Advertisements  Guild Wars has received a very high 9.2 rating in a review on Gamespot. The game went gold and hit retail on 28 April and is the first release by Arenanet, a developer that includes three former members of Blizzard. Gamespot give it the top marks for its design, graphics and value for money (no recurring monthly fee like other MMOG's) and also give high marks for the gameplay: While it's tempting to compare Guild Wars to any number of other fantasy-themed role-playing games, there's really never been anything quite like it before. It innovatively and successfully combines many of the best, most addictive properties of action RPGs, online RPGs, and competitive multiplayer games in one beautifully produced package, which offers a tremendous lasting value yet none of the monthly fees typically associated with online-only games. The first title from developer ArenaNet, Guild Wars threatens the entire online RPG establishment with its bold design. More importantly, it's a very impressive game that's rewarding on many different levels and can be tremendously appealing for any number of reasons. Guild Wars website Arenanet - Makers of Guild Wars Gamona.de interview Guild Wars community manager Discussion >> By Rob
Boingboing link to a transcript of a conversation between a World of Warcraft game monitor and a clan of players who role-play as pirates, right down to the lingo. They generally confuse him by calling him a lass, spitting on him as a mark of respect and threatening to make him walk the plank: <GM>[Tellari] says: I am waiting for you all to state you understand... By Rob
 Valve have affirmed that their games will continue to be available in retail form after 31 August.Uncertainty spread over whether the split with publisher Vivendi Universal Games would mean their back-catalogue would be solely distributed via Steam when Vivendi ceased distributing the games on 31 August: "We are making arrangements to continue retail distribution of our products post August 31," Valve marketing director Doug Lombardi informed GamesIndustry.biz, going on to say that the firm "should have more details to share soon." Valve's Vivendi settlement raises £8 million question for UK retail All legal ties between Valve and Vivendi Universal Games are now over (29 April) Valve vs. Vivendi (Sept 2004) Discussion >> By Rob
 Kotaku is reporting on an article over at Gameplanet that mentions a gaming magazine getting a first look at Microsoft's next-gen Xbox 360. With their 150th edition, the gaming magazine "Edge" plan an expose of the next Xbox.According to the article they were given access to the Xbox 360 before the MTV show was even announced. Edge, the internationally respected multiformat video game magazine, celebrates its milestone 150th issue later this month with an expose of Microsoft's next video game console. Related: XBox 360 Boot-up Screen OurColony.net XBox Live's Master Nelson: You won’t belive what I saw today OurColony Offers a Look at the Xbox 360 Guide Ourcolony Project Gotham Racing 3 Image Xbox 2 Controller Screenshot on Ourcolony Discussion >> By Gary
 Gamasutra are reporting on sources that claim Gamespot are preparing a launch for its GameCenter "all-in-one gaming service". The service (Which is similar to what Gamespy offer) is reported to offer dedicated game servers, anti-cheat measures, built-in voice over IP, and multiple community tools for a number of third-party PC online-compatible games. A preview site for the service mentions supported PC multiplayer games such as America's Army: Special Forces, Battlefield 1942, Battlefield Vietnam, Counter-Strike Source, Far Cry, Unreal Tournament 2004, and Nascar Racing, among others. Discussion >> By Gary
 Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith has shipped to retail stores worldwide. Available on the PS2 and Xbox, Lucasarts promises the most authentic lightsaber combat ever in which you can play as Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi. The graphics are superb, faces of the characters contort when they Related: Official website HEXUS.preview:: Star Wars Battlefront 2 Revenge is a Sith Best Served Cold: Pepsi's New Darth Dew Discussion >> By Gary
 The OurColony.net ARG continues trickling out teaser images of the XBox 360 hardware; the latest to be revealed appears to be the splash screen when the console is booted up: XBOX 360 BOOTS UP Related: OurColony.net XBox Live's Master Nelson: You won’t belive what I saw today OurColony Offers a Look at the Xbox 360 Guide Ourcolony Project Gotham Racing 3 Image Xbox 2 Controller Screenshot on Ourcolony Image of Xbox 360 case? Latest Xbox 360 Image Of Memory Card? Discussion >> By Rob
 Some stylish (but likely fake) proof-of-concept design images for a portable Nintendo GameCube have popped up on the Web: So it goes without saying that these pics of a supposed portable GameCube are more likely a concept design than anything based in physical reality. But still — it would be kinda hot, so we pass it on to you. Even if when closed, it looks way too eerily like an old Walkman New Nintendo Revolution Mock-Up Images (14 April) Fake PlayStation 3 Image Circles The 'Net (28 March) Discussion >> By Rob
 Engadget.com report that the PSP Universal Media Disc (UMD) disc format has been cracked by a user on ps2nfo.com, and ISO files of several of the games have been released to the Web.From the special notes of the ISOs: Of course you can't play this game yet, and you won't be playing it anytime soon on a burnt umd disc (as sony has already said they wont be releasing burners for these). PSP UMD format cracked; game ISOs appear PSP UMD Game Format Cracked PIRATES HOIST JOLLY ROGER OVER PSP FILES About the Universal Media Disc UMD Specs Discussion >> By Rob
 ATI's partners are manufacturing a 512 Mb variant of the graphics card Giant's X800 XL GPU. Basically it's an X800 XL with twice the ram and $150 on top of the normal price tag. ATI will be hoping there is enough hardcore gamers out there with deep pockets to step up and buy there latest cards, even though some benchmarks suggest that 256 Mb cards are more than adequate to handle most games on the market. Via Engadget Related: BFG Ships 512 Mb Graphics Card Xbox 360 To Have 512 Mb Ram? Radeon X850XT PE 512 Mb Pictured Discussion >> By Gary
1up.com have got a first-hand look at the next Unreal Tournament game. The game (yet to be titled) uses the stunningly realistic Unreal 3 engine and reaches new levels of believability in games. I'm looking at a level from the next Unreal Tournament game, and it's not pretty. In a darkened conference room at Epic Games' North Carolina offices, lead designer Steve Polge, lead level designer Jim Brown, and producer Jeff Morris are walking me through a level that appears to be made of the equivalent of digital cement blocks -- and gently explaining to me why this is a good thing. UNREAL 3 GEARS FOR WAR Discussion >> By Gary
THQ and Jakks Pacific have announced WWE Day of Reckoning 2. The next installment of the Wrestling franchise is boasted as somewhat of an enhancement of the previous iteration and is to continue on the storyline of the last Day of Reckoning. Featuring actual limb damage, some new signature moves, grapples and much improved AI that distinguishes it from the previous game. In designing WWE DoR2, we wanted to pick up the game's storyline right where we left off in the last installment, just as WWE's programming continues its storylines night after night," said Philip Holt, senior vice president of product development, THQ. "With its improved graphics, as well as enhanced fighting system for more realistic matches, WWE Day of Reckoning 2 is going to offer gamers another installment of top-notch wrestling action. Related: WWE Wrestlemania 21 Ships Discussion >> By Gary
 I was turned onto this conversion-pack for Counter Strike: Source that replaces over 1000 files in the game, changes the skins of the guns, clothing, Knifes, bombs even replaces the regular hostages with female characters from Half Life 2. Sounds are also replaced, the voice commands have been revamped and they sound so much better plus music is played every time a Terrorist or Counter-Terrorist wins. The splash screen is also changed and music is played while you wait to select a server. I was completely blown away by this and all fans of Valve's CS: Source simply must check this out, it really soups the game up beyond belief. Download the conversion pack here (70.75 Mb) Thanks to IGNIQ member McGriff for the heads up. Related: Hammer 4.0 Beginner Guide CS: Source de_port Strategy Guide IGNIQ Counter Strike: Source Server Discussion >> By Gary
 Wonderland links to the latest gaming fashion accessory to hit the Web - the belt buckle fashioned from a genuine old-school NES controller:Once brushed off as merely a myth in the video game world, the long rumored, much talked about NES Buckle is now available to grace your pants. Yes, it's a real Nintendo controller, yes, its a real belt buckle, and yes, it will actually hold up your trousers. By Rob
 Remedy Entertainment, the developers of Max Payne 1 and 2, have announced Alan Wake, a new psychological action thriller game for PC and next-generation consoles. More details on Alan Wake are due to be unveiled at the E3 Expo, but a teaser trailer is available here until then. Related: Official Alan Wake site Alan Wake Screenshots RemedyGames.com Discussion >> By Rob
 Gamespot have 8 new screenshots of Fable: The Lost Chapters. The PC version of the hit XBox RPG will include a deeper storyline than the XBox version, as well as extra content: Experience expanded content. Explore the original worlds and core missions of “Fable” that thrilled Xbox gamers and discover additional regions, storylines and side quests, as well as optional missions with “Fable: The Lost Chapters.” In addition, “Fable: The Lost Chapters” offers the ability to fight new monsters, practice an expanded group of spells, don new armor, wield additional weapons and interact with new expressions. Related: Official website for Fable: The Lost Chapters Fable: The Lost Chapters Coming to PC (15 March) Halo, Fable Sequels Confirmed for XBox 360 Discussion >> By Rob
 Sony have announced an official expansion for EverQuest II, along with a second adventure pack called The Splitpaw Saga. The full-priced Desert of Flames expansion will add over 12 new zones to EQ 2, 40 new creatures and will allow players to advance to level 60. It will be on display at Sony's booth at this month's E3, and is scheduled for release on 12 September at the price of $29.99: The pack will introduce the chaotic-but-colorful city of Maj’dul to the game. Players will be able to participate in gladiatorial contests inside the Middle Eastern-themed metropolis, either against some of the 40 new creatures included in the pack or against other EverQuesters in "a new style of player versus player combat." They will also be able to explore the surrounding Desert of Ro and learn about its inhabitants and legends. The Splitpaw Saga adventure pack will only be available as a download when it's released on 28 June for a price of $7.99, or free if you have subscribed to Station.com.Gamespot have more details: Like its predecessor, the Bloodline Chronicles, The Splitpaw Saga will let EQII players engage in new story-driven dungeon adventures. Specifically, it will add two dungeons and a dozen "different solo, group and raid instances surrounding the story of Splitpaw," according to SOE. DesertOfFlames.com SplitPawSaga.com Slashdot | MMOG Expansions Incoming First EverQuest II Adventure Pack Released (23 March) Hunt for the Everquest Babe Sony Announce EQII Station Exchange (20 March) EverQuest II - Order a Pizza In-Game Discussion >> By Rob
 Gizmondo Europe (subsidiary of Florida's Tiger Telematics) yesterday confirmed six new games for the handheld will be showcased at the E3 Expo later this month.The new titles announced are Supernaturals, Johnny Whatever, Chicane, Hit and Myth, Sticky Balls, and Agaju: The Sacred Path. Agaju: The Sacred Path will feature new tech called "Augmented Reality and Gyroscopic Gaming technology" and in addition, the first ever GPS enabled game will be showcased, a gang-warfare title called Colors developed in-house at Gizmondo. The U.S. street date for the handheld will also be revealed: Carl Freer, Co-founder and Chairman, Tiger Telematics says: "We have gone all out for this year's show. The new games are fantastic and the new technology will blow people away." He added, "As well as celebrating our 19th May 05 pan-European rollout, we'll be announcing the US street date at the show, marking the start of our launch ramp up for North America." Related:Gizmondo.com Gizmondo heads to Continental Europe on 19 May PSP, DS Rival Gizmondo Launches in U.K. (18 March) Cut-Price Gizmondo Includes Advertisements (13 April) Tiger Telematics Gizmondo compared to most popular video game consoles Discussion >> By Rob
According to an article on Games Industry, Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates has confirmed what was already expected, that the Xbox 360 will indeed ship at the end of this year. He also went on to discuss in more detail, multimedia capabilities of the next-gen console.Breaking with the company's policy of staying silent in public on the question of when the new console, widely believed to be called Xbox 360, will launch, Gates told the Society of American Business Writers and Editors that the system will ship in the current year. PS3 CPU To Outshine Xbox 360, 3 Times Over? New Pic Of XBox 360 Controller Online Gates: New Xbox has chance to be No. 1 Bill Gates Talks Next-Gen XBox in Interview Xbox 360 Logo Revealed? Xbox 360 Controllers Compatible With Longhorn? Discussion >> By Gary
Fresh next-gen hardware reports coming in from Kotaku. They claim that a reliable source has told them the CPU to be shipped with the PS3 will be 3 times faster than that of the Xbox 360, while they stress that the GPU will be relatively the same, one being from ATI and the other Nvidia. The source also points out that not all of the power of this CPU will be usable in games so as striking as the headline reads it might not be all that, more a chance to show off some impressive power at E3. Word from the geek is that the PS3s CPU is about three times faster than the Xbox 360s CPU. While this seems like a clear cut victory for Sony, it does little to end the constant debate about which system will be able to provide better games. The problem with Sonys super-fast CPU is that not all of its power may actually be usable in games. Bottom line: There could be a lot of extraneous horsepower under the PS3s hood thats mainly for show, not actual gaming. Related: New Pic Of XBox 360 Controller Online Gates: New Xbox has chance to be No. 1 Bill Gates Talks Next-Gen XBox in Interview Xbox 360 Logo Revealed? Xbox 360 Controllers Compatible With Longhorn? Discussion >> By Gary
 Starting with the Magnavox Odyssey (1972), Guardian Blogs take a look at how design of the gaming console has progressed from the early 70's through to today and evaluates what they consider to be the 10 most interesting examples in history.
Gates: New Xbox has chance to be No. 1 Xbox 360 Logo Revealed? Turn Your PSP Into a PDA New Pic Of XBox 360 Controller Online Xbox 360 not to dominate the PS3? Discussion >> By Gary
 TeamXbox.com have the latest unofficial XBox 360 hardware image to hit the web; it might be a prototype of the controller: The new photo shows a controller that looks similar to that seem in previous pictures but surprisingly, this one has a cord attached to it. Once again, the glossy look of the enclosure and the absence of a logo in the front make us think that, if real, this is just a prototype of the Xbox 360 controller as the console will utilize wireless technology for its controllers. Xbox 2 Controller Screenshot on OurColony.net? (10 April) Gates: New Xbox has chance to be No. 1 Xbox 360 Logo Revealed? Xbox 360 Controllers Compatible With Longhorn? Leaked Pics Unveil XBox 360 Early Discussion >> By Rob
 kotaku links to PSPWebBrowser.com, a site that gives your PSP PDA features like to-do lists, a calendar, memo pads and a calculator by changing a setting in the hidden web browser included in WipeOut Pure.Link Discussion >> By Rob
2K Games have announced an extending of their relationship with Firaxis games to include the Sid Meier's Pirates franchise, just over three months after it secured the rights to publish and distribute the Civilization back catalogue. The new deal will see 2K publish Pirates for the XBox this summer, as well as securing the rights to the PC version of the game (released November 2004): "Sid Meier's Pirates! was one of the most acclaimed PC titles of 2004," said Jeff Briggs, Founder, President and CEO of FIRAXIS Games. "Now with 2K Games on board, we're ready to bring the same fun and innovative experience to Xbox gamers across the globe. It's great to work with a publisher like 2K who shares our vision for bringing the very best interactive entertainment to audiences worldwide." 2KGames.com Firaxis.com Civ 4 Details Included In Publishers' Announcement Discussion >> By Rob
 Universal have released some stills from the new movie based around DOOM, as well as some more details on the plot:The basic premise of the film places the characters in the year 2145, the same year as the recently released DOOM 3 videogame. Forgoing the Martian setting from the game, a group of marines is sent to a distant (unspecified) planet to secure a science lab under attack from creatures of unknown origin. In addition to The Rock as Sarge, the film also stars Karl Urban as John "Reaper" Grimm, the formerly nameless space marine who acts as the film's central character. It's the biggest role to date for big role for Urban, previously seen as Eomer in Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy, as well as major roles in The Bourne Supremacy and The Chronicles of Riddick. DOOM Movie Delayed 'til 21 October Doom Movie Scriptwriter Chat (Oct 2004) New Director (Andrzej Bartowiak) for Official DOOM Movie (10 September 2004) Discussion >> By Rob
 Eidos have released the first trailer for Tomb Raider: Legend.The XBox, PS2 and PC versions of the game are due for release this autumn, with PSP and XBox 360 versions due at a later date: The trailer begins with the gun-toting adventuress performing some ground rolls in a darkened room, and shows a cutscene of her svelte figure as she walks in front of a setting sun. Tomb Raider: Legend official website Tomb Raider: Legend included in Eidos E3 Lineup MTV Games Launches with Exclusive Lara Pics Discussion >> By Rob
 Word coming in from Gamespot is that they have received conformation from VU Games that Scarface: The World is Yours has been delayed. According to the article VU say the game will not be ready until 2006.VU did not specify a date or even a Season and although earlier reports suggested that it would be available on all consoles, there is still a few questions left unanswered as to the availability of the game across every platform, bar the Xbox 360 Speaking of platforms, VU Games also revealed that Scarface: The World is Yours will now also see a release on next-generation consoles in 2006. Later, a rep for the company confirmed it would be "an Xbox 2 SKU," but would say nothing of any other next-gen versions. Developers 12 Scarface Screenshots Scarface gang bangs on next-gen Discussion >> By Gary
 Reuters are reporting on the Xbox 360 and comments by Microsoft CEO Bill Gates:Our goal in the last generation was to be in the game," Gates told reporters, "We came out of this round a strong number two Speaking at a meeting of the Society of American Business Editors and Writers, Gates reportedly claimed the next-gen Xbox (code named Xenon) will be as much a Media-centre as it would a games machine. Gates said that the console would have an array of features that will make the device a more versatile tool for games, music, video and pictures in the living room."What we've got in this (next round), at some significant financial cost, was the right to play again with great credibility," Gates said. "So now people are looking at the two companies at a pretty much equal basis." Bill Gates Talks Next-Gen XBox in Interview Xbox 360 Logo Revealed? Xbox 360 Controllers Compatible With Longhorn? Xbox 360 To Launch With Over 15 Games? Report on Microsoft after XBox 360 Image Leaks Leaked Pics Unveil XBox 360 Early Xbox 2 to be unveiled on 12 May MTV Special Discussion >> By Gary
 Gamespot have managed to score an interview with the lead designer of Call of Duty 2. Last month we reported on the official announcement that COD2 was in development. The Q&A Gamespot have with Zied Rieke and Vince Zampella (CEO Infinity Ward) offer a glimpse of what to expect from the sequel in terms of story, characters, weapons, vehicles, AI and such. Call of Duty 2 features new battles and new military units, so your comrades will be mostly new faces as well. However, our favorite character, Captain Price, the British officer with the big red mustache, will make a heroic return. The shoes that you'll have to step into in Call of Duty 2 belong to Private Vassili Ivanovich Koslov, a regular in the Soviet Red Army. The game begins with the story of the private fighting just 20 miles from Moscow against the German blitzkrieg. There are two characters on the British side: Sergeant Davis of General Montgomery's 8th Army and Tank Commander Welsh of the British 7th Armored Division (the famed "Desert Rats"). For the American side, you'll take the role of Corporal Bill Taylor, a member of the US Army's legendary 2nd Ranger Battalion. Related: Call Of Duty 2 Announced Call of Duty 2: First Screens Call of Duty: Deluxe Edition Ships Discussion >> By Gary
 Six fresh screenshots are now making the rounds of the PC version of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. Developed by Rockstargames the console port of the highly popular GTA iteration will be launching on PC next month with fans eager to sink their teeth into this after such fun was had when Vice City was released.Five years ago Carl Johnson escaped from the pressures of life in Los Santos, San Andreas... a city tearing itself apart with gang trouble, drugs and corruption. Where filmstars and millionaires do their best to avoid the dealers and gangbangers. Related: Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas - PS2 Review SAN ANDREAS DREAMIN': FIRST XBOX SCREENS Ultimate Cheats series - GTA San Andreas Official website Discussion >> By Gary
 If you had to name some games that helped shape the shooter genre, you'd surely have to include Quake in your list. Three and a half years after Quake 4's announcement at the QuakeCon 2001, id Software are still reluctant to disclose too many facts about the game, so you can only make a wild guess at whether the game will have a similar impact on the genre as its predecessors. ign.com wasn't overly discouraged by id's secrecy policy, however, and was able to glean some interesting details on the game in an interview with Tom Willits, lead designer at id. Willits on Quake 4's gameplay:Quake 4 has much more of an all-out war feel to the game play, where you'll have to deal with squad mates and buddies, more aggressive enemies, larger scale battles in open areas, vehicle combat, etc. We've also improved the buddy AI and the monster AI greatly. Monsters will be aware of others around them, as well as their surroundings, and will react differently based on how you play. As for the weapons, if you know Doom, you know there's no rail gun, but if you know Quake, you know there's a rail gun (which does return in Quake 4, with some modifications). And here's what he had to say on the game's system requirements:If you had a machine that could run Doom 3 decently, it will run Quake 4 decently. If you can run games like Half-Life 2 or EverQuest 2, you should be fine. However, make sure that if you get a computer as a new upgrade, particularly one that's advertised as a gaming machine, that it has a few important features to help your experience. Most computers now would probably want at least 512 megs of RAM, and don't get a video card that has less than 128 megs of RAM - 256 megs is the way to go. Willis didn't want to say anything about the game's release date, sounding pretty much like George Broussard from 3D Realms when he said "When it's done". This year's E3 might have some more answers for the waiting community.Read the complete interview at ign.com. Related info: id Software Raven Software Quake 4: New Details Emerge (18 April) Discussion >> By Chris
Engadget.com scored an interview with Microsoft Head Bill Gates, and talked some about the overall strategy for the next-generation XBox, which he insisted on referring to by its code-name, Xenon:In Xbox 1 we let ourselves sort of be second in and to not have the momentum. We had to learn a lot about building the partnerships. We’re new to the industry so people naturally didn’t know if we were hardcore committed to the thing. We’ve really gotten over that now and so it’s been a lot easier this time around, but we want to broaden video gaming, and without giving up any of the hardcore players we want more women, older people [to be playing games]. We’re going to have games that are more sociable, more approachable, particularly by taking this idea of Xbox Live and bringing in contests and spectators and ratings and talking to your friends and various new things there we think we can make it much bigger category than it’s ever been to date. Related: Xbox 360 Logo Revealed? Xbox 360 Controllers Compatible With Longhorn? Xbox 360 To Launch With Over 15 Games? Report on Microsoft after XBox 360 Image Leaks Leaked Pics Unveil XBox 360 Early Xbox 2 to be unveiled on 12 May MTV Special Discussion >> By Rob
 Gamershell are reporting on an article that suggests the demo for the upcoming Battlefield 2 will be available in mid-June. The game itself is expected to reach Europe on June 17th and America on the 23rd of June.Read on Related: Battlefield 2: Modern Combat Announced For PSP Battlefield 2: Preview Battlefield: Modern Combat Details Emerge Battlefield 2 engine demonstration Official website Discussion >> By Gary
 A logo for the Xbox 360 has been floating around the web for some weeks now, finally it appears in the ad released by Microsoft adding hype to the upcoming MTV presentation on May 12th which will showcase for the first time, Microsoft's new Xbox 360. The real Question is, is this the official logo and if so why? It is not exactly striking and looking at the circle one might find they receive a headache before long. Related: Eidos E3 Lineup Revealed Silver PlayStation 2 For Europe Samsung HDTV and Microsoft Xbox 360 Fun with Xbox 360! Discussion >> By Gary
 Games Radar have screenshots reported to be from the next-gen PS3 title Possession. Possession is a real-time strategy game in which you turn the population of a city into zombies and then use them to destroy their own city.
Origin of Fake PS3 Image Analyst: Next-gen growth starts with PS3, no sooner Discussion >> By Gary
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