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dungeons & dragons online
Turbine is looking for a few good gamers.

The company will host a stress test event for its much-anticipated release of Dungeons & Dragons Online: Stormreach, starting Feb. 7. Those who sign up have a chance to win some serious prizes, including an Alienware Aurora 7500 for their effort.

Account keys will be distributed to those who sign up on a first-come, first-served basis until all allotted account keys have been distributed.
The event begins with a Stress Test on our registration servers. If you sign up while there are still account keys remaining, you will be sent an account key and instructions for how to use the key to gain access to the Beta. On February 7, this key can be redeemed between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM Eastern. Fans who register during this time will gain access to the Beta through February 10 at 12:00 AM Eastern and will receive a bonus item in the Beta: a +1 Armor Class amulet!"
Dungeons & Dragons Online


The MMORPG is set to release later this month. Last word has the date listed as Feb. 28, but the official site has some illusions to “first quarter 2006,” although EB Games online is still saying the game ships Feb. 28. To learn more about the title, click here.

Related:
Dungeons & Dragons Online: Stormreach To Launch Feb. 28
D&D Online: Stormreach Will Feature Integrated Chat
Countdown To D&D Online: Stormreach Begins

Discussion >>



dragon ball z
Atari’s Dragon Ball Z: Shin Budokai is PlayStation Portable bound.

According to a media release issued today, the game will be the first the game giant intends to release for Sony’s PSP. North American fans of the Dragon Ball Z franchise and its fast-hitting martial arts action will only have to wait for March for the WiFi multiplayer game to hit the market. It looks like the European release is set for April.

Dragon Ball Z: Shin Budokai is a must have for all fans of the PS2 games and a perfect fit for the WiFi multiplayer capabilities of PSP,” said Cyril Voiron, Marketing Director, Atari Europe. “With the handheld portability of PSP, for the first time players have unparalleled opportunities for battling with friends any time and any place to become the number one DBZ fighter.”

Alongside the breathtaking high-speed WiFi multiplayer combat, other features include a choice of 18 playable characters including prize fighter Pikkon, a Revamped version of the acclaimed “Saiyan Overdrive” fighting system, the ability to perform in-game transformations to more powerful forms, an all-new stage from the Janemba movie, and a total of seven game modes including compelling story mode.”
WebWire


Related:
Atari Gearing Up For Driver: Parallel Lines Release
Atari Flashback 2
Hacking the Atari Flashback 2 into a 2600

Discussion >>



tomb raider
Gamers just dying to get a little Lara Croft action on their next-gen Xbox 360s will have to wait a tad longer according to Eidos Interactive.

Game Spot is reporting the publisher has announced an April 11 release for Tomb Raider: Legend for the Playstation 2, Xbox and PC in North America. The UK release is set for April 7. The title will sell for about $50 for consoles and $40 for PC players.

But …

The bad news: PSP and Xbox 360 owners will have to wait longer to see the pistol-packin' Croft on their platforms. In its announcement, Eidos said Tomb Raider: Legend would arrive on Sony's handheld and Microsoft's next-gen console "shortly after" their current-gen console and PC counterparts. The publisher did not give a specific date, and online retailers weren't any help; GameStop still listed both the PSP and 360 versions as arriving April 11.
Game Spot


Related:
Tomb Raider Legend: In Game Screenshots
Playable Tomb Raider: Legend to Premiere This Month
Xbox 360 to greet Tomb Raider: Legend?
Tomb Raider Revived

Discussion >>



EverQuest II
In a Producer’s Letter posted on Sony’s EQ II news site, senior producer Scott Hartsman talks about upcoming changes for the MMORGP.

Prior to the launch of the game’s second expansion, Kingdom of Sky, which is due Feb. 21, several of the servers will merge. According to Hartsman, the notion to merge isn’t due to a lack of players, rather the sheer size of the Norrathian world.

In reality most of our 36 US, Europe, and Asia EQ2 servers currently house the same number of people as your average server from any MMO. Because of the size of our game world, some of the worlds feel less full than they should for them be ideal, fun places to play.
When we first started out, EQ2 had 369 total zones or instances of zones. The game has since expanded to having over 600 of them, just about doubling the playable space.

On some worlds, it can seem like there are fewer people to make friends and group with, fewer opportunities to bump into others. Nothing makes a world feel more alive than other people. When you don't run into enough other people, folks who otherwise love the game are more likely to drift away.

It's no secret. It's a problem that's been discussed on a few of the server forums, and it's one that we've been spending quite a bit of time thinking about as well.”


Starting today, 2/2/06, a character transfer service is open to all players free of charge. This coincides with the timing for Live Update 19 and comes right before the expansion’s launch. Also coming is Bonus Experience Weekend, (Feb. 17-19) to give those under level 60 a chance to catch up before the level cap moves to 70.

To read the full letter and learn more about the changes coming up, click here.

Source: EQ II News

Related:
EverQuest II - Order a Pizza In-Game
Everquest II Launch
Sony Announces New EQ Titanium Collection
Cheeky Hackers Flood EverQuest II with Fake Money

Discussion >>



Playstation 3
Joystiq is reporting the possible launch of Sony’s own version of Xbox Live.

According to a scan in PlayStation forums, PlayStation Magazine’s March issue lets the cat out of the bag about Sony’s intent to target Microsoft’s service and surpass it. Joystiq has a blown up copy of the scan so readers can clearly see for themselves the ambitious undertaking that’s afoot.

Cast aside any doubts and start gazing skyward, because that's where Sony is aiming with plans that go far beyond simple leader boards and matchmaking -- or even the PS3, for that matter."

"It's very real," one source tells us. "They (Sony) are dead serious about it. They've declared, and I quote, a 'full-on assault' on the latest version of Xbox Live."

"They are committed to matching Xbox Live [on the 360] feature for feature and then some.”
Joystiq


Sony’s PS3 is due out later this year to ensure the company’s inclusion in the race for the best next-gen console. Latest reports have its debut coming sometime in the Spring.

Related:
Xbox Live reaches 2 million
Sony Dismiss PSP Production Cuts Rumour
Court to Sony: Halt PlayStation Sales, Pay $90M

Discussion >>



seed the game
Runestone Game Development went live today with its first phase of beta testing on its new MMORPG Seed.

We’re excited to let our first round of testers into Seed,” said Lars Kroll Kristensen, CEO of Runestone Game Development. “Their input will be invaluable as we move forward with polishing and fine tuning some of Seed’s elements to make an awesome game play experience.”
Runestone media release


At 11 a.m. GMT the first 500 testers were able to start playing the game by logging into the “colony tower of planet DaVinci.” These testers will be colonists inhabiting a mile-high tower that’s been ravaged. Their mission: to figure out how to ensure the colony’s survival.

Unlike other online RPGs, Seed does not rely on combat, rather its players will work together to create a functional community.

Wannabe players still have time to become beta testers. To learn more about beta or the game in general, click here. The comic-book style 3-D game is expected to go live in March following a stress test.

Related:
Seed Gears Up For Beta Testing
Seed Contracts With Alchemic Dream Inc.
Game Clips Now Available On Seed Site

Discussion >>



resident evil 4
Starting with the release of Onimusha 3: Demon Siege later this month, Ubisoft will be handling several PC titles for Capcom.

The deal, which was announced Feb. 1, includes such titles as Resident Evil 4 and Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening Special Edition. It covers distribution in North America and Europe.

Capcom has created fantastic universes which have become blockbuster franchises," said Jay Cohen, vice president of publishing at Ubisoft. "Ubisoft is excited to be bringing three of the industry's most innovative titles, including Resident Evil 4, which has been recognized by many publications and organizations as the best game of the year for 2005, to PC gamers around the world."

"Capcom is excited to be taking advantage of Ubisoft's global distribution network to deliver our hottest titles for gamers around the world to play and enjoy," said Toshihiro Tokumaru, executive officer at Capcom. "We look forward to working together for continued growth for both companies."
Total Video Games


Related:
Resident Evil 4 goes 'Premium' for PS2 owners
Resident Evil For Nintendo Revolution?
Capcom Announce New Sci-Fi Shooter for Xbox 360

Discussion >>



stargate
A MMORPG based on ‘Stargate SG-1’ and ‘Stargate Atlantis’ is currently in pre-production by Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment. Dubbed Stargate Worlds, the game will be based on the sci-fi series and feature historical time periods, alien environments and space locations, according to the developer’s web site.

Although no release date has been given, it seems the title will be available for PC players. Cheyenne and MGM entered into the licensing agreement that paved the way for the title back in September.

Step through the StargateTM as an SG team of soldiers and scientists, and travel instantly to fantastic worlds in this galaxy and beyond. Players can forge alliances, establish trade, investigate ancient mysteries, and defend Earth from such hostile forces as the Goa'uld and the Ori in an immense multiplayer universe.

Stargate Worlds provides players with a form of ranged combat unique to MMORPG that will take full advantage of modern and science fiction weaponry, cover, and terrain. Players will be able to form squads with their friends or use bots for players who want to go solo. Squad leaders will control maneuvers and objectives through an innovative combat control interface. Players may choose to create characters that are members of either the SGC (the Good Guys) or the System Lords (the Bad Guys).”
Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment


Related:
MGM Frowns on Stargate-Based Half-Life 2 Mod
Kid captures Stargate in-game footage
Stargate-SG1 dev agreement trashed

Discussion >>



GTA made me do it
It seems my opinion piece on the Canadian accident that involved Need for Speed-playing young men (click here) has drawn the attention and ire of infamous anti-gaming attorney Jack Thompson.

Mr. Thompson (or someone claiming to be him) e-mailed me on Saturday evening to express discontent with my opinion piece. The person seems to have taken issue with my right as an American to express my opinion. The last time I checked, those who hold citizenship in this country are free to write and speak their minds as long as they don’t interfere with the rights of others. Guess this is not true in the World According to Jack.

What followed after his first e-mail was a lengthy volley during which Thompson’s trademark “studies” were brought up along with a few other “theories” of his that to date have not held sway within the American court system. When Paduchah, Columbine and Washington, D.C., along with Gov. Jeb Bush’s pro-choice stance on gaming were brought up, it got interesting.

The volley ended with Mr. Thompson deciding I was an ignorant person. You know, I think I’m proud to be labeled “ignorant” in the World According to Jack. If not buying into Mr. Thompson’s New McCarthyism makes me ignorant, that’s a label I will gladly wear.

To read the full discourse, visit the discussion page here.

Related:
Jack Thompson Not Impressed Over Rockstar Gag

Jack Thompson Goes Head-to-Head
MP3 Interview With Jack Thompson
Jack Thompson up to his old tricks
Jack Thompson, Anti-Game Lawyer Strikes Again
Thompson receives death threats, Clinton sex pic via e-mail
President Bush and Lowenstein under fire from disgruntled lawyer
Anti-Game Lawyer Snubs GamersHell

Discussion >>



driver parallel lines
Those who are itching to hit the virtual streets for some high-speed racecar action can get a free T-shirt out of the deal.

In a media release issued today, Atari announced an incentive for those who preorder its upcoming release of Driver: Parallel Lines at GameStop or on BestBuy.com.
While supplies last, those who buy the release in advance will get a free T-shirt for their effort and money.

The game, which will be released in March for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox, is a driving title that allows gamers to modify and soup up their cars while taking part in Hollywood-style car chases. The title includes more than 30 core missions and a ton of mini-missions.

The official site can be accessed by clicking here.

Source: Media release issued by TAP Interactive

Related:
Driver: Parallel Lines Developer Chat Set
Atari To Develop Arthur and the Minimoys
Atari Flashback 2

Discussion >>



Xbox 360
Microsoft’s Japan Xbox 360 operations chief Yoshihiro Maruyama recently spoke about the Japanese launch.

According to Game Shout, Maruyama said sales were lower than expected, but that Microsoft was planning to boost its numbers with new some new Japanese titles.

It was a lot more difficult than we had imagined. We couldn't prepare the launch titles that we had promised, and it made an impact." He also admitted a big problem was that the development kits were late in being released to Japanese developers.

"We also received some criticisms toward our promotions, saying that people don't understand what high definition is. The Xbox 360's main appeal is high definition, but we couldn't successfully convey it [to the Japanese market]," Maruyama said.

Maruyama also explained that because Microsoft is still rather new to the gaming industry, they lack first-party titles and franchises that really assure people of great games coming out for now and in the future. But he assures us that Microsoft has a lot more titles than what was announced coming for the Japan market, so keep on the look out.”
Game Shout


Related:
Japan Gives Xbox 360 Tepid Welcome
Aussies Have To Wait Longer For Xbox 360
Xbox 360 To Remain Scarce Through Spring
Xbox 360: A Tale Of Two Markets

Discussion >>



tetris
Nintendo has released a few new screen shots of its upcoming Tetris remake for the DS. The gaming company will bring this fun, fast-paced and incredibly irritating game to the DS in March.

This game is not your mother’s Tetris. Based on the old puzzle game, this brand of Tetris can be played by up to 10 people at a time using DS Download Play and from two to four using the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.

According to a media release from Nintendo, the launch date for this title is March 20. The game has six different modes players can choose from. Each has its own theme based on a legendary Nintendo game or character.

The title also capitalizes on the DS’s touch-screen ability, allowing players to use a stylus to move their Tetriminos.

Source: Nintendo

Related:
Tetris Shelves
Tetris Developer Joins Forces With WildSnake
When video games and music collide

Discussion >>



final fantasy XI
Xbox 360 owners will soon be able to bring the MMORPG world of Final Fantasy to life on their next-gen consoles.

Square Enix announced yesterday it would simultaneously launch Final Fantasy XI for the Xbox 360 along with the expansion pack Treasures of Aht Urhgan on April 18 in North America. The game will be available in Europe and Japan on April 20.

The release means that Xbox 360 owning gamers will be able to play with their friends who use other platforms – the PlayStation 2 and PCs – to connect to the game. An estimated 500,000 players are subscribed currently in North America, Europe and Japan combined. The launch will no doubt bring that number higher.

This third expansion will be sold separately for PlayStation 2 and Windows users for about $29.99. Xbox 360 users will get a package that includes all three expansions – Chains of Promathia, Rise of the Zilart and Treasures of Aht Urhgan – along with the main game to allow them to play for about $49.99. Players will be subject to a monthly fee over and above Xbox Live.

For more information about the upcoming release, click here.

Source: Square Enix

Related:
Final Fantasy VII For PS3?
Final Fantasy VII: Dirge of Cerberus Site Goes Live
Final Fantasy Advent Children, Release Date Announced
Final Fantasy XI PC Pack Coming Next Month
Final Fantasy XI Clock

Discussion >>
Archives

Browse our archives:

Archive for this week:

4.2.06 D&D Online: Stormreach Ready For Stress
 Dragon Ball Z Coming To PSP
3.2.06 Xbox 360 Owners Will Have to Wait For Lara Croft
2.2.06 EQ II Streamlining Servers
1.2.06 PlayStation To Launch Xbox Live Rival?
 Seed Beta Starts Today
 Ubisoft To Distribute Capcom PC Titles
 Stargate Worlds MMORPG Under Development
31.1.06 A Jack Attack – Thompson That Is
 Atari Gearing Up For Driver: Parallel Lines Release
30.1.06 Xbox Exec Speaks About Japanese Launch
29.1.06 Tetris Coming To Nintendo DS In March
 Final Fantasy XI Coming To Xbox 360 In April





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