« Igniq.com Gaming News - Bookmark this site Advertisements  Click to enlarge Basically, below you will see a picture from an online quiz for Nintendo resellers where they threw in their first (of probably many) Revolution questions. The answer is "All of the above" are correct. Therefore, Nintendo is confirming (what they may have confirmed before) but now physically, not just from "word of mouth." Nintendo Revolution Speculation Revolution vs. PlayStation Discussion >>  Kotaku links to scans of the latest Official XBox Magazine that's carrying exclusive screenshots of Half-Life 2 for XBox, and the announcement that the first-person shooter will be available for the console this summer.More discussion and scans here: Xbox Forums - Half Life 2 on its way to Xbox this summer?? Valve also let fans know through the news updates when you open Steam that they'll be giving a sneak peek of the "Aftermath" episode sometime next week. The episode will follow on directly after the events of the ending of Half-Life 2, and is tentatively scheduled for release during the summer, according to a feature in U.K. magazine PC Gamer. Related: Half Life 2: Aftermath Slashdot | Half-Life 2 - Aftermath Half life 2: Ending Extended With Aftermath Expansion HL2 Lost Coast Tech Glimpsed on G4TV (31 Mar) Discussion >>  The official teaser site for Final Fantasy VII spin-off Dirge of Cerberus has been launched by Square Enix.The Japanese site contains a list of the people working on the game, but scant other info. The release date is still "undecided", and the genre of the game is even unclear; the only concrete information so far is the game is being developed for the PlayStation 2 and its central character will be Vincent Valentine, a hidden character in the original game. DIRGE OF CERBERUS -FINAL FANTASY VII - via Gamespot Related: Gamespot preview of Dirge of Cerberus trailer at 2004 Tokyo Games Show Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children U.S. Site Goes Live PS2: Final Fantasy VII Dirge of Cerberus slated for 2005 (Sept '04) Discussion >>  Francis Ford Coppola is quoted as being against the EA Godfather game that will include voice-over acting from Robert Duvall, James Caan and the late Marlon Brando.When given a preview of the game, which is due for release this Autumn, the director said: "They use the characters everyone knows, and then for the next hour they shoot and kill each other. I had absolutely nothing to do with the game, and I disapprove," Godfather film director whacks Godfather game Coppola Slams Godfather Game Caan, Duvall join Brando to voice Godfather (2 Feb) Discussion >>  GamersHell reports that the Matrix Online, originally due for release in Europe today, will be held back to 15th April.As a result the pre-order beta period will be extended and players who registered a pre-order key have until 8AM (GMT) 15 April to register their accounts with a retail CD key to avoid interruptions. The Matrix Online Delayed in Europe Related: Official website for The Matrix Online Opinions on Matrix Online from Metacritic.com The Matrix Online (U.S.) Officially Launches In-Game Ads Feature in Matrix Online Trailer (18 Feb) Discussion >>  More Xbox rumours and speculation, yet these with a little more credence than some of the others. Xbox Advanced reports are that a number of Xbox 2 titles are already being planned.Quake 4, Spider-Man, and Tony Hawk's Underground 3 have been verified for the Xbox 360 as Pre-order titles. Without an official announcement from Activision on the Xbox 360 titles, rumors have spread about on the net for awhile of their existence, particularly to them appearing on the Xbox 360. Id’s John Camack had confirmed Quake VI was in development for the PC at last summers Quake con, while Neversoft has been on schedule with a new Tony Hawk game since the first in 1999. Yet, none of the developers have officially announced the titles Xbox 360 games as of yet. Sony To Unveil Next-Gen Console Before Microsoft Xbox 360 Developer Support List Offered Sony and MS fight over who will reveal next-gen first Discussion >>   As E3 gets closer with each passing day, rumours and speculation gather with great momentum. One thing we now know for sure is that Sony will be unveiling their PS3 a whole 3 hours before Microsoft get to show off their goods.At 15.00 on May the 16th Sony will try prove to the world that their console kicks ass. All this before the software giant has a chance to move ahead with their Xbox 2/360. The distance between these two essential events, both to be held in the sprawling metropolis of Los Angeles, is going to cause some headaches for the attending media, with the journey time between the two locations raising the possibility that Sony could drag their show out to disrupt the timing of Microsoft's party. Of course, Sony would never do such a thing intentionally. Even before the machines have been revealed, the next-gen console wars are off to a vicious start. Via ferragoRelated: PS3 will be first next-gen out of the gate Quake IV on PS3 and Xbox 2? Sony PSP Sales Exceed 500,000 in first 48 hours Xbox 360 Developer Support List Offered Sony Patent Covers Real-Life Matrix Discussion >>  PC Gamer UK's latest issue features a 10-page article on Half-Life 2: Aftermath.The expansion will be following on from the ending that left Half Life 2 players drooling for more.Although Valve have not let a whole lot out of the basket, early reports that suggested players would assume the role of Alyx can be laid to rest. You will be playing alongside Alyx while she plays a much more prominent and important role as a partner than in the original. Little was revealed, but Valve suggests that the expansion may only be published via Steam in the Summer. Aftermath will take place after the events in Half-Life 2, as the citadel you crippled will launch into space, and you and Alyx will escape from City 17. Without the barriers put up by the alien invaders, creatures previously unable to enter will be able to roam freely, making your escape that much more difficult. Via IGNRelated: Half Life 2: Capture The Flag Beta 1.3 Released How to find your Steam ID Gabe Newell: No Folk-Rock, Just An Expanded Ego ? HL2 Lost Coast Tech Glimpsed on G4TV Valve's Anti-Cheat Beta Begins Next Week G-Man Sightings Discussion >>  CBS News reports on a $60,000 study in West Virginia aimed at combating obesity in kids with the help of PlayStation 2.The West Virginia Public Employees Insurance Agency are doling out the PS2's along with Konami's Dance Dance Revolution and a dance mat that plugs into the console. The students, all children of PEIA-covered employees, are required to meet with researchers, play the game a prescribed amount of time, wear a pedometer and maintain a log. They get to keep the game software and pad. Study uses video games to fight obesity Discussion >>  According to an article on engadget, Sony claims that they have managed to see off over half a million PSPs in North America in the first 48 hours of its release.They did expect to unload 1 million however, earlier predictions were that they only sold just over 570,000 in the first week.
Dev Uncovers Hidden Browser In PSP In a Week, PSP Sales Add Up to $150 Million PSP vs DS PSP embraced by DIY technicians Spider-Man 2 for the PSP…sock it to us Discussion >>  The in-game ad revolution is beginning, and Grimwell Online has a report on "Massive Advertising Network" ads in the free MMOG Anarchy Online. A new business model is being implemented by the developers FunCom, where non-subscribers see ads woven into the game while a subscription gets you an ad-free experience. The ads Grimwell reports on entice players to buy Sprite, the new Motley Crue album or to tune into G4TV: The advertisements were blinking on various billboards, both in cities and in instanced missions. They randomly displayed ads for the upcoming tournament, the "Rubi-Ka rumble", or the above product placements. Obviously, one or the other of them could be existing through time, human cataclysms, and space travel to the furture planet of Rubi-ka, but seeing Motley Crue ads did cause me to wonder when I'd see them touring Omni Entertainment. Related: Refreshing Taste of Sprite Invades Anarchy Online Massive Incorporated official site "Massive Ad Network" To Launch 28/March In-Game Ads: Is It Really Good For Gaming ? (25 Feb) EverQuest II - Order a Pizza In-Game Discussion >> As was expected sooner or later, Activision and developer Infinity Wardy officially announced Call Of Duty 2 for the PC, sequel to the highly popular WW2 shooter. According to the press release, the game is based around an entirely new graphics engine, featuring striking new visuals and advanced A.I. technology. the most realistic squad combat and explosive action in new historic campaigns Once again set in World War II and based around the idea that players feel more immersed when they are dealing with real events, players will be experiencing four soldier stories. The game will expand on the series, letting players use squads for various mission objectives, feature battlefields with multiple paths, and revamped A.I. Lastly, Call Of Duty 2 will include a Battle Chatter System, one that lets squad-members make context-sensitive updates to players. Call Of Duty 2 is scheduled for a Fall 2005 release. Related: Call of Duty: Deluxe Edition Ships Discussion >>  It appears a new alternate reality game in the style of the excellent ilovebees.com has been launched to stoke up interest even higher for the next-generation XBox.Fliers bearing an ant logo have appeared near (and sometimes within) game stores in the U.S and the U.K., and members of the Alternative Reality Gaming Network were pointed by email to the website Ourcolony.net that lets groups of players form teams in a bid to solve puzzles and win an unnamed grand prize - the prizes won so far as players have progressed have been tantalizing teaser images of what is probably the XBox 2 hardware. Gamespot lists the similarities between Colony and ilovebees, including a countdown to May 12th (4 days before Microsoft make their pre-E3 presentation on the 16th) that appears on every page, speculating that the same marketing firm, 4orty2wo, is behind the new campaign. Thanks to Botros.net game news for the link More info: "Our Colony" An ARG-ish Viral for the Next-Gen Xbox? The Next I Love Bees ARGN forum members have been playing Colony for almost a month Slashdot | Alternate Reality Game for Xbox 2 E3 Unveiling I Love Bees Ends - DVD Edition Available (Nov '04) Discussion >>  Chris points to an Eidos press release that sheds some more light on the next installment of the highly popular "Tomb Raider" series.[...] Eidos is evolving the brand while building on the original values of compelling character and suspense-filled adventure gameplay. Crystal Dynamics has brought together the biggest and most diverse development team in Tomb Raider history and recruited Lara Croft’s original creator Toby Gard as the lead character designer. [...] Lara Croft shuns Bono Lara Croft is back! Sneak peek: New Xbox, New Lara Croft Lara Croft's Mobile Adventures Continue With In-Fusio Discussion >>  Nintendo have today announced that they will be opening a new specialized boutique. The two-story mega-complex positioned in New York City's Rockefeller Center will be open this Spring.The World Store will be a place where Nintendo fans can catch a glimpse of everything Nintendo, from the latest news to upcoming events, games etc. At the Nintendo World Store, gamers can check out new and unreleased games for Nintendo DS, GCN and GBA at demo stations. Along with videogames, there will also be merchandise, accessories, and trading cards for sale. For more details, please visit Nintendo World Store WebsiteVia yahoogamesdomain Related: Nintendo DS Europe Release Date Nintendo DS Launch Titles Announced Nintendo Revolution Speculation PSP vs DS Discussion >> Spong report on a leaked document containing a list of publishers and developers already contracted to the Xbox 360. Among the companies mentioned, are: Activision, Lucasarts, Konani, Epic Games, Rockstar Games and Sega to name but a few.With E3 just around the corner you can be sure to expect even more rumour and speculation with regards mainly to the PS3, Xbox 360 and Nintendo's next-gen offering. Sources claim that this initial roster will be further bolstered at this year’s E3 and while SPOnG keeps an open mind as to the validity of the list, it does make compelling reading nonetheless Related: Microsoft: Xbox 360 Ram Increase ? Xbox 360 Unveiled 3 Days Before E3 Latest Doom 3 Screenshots For Xbox Xbox 2 May Include Price Hike Xbox 360: Downloadable Demos From Day One, Wireless and more Discussion >> New Scientist reports on a Sony patent to protect a theory for a device that directs ultrasound waves to the brain to simulate senses like taste, smell and movement. The aim was to use it to enhance entertainment like movies and video games, though a Sony spokeswoman said the work was a "prophetic invention" and that no experiments have been done on it yet: IMAGINE movies and computer games in which you get to smell, taste and perhaps even feel things. That's the tantalising prospect raised by a patent on a device for transmitting sensory data directly into the human brain - granted to none other than the entertainment giant Sony. Patents No.6,536,440 & 6,729,337 - "Method and system for generating sensory data onto the human neural cortex" Slashdot | Sony Patents Matrix-Like Game Technology Gamesblog: Sony smells Discussion >> CNN's Game Over column reveals that Prey, the first-person action game originally shelved while 3D Realms focused on Duke Nukem Forever, was quietly restarted a few years ago and will feature at this years E3 Expo. The game will use the Doom 3 engine, and is described as "visually striking": 3D Realms, makers of the popular "Duke Nukem" series, originally worked on "Prey," but word is they have handed development to a third party and are overseeing work on the game. Take Two Interactive Software is the likely publisher for the game, given its relationship with 3D Realms, but has not made any announcements. According to the original game FAQ from 1998, players take the role of Talon Brave, a reluctant Native American hero whose challenge is to survive an encounter with a trinity of alien species called the Tocara.Related: Prey to re-enter fray at E3? 3D REALMS' PREY RESURRECTED ON DOOM 3 ENGINE 3DRealms.com E3Expo.com Duke Nukem Forever Physics Engine SDK Free Trial Duke Nukem Forever Physics Pass HL2 Discussion >>  EA have announced that they will be bringing Sean Connery back to the Bond world to lend his familiar vocals to a new game based on the classic Bond film, From Russia With Love.The celebrated Scottish actor will record new dialogue for the game, and his likeness will be taken from the 1963 movie - as will the likeness of most of the other principal characters, with the actors all signed up to appear in the title. The title will be released on PS2, Xbox and GameCube in autumn.Via gamesindustry Related: EA Leads In-Game Advertising Charge ? The Sims 2 Breaks EA Sales Record EA's Battlefield: Modern Combat slips a year Discussion >>  I came across this gallery of id-related tattoos via the Wonderland blog.Last October id CEO Todd Hollenshead also announced an official competition for the best Doom 3 tattoo, the prize of which included a copy of the game (kotaku asked the obvious question - wouldn’t anyone who has an id tattoo already own a copy of Doom 3?), but he hasn't updated with a winner yet. Related: DefectiveYeti Reviews Doom Boardgame DOOM 3 XBox all about the specs; Quake 4 for QuakeCon DOOM 3 Mods List Discussion >> As the war of the next-generation consoles heats up, rumours are starting to spread concerning features like: hardware, compatability, cost etc. One rumour in particular is that in the last month alone the Xbox 360 has had a ram upgrade, details are still very vague at this point.
Related: Xbox 2 May Include Price Hike Doom 3 XBox Impressions Microsoft CEO: Xbox 2 'amazing, amazing innovation' Xbox 360 Unveiled 3 Days Before E3 Discussion >> Sony probably won't like this, but a blogger has unearthed a simple way to play multiplayer on the PSP with only one copy of the game:To play any multiplayer game on a Sony PSP with only one copy of a game, do the following: Waterproof PSP for Underwater Scuba-play Rumour: PSP Euro Launch May Be Delayed To September Gold and Diamond-Encrusted PSP Chat on IRC With Your PSP Discussion >> According to an article on CNN, Microsoft will be unveiling its next generation console, the Xbox 360 three days before the Electronic Entertainment Expo (e3) begins.The event which will see more than 400 companies cover more than 540,000 square feet, showing off new games, new consoles and new gaming gadgets is set for May 18th and is dubbed to be the biggest and most important year for gaming and games technology as a whole. Microsoft has the most riding on this year's show. Three days before it officially begins, the company will finally take the wraps off of its next generation Xbox (which will almost certainly be named Xbox 360). Microsoft hopes the new machine will help it unseat Sony from its long-held industry leader position, which won't be an easy feat. Via CNNRelated: Latest Doom 3 Screenshots For Xbox Xbox 2 May Include Price Hike Halo, Fable Sequels Confirmed for XBox 360 Xbox 360: Downloadable Demos From Day One, Wireless and more Microsoft CEO: Xbox 2 'amazing, amazing innovation' 38 hand gun for your Xbox? Discussion >>  The boardgame based on Doom got a surprisingly good review on DefectiveYeti.com. The reviewer calls the game a "fun, exciting and very tense affair" and the core of the game is elegant and easy to learn, though it loses some points for being unevenly balanced: I'd certainly recommend Doom to anyone who enjoys the video game, and to those board gamers who don't mind a lopsided contest or have the patience to seek out and adopt enough house rules to get the game to shine. Doom The Boardgame website GamingReport.com review - 4/5 Discussion >>  This Brothers in Arms patch updates the US & UK digital download editions of the game to v1.03, adding multiplayer lobby features, a screenshot capture function and stability and performance improvements among other things. Download US/UK PatchDownload German Patch Download French Patch Related info: First Impressions High Res Trailer Offical Website Discussion >>  Activision have today announced that Call of Duty - Deluxe Edition has shipped. The new Box-Set will feature the original Call of Duty "Game of the Year Edition" plus the PC expansion United Offensive. Listen up soldiers! Be ready for a double-dose of cinematic intensity and chaotic battles as Activision, Inc.’s Call of Duty™: Deluxe edition has shipped to retail outlets nationwide. The newest addition to the best-selling franchise includes the highly acclaimed Call of Duty™: Game of the Year edition – winner of more than 80 Game of the Year Awards, Call of Duty™: United Offensive™ – the popular expansion pack featuring additional maps, vehicle-based multiplayer and more, along with the original Call of Duty soundtrack and strategy guides. Call of Duty: Deluxe edition for the PC is rated “T” (Teen – Blood, Mild Language, Violence – content suitable for persons ages 13 and older) by the ESRB and carries a suggested retail price of $39.99. Related: Call of Duty: United Offensive Official Movie Call of Duty - United Offensive - Videos COD: United Offensive map and mod tools COD: United Offensive - Single player demo Call of Duty website United Offensive website Discussion >>  An interesting article on the AP about Ken Kutaragi, the man who created the PlayStation and who was also behind the recently released PSP. Someone with a record like that you'd think would be a shoe-in for the top spot at Sony, but he was actually demoted and taken off their board of directors last month: It appears the 54-year-old Kutaragi's outspoken nature, in a corporate culture that's oiled by consensus, may be to blame. Independent and shockingly frank by Japanese standards, Kutaragi hasn't held back from criticizing company decisions. PlayStation Boss Still Crucial to Sony Despite Snub Kutaragi forced off Sony's board PS legend Kutaragi to "step down" from Sony board Ken Kutaragi on Wikipedia Discussion >>  Square Enix yesterday launched the U.S. website for FFVII Advent Children. There's nothing much on it yet except the official trailer, but it's a sign that a release date may be coming soon: Two years have passed since the events of FINAL FANTASY VII. Check the U.S. site out here, and for more trailers check the Japanese site. Related links: Square Enix announcement AdventChildren.net fan site Focus On: Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children and Kingdom Hearts 2 FF VII Advent Children on the IMDb Dirge of Cerberus official site PS2: Final Fantasy VII Dirge of Cerberus slated for 2005 (Sept '04) Discussion >>  Beta version 1.3 of this hl2 modification is now available. I have played earlier betas of hl2 ctf and let me tell you it was a most enjoying experience. When you play hl2 dm it gets more than tedious as there really is no objective but now with a "capture the flag" game-mode, it looks like the tides are finally turning in the hl2 modification arena. The game pits the resistance from hl2 up against the combine. With all (or most of) the weapons from Half Life 2 at your disposal this mod will provide endless hours of enjoyment and is sure to satisfy the appetite of any fan of capture the flag. New maps included in this release:
Have any questions ? Why not post them in the hl2 ctf forums Related: New Weapons, Map for Half-Life 2: DM Garry's Mod V7a Released I'm Still Seeing Breen - HL2 Music Video How to find your Steam ID HL2 Lost Coast Tech Glimpsed on G4TV Valve's Anti-Cheat Beta Begins Next Week The Hidden: Source Nearing First Public Release Discussion >> Not surprisingly, the largest XBox franchises will be ported over for the next-generation of the console, codenamed XBox 2, Xenon or 360 depending on which rumour you believe.Head of Microsoft Game Studios Shane Kim, who directed the launch of both Halo 2 and Fable since taking the job last year, gave an interview on the official XBox site: Xbox.com: What about existing franchises—will we see those on the next-generation Xbox? While Kim said Microsoft's strategy will focus mainly on game titles to entice the mass market, Nintendo's controller and a user friendly interface will appeal to non-gamers, and a wireless LAN capability will "put an end to the need for consumers to have highly technical skills to play games online". Related links: Next-gen Halo, Fable, and Project Gotham confirmed Xbox 360: Downloadable Demos From Day One, Wireless and more Microsoft CEO: Xbox 2 'amazing, amazing innovation' (Nintendo CEO)Iwata discusses Revolution connectivity, controllers Discussion >>  While Sony's PSP has been gaining massive popularity and winning the hearts of media lovers the world over (not to mention, their wallets) the creator of the PSP, Benjamin Heckendorn is at work on a gamer's equivalent to the PSP, the Pheonix 2600 will be based on the old Atari 2600 console from the 80's. The end product is expected to sell for in and around 300 US Dolloars (with the trade-in of an existing Atari 2600) Via engadget Related: Dev Uncovers Hidden Browser In PSP PSP vs DS Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP) Review Nintendo DS: Half A Million Units Sold in Europe Chat on IRC With Your PSP Discussion >>  Gamespot covered the the event to launch the DOOM 3 for XBox conversion/Resurrection of Evil expansion pack, and chatted with id software CEO Todd Hollenshead. When asked whether future id games would be written for PC's or consoles, he pointed to the fact that PC game sales are in decline while sales of console games are on the rise so multi-console development at id will happen. He revealed the reason DOOM 3 was made for the XBox and not other consoles was simply a matter of having the power to run the game as id intended it to be played: "Microsoft didn't pay us anything to choose the Xbox. It's simply the only console currently available that can handle our game with the intended results." Quake fans will also get a first glimpse of Quake IV at the QuakeCon gaming convention in Texas in August:he revealed that the next installment in the conference's titular franchise will indeed be on hand, a fact omitted from last month's official lineup announcement. "We'll have Quake IV multiplayer to play," he said "And because it's also the 10-year anniversary of QuakeCon, we'll have a few other surprises as well." QuakeCon 2005 id software Hollenshead on Quake IV, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 Doom 3 XBox/ Doom 3: Resurrection Of Evil Ships Carmack Tackles DOOM For Cell Phones Discussion >>  id software and Activision have today announced that the highly anticipated expansion to Doom 3, "Resurrection of Evil" has shipped to retail outlets worldwide along with the Xbox version of Doom 3. In Resurrection of Evil, the story takes place two years after the events from the original game and this time you play as a different marine sent to assist Dr. Elizabeth McNeal in investigating a strange beacon on the planet. When you discover a weapon known as the "Artifact", Betruger will send three demonic hunters after you Featuring new weapons (double-barreled shotgun for one), locations and even more flesh/soul crunching demons this really promises to be another terrifying experience.Via gamershell Related: Doom 3 Mods list Latest Doom 3 Screenshots For Xbox The Official DOOM 3 Hardware Guide DOOM 3: Resurrection of Evil Official Trailer Doom 3 website Discussion >> By Gary -  |
