So Konami is licensing the Unreal Engine from my neighbors, Epic Games… for a horror game based on the Saw films. Does this seem weird to anyone else? Ok… I guess I associate Konami with Lost in Blue and DDR, not bloody gory games.

CARY, N.C., June 24, 2010 – Epic Games, Inc. announced today that Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. has licensed its Unreal Engine 3 for “Saw II: The Game,” an upcoming third-person survivor horror sequel developed by Zombie Studios for Xbox 360(R) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation(R)3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC.

Based on the fictional universe of the “Saw” movie series, “Saw II” takes place between the first two films and introduces a new twist on Jigsaw’s sinister traps and puzzles in the most intense look into the “Saw” universe ever. “Saw II” features a new combat system, clever ways to fight off enemies using the environment, and highly realistic graphics powered by the latest Unreal Engine 3 technology.

“Licensing Unreal Engine 3 was an easy decision for us,” said Careen Yapp, vice president of acquisitions and franchise development at Konami. “The engine’s new and improved features, time-saving tools and exceptional support system make it the best choice for the ‘Saw’ property.”

“I’ve used other game engines, I’ve written my own, I’ve used middleware and I’ve shipped sequels for franchises using other studios’ tech set, and I prefer Unreal Engine 3 over all of them,” said Mark Long, chief executive officer of Zombie Studios. “The quickest way to reduce risk is to use a known, proven toolset. With Unreal Engine 3, I can promise publishers what I can deliver, and I deliver on time. Every time.”

“Saw II” will be Zombie Studios’ ninth title and fourth franchise shipped with the Unreal Engine.

“It’s always rewarding to support repeat customers with our engine technology,” said Mark Rein, vice president of Epic Games. “Konami is a fantastic publisher, and Zombie has great success shipping Unreal-powered games, so we’re eager to see how the new ‘Saw’ game unfolds.”

“Saw II: The Game” is scheduled to be released globally in fall 2010 to coincide with the release of the film, “Saw VII.” To download “Saw II: The Game” screenshots, the logo or trailer, visit http://www.konami.com/GamersNight/.

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I do a weekly trivia night with friends, and when we can’t come with the answer, we always use Sonic the Hedgehog.  Which actor won an Oscar for playing another Oscar-winning actor? Sonic the Hedgehog! Which US president had the largest shoe size? Sonic the Hedgehog! With the new Sonic 4 for Xbox and iToys, it might actually be the real answer.

SEGA® is incredibly happy at the overwhelmingly positive response to Sonic The Hedgehog™ 4 Episode I from both press and fans around the world. SEGA wants to ensure that we’re delivering the best Sonic experience possible.

With this dedication to quality and the Sonic experience in mind, SEGA has decided to extend the development of the game and will now release Sonic The Hedgehog™ 4 Episode I in the latter half of 2010. The additional time will allow the Development Team to focus on keeping the game high quality, continuing tuning and balancing of levels and interface and overall maintaining the kind of polish that an important game like this demands, ultimately providing fans with an unrivaled classic Sonic feel.

SEGA is also pleased to confirm that Sonic The Hedgehog™ 4 Episode I will be coming to the iPhone and iPod touch via Apple’s iTunes App Store.

Sonic The Hedgehog™ 4 Episode I is developed specifically for the download market and will be available via Microsoft Xbox LIVE Arcade, Sony PlayStation Network, Nintendo WiiWare and the iTunes App Store in late 2010.

Popularity: 2% [?]

I’m not sure if GameCrush is trying to be a gamer dating site (like SoulGeek or World of DateCraft) or a way for awkward gamer guys to pay girls to play games with them, and I’m not going to find out because the site’s down due to an overabundance of sign-ups. No word on whether those would-be beta GameCrushers are lonely guys or broke girls.

Here’s the press release:

SAN FRANCISCO – March 23, 2010 GameCrush, now available in public beta, introduces an entirely new interactive social gaming experience allowing gamers to meet, match and pay to play online games with other users (PlayDates). GameCrush is the only online service that allows gamers to choose a companion to spice up their favorite online games. Both Players and PlayDates define the experience they want- either “flirty” or “dirty”, choosing from some of the most popular console titles and casual web-based games. To register for free, visit www.gamecrush.com.

On GameCrush, players can find their perfect PlayDate through browsing their profiles and chatting live with them. Players can then purchase a live one-on-one private gaming session, complete with two-way video and text chat.

Designed to appeal to female and male gamers alike, GameCrush offers games to suit a variety of tastes, from casual web-based games to the hottest console titles like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, Halo 3, Gears of War 2 and Grand Theft Auto IV. Initially games are available on GameCrush’s own exclusive video-enabled gaming platform and on Microsoft’s Xbox LIVE network. In addition, GameCrush will soon be available for platforms such as Sony’s PlayStation 3, World of Warcraft, and other online gaming environments.

GameCrush delivers comprehensive social tools that allow PlayDates to post profiles complete with picture galleries, video clips, blogs and text chat.  PlayDates can make up to $30 or more per hour while having fun playing online games.  After a game session is completed, Players rate their gaming experience, and top-rated PlayDates are rewarded with enhanced site promotion and additional benefits.

Popularity: 4% [?]

TayKrOn, the folks who did the PC game Slide Colors, as well as bunch of Kongregate games, announce the launch of Slide Colors for the Xbox.  I reviewed Slide Colors fir Indie Game Mag a few months ago, and my IGM review was quoted in the press release announcing the XBox version. The XBox version will cost 80 Microsoft points, which is a dollar in non-stupid currency, so it’s well worth checking out this match-three.

SubSoap, behind Faerie Solitaire (did I mention how much I liked this game?) are planning the launch of an episodic sequel.  I thought the original Faerie Solitaire was adorable and I can’t wait to see the new features.

Finally, don’t forget that Indie Game Mag is running a sale through Valentine’s Day!

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In a move that sounds like a joke, Microsoft is offering $10,000 as a prize for using IE8. They specify that Firefox users need to switch, or get lost! I’ve been accused of blog hyperbole once or twice, but that’s a direct quote from the contest site:

We’ve buried $10,000 somewhere on the Internet and if you’re the first one to find it, you get to keep it.
But you’ll never find it using old Firefox.
(So get rid of it, or get lost.)

It seems as if the big M is paying users to risk giving up the convenience and stability of FireFox, but if the choice is between a distant shot at a $10,000 prize, or using a stable browser with virus protection everyday, well, that’s not much of a choice.

….

Even though there’s a $10,000 prize that can only be seen with IE8, I’ll be staying with FireFox. So, Microsoft, since you put it that way, I think I’ll get lost.

This is an excerpt from a post on my personal blog at Simpson’s Paradox, because I thought the $10,000 bribe to give up Firefox was just too hilarious not to share here.

Popularity: 13% [?]

Ok, so when I posted about LEGO Rock Band, I was pretty excited. But this is even better!

Monkey Island is back, both as a remake of the original game AND as a new series in the Monkey Island world.

LucasArts and Telltale Reveal Series of New Monkey Island Adventures Coming Soon!
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif – June 1, 2009 – LucasArts today announced that the original hilarious pirate adventure is back, with two new projects underway based on the classic Monkey Island franchise. Beginning in just a few short weeks, Telltale will premiere the Tales of Monkey Island™ game series, delivering a completely new epic storyline and swashbuckling flair that will unfold across five monthly episodes on PC and WiiWare™. The Monkey Island celebration continues later in the summer when LucasArts publishes The Secret of Monkey Island™: Special Edition, a completely re-imagined version of the first game in the series that adds updated high definition graphics, a re-mastered musical score, and full voiceover to the classic adventure game originally launched in 1990. The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition will be made available on Xbox LIVE® Arcade for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and PC.

Can’t wait to see what kind of insults the Swordmaster has for GuyBrush Threepwood this time!

Popularity: 13% [?]

New game site AngryGamers (warning, some NSFW language) has a preview of the new content for the latest Grand Theft Auto series. They say:

GTA IV was one of the best games of 2008 and is getting some nice DLC on February 17th, well for Xbox 360 owners anyway. This is the Microsoft hyped Xbox 360 exclusive content that was promised back before GTA IV was even released.

But after a slew of new games (AngryGamers mentions Gears of War 2, I thought more along the lines of the newish sandbox game, Spore, and the latest WoW expansion, Wrath of the Lich King), is anyone still playing GTA? Are you? Are you excited for the new GTA content, or too busy with your new games to care?

Read the rest of their thoughts at GTA IV Lost and the Damned Preview – Game previews, 360 previews, PS3 previews, Wii preview – Angry-Gamers.net.

New content for GTA4 will be available on February 17th, 2009.

Popularity: 7% [?]

As I’ve already mentioned, my boyfriend works for Epic so I was extra pleased to see this on Xbox Examiner: Gears of War 2 sells 4 million

Gears of War 2 has reached a sales milestone of 4 million in two months, or so says Epic product manager Guy Welch.

That’s twice as fast as the original Gears’ took to reach the same milestone. To date, Gears of War has sold over 5 million copies worldwide, making the sequels chance of surpassing the original’s amazing success something of a given.

The news all but solidifies Epic’s broad necked baby as Microsoft’s most lucrative franchise next to Halo.

However, I have no idea what “broad necked baby” is supposed to mean.

Via Xbox Examiner: Gears of War 2 sells 4 million

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Gamervision has a post about the Twitter feed for Cliffy_B.

The satirical twitter of Cliffy_B, named after and following the exploits of Gears of War
designer Clifford Bleszinski, has been shut down by Epic games. The
page featured tweets poking fun at the Cliffy B phenomenon and his
occasionally overly machismo quotes, all the while finding time to take
the occasional jab at Gears of War 2′s faults. Two personal favorites were:

“After much testing, it looks like matchmaking is permanently broken. There are new maps though, only 800 Microsoft Points!”

“Gears
didn’t win Game of the Year because it’s NOT GotY. It’s game of the
friggin’ century! Best game in EXISTENCE! Take that GTA4!”

For obvious reasons, I think jokes about the Epic dev team and working on GoW2 are extra funny. I also am a big fan of FakeSarahPalin and other “celeb” tweeters, so of course I’m following FakeCliffy_B now!

Via Gamervision – How Gamers See the World – Video Game News – Cliffy_B Twitter Shut Down

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Out from Ensemble Studios Publishged by Microsoft this was one of the heaviest myth based Game i’ve ever seen on Multiplayer Play. Based on Greek and semi roman Mythology the game has a Solid base and a Decent Texture Engine though u need some dedicated graphics to get rid of some stupid polygons.
Playing though Different civilizations os even more Thrilling.

Til today this one of the Most widley played Multiplayer Games in Clans and Online too.

Game Rating 7/10
Basic Requirements:
Pintium IV 1.6-2.6Ghz
512Mb RAM
64MB Graphics
and A Sound Card

Popularity: 4% [?]

I saw this today on Gears of War 2 Tops Sales Chart on PlayGirlz:

Nintendo might be sitting pretty at the top in the console wars, but when it comes to software, Microsoft’s got the lead. The economic crisis seems to be hitting everyone but the world of video games. Anxious shoppers tossed games into their carts like they were Halloween candy. And the results are in.

*
Gears of War 2 (Epic, Xbox 360) – 1.56 million units
*
Call of Duty: World at War (Treyarch, Xbox 360) – 1.41 million units
*
Wii Play (Nintendo, Wii) – 796,000 units
*
Wii Fit (Nintendo, Wii) – 697,000 units
*
Mario Kart Wii (Nintendo, Wii) – 637,000 units
*
Call of Duty: World at War (Treyarch, PS3) – 597,000 units
*
Guitar Hero World Tour (Vicarious Visions, Wii) – 475,000 units
*
Left 4 Dead (Valve, Xbox 360) – 410,000 units
*
Resistance 2 (Insomniac, PS3) – 385,000 units
*
Wii Music (Nintendo, Wii) – 297,000 units

The Xbox 360 managed to get 3 out of the 10 spots, including the number 1 and 2 positions, thanks to Gears of War 2 and Call of Duty. But Nintendo dominated in numbers once again, picking up half the slots. And that leaves only 2 slots for the PS3, with Call of Duty and Resistance 2. Alas, Resistance 2 was the only PS3 exclusive to make it on the list. Sorry, Sony.

I was pleased about this because someone who lives in my house works for Epic on GoW2 so it’s nice to see his work rewarded.

Via Gears of War 2 Tops Sales Chart

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There isn’t a lot of pc games that you could play in windows vista. You could not play Sims, NBA 2k9, DOTA, warcraft or Assassin’s Creed. Windows Vista took a lot in your visual graphics memory as they say, you can install it but you have to put a lot of enhancement to play the said games. I was really upset in hearing it at first. I’m a gamer at heart. I bought my pc not for anything else but solely for games. I choose to buy vista instead of XP for reason I thought vista is the future, other OS will be obsolete. Never comes to my mind that vista is great for other things not games. Vista is great for office or business use. My office is using windows vista, it made my work easier. Vista Ultimate really is designed for office use. The new Microsoft office is also very handy.
For the moment I have to contend in games like sally saloon, sally spa and family feud. Unless otherwise I will shell out another money for enhancements. But for sure if the upcoming game from Blizzard starcraft 2 doesn’t play in my vista, I will for surely put the enhancements.

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I have a friend who have been just ban from xbox live for violation of terms of use. Which modified xbox 360 console to play copied games. For one, I’m with microsoft, they have every right to ban modified users. Modified games cost a fraction of the original games, almost lower than 1/10 of the price. Plays the same, looks the same. The only difference is the packaging. Original games have instruction manual, brochures and stuff. Copy games sometimes gave you the bare cd. But the price says it all. I was really tempted to have my console modified. The thought of 30 games equivalent to 1 original game comes to mind. But I never did it, I’m always thinking it’s not right to rip off someone. So I go on buying only the one’s I really like games, so every game I have to see first the reviews before purchasing it. But the jealousy of seeing others play a lot of games never left my mind. But suddenly it happens, microsoft is indeed banning people in online play or xbox live. Xbox live rankings have been my life this past few months. Really anxious to be on top of the ranking in NBA 2k9. Now I see a lot of competitors, as fate my have it the arrogant or the trash talkers are ban from xbox live. This are the one’s that uses modified console, but doesn’t play fair in online game. All we can say is, what goes around comes around!

Popularity: 3% [?]

Microsoft executes a ban to Xbox 360 console whose users did’nt follow the terms and conditions or the agreement. One of this is to use pirated Xbox games disc. The Microsoft company detects the console whom uses this through their system. You are being detected if you are playing Xbox Live or online. The disadvantage of being ban is that you cannot play online again throuh your console but, you can still use your Xbox in offline playing. There are hackers and intruders who tried to unbanned their console but they, failed. Still, there’s no news that they are succeeded. Microsoft learn their lesson in Xbox1 so, they are now keen in implementing the ban this time.

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This game console is much fun. I love its features that you can play it online. You can play certain games and have match with another player through internet. You can also send messages to your playmates or even have a chat with them.

Xbox 360 controller is wireless. It also have wireless headset with microphone. The downfall of this console is that it easily got overheat. The standard play time of it is up to 1 hour.But the Microsoft company introduce the Xbox Chiller to cool the game console while playing it even longer. The chiller includes the controller handle at their package.

Popularity: 4% [?]

The original Gears of War was the flagship title of Microsoft Xbox 360. It revolutionized the gaming industry initialized a totally whole new genre. Boosting spectacular graphics, incredible camera view and beautiful cinematic, Gears of War was a big hit and it became one of the best games of all time. The second installment of Gears of War was released on November 7 on the Xbox 360 and just like original Gear of War it was a big hit too. GOW 2 offers awesome new environments to explore for the gamers. All new weapons and a new combat system have been introduced in Gears of War 2. Awesome new multiplayer modes and features have also been added in Gears of War 2. However Gears of War 2 is not without its flaws. The vehicle controls are a headache. There are other minor problems but I don’t think they are worth mentioning. Overall it is a great game and whether you have played original GOW or not, you will definitely like this one. I will give it 9.5 out of 10.

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I saw this today on Top 10 Harmless Geek Pranks – Lifehacker Australia, as mentioned on Mental Floss

5. Message Co-Workers with NET SEND

Hidden
in the depths of the Windows command line is a nifty little utility
called Net Send, which pops up very official-looking alert messages on
any computer you send them to. If you know your co-workers’ IP address,
you can net send them goofy messages, like this person on the Geeknewz boards:

A
good prank that I have played on some friends involves the net send
command. What I did was I used the net send command to send a message
that said “Microsoft has detected that you have a small penis. Please
consider upgrading for better performance” to other people on my local
network. When you use the net send command in the command prompt, you
specify the computer you want it sent to by typing the computer name,
it also says on the message which computer it came from, so I changed
my computer name to Microsoft, so it appeared, to the technically
challenged, that the message actually came from Microsoft. In case you
were interested, the syntax for the net send is:

net send computername message

Here’s more on how to use net send.

Sadly Windows Vista doesn’t have net send anymore so it’s harder to do this prank. I do like some of the other pranks, like a blue screen of death screensaver.

We used to make Basic programs to look like a DOS prompt, and respond to input with error messages, and finally a crash message, and leave the dummy DOS running for the next class to come in… I guess I’m old school!

Via Top 10 Harmless Geek Pranks – Lifehacker Australia

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Tired of a slow pc?? Dont head to the computer store and buy more ram. The problem is, as you install softwares, they put background processes which uses ram. Also your antivirus also uses ram to enable maximum protection.

But you want to run that intensive game at all costs, but you are not ready to uninstall those important softwares. The trick is to temporarily disable their services.

Now, got to start->run and type ‘msconfig’

you will see a dialogue box. under the ‘general’ tab, select ’selective startup’ , uncheck everything except ‘load system services’. Also under the ’services tab’ first select hide all microsoft services and then click disable all. now apply and restart. You are all done.

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It seems like we’ve officially hit the holiday video game surge, and Microsoft isn’t taking that lightly. As if next week weren’t going to burn our wallets enough with games like Fable 2 and Far Cry 2, Xbox Live will be getting one old and one semi-old favorite added to the list of games. The most interesting of these is probably Portal: Still Alive, which is essentially a standalone version of the hit title bundled in Valve’s Orange Box, but with some added bonuses. The XBLA version will include the original game, plus 14 extra challenge maps and six advanced maps for your extended enjoyment. The game will become available for download on Wednesday, Oct. 22.

Before that though, Xbox Live subscribers will be treated to an old favorite that once turned the term “hot coffee” into a dirty sexual innuendo. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas will join the Xbox Originals to remind you what GTA was like before impressive physics and online multiplayer were introduced. It was a simpler time, when a man could get his character eat enough fast food to turn into a waddling mass of gangsta flesh; a time that Niko Bellic wouldn’t be able to replicate. Also, bicycles! GTA:SA will be hitting Xbox Live on Oct. 20.

Source: news.filefront.com

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Just in case there was any confusion over Monday’s announcement regarding Microsoft’s Xbox 360 memory upgrades, the gaming giant confirmed to Videogaming247 Tuesday that gamers in Europe who own the non-HD 360 will get the upgrade as well.

Just like in the States, you will need 128MB of memory to run the New Xbox Experience. With that in mind, European Xbox 360 owners will able to choose fro the following options:

General

* Active Live members with no storage or with a 64mb MU: Offered 512mb for free or 20GB HDD for £12.99
* Active Live members with 256 or 512 MU but no HDD: Offered 20GB HDD for £12.99
* Console has not connected to XBL 12 month and doesn?t possess MU: Offered 20gb HDD and 3 month Xbox Live £19.99

Arcade console

* Active Live subscribers without a HDD: Offered 20gb HDD for £12.99
* Non active Live subscriber without a HDD and not connected to XBL within 12 months: 20gb HDD + 3 month Xbox Live for £19.99

Just like American versions, you will need to go here to input your console’s serial number to find out if it is eligible for an upgrade.

Source : 1upnews

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More reliable Xbox 360s are starting to trickle onto the market, but the fallout from the “red rings of death” remains. Now they’re facing a class action lawsuit in California.

Kotaku (via Daily Games News) is reporting that the lawsuit was filed under California’s consumer protection statutes, and alleges that Microsoft knew that the system would suffer a 50 percent failure rate, but concealed the knowledge to compete with the Nintendo Wii and the PlayStation 3. The suit cites articles from sources such as VentureBeat and Yahoo! to support its claims.

If Microsoft loses the suit, they will potentially have to implement a refund program in California as well as surrender profits relating to Xbox 360 sales. But even if they win, it doesn’t look like Microsoft will be allowed to forget about the unreliability of the Xbox 360 anytime soon.

Popularity: 2% [?]

According to the internet, the next Xbox will be “forward compatible”, meaning current Xbox 360 games will be enhanced on Microsoft’s next console. Pass the salt.

That’s according to a “source” belonging to site Xbox Evolved anyway.

According to the site current Xbox 360 games will see graphical improvements, such as increased draw distance, framerate and more anti-aliasing, on the next Xbox, similar to how PC games will look better on more high-end hardware.

“Our sources indicate that Microsoft is in a stage of ‘testing the waters’ before they nail down the final specs of the new machine. Introducing these options early on to developers means that the games they make for the Xbox 360 will have no life on the next platform,” says the site.

Source : computerandvideogames.com

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Like every gamers know, Tekken is one of the best fighting games on which each fighter has his own fighting technical. You can select different characters like a boxing man, a street fighter, a kung fu fighter… there are a lot of different characters for any kind of players and if you want to master the technic, you have to pass a lot of times and after to participate to the real tournament organized by Sony and to be the best fighter of the world !!!
Normally playstation players have the privilege to play it but during the Tokyo Game Show, Microsoft has announced that Tekken 6 will be available for his xbox too but not until the end of 2009 !!! For PS3, it will be available normally beginning of the year 2009 !!!

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I am a huge fan of 2d arcade games and i keep downloading them from xbox live arcade for microsoft points. Mega Man is one of the best 2d arcade games that i have played. And i will surely be downloading Mega Man 9. Great news for xbox 360 owners. The much awaited mega man 9 is going to come to the xbox live arcade on and you will be able to buy it for only 800 microsoft points. What more do you want!? Only time will tell what this game will bring with it. However i am pretty excited to get my hands on this game as soon as it comes out.

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Ars Technica have talked to sony about Sony’s recently launched downloadable video store for the PS3, and they think that digital rights management has the potential to cripple the service.
At this year’s E3 Sony announced the the PlayStation video store which seemed to be a perfect counter Microsoft’s lucrative video marketplace, since it allowed the buyers to own the movies that they downloaded, rather than simply renting them. However, according to Sony’s DRM policies, that ownership only applies on a single PS3 or PSP system, and the films after purchase cannot be redownloaded without contacting the customer. Lincoln Davis, PlayStation Network media relations manager, told Ars Technica, “Consumer service can issue a redownload as a one-time courtesy, as provided by our guidelines, for the title to allow the consumer to go back and download the movie from their PSN download list.”
Though the restricting downloads sounds reasonable, the problem lies in the single download limit, which turns the ownership into an exteded rental.

Popularity: 1% [?]