Archive for the ‘social’ Category

Post

GTA: Chinatown Wars PSP, "Dangerous Business" trailer

In social on October 8, 2009 by Social Gamer

Take a look at the latest GTA: China Wars trailer for the PSP. Enjoy!

 

Post

Naruto Shippuden Legends: Akatsuki Rising – Box Art and Screens

In social on October 6, 2009 by Social Gamer

Legends PSP Pack FrontJust released from Namco Bandai is Naruto Shippuden Legends: Akatsuki. This is one series that has done a pretty decent transition from Anime’ to game. The PS3 and Xbox 360 (360 title was published by Ubisoft) titles have a pretty big following ,my guess is that Namco is hoping the same from Sony’s PSP gamers.

<Read the full post here>

Post

Forza3 and Brutal Legend DEMOS available now on XBL

In social on September 24, 2009 by Social Gamer

I have been trying to get a so called code for the Brutal Legend DEMO for some time now. Now I wake up to check E-Mails and Major Nelson’s Tweet popped up in my face.

The Tweet:

@majornelson Brutal Legend Demo time! Check it out: http://xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The download links after the break.

 

cboxforzamotorsport3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Add Forza 3 Demo to your Xbox 360 download queue

 

 

 

 

 

cboxbrutallegend

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Add Brütal Legend Demo to your Xbox 360 download queue

Post

World’s top publishers pledge support for Project Natal

In social on September 23, 2009 by Social Gamer

Project Natal TGS

 

Ever since the unveiling of Project Natal at this years E3 many have speculated that not many publishers would want to develop for the new system. The presser released by Microsoft speaks otherwise. Some “if not” most of the the biggest names in the videogames industry have signed up to go all Natal on us.

 

Publisher that are among that group of supporters are Activision Blizzard, Bethesda Softworks, CAPCOM, Disney Interactive, Electronic Arts, Konami, MTV Games, Namco Bandai, Sega, Square Enix, THQ Inc. and Ubisoft. looks to me that the games that will be produced should be more than some crappy mini-game shovel ware.

Quotes:

Unveiled for the first time in June, “Project Natal” is a code name for a whole new way to play. Combining an RGB camera, depth sensor and multi-array microphone running proprietary software, “Project Natal” enables gamers to play in a natural and inviting new way, free from the boundaries of a controller through the use of sight, sound and motion.

Publishers, who received development kits from Microsoft in early June, used the opening of the Tokyo Game Show to voice their excitement about “Project Natal.”

“Microsoft ‘Project Natal’ could fundamentally change the way players experience sports games,” said EA Sports President Peter Moore. “At EA, some of our top development teams are experimenting with these tools with the goal of delivering a completely fresh take on genres like sports and racing.”

 

The huge enthusiasm for Project Natal is just over whelming and really strikes at the fact that Microsoft is truly bringing the next evolution to motion sensing technology while not just trying the “me too” approach. Their won’t be a need for any wand or Wii-Mote controller to get fully engaged into the game(s) or interface of the Xbox Dashboard.

Here’s the full press release for your viewing pleasure.

Xbox 360’s “Project Natal” Awakens Imagination of Global Video-Game Industry

World’s top publishers pledge support for “Project Natal,” helping pioneer a new category of controller-free games and entertainment.

TOKYO — Sept. 24, 2009 Xbox 360 today announced widespread enthusiasm from the world’s leading video-game publishers for “Project Natal,” a whole new way to play — no controller required. Developers across the globe have embraced the technology and have begun work on titles that will deliver extraordinary entertainment experiences for everyone to enjoy. Coming just three months after “Project Natal” was unveiled at E3, the announcements at the Tokyo Game Show underscore the swift industry support for the revolutionary controller-free experiences being developed exclusively for Xbox 360, the premier games and entertainment system.

Among the elite publishers actively working on games for “Project Natal” are Activision Blizzard, Bethesda Softworks, CAPCOM, Disney Interactive, Electronic Arts, Konami, MTV Games, Namco Bandai, Sega, Square Enix, THQ Inc. and Ubisoft. Together, these publishers account for more than 70 percent of third-party software sales for this generation of console and most of the world’s most recognized video game franchises.

“‘Project Natal’ gives the industry’s creators and storytellers the freedom to dream of new experiences and to tell stories never before possible,” said Don Mattrick, senior vice president for the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft Corp. “The support of these creative partners testifies to the excitement that ‘Project Natal’ is generating among the most innovative minds in the industry, and is proof that Xbox 360 not only offers the best games and entertainment today, but will lead with innovation and new ways to have fun in the future.”

Further details of publishers’ new “Project Natal”-inspired projects will be released at a later date.

Underscoring the widespread enthusiasm for “Project Natal” among the industry’s top creative forces, Xbox 360 is hosting a high-powered panel at the Tokyo Game Show featuring three acclaimed Japanese industry luminaries: CAPCOM’s Keiji Inafune, creator of “Mega Man” and “Dead Rising,” Sega’s Toshihiro Nagoshi, creator of “Super Monkey Ball,” and Konami’s Hideo Kojima, creator of the “Metal Gear Solid” series. The three developers will discuss the possibilities for the groundbreaking new experiences that can only be achieved with “Project Natal.”

Unveiled for the first time in June, “Project Natal” is a code name for a whole new way to play. Combining an RGB camera, depth sensor and multi-array microphone running proprietary software, “Project Natal” enables gamers to play in a natural and inviting new way, free from the boundaries of a controller through the use of sight, sound and motion.

Publishers, who received development kits from Microsoft in early June, used the opening of the Tokyo Game Show to voice their excitement about “Project Natal.”

“Microsoft ‘Project Natal’ could fundamentally change the way players experience sports games,” said EA Sports President Peter Moore. “At EA, some of our top development teams are experimenting with these tools with the goal of delivering a completely fresh take on genres like sports and racing.”

“Activision is encouraged by the innovation that Project Natal will bring to the industry and how it can transform consumers’ video games experience. We have development teams working on Project Natal development kits to explore the creative possibilities this new technology affords,” said Dusty Welch, senior vice president and head of Publishing at Activision/Blizzard.

“I strongly feel that ‘Project Natal’ will expand the possibilities of gaming. It’s yet another component that adds to the appeal of Xbox 360 and demonstrates to users the broad level of entertainment it provides,” said Keiji Inafune, managing corporate officer and head of Research & Development Management Group at CAPCOM. “Personally, I too am extremely excited about ‘Project Natal.’ It’s really going to stir up our creative spirits. I think it’s going to bring new ways to play and new surprises to Xbox 360 fans and help further the development of completely original content. ‘Project Natal’ is definitely something people should look out for.”

“Ubisoft sees enormous opportunities with ‘Project Natal.’ With the 3-D camera, your body can become the interface,” said Yves Guillemot, chief executive officer of Ubisoft. “Any barrier related to the use of pad controllers that may have existed for potential gamers is now abolished. Ubisoft is already taking advantage of this major evolution to design new types of gaming experiences and attract more people to play video games.”

In addition to the broad industry support, Microsoft Game Studios is busy at work creating a diverse slate of experiences that will appeal to a wide variety of entertainment interests.

“‘Project Natal’ is enabling our team of developers to create experiences we couldn’t have accomplished before,” said Phil Spencer, corporate vice president, Microsoft Game Studios. “Microsoft Game Studios will help lead the way in bringing ‘Project Natal’ to life.”

While laying the foundation for tomorrow with “Project Natal,” Xbox 360 remains the premier device for home entertainment today. Hot new titles for Xbox LIVE Arcade were also unveiled at the Tokyo Game Show, including “Toy Soldiers,” “Snoopy Flying Ace,” “Bomberman Live: Battlefest” and “RayStormHD,” positioning Xbox LIVE Arcade as the premier destination to enjoy the most innovative downloadable games.

Xbox 360 is also set to deliver the best new gaming, entertainment and social experiences for consumers this fall. Not only is Xbox 360 home to the most-anticipated exclusive games such as “Halo 3: ODST,” “Forza Motorsport 3,” “Left 4 Dead 2,” and new content from Rockstar Games including the Xbox retail exclusive “Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City” featuring “The Ballad of Gay Tony,” which will also be available for download over Xbox LIVE, it will also be the only place to watch instant-on HD in 1080p1 with Zune video, and listen to personalized streaming radio right in the living room with Last.fm on Xbox LIVE. And with new social experiences custom-made for the television, Xbox LIVE continues to offer the most ways of any console to connect and share with friends and family on Facebook, and post tweets on Twitter.

Post

Here is the infamous SEGA Presser (with PS3 leaks)

In social on September 23, 2009 by Social Gamer

best-of-2008-in-our-business-product-leaks All morning on twitter journalists, bloggers and internet savvy gamers have been hearing all sorts of rumors and speculations on a SEGA presser that had some confidential SONY information on it. The press release was pulled of the SEGA press site right away in fear of leakage of sensitive information.

It seems like SEGA has changed their minds after all:” To our english readers : since the leak is now available all around the internet, we decided to put it back on Objectif-Sega.”

I want to point you in the right direction on the real meat of this presser: Motion Controller release date for Japan is Spring 2010 – Bayonetta DEMO around Christmas time frame – PSN to get Japanese Import section – Finally the big news, PS2 emulation for the PS3. The entire presser is a great read with all kinds of goodies. Enjoy.
“Objectives of Meeting

Dyer agreed to regular quarterly meetings with SOA

Sony PS3

SCEA reiterated plans to sell 13 million PS3s this year Big announcement back half of year they can’t talk about (potentially price cut of PS3 to reach hardware goals) SCEA commented on indexing between PS3 and 360 SKUs, should be around 2:1 to garner most favorable treatment.

Motion Controller

Spring 2010 launch (March in JP) No bundle/pricing details yet, should come Sept 1 Plan on selling 4-5MM units WW SCEA agreed to provide a list of Sega IP that would work well with the motion controller, Virtua Tennis was an example Motion Controller support allows easy way to differentiate PS3 SKU Other differentiation opportunities include PSP/PS3 interoperability – think of features that would make users want to buy both PS3 and PSP SKUs.

Alpha Protocol

Michael Foster, product evaluator, said AP felt barely RPG. Initial level too challenging for players. “Mass Effect felt more RPG.” Review notes sent to John Merlino a few weeks prior. After meeting Gerald mentioned AP is a high priority for his team.

Planet 51

Sell in of PS3 SKU – SCEA noted that other movie titles on PS3 had underperformed as well (inc. Transformers) this cycle. Dyer suggests contacting Susan at Walmart and asking what she wants in the pack to sell this SKU (movie tix etc) Other possibilities are Hybrid movie disc (BD 25 or 50 with Game and Movie on same disc).

Bayonetta

Collectors edition with Bayonetta Action Figure Novo recommended launching PSN demo around Xmas based off a Jan 5th Ship date with 2-3 week run out to launch. 3-4 weeks is usually ideal demo timing with fresh content every week leading up to launch (trailers, insider video about PG heritage, video blogs).

Vancouver 2010

HOME, Olympic destination would garner a lot of positive attention from SCEA Should be doing same with Bayonetta, Marvel etc. Easy to launch in all territories. HOME merchandizing opportunities (clothes etc).

Sonic Racing

Open to DLC to differentiate PS3 SKU – not ratchet and clank but other characters, maybe characters from Rare or Fable universes

Yakuza

Could put Japanese games directly on PSN for download in a special Japanese Import section (pricing $9.99 to $39.99 for full game). Might need to localize menus at least with subtitles. SCEA interested in helping on MKTG side if they can have period of exclusivity.

AVP

Another great HOME candidate AVP avatars Hybrid BD disc with movie

Iron Man 2

Great candidate for HOME space – explore Tony Stark’s lab etc. Should have one for Marvel in general.

PSU2

Could do bundle at GameStop with PSP 30-35K units on UMD, Go, or both.

Valkyria 1937

Could bundle with PSP as well.

Vanquish and Aliens: CM

Opportunity for PS3/PSP interoperability (see Eidos Batman, Army of Two, Assassin’s Creed for good examples). If we offer that SCEA would be really interested in having us at their booth next E3.

Thor

SCEA would like a look at the code soon.

Sonic Anniversary

Could put out collectors edition with all old sonic games on one BD disc. “Best of Sonic” for around $99. SCEA would love PSN exclusive power ups/different game modes (like Castlevania’s flip it over/backwards)

PS2 emulator for PS3 (confidential)

SCEA wants to sell all PS2 titles on PSN (GTA Vice City/Sonic/etc)< For co Marketing money show PS3 controller on TV ads – similar to EA Madden Spots, NCAA, etc…

London Olympics

Perfect opportunity for Motion Controller integration.

DC Digital Titles

If we provide a list of DC titles SCEA will let us know which ones they’re interested in having exclusively. If we give them a long period of exclusivity they’ll give us more marketing support.

PSP Titles

For SKU differentiation it’s best to offer features that are slightly different from PS3 version. Titles that are coming up on PSP are Assassin’s Creed II, GTA China Wars, Resident Evil, Little Big Planet – all massive franchises. SCEA has a specific PSP deck which they can send up with their hardware director for a chat.”

Post

Alienware to make a big appearance at TGS 09

In social on September 22, 2009 by Social Gamer

Alienware

The buzz around the net and of course on a few PDF files up on the Official Tokyo Game Show website is that Alienware has something big to announce that will be shaking up the PC side of gaming. I am still digging around for more information. What I am curious about is what can Alienware bring to PC gaming other than massively over priced gaming rigs.

While reading deep into the press files on the TGS site I also read that this year will be the first time that there will be a PC exhibition on the floor. This news comes after so much hate on the PC market and “console only” gamers continuing to believe that PC gaming is either dead or is dying. I laugh and cry every time I hear those words. 

I can’t wait to see what new innovations Alienware will bring to the market. My wish would be for a new line of sub 1000.00 rigs that could be pushed to the mainstream market of PC Gamers. In a side note, another option would be for them to launch a XBL style unique ID type of system that would work across all games and offer easy console style party system. I can wish can’t I? Peace…!

Post your comments and I ask you now. What do you think the PC Gaming market needs to have gamers want to buy the PC versions of these current gen console titles?

Post

Breed: Alienware?s First 3D Animated Short

In social on September 22, 2009 by Social Gamer

Post

Empire Total War: Warpath Trailer for PC

In social on September 22, 2009 by Social Gamer

 

units_1

 

SEGA has released the trailer for Empire Total War: The warpath Campaign to the masses today. I wanted to upload the video as soon as I could, but Youtube has been real slow lately. Better late than not at all, right? PC gaming is moving along just fine. Not to mention the fact that SEGA really loves producing most of it’s titles on PC and can continue to expect more great titles from SEGA for the PC platform. Enjoy…

 

Information: The Warpath Campaign Expansion is only available through Steam. Check the Downloadable Content page on Steam to purchase and unlock the new campaign and all 5 new American Indian factions. These factions can be played in single player and multiplayer games.

Pre Purchase as a Digital Download from STEAM

A new detailed North American Campaign Map expands the Empire: Total War experience, with 5 brand new American Indian factions, new units and technologies. Experience battles in the new Warpath Campaign and lead one of the 5 new factions in an epic war to defend your lands and drive out the invaders. Or take these units and their unique strengths into multiplayer battles.

**IMPORTANT NOTE** This downloadable content requires the base game Empire: Total War in order to play.

<source>

Post

Sniper Vs Sniper: Online – expected to be on iTunes by early October!

In social on September 22, 2009 by Social Gamer

Sniper Vs. Sniper to come as soon as early October. Com2Us in my opinion is making a really good name for it’s self with in the mobile gamer community. With a lot of innovations like online multiplayer and chat rooms built into games.

I feel like future titles will just continue to evolve and push the boundaries of mobile gaming. Here is a full detailed letter from Com2Us. Please support indie gaming and help all of us mobile gamers continue to receive great high quality games.

***NOTE*** – “Scroll to bottom of post for Video”

Details:

Sniper Vs Sniper: online, the next generation of Homerun Battle 3D
Sniper Vs Sniper: Online, from the makers of Homerun Battle 3D, has been submitted their game to Apple‟s App Store on Monday (Sept 21st). Com2uS who boasts to be the best publisher for online games on the iPhone/iPod Touch is scoping out to be the next big online game.
Com2uS has optimized their hit game, Homerun Battle 3D, to deliver their second visually stunning online game. To fully understand Com2uS‟ methods, let‟s break down what makes their new sniper game so addicting:
Game play
Where Homerun Battle 3D generates riveting competition between a live opponent to hit home runs, Sniper Vs Sniper tests the players ability to calmly aim and shoot at the opponent. As opposed to Homerun Battle 3D, mere milliseconds in Sniper Vs Sniper can be the difference between an extra medal on your plaque and a headshot from your opponent. This difference in game play makes the game much more interactive while utilizing the player‟s ability to stay cool under pressure.
“Imagine the thrill you get when you‟ve finally found your opponent, just to find out your opponent had you in his scope the whole time.” says Joony Koo, team leader of global business team at Com2uS.
It really keeps you at the edge of your seat.
However, it‟s not just about having your opponent shake their iPhone in frustration. Sniper Vs Sniper also contains an online ally mode where you team up with a friend to take down AI terrorist groups.
“If two terrorists are standing side by side, killing one of them will alert the other terrorists nearby. But if you ally with another live sniper and shoot both terrorists at the same time, then the enemies won‟t have a chance to fight back emphasizing an extreme importance to teamwork” says Koo.
Peer to Peer
Another long awaited update from their former online game is the new in-game chat feature. Players from around the world can chat with each in chat rooms before and after each game. This feature adds a whole new world to trash-talking that never existed before.
In addition, players can send pre-recorded voice messages to each other such as: “I‟ll take the left, you take the right” during the ally mode or threat opponents with messages like “What do you want on your tomb stone”.
And parents need not worry of profanity because Com2uS has embedded a filtering system into their chatting system.
Last but not least, Sniper Vs Sniper has added online ranking which uses a military hierarchy system depending on your scores. Unlike Homerun Battle 3D, now a mere number doesn‟t define your greatness instead you are awarded metals to show off your trigger happy skills.
Network experience
The huge success of Homerun Battle 3D has caused some minor server issues with „weak connection‟ pop-ups. With an average of over 600 users logged in simultaneously, data packets would on occasion miss their destination.
Com2uS has remedied this problem in Sniper Vs Sniper with an independent server in the U.S., where approximately 70% of the players are based. Although this may seem like an advantage for only U.S. players, all players on the western hemisphere will experience less latency and a more responsive game play.
With a high expectation of simultaneous users, Sniper Vs Sniper‟s chatting feature has integrated 99 channels to avoid overcrowding of chat rooms.
To further let players know who‟s boss, Sniper Vs Sniper has added a Twitter and Facebook feature within the application.
Game without the network feature
With all the great online features, Sniper Vs Sniper is not restricted to only online use. In Single Player Mode, the game contains 6 stages for story mode, 6 stages for campaign mode, and 30 unique missions for special mission mode. And to reward the player‟s diligence to complete the special missions, the player is awarded upgraded equipment which can then be used in the online mode.
Com2uS is still working on Homerun Battle 3D as it will add in-app items in the coming update.
Sniper Vs Sniper: Online will be the game that gives Com2uS the right recognition as a publisher with an expertise in network/online gaming.

About Com2uS
Com2uS Corporation (KOSDAQ 078340) established in July 1998, became the first and leading mobile entertainment provider in Korea. Since then, Com2uS has developed a reputation for creating innovative and entertaining games and applications around the world, which are available in over 40 countries in Asia, Europe and North America.

 

 

Post

Live! HALO3 :ODST launch stream..!

In social on September 21, 2009 by Social Gamer

Post

Forza 3: RJ DeVera Car Designer talks customizations and more…

In social on September 21, 2009 by Social Gamer

RJ DeVera

With Forza 3 just around the corner, I wanted to post this developer video walkthrough. As you can see on this video RJ De Vera Car Designer for Forza Motorsport 3 has a passion for

Read More »

Post

Press Release: Blockdot Releases "Halloween Chicktionary" for the IPhone

In social on September 21, 2009 by Social Gamer

Anyone that knows my gaming heritage will realize how much I love spreading the news on new Indie Developed games for any platform.  hallochick I just found this press release available for immediate release, so here’s the information.

Blockdot is a world-renowned and award-winning studio specializing in Interactive Entertainment and Advergaming technologies. Since 2001, Blockdot has built hundreds of entertaining experiences and online promotional strategies.

(Press Release)Sep 21, 2009 – In Halloween Chicktionary, each trick-or-treating hen bears a letter. Your goal is to unscramble the letters and create as many words as possible. Tap the chickens and spell out a word, then watch as the word appears below them. The more words you create, the more points you earn!
Besides the egg-citing game play, Halloween Chicktionary has cool features that give it “haunting” depth, making it one of the most “scarily” engaging games on the iPhone:
•  The game environment lets loose all the trappings of Halloween, including rustling leaves, thick fog, and eerie sounds!
•  Feeling grim about your next move? Shake your iPhone to shuffle the chickens and get a new look at your word options.
•  300 levels of wickedly fun puzzles.
•  Earn Eggchievements for crazy stuff or just playing the game like a pro.
•  Other features include being able to save the game, local & worldwide scoreboards, hidden Easter eggs, game statistics — and more!
You can purchase the full version of Halloween Chicktionary for only $1.99 – or download a free “Lite” version featuring 12 puzzles – by visiting the iTunes Halloween Chicktionary homepage.

Post

The Saboteur Community Update

In social on September 18, 2009 by Social Gamer

I just got word from Mathew Everett Community & Content Manager Pandemic Studios today on information regarding The Saboteur. The update is that with the game coming out soon they will be releasing information on the game every week until launch, or at least until further notice. Pandemic just received

the ESRB rating and wanted to share the information along with a couple of screen shots to show you why the rating was given.

Below is the ESRB Rating for The Saboteur PC/PS3/Xbox360.

 esrb_SabCategory Icon (Rating Symbol):

 

 

 

 

Category Name:

Mature 17+

Content Descriptors:

Blood

Intense Violence

Nudity

Sexual Themes

Strong Language

Here are the screens:

APRIL_29

 APRIL_31

Visit the Resistance Blog Post – Join the Resistance if you haven’t yet.

Post

Xbox News: 250GB Xbox 360 on Nov.11th

In social on September 16, 2009 by Social Gamer

Late last night on my Xbox 360 Spotlight section of the Dashboard I noticed a video with the Modern Warefare header.
To my surprise it was a video of the next Xbox 360 bundle from Microsoft.
Just a note this is not a permanent SKU nor will they be selling a stand alone 250GB HDD, according to Major Nelson in this video.
 

Video recorded via Qik on my iPhone 3G

250 GB Xbox 360 Limited Edition

Post

Incoming PC Games for Week of 9.13.09

In social on September 15, 2009 by Social Gamer

Incoming PC titles

I must apologized for missing out on posting for the last two weeks.  Currently I am out of state until my internet and HD cable service is turned on. I do have internet at my current location, so I will try to post a little bit more. Here are this weeks release titles for PC.

Read More »