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/.

Popularity: 2% [?]

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% [?]

I love writing about gaming and social relationships and the connections between the two, but I don’t usually like posting about games and relationship troubles. It always seems to reinforce either the stereotype of the inconsiderate boyfriend ignoring his poor girlfriend to get to the next level, or the controlling girlfriend whining about how much time and money her guy spends on stupid games.

But I just had to share a Facebook page called If 1,000,000 people join I will DEMOLISH my boyfriends XBOX360. (By the way, if your name is Michael and your girlfriend is called Samantha, and she’s been pouting when you play games, well, there might be an unpleasant surprise in your immediate future.)

Um, yeah. Let me state for the record that talking to your game-obsessed boyfriend or dumping your inconsiderate SO is a much more reasonable response, and a lot less like a felony.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Alan Wake is an upcoming XBox game that reminds me of a Stephen King novel. A horror writer goes to a small town to get away from it all, mysterious disappearance, information from his next book that he doesn’t remember writing…

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GLPeas, the British indie developer behind the Xbox Live Carcophony, announce their new project BlindGiRl, also for Xbox Live.

GLPeas’ stated goals are very Meg-friendly, with a promise to develop innovative, unique, non-violent games with an emphasis on gameplay over pretty graphics. No guns and no 3d shininess. Sounds fantastic, but they’re mysteriously silent about exactly what BlindGiRl is. You can follow their evasive Twitter stream in hopes of finding out more.

Popularity: 1% [?]

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!

Popularity: 1% [?]

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% [?]

I’m so jealous of everyone heading to E3! I’m sure I’ll be going too, once I become a famous games journalist, but for now, I’m just looking on enviously at all the new games and announcements of upcoming games.

I’m pretty excited about LEGO Rock Band, even though a lot of people are complaining that it’s slapping the LEGO name on just another Rock Band game, or slapping the Rock Band name on just another LEGO game. To me, this is a bit like complaining that mint chocolate chip ice cream has MINT and CHOCOLATE CHIPS.

Here’s the trailer, so you can see for yourself.

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Target announced today a new reservation program that offers guests a chance to reserve the biggest and most popular video game titles. Beginning April 19, Target guests can purchase a collectible reservation card, only in stores, for $1. When they bring the reservation card back within seven days of release to purchase their game, they will receive a $5 Target GiftCard to put toward a future purchase.

So you pay $1 to reserve the game, then when you come in and buy the game, you get a $5 gift card. Not bad!
via VerticalWire.

Popularity: 8% [?]

Guildford, UK– March 17, 2009– Leading video game developer BioWare™, a division of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS), today officially announced the development of Mass Effect™ 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the multi award-winning 2007 hit, Mass Effect. The Mass Effect trilogy is a masterful science-fiction adventure set in a vast universe filled with dangerous alien life forms and mysterious uncharted planets. In this dark second chapter, Saren’s evil army of Geth soldiers has just been defeated, and humans, still struggling to make their mark on the galactic stage, are now faced with an even greater peril…

“We’re going to surpass the extraordinary gaming experience we brought our fans in Mass Effect by delivering intensified combat and expanded weapon options as well as increased depth of planet exploration, all while delivering a powerful, emotionally engaging story,” said Dr. Ray Muzyka, General Manager and CEO, BioWare and General Manager and Vice President, EA.“Mass Effect 2 is shaping up to be an unforgettable RPG-shooter experience, taking players on a non-stop roller-coaster ride filled with stunning plot twists and no-holds-barred action.”

Mass Effect 2 is coming to PC and the Xbox 360 video game system in Early 2010. To see the exclusive new Mass Effect 2 teaser trailer check out the website here: www.masseffect.com

Popularity: 9% [?]

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

Popularity: 5% [?]

Angry Gamers is an uncensored video game website dedicated to offering unbiased and uncensored content. Angry Gamers contains the latest game news, game previews, original game articles and the latest game reviews for Xbox 360, PS3, Nintentdo Wii and indie games.

Big Red Potion
Casual Gamer Chick
Eat – Sleep – Game
Flash Games Den
Gamasutra
Gamers With Jobs
GameTalk
GamerTell
GameSpy.com
Indie Game Magazine
Killer Betties
Kotaku
My Geek Life
See Jane Game
Simpson’s Paradox
Talking Orange
Tiny Subversions
Two Bit News
WomenGamers.com

Do you know of a good one we missed? Let us know!

Popularity: 19% [?]

My friend was recently got ban from xbox live. It’s xbox 360 online game. He was ban for using modified console. Modified console is an upgrade that enable you to use pirated games, which cost a fraction of the original price. Ban hammer as they call it struck once in a quarter, which permanently bans the console but not the account, so the member could use his unexpired subscription membership in another xbox 360console. He was really upset when he found out his console was ban. I told him that cheater never prosper and he maybe better of buying PS3 because playstation came with their version of online gaming. But he was so addicted to xbox live, and he kept on saying that he work really hard for his rank in NBA 2k9 and the equipments that he earned from his long hours of online competition in Soul Caliber IV. And he kept on pointing out that the number of members in xbox live will always outnumber the one’s that will subscribe to Playstation. So as expected he bought another brand new xbox 360 console, but he learned his lesson he never modified the unit, the unit only plays original games. I ask him one time what will he do to the old xbox 360 console. He said He’s planning to throw it in the river or something.

Popularity: 5% [?]

Gamertell talks about the WSJ’s predictions for console sales. I know this Christmas has been light for all of us, so what do you think the effects will be in the gaming world?

Citing a subpar holiday season and Sony’s Playstation 3 still being the most expensive console, an article in the Wall Street Journal this
week indicates there is almost no way the PS3 can catch the Xbox 360 or
Nintendo Wii in sales. In early results, November 2008 sales of
Sony’s controversial console were down 19 percent from the same
period in 2007.

Via Wall Street Journal foresees problems for Playstation 3 – Gamertell

Popularity: 2% [?]

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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First I was scouting to buy a mobile game. Being a video fan since I was young I’m very picky in my console and games. I own a Super Nintendo, Sega Dreamcast, Playstation1, Playstation 2 and Xbox 360. Now I’m scouting for a mobile game. Of course I wasn’t expecting mobile games to have great graphics like xbox 360 or PS3. So I choose between Nintendo DS and PSP. Finally, I choose PSP, because of the god of war game series. I have just finish god of war 1 and 2, chain of olympus is only available in PSP. I was surprise the PSP has a good graphics. It is an equal I think to PS2. To think of it’s little screen and very little packaging could produce a graphics equal to a regular console. I never regretted it one bit. I’ve been playing it a lot. My plan was only to play when I’m not at home, like when where on the road with my parents or just outside being bored. But now I’ve been playing it more than I’m playing my other consoles. For one, it’s more lighter to our electricity bill, against a regular console like PS3 hookup with a 40″ plasma tv. It is really a bargain.

Popularity: 4% [?]

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% [?]

Games in nintendo wii is really great for everyone. Everyone now is acquiring the console because of it’s gameplay. Surprising a great percentage of it is the middle age people. Because of it’s gameplay the player gets to exercise while playing. Take for example it’s tennis game. Where the player will actually swing the controller to hit the ball. Actually silly to see at times, but even doctors have been recommending it. Players or people have a chance to exercise in their living room. You can play golf and tennis without the sun and the high membership fee of clubs. And also, you can play the hit tv game dancing with the stars in nintendo wii. You can dance by shaking the controller, coordination and timing is the factor in the game. Nintendo wii introduce a very unique gameplay, the controller which has a sensor, that the charcter that you controlling in the screen imitates your hand movements in the screen. It’s like in the tennis game, the swing of the player depends on how you swing your controller. In the boxing game, you move your controller to dodge the opponents punches, it enhances your reflexes. After a game other player also works out a sweat. Beats other console of just pushing the Y button or the triangle button really fast, only the fingers gets an exercise. Although the graphics is inferior compare to pS3 and xbox 360, ingenuity and inventive we have to give nintendo wii a two thumbs up.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Xbox 360, Playstation 3 and NintendoWii. 3 newest gaming platform of our time. Provides great graphics and great gameplay. Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 took the lead and eventually because of xbox live, on line play, xbox 360 is taking the best seller. But giving great graphics and great gameplay came with a price. Xbox 360 is known to always breaks down. Overheat, game freezes that lead to the dreaded 3 red lights. Xbox 360 or the falcon edition as everyone knows it has defects but can be avoided. First place your console in a well ventilated place. Make sure the back of the console, where the exhaust air comes out, has a lot of space to breath. Second make sure your console has a stable power supply. The power cord is not inserted in an octopus type power switch, so the power of the console is not interrupted. When replacing games make sure place the disc is in a clean holding. Try not to touch the lower part of the disc, fingerprints make disc harder to read. Although you can clean it with a small cotton. Another way, to prevent it for overheating, is to install another fan in your xbox. My xbox sometimes sounds like an industrial fan ready to take off but it does the trick it never overheats. Lastly, try to have time outs breaks every 1 1/2 hours. Even you install a lot of exhaust fan, the graphics the console is producing takes a lot of toll to the console.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Role Playing Games are really a hit in video games. Whether it’s in Playstation 3 or Xbox 360 or Playstation 2. It’s nice to see your character evolve to what you want. Take for example the game Fable 2, the character evolves to what you do to him. When you always eat meat and fatty foods to replenish stamina the character physical appearance became fat. Which there is a mini game which you must pursue a girl then marry her. Your Characters Attractiveness decline when you eat that kind of replenishment. And also, the character evolves in the decisions you make. If it became evil, corrupt or good.
Even in the final fantasy game series, your character is what you make it. You can have a strong character by fighting a lot or a magical character by enhancing your magic most of the time. Level up in terms of experience, that you will get when you encounter things or in a fight. It’s really fun to see your character grow. Take for example a character in Final Fantasy VIII, my favorite game thus far. The hero started as a student in a military academy. Who has a rival student which eventually became his greatest enemy in the end. The graphics was really ahead of it’s time, the game was first introduce in Playstation 1.
RPG really is for the explorer kind of players.

Popularity: 4% [?]

Xbox 360 console most famous problem. The 3 Red Lights. AT first was known to be unfixable. When you encounter it better buy a new one. It occurs on the earlier model known as the falcon edition of xbox 360. People says the new one the jasper edition has the problem solved. Why do 3 red lights happen? First it’s overheat. When your playing atleast 4 hours a day without breaks. Your xbox doesn’t have the necessary cooling system. What to do? First there is the do it yourself fix. Well you’ll probably save a lot of money but you may cause permanent damage to your console. Example is the towel trick. You will see a lot of tutorial in the internet. What you do is wrap your console with 2 towels. Trapping the hot air inside. Otherwise known as cooking your xbox. But it is temporary solution which may lead to permanent problem. The other solution is open your xbox and apply thermal compound. Actually it’s the right thing to do, but I don’t think an ordinary person can do it. The materials are cheap, thermal compund, arctic silver 5 and oepning tools and your done. But the process is for the more technical people. The best thing you do is bring it to a professional. What I indicated before is what they will only do, so you can ask for a discount, because you know how cheap the materials they will be using. Then ask to install an additional fan inside it will prevent overheating. And finally limit your use 2 hours, have a break once in a while. That process, you will never see a 3 red lights again.

Popularity: 4% [?]

Last year, christmas 2007, when I was planning to buy a new game console. I just owned a Playstation and Playstation 2. I was going to Playstation 3 immediately. Because I have known it games from the start. I’ve been a big fan of Metal gear, final fantasy and god of war. Games which I know will not appear in the xbox. Another factor in my decision is the upcoming god of war 3, I have just finish god of war 1 and 2 in ps2, and I have to say that was really a good game. To think I almost bought PSP just because of god of war chain of olympus game. But all that factors went to nothing when xbox offered its online or xboxlive. I’m a competitor I love playing against someone else. I’m getting tired of playing against the computer. Whatever good the developer makes it’s AI or artificial intelligence cpu it doesn’t beat a real player.
Until now I’m addicted to playing NBA 2k9 online. My ranking is under 100 and I’m planning to go to the top. I heard PS3 can now play online but it could never outnumber the number of people online in xbox live. Never regretted my xbox 360 even for the 3 red lights or stuff. Because PS3 has the lens problem and I heard Final Fantasy will be available for xbox 360 in the future. Who knows maybe even god of war 3.

Popularity: 4% [?]

I cannot use my Xbox console because of the 3 red light appears in the button. I think it is already broken. I have it repair to the experts but they told me that it is the common damage of Xbox console bought last 2007. There’s no permanent remedy but continuance repair once the red light appears again. They offer me the option of selling it and buy a new one. I got confuse. I asked for another opinions but still, they have common views. So, I decided to have it fix with a lifetime warranty since that the problem can still occurs anytime. I practice slightly use of this console. They attached a built in fan to avoid the console from overheating. Aside from the built in fan, I also attached my cooling unit. The disadvantage I see for now is that the loud sounds of fan occurs when the console is turn on.

Popularity: 4% [?]