New Releases: Week of 8/19

Title	Platform	Genre	Release Date
BioShock	PC	Action	Aug 21, 2007
BioShock	X360	Action	Aug 21, 2007
Brain Age 2: More Training in Minutes a Day	DS	Puzzle	Aug 20, 2007
Brunswick Pro Bowling	WII	Sports	Aug 21, 2007
Brunswick Pro Bowling	PSP	Sports	Aug 21, 2007
Brunswick Pro Bowling	PS2	Sports	Aug 21, 2007
Combat Mission: Shock Force	PC	Strategy	Aug 22, 2007
Dave Mirra BMX Challenge	WII	Driving	Aug 21, 2007
Destination: Treasure Island	PC	Adventure	Aug 21, 2007
Dragoneer's Aria	PSP	Role-Playing	Aug 21, 2007
I SPY Fun House	DS	Puzzle	Aug 21, 2007
Jeanne D'Arc	PSP	Role-Playing	Aug 21, 2007
MetropolisMania 2	PS2	Strategy	Aug 21, 2007
Panzer Killer	PC	Action	Aug 21, 2007
Real World Golf 2007	PS2	Sports	Aug 25, 2007
Real World Golf 2007	PC	Sports	Aug 25, 2007
Rider's World: Competition	PC	Action	Aug 20, 2007
Super Metroid	WII	Action	Aug 20, 2007
The Settlers	DS	Strategy	Aug 21, 2007
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2	PS3	Action	Aug 21, 2007
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2	PSP	Action	Aug 21, 2007
Turn It Around	DS	Action	Aug 21, 2007
Two Worlds	X360	Role-Playing	Aug 21, 2007
Two Worlds	PC	Role-Playing	Aug 21, 2007

[From Gamespot]

This Week's XBLA Release

Content: Hexic 2
Price: 800 Microsoft Points
Availability: All regions
Size: 56.50 MB
Dash Text: [ESRB: E (EVERYONE)] Single Player, Xbox LIVE Multiplayer 1-2, Local Multiplayer 1-2, HD (High Definition). Ready to put your hex-busting skills to the test? The game’s not over until you build a full cluster, flower, or line of black pearls! For an extra layer of challenge, match wits with a friend or the devious computer player in Battle mode.

Content: Ecco the Dolphin
Price: 400 Microsoft Points
Availability: All regions
Size: 67.18 MB
Dash Text: Single Player, HD (High Definition) Help Ecco the dolphin find his missing friends by exploring his vast ocean world. You must surface for air and keep an eye out for enemies as you search the depths. Ecco's unique sonar ability will give you helpful information from other sea creatures.

[From Major Nelson]

This Week's VC Update

Metroid� (NES�, 1 player, rated E for Everyone � Mild Fantasy Violence, 500 Wii Points): The first installment of the immensely successful Metroid series introduces us to the hideous title creatures and the slick, cybernetic bounty hunter Samus Aran. As Samus, your mission is to penetrate the space pirates' home planet, Zebes, and keep them from destroying the galaxy with the dangerous life forms known as Metroids. Metroid has all the high-tech weaponry, creepy tunnels and crawly alien creatures that anyone could ask for. With its deep and complex game play, excellent music and a rare sense of setting, it establishes a frightening ambience that will haunt and entertain you for a very long time.

Shining in the Darkness� (Sega Genesis, 1 player, rated E for Everyone � Mild Fantasy Violence, 800 Wii Points): Dark Sol has vowed to reign over the enchanted Kingdom of Thornwood, and only you can stop him. Find the powerful Arms of Light and battle the deadly beasts that keep your people desperate and starving in this epic journey for peace. Roaming the dark Labyrinth, you'll seek out enemies and collect weapons, all of which will help you pass the test of the Ancients and become a shining knight. Get into the adventure with a stunning 3-D perspective, amazing cinematic views and fast-paced scrolling. You'll move from battle to battle, solving puzzles and discovering secret items in this engrossing struggle between good and evil.

Cratermaze� (TurboGrafx16, 1 player, rated E for Everyone � Comic Mischief, 600 Wii Points): Cratermaze is a comical action game set in a parallel world. While on a trip through time, you and your friends are confronted by Kublai, henchman to the evil Zenzombie. He traps your friends at separate points in the space-time continuum. Now you must fight your way through 60 rounds of mazes to save your friends. Dinosaurs, ninjas, robots and other enemies lurk within the mazes, spanning from primitive times to the future. Escape the enemies by digging holes to trap them in and then filling the holes to finish them off. Collect all the chests within the time limit to get the key and exit to the next round. With special items such as shovels and spring platforms, Cratermaze takes its game play to new heights, making for an unforgettable gaming experience.

New Releases: Week of 8/12

Title	Platform	Genre	Release Date
1914 Shells of Fury	PC	Simulation	Aug 14, 2007
7 Wonders of the Ancient World 2	PC	Puzzle	Aug 14, 2007
ATV / Monster Truck Mayhem	DS	Driving	Aug 15, 2007
Billy the Wizard: Rocket Broomstick Racing	WII	Driving	Aug 14, 2007
Book of Mysteries	PC	Puzzle	Aug 14, 2007
Dungeons & Dragons Tactics	PSP	Strategy	Aug 14, 2007
Fatal Fury: Battle Archives Volume 1	PS2	Action	Aug 14, 2007
Heroes of Mana	DS	Strategy	Aug 14, 2007
High School Musical: Makin' the Cut	DS	Puzzle	Aug 14, 2007
Luminous Arc	DS	Role-Playing	Aug 14, 2007
Madden NFL 08	XBOX	Sports	Aug 14, 2007
Madden NFL 08	DS	Sports	Aug 14, 2007
Madden NFL 08	PC	Sports	Aug 14, 2007
Madden NFL 08	WII	Sports	Aug 14, 2007
Madden NFL 08	PS3	Sports	Aug 14, 2007
Madden NFL 08	PSP	Sports	Aug 14, 2007
Madden NFL 08	X360	Sports	Aug 14, 2007
Madden NFL 08	PS2	Sports	Aug 14, 2007
Madden NFL 08	GC	Sports	Aug 14, 2007
Madden NFL 08	MAC	Sports	Aug 14, 2007
MetropolisMania 2	PS2	Strategy	Aug 14, 2007
Mystery Solitaire: Secret Island	PC	Puzzle	Aug 14, 2007
Operation: Vietnam	DS	Action	Aug 14, 2007
Prank TV	PC	Adventure	Aug 14, 2007
Rune Factory: A Fantasy Harvest Moon	DS	Role-Playing	Aug 14, 2007
Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3	PS2	Role-Playing	Aug 14, 2007

[From Gamespot]

New "Holiday" Bundles for the 360

Microsoft just isn't letting off the pressure on Sony. Every time Sony does a good thing for their console Microsoft counters right back. Released today on one of Microsoft's marketing sites is 2 new bundles for the 360. One for the Pro/Premium version and one for the Elite (maybe the core is done with huh?). Included in the bundles is not just 1 game (Topspin 2), which currently Best Buy is selling, but 2. Which two you ask? None other than Forza 2 and Marvel Ultimate Alliance, yeah, not the best games in the world, but decent. No word on the price of the bundle or release date other than Holiday.

[From Kotaku]

The Mysterious Halo 3 Epsilon Revealed

For a while now if you looked at many of the Bungie guys and their Halo 3 tester's Gamercards you would see the name Halo 3 Epsilon. Well now we know what it is. In a E-mail from Bungie to the Beta testers was these words:

Congratulations on being selected to participate in the Halo 3 Epsilon! The Epsilon is now available for download on Marketplace!

First, unlike the Alpha, Beta or Delta, this is a very special test in that not only will you be testing nearly final Halo 3 Matchmaking, you will also be able to:
* Play Multiplayer on six maps: Snowbound, High Ground, Valhalla, Last Resort, Epitaph and our new big map, Sandtrap.
* Play Custom Games and test out full game variant editing.
* Play with the Forge and be able to cooperatively edit and save multiplayer map variants.
* Play up to 4 person co-op on a single Campaign level.
* Play and test the full Saved Film functionality, including screenshots you can view in-game for Campaign, Multiplayer and Forge.

[From Xbox-Scene]

Today's PSN Update

Not to much on this week's PSN update:

• Piyotama game ($2.99)
• Heavenly Sword Anime episode 1 (free)
• Heavenly Sword making of video 1 (free)
• Turok E3 trailer (free)
• 10,000 BC movie trailer (free)
• Fred Claus movie trailer (free)
• Superbad movie trailer (free)
• Perfect Stranger movie trailer (free)

[From PS3 Fanboy]

TimeShift Release Date Announced

Oh, please let this one be true. How many times have we heard this? Sierra has officially announced the release date of TimeShift for the PC and Xbox 360 on October 30th and the PS3 to come soon after in December. Let's all hope the can stick to their release date this time around.

[From CVG]

HDMI 360s CONFIRMED [Update]

The rumors were true once again. Several people have already went to the store and have purchased the new Xbox 360 with HDMI. They were the Premium version of course, but could possibly include the Core model. When Microsoft was asked about this they released this statement:

"Yes, we are offering an HDMI port for Xbox 360 simply as another choice in Xbox 360 owners' games and entertainment experience. Retailers are gradually introducing HDMI-enabled Xbox 360s into the channel to meet demand."

It has not been confirmed, but the very rumors that broke the story also mentioned of the new 65nm chips being in this new version of the 360. For those who don't know, the 65nm chips are exactly the same as the current chips, but are more efficient on energy and also cooler. This could lead to the fixing of the red rings of death everyone has been getting lately. The box will look exactly the same but will sport a HDMI logo. No word on what's included in the box, but it is believed that everything will remain the same, which means no HDMI in the box like the Elite. This new model is also included in the recent 360 price drop.

[From Kotaku]


[Update]

It has been found out that the newly released HDMI 360s do NOT have the 65nm chips everyone was hoping for. On the box instead of the name "Falcon" (the codename for the 65nm chipset) is the name "Zephyr" which is the codename for the same motherboard of the Elite console. So basically your getting an white Elite with a 20 GB hardrive. For some pics of the box check it out at Joystiq.

Better 360s On the Way?

When I was at E3 I had a chance to get a look at the new Halo-edition 360 hardware, and I asked about the HDMI connection. "HDMI will probably be standard moving forward," I was told. I pushed for more information, but was rebuffed. Now, after the price drop announcement, a mole sent us some interesting information about Microsoft's upcoming hardware plans. If you're thinking of buying, you may want to hold off.

First, a few caveats. This is rumor. I won't name the source, but the information she/he provided me matches up with everything I've been told and understand about Microsoft's future hardware plans. I think it sounds solid, but I'm not willing to say this will definitely happen.

According to my source, Microsoft wants to cut through all their existing inventory of hardware. They will then quietly "soft launch" a new version of the Core and Premium hardware in late August or September that will include an HDMI port. It's also expected that this new hardware will feature the 65nm process for the CPU and quieter DVD drives. The new hardware will ship in boxes very similar to what we saw on store shelves now, but there will be a small "call out" on the box so you know you're getting a system with the HDMI connection.

Much about this information makes sense. We can expect the 65nm machines to launch any time now, and with the launch of the Halo-edition system only the Cores and Premiums will lack the HDMI, this revision will make the connection standard. We also know Microsoft will be fixing the heating issues that caused their costly warranty extension, and bundling all these updates into one product moving forward would be a smart move.

[From Opposable Thumbs]

Wii System Update Breaking Freeloader

For those of you who don't know, freeloader is used to play imported games on the Wii. BE AWARE! The new System Update for the Wii, version 3.0, will not let you use your Freeloader in any way. When Nintendo was asked about the problem they gave this statement:

...because it isn't an official product approved by Nintendo, there was nothing it could do.

There you have it. If you want to continue using your freeloader DO NOT update your Wii. It looks like Nintendo isn't planning on fixing the issue anytime soon.

[From Kotaku]

Band of Bugs Contest

From the Press Release:

BECOME A WINNER WITH BAND OF BUGS NEW EXPANSION PACK, RED KINGDOM

New story, new characters, new challenges and one huge contest await gamers

Orem, Utah - August 8, 2007 - NinjaBee, a division of Wahoo Studios and a leading independent developer of Xbox LIVE Arcade titles, announced today its newest expansion pack, Red Kingdom, for its Band of Bugs title. With this new expansion pack comes more content for the level editor, leading to Ninja Bee's own "Design a Level Contest."

Red Kingdom moves the action from the Western Kingdom to the Southern Kingdom, and adds two new troop types - artillery and cavalry - and ten exciting new missions. The Southern Kingdom's arid desert comes to life with new main characters with special powers and a higher level cap. Players will be happy to see new Achievements have been added, as well as new cinematics which further the saga. The game can be enjoyed single player or co-operatively as well as in multiplayer battles.

Band of Bugs gained popularity for its level editor, which allows any user to create unique content for their friends and the community. Red Kingdom pushes the editor further by adding in desert tile sets and items such as stone huts, rock formations and more cactus types than any Bug needs. To make sure these new levels get seen, NinjaBee is hosting a contest for level editors. Once gamers have designed their entry level, they only need to post a description and screen shots to the user forums at www. NinjaBee.com. Members of the forum will vote for their favorite levels and NinjaBee staffers will take the top 3 levels with the most votes, play through them and select the number one level. Winners will get 4,000 Microsoft Points and a special edition NinjaBee tee-shirt. All levels are due by August 16, 2007. Contest rules will be posted on www.ninjabee.com.

Band of Bugs was released June, 2007. It is available on Xbox LIVE Arcade as both a free trial and as a full game for only 800 Microsoft Points. It supports 1-4 players in co-op or in multiplayer versus modes and also supports the Xbox LIVE Vision camera. One of the few turn-based tactics games available, Band of Bugs provides gameplay deep enough to be satisfying to established fans of the genre, but friendly enough to appeal to casual gamers. The game has fifty levels, and also features a level editor allowing gamers to design custom scenarios and play them solo or over Xbox LIVE with friends.

This Week's XBLA Release

Back to the ol' one game a week thing. Here is this Week's Release:

Content: Track & Field
Price: 400 Microsoft Points
Availability: All Xbox Live regions
Dash Text: Single Player, Xbox LIVE Multiplayer 1-4, Local Multiplayer 1-4, HD (High Definition). Step into the winner’s circle with six classic events to test your skills. Race in the 100mDash and 110mHurdles, test your skills with the Javelin and Hammer Throw, and hop to it with the Long Jump and High Jump. Compete with up to four players on Xbox LIVE and global rankings will compare your skills and announce the World Champion.

[From Major Nelson]

Sony Having Emulation Problems on PSN

After pulling MediEvil last week Sony has now pulled Spyro 2 and Crash Bandicoot 2 from the PSN. Sony has released these statements:

“We are currently investigating the reports of issues associated with MediEvil and Spyro 2. This investigation is highly technical and requires some time to work through. We are making progress and we will be communicating with people who bought these items directly within the next 10 days.

"For Crash Bandicoot 2 the situation is more clear as its removal was purely precautionary. We are optimistic that the title will be back in the store shortly.”

Looks like Sony has been trying too hard to catch up with Live Arcade and the Wii's Virtual Console.

[From Next Generation]

360 Price Drop OFFICIAL

All the internet buzz over the past several months have now come true, sorta. The core has dropped down to $279, the premium to $350, the Special Halo edition (same as premium, just spartan green) $400, and the elite will be $449. Not exactly true to the rumors, but close enough I suppose. I would have really liked to see Microsoft drop the core to $250 to give the Wii a little more competition and to drop the elite to $400. Oh well, a price drop is never bad news from the consumer's standpoint. What next? The Wii, anyone?

[From Kotaku]

Singstar PS3 Dated

At a Sony Computer Entertainment America event held Friday at the always-classy House of Blues in Chicago, the publisher revealed the first 15 tracks from the North American release of Singstar for the PlayStation 3, which will feature extensive downloadable content when it ships on November 13th. Additional tracks are likely forthcoming, but for now, check out the first batch of songs that you'll embarrass yourself to this holiday season (with help from the PlayStation Eye).

• The Automatic - Monster
• Britney Spears - Toxic
• David Bowie - Let's Dance
• Franz Ferdinand - Do You Want To
• The Killers - Mr. Brightside
• Ne-Yo - So Sick
• Outkast - Hey Ya!
• The Pixies - Here Comes Your Man
• Queens of the Stone Age - Go With the Flow
• Radiohead - No Surprises
• R.E.M. - Losing My Religion
• Scissor Sisters - I Don't Feel Like Dancin'
• U2 - Beautiful Day
• Weezer - Buddy Holly
• Wolfmother - Love Train

[From 1up]

360 Gets Minor Dash Update

There must be something about today, this just seems to good. First, we get the Wii System update and now we get the 360 dash update. Don't get too excited though. Not to much to say about this update other than giving the 360 the functionality to use wireless guitars for 2 upcoming games (I'm sure you know what they are). Nothing more than that, but we won't have to wait long the fall dash update will be here soon enough.

[From Major Nelson]

Wii System Update 3.0 Released

Late last night the Wii received another system update. Man, it's nice to see that blue light again. Well here's what's packed in the update:

Wii Menu
- The weather forecast will now be displayed on the Forecast Channel icon in the Wii Menu.
- Headline news will now be displayed on the News Channel icon in the Wii Menu.
- The current time will now be displayed in the Wii Menu.
- The area around the Wii Message Board button will now flash when a message arrives..

Wii Message Board
- You're now able to rearrange the order of your Wii Friends in the address book.
- You're now able to go into the Wii Friends registration screen by pressing the A Button on a blank spot in the address book.
- Envelope message icons will now appear on the calendar only on the dates when a message is received.
- Your message sending history will now be displayed in Today's Accomplishments.
- You can now scroll the message text by pressing the B button on the message screen.

Wii Shop Channel
- The search function on Virtual Console has been enhanced.

[From Nintendo]

Very nice update. I highly recommend checking out the updated shop channel. I also really like the clock added to the Wii menu.

This Week's VC Update

Wave Race 64 (Nintendo 64, 1-2 players, rated E for Everyone, 1,000 Wii Points): Take to the waves on your own personal watercraft and experience some of the best water effects in video game history. Choose one of four characters, each with his/her own unique abilities and style, and master the game's excellent controls. Make your way through nine courses, each with its own challenges. If the ramps, mines and hairpin turns aren't enough, you'll also have to deal with varying weather conditions that can make the water choppy or cover the course with fog. And if you ever feel like taking a break from racing, then try out Stunt Mode to polish your skills by pulling off handstands, rolls and more. Get good enough and you might even be able to ride a dolphin-just don't get seasick.

ADVENTURES OF LOLO (NES, 1 player, rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): This was the first game in the Eggerland puzzle series to be released in North America. After the love of his life, Lala, is kidnapped by the Great Devil and taken to a haunted castle, our hero Lolo sets out to rescue her. The journey is perilous because the Great Devil's fortress is guarded by a massive army. But Lolo has a few tricks up his sleeve, including a Magic Shot that turns enemies into eggs and an Emerald Framer that shields him from attacks. Combining clever environmental puzzles with tricky enemies and an engaging style, ADVENTURES OF LOLO is a true classic.

GALAGA '90 (TurboGrafx16, 1 player, rated E for Everyone, 600 Wii Points): This is an updated version of the classic arcade shooter Galaga. Set in the vast reaches of space, you will fight your way through all 29 rounds to reach the enemies' stronghold on Planet Galaga. Game levels consist of a few rounds with changing enemies and backgrounds. To top it off, the nostalgic "Galactic Dancing" lives on to mark the end of each level. With the new addition of dimensions, you can choose your attack route. Collect capsules and open dimension warps at branch sections to take on even tougher enemies. GALAGA '90's inclusion of the triple fighter, scrolling backgrounds, boss Galaga and even new system effects make it nothing less than a masterpiece.

[From Kotaku]

Pre-Order Your Version of MGS 4 for 360 TODAY [Update]

The site HMV is now taking Pre-Orders for Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, obviously the site is taking orders for the PS3 version, but also listed right under the PS3 version is a Xbox 360 version. This does seem rather odd since Sony and Konami have both come forward to confirm that MGS 4 in fact is a PS3 exclusive title. Just a mistake maybe? Well the release date of the game seems to be no mistake. The release date for the PS3 version is listed as 4-18-2008 and the 360 version to come a few months later on 9-26-2008. This further strengthens the many rumors floating around on the web of MGS 4 coming to the 360 soon after the PS3 version. So, what do you think? Is this a mistake or have we been lied to yet again by Sony? Well I guess technically it wouldn't be a lie because it would make MGS 4 an exclusive, a "timed" exclusive.

[From CVG]

P.S.: Just in case it does get taken down the pic above is from the HMV site.


[Update]

As expected the site has taken down the Pre-Order and have released this statement:

"In his enthusiasm, one of our online games team indicated that hmv.co.uk would start taking pre-orders for MGS4 on Xbox 360, when, in fact, he simply meant to ask customers if they wished to receive an alert in the event of this title one day coming out on this platform."

An alert, huh? That's why there was a release date of September 26th, 2008, right?

New Releases: Week of 8/5

Title	Platform	Genre	Release Date
Attack on Pearl Harbor	PC	Simulation	Aug 10, 2007
Boogie	WII	Puzzle	Aug 7, 2007
Combat Mission: Shock Force	PC	Strategy	Aug 10, 2007
Crazy Taxi: Fare Wars	PSP	Action	Aug 7, 2007
Lego Fun Pack V2	PC	Puzzle	Aug 10, 2007
Mega Man Star Force: Dragon	DS	Role-Playing	Aug 7, 2007
Mega Man Star Force: Leo	DS	Role-Playing	Aug 7, 2007
Mega Man Star Force: Pegasus	DS	Role-Playing	Aug 7, 2007
Pet Alien	DS	Action	Aug 6, 2007
Tomb Raider: Anniversary	PSP	Adventure	Aug 8, 2007

[From Gamespot]

Enemy Territory: Quake Wars Release Date Announced

Starting October 2nd you can purchase Enemy Territory: Quake Wars for the PC. Also announced in the Press Release was the game is also in development for the PS3 and Xbox 360, although no release date was mentioned. Here's the Official Press Release:

ID SOFTWARE CONFIRMS LAUNCH DATE FOR
ENEMY TERRITORY: QUAKE WARS (WINDOWS PC) AT QUAKECON 2007

Santa Monica, CA - Aug. 3, 2007 - Gamers in attendance at QuakeCon 2007 were rewarded with a special announcement when id Software and Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) unveiled that Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars™ Windows PC will be on EU store shelves on September 28, 2007 and North American store shelves beginning October 2, 2007. The game, which is in development by Splash Damage, pits the armies of Earth's Global Defense Force (GDF) against the invading alien Strogg in the multiplayer strategic shooter that transports players to the front lines of an epic new war for Earth.

Offering the ultimate in objective-based multiplayer action either online or offline with bots, Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars is set within the expansive QUAKE® universe in the year 2065. Gamers choose to play as the human GDF or alien Strogg in one of five unique character classes. Employing an arsenal of weapons, vehicles and deployable armaments, players engage in an action-packed test of skill and coordinated teamwork through a series of combat objectives. Persistent character growth and achievements reward players for teamwork, while clearly defined mission and class objectives guide new players to meaningful contributions on the battlefield.

Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars is also in development for the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft (Nerve Software) and the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system (Activision Foster City).

Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars has been rated "T" for Teen by the ESRB.

Heavenly Sword Release Date Announced

Heavenly Sword can be purchased at a store near you starting September 12th. Hope the game lives up to the hype. Maybe it could be the game to push me over the edge to buy a PS3. Maybe.

[From IGN]

Warhawk Date and Price Revealed

Starting August 28th you can pick up Warhawk physically or digitally. What do I mean by that you ask? Well everyone knows you can pick up the disk at the store for the retail price of $59.99, but you can also get the game digitally from the PSN for $20 cheaper. That's right for the price of $39.99 you can get your very own download of Warhawk. The download does have its downfalls. First, it doesn't come with a bluetooth headset. Second, no box or manual, you know how some people (I'm one of them) like to have a box for all their games. Finally, the box version will contain some extra video content. I don't know, you would have thought that since Sony does save some manufacturing cost on the download that it would be a better deal, but it doesn't seem that way so in my opinion, stick with the box set, don't download. For the extra $20 you get more for your money.

P.S.: If you were one of the top 100 Warhawk beta testers you will recieve this free Warhawk pin. [above picture]

[From Kotaku]

EA Dropping Online Support for 45+ Games

Starting September 1st EA's Doomsday begins. With the following games online support being dropped:

September 1, 2007 Online Service Shutdown
Arena Football for PlayStation 2
Arena Football for Xbox
FIFA Soccer 06 for Xbox 360
FIFA Soccer 06 for PC
FIFA06 for PC
FIFA Soccer 06 for PlayStation 2
FIFA Soccer 06 for PlayStation Portable
FIFA Soccer S06 for Xbox
FIFA World Cup 2006 for PC
FIFA World Cup 2006 for PlayStation 2
FIFA World Cup 2006 for PlayStation Portable
FIFA World Cup 2006 for Xbox
Fight Night Round 3 for PlayStation Portable
Fight Night Round 3 for Xbox
Madden NFL 06 for Xbox 360
Madden NFL 06 for PC
Madden NFL 06 for PlayStation 2
Madden NFL 06 for PlayStation Portable
Madden NFL 06 for Xbox
Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects for PlayStation 2
Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects for Xbox
MVP 07 NCAA Baseball for PlayStation 2
MVP 07 NCAA Baseball for Xbox
NASCAR 06 Total Team Control for PlayStation 2
NASCAR 06 Total Team Control for Xbox
NBA Live 06 for Xbox 360
NBA Live 06 for PC
NBA Live 06 for PlayStation 2
NBA Live 06 for PlayStation Portable
NCAA Football 2005 for Xbox
NCAA Football 2006 for PlayStation 2
NCAA Football 2006 for Xbox
NCAA March Madness 06 for PlayStation 2
NCAA March Madness 06 for Xbox
NFL Head Coach for PC
NFL Head Coach for Xbox
NFL Head Coach for PlayStation 2
NHL 06 for PC
NHL 06 for PlayStation 2
NHL 06 for Xbox
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06 for Xbox 360
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06 for Xbox

Wave two hits on November 1st and will drop the following:

November 1, 2007 Online Service Shutdown
Burnout Revenge for Xbox
Burnout Revenge for PlayStation 2
Need for Speed Underground for PlayStation 2
Need for Speed Underground 2 for PC
Need for Speed Underground 2 for PlayStation 2
Need for Speed Most Wanted for PlayStation Portable
Need for Speed Most Wanted for Xbox

I don't know, this just doesn't seem right. You shell out all this money for a game and they just drop it like nothing. I mean don't get me wrong, I can understand regular maintenance, but come on they are already dropping support for their '06 franchises? I mean not every person wants to go out and buy the same game year after year. Many people just wait for the games to get a little more innovative and then buy. I mean is there really that many new features in Madden '08 than there is in '06? Heck, they even have some '07 titles thrown in there. Does EA really believe their games are really that disposable?

Grand Theft Auto IV DELAYED Until '08

This has to be the worst news I have heard today, heck, probably this year. The game that so many were looking forward to this October has been officially delayed until at least April '08. Take-Two's official explanation for this horrific news:

"Due to additional development time required to complete the title" the game has been pushed back."

"Certain elements of development proved to be more time-intensive than expected, especially given the commitment for a simultaneous release on two very different platforms."

So the cause of the delay is because of the simultaneous release of the game for the PS3 and 360. It probably is the PS3 version they are having trouble with, considering they didn't even show anything about it at this year's E3. But I think there is more to this delay. Money maybe? Everyone knows Take-Two is being hit hard this year, especially with Manhunt 2. They may be scared that Halo 3 will take to much spotlight away from the series, inevitably causing an even greater loss in money. Oh well, I guess it's all for the best. Right?

Crysis to Blow Away a Store Near You Nov. 16th

The Official Press Release:

EA AND CRYTEK ANNOUNCE NOVEMBER 16TH RELEASE DATE FOR CRYSIS Start Counting Down to One of the Year's Most Highly Anticipated First Person Shooters

Chertsey, UK - August 2, 2007 - Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) and Crytek, award-winning developers of Far Cry, today announced that CrysisTM, will be hitting retail stores in North America and Europe on November 16, 2007 exclusively for the PC. A technical achievement featuring stunning DirectX 10 and DirectX 9 visuals, cunning gameplay, and an epic story, Crysis is recognised as one of the most anticipated PC games and first person shooters of 2007, recently winning Best PC game from the Game Critics Awards: Best of E3 2007.

"Crytek is constantly striving to push the boundaries of both game design and technology, while maintaining quality at the highest bar," said Cevat Yerli, CEO and President of Crytek. "We're thankful to our fans for their support and patience, and we're excited to bring them Crysis this year. It's going to be worth the wait."

Offering true, open-ended gameplay, Crysis gives gamers an unparalleled amount of freedom that fosters completely unique gaming experiences. Players are outfitted with a revolutionary Nanosuit and an arsenal of fully customizable weapons, giving them a wide array of options not only in approaching the entire game, but every single objective or individual encounter. And they will need every advantage they can get going head to head against a menacing and highly intelligent alien threat amid dynamic, hostile battlefields that range from lush, tropical jungles, flash-frozen landscapes and a horrifying zero gravity environment.

Crysis also breaks new ground in multiplayer with the introduction of PowerStruggle - a unique team-based strategic mode for up to 32 players, where opposing sides battle for control of advanced weaponry and vehicles to overcome their enemies. For those who prefer the pulse-pounding action of deathmatch, Crysis will also feature an Instant Action mode, with the highly adaptive Nanosuit serving as the ultimate tool to outwit your opponents.

Crysis has not yet been rated by the ESRB or PEGI. Visit www.esrb.org or www.pegionline.eu for updated rating information. For more information about the game, log onto www.electronicarts.co.uk or the game's official website at www.nanosuit.com.

Call of Duty 4 Beta United States ONLY [Update]

The public multiplayer Beta of Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare being held only on the 360 sometime this month has been confirmed as United States only.

[From Gameplayer]


[update]

Quote from Infinity Ward:

"As for who is eligible for the Beta, there was some confusion caused this week stating that the Beta would be US-exclusive, however that statement was premature, because we have not finalized final details on who would be involved in the beta at this point. In order to get started, and kick off the beta we will begin in the United States, but are looking to go International and currently sorting out those details."

[From Kotaku]

Future 360 Games to REQUIRE Hardrive

"Xbox Family has learned that... games requiring the HDD will initially have a 'HDD required' logo clearly viewable on the front of the case [seen above], as well being listed as requiring the HDD on the back info panel of the case," the site says.

A reported 20 percent of Xbox 360 units sold are the Core model without hard drive.

The first Xbox featured an 8 gigabyte hard drive that was used for saving games in addition to game caching that allowed for shorter load times and more amounts of game data on DVD, which have a capacity of 9 gigabytes.

Bizzare Creations, makers of the upcoming Project Gotham Racing 4 on Xbox 360, allege that despite recent rumors, DVD size is a non-issue when developing games on the platform.

"DVD size is absolutely not a factor that we consider when designing our games, and PGR4 is no exception," the company said on its website.

"We've never had to cut content to fit on the disc, and we probably never will... DVD9 gives us more than we need to create a fabulous experience."

[From GamePro]

Today's PSN Update

A couple demos, a couple trailers, heck, even a couple games.

• Blast Factor: Advanced Research expansion ($4.99)
• Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 demo (free)
• The Darkness demo (free)
• Michael Clayton movie trailer (free)
• Get Smart movie trailer (free)
• The Game Plan movie trailer (free)
• [Update: Super Rub-a-Dub has dropped in price to a mere $2.99!]

[From PS3 Fanboy]

Halo 3 FOUR Player Co-op CONFIRMED

Yes, it's true you and up to 3 of your buddies can play in Halo 3 Co-op via Xbox Live or System Link. The local play is still limited to 2 player spit-screen, but now you have an option to fill in the other two empty spots with others via Xbox Live or System Link. By the way, in case you were wondering there won't be 4 Master Chiefs running around it will be 4 completely different characters:

"For fictional reasons, we decided to avoid Halo’s slightly surreal compromise of two identical Master Chiefs and rather, use this opportunity to expand the Halo universe just a little bit. Player one will control the Master Chief, player two will control the Arbiter and players three and four will get the chance to control two brand new Elite characters."

If you want to find out more check out the entire post at Bungie.net.

This Week's XBLA Release

Another week where Microsoft gives us the double dose. Today you can get:

Content: Marathon: Durandal
Price: 800 Microsoft Points
Availability: All Xbox LIVE regions
Dash Text: [ESRB: M (MATURE 17+) BLOOD AND GORE, VIOLENCE]Single Player, Xbox LIVE Multiplayer 2-8, Local Multiplayer 2-4, HD (High Definition). Purchase now to unlock the full game, with all the classic Marathon gameplay and shiny new enhanced high-definition graphics! Feeling tough? Take on the universe alone in Single-Player mode. Feeling friendly? Team up with others to fight the Pfhor in Cooperative mode. Spoiling for a fight? Challenge the world to Deathmatch, King of the Hill, Tag, or the ever-popular Kill the Man with the Ball!
Size: 138.25 MB

Content: Spyglass Board Games
Price: 400 Microsoft Points
Availability: All Xbox LIVE regions
Dash Text: [ESRB: E (EVERYONE)] Single Player, Xbox LIVE Multiplayer 1-2, HD (High Definition). Check out the full version of Spyglass, a fun new take on classic board games, like Chess, Checkers, Mancala, and Reversi. Play with a friend on Xbox LIVE, or play against the computer. Use the Xbox Live Vision camera to personalize the game board, playing pieces, and video effects. Each game has custom pieces to choose from, such as a rook made of stone or a furry checkers piece. And you can customize the look with textures like marble, silver, and gel. Make each game your very own!

[From Major Nelson]