-06-14T06:30:00.001-07:00

PlayStation 3 | ESPN plugs into iPad, iPod Touch

World's largest sports broadcaster using Apple's popular portable devices to drive play breakdowns, more.

Get the full article at GameSpot

"PlayStation 3 | ESPN plugs into iPad, iPod Touch" was posted by Eddie Makuch on Sun, 13 Jun 2010 15:07:11 -0700

Franklin KO's Liddell At UFC 115

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/news/6265340.html

PlayStation 3 | Itagaki returns with Devil's Third

2010-06-14T06:18:00.000-07:00

PlayStation 3 | Itagaki returns with Devil's Third

THQ to publish first effort from Dead or Alive creator's Valhalla Game Studios; violent action title combines swordplay, gunplay.

Months after Tomonobu Itagaki first revealed the name of his new Valhalla Game Studios, the former Tecmo developer's first project with the outfit has been officially announced. THQ has release a teaser trailer (see below) for a new game called Devil's Third, with the clip bearing the Valhalla logo and proudly proclaiming the title to be Itagaki's.

So what happened to the Devil's first two?

Devil's Third is apparently a third-person shooter for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 featuring two characters: a women clad in snakeskin boots and jacket and a man with an X-shaped scar on his face. While the woman in the clip carries a machine gun, she is only shown acrobatically eliminating uniformed adversaries with a sword. The man, on the other hand, is depicted dispatching foes not only with swords, but also with a shotgun, bazooka, and even a gatling gun.

Itagaki is best known as the creator of Dead or Alive fighting franchise and the producer of the Ninja Gaiden games for the Xbox and Xbox 360. Itagaki parted ways with Tecmo in 2008, and spent much of the intervening time involved in legal action against his former employer. When he split from Tecmo, Itagaki claimed the publisher owed him about $1.4 million in unpaid bonuses for development of Dead or Alive 4 on the Xbox 360 and filed suit to get it. At the time, Tecmo said it would "let the court decide" on the bonuses. The two eventually settled out of court earlier this year.

Itagaki's new game - Devil's Third

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/adventure/devilsthird/news.html?sid=6265353

Xbox 360 | Project Natal renamed Kinect

2010-06-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

Xbox 360 | Project Natal renamed Kinect

Final name for Xbox 360 motion-sensing system revealed; Disney and Star Wars games teased, Wii Sports-like minigame compilation, pet simulator, dance game, and rafting adventure title en route.

Kinect had its coming-out party in Los Angeles Sunday night.

Kinect, up close and personal.

For more details, check out GameSpot's live blog of Microsoft's press conference tomorrow morning or the live stream of the event on GameSpot's E3 2010 event page.

E3 2009: Project Natal Xbox 360 Announcement

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/haloreach/news.html?sid=6265354

PC | Xbox 360 slim confirmed?

2010-06-14T05:47:00.001-07:00

PC | Xbox 360 slim confirmed?

Apparent leaked ads show new 250GB, wi-fi-capable slimline model of Microsoft's console, promise compatibility with Kinect motion-sensing system.

It looks like the eagle-eyedreaders at NeoGAF may have spoiled one of the big surprises Microsoft was holding in store for its press briefing tomorrow morning. The widely read forums of the gaming site unearthed an Italian advertisement (pictured) showing what appears to be the rumored new slimline model of Microsoft's console, the first models of which were introduced in 2005.

What's Italian for "Whoops!"?

Though Microsoft has not officially commented on the leaked banner ads, the second ad says that the system will have built-in wi-fi connectivity. Current Xbox 360 models require a peripheral for wireless connections, unlike its rivals the Wii and PlayStation 3, which both have wi-fi out of the box.

E3 2009: Project Natal Xbox 360 Announcement

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/news/6265356.html

PC | Fallout: New Vegas irradiating October

2010-06-14T05:38:00.001-07:00

PC | Fallout: New Vegas irradiating October

Obsidian's semi-sequel to Bethesda's hit RPG Fallout 3 ships October 19 in North America, October 22 in Europe; new trailer inside.

Bethesda is betting October will be an optimal relase month for Fallout: New Vegas.

In apparent conjunction with the release date announcement, Bethesda also released a new trailer for Fallout: New Vegas, viewable below. For more information, check out GameSpot's previous coverage, and stay tuned for a fresh look at the post-nuclear RPG later this week, straight from the Electronic Entertainment Expo.

Fallout Intro Movie

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/falloutnewvegas/news.html?sid=6265370

Xbox 360 | Living Statue, Obstacle Course revealed for Project Natal - Report

2010-06-11T19:30:00.001-07:00

Xbox 360 | Living Statue, Obstacle Course revealed for Project Natal - Report

Microsoft to debut motion-control software lineup next week at E3, including new dancing, gauntlet-running games; "about a dozen" third-party games also on tap.

Revealed at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in 2009, Microsoft's Project Natal motion-sensing technology has garnered a great deal of hype in the year that has ensued. Rumors of the technology and its power have swept through the Internet. However, Microsoft has been extremely tight-lipped as to what it plans to do with the equipment. That said, with this year's annual trade show descending upon Los Angeles next week, the veil of secrecy that has fogged enthusiasts is about to lift.

Natal to include dancing, obstacle course games.

According to a Los Angeles Times report, Microsoft is planning to unveil a smorgasbord of both first- and third-party motion-sensing titles for its upcoming Project Natal technology at E3 next week. The report states that four "tech demos" were shown to a room of game writers at the Microsoft campus in Washington State. And though the company wouldn't confirm which titles will launch with the technology, it strongly hinted at what's to come.

New today are the titles Living Statue and Obstacle Course. Living Statue lets players record their avatars dancing and singing and also lets users e-mail the footage to friends. Obstacle Course is just as its name suggests. In this title, players will "pull, dodge, and jump" through levels the LA Times characterized as inspired by "summer camp."

The report also states that "about a dozen" third-party Natal games will debut at next week's show, though publishers and developers attached to said projects were not specified.

Previously, River Rush, a boxing title, and a soccer game were revealed by screenwriter James Gunn in a blog post following a Los Angeles press event. And at E3 2009, Microsoft revealed Ricochet, a game in which players are tasked with blocking a bombardment of soccer-like balls. Also at the show, the company debuted Paint Party, a game where players can select paint colors with their voice and draw or splash them onto a canvas.

According to Microsoft Saudi's Entertainment and Devices marketing manager, Project Natal will ship worldwide in October. It's likely Microsoft will speak at length about the technology at its briefing on June 14. GameSpot will be at the show, and to stay current, check out GameSpot's complete coverage of E3 2010.

Bon Jovi - Livin' On A Prayer

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/adventure/riverrush/news.html?sid=6265231

Wii | Fraction of gamers aware of Move, Natal - Nielsen

2010-06-11T19:20:00.001-07:00

Wii | Fraction of gamers aware of Move, Natal - Nielsen

Sony's, Microsoft's respective motion-sensing add-ons known about by only 23 percent, 21 percent of all gamers, according to stat-tracking service.

Motion-sensing gaming will invariably factor heavily into Microsoft's and Sony's respective press conferences at next week's 2010 Electronic Entertainment Expo. For Microsoft's part, the publisher has already announced a "world premiere" event for Project Natal that will feature the acrobatic stylings of Cirque du Soleil. And while Sony had its big coming-out party for the PlayStation Move in March, the publisher still has a release date, pricing, and games to highlight.

The Move has a higher profile…

With E3 sure to raise the profile of both motion-sensing add-ons prior to their respective fall launches, stat-tracking service The Nielsen Company has measured gamers' awareness of Project Natal and Move in the here and now. And according to a survey of some 2,400 active gamers, that awareness is not particularly high.

Among total gamers surveyed, only 21 percent were aware of Project Natal, though that figure rose to 43 percent among those who owned an Xbox 360. The PlayStation Move had a slightly higher profile, with 23 percent of all surveyed gamers having some knowledge of the PlayStation Eye-compatible Move and its accompanying navigation controller. Of those who own the PS3, 42 percent are aware of its existence.

…but Natal has got more committed buyers.

Though the Move enjoys a slim margin of recognition, Microsoft's Natal has gained more interest from potential buyers. Fully 35 percent of gamers who are aware of Natal intend to buy it, while only 28 percent of those aware of Move plan to make a purchase. Microsoft also holds a slight edge among system owners who are aware of the devices, as 42 percent of those with a 360 plan on picking up Natal, while 41 percent of PS3 gamers plan on purchasing the Move.

Adding Fractions - YourTeacher.com - Math Help

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/news/6265234.html

Wii | Rock Band 3 peripherals priced, bundled

2010-06-11T19:10:00.001-07:00

Wii | Rock Band 3 peripherals priced, bundled

Mad Catz 102-button guitar stands alone for $150, wireless keyboard $80 on its own or $130 with game, MIDI adapter and cymbal expansions also announced.

Harmonix is trying to shake up the slumping rhythm game market with Rock Band 3 this holiday season, adding keyboards and "Pro" modes that aim to teach gamers how to play real-life instruments. That means new peripherals, and another reason for fans of the franchise to dig for their wallets.

Move over, Steel Battalion. There's a new button champ in town.

Mad Catz today gave burgeoning musicians a bit of a budgetary heads-up, detailing and pricing the initial line of official Rock Band 3 console peripherals. The only hardware bundle for this year's version of the rhythm game will include the wireless keyboard controller and the game for $130. The keyboard will also be available on its own for $80, and Mad Catz plans to have a separate (but still unpriced) keyboard stand on shelves at the game's launch.

For axmen looking to push their rhythm game skills to the next level, Mad Catz has the wireless Fender Mustang Pro-Guitar, which features 102 different buttons on the neck (one to replicate each of a guitar's six strings at 17 frets). The Mustang also features a touch-sensitive strumming area with real strings so players can pluck individual strings or cut notes short by pressing on them. Those features come with a price, as the guitar on its own will cost $150.

If that's not real enough, Fender is working on a Rock Band 3 Squier Stratocaster, a full-sized and fully functional electric guitar that will also double as a controller for the game's "Pro" mode. No price or release date for the Squier has been announced yet.

Did you say "keytar" or "geeetar" like a hillbilly?

Back to Mad Catz's offerings, the peripheral maker will also be offering a Pro-Cymbals Expansion Kit and a MIDI Pro-Adapter for $40 each. The expansion kit includes three cymbals compatible with wireless Rock Band drums and features noise-dampening rubber for quieter play. The MIDI adapter plugs in using a USB port and allows players to use their existing MIDI keyboards and drum sets in the game.

Mad Catz will also be producing updated versions of the existing Rock Band guitar, drums, and microphone controllers, though it did not announce release timing or pricing on those items. For more on Rock Band 3, check out GameSpot's first hands-on impressions.

Lordi - Hardrock Hallelujah

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/wii/sim/rockband3tentativetitle/news.html?sid=6265242

PlayStation 3 | Resurgence Map Pack crushes PSN, PC July 6

2010-06-11T19:00:00.001-07:00

PlayStation 3 | Resurgence Map Pack crushes PSN, PC July 6

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2's second batch of downloadable content arrives next month at $15 for PlayStation 3, PC.

Get the full article at GameSpot

"PlayStation 3 | Resurgence Map Pack crushes PSN, PC July 6" was posted by Eddie Makuch on Fri, 11 Jun 2010 13:19:09 -0700

MW2 Resurgence Map Pack and Gaming Apathy

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/action/codmw2resurgence/news.html?sid=6265244

PlayStation 3 | 505 Games announces Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 MMA title

2010-06-11T18:50:00.001-07:00

PlayStation 3 | 505 Games announces Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 MMA title

505 Games announces Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 mixed martial arts title, debuting at next week's industry show.

Electronic Arts is poised to enter the ring with EA Sports MMA this year, and THQ already has an established multi-million-unit-selling UFC Undisputed franchise. But soon, mixed martial arts fans will have another option to choose from in the war for living room dominance.

Is there room for three in the ring?

505 Games announced today that it is working with Los Angeles-based game studio Kung Fu Factory on a fighting game called MMA Supremacy for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The publisher's statement today offered few details on the project but did confirm it for appearing at the Electronic Entertainment Expo next week.

Kung Fu Factory is an independent development house made up of talent behind fighting games Ultimate Fighting Championship for Dreamcast, Mortal Kombat: Armageddon, UFC 2009 Undisputed, and others.

505 isn't the only publisher embroiled in the fighting game genre, though. THQ has the rights to UFC's trademarks through 2011 and debuted UFC Undisputed 2010 last month. Additionally, Electronic Arts will feature Strikeforce, a mixed martial artist league, in its upcoming EA Sports MMA, set to release sometime in 2010.

Arctic Monkeys - 505

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/action/supremacymma/news.html?sid=6265261

Xbox 360 | Crysis 2 beta sign-ups beginning

2010-06-11T18:40:00.001-07:00

Xbox 360 | Crysis 2 beta sign-ups beginning

Crytek promoting relaunch of community site with a chance to get access to upcoming shooter's early trial, win a gaming mouse.

Crysis 2 doesn't arrive on the PC, PlayStation 3, or Xbox 360 until later this year, but developer Crytek is giving some lucky gamers a chance to get their hands on the game early. According to Blue's News, prior to the Crysis 2 community portal being taken down for a planned relaunch, Crytek used it to tell fans how they could be considered for a beta test of the upcoming shooter.

Some lucky gamers will get a chance to try out Crysis 2 before its official debut.

By being among the first to register for the new site once it relaunches, gamers will have a chance to secure an access key for the beta. It's unclear which platforms the beta will run on or how gamers who already had accounts on the old community portal will be considered for beta access. (Crytek did note community members' existing login information will still work on the new site.) The beta keys aren't the only incentives involved in the relaunch, as Crytek will also be giving registrants exclusive wallpapers, a badge in the forums, and a chance at winning a Razer gaming mouse.

Crysis 2 sees players fend off an alien threat once again, aided by a nanosuit that grants the user superhuman abilities ranging from speed boosts to active camouflage. One departure the sequel will be taking is in the setting. While the original game featured lush tropical environments, Crysis 2 takes place in the urban jungle of New York City.

For more on Crysis 2, check out GameSpot's latest preview.

Crysis Launch Trailer

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/crysis2/news.html?sid=6265275

Xbox 360 | Shippin' Out June 13-19: Toy Story 3

2010-06-11T18:30:00.001-07:00

Xbox 360 | Shippin' Out June 13-19: Toy Story 3

Disney Interactive Studios' motion picture tie-in, Nintendo's 100 Classic Books, World War II submarine game Naval Assault: The Killing Tide highlight a slow week.

The 2010 Electronic Entertainment Expo kicks off this coming week in Los Angeles, and the industry clearly has the show at the top of its priority list. Unlike past weeks, which saw the release of high-profile add-on content and games including Modern Warfare 2's second map pack, Konami's Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, and Green Day: Rock Band, this week sees fewer new releases in both number and prominence.

The toy gang, at it again.

Pixar's third installment in the Toy Story series comes to theaters this Friday, and Avalanche Software joins in on the animated action with a video game debuting Tuesday. Toy Story 3: The Video Game comes to the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, DS, PC, and Wii, on June 15, three days before the animated flick hits theaters. The game isn't directly tied to the film's narrative, so those who pick up the game on launch day needn't fear spoiling the film for themselves.

One other title releasing this week is 505 Games' Naval Assault: The Killing Tide, a World War II submarine combat Xbox 360 exclusive, debuting June 15. The game has 30 missions set in the North Atlantic, and multiplayer modes for up to four players.

For the portable gamer, Nintendo releases 100 Classic Books on Monday June 14. As its name suggests, this pocket-sized library has 100 novels packed-in, from literary greats William Shakespeare, Mark Twain, Charles Dickens, and more.

Also appearing Tuesday is Superbike World Championship SBK for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC. This latest installment in the superbike series, from Black Bean Games, is a fully licensed title, and includes the World Superbike Championship's cars, tracks, teams, and game modes.

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 Wii Shop Channel will be revealed later in the week. Release dates are based on retailer listings and are subject to change.

MONDAY, JUNE 14
100 Classic Books--DS--Nintendo

TUESDAY, JUNE 15
Dance on Broadway--Wii, DS--Ubisoft
Family Game Show--Wii--Storm City Games
I Spy Universe--DS--Scholastic
Kid Adventure: Sky Captain--Wii--D3Publisher
Let's Play Ballerina--DS, Wii--Deep Silver
Let's Play Garden--DS, Wii--Destineer
Let's Play Flight Attendant--DS--Deep Silver
Mahjong: Ancient Egypt--DS--Destineer
Naval Assault: Killing Tide--X360--505 Games
Pirates Plundarr--Wii--Majesco Sales Inc.
Superbike World Championship SBK--PS3, X360, PC--Valcon Games
The Book of Unwritten Tales--PC--Dreamcatcher
ThinkSMART--DS--Crave Entertainment
Toy Story 3--X360, PS3, DS, Wii, PC--Disney Interactive Studios
Western Riding Academy--DS--Destineer
Yard Sale Hidden Treasures: Sunnyville--DS--Konami

I'm Shipping Up To Boston - Dropkick Murphys

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/sim/navalassault/news.html?sid=6265173