PLAYSTATION 3 CLIVE BARKER’S JERICHO DEMO NOW AVAILABLE
A demo of Codemasters Clive Barker’s Jericho for the PlayStation 3 is now available for download via the PlayStation Store. Download size is approximately 821MB.
- Clive Barker’s Jericho - Official website
PLAYSTATION 3 NBA 2K8 DEMO NOW AVAILABLE
A demo of 2K Sports NBA 2K8 for the PlayStation 3 is now available for download via the PlayStation Store. Download size is approximately 287MB
- NBA 2K8 - Official website
MAME32 .119.2 RELEASED
Following in the footsteps of the latest MAME update, MAME32 v.119.2, the Windows GUI port of MAME v.119u2 is now available. The same advice I gave about the latest build of MAME applies to this version of MAME32 as well.
Check out the official MAME32 page here for more details and the download links.
- MAME32 - Official home of MAME32
MAME V.119U2 RELEASED
The updates continue on the Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator, as version .119u2 is now available for download. This update contains more changes to Sega Model 2 and Model 3 sound emulation in addition to the usual bug fixes. As always, I’d recommend holding off on upgrading your installation until the next full release unless you’ve got a specific reason to do so. For those of you interested in testing this build for the dev team, download the update and then head on over to MAME Testers to find out how to get started.
The updated emulator files can be found at the official MAME development page at Mamedev.org. You can Click here to see the full list of what’s new in this update.
XBOX 360 CLIVE BARKER’S JERICHO DEMO NOW AVAILABLE
A demo of Codemasters Clive Barker’s Jericho for the Xbox 360 is now available for download in all regions except Germany and Asia via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Approximate file size is 885.17MB.
- Clive Barker’s Jericho - Official website
XBOX 360 NHL 2K8 DEMO NOW AVAILABLE
A demo of 2K Sports NHL 2K8 for the Xbox 360 is now available for download in all regions except Australia, New Zealand and Asia via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Approximate file size is 1.0GB.
- NHL 2K8 - Official website
DIGITALLIFE 2007: DAY TWO
As you may have well noticed, there aren’t any stories from DigitalLife ‘07 up on the site yet. Rest assured, they are coming, but I was on the show floor all day thursday and will be spending a good deal of today there as well. It just didn’t leave a lot of time for writing things up properly yesterday.
One thing I will say going into day two is that I was a little disappointed with the general lack of new games on the floor. While there were some upcoming titles such as Crysis, The Eye of Judgment, Gears of War (PC), Guitar Hero III and the like, those kiosks were few and far between.
Perhaps the biggest letdown was when I found my way to the console gaming area to find that some of the games weren’t just already released, they were released a long time ago. Imagine seeing a row of Xbox 360’s and finding that they were set up to play Oblivion, Fight Night: Round 3, Rainbow Six: Vegas and Madden NFL’08. Don’t get too smarmy yet Sony fans - the story was much the same at the kiosks set up with the PlayStation 3.
Still, there was plenty to see and plenty of companies to talk with, and over the next few days, I’ll be bringing the information learned in those sessions to you, because that’s just the kind of guy I am. So stay tuned as we now return you to your game news broadcast… already in progress.
- DigitalLife 2007 - Official website
ACTIVISION ACQUIRES BIZARRE CREATIONS
In a surprise announcement, Activision announced late wednesday that they have acquired UK based Bizarre Creations, the development house behind Microsoft’s Project Gotham Racing franchise. While the exact terms of the deal were not disclosed, the acquisition does not include the rights to the PGR series, as Microsoft is the holder for that particular intellectual property. Geometry Wars on the other hand, as you may have guessed from the upcoming Nintendo DS release of Geometry Wars: Galaxies, is another story. I’d expect to see some form of Geometry Wars finding it’s way to the PlayStation 3 some time in the near future.
"SANTA MONICA, Calif., Sep 26, 2007 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq:ATVI) today announced that it has acquired U.K.-based video game developer Bizarre Creations, one of the world’s premier video game developers and a leader in the racing category, a $1.4 billion market that is the fourth most popular video game genre and represents more than 10% of the total video game market worldwide.
This acquisition represents the latest step in Activision’s ongoing strategy to enter new genres. Last year, Activision entered the music rhythm genre through its acquisition of RedOctane’s Guitar Hero franchise, which is one of the fastest growing franchises in the video game industry." - Activision press release
Obviously, Bizarre will be moved into making multiplatform games, which would virtually ensure the end of their participation in the development of the PGR franchise, though the early rumor is that Bizarre will simply move back to producing the Metropolis Street Racer series, meaning that while the name changes, little else will. One thing that many seem concerned about, is whether or not Activision will show the same kind of quality control that Microsoft has shown with Bizarre’s titles. As usual, only time will tell.
- Activision - Company website
- Bizarre Creations - Company website
- Activision Acquires U.K. Game Developer Bizarre Creations - Press release
DIGITALLIFE 2007 OPENS TODAY
DigitalLife, New York’s only public consumer electronics and gaming show opens today, and I’ll be there to take a look at what we can expect to see coming to retail over the next few months. The show, which runs from today through Sunday, September 30th is a hands-on affair where attendees will not only get to try out a wide variety of gadgets and games, but can participate in the DigitalLife Pro Am Gaming Tournament.
"DigitalLife 2007 will once again host the largest gathering of professional and amateur video gamers in the United States. As well as the 3rd Annual DigitalLife Pro-Am Gaming Tournament, produced by the Global Gaming League (GGL), the show will also feature individual tournaments for Halo 2, Dance Dance Revolution, Guitar Hero, and American Idol by Konami.
The $100,000 DigitalLife Pro Am Gaming Tournament sponsored by Dell, Alienware and Headplay covers over 10,000 feet of floor space. Qualifier events will be held In August and September and will continue at the show with opportunities to qualify onsite. Eventually over 300 of the country’s best professional and amateur gamers will compete for over $100K in cash and prizes" - DigitalLife
With so few opportunities for people on the East Coast to get into a show, gamers should be sure not to miss this one if at all possible. As for me, I’ve got a few meetings with companies lined up during the show, so in addition to the normal coverage, we should have some detailed information on several of the products gamers can expect to see in the near future. Tune in over the next few days to see what all the fuss is about!
- DigitalLife 2007 - Official website
About
Here’s what you need to know about this wonderful little site that I call home…
This site is entirely based on the personal opinions of the editorial staff, internet reports, conjecture, rumors, and blatant idiocy. In no way should any report, news item, picture or description on this site ever be taken as 100 percent factual. To put it simply, if you think the 10 minutes of research I may do into a specific subject is enough for you to take something as reported at face value, you need to get your head examined.
As implied by the statement above, information on this website can, and probably will, contain numerous inaccuracies and as such should never be used to make any kind of an informed decision on a subject. Seriously. The nature of news on the internet and the business of reporting on rumors, ommissions and, let’s call it what it is, wild-ass guessing should never be mistaken as 100 percent accurate. While all attempts are made to report things as accurately as we can, things are always going to get missed or misunderstood in the shuffle.
In short, take everything on this site as what it is - news being reported by someone who is a fan of the video game industry, but who has no connections to the game industry or related businesses.
If you’ve seen something you feel is inaccurate or misinterperated, feel free to drop us a line at nylatenite@yahoo.com to let us know the truth of the matter. Thank you.
HALO 3: INSIDE THE LEGENDARY EDITION
Things have finally calmed down enough around here for me to get around to posting some images and my impressions of the Legendary Edition of Halo 3. Since this post is going to be somewhat image heavy, I’ve set up the full article on another page so that those of you who don’t want to be bothered with more Halo 3 news than absolutely necessary don’t have to deal with a ton of images slowing down your surfing. Fair enough?
 |
 |
 |
A teaser of a few of the images in the full article
- Halo 3: Inside the Legendary Edition - NYLatenite.com
THE HALO 3 MIDNIGHT LAUNCH
As I mentioned yesterday, I had made the decision to head out to my local game shop’s midnight launch for Halo 3. Now, I’ve gone out to these things in the past, and every time I go, I swear that rather than standing on line for hours, next time I’ll just show up at 12:45am and get in with the back of the line. Once again I ignored my own advice and headed out approximately 2 hours before midnight, and once again, the line had already stretched to the end of the block and turned the corner.
(The store is on the far left of the pic & the line turns the corner just past the far right of the pic)
Making matters worse, I had forgotten to charge my cell phone, which left it with little power for me to take pictures or talk with friends who were braving the lines at other stores, my DS was sitting at home on my desk and the nearest WiFi access point was just far enough away to make connecting to the internet via my Palm T|X an impossibility. Things were looking pretty grim.
Fortunately, I was surrounded by a good group of gamers, and since we all share the common language of gaming, the time passed relatively quickly. Relatively being the operative word here - no matter how engaging any conversation was, nothing was going to take one’s mind off the fact that we were lined up like cattle awaiting the slaughter. In talking with the people around me, and observing those coming out of the store after midnight, I was a bit surprised to see just how many people had ordered the Legendary Edition of the game - guess I’m not the only sucker out there. I somehow think that with at least 250,000 of them made that there will be any sort of aftermarket rush for these. (I base that number on the numbering on the back of my Master Chief helmet)
The store itself did an admirable job of running the show - during the course of the night, they ensured that everyone on the line paid their reserve in full so that once midnight came, it would be a relatively quick process of getting people in and out of the store. A raffle was held for the store’s Halo 3 standee and soft drinks were provided free of charge.
Midnight did come, and the line did indeed move more quickly than normal. That said, It still took me 45 minutes to actually get into the store once midnight came, but again, once inside things went pretty quickly. I took my new shiny box and went home to enjoy the unpacking…
Two last things to note here;
1.) I should have a post about the contents of the Legendary Edition (with pictures) up shortly. I wound up massively oversleeping and am currently racing to try and get several things done at once. Don’t blame me, blame Bungie.
2.) To the people who feel the need to perform burn-outs and then tear out of the parking lot at 90 mph, contrary to what you may think, no one thinks you’re cool - we all tend to just say “what a moron” in unison. Sorry to disappoint you.
- Halo 3 - Official website
XBOX 360 CRASH OF THE TITANS DEMO NOW AVAILABLE
A demo of Sierra’s Crash of the Titans for the Xbox 360 is now available for download in all regions except Asia and Mexico via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Approximate file size is 530.76MB.
- Crash of the Titans - Official website
THIS WEEK’S RELEASES: SEPTEMBER 24TH - SEPTEMBER 30TH
I’ve got to admit, I was a bit surprised by the sheer number of titles releasing this week. I had figured with the Halo 3 behemoth coming to town, just about everyone (at least on the Xbox 360) would steer clear of the inevitable retail mauling. Looks like I was wrong.
I could go on about how the first Halo truly put the Xbox on the map with innovative (if at times repetitive) gameplay and how the second revolutionized online gameplay and matchmaking, but instead I’ll stick with Halo 3 itself and the hope that it will finally deliver on the promise of all out Human vs Covenant warfare on Earth. If Bungie can pull that off, then it will indeed be a fitting end to the saga of Spartan 117.
For those wondering, I’ll be standing outside of my local game shop tomorrow night for the midnight release, and with some luck, I should have some pictures of the Legendary Edition packaging and contents up when I get back from the store or early the next morning. I’m really interested to see whether or not the “original storyboard art” the Legendary Edition is supposed to contain is actual storyboard artwork direct from Bungie or just a cheap reproduction of what was on hand. I won’t lie here, I’m still extremely angry about the way Microsoft is treating Legendary Edition buyers by not including the hardcover art book Limited Edition purchasers get, but in the end, the game collector in me won out and convinced me to keep my Legendary order intact.
Yes, I’m both a consumer whore and a sucker. I know this, so no need to e-mail me on it. I also know that for the extra money I’m shelling out for the Legendary Edition, I could purchase one of those awesome Master Chief statues from Kotobukiya, so there’s no need to e-mail me about that as well.
Simply put, I’ll be putting common sense in the trash bucket on this one and going for the shiny object in the corner. Should the Legendary Edition wind up for sale used at $19.99 at some point, feel free to e-mail me about that one. We’ll both get a good laugh out of that bit of news.
Here are the week’s retail highlights;
- Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts (PC)
- Halo 3 (360)
- Bungie’s blockbuster trilogy comes to a conclusion as the Master Chief faces off against the forces of the Covenant and the Flood once more. By now you know whether or not you’re excited about this one, so there’s really no need to say more here, is there?
- NBA 08 (PS2, PS3 & PSP)
- Sony tries it’s hand at basketball once more, but if last year’s effort is any indication, you’ll want to stay away from this one.
- skate (PS3)
- Electronic Arts turned it’s eye towards the skateboarding genre when it released this game a few weeks back, and now it’s made it’s way to the PlayStation 3. Word is it takes a more realistic approach to skateboarding than the Tony Hawk series. Time will tell.
Be sure to check out the below list for all the titles you can expect to find at retail this week.
- 30,000 Games - PC - 9/25/2007
- Big Buck Hunter - PC - 9/25/2007
- Bratz: The Movie - PS2 - 9/25/2007
- Bratz: The Movie - WII - 9/25/2007
- Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts - PC - 9/25/2007
- Halo 3 - 360 - 9/25/2007
- Halo 3 Legendary Edition - 360 - 9/25/2007
- Halo 3 Limited Edition - 360 - 9/25/2007
- Hour of Victory - PC - 9/25/2007
- Jackass: The Game - PS2 - 9/25/2007
- Jackass: The Game - PSP - 9/25/2007
- Math Play - DS - 9/25/2007
- Original Frisbee Disc Sports - DS - 9/25/2007
- Pirate’s Revenge - PC - 9/25/2007
- skate - PS3 - 9/25/2007
- Spelling Challenges and More! - DS - 9/25/2007
- Tarr Chronicles - PC - 9/25/2007
- Animal Genius - DS - 9/26/2007
- Backyard Basketball - DS - 9/26/2007
- Backyard Hockey - DS - 9/26/2007
- Balls of Fury - WII - 9/26/2007
- Brain Spa - PC - 9/26/2007
- Cabela’s Big Game Hunter 2008 - PC - 9/26/2007
- Crayola Treasure Adventures - DS - 9/26/2007
- CSI 4: Hard Evidence - PC - 9/26/2007
- CSI: 3 Dimension of Murder - PS2 - 9/26/2007
- Dance Dance Revolution: Hottest Party Bundle - WII - 9/26/2007
- Dance Dance Revolution: SuperNova 2 - PS2 - 9/26/2007
- Dance Dance Revolution: SuperNova 2 Bundle - PS2 - 9/26/2007
- Dora the Explorer: Candyland - PC - 9/26/2007
- Dragon Blade: Wrath of Fire - WII - 9/26/2007
- Ghost in the Sheet - PC - 9/26/2007
- Go Diego Go: Safari Rescue - PC - 9/26/2007
- Hot Wheels Beat That - PS2 - 9/26/2007
- Hot Wheels Beat That - WII - 9/26/2007
- NBA 08 - PS2 - 9/26/2007
- NBA 08 - PS3 - 9/26/2007
- NBA 08 - PSP - 9/26/2007
- Race Driver: Create & Race - DS - 9/26/2007
- Settlers: Rise of an Empire - PC - 9/26/2007
- Soul Nomad - PS2 - 9/26/2007
- World Series of Poker 2008 - PS2 - 9/26/2007
- World Series of Poker 2008 - PS3 - 9/26/2007
- CSI: Hard Evidence - 360 - 9/27/2007
- Hot Wheels Beat That - 360 - 9/27/2007
- Marvel Ultimate Alliance Enhanced (Platinum Hits) - 360 - 9/27/2007
- World Series of Poker 2008 - 360 - 9/27/2007
- Kurupoto Cool Cool Stars - DS - 9/28/2007
- Arctic Tale - DS - 9/29/2007
- Battleship/Connect 4/Sorry/Trouble - DS - 9/29/2007
- Left Behind: Eternal Forces Expansion Pack - PC - 9/29/2007
Please keep in mind these are only estimated release dates and could change at any time.
MAME32 .119.1 RELEASED
Following in the footsteps of the latest MAME update, MAME32 v.119.1, the Windows GUI port of MAME v.119u1 is now available. The same advice I gave about the latest build of MAME applies to this version of MAME32 as well.
Check out the official MAME32 page here for more details and the download links.
- MAME32 - Official home of MAME32
MAME V.119U1 RELEASED
The updates continue on the Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator, as version .119u1 is now available for download. This update contains major changes to both Sega Model 2 and Namco System 21 emulation in addition to the usual bug fixes. Because of these changes, I’d recommend holding off on upgrading your installation until the next full release unless you’ve got a specific reason to do so. As always, those of you interested in testing this build for the dev team should download the update and then head on over to MAME Testers to find out how to get started.
The updated emulator files can be found at the official MAME development page at Mamedev.org. You can Click here to see the full list of what’s new in this update.
XBOX 360 CALL OF DUTY 4 MULTIPLAYER BETA UPDATE
In a post on his blog, Infinity Ward’s Robert "FourZeroTwo" Bowling confirmed that the Xbox 360 Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare multiplayer beta will be ending on September 30th at 11:59PM. To cushion the blow of that news, Bowling also reported that on September 28th at 10:00AM PST, Infinity Ward will be raising the level cap to 25, unlocking all non-classified items listed in the weapons and perks menus.
"Friday Sept. 28th, (first thing aka 10 am PST) we’re going to be maxing out the level cap for the beta at Rank 25. This is going to allow you to rank up and unlock everything that’s not marked Classified including new weapons, perks, and challenges such as:
Assault Rifles:
> G3Light Machine Guns:
> M60E4Sniper Rifles:
> DragunovPerk 1:
> Claymore X2Perk 2:
> Slight of HandPerk 3:
> MartyrdomNext weekend (Friday 28th / Sunday 30th) is going to be a mad rush to level 25 as it’s official, come 11:59pm on Sunday the 30th the beta will be coming to a close. I know, I know… but don’t worry. It’ll only be a little over a month from that point that you’ll be able to get your hands on the full version of the game on November 5th." - Robert "FourZeroTwo" Bowling
While I’m absolutely thrilled about the level cap being raised, I really am not looking forward to having to go without CoD4 for a whole month. Beyond a few annoying bugs and exploits, which will hopefully be addressed in the retail release, the beta has been an absolute blast to play. Based on the multiplayer aspect alone, Call of Duty 4 is shaping up to be a must-buy title.
- Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare - Official site
- Gold Like Your Mom’s Bridesmaid - FourZeroTwo
PLAYSTATION STORE: LOCOROCO COCORECCHO!
You know, almost every time Sony releases an original game via the PlayStation Store, I find myself saying "I really wish there was a demo" - I’m sure many of you feel the same way. Anyway, Sony has brought the LocoRoco franchise to the PlayStation 3 with the release of LocoRoco Cocoreccho, a game that would appear to be patterned off of titles such as Lemmings, but with a slight twist - instead of placing objects in strategic areas to control the flow of the critters being saved, players use the motion controls of the Sixaxis controller to move a butterfly, which the LocoRoco will attempt to follow, around the playfield.
"All new LocoRoco™ game exclusively for the PS3™! Play as a butterfly and guide the cute little LocoRoco to safety. The LocoRocos respond to the environment, interact with each other, and sing along to the music. Running at 1080p, LocoRoco™ Cocoreccho! brings all new gameplay, use of the SIXAXIS™ wireless controller technology, mini-games, and online rankings.
- New Gameplay – Control the butterfly to guide the cute little LocoRoco to safety! LocoRoco will try to follow the butterfly wherever it goes!
- Full HD at 1080p – Fly around a richly detailed environment to wake up and rescue up to 200 LocoRoco!
- SIXAXIS™ Wireless Controller- Use the SIXAXIS controller to rock, launch, and bounce the LocoRoco.
- Additional Mini-games - Discover three addicting mini-games." - PlayStation store product description
The game is priced at $6.99, and as I alluded to earlier, no demo is available.
PLAYSTATION 3 NBA 08 DEMO NOW AVAILABLE
A demo of Sony’s NBA 08 for the PlayStation 3 is now available for download via the PlayStation Store. Download size is approximately 888MB.
- NBA 08 - Official website
PLAYSTATION 3 SEGA RALLY REVO DEMO NOW AVAILABLE
A demo of Sega’s SEGA Rally Revo for the PlayStation 3 is now available for download via the PlayStation Store. Download size is approximately 713MB.
- SEGA Rally Revo - Official website
PLAYSTATION 3 STUNTMAN IGNITION DEMO NOW AVAILABLE
A demo of THQ’s Stuntman: Ignition for the PlayStation 3 is now available for download via the PlayStation Store. Download size is approximately 608MB.
- Stuntman: Ignition - Official website
PLAYSTATION 3 SKATE DEMO NOW AVAILABLE
A demo of Electronic Arts skate for the PlayStation 3 is now available for download via the PlayStation Store. Download size is approximately 977MB.
- skate - Official website
XBOX LIVE BRINGING IT HOME: TOKYO GAME SHOW ‘07 - DAY TWO
As you may have figured out already by how late today’s posts are going up, I’m a bit rushed at the moment. Microsoft has continued uploading selected content from the Tokyo Game Show to Xbox Live subscribers everywhere via a "Bringing it Home" promotion. Here’s the new stuff you can expect to find from Friday’s update;
Content: Lost Odyssey - Trailer
Price: Free
Availability: All regions
Size: 103.06 MB
Dash Text: [ESRB: RP (Rating Pending)] Lost Odyssey trailer (Tokyo Game Show 2007)Content: Sega Rally - Trailer
Price: Free
Availability: All regions
Dash Text: [ESRB: RP (Rating Pending)] Sega Rally trailer shown at Tokyo Game Show 2007.Content: Xbox 360 Title Montage - Video
Price: Free
Availability: All regions
Size: 270.96 MB
Dash Text: [ESRB: RP (Rating Pending)] Upcoming Titles shown at Tokyo Game Show 2007.
I’m not sure if the promo is over yet as, while the show runs through Sunday, Microsoft generally doesn’t update the Live Marketplace on weekends. Should more TGS ‘07 content hit the marketplace, I’ll be sure to post it.
XBOX LIVE BRINGING IT HOME: TOKYO GAME SHOW ‘07 - DAY ONE
Microsoft is once again bringing selected content from the Tokyo Game Show to Xbox Live subscribers everywhere via a “Bringing it Home” promotion. As par for the course, I’ll be highlighting the content being offered for free via the Live Marketplace, so be sure to check back each day as Microsoft is sure to be loading the marketplace will tons of promotional materials to prepare gamers for the holiday season rush.
We’ve already gotten the demo for Viva Pinata Party Animals out of the way, so all that’s left to talk about right now are the trailers that hit Live yesterday. Here’s what you can expect to find;
Content: Devil May Cry 4 Summer 2007 Trailer
Price: Free
Availability: All regions
Size: 94.51 MB
Dash Text: [ESRB: RP (Rating Pending)] View the latest trailer for the newest installment in the mega-hit action series Devil May Cry. Old faces-off against new with series stalwart Dante taking on new hero, Nero, in a highlight reel of Devil May Cry 4’s opening scenes.Content: Xbox LIVE Arcade Montage - Video
Price: Free
Availability: All regions
Dash Text: [ESRB: RP (Rating Pending)] Xbox LIVE Arcade Montage shown at Tokyo Game Show 2007.Content: VF5 Demo Trailer
Price: Free
Availability: All regions except Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan
Size: 75.15 MB
Dash Text: [ESRB: T (Teen) SUGGESTIVE THEMES,USE OF ALCOHOL,VIOLENCE] Virtua Fighter 5, the world-renowned fighting game, now features online gameplay. VF5 also lets you download replay data of top players from its online leaderboards, and includes the latest updates to game balance, in-game items, and CPU rival character AI. Check out the excitement now in this downloadable movie.Content: VF5 Demo Movie
Price: Free
Availability: Only in Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan
Size: 78.87 MB
Dash Text: Virtua Fighter 5, the world-renowned fighting game, now features online gameplay. VF5 also lets you download replay data of top players from its online leaderboards, and includes the latest updates to game balance, in-game items, and CPU rival character AI. Check out the excitement now in this downloadable movie. (Not Rated)Content: ACE COMBAT 6 TRAILER #02 Full Trailer (480p/720p)
Price: Free
Availability: All Xbox LIVE regions
Dash Text: ACE COMBAT 6 full trailer available now! The paths of a broken family, a fallen ace, a scheming soldier and a fated pilot intertwine, as they struggle to overcome the intense flames of war. Swarms of fighter jets race across the horizon as massive missile explosions blanket the sky. Take part in the intense drama of the battlefield, and witness Ace Combat redefined! (Not Rated)Content: Dark Sector Webisode #1 (HD)
Price: Free
Availability: All regions
Dash Text: [ESRB: RP (Rating Pending)] Dive deeper into the world of Dark Sector with this series of webisodes. For more information go to www.darksector.comContent: KUF:COD TGS Gameplay Trailer
Price: Free
Availability: All regions except Japan
Size: 79.96 MB
Dash Text: [ESRB: M (Mature) BLOOD AND GORE,SUGGESTIVE THEMES,VIOLENCE] New KUF:COD Trailer featuring gameplay and story sequences…Launching Winter 2007. Answer the call to battle in this Action-RPG where the Lords of Light and Darkness wage war for ultimate dominion. To save the world from eternal darkness, you must overcome hordes of demented monsters, journey through twisted, surreal environments and face unspeakable nightmares. Use your strength and skill to end the Circle of Doom and bring back the Light!
Be sure to check back tomorrow for the next batch of TGS goodies!
XBOX 360 VIVA PINATA PARTY ANIMALS DEMO NOW AVAILABLE
A demo of Microsoft’s Viva Pinata Party Animals for the Xbox 360 is now available for download in all regions via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Approximate file size is 971.17MB.
- Viva Pinata Party Animals - Product page at Xbox.com
- Viva Pinata Party Animals - VivaPinata.com
XBOX 360 RECEIVES MINOR SYSTEM UPDATE
According to Xbox Live Director of Programming Larry "Major Nelson" Hyrb, Xbox 360 users should see a small update the next time they log onto the Xbox Live service. This update is not the oft-mentioned Fall Dashboard Update, but rather just another minor tweak to the 360 to allow use of the specialized controller that will be included with "Scene It?".
"Today the team is releasing a minor system update via Xbox Live. Over the next few hours, when you sign in to Xbox LIVE, you’ll receive a prompt to accept this mandatory update. What’s in this update? Much like the update last month, the only thing this minor release will do is prepare your Xbox 360 for the Big Button Pad that is being released this holiday. Why do we need to release this update now? Simple: The certification team needs time to test the new controller against the retail hardware/software combination before it hits stores.
One more thing: no new features beyond this big button pad support are included in this update and, once again, this is not the ‘fall dashboard upgrade.’ When I have firm details on the next major update, I will share them." - Major Nelson
Despite the Major’s explanation, I really do question the wisdom behind this move. All too often these updates seem to cause mass console brickings and with Halo 3 launching in just a few days, it seems like taking an unnecessary public relations risk. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for everyone - please do the same for me.
- Xbox 360 System Update - Major Nelson
SONY CONFIRMS DUAL SHOCK 3 CONTROLLER
Confirming the rumors that have been spreading across the ‘net for the last few days, at their press briefing for the Tokyo Game Show, Sony Computer Entertainment President Kaz Hirai confirmed that that vibration feedback would be coming to the PlayStation 3 in the form of the Dual Shock 3 controller.
The new controller looks identical to the current Sixaxis controller and will be hitting retail in Japan this November with the United States and Europe following in the Spring of 2008. No price has been quoted at this time.
This is great news for PlayStation 3 owners who have been sorely missing the feature - though I’m sure some who purchased multiple controllers may feel a little burned by the move. Even better news was that in addition to future PS3 games supporting vibration feedback, Hirai noted that some games in the existing PlayStation 3 catalog could have the feature added via downloadable updates.
XBOX 360 NBA 2K8 DEMO NOW AVAILABLE
A demo of 2K Sports NBA 2K8 for the Xbox 360 is now available for download in all regions via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Approximate file size is 325.23MB.
- NBA 2K8 - Official website
XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS - GEON: EMOTIONS
Ahoy me hearties, it be another edition of Xbox Live Arcade Wednesdays, and those scallywags at Microsoft be bringing us some buried treasure. Aye, this week we be getting our hands on Strawdog Studios Geon: Emotions.
Now I be the first to be tellin’ ye that I be havin’ no idea what this one be about. There be no doubt in me mind, that the description of Geon that Xbox.com be serving up be the biggest pile of manatee leavings that I be ever seeing. From what little scuttlebutt I could find at the bottom of Davy Jones Locker, the game be something in the lines of that rascal Marble Blast Ultra, but I really can’t be bein’ sure.
Me advice to you matey, is to be sure to be downloading the demo of this one before ye be putting down any of ye hard earned swag on the game. There just be too many questions about what ye should be expectin’ to find here. I tell ya, it be like part of an old salt’s treasure map - a mystery to be sure.
So grab your best serving wench and have a grog on me as we look at the scurvy-ridden Xbox.com product description of Geon: Emotions.
Title: Geon: Emotions
Developer: Strawdog Studios Ltd
Publisher: Eidos Interactive
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 9/19/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-4
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E (Everyone)
Demo?: Yes
From the Xbox.com product description;
“Love it? Hate it? Does it make you angry? Does it calm you down? Feel the energy of powerful emotions as you compete amongst your opponents to master the unique sport of Geon: Emotions. What’s your strategy going to be? Will you choose to spread fear among the other players, or unleash a wave of bliss over them with the aim of subverting their cause? Play to your emotional strengths. Allow your dark side to dominate, or win through speed, courage, and style. You can be the master of Geon, but you must learn to use your emotions to your advantage.
- A different game: Geon: Emotions is something different, a fast-paced abstract sports game that lets you explore your emotions as you compete against opponents.
- Next-gen graphics: The razor sharp visuals are accompanied by a pulse-pounding soundtrack.
- Game modes: Perfect your skills in a head-to-head duel or try the time attack to win medals and unlock mini-games. Then, go multiplayer on Xbox LIVE with up to four players and let it all hang out on the emotional battlefield.” - Xbox.com
Some of ye may be wonderin’ about that treasure we done found last week. Well, let me telling ya boys, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 be a damn fine retelling of that old tale, full of adventure and mystery. Those of ye who used to sail with Cap’n Genesis and be longing for the good ‘ol days before the pirate’s sunset should be digging this booty up right quick. Arrrr.
- Talk Like a Pirate Day - Original website
- International Talk Like a Pirate Day - Wikipedia
XBOX 360 SEGA RALLY REVO DEMO NOW AVAILABLE
A demo of Sega’s SEGA Rally Revo for the Xbox 360 is now available for download in all regions except Japan via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Download size is approximately 691.82MB.
- SEGA Rally Revo - Official website
THIS WEEK’S RELEASES: SEPTEMBER 17TH - SEPTEMBER 23RD
Wow, retail comes alive with a vengeance this week as plenty of decent titles - and a fair amount of fodder - find their way to retail. If I had to pick one title to be this week’s king of the hill, I guess I would aim at Namco Bandai’s Eternal Sonata. The game is not only highly anticipated, but received excellent scores when it debuted in Japan earlier this year under the name Trusty Bell: Chopin’s Dream.
Here are the week’s retail highlights;
- Eternal Sonata (360)
- Namco Bandai’s highly anticipated role playing game makes it’s debut on the Xbox 360 this week. Players enter the imaginary world of dying composer Frederic Chopin and adventure ensues. While it will only be out this week on the 360, a PlayStation 3 port is planned for Spring 2008.
- Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights (360, DS & PS2)
- A street racing game with the title of an adult movie. Juiced 2 should provide fans of the genre with some thrills.
- My Sims (DS & WII)
- Electronic Arts opens a new chapter in the Sims franchise with this cutesy version of the venerable series.
- Namco Museum DS (DS)
- Namco once again brings a compilation of their classic arcade hits to a Nintendo handheld.
- Stranglehold (PC)
- Take control of Inspector Tequilla and bring some crime lords to their knees in this spiritual successor to Woo’s film Hard Boiled.
- Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror (PS2)
- There was a time when Gabe Logan and company were big names on the gaming scene. Those days have passed. Still, it should be interesting to see if this one can revive even some interest in the Syphon Filter franchise.
- World in Conflict (PC)
- The premise of this Real Time Strategy title from Sierra is that the Soviet Union did not collapse in 1991, but rather attempted to stave off it’s end by blackmailing the world with a demand that the United Nations financially support it’s economy or face an invasion of Western Europe. Since this is a war game, you can guess what the United Nations answer was. Expect battles in both Europe and North America.
Be sure to check out the below list for all the titles you can expect to find at retail this week.
- 30,000 Games - PC - 9/18/2007
- 7 Wonders - DS - 9/18/2007
- AniMates - DS - 9/18/2007
- Big Buck Hunter - PC - 9/18/2007
- Eternal Sonata - 360 - 9/18/2007
- Experiment 112 - PC - 9/18/2007
- History Channel: Battle of Rome - PC - 9/18/2007
- I Love Kittens - PC - 9/18/2007
- I Love Puppies - PC - 9/18/2007
- Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights - 360 - 9/18/2007
- Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights - DS - 9/18/2007
- Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights - PS2 - 9/18/2007
- Pirate’s Revenge - PC - 9/18/2007
- Stuntman: Ignition - PS3 - 9/18/2007
- Anubis II - WII - 9/19/2007
- Backyard Basketball - DS - 9/19/2007
- Blazing Angels 2: Secret Missions of World War II - 360 - 9/19/2007
- Blazing Angels 2: Secret Missions of World War II - PC - 9/19/2007
- Coded Arms: Contagion - PSP - 9/19/2007
- Cosmic Family - WII - 9/19/2007
- Dewy’s Adventure - WII - 9/19/2007
- Digimon World: Data Squad - PS2 - 9/19/2007
- Digimon World: Dawn - DS - 9/19/2007
- Digimon World: Dusk - DS - 9/19/2007
- Fishing Master - WII - 9/19/2007
- Growlanser: Heritage of War Special Edition - PS2 - 9/19/2007
- Honda: SBk-07 Superbike - PS2 - 9/19/2007
- Master Jin Jin’s IQ Challenge - DS - 9/19/2007
- Mercury Meltdown: Revolution - WII - 9/19/2007
- My Sims - DS - 9/19/2007
- My Sims - WII - 9/19/2007
- Namco Museum DS - DS - 9/19/2007
- Nancy Drew - DS - 9/19/2007
- Pokemon Pocket Pokedex Vol. 2 - WII - 9/19/2007
- SingStar 80’s - PS2 - 9/19/2007
- SingStar 80’s (with 2 Microphones) - PS2 - 9/19/2007
- SingStar Amped - PS2 - 9/19/2007
- SingStar Amped (with 2 Microphones) - PS2 - 9/19/2007
- Sonic Rush Adventure - DS - 9/19/2007
- Stranglehold - PC - 9/19/2007
- Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror - PS2 - 9/19/2007
- Warriors Orochi - 360 - 9/19/2007
- Warriors Orochi - PS2 - 9/19/2007
- World in Conflict - PC - 9/19/2007
- World in Conflict Collector’s Edition - PC - 9/19/2007
- Yu-Gi-Oh! GX Tag Force 2 - PSP - 9/19/2007
Please keep in mind these are only estimated release dates and could change at any time.
About
Here’s what you need to know about this wonderful little site that I call home…
This site is entirely based on the personal opinions of the editorial staff, internet reports, conjecture, rumors, and blatant idiocy. In no way should any report, news item, picture or description on this site ever be taken as 100 percent factual. To put it simply, if you think the 10 minutes of research I may do into a specific subject is enough for you to take something as reported at face value, you need to get your head examined.
As implied by the statement above, information on this website can, and probably will, contain numerous inaccuracies and as such should never be used to make any kind of an informed decision on a subject. Seriously. The nature of news on the internet and the business of reporting on rumors, ommissions and, let’s call it what it is, wild-ass guessing should never be mistaken as 100 percent accurate. While all attempts are made to report things as accurately as we can, things are always going to get missed or misunderstood in the shuffle.
In short, take everything on this site as what it is - news being reported by someone who is a fan of the video game industry, but who has no connections to the game industry or related businesses.
If you’ve seen something you feel is inaccurate or misinterperated, feel free to drop us a line at nylatenite@yahoo.com to let us know the truth of the matter. Thank you.
PLAYSTATON STORE: PIXELJUNK RACERS
PixelJunk Racers, the second game added in last week’s PlayStation Store update, is a bit of a strange title - I’d almost call it a throwback game. The game is based on the slot car race sets many if us played with as children in which cars race around a track with only the ability to change speed or lanes. Several game types appear to be available to add some mix to the flavor, but ultimately, it’s still slot car racing.
"PixelJunk™ Racers is an addictive slot car racing game that supports 1080p and features single player and multiplayer fun (up to 7 players simultaneously offline!). Intuitive controls, 32 different race modes, and online rankings will provide countless hours of racing mayhem.
- Unlimited Racing Action – 16 core racing modes with varying degrees of difficulty for a total of 32 modes, including an in-depth single-player tournament and offline multiplayer modes (up to 7 players!).
- Full HD at 1080p – Speed through 10 richly detailed courses.
- SIXAXIS™ Wireless Controller – Use the controller’s left and right buttons on the D-pad to steer through traffic, master cornering, and overtake rival vehicles.
- Global Online Ranking – Play for your personal best in Score Attack and see how you stack up against other racers worldwide." - PlayStation Store
PixelJunk Racers is priced at $6.99 and a demo is available for download via the PlayStation Store. I had the chance to try this one out this weekend, and I’ll rate it as a pass - there’s just not much of a game there.
PLAYSTATION STORE: HIGH STAKES ON THE VEGAS STRIP: POKER EDITION
Last week’s PlayStation Store update saw the addition of two new games to the service. The first we’ll be talking about is High Stakes on the Vegas Strip: Poker Edition. As this game has managed to stay far under the radar and no demo is available, I really can’t really tell you what to expect (other than that it’s a poker game of some sort) beyond what’s listed in the product description - so let’s take a look.
"Go all in on the Vegas Strip. Take a seat, put on your poker face and experience the casino action of Vegas; play limit or no-limit poker in five different game types including Texas Hold’em, Super Hold’em, Billabong and more! Master your skills against the computer or challenge up to five others in multiplayer action to become the online poker champ! Ante up and risk it all in High Stakes on the Vegas Strip.
- Multiplayer Action - Challenge up to 5 others
- Online leader boards and in-depth hand statistics
- Power through the tournament circuit in Turbo Mode
- Live audio feed
- High definition up to 1080p." - PlayStation Store
High Stakes on the Vegas Strip: Poker Edition is priced at $9.99 and, as I mentioned earlier, no demo is available. I really don’t see how anyone could screw up a poker game at this point, so if you’ve been waiting for a poker game and don’t mind paying $10 for one, this is probably for you