Archive for the ‘News’ Category
2009 Video Game Awards nominees announced for December 12 event
Spike TV has announced the nominees for the 7th annual 2009 Video Game Awards or VGAs, which will broadcast live on December 12th at 8:00PM ET (Eastern Time - USA, tape-delayed for West Coast).
This show will be the biggest ever with broadcasting in over 180 countries and territories worldwide and will include appearances by “megastars” from the videogame, movie, music, sports and other industries, all gathered to celebrate the videogame medium.
The show will also include some big-time premiers including the debut of Halo: Reach! Other never-before-seen games will debut at the show, which promises to “break international news with announcements of new games from the industry’s leading publishers”. Included on that list are 2K, Activision, Disney Interactive Studios, Electronic Arts, LucasArts Entertainment, Microsoft Game Studios, THQ, Ubisoft, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, and more. There will be over TWELVE world premiers in all!
“The global appetite and response from the fans internationally has been astounding,” said Casey Patterson, executive producer and senior vice president, Event Productions Spike TV. “Video games, like movies and music, are a universal language and Spike is thrilled that we will now be showing gamers all over the world a glimpse into their future with more than 12 mind blowing world premieres.”
Leading the way with eight nominations this year, including nods for Game of the Year and Studio of the Year, is Naughty Dog’s cinematic adventure Uncharted 2: Among Thieves. Batman: Arkham Asylum, Rocksteady Studios’ dark and gritty Batman game, racked up seven nods, including Game of the Year as well as Best Voice for Mark Hamill’s portrayal of The Joker. Infinity Ward’s military shooter Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and Valve’s zombie thriller Left 4 Dead 2 each landed six nominations.
Nominees for Spike TV’s 2009 “Video Game Awards” were determined by the VGA Advisory Council, made up of a group of the most well-respected experts in the industry for leading game media outlets such as GameTrailers.com, Game Informer, USA Today, Wired, Penny Arcade, GameSpot and IGN. Games released between December 2, 2008 and November 23, 2009 were eligible for nomination.
Following are several of the nominees and categories for Spike TV’s 2009 “Video Game Awards.”
GAME OF THE YEAR
• Assassin’s Creed 2 (Ubisoft / Ubisoft Montreal)
• Batman: Arkham Asylum (Eidos Interactive - Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment / Rocksteady Studios)
• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (Activision Publishing / Infinity Ward)
• Left 4 Dead 2 (Valve)
• UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves (Sony Computer Entertainment / Naughty Dog)
STUDIO OF THE YEAR
• Infinity Ward
• Naughty Dog
• Rocksteady Studios
• Valve
BEST MUSIC GAME
• DJ Hero (Activision Publishing / FreeStyleGames)
• Guitar Hero 5 (Activision Publishing / Neversoft Entertainment)
• LEGO Rock Band (MTV Games - Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment / Traveler’s Tales Games - Harmonix)
• The Beatles: Rock Band (MTV Games / Harmonix)
For a full list, please go to VGA.Spike.Com.
1 comment »Bioshock 2 Special Collectors Edition announced
A Bioshock 2 special collector’s edition has been announced for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC. It will be released on February 9, 2010 at a price point of $90 (on PC) or $100 (Xbox 360, PS3) alongside the normal versions of the game.
So what do you get for your extra buck?
* A 164-page hardcover art book.
* A 180g vinyl LP of the original Bioshock orchestral score.
* A Bioshock 2 Orchestral Score audio CD
* Three vintage Rapture advertisement posters.
* And a copy of the game in a collector’s case.
Not bad at all. I do love me some videogame soundtracks, so it’s always good to see them adding these kind of music bonuses to these special editions.
Via Shack News
Left 4 Dead 2 downloadable content teased? May feature The Midnight Riders
Left 4 Dead 2 DLC may be coming that features the fake heavy-metal band Midnight Riders.
This is according to a new web-site that has gone live that is aptly named, www.midnight-riders.com and features a ton of information on the band and hints at possible DLC.
While this is anything but confirmation of . . . well, anything, it would make the most sense and it’s quite easy to deduce that any new content released for Left 4 Dead 2 would be in the form of downloadable content.
Although what exactly that would entail is anyones guess. It could be alternate playable characters or a new campaign.
Via Evil Avatar
More Dragon Age: Origins DLC “Return to Ostagar” on the way for December 2009
Additional Dragon Age: Origins downloadable content has been announced by BioWare and publisher Electronic Arts for Xbox 360, PC and PS3.
This newest DLC is called Return to Ostagar and is the third piece of DLC to hit for the game this month. Which is mighty impressive and definitely a great thing for owners of the game. Who doesn’t want more new content? So kudos to BioWare for keeping up the support at such a rapid-fire rate. Of course, when Dragon Age: Origins downloadable content sells over 1 million, a company has good reason to keep it coming.
As the name implies, players will return to Ostagar, the “site of the Grey Wardens’ darkest hour.” There it seems that it will be possible to “discover King Cailan’s top-secret political agenda” in this newest piece of additional post-game content.
It will be released “this Winter” on Xbox 360 for 400 Points, on PS3 for $5 and on PC for 400 BioWare Points.
Via 1UP
Kane and Lynch 2: Dog Days announced for Xbox 360, PS3, PC in 2010
Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days has officially been announced for release on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC in 2010.
Developed by IO Interactive and published by Square Enix/Eidos, Kane & Lynch 2 promises a “raw and brutal crime shooter” which is being designed to “take players on an even more intense story experience, following two of gaming’s most disturbed criminals, through the gritty Shanghai underworld.”
The most interesting aspect of this sequel is how the game will encorporate youtube-like amateur video “inspired by documentary filmakers and the user-generated era” which promises to give a “fresh perspective to the words ‘intensity’ and ‘realism’ in video games. “
It’s hard to decipher what exactly this will mean, and how it will be used or function in the game, but it’s definitely intriguing.
“Gamers are always looking for something new and that is exactly what they are going to get with Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days,” said Niels Jorgensen, general manager of IO Interactive. “A special thanks to gamers worldwide for their feedback. They are certainly in for a shock as we, with immense pride, welcome back our two dear, violent and somewhat unfortunate friends.”
Here is one example of the kind of “amateur video” you can expect to see in Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days.
And here is another example, via a leaked viral video before the game was announced.
Metroid Prime Hunters 2 may happen on DS
Metroid Prime Hunters 2, a DS sequel to the well-received original Metroid Prime Hunters, is a definite possibility according to a new interview with Metroid lead Kensuke Tanabe in Official Nintendo Magazine.
While he didn’t exactly say a new game is coming, he did speak possitively about the possibilities, albeit in broad terms.
“We are always planning to make new games in the Metroid Prime series,” he said. “Depending on the timing and the situation, we cannot deny the possibility of realizing it on the DS or DSi.”
Tanabe has also stated in the past that he’d like to make another multiplayer focused Metroid game ala Metroid Prime Hunters.
At the very least, this seems to suggest that Nintendo is thinking about where to take the series outside of the upcoming Team Ninja-developed Metroid: Other M for Wii. A game I can’t WAIT to play.
Personally I’m a huge Metroid fan and currently playing through Metroid Prime 2 (review forthcoming). For more information on the past Metroid games see my following reviews:
1. Metroid Review
2. Metroid: Zero Mission Review
3. Metroid 2: Return of Samus Review
4. Super Metroid Review
5. Metroid Prime Review
6. Metroid Prime 3: Corruption Review
7. Metroid Trilogy Review
8. Metroid Prime Pinball Review
Via 1UP
Lufia 2 DS remake or reimagining underway
Lufia 2 is coming to the DS as “Estpolis: The Land Cursed by the Gods”, which is a new game in the Lufia series which is called Estpolis Denki in Japanese.
The game is a re-imagining of Lufia 2 but features many changes and enhancements. The model for Selena will be polygonal this time, the world is in 3D and the game will include voice-overs. It will also be an action RPG, which is a first for the franchise.
In Japan it will be released on February 25, 2010.
The game was revealed in the Japanese Famitsu magazine with the following features as quoted by NeoGAFer Rpgmonkey:
* It was a request by SE.
* It’s in no way a port.
* It’s different from a remake; the story, characters, and world-view have been reconstructed.
* The Wave Device is (a) key, the world is different from the SNES version.
* It’s still like a Lufia game.
* The bottom screen is only used for changing characters.
* The D-Pad is more central than the stylus.
* It’s programmed so bosses take up both screens.
* While the bosses are difficult, a guide isn’t needed (I think that’s what he said…).
* Action game players will be satisfied, but it’s fine for those who aren’t good at action games as well.
* The elements are a growth of the RPG (you’ll be hurt if you waste time).
* The scenario is based on II, and there are parts where the lines are the same as II’s, but it’s basically been completely rewritten.
* The number of places like towns that will be in the game is different from I and II.
* There are also elements we tried to add for the fans of the series so far.
* You can figure out hidden setups within the puzzles.
* They’re bringing back music from I and II.
* The sound quality has been improved without tampering with the melody line.
* The main staff from the original version are making it.
* They’re keeping things like “xxx of Magic” and “Magical xxx” as they are since back then (I think they’re talking about treasures/items or something?).
Via NeoGAF, Silicon Era
Sonic Classic Collection discovered for DS
A new Sonic compilation has been revealed for DS called Sonic Classic Collection. This was revealed via the Australian ratings board (the BBFC).
The game will include a few of the classic Genesis Sonic titles which have been re-released on other platforms but not for the DS up until now.
Included in the collection is:
* Sonic the Hedgehog
* Sonic the Hedgehog 2
* Sonic the Hedghot 3
* Sonic & Knuckles
* - Knuckles in Sonic the Hedgehog 2
* - Knuckles in Sonic the Hedgehog 3
It will also include some extras such as a video for Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood, a History of Sonic video and a Sonic art gallery.
Via GoNintendo
Digimon Story: Lost Evolution and Dragon Ball DS 2 Assault! Red Ribbon Army revealed for DS by Namco Bandai
Namco Bandai had been getting fans hyped up for what was imagined to be a big reveal on a classic RPG that they would be reviving.
A countdown clock on their web-site was counting down to the big moment and the words read “That RPG will return”.
So what RPG is returning . . . well according to Japanese blogs, it seems that the “big reveal” is . . . a new DS Digimon game. Called Digimon Story: Lost Evolution, an RPG for the DS. It’s scheduled for release in Japan in 2010.
Not exactly what everyone was hoping for . . . they were thinking more along the lines of a new Baten Kaitos or maybe even a new Xenosaga game.
Also announced is Dragon Ball DS 2 Assault! Red Ribbon Army, a sequel to Dragon Ball DS is scheduled to ship on February 11, 2010.
Via Silicon Era
Supreme Commander 2 release date is March 2, 2010
Supreme Commander 2 will be released on March 2, 2010 for Xbox 360 and PC announced publisher Square Enix (yep, Squeenix) and developer Gas Powered Games.
Set 25 years after the original award-winning Supreme Commander 1 game, Supreme Commander 2 features numerous gameplay enhancements, an in-depth campaign mode, online multiplayer and a unique storyline.
Boasting intense battles on a massive scale, players will wage war, creating enormous customizable armies and experimental war machines that can change the balance of power at any given moment. Assume the role of one of the three enigmatic commanders, each representing a unique faction with a rich story that brings a new level of emotional connection to the RTS genre.
“The partnership with Square Enix has been a highlight of my career,” said Chris Taylor, Founder and Creative Director of Gas Powered Games. “I couldn’t be more proud of what the team has accomplished, as the game has continually exceeded all of my expectations throughout its development.”
“Supreme Commander 2 is a shining example of our strategic partnership with Gas Powered Games,” said John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix, Inc. “Square Enix’s expertise in character development and storytelling, combined with the real-time strategy experience of the creative talent at Gas Powered Games, promises to deliver a feature-rich product that we hope gamers from around the globe will enjoy.”
Set 25 years after the end of the Infinite War, SUPREME COMMANDER 2 starts with the galaxy reeling from the recent assassination of the newly elected president of the fragile Colonial Defense Coalition. The members of the Coalition – the United Earth Federation, The Illuminate and the Cybran Nation -blame each other, and the early rumbles of war can be heard throughout the galaxy.
Here is a look at some of the units in the game.
Key features of Supreme Commander 2 include:
* Take on the role of three enigmatic commanders; former friends from each of the unique factions: The United Earth Federation (UEF), The Illuminate and the Cybran Nation, who get dragged into a conflict of galactic consequences.
* Explore a rich, character-driven single-player game which spans over 18 missions and delivers a new level of emotional connection to the RTS genre, or take the battle online for an exhilarating multi-player experience. * Fight action-packed battles on a massive scale, waging war with enormous land, air and naval units in visually spectacular environments, brought to life by all-new rendering technology and a true evolution of RTS controls on both platforms.
* Upgrade and customize armies with new weapons and technology and deploy them instantly on the battlefield, turning a base-level tank into a high-powered, multi-barreled, anti-aircraft-sporting multipurpose battle unit .
* Deploy wild experimental war machines that can change the balance of power at any given moment. Experience a streamlined economy and redesigned UI that put the focus squarely on combat, battlefield tactics and high-level strategic decision making, and give improved player feedback in Strategic Zoom view.
