Frictionless Insight tag:www.frictionlessinsight.com,2007-11-27://1 2008-07-03T21:07:55Z Game industry news, reviews and analysis: from the serious to the seriously fun Movable Type 4.12 AMF Bowling Pinbusters! and Ducati Moto Are in Stores tag:www.frictionlessinsight.com,2008://1.3601 2008-07-03T17:49:58Z 2008-07-03T21:07:55Z Vir2L, a Zenimax company and sister company to Bethesda Softworks, has placed two of its DS games in stores. Both AMF Bowling Pinbusters! and Ducati Moto are now in stores. The first is, obviously, a bowling game, while the second... Editor AMF Bowling Pinbusters! and Ducati Moto are now in stores. The first is, obviously, a bowling game, while the second is a motorcycle racing game.]]> (Read more...) Review of Battlefield: Bad Company at Games Abyss tag:www.frictionlessinsight.com,2008://1.3600 2008-07-03T17:47:12Z 2008-07-03T20:30:21Z The site Games Abyss has posted an excellent review of Battlefield: Bad Company. The summation: "If all of Bad Company's single-player game were like the final mission, and if the multiplayer game included a conquest style of play, Bad Company... Editor The site Games Abyss has posted an excellent review of Battlefield: Bad Company. The summation: "If all of Bad Company's single-player game were like the final mission, and if the multiplayer game included a conquest style of play, Bad Company would be amazing. As it is, it's merely good enough to tide you over until the multiplayer regains the legendary Conquest modes or the knife gets relegated to the kitchen again.]]> (Read more...) Insecticide Part 1 Available as a PC Download tag:www.frictionlessinsight.com,2008://1.3572 2008-07-03T17:35:00Z 2008-07-03T18:06:31Z Gamecock Media Group has launched the first episode of Insecticide for the PC as a download.... Editor Gamecock Media Group has launched the first episode of Insecticide for the PC as a download.]]> (Read more...) Digital Extremes Working on PlayStation 3 Port of BioShock tag:www.frictionlessinsight.com,2008://1.3571 2008-07-03T15:09:45Z 2008-07-03T17:54:10Z 2K Games, one of Take-Two Interactive's labels, has signed on Developer Digital Extremes to help develop the PlayStation 3 version of BioShock. The PlayStation 3 version of BioShock is scheduled to ship to stores in October.... Editor 2K Games, one of Take-Two Interactive's labels, has signed on Developer Digital Extremes to help develop the PlayStation 3 version of BioShock. The PlayStation 3 version of BioShock is scheduled to ship to stores in October.]]> (Read more...) SouthPeak to Distribute Raven Squad: Operation Hidden Dagger tag:www.frictionlessinsight.com,2008://1.3570 2008-07-03T14:43:50Z 2008-07-03T17:33:59Z SouthPeak Games has signed on to distribute Raven Squad: Operation Hidden Dagger from Evolved Games for the Xbox 360 and PC.... Editor SouthPeak Games has signed on to distribute Raven Squad: Operation Hidden Dagger from Evolved Games for the Xbox 360 and PC.]]> (Read more...) Hans Jose Mans the Lighthouse tag:www.frictionlessinsight.com,2008://1.3573 2008-07-03T14:41:03Z 2008-07-03T18:15:21Z Lighthouse Interactive named Hans Jose as the company's Director of Operations on July 1. Joes will be responsible for operations in the company's headquarters and managing marketing, sales and distribution of Lighthouse's games.... Editor Lighthouse Interactive named Hans Jose as the company's Director of Operations on July 1. Joes will be responsible for operations in the company's headquarters and managing marketing, sales and distribution of Lighthouse's games. (Read more...) Perimeter 2: New Earth in Development tag:www.frictionlessinsight.com,2008://1.3569 2008-07-03T12:27:19Z 2008-07-03T17:02:54Z KD Lab is currently working on Perimeter 2: New Earth for the PC, a sequel to the real-time strategy game Perimeter. KD Lab hopes to release the game late this year, with players once again revisiting a world of territory... Editor Perimeter 2: New Earth for the PC, a sequel to the real-time strategy game Perimeter. KD Lab hopes to release the game late this year, with players once again revisiting a world of territory control and units transformable through nanotechnology.]]> (Read more...) Midnight Club: Los Angeles Suffers Delays tag:www.frictionlessinsight.com,2008://1.3567 2008-07-03T12:20:15Z 2008-07-03T16:27:59Z Rockstar Games, the premier label of Take-Two Interactive, has delayed the release of its racing game Midnight Club: Los Angeles.... Editor Rockstar Games, the premier label of Take-Two Interactive, has delayed the release of its racing game Midnight Club: Los Angeles.]]> (Read more...) Guitar Hero: On Tour Selling Well tag:www.frictionlessinsight.com,2008://1.3574 2008-07-03T12:19:15Z 2008-07-03T18:23:42Z Activision is busy gloating that since its game for the DS, Guitar Hero: On Tour, (that shipped last month), sold around 300,000 copies in its first seven days of availability.... Editor Activision is busy gloating that since its game for the DS, Guitar Hero: On Tour, (that shipped last month), sold around 300,000 copies in its first seven days of availability.]]> (Read more...) Razorworks on the Chopping Block tag:www.frictionlessinsight.com,2008://1.3602 2008-07-03T06:12:19Z 2008-07-03T22:07:25Z Silverstar Holdings, parent of Empire Interactive, confirmed that the company expects to reduce the number of employees at Empire Interactive by around 30%. The company plans to accomplish this largely by attempting to sell its Razorworks development studio.... Editor Silverstar Holdings, parent of Empire Interactive, confirmed that the company expects to reduce the number of employees at Empire Interactive by around 30%. The company plans to accomplish this largely by attempting to sell its Razorworks development studio. (Read more...) Star Wars Galaxies Trading Card Game Coming Soon tag:www.frictionlessinsight.com,2008://1.3568 2008-07-03T03:03:34Z 2008-07-03T16:56:29Z Sony Online Entertainment and LucasArts plan to release to launch an online collectible card game set in the Star Wars universe later this summer.... Editor Sony Online Entertainment and LucasArts plan to release to launch an online collectible card game set in the Star Wars universe later this summer.]]> (Read more...) This is Vegas Slips Until Next Year tag:www.frictionlessinsight.com,2008://1.3566 2008-07-03T01:42:55Z 2008-07-03T16:15:24Z While dispatching new screenshots for its game This is Vegas, Midway confirmed that the game has been postponed until 2009. When released for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC, This is Vegas will have players racing, gambling and managing... Editor While dispatching new screenshots for its game This is Vegas, Midway confirmed that the game has been postponed until 2009. When released for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC, This is Vegas will have players racing, gambling and managing casinos in an effort to return Vegas to its glory as an adult playground after seeing it transformed to a family friendly resort.]]> (Read more...) Sony Temporarily Pulls PlayStation 3 v2.40 System Update tag:www.frictionlessinsight.com,2008://1.3565 2008-07-03T01:38:02Z 2008-07-03T16:04:19Z Earlier today, Sony launched its v2.40 update, adding trophies to PlayStation 3 games and providing improved access to the XMB (XrossMediaBar) even in games. Unfortunately, the current version of the update has been causing problems, so Sony has pulled the... Editor v2.40 update, adding trophies to PlayStation 3 games and providing improved access to the XMB (XrossMediaBar) even in games. Unfortunately, the current version of the update has been causing problems, so Sony has pulled the update until further notice so that the update can be fixed.]]> (Read more...) Marker Man Adventures Coming to the DS tag:www.frictionlessinsight.com,2008://1.3537 2008-07-02T14:09:14Z 2008-07-02T16:59:04Z Majesco Entertainment plans to release Marker Man Adventures for the DS in time for this year's holiday season.... Editor Majesco Entertainment plans to release Marker Man Adventures for the DS in time for this year's holiday season.]]> (Read more...) GameStop to Purchase The Gamesman tag:www.frictionlessinsight.com,2008://1.3536 2008-07-02T12:39:24Z 2008-07-02T16:47:44Z Retailer GameStop has entered into an agreement to purchase the New Zealand chain of retail stores called "The Gamesman." The purchase should close in mid-July and will add 38 stores to GameStop's total retail presence.... Editor Retailer GameStop has entered into an agreement to purchase the New Zealand chain of retail stores called "The Gamesman." The purchase should close in mid-July and will add 38 stores to GameStop's total retail presence.]]> (Read more...) Chrono Trigger Coming to the DS tag:www.frictionlessinsight.com,2008://1.3535 2008-07-02T12:19:50Z 2008-07-02T16:32:48Z Square Enix plans to release a remastered version of Chrono Trigger for the DS in time for this year's holiday season.... Editor Square Enix plans to release a remastered version of Chrono Trigger for the DS in time for this year's holiday season.]]> (Read more...) Infogrames Not Planning an Offer to Purchase SCi tag:www.frictionlessinsight.com,2008://1.3534 2008-07-02T08:35:10Z 2008-07-02T15:49:36Z In April, SCi Entertainment confirmed that Infogrames (parent of Atari) was potentially interested in acquiring SCi. Today, Infogrames confirmed that it does not currently plan to make an acquisition offer for SCi. This is largely due to SCi's recent efforts... Editor In April, SCi Entertainment confirmed that Infogrames (parent of Atari) was potentially interested in acquiring SCi. Today, Infogrames confirmed that it does not currently plan to make an acquisition offer for SCi. This is largely due to SCi's recent efforts to raise additional capital.]]> (Read more...) Soulcalibur and Wits & Wagers Update Available Through Xbox Live Arcade tag:www.frictionlessinsight.com,2008://1.3529 2008-07-02T07:05:18Z 2008-07-02T15:08:43Z This week, Microsoft has introduced Soulcalibur as a downloadable game for Xbox Live Arcade, as well as new, downloadable content for Wits & Wagers.... Editor Soulcalibur as a downloadable game for Xbox Live Arcade, as well as new, downloadable content for Wits & Wagers.]]> (Read more...) Trauma Center: Under the Knife 2 Ships to Stores tag:www.frictionlessinsight.com,2008://1.3533 2008-07-02T05:33:36Z 2008-07-02T05:34:16Z Atlus has shipped its game Trauma Center: Under the Knife 2 for the DS to stores in North America.... Editor Trauma Center: Under the Knife 2 for the DS to stores in North America.]]> (Read more...) Guitar Hero: Aerosmith Review tag:www.frictionlessinsight.com,2008://1.3532 2008-07-02T05:18:34Z 2008-07-02T15:13:50Z Publisher: Activision Developer: Treyarch Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, Wii Reviewed on Xbox 360 Few expected the original Guitar Hero to explode into an industry, but with Guitar Hero 3 selling over eight million copies, we should... Editor Publisher: Activision
Developer: Treyarch


Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, Wii
Reviewed on Xbox 360

Few expected the original Guitar Hero to explode into an industry, but with Guitar Hero 3 selling over eight million copies, we should expect a few Guitar Hero titles every year now. The latest entry, Guitar Hero: Aerosmith, is a tribute to one of rock's most iconic and enduring bands. With a career spanning four decades, many of Aerosmith's titles are instantly recognizable, even to non-fans. In addition to the 29 Aerosmith songs, there are a dozen non-Aerosmith songs included, ranging from The Clash to Stone Temple Pilots. Beyond that, though, Guitar Hero: Aerosmith's essentially gets you half the content of Guitar Hero 3 for the full price, and doesn't include downloadable songs, making this game fan-centric at best.

]]> (Read more...) DT Racing Coming Later This Summer tag:www.frictionlessinsight.com,2008://1.3527 2008-07-01T23:20:05Z 2008-07-02T01:02:41Z

Agetec plans to release DT Racing for the PlayStation 2 later this summer. The racing game will have role-playing game elements (such as racer development) and will encourage unsportsmanlike approaches to winning.... Editor Agetec plans to release DT Racing for the PlayStation 2 later this summer. The racing game will have role-playing game elements (such as racer development) and will encourage unsportsmanlike approaches to winning.]]> (Read more...) Anarchy Online Turns Seven Years Old tag:www.frictionlessinsight.com,2008://1.3528 2008-07-01T19:13:12Z 2008-07-02T01:23:09Z Funcom's massively multiplayer online game Anarchy Online has now been operating for seven years. Funcom points out that over that time, players have been online for around 200 million hours of play.... Editor Funcom's massively multiplayer online game Anarchy Online has now been operating for seven years. Funcom points out that over that time, players have been online for around 200 million hours of play.]]> (Read more...) Gurumin: A Monstrous Adventure Available from the PlayStation Store tag:www.frictionlessinsight.com,2008://1.3526 2008-07-01T18:39:30Z 2008-07-02T00:42:07Z Mastiff's game Gurumin: A Monstrous Adventure is now available for download for the PSP through the PlayStation Store.... Editor Gurumin: A Monstrous Adventure is now available for download for the PSP through the PlayStation Store.]]> (Read more...) EA Differentiating Versions of FIFA Soccer '09 tag:www.frictionlessinsight.com,2008://1.3525 2008-07-01T17:39:40Z 2008-07-02T00:27:32Z Electronic Arts is determined that when it releases FIFA Soccer '09 late this year, it will differentiate the experience available on each platform.... Editor Electronic Arts is determined that when it releases FIFA Soccer '09 late this year, it will differentiate the experience available on each platform.]]> (Read more...) Independent Games Festival Now Accepting Submissions tag:www.frictionlessinsight.com,2008://1.3524 2008-07-01T13:29:50Z 2008-07-01T23:35:08Z The 11th Annual Independent Games Festival is now accepting submissions for the 2009 festival.... Editor The 11th Annual Independent Games Festival is now accepting submissions for the 2009 festival. (Read more...) Meteor Games Falls From the Sky tag:www.frictionlessinsight.com,2008://1.3523 2008-07-01T13:22:27Z 2008-07-01T23:27:04Z Some of the people behind the Neopets phenomenon have started a game studio called Meteor Games in West Hollywood, California.... Editor Some of the people behind the Neopets phenomenon have started a game studio called Meteor Games in West Hollywood, California.]]> (Read more...) EA Releases Four More Mobile Games tag:www.frictionlessinsight.com,2008://1.3522 2008-07-01T12:10:18Z 2008-07-01T23:17:31Z Electronic Arts has released four mobile games through carriers in North America:... Editor Electronic Arts has released four mobile games through carriers in North America:]]> (Read more...) Mad Catz Confirms Slightly Lower Fiscal Year Results tag:www.frictionlessinsight.com,2008://1.3530 2008-07-01T06:05:17Z 2008-07-02T04:17:38Z In a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, peripheral manufacturer Mad Catz confirmed its financial results for its fiscal year ended March 31, 2008.... Editor In a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, peripheral manufacturer Mad Catz confirmed its financial results for its fiscal year ended March 31, 2008.]]> (Read more...) Big Box of Blox Available for Smartphones tag:www.frictionlessinsight.com,2008://1.3521 2008-07-01T05:04:07Z 2008-07-01T23:04:00Z Astraware has released a version of Digital Eel's Big Box of Blox for Symbian S60 smartphones. This falling-block matching game has tons of mysterious variants on conventional puzzle play along with a unique visual style and a great soundtrack.... Editor Astraware has released a version of Digital Eel's Big Box of Blox for Symbian S60 smartphones. This falling-block matching game has tons of mysterious variants on conventional puzzle play along with a unique visual style and a great soundtrack.]]> (Read more...) Atlus to Distribute Three NIS Games tag:www.frictionlessinsight.com,2008://1.3520 2008-06-30T22:49:02Z 2008-07-01T18:32:20Z Atlus has entered into an agreement with NIS America to publish three of NIS' upcoming games: Disgaea 3: Absence of Justice, Disgaea DS and Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure.... Editor Disgaea 3: Absence of Justice, Disgaea DS and Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure.]]> (Read more...)