Advertisements  Anyone wanting to check out Matrix Games’ Battleground Europe without paying the box price can do so now during a free 14-day trial offer for the MMORPG. During the trial, players will be able to join the fight on land, air and sea. Gamers can download the client for tree on the Battleground Europe web site by clicking here. Those who choose to buy the game after checking it out will get all the bonuses that came with the recent European release. This includes a 150-page game manual in electronic form, a combat equipment guide, wallpapers, music, comics and more, according to a release from Matrix. The game itself features more than 600 cities and nearly 30,000 buildings in a zoneless environment. Battles here can last for days and even weeks as thousands of players on a server fight to control territory. The game prices out at $19.99 for the download version and $29.99 for the box set. Related: Battleground Europe Now Available In The U.S. Battle of Britain 2: Wings of Victory New Screens Gary Grigsby's World at War Demo Discussion >> By Sherri
 Considering the problems that have plagued it since its November North American release, it probably shouldn’t come as a surprise that the Xbox 360’s Australian/New Zealand debut has been delayed. The Microsoft console was initially set to make its appearance in the Down Under market on March 2, but now Games Industry is reporting that’s been pushed back to March 23. It was recently announced that shortages of the console would likely continue in North America through the Spring as manufacturing issues continue to hamper Microsoft’s ability to keep store shelves stocked. In a statement, Microsoft said the slip was due to "unprecedented global consumer demand and short-term manufacturing issues due to component shortages stemming from challenges in ramping supply." Related: Xbox 360 To Remain Scarce Through Spring Man Pays $800 for Empty Xbox 360 Box on eBay Xbox 360 Goes for Over $10K on eBay Reports of Crashing Xbox 360's Discussion >> By Sherri
 On the hunt for an Xbox 360? Keep looking! According to Realm Media, the next-gen console will remain hard to find in North America for some time to come. The site reports that Microsoft spokespeople have said they “underestimated” demand. The next-gen console has been plagued by problems since its release late last year. In addition to shortages, gamers have reported issues with stability and compatibility. Some supply problems have been blamed on issues with obtaining chips. To help speed up production, Microsoft recently added a third manufacturer. In the short term, prospects don't look good. Microsoft initially hoped to have shipped as many as 3 million systems by the end of February. But by the end of the year, Microsoft had shipped only about 1 million worldwide (about 800,000 to the USA and 100,000 each to Europe and Japan), according to estimates from analyst Michael Pachter with investment firm Wedbush Morgan Securities. On the upside, those willing to hunt for their Xbox 360 on eBay will find the prices have dropped a lot. Going from the $10,000 sale around the holidays to today’s $469, the console’s a steal on the online auction site. Plus, if it takes until spring for Microsoft’s Xbox 360 woes to subside, it will almost be time for the Nintendo Revolution and PlayStation 3 to make their market debuts. Or maybe the new Nissan, complete with an Xbox 360, will hit the market. Related: Man Pays $800 for Empty Xbox 360 Box on eBay Xbox 360 Goes for Over $10K on eBay Nissan Concept Car Comes With Xbox 360 Xbox 360: A Tale Of Two Markets Discussion >> By Sherri
 Baseball. Apple pie. Video games. Yup, that’s right. Video games are fast becoming one of America’s favorite pastimes. According to a study conducted by the Entertainment Software Association, 35 percent of American parents play computer and video games. According to the ESA, an impressive 80 percent of parents report playing video games with their children. About 66 percent feel games have brought their families closer together. Some of the interesting figures touted in the ESA’s study as reported on Gamasutra include: three-quarters (73%) of gamer parents say they are regular voters, with party affiliation at 36% Democrat and 35% Republican, similar to the overall national averages, and 85 percent of all voter parents (both gamer and non-gamer) say that they should take the most responsibility in monitoring children’s’ exposure to games that may have content that is inappropriate for minors, as opposed to retailers or governments. Maybe some of the lawmakers who are pushing game regulation laws will take a good look at the figures. No matter how you crack it, the results show a strong majority of voting parents don’t think government should have the authority in deeming what gaming content is appropriate or inappropriate for their children. Perhaps that’s asking too much? Related: Women to grab gaming by the pads SEGA Answers Call For Family Video Games EA Announce "Teaching With Games" Study Parents don't care for game-ratings Discussion >> By Sherri
 Media is asking whether the video game Need for Speed is to blame for a crash in Canada that left a 46-year-old taxi driver dead and two teens in jail. According to 24 Hours Vancouver, Tahir Khan was killed the day before he was to become a Canadian citizen when his taxi found itself in the middle of a street race between two teens driving high-end cars. The Scarborough man was making a left turn at about 10:20 p.m. when one of two Mercedes Benzes, racing at speeds as high as 140 km/h in a 50 km/h zone, according to witnesses struck his cab, driving it into a telephone pole, police said. To the question of whether Need for Speed is to blame, I give an emphatic no. The crash, no doubt, was horrific and senseless. The fact Mr. Khan’s life was cut short is inexcusable, so please let’s not try to diminish the loss by blaming a game. The teens involved were both 18. They’re alleged to have been driving nearly three times the posted limit. They are old enough to know better and old enough to understand there could be consequences for their actions – serious consequences. If the young men did what is alleged, they should be held accountable for their actions. Don’t blame a video game for the crime and belittle the great loss the Khan family has suffered by making excuses for the alleged perpetrators. Video games do not kill people. Television shows do not kill people. Movies do not kill people. People who choose to act thoughtlessly, impulsively, maliciously or just plain stupidly do. Related: Need For Speed: Most Wanted Coming in November Need For Speed Underground 2 Takes Flight On DS Discussion >> By Sherri
 Nintendo’s Revolution won’t hit the stores until later this year, but owners of its current consoles don’t have to worry about being left out in the cold. The gaming giant has announced nearly two dozen new titles for the spring season for its DS, GameCube and Game Boy Advance. Proving once again why Nintendo is such a popular name with parents, the company’s list of upcoming titles includes such kid-friendly games as Pokemon Kink, New Super Mario Bros., and Tetris DS. In the number of titles division, the DS wins out with more than dozen new games lined up, but Cube and Game Boy owners haven’t been forgotten either. They may not be “next-gen,” but that doesn’t mean the Cube and GBA won’t see some serious new titles this Spring. The Cube will see Harvest Moon: Magical Melody and Chibi-Robo and the Game Boy has a few games coming out, including Final Fantasy IV. Source: Kikizo Games Related: 20 Years of Nintendo Content with Revolution Classic Nintendo titles remade on Revolution? Nintendo Still King Of The Handhelds GameBoy Micro Unveiled Discussion >> By Sherri
 Star Trek fans chomping at the bit for a new title for the franchise will get their wish. Thanks to a deal announced between Bethesda Softworks and CBS Consumer Products, a whole series of Star Trek games will soon be coming to a galaxy near you for a host of gaming systems. Bethesda has acquired the rights to create titles for all gaming consoles, handhelds and PCs. Two titles are already in the works – Star Trek: Legacy for the Xbox 360 and PC and Star Trek: Tactical Assault for the Nintendo DS and Sony PSP. The games will release this September to coincide with Star Trek’s 40th anniversary. Bethesda now holds the rights to cover the entire Star Trek series for all consoles, handhelds and PCs. Being able to work with the entire universe of this beloved series is an incredibly exciting opportunity for us," said Todd Vaughn, vice president of development for Bethesda Softworks. "We have some great ideas about where we want to go with this license and having the exclusive right to develop and publish Star Trek games across all platforms ensures that every Star Trek game will be a quality game worthy of its name. Related: More info on Star Trek Online MMOG Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion 3 New The Elder Scrolls IV Screens Discussion >> By Sherri
 With the competition just around the corner, 2K Sports has released Torino 2006, the official video game of the XX Olympic Winter Games. The title is now available in North America and will hit European stores on Jan. 27. According to a media release issued by 2K, the game allows up to four players to compete head-to-head in a number of winter sports events, including bobsled, skiing and luge. It’s based on the upcoming games, which take place in Torino, Italy, in February. 2K is a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software. The game is a partnership between 2K and International Sports Multimedia, the exclusive licensee of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for interactive entertainment software. Torino features 15 different events in eight sports and three different levels of difficulty. It’s designed for single or multiplayer use for the PC, PlayStation 2 and Xbox. Source: 2K Sports Related: Granny takes on Rockstar SWAT 4 Developer Acquired by Take-Two SWAT 4 Expansion Announced Discussion >> By Sherri
 Gamers unable to get their hands on an Xbox 360 shouldn’t have to wait too much longer to check out Condemned: Criminal Origins. Sega’s set a release for the title on PC for sometime this spring. Condemned was one of the launch titles for the 360 in November, which means there are lots of gamers out there who haven’t had a chance to check it out due to console shortages, pricing and other issues. Condemned: Criminal Origins features amazingly photorealistic environments and true-to-life sound effects that transport players directly to the scene of the crime," said the release by Sega. "Gruesome weapons can be fashioned by clever players from the environment: paper-cutter handles, wooden planks and lead pipes ripped from walls can all be used to attack opponents. The enemy AI is highly intelligent as well as enemies don't merely run at the player; they find an appropriately powerful weapon to attack with and then hide in the shadows, waiting for an open opportunity to strike." Related: SEGA and Bizarre Team Up for Next-Gen Offering Xbox 360 Goes for Over $10K on eBay Blingy Solid Gold Xbox 360 Faceplate SEGA's Next-Gen Surprise: After Burner? Discussion >> By Sherri
 If you’re coming up short on ideas for your game loving sweetheart’s Valentine’s Day present, you’re in luck. Two hot titles have been confirmed for release on, or darn close to, Valentine’s Day just to make the shopping that much easier. Whether your special someone’s into racing or RPGs, you’re all set thanks to the impending releases of Full Auto and Grandia III. Sega's ridiculously explosive racing game, Full Auto, has officially gone gold, and will arrive in stores on February 15, 2005. The game pits players against ferocious computer opponents in Arcade and Career modes with vehicles strapped with insane amount of firepower. Though there is a racing element in the game, it mostly revolves around managing your car's armor and blowing up opponents to help you get to the finish line in one piece.” Grandia III will hit U.S. stores on Valentine’s Day itself. According to Gaming Horizon, the Final Fantasy competitor is now being promoted by the makers of Final Fantasy itself and has undergone some serious beefing up during the creation process. By all reports, the game looks awesome, plays like a dream and is pretty darn addictive. After spending close to ten hours with Grandia III, I can dutifully admit that I’m hooked. The ring battle system is very refreshing for someone who only spent five minutes with Grandia II, and will serve as an intense, yet fun introduction to the series for newcomers. It’s also got the same cliché events and light-hearted dialogue that fans are used to, complete with new characters, a new threat, and several gameplay tweaks to keep things fresh. The environs are stunning, and while some of the character designs feel slightly off the mark (I think Ulf is the only exception), the whole package has transitioned nicely into the US. All gamers – even those fearful of RPGs – should give this at least a rental upon its release next month.” Related: Xbox 360 Faceplate Comes With Full Auto Preorder Final Fantasy VII at the E3 Final Fantasy VII Snowboarding Coming To Mobile Discussion >> By Sherri
 Anyone who thinks music and gaming don’t go together like peanut butter and jelly should check out the numbers for this release. Vivendi Universal Games announced that 50 Cent: Bulletproof has topped 1 million in sales since its release late last year. The exciting convergence of gaming and music helped make 50 Cent: Bulletproof one of GameStop's top selling titles in the month of December," said Bob McKenzie, Sr. Vice President of Merchandising. 50 Cent: Bulletproof boasts over four CDs worth of music including new exclusive music by 50 Cent, more than a dozen music videos and tons of bonus features. It is available for the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system and Xbox(R) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. The games follows 50 Cent on a mission of revenge against a dangerous New York crime family. Gamers get to become 50 Cent in this story, using a deadly stock of moves to take down the bad guys. Related: Gamer Graffix, 50 Cent, G Unit Records Team Up 50 Cent: Bulletproof, Official Trailer 50 Cent Game revealed, Gangster style Discussion >> By Sherri
 Comic book and role play fans may want to check out the neat graphics now available on the Seed web site. Just added, the downloadable clips give potential players an idea of what the game will look like upon release. The MMORPG is under development by Danish-based Runestone. Beta testing on the title is expected to begin Feb. 1 with an April live release. Comic book in appearance, Seed is different from other MMORPGs in that players take part in community building instead of combat. They control the world and how it develops. The game is a first for Runestone. Source: Seed site Related: Seed MMORPG Opens French, German Sites Seed Gears Up For Beta Testing Seed Contracts With Alchemic Dream Inc Discussion >> By Sherri
 If you’ve ever wondered what a first person shooter set in an epic fantasy world would be like, you’re not alone. It seems several known game developers got together and decided to put that idea to the test. Thanks to a tip from Igniq reader Rory, I was turned on to the Project Offset site, which you can check out by clicking here. The game, which is currently under development, has no set release date as a deal with a publisher has not yet been inked, but screen shots and trailers for the concept look pretty incredible. Once published, the game will likely be available for the PC, Xbox 360 and PS3. Considering the company is driven by industry veterans, this shooter is worth watching. Offset Software started as 3 people working out of an apartment, and was completely self-funded. The engine and all art was created with a tiny budget -- just enough to purchase the software and hardware we need for development. Our budget was small but our goal was big, to create an next generation First Person Shooter set in a fantasy world (codenamed "Project Offset"), and a powerful game engine to run it. Related: First-Person Shooter Released Under GPL First Person Shooter Creator Trial Capcom Announce New Sci-Fi Shooter for Xbox 360 Discussion >> By Sherri
 Mobile phone game junkies with a desire for some new titles to play will have their wish thanks to a recently announced deal. Dublin-based Upstart Games and Japan’s G-mode have inked a multi-game publishing agreement that will bring a number of titles to the mobile arena this year. According to a media release, the first titles for global launch will include Topolon and Sudoku, both puzzle games. Topolon’s combination of speed and logic earned it rave reviews from the gaming industry. This title is currently available for Sprint Nextel users. Upstart has reworked Sudoku as “Vodafone Sudoku.” This is the first game to be released under Upstart’s recent global reseller agreement with Vodafone. Barry O’Neil, CEO of Upstart Games commented: “G-mode is the number one mobile games publisher in Japan. Their sole focus on the mobile platform results in games that are designed from the ground up with portability in mind, and this is clear from the moment you play Topolon.” On Sudoku he added – “The inclusion of Nikoli’s puzzles in the Sudoku game place this title a head and shoulders above the dozens of competitive sudoku titles out there. In Sudoku it is the quality of the puzzle that counts, not the quantity. We are delighted to be working with G-mode to bring this title to Vodafone live! subscribers.” Related: Quake Coming to a Mobile Near You Baldur's Gate For Mobile EA: Sims 2 For All Doom Coming to Phones, Second id Title Planned Discussion >> By Sherri
 Sega is expected to release the fourth title in its Total War series later this year. Medieval 2: Total War is likely to hit the shelves in winter 2006, according to a media release issued by Sega. The franchise is one of Sega’s most popular, with more than 3.5 million units sold to date. Medieval 2: Total War is the result of 7 years continuous development of the Total War series and has been designed to appeal to all gamers, not just hardcore strategy fans. " commented Mike Simpson, Studio Director at Creative Assembly. "Each game in the series has outshone the previous one and Medieval 2: Total War is no exception." Related: Rome: Total War Barbarian Invasion Demo Rome: Total War Demo Discussion >> By Sherri
 For those who like to take a break from the first-person shooters or MMORPGs, Zigiz.com has a slightly less involved game that just might be one of the most addictive (yet infuriating) I’ve ever checked out. In its new “House of Cards,” players simply attempt to build a pyramid by matching up cards. On the surface, it seems like the old-fashion building game many enjoyed as youngsters, but this one comes with a twist. As the house of cards is built, from the ground floor up, the face values of the cards matter as higher levels can only rest upon cards that are worth more; otherwise the house tumbles and the cards are lost. The point is to make it to the top peak with the highest point value possible. Zigiz is both a free-play and paid site where players (of the paid version) can win money for playing such games as House of Cards, BubbleUp, JewelMine and more. The site is available in English, Dutch, Polish, Spanish and more. Source: Zigiz Related: Roll Your Own MMORPG How to know if you play MMOG's too much Discussion >> By Sherri
 Linden Labs' Second Life has been picking up a steady cult following over the last couple of years, and a clear indicator of its growing popularity is the possibility of a new blog dedicated to the game from the famous Weblogs Inc. Weblogs Inc is a huge network of blogs covering a multitude of topics, and includes Engadget, Joystiq and Xbox 360 Fanboy. The only other game thus far that has its own dedicated blog from the network is the behemoth World of Warcraft. There are no details yet on when the new blog will launch, but hardcore Second Life players are being invited to apply for the job of writing it. Interested Second Lifers have been asked to send Weblogs Inc some examples of their blogging skills, as well a bio covering their experience in the game: Do you spend the majority of your first life in Second Life? Does your primary contact info involve telling people to download the client and find you in-game? BBC Newsnight Broadcast From Inside Second Life Secret Prison Uncovered in Second Life How to know if you play MMOG's too much Firefox Coming to Second Life (6 June 2005) Discussion >> By Rob
 Gamers not willing to step into the “next-gen” when it comes to video game consoles, might have their wallets thanking them for the decision. Electronic Arts has announced it will drop the prices of several of its titles for the old-gen consoles by up to $20. It’s thought EA’s announcement is the first of many to come in the reduction of game title prices. According to Game Cube Advanced, the move is to help ensure that EA’s inventory doesn’t get out of control and that the company gest as much money as it can out of what’s already in stock. Games effected by the reduction in price include NFL 06, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and FIFA 06, among others. Source: Game Cube Advanced Related: Sales Woes For EA, Activision, Midway EA look to boost market share in Japan EA Announce new LOTR games GameTap Announces 3 New Publishers Discussion >> By Sherri
Archives
Sponsored links: Place a link here Igniq.com Archives
X CLOSE
April 4, 2004 June 13, 2004 June 20, 2004 July 4, 2004 July 11, 2004 July 18, 2004 July 25, 2004 August 1, 2004 August 8, 2004 August 15, 2004 August 22, 2004 August 29, 2004 September 5, 2004 September 12, 2004 September 19, 2004 September 26, 2004 October 3, 2004 October 10, 2004 October 17, 2004 October 24, 2004 October 31, 2004 November 7, 2004 November 14, 2004 November 21, 2004 November 28, 2004 December 5, 2004 December 12, 2004 December 19, 2004 December 26, 2004 January 2, 2005 January 9, 2005 January 16, 2005 January 23, 2005 January 30, 2005 February 6, 2005 February 13, 2005 February 20, 2005 February 27, 2005 March 6, 2005 March 13, 2005 March 20, 2005 March 27, 2005 April 3, 2005 April 10, 2005 April 17, 2005 April 24, 2005 May 1, 2005 May 8, 2005 May 15, 2005 May 22, 2005 May 29, 2005 June 5, 2005 June 12, 2005 June 19, 2005 June 26, 2005 July 3, 2005 July 10, 2005 July 17, 2005 July 24, 2005 July 31, 2005 August 7, 2005 August 14, 2005 August 21, 2005 August 28, 2005 September 4, 2005 September 11, 2005 September 18, 2005 September 25, 2005 October 2, 2005 October 9, 2005 October 16, 2005 October 23, 2005 October 30, 2005 November 6, 2005 November 13, 2005 November 20, 2005 November 27, 2005 December 4, 2005 December 11, 2005 December 18, 2005 December 25, 2005 January 1, 2006 January 8, 2006 January 15, 2006 January 22, 2006 January 29, 2006 February 5, 2006 February 12, 2006 February 19, 2006 February 26, 2006 March 5, 2006 March 12, 2006 March 19, 2006 March 26, 2006 April 2, 2006 April 9, 2006 April 16, 2006 April 23, 2006 April 30, 2006 May 7, 2006 May 14, 2006 May 21, 2006 May 28, 2006 June 4, 2006 June 11, 2006 June 18, 2006 June 25, 2006 July 2, 2006 July 9, 2006 July 16, 2006 July 23, 2006 July 30, 2006 August 6, 2006 August 13, 2006 August 20, 2006 August 27, 2006 September 3, 2006 September 10, 2006 September 17, 2006 September 24, 2006 October 1, 2006 October 8, 2006 October 15, 2006 October 22, 2006 October 29, 2006 November 5, 2006 November 12, 2006 November 19, 2006 November 26, 2006 December 3, 2006 December 10, 2006 December 17, 2006 December 24, 2006 December 31, 2006 January 7, 2007 January 14, 2007 January 21, 2007 January 28, 2007 February 4, 2007 February 11, 2007 February 18, 2007 February 25, 2007 March 4, 2007 March 11, 2007 March 18, 2007 March 25, 2007 April 1, 2007 April 8, 2007 April 15, 2007 April 22, 2007 April 29, 2007 May 6, 2007 May 13, 2007 May 20, 2007 October 19, 2008 October 26, 2008 November 9, 2008 November 16, 2008 November 23, 2008 |
||
