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/.
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!
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.
BioWare – the company behind the upcoming Star Wars: The Old Republic, Neverwinter Nights, and others,promises a sequel to the popular sci-fi game Mass Effect.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This is a common problem with this console. Before it appears, the console will hang and you will see the red ring light in your console’s button. I’m not sure if this is the dead end. I can see lots of instructions from forums and other sites how to repair this one. But not all of them are successful. I just don’t know what’s the cause of this because it surprise me when these things happened. I can no longer play my xbox 360 console. I’m planning to have it repair but the fee is expensive. I am still canvassing for affordable one. This console is cool because of its graphics and features. But in terms of durability, I am not sure. It easily overheat so you will need a cooler for this one to play it longer than 1 hour. And there’s a red ring light that will stop you in using this console.
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.
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.
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.
Horror games are my favorite and some of the best horror games that I have played are the Resident Evil Series (I have played all of them and am excited about Resident Evil 5), Dead Rising, Alone In the Dark and games like that. Some FPS horror games that are worth mentioning are FEAR, Bioshock, and Condemned: Criminal Origins etc. Write now the game that I want to tell you about is Left 4 Dead. Left 4 Dead is a first person shooter horror game that uses the Counter Strike Source engine. The game is owned by EA and it is said to be released in November 17. The game play depends on the teamwork and you will have to help your other 3 buddies to survive through all the levels of the game. The game will offer a huge arsenal of weapons to be used by the gamers ranging from pistols to machine guns etc. but, you will only be allowed to keep one secondary weapon with your pistol. Left 4 Dead offers a unique idea and judging by the previews it seems that this game is going to be a big hit. Left 4 Dead will be hitting the PC and Xbox 360 in November and I will soon give you more info on this game.
Star Wars is one of the greatest franchises in the history of movies and the Star Wars video games are equally good. Recently Star Wars: The Force Unleashed was released on the Xbox 360 and other platforms and is a satisfying game. The game offers an intense and exciting story and game play. The graphics are beautiful. The combat system great and there are a lot of fighting moves that you can perform in the game. However, Star Wars is not without its flaws. There are a lot of glitches and performance problems in the game. The game play is sort of repetitive. Overall the game is nice and I will give it 7.5 out of 10.
Burnout is one of the most famous racing game franchises and it is famous for its car crashes and fast gameplay. Burnout offers a fast and intense action gameplay. The latest installment of Burnout series is Burnout Paradise released in January 2008 and it was a great hit. Burnout paradise is all about racing and wrecking cars. Burnout Paradise offers a free roaming world that gives you the free to go anywhere and destroy anything you want. Burnout paradise is superb in terms of graphics and all the car crashes and blasts look are very fun to look at. Burnout also offers a addictive online multiplayer gameplay where you can race with your friends in different modes. Burnout Paradise was released on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC and it is definitely worth playing because it offers a totally different experience and fun gameplay. Overall it is a great game and I will give it 9 out of 10.
Bioshock was released for the Xbox 360 over a year ago. It showed the gamers what they can expect from FPS games. On October 21 2008, it was released for the play station 3. It is a must play game for all those horror FPS lovers. If you have played F.E.A.R then you will definitely like this game too. The game offers highly realistic environments and graphics. The combat system is excellent. There are a lot of options to choose from when it comes to fighting you enemies. Bioshock has an intense story line which is full of twists. The in-game sound is just spectacular. There is a huge arsenal of weapon available; from shotguns to Tommy guns you can get your hands on all of them. In the PS3 version they have also added a harder difficulty mode. This is a must have game for PS3 owners. I will give it 9.5 out of 10.
