November 2011 Archives
CCP has launched the "Crucible" update for its massively multiplayer online game Eve Online. Most of the update revolves around the ships that are central to the game's play, but the update also adds in-station environments and realistic 3D player avatars.
The update adds plenty of tweaks and balance changes to ships, including the much-missed engine trails, plus players will now fear Tier-3 Battlecruisers. Of particular interest to the scientifically inclined is the introduction of time dilation to Eve Online. This isn't a function of relativistic speeds, rather, time slows down as the number of ships in a system reaches the 200 to 1,000 range. So now we know, in this special case of special relativity, the number of sentient beings in war ships changes the rate at which time flows.
Microsoft has added two more downloadable games for the Xbox 360 through Xbox Live Arcade. This week, there's a movie-themed trivia game and a chance to battle as a giant robot. Read on for the titles and more details...
Continue reading Two More Games Are Available for Download Through Xbox Live Arcade.
Paradox Interactive has released another installment of downloadable content for the odd magical action game, Magicka. The first round of downloadable content was set during the U.S./Vietnam conflict. Now, Paradox (together with developer Arrowhead Studios) has released an expansion based on H. P. Lovecraft's Cthulhu mythos called "The Stars Are Left."
Today, Lineage II joins the masses of previously subscription-based games that are free-to-play. Rather than paying to unlock content, Lineage is following the model of games where nearly everything is accessible, but items can be purchased to hurry things along. Of course, in a game where players are constantly executed and harassed by other players, you'll probably need the premium items.
Developer Cipher Prime has released Fractal for the PC and Mac through Valve's Steam distribution platform. This musical puzzle game has players pushing colored blobs around the screen to the beat of intense music.
Sony has released more downloadable games through the PlayStation Store. Most notably, this week sees the release of all the past Sly Cooper games, remastered for the PlayStation 3, but read on for the full list and more details...
UTV Ignition Entertainment's title National Geographic Challenge is now available in stores. Released for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii, this trivia game has up to four players competing to answer questions and complete mini-games to thereby conquer territory. The game includes around an hour of video to support the various challenges.
Publisher Nicolas Games and developer Intoxicate have released the PC version of Afterfall: Insanity as a download. The game is a third-person shooter set in the year 2032 that has players facing off against the horrors that have crept underground into the shelters that keep the remnants of humanity alive after nuclear weapons were used during 2012's World War III.
Happy Thanksgiving! If you're one of our United States readers, that pretty much says it all. If not, Happy Thursday! The big holiday rush of games is now (mostly) in stores, and many are taking the day off to relax or bond with family. Enjoy!
Sony has released yet more games for the PlayStation 3 and PSP through the PlayStation Store. This week's releases include a party that involves several cadavers and the downloadable versions of several games already in stores. Read on for the full list and more details...
Continue reading Sony Releases Yet More Downloadable Games Through the PlayStation Store.
Atlus' fighting game King of Fighters XIII for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 is now available in stores. This latest entry in the long-running series of 2D fighting games is presented in high-definition, with more than 30 fighters and support for online matches.
Warner Bros. has released the PC version of Batman: Arkham City to stores and as a download. The game sees Batman locked in the Arkham City criminal ghetto with every other criminal in Gotham City, super- and otherwise.
Tekken Hybrid for the PlayStation 3 is now available in stores in North America. This is a bundle that includes Tekken Tag Tournament HD (a high-definition version of the fighting game Tekken Tag Tournament originally released on the PlayStation 2), Tekken Tag Tournament 2 Prologue (described as a "stand-alone fighting game vignette") and an animated film called Tekken: Blood Vengeance 3D.
Konami has released its game Karaoke Revolution: Glee - Volume 3 for the Wii to stores in North America. Following April's release of Karaoke Revolution: Glee - Volume 2, this karaoke-style game allows participants to sing along to 35 songs from the second season of the television show Glee. Apparently, Glee-themed Karaoke Revolution games are outperforming the original games themselves.
Croteam's Serious Sam 3: BFE is now available as a download for the PC. This latest Serious Sam first-person shooter claims to be a "...glorious throwback to the golden age of first-person shooters where men were men, cover was for amateurs and pulling the trigger made things go boom."
Bandai, part of Namco Bandai games, has released Power Rangers Samurai for the Wii and DS to stores in North America. This action game based on the show of the same name, has players defeating a variety of foes that have "bled over into your world from the Netherworld" using your Wii Remote or DS Stylus as a "Samuraizer."
Sega, part of Sega Sammy Holdings, has released the 3DS version of Sonic Generations to stores. Previously released on other platforms, the game lets players experience a Sonic adventure in which Sonic and his friends travel through a time hole (that revisits classic Sonic the Hedgehog experiences) to rescue his friends and defeat a new enemy.
THQ's latest WWE-themed games are now available in stores. WWE '12 is available for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii and features current WWE stars as well as a new submission system. WWE: All Stars is out for the 3DS and is a more arcade-oriented take on the same WWE wrestling action.
Xseed Games has shipped its game Fishing Resort for the Wii to stores in North America. It should be available tomorrow, and has players using the Wii Remote and Nunchuck to mimic the process of using a rod and reel to simulate fishing in a variety of locations. Fishing Resort also includes around 20 mini-games ranging from kayak races to fishing competitions.
In 2007, Eidos opened a new studio in Montreal that began work on Deus Ex 3, released this year as Deus Ex: Human Revolution. Then, in 2009, Square Enix acquired Eidos. Now that Deus Ex: Human Revolution has performed so well, Square Enix has decided to expand the studio. Square Enix announced that it plans to expand Eidos Montreal by 100 staff members, where work will begin on a third project (joining work on the Deus Ex and Thief franchises. Square Enix also plans to open Square Enix Montreal, a new studio with around 150 positions that will report to Lee Singleton (currently the general manager of Square Enix London Studios). Square Enix Montreal will begin work on the Hitman franchise.
Konami has released the Wii version of Jimmie Johnson's Anything With An Engine to stores today. Previously released for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, this combat racing game has players getting behind the wheel of armed lawnmowers or even dumpsters and shopping carts modified with engines and racing circuits filled with deathtraps and competitors. The game features NASCAR racer Jimmie Johnson and a variety of outlandish characters.
Ubisoft's game Hole in the Wall: Deluxe Edition for the Xbox 360 is now available in stores. The game requires the Kinect Sensor and has players contorting their bodies to match up with holes in moving walls. Fail to match the hole and your avatar is pushed into the water. It's not clear what makes this edition so "Deluxe," but unlike the version downloadable through Xbox Live Arcade, it comes on a disc.
Nintendo has released The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword for the Wii to stores in North America. This game once again has Link adventuring in Hyrule, this time using the Wii MotionPlus accessory to precisely control his sword movements throughout the extensive adventure.
Publisher 1C's game Real Warfare 2: Northern Crusades is now available as a PC download. This real-time strategy game explores the events surrounding the Teutonic Order in the 13th century as it conquers Prussia. Complete with RPG elements the game supports extensive dialog with the locals and a quest system, but always comes back to gigantic medieval battles.
Meridian4 has released its game Grotesque Tactics 2: Dungeons & Donuts for the PC through Valve's Steam service. This is the sequel to the role-playing-game parody Grotesque Tactics and is developed by Headup Games and Silent Dreams. The game has players experiencing humorous turn-based combat as they help one faction fight for food and freedom.
Deep Silver's game Winter Stars for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii is now available in stores in North America. The game includes 11 different winter sports (such as downhill skiing, biathlon, curling and paraskiing), all of which require the various motion peripherals, such as the Kinect sensor, PlayStation Move or Wii Balance Board.
Ignition Entertainment has released Kung-Fu: High Impact for Xbox 360 consoles with the Kinect sensor. The game is a side-scrolling brawler that has players using their bodies to control the punches and kicks on the screen as players battle their way from left to right.
Vivendi, the majority shareholder in Activision Blizzard, has sold 35,000,000 shares of Activision Blizzard stock at $12.05 per share, as disclosed in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The sale commenced on November 15, leaving Vivendi with 683,643,890. As big as those numbers seem, Vivendi sold less than 5% of its stake in Activision Blizzard, and still retains majority ownership of Activision Blizzard. Vivendi appears to have done this as a simple way of raising quick cash to maintain Vivendi's balance sheet.
Bent Spoon Games has released Girl With a Heart of... as a download for the PC and Mac. This is an "interactive narrative" that follows an 11-year-old named Raven who makes a startling discovery concerning the artificial heart that beats in her chest. The play involves following interactive conversations that highlight the game's philosophical undercurrents.
Wadjet Eye Games has released To the Moon as a downloadable game for the PC. This emotional adventure game has players entering the memories of a dying man to grant his final wish by altering his memories.
Sega, part of Sega-Sammy Holdings, announced that it is acquiring Three Rings Design, the studio behind Puzzle Pirates and Sega-published Spiral Knights. Sega says that Three Rings, in the short-term, will focus on improving Spiral Knights and continuing development on the massively multiplayer online game based on the BBC's television program Doctor Who.
Retailer GameStop announced the financial results for its fiscal third quarter ended October 29, 2011. As usual, GameStop's results were propelled by high-margin used video game products. Read on for more details...
Continue reading GameStop Reports Another Profitable Third Quarter.
In April, JoWooD admitted bankruptcy, and in August, Nordic Games acquired the assets of JoWooD (including the Adventure Company and its DreamCatcher Games label). Now that all these titles are owned by Nordic Games, Nordic Games announced that it plans to relaunch DreamCatcher as a publishing label. The DreamCatcher label will re-release some of its back catalog, and plans to explore new releases of DreamCatcher's intellectual property (that includes Painkiller and Safecracker).
According to The Lookout, Peter Thiel (Pay Pal Founder and Facebook Investor) has put $1.25 million toward a plan to create floating islands that will serve as libertarian island nations floating in international waters. We can only assume that this project of the Seasteading Institute progresses unaware of the important research done in BioShock, so would you kindly let them know what happened there?
Take-Two Interactive has closed its previously announced convertible bond offering. The company has raised $280 million (the announced $250 million plus a $30 million over-allotment) by selling convertible senior notes due in 2016. The notes bear interest at 1.75% and are only convertible prior to June 1, 2016 if certain events occur. After that date (until the bonds mature on December 1, 2016), the notes are convertible to common stock at a rate of approximately $19.09 per share. The convertible bonds also have special provisions to make a change in control of the company more expensive. Read this if you wonder at the motivations of the company's management.
Trion Worlds has launched the latest major content update for its massively multiplayer online game Rift. Called "From the Embers," this update is primarily designed for players who have reached the game's level cap, adding a large zone called the Ember Isle with new environments, monsters and zone events. "From the Embers" adds a new dungeon called Caduceus Rise, a new 10-player raid and a second tier of Planar Attunement.
Microsoft has released Xotic for the Xbox 360 through Xbox Live Arcade as a download for 800 points ($10). Developed by Valcon Games, this arcade-style shooter is focused on building extreme point chains to develop high scores in a beautiful environment.
Sega, part of Sega-Sammy Holdings, has released a version of Shinobi for the 3DS to stores in North America. This updated version of the classic arcade game gives the game a 3D style with which to experience the classic shuriken-covered adventure.
Majesco's game Cooking Mama 4: Kitchen Magic for the 3DS is available in stores in North America. This latest Cooking Mama game once again has players learning to prepare dishes in the form of a series of mini-games, judged by the ever-wrathful "Mama." Because this latest iteration of the franchise is on the 3DS, the game includes a variety of "3D surprises" as part of the approximately 200 cooking-themed mini-games.
Microsoft has released Halo: Combat Evolved - Anniversary for the Xbox 360 to stores. This is a remastered version of the original Halo from a decade ago, presented with updated graphics, achievements and seven of the more popular multiplayer maps.
Telltale Games has released Jurassic Park: The Game for the PC and Mac (and several other platforms) as a download. This new adventure game from Telltale Games explores the events around the Jurassic Park movie, particularly concerning the stolen dinosaur embryos in the film.
Electronic Arts' game Need for Speed: The Run is now available in stores. The game is available for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii, PC and 3DS, and has players racing across the United States from San Francisco to New York City competing against 200 other racers on various cross-country segments, all while avoiding the police.
Sony has released a new slate of downloadable games for the PlayStation 3 and PSP through the PlayStation Store. This week's games include an episodic adventure based on a classic, dinosaur-related film and a game based on a much-loved (or reviled) game show. Read on for the full list and more details...
Continue reading Dinosaurs Invade the PlayStation Store (Along With Other Games).
Sony has released EyePet & Friends for PlayStation 3 consoles with the PlayStation Move accessory. This updated version of the game released last year alongside the PlayStation Move lets players interact with the EyePet and the EyePet's playmate.
Activision, part of Activision Blizzard, has released Rapala for Kinect for Xbox 360 consoles with the Kinect sensor. Like other Rapala games the game features fishing and boat races (complete with Rapala gear), but is performed using the Kinect sensor as the controller.
Konami released its latest soccer game, Pro Evolution Soccer 2012 in September, but the game has finally trickled out for the Wii, PlayStation 2 and PSP. This latest Pro-Evolution Soccer game features improved team AI and collision detection.
Sony has released the Little Big Planet 2: Special Edition compilation for the PlayStation 3 to stores in North America. This compilation includes the original Little Big Planet 2 construct-your-own platformer game along with levels and mini-games exclusively for the PlayStation Move controller.
Majesco's game Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked is available for the Xbox 360, Wii and DS. The Xbox 360 version requires the Kinect sensor, but all three versions have players using the various platforms' interfaces to dance along to various songs covered by the Chipmunks. Somehow, the dance- and rhythm-based game claims to continue the plot of the film (of the same name) that reaches theaters next month.
Sony's game Medieval Moves: Deadmund's Quest for the PlayStation 3 is now available in stores. The game requires the PlayStation Move accessory, and has players guiding Deadmund as he battles the evil Sorcerer Morgrimm using the PlayStation Move controller to swing swords, fire a bow and throw shuriken.
Capcom's game Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 is now available in stores. This fighting game once again has classic Capcom characters battling it out against Marvel superheroes with a total roster of 50 characters (including all the characters from the original game). The game includes a variety of new modes, including a spectator mode that allows fans to watch others play matches online.
Sony Online Entertainment has released EverQuest: Veil of Alaris, the 18th full expansion for the massively multiplayer online game EverQuest. Available at retailers or as a download, the expansion has players venturing to Alaris on behalf of the Norrathian God Morell to reclaim the powers of Cazic Thule, recently defeated behind Alaris' veil. Many of the improvements in the expansion relate to guild activities, such as new guild hall features and new guild rank permission features. The expansion also raises the level cap to 95, adds new missions, 13 raids, 12 zones, and tons of new quests and spells.
Koei, part of Tecmo Koei, has released Dynasty Warriors 7: Xtreme Legends for the PlayStation 3 to stores in North America. This is a "stand-alone expansion" to Dynasty Warriors 7, released in March, that adds new characters and amps up the action available in the original game, allowing players to once again engage in tactical combat as they direct their heroes through battles involving hundreds of foes.
Sony has released Carnival Island for those PlayStation 3 owners who also have the PlayStation Move peripheral. This compilation includes 35 carnival-themed mini games that can be enjoyed by up to four players.
Ubisoft's game Assassin's Creed: Revelations is now available in stores. Released for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC, this latest Assassin's Creed game has Ezio Auditore travelling to Constantinople to battle a growing army of Templars. This game gives Ezio use of several explosives, while returning Altair as a playable character. Ezio now has yet another venue to run across rooftops and silently kill those who would destabilize the world.
Recoil Games has released Rochard as a download for the PC through Valve's Steam service. Previously released for the PlayStation 3 through the PlayStation Store, this side-scrolling platformer has players taking on the role of an astro-miner who discovers an ancient alien artifact and then must use it to protect humanity. Rochard poses gravity bending puzzles to players thanks to the upgradable G-Lifter.
Microsoft has released Disneyland Adventures for Xbox 360 consoles with the Kinect sensor. Developed by Frontier Developments, the game has players using the Kinect sensor and their whole bodies to explore the Disneyland park and attractions while interacting with around 35 Disney characters.
Namco, part of Namco Bandai Games, has released Ace Combat: Assault Horizon - Legacy for the 3DS. This is the 3DS adaptation of the game Ace Combat: Assault Horizon, previously released for consoles, in which players pilot versions of real-world aircraft in a variety of arcade-style flight combat missions.
Rockstar Games, the premier label of Take-Two Interactive, has released L.A. Noire: The Complete Edition to stores. This compilation that includes the entirety of L.A. Noire's crime drama and all of its downloadable content is now available for the Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3, just as it was released last week for the PC.
Matrix Games and Slitherine, together with 2x2 Games, have released Unity of Command as a downloadable strategy game for the PC. This turn-based game of World War II operational strategy has players exploring both sides of the Stalingrad campaign (on maps with hexagonal spaces).
D3Publisher has released two Victorious games based on the Nickelodeon television show of the same name. Victorious: Time to Shine is available for Xbox 360 consoles with the Kinect sensor and has players using their entire bodies to play instruments and perform in a Hollywood Arts production, as in the show. Victorious: Hollywood Arts Debut is available for the DS and has players exploring a full year as a new student at Hollywood Arts High School, from the television show.
Released last month through the PlayStation Store, Sideway: New York is now available as a download for the PC through Valve's Steam service. The game is a platformer that takes players through the boroughs of New York City as a graffiti artist named Nox pursuing his nemesis called "Spray."
Ubisoft's game Abba: You Can Dance for the Wii is available in stores. The game has players using the Wii controllers to dance along to 26 of Swedish pop quartet Abba's songs that can be linked to form a story.
2K Play, the casual label of Take-Two Interactive, has launched Let's Cheer! for Xbox 360 consoles with the Kinect sensor. The game allows players to participate in cheerleading competitions by cavorting about in front of the Kinect sensor.
THQ's game Saint's Row: The Third is now available in stores. Following in the footsteps of Saint's Row and Saint's Row 2, this latest game is available for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC. This time, players control a robust gang of the Saints, poised to control Steelport, but in competition with the legendary crime Syndicate.
Majesco's game Zumba Fitness 2 for the Wii is now available in stores in North America. This sequel to last year's Zumba Fitness has players experiencing the Zumba dance/fitness craze on the Wii with a variety of new tracks and choreography.
Yoostar Entertainment Group, in conjunction with MTV, has released Yoostar on MTV for Xbox 360 consoles with the Kinect sensor. This latest Yoostar game lets interested Xbox 360 owners insert themselves into famous clips from MTV. So (we kid you not), if you've ever wanted to dub yourself over "The Situation," now you can.
PopCap Games, now part of Electronic Arts, has released Bejeweled 3 for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and DS. Available in boxes on retail shelves, this game that was released last year for the PC is now in stores for consoles. Bejeweled 3 offers new gems and new ("secret") modes than the previous versions of this gem-matching puzzle game.
Ubisoft's game Rayman Origins for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii is now available in stores in North America. This is a four-player co-operative game featuring the long-running Rayman character that has Rayman, Globox and the Teensies battling the "nefurrious" Darktoons that have taken over the Glade of Dreams. Following Rayman's platforming roots, Rayman Origins allows all four players to cooperate in 2D platforming adventures.
One of the nice things about a long console cycle, is that it's easier to release new games based on old ones. Sega, part of Sega-Sammy Holdings, has released Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympics for the Wii. Following in the footsteps of Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games and Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games, this game has Sonic and his friends joining Mario and his friends to take on Dr. Eggman and Bowser in Olympic events and mini-games set around London landmarks. The game should be released for the 3DS next year.
Activision Publishing, part of Activision Blizzard, has released DreamWorks Super Star Kartz to stores. Available for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii, DS and 3DS, the game has players participating in kart racing events with characters from DreamWorks Animation such as Shrek and King Julien.
Last year on this day, THQ released the uDraw GameTablet for the Wii, providing a tablet-like interface that could be used to draw or control Wii software. Today, THQ has released versions of the uDraw GameTablet for the Xbox360 and PlayStation 3. Both versions come packaged with the uDraw Studio: Instant Artist drawing software. THQ also released Pictionary: Ultimate Edition today for both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 (Pictionary was previously released for the Wii). Finally, the other uDraw launch title for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 is Marvel Super Hero Squad: Comic Combat in which players use the uDraw GameTablet to battle through six comic book "issues" to thwart Doctor Doom.
Nintendo's game Fossil Fighters: Champions for the DS is now available in stores. The game has players cleaning fossils to unearth "Vivosaurs" that can be battled against those trained by other fossil fighters. This game is the sequel to the previously released Fossil Fighters for the DS.
Nintendo's game Super Mario 3D Land for the 3DS is now available in stores. This is a new adventure featuring the platforming plumber designed to show off the 3D capabilities of the 3DS.
Warner Bros., has released Lego Harry Potter: Years 5-7 to stores. Developed by TT Games and available for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii, DS, PSP and 3DS, this casual-style platformer has Lego versions of all the important Harry Potter characters enjoying adventures based on the films from Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2. The game includes Hogwarts lessons that players can attend.
Bethesda Softworks, part of ZeniMax Media has released The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC to stores worldwide. This latest Elder Scrolls game has players exploring Tamriel's northern province of Skyrim as a Dragonborn, destined to fight dragons amidst a civil war that threatens to splinter Tamriel away from the Empire. Of course, it's a massive, open world role-playing game, so you could always just wander into the hills and eat bugs. Really.
Publisher Mastiff announced that its game Heavy Fire: Afghanistan for the PlayStation 3, Wii and PC has been released to stores. Developed by Teyon, the game is a modern shooter in which players experience 24 missions set in modern-day Afghanistan. This game is a sequel to the Wii Ware game Heavy Fire.
Last year, Sony Online Entertainment took EverQuest II free-to-play in a half-assed way. Inspired by other market players such as Warner Bros. Turbine division, SOE converted EverQuest II to a free-to-play version that offered substantial premium content, but did so as EverQuest II Extended. Rather than committing to the change, the company tried to keep the original game running as-is, while running the free-to-play version in parallel. Finally, SOE announced that EverQuest II will go completely free-to-play in December. No more half-assing it. The new version of free-to-play EverQuest II will still be free to download and install, and the premium options will be cheaper than were announced for Ever Quest II Extended.
Publisher: Bethesda Softworks (ZeniMax Media)Developer: Bethesda Softworks
Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC
Reviewed on Xbox 360
"The Empire of Tamriel is on the edge. The High King of Skyrim has been murdered.
"Alliances form as claims to the throne are made. In the midst of this conflict, a far more dangerous, ancient evil is awakened. Dragons, long lost to the passages of the Elder Scrolls, have returned to Tamriel.
"The future of Skyrim, even the Empire itself, hangs in the balance as they wait for the prophesized Dragonborn to come; a hero born with the power of The Voice, and the only one who can stand amongst the dragons."
Continue reading The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Review.
Peripheral manufacturer (and now publisher) Mad Catz announced the financial results for its fiscal second quarter ended September 30, 2011. Read on for more details...
Turbine, part of Warner Bros., has launched the "Vaults of the Artificers" update for its massively multiplayer online game Dungeons & Dragons Online: Eberron Unlimited. This is the 12th major update since the game went free-to-play. The update introduces a "Challenges" system that lets players compete in specific challenges that can be exchanged for new powerups. While access to these specific vault challenges can be purchased, one challenge will be accessible to free-to-play gamers for a limited number of runs each day.
Back in the ancient and early days of PC gaming (around... last week), a little know-how (or the "tilda" key) was enough to open up the command console and modify a game. It was easy enough to invoke cheats and developer modes that would unlock anything from unlimited ammunition to a "God Mode" that made you invulnerable. It was a wonderful system of cheats that was particularly wonderful for friends, spouses and relatives that hated to "die" while playing. Now, Capcom is selling that same function for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions of Dead Rising 2: Off the Record for 400 Microsoft points ($5) or $5 on the PlayStation 3, players can download the "Gamebreaker Pack" that allows players to activate those same sets of cheats. So, you now have to pay extra for what you used to get for free off the internet (or learn in the school cafeteria).
Fusion: Genesis is now available through Xbox Live Arcade. Developed by Starfire Studio, the game can be downloaded to the Xbox 360 for 800 points ($10) and has players shooting their way through the universe on hundreds of solo and co-operative missions.
Sony has released a new slate of downloadable games for the PlayStation 3 and PSP through the PlayStation Store. This week's releases include downloadable versions of retail releases and a classic JRPG. Read on for the full list of titles and more details...
Continue reading The PlayStation Store Gets Its New Weekly Downloadable Games.
Take-Two Interactive announced its financial results for its second fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2011. For the quarter, Take-Two Interactive reported a substantial net loss. Read on for more details...
Continue reading Take-Two Reports $47 Million Loss.
Activision Blizzard announced its financial results for its fiscal third quarter ended September 30, 2011. The company reported improved net income, as well as reduced subscribers to its flagship massively multiplayer online game. Read on for more details...
Continue reading Activision Blizzard Reports a Higher Third-Quarter Profit.
Konami's compilation, the Metal Gear Solid HD Collection for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 is now available in stores. The collection includes Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater and Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, all previous releases in the Metal Gear Solid franchise.
THQ's game SpongeBob's Surf & Skate Roadtrip is now available in stores. The game is available for the Xbox 360 (with Kinect sensor) and DS. In both cases, the game has players accompanying Nickelodeon's SpongeBob SquarePants and his pal Patrick as they test their boarding skills.
Namco (part of Namco Bandai Games) has released Pac-Man Party 3D for the 3DS. The game includes a variety of party games set in the world of Pac-Man and the ghosts.
Ubisoft's game Rabbids: Alive & Kicking for Xbox 360 consoles with the Kinect sensor is now available in stores in North America. The game has up to four players jumping around and dancing for the Kinect sensor to compete in mini-games with the insane Rabbids.
2K Play, the casual label of Take-Two Interactive, has released Nickelodeon Dance for the Wii and Xbox 360 consoles with the Kinect sensor. The game has players dancing along to songs (including show theme songs) sung by Nickelodeon characters such as Dora the Explorer and Diego.
Activision Publishing (part of Activision Blizzard), together with Sega Toys, has released Wappy Dog. The package includes both a game for the DS and a toy dog. Players care for and play with the dog using the DS (with the physical toy reacting), raising it through five age phases, but when travelling players can continue to raise the pooch solely by interactive with the DS.
Rockstar Games, the premier label of Take-Two Interactive, has released L. A. Noire: The Complete Edition for the PC to stores in North America. This compilation includes the original game (released earlier this year) along with all the downloadable content released so far so that Rockstar's PC players can experience what it means to be on the right side of the law in Los Angeles of the 1950s.
Game Mill Entertainment's DaGeDar for the DS is available in stores. Based on the line of battling ball-shaped toys, the game has players racing their DaGeDar balls across 50 raceways using the ball's special abilities.
Activision Publishing, part of Activision Blizzard, has released Bakugan: Rise of the Resistance for the DS to stores. This latest Bakugan game once again has players taking "exploding spheres" that transform into monsters, this time working to free other Bakugan in the realm of New Vestroia by battling with the Bakugan themselves.
Ubisoft has released its game The Black Eyed Peas Experience for the Xbox 360 and Wii to stores in North America. The Xbox 360 version of the game requires the Kinect sensor, but both the Xbox 360 and Wii versions of the game have players dancing along to 30 tracks performed by The Black Eyed Peas.
Atari, together with developer Pixonauts, has released The Kore Gang for the Wii. The game has three characters (Pixie, MadBoy and their pet chihuahua) defending Manhattan from the Krank Brothers and their Krank Tank through conventional platforming action.
Activision Publishing, part of Activision Blizzard, has released Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 to stores. One version of the game (developed by Infinity Ward and Sledgehammer Games) is available for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC, while another version was developed by Treyarch specifically for the Wii. In all cases, the game takes place after the events of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, when events escalate into World War III. While the game contains a single-player mode, the bulk of the game is the multiplayer mode that integrates with Activision Blizzard's new "Call of Duty Elite" social network and that can be augmented through the purchase of junk food and carbonated beverages. There is even a version of the game called Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 - Defiance that is available for the DS.
THQ's game Deepak Chopra's Leela for the Xbox 360 and Wii is now available in stores in North America. Leela, from alternative therapy guru Deepak Chopra, has players using the Wii remote or Kinect sensor for the Xbox 360 to engage in movements that connect users to their Chakras. Here at FI, we want to keep the Wii remote as far from some of our Chakras as possible.
NIS America's game Cave Story 3D for the 3DS is available in stores in North America. The game brings the classic Cave Story into 3D, allowing players to experience this side-scrolling adventure in which players help a race of rabbit-like creatures escape from an old doctor.
Easy Interactive has released Max & the Magic Marker for the DS to stores. This platformer has Max using his magic marker to create new paths and objects to influence the world.
Majesco Entertainment's game Jillian Michaels: Fitness Adventure for the Xbox 360 is now available in stores in North America. The game requires the Kinect sensor. Developed by N-Space, this latest game featuring Jillian Michaels has players doing exercises measured by the Kinect sensor individually or as part of extended workout regimens.
Ubisoft's title Your Shape: Fitness Evolved - 2012 for Xbox 360 consoles with the Kinect Sensor is available in stores in North America. This is the latest version of the game Your Shape: Fitness Evolved that launched last year and has players engaging in fitness routines in front of the Kinect sensor to train toward fitness goals.
Ubisoft announced selected financial results for the six-month period ended September 30, 2011 (that is the first half of Ubisoft's fiscal year). Read on for more details...
Continue reading Ubisoft Reports Smaller Six-Month Loss.
Warner Bros. has released Happy Feet Two: The Videogame based on the animated film of the same name to stores. Available for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii, 3DS and DS, the game has players once again dancing to save their penguin nation from extinction.
Last week, it was announced that the Lego Universe massively multiplayer online game will close on January 31, 2012 because the game "...has not been able to attract the number of members needed to keep the game open." As a consequence, around 115 staff in both the United States and Denmark will lose their jobs.
Activision Publishing, part of Activision Blizzard, has released Moshi Monsters: Moshling Zoo for the DS to stores in North America. Based on the online game, this title for the DS allows players to collect 52 Moshlings while participating in mini-games and puzzles.
Phoenix Online Studios has released the fourth episode of The Silver Lining as a free download for the PC. The last episode of this adventure game was released in February, and in this latest episode (entitled "'Tis in My Memory Locked") players must deal with the evil emerging from an ancient artifact.
Konami reported its financial results for the six-month period ended September 30, 2011. The company reported higher six-month profits and strong results from social games, but experienced decreased console game sales. Read on for more details...
Continue reading Konami Reports Increased Six-Month Profits.
Sony actually wants you to pay for games. Surprised? Well, no... not really. Until recently, when you purchased a game on the PlayStation Network, you could download it to as many as five different machines. As of November 18, 2001, you will be limited to two different systems. For any content purchased after that date, it will only be possible to activate it on two PlayStation 3 consoles (or PSP units for PSP games). Sony says that it plans to offer users the ability to deactivate devices, so presumably those of us who are legitimately moving from console to console will not be penalized, but those who have been sharing purchases will no longer be able to do so.
Warner Bros has fired developers from its Seattle-based studios this week. While the firings have been confirmed by the company, the precise number of staff that lost their jobs is still up in the air. According to George Broussard's Twitter account, around 60 staff have been fired.
Square Enix announced the financial results for the six months ended September 30, 2011 of its fiscal year ending March 31, 2011. Read on for more details...
Continue reading Square Enix Six-Month Results Improve on Deus Ex: Human Revolution.
Gameforge, the Germany-based developer and publisher of social and casual games, is reportedly firing around 100 staff (of nearly 450). Former Frogster founder and Chief Executive Officer Christoph Gerlinger is also departing the Gameforge. The company has halted development on Star Trek: Infinite Space, a planned free-to-play persistent online game set in the Star Trek universe.
Majesco's game The Hidden for the 3DS is now available in stores in North America. The game is an augmented reality ghost hunting game. Players use the 3DS camera to search for ghosts as part of the Ghostly Entity Investigation and Strike Team (G.E.I.S.T.) and then hunt those ghosts using paranormal weapons technology.
Activision Publishing, part of Activision Blizzard, has released Generator Rex: Agent of Providence for the Xbox 360, Wii, DS and 3DS to stores in North America. Based on the Cartoon Network Generator Rex show, the game has players taking on the role of Rex Salazar as he controls mutation-inducing Nanites to battle enemies in a variety of environments.
Namco Bandai Games reported its financial results for the six month period ended September 30, 2011 (the first half of its fiscal year ended March 31, 2012). Read on for more details...
Continue reading Namco Bandai Games Reports Turn-Around in Six-Month Results.
Sony announced the financial results of its fiscal second quarter ended September 30, 2011. While the big news concern's Sony's television production, the company's games business didn't fare particularly well, either. Read on for more details...
Continue reading Sony Reports Second Quarter Loss.
Nexon announced selected financial results for its North American subsidiary Nexon America. Nexon America's revenues were 29% higher in the third fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2011 than in the same quarter the previous year. That doesn't say anything about the subsidiary's profitability, but since Nexon America is simply a subsidiary of a South Korean company, Nexon America doesn't have to reveal full financials.
THQ has reported on the results of its fiscal second quarter ended September 30, 2011. Read on for more details....
Continue reading THQ Doubles Second Quarter Net Loss.
Freebird games has released To the Moon as a download for the PC. This adventure game has two doctors exploring the memories of a dying man on a quest to fulfill his last wish.
Mobile and casual game publisher Gameloft has announced selected third-quarter financial results. For the quarter ended September 30, 2011, Gameloft announced sales of €40.6 million (compared to sales of €34.7 million in the same quarter the previous year). Gameloft did not announce full results that would indicate the company's profitability, so this announcement simply indicates that the company continues to sell more games. As Gameloft described, much of the growth has been on smartphones and tablets, particularly iOS and Android devices.
Ubisoft has acquired RedLynx, the developer of games such as the Trials as well as downloadable games for smartphones. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
BurgerTime World Tour from Konami and developer Monkeypaw Games is now available as a download to the Xbox 360 through Xbox Live Arcade. The game can be downloaded for 800 points ($10) and brings the classic burger-assembly platformer to the modern age as Chef Peter Pepper once again assembles food while fleeing angry, man-eating food.
Activision Publishing, part of Activision Blizzard, has released NASCAR Unleashed for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii and 3DS to stores in North America. This arcade-style racing game has players driving stock NASCAR vehicles against famous NASCAR Sprint Cup series drivers but in races across city streets complete with spectacular crashes.
Ontario, Canada-based Developer Silicon Knights, the developer behind the game Too Human and X-Men Destiny (among others), has laid off 45 employees, leaving the studio with just under 40 remaining staff. Silicon Knights had just finished a project for Activision Blizzard, but another project the company had lined up was just cancelled, resulting in the layoffs.
Konami's game Otomedius Excellent for the Xbox 360 is available in stores in North America. This side-scrolling shooter has players choosing from one of nine characters to battle through a series of Gradius-style stages.
Sega, part of Sega Sammy Holdings, has released Sonic Generations for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC. The game should reach stores for the 3DS later this month. The game lets players experience a Sonic adventure in which Sonic and his friends travel through a time hole (that revisits classic Sonic the Hedgehog experiences) to rescue his friends and defeat a new enemy.
Activision Publishing, part of Activision Blizzard, has released Cabela's Survival: Shadows of Katmai for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii. The game comes packaged with the Top Shot Elite and has players taking on the role of pilot Logan James whose plane crashes in the Arctic. Players then must use their survival and hunting skills to last in the Arctic, using scavenged firearms to stay alive. The game also includes several shooting galleries as brief diversions.
Warner Bros. has released The Lord of the Rings: War in the North for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC to stores in North America. This action-heavy role-playing game allows up to three players to work together as a Fellowship to battle the forces of Sauron. The game was developed by Snowblind Studios, the folks responsible for action/RPGs such as Champions of Norrath and Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance.
Ubisoft's game James Noir's Hollywood Crimes for the 3DS is available in stores in North America. Billed as an "interactive 3D movie," this adventure game has players moving the plot of a 1960s-era Hollywood crime story along by solving a variety of puzzles.
Disney's game Cars 2: The Video Game for the 3DS is now available in stores. Previously released on other platforms, the game expands on the storyline of the film, allowing players to take characters from the film and train to become automotive spies by driving and racing in locations around the globe.
Ubisoft's game MotionSports Adrenaline for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 is now available in stores in North America. The Xbox 360 version requires the Kinect sensor, while the PlayStation 3 version requires the PlayStation Move controller. In both cases, players use the motion controller to experience extreme sports ranging from kiteboarding to parkour and skydiving.
Sony Online Entertainment's massively multiplayer online game DC Universe Online is in the process of relaunching as a free-to-play. The game was scheduled to be relaunched today, but is currently down for maintenance. As with most such schemes, much of the game can be accessed for free, but a "premium" subscription will unlock the full game features and expansions.
Konami's game Jimmie Johnson's Anything With An Engine for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 is available in stores in North America. The Wii version of the game should be available in approximately two weeks. This combat racing game has players getting behind the wheel of armed lawnmowers or even dumpsters and shopping carts modified with engines and racing circuits filled with deathtraps and competitors. The game features NASCAR racer Jimmie Johnson and a variety of outlandish characters.
Electronic Arts' Trivial Pursuit: Bet You Know It for the Wii is available in stores. This is an updated version of the Trivial Pursuit game previously released by EA (and based on the board game of the same name) with thousands of new questions.
Sony's game Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception for the PlayStation 3 is now available in stores. This third Uncharted game follows Nathan Drake as he explores the historical conspiracy that ties together Sir Francis Drake, T. E. Lawrence and the city called the Atlantis of the Sands. The multiplayer aspect of this shooting-heavy action game requires an online pass that is included in new copies of the game.
Electronic Arts' Hasbro Family Game Night Fun Pack for the Xbox 360 and Wii is now available in stores. This is a compilation of the previously released Hasbro Family Game Night 2 and Hasbro Family Game Night 3 that has Mr. Potato Head hosting ten different Hasbro games, including Jenga, Operation and Twister.
Sony has released a new slate of downloadable games for the PlayStation 3 and PSP through the PlayStation Store, including platformers, fighters and classic games from nearly a decade ago. Read on for the full list and more details...
Continue reading Tons of New Games Reach the PlayStation Store.
Electronic Arts' Monopoly Collection for the Wii is available in stores. This compilation includes both Monopoly and Monopoly Streets allowing Wii owners to enjoy both traditional Monopoly in the style of the board game, as well as the ability to zoom down to street level in a 3D world based on the Monopoly universe.
Majesco's game Twister Mania for Xbox 360 consoles with the Kinect sensor is available in stores in North America. Based on Hasbro's classic Twister game, Twister Mania has players contorting into shapes for the Kinect sensor.
Santa Claus is Comin' to Town for the DS is now available in stores in North America. Based on the classic animated television special, the game has players helping Kris Kringle explore three interactive storybooks. From Red Wagon Games, most of the game's play involves twenty mini-games.
Aksys Games has released Fate/Extra for the PSP to stores in North America. This RPG has players participating in the Holy Grail War for the opportunity to have a wish granted.
2K Play, a label of Take-Two Interactive, has released Team Umizoomi for the DS to stores in North America. Based on the Nickelodeon Jr. show Team Umizoomi, the game is intended to teach pre-kindergarden analytical and math skills through a variety of educational mini-games.
Electronic Arts has released Family Game Night 4: The Game Show for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii to stores in North America. This compilation includes variations on five classic games: Bop It! Boptagon, Scrabble Flash, Connect 4 Basketball, Sorry! Sliders and Yahtzee! Bowling. All the games blend elements of common sports with classic Hasbro games. The Xbox version supports the Kinect sensor, just as the PlayStation version supports the PlayStation Move controller.
Activision Publishing, part of Activision Blizzard, has released GoldenEye 007: Reloaded for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 to stores in North America. Released last year for the Wii and DS, this is a new take on the classic first-person shooter of the same name released for the Nintendo 64, featuring four-player, split-screen multiplayer action as well as a single-player story. This updated version of the game adds even more missions to the single-player campaign and supports high-definition graphics.
GameMill Entertainment has released Country Dance 2 for the Wii to stores in North America. This sequel to the original Country Dance, released in March, has players dancing to around 30 songs from country artists. Unlike the first game, players can now sing along, as well.
Activision Publishing, part of Activision Blizzard, has released two more games based on the theme of the Cabela's hunting- and outdoor-themed stores. Cabela's Big Game Hunter: Hunting Party is available for Xbox 360 consoles with the Kinect console and comes with the "Top Shot Sport" controller. This arcade-style hunting game has up to four players taking turns shooting, dodging and ducking through obstacles while reaching out to grab power-ups (as observed by the Kinect sensor. Cabela's Adventure Camp is available for the Xbox 360 (with Kinect sensor), PlayStation 3 (with PlayStation Move controller) and Wii. Cabela's Adventure Camp is a party-style game with a variety of summer camp-style activities like biking and kayaking.
Natsume's game Harvest Moon: The Tale of Two Towns is now available for the 3DS. Released recently for the DS, this combination simulation and role-playing game in the Harvest Moon franchise features two towns in conflict. Players must decide in which town to live and farm. By competing in festivals and developing a thriving farm, players even have an opportunity to reunite the municipalities.
