EL33TONLINE News

E3 2008: Knights of the Old Republic MMOG confirmed

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:50:00 GMT

In an interview with EA head-honcho (CEO) John Riccitiello, it was confirmed that a Massively Multiplayer Online Game based on Bioware/Lucas's Knights of the Old Republic, is in development.

Riccitiello commented "We've got two of the most compelling MMOs in the industry in development. The first title, based on the Warhammer property, will launch soon.”

“And the one that people are dying for us to talk to them about—in partnership with Lucas, coming out of BioWare, which is, I think, quite possibly the most anticipated game, full stop, for the industry at the point when we get closer to telling you about it."

When pressed with whether or not it was KOTOR online, Riccitiello replied "Yes."

Only a strong rumour up until now, fans of the series will be getting a 'proper' MMOG to play out their Star Wars fantasies. That's probably not a good thing…

Source: www.portfolio.com

Contributor: Oliver

E3 2008: Lively LocoRoco 2 screens

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:40:00 GMT

If you didn't like the original LocoRoco on PSP, you just don't have a heart. LocoRoco 2 continues in the fine level-tilting tradition of its predecessor, while introducing a new story.

The Moja Troop, the 'enemies' in the first game, are now able to sing and are sucking the energy out of everyone. It's up to the LocoRoco (i.e. you) to travel the world and try to perk everybody back up again. The LocoRoco can swim underwater this time and are also able to manipulate more objects around them than before.

LocoRoco 2 is coming to PSP later this year.

Contributor: Oliver

E3 2008: I am Alive trailer

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:38:00 GMT

Billed as a 'survival-adventure' game, I am Alive is looking interesting, if only for the fact that it's been attached to Assassin's Creed producer, Jade Raymond.

The trailer shows just how desperate the citizens of a devastated Chicago have become. Players will need to react to this post-earthquake environment and take risks that affect not only you, but the surviving citizens as well.

I am Alive is expected on Xbox 360 and PS3 next year.

Contributor: Oliver

E3 2008: Dead Space - creepy trailer

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:38:00 GMT

Dead Space, a sci-fi survival horror game from EA, is pretty creepy.

With no HUD (stats are shown on the character model), players can expect to be immersed just that little bit more, having to shoot enemies that are able to attack even without limbs or a head. Each monster becomes a puzzle as you'll need to discover how to destroy each one without allowing it to continue.

Dead Space is coming to PS3 and Xbox 360 October/November this year. The trailer is not for the faint-hearted…

Contributor: Oliver

E3 2008: Patapon 2 activity screenshots

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:32:00 GMT

The sequel to the original rhythm-based strategy game on the PSP, Patapon 2 looks like it's going to dial everything up.

With 4 player ad-hoc co-operative multiplay and 'Hero Patapon' - stronger, customisable Patapon that perform special functions - you're in for a treat if you enjoyed the original. Patapon 2 is expected this year on PSP.

Contributor: Oliver

E3 2008: Destructive Destroy All Humans trailer

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 19:48:00 GMT

The Destroy All Humans franchise has seen ups and downs, so hopefully Destroy All Humans: Path of the Furon will be a return to form for the series.

The 'humour' seems to remain, with some great voice acting…at least from what can be gathered in the trailer. Crypto, series protagonist, is trying to live the high-life when some unexpected visitors come to town, resulting in the requisite death and destruction of his enemies, including the titular 'Humans.'

Destroy All Humans releases on PS3 and Xbox 360 this year.

Contributor: Oliver

E3 2008: Namco Museum: Virtual Arcade

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 19:45:00 GMT

Namco Bandai Games has announced a new arcade compilation pack for Xbox 360, containing a host of classic Namco arcade games.

Namco Museum: Virtual Arcade includes Pac-Man: Championship Edition, Mr. Driller Online, the original Pac-Man, Galaga, Galaxian, Dig Dug, Xevious, Pole Position and New Rally-X, amongst others, some of which are Xbox Live enabled for on-line leaderboards.

If it's at a bargain price, this will be a bargain.

Contributor: Lisa

E3 2008: Watery Tomb Raider: Underworld screenshots

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 18:38:00 GMT

Now that Underworld has been dated, Tomb Raider fans can start getting excited, specifically by looking at these screenshots.

Underworld truly brings the Tomb Raider franchise to the next-generation of consoles with tons of texture and geometric detail, while also featuring 'next-generation' game play, extending on classic Lara Croft adventuring style.

Check 'em out.

Contributor: Oliver

E3 2008: Amazing Spore trailer

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 17:53:00 GMT

What more is there to say about Spore other than "We want it now!"

Spore allows you to create your own creature after emerging from the Cell Phase of life. The Creature Creator tools are astounding, literally allowing you to create anything you can imagine. Your creature's appearance affects how it interacts with the world.

The game only steps up after that as you go to the Tribe Stage building up your community, to the Civilisation Stage, building cities and industrialising your planet and then into Space, colonising planets as you see fit. You will also be able to import any creature you want from the 'Sporepedia,' a catalogue of Spore creatures created by players around the world, to interact with your game.

Spore releases in September on PC, Mac, Nintendo DS and mobile phones.

Contributor: Oliver

E3 2008: Fiery Borderlands screenshots

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 17:49:00 GMT

Borderlands is yet another post-apocalyptic game first-person shooter, this time set on a newly discovered planet with a deep mystery that everyone - including you - is trying to get to the bottom of.

The story is touted as being a fine example of interactive fiction, delivered by Gearbox Software, who have a few great games under their belt (Half-Life expansions and Brothers in Arms) and a few interesting games on the horizon (Aliens, Samba de Amigo, Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway).

One of the features of Borderlands is the customisability of your character and weapons with 'near-endless' variety. Players will be able to drop in and out of co-operative games to experience the single player game together while using destructible vehicles to traverse the harsh landscape.

Borderlands releases next year on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC.

Contributor: Oliver

E3 2008: PixelJunk Eden trailer defies description

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 16:33:00 GMT

It's described as an 'organic platformer,' so that will have to do.

PixelJunk Eden gives players control of a 'Grimp,' a meeting of the words 'Grip' and 'Jump,' the two main actions in the game. You'll need to smash into enemies who release pollen, which is used to grow and change plants, allowing you to swing through the environment and continue on your journey.

Coming to Playstation Network this year, PixelJunk Eden is one to look out for.

Contributor: Oliver

E3 2008: Tom Clancy's EndWar screenshots

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 16:12:00 GMT

World War III has broken out amongst the superpowers and it's up to you to take control of your army and lead them to victory, using only your voice, no less.

Tom Clancy's EndWar, a real-time strategy game played from a 'unique third-person perspective,' allows players to control their armies without using a controller but by issuing commands vocally. Whether or not people actually want to do that is another story, but it sounds good in theory. Players will also be able to take their skirmishes online in a 'persistent multiplayer campaign.'

EndWar is looking great, especially for an RTS - hopefully the voice-command gamble pays off when it's released either late this year or early next year, on PS3 and Xbox 360.

Contributor: Oliver

E3 2008: Red Faction: Guerrilla destruction footage

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 16:07:00 GMT

The original Red Faction was one of the first games to introduce destructible environments in games and, while it was pretty fun to blow a hole in the wall, they were only pre-determined areas that you could destroy and didn't really contribute to the game play. Red Faction 2 wasn't much better.

Red Faction: Guerrilla, on the other hand, allows complete destruction of basically anything you can see, from small buildings to…bigger buildings…and bridges!

Watch the trailer to see the extent to which you can blow stuff up.

Contributor: Oliver

Dead Rising heading to the Wii in Japan

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:44:00 GMT

The latest scans from Famitsu magazine show that Dead Rising is coming to the Wii.

While many gamers were hoping Capcom would announce Dead Rising 2 at its E3 press conference, the publisher devoted their time instead to the upcoming film of Xbox 360 and now PS3 hit Lost Planet.

But before you Dead Rising fans get too excited, it looks like Dead Rising will be a straight port. Information is scarce but apparently Capcom are aiming to match the Xbox 360 look as much as possible and are porting the game because Resident Evil 4 for the Wii sold so well.

At the moment it appears as if the game will only be released in Japan this winter. Capcom’s Senior Director of Communications and Community Chris Kramer confirmed to GameSpot that Dead Rising will be released for the Wii in Japan but said that other regions are to be determined.

This sentiment was continued by Christian Svensson, Corporate Officer/VP of Strategic Planning & Business Development, over at the Capcom forums who commented “Sorry, but I've got no news on DR for any other platforms at this time.” That answer does leave a glimmer of hope for Dead Rising fans that own a Wii in the West.

Contributor: Lisa

E3 2008: Frenetic Killzone 2 trailer

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:24:00 GMT

A highly intense trailer for Killzone 2 showing off everything we need to know; graphically amazing, detailed and destructible environments as well as meaty weapons to shoot. If it plays well, we'll have an early 'Game of 2009' contender.

The trailer also serves to confirm that it's slipped to early next year. PS3 owners may well cry, but there are other shooters on the way, such as Resistance 2. Still, it's a long time to wait…

Contributor: Oliver

E3 2008: Sims 3 screens

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:19:00 GMT

The Sims 3, the latest in the 100 million selling series (including all the expansion packs) is looking pretty good. This new one allows your Sims to roam the neighbourhood and interact with your unique Sim community, as well as providing the usual OCD-inducing options to customise your house and your Sim.

Expect the Sims 3 (and the deluge of expansion packs) next year on PC.

Contributor: Oliver

Themes on new Xbox 360 Dashboard

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:05:00 GMT

Xbox Live's Major Nelson has posted a few screenshots of what 360 gamers can expect their themes to look like in the new Xbox 360 dashboard.

If you have purchased themes on your Xbox 360 in the past it will look something like this when the new dashboard launches later this year.

Contributor: Lisa

E3 2008: Far Cry 2 screens

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:34:00 GMT

Far Cry 2, the not-sequel to the island-traversing adventure, starts with a clean slate, allowing players to take control of an all new hero, somewhere in Africa.

Big features include the ability to take on challenges however you feel, as well as a dynamic story where key characters are able to be killed, while the story trundles on. The environments are pretty dynamic as well, letting players take advantage of the wind to spread fire through dry brush and using the vast terrain to outsmart enemies.

Here are some screenshots to give you an idea of how good it looks on PC, Xbox 360 and PS3, releasing either late this year or early next year.

Contributor: Oliver

E3 2008: Pikmin confirmed at Nintendo’s Developer Roundtable

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:43:00 GMT

Many Nintendo fans were still yearning for new games announcements following Nintendo’s media briefing at E3 earlier this week.

Many averted their eyes to Nintendo’s 2008 E3 Developer Roundtable held yesterday, hoping for the publisher to throw them any scraps of new information and perhaps reveal a new game in the progress.

Instead of revealing Super Smash Bros. Brawl at the media briefing at E3 in 2006, Nintendo chose to reveal the latest installment in the popular series at that year’s Developers Roundtable.

Attendees of the conference saw a demo of Animal Crossing: City Folk and Wii Sports Resort, hosted by Katsuya Eguchi. He also discussed the Wii MotionPlus before Shigeru Miyamoto took centre stage playing Yankee Doodle with Wii Music.

Well, it looks like the wait was worth it because Shigeru Miyamoto confirmed that Nintendo is making a Pikmin game during the roundtable. In fact his exact words were “We’re making Pikmin.”

Eguchi and Miyamoto also addressed a question about Nintendo’s commitment to core games. Eguchi believes that anyone will enjoy Nintendo’s latest games and that he thinks a core gamer is someone who enjoys games, regardless of genre.

Contributor: Lisa

Japanese Sales Data: Media Create software sales for 7/7 - 13/7

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 11:31:00 GMT

Atlus’ Persona 4 for the PS2 debuted at the top of the Japanese software chart with an impressive 193 000 copies. Wonder if Persona 4 will do as well when it is released across North America in December.

Nintendo’s Wii Fit moves up two places to number 2 with 30 000 copies while Nintendo’s Densetsu no Starfi Taketsu for the DS entered the charts at number 3 with 29 000 copies.

Nintendo’s Mario Kart Wii climbs two places to number 4 with 25 000 copies and Daigasso Band Brothers DX, another DS game published by Nintendo, drops from last week’s number 1 to fifth place in its third week with 23 000 copies.

Capcom’s Biohazard Zero for the Wii debuts at number 6 with 21 000 copies. Biohazard Zero is a port of the 2002 GameCube version, the fifth game in the popular series known as Resident Evil in the West. To date Capcom US has declined offers to bring the game to the West after gamers reacted adversely to Capcom of Japan’s announcement that they would be porting the GameCube version to the Wii.

Contributor: Lisa

E3 2008: Damnation screens

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 21:32:00 GMT

Captain Rourke is out for revenge after his fiancé is slain, so it's up to you to use any means necessary to get to the enemy and avenge her death.

Damnation, "the shooter gone vertical," promises to allow players to use special acrobatic abilities to find and create their own route through organic, streaming landscapes and environments, providing the opportunity to move and fight in all directions at any time, leading to some swift, flowing movement and combat.

Further features include 'Spirit Vision' - the ability to see through walls and track the movement of enemies - as well as co-operative and online multiplayer modes.

Damnation is due out later this year on PC, Xbox 360 and PS3 from Blue Omega and Codemasters.

Contributor: Oliver

E3 2008: Ninjatown info

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 21:28:00 GMT

In a bright, vibrant community of honourable ninjas, the worst thing that could happen is for the nearby volcano to mysteriously erupt, leading to their beloved home, Ninjatown, to be attacked. That, however, is exactly what has happened and Mr. Demon is leading a horde of sinister enemies on a path of destruction.

Luckily, it's a town full of skilled Ninjas that know how to defend themselves, and with moves like 'Stealth Hug,' 'Sneak Snuggle,' 'Fists of Tickle Fury' and 'Get Off My Lawn,' they're going to take the fight to the invaders. Players will be able to help out by placing buildings and issuing commands to the Ninjas, leading to a new take on the tower-defense genre.

Based on the series of plush toys from Shawnimals, Ninjatown brings a great graphic style to the mix, releasing in October this year on DS.

Contributor: Oliver

E3 2008: MotorStorm: Pacific Rift video

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 17:53:00 GMT

With the success of the PS3 launch title, MotorStorm, a sequel was inevitable, but this time the MotorStorm Festival takes to the tropics, with players racing over unpredictable and diverse terrain on a remote Pacific island.

MotorStorm: Pacific Rift includes the game play that made the original great, returning with features such as varied and deformable tracks and vehicles, also both fully destructible. The tropical environments promise to be highly detailed as players indulge in some off-road racing though 'lush jungle, towering peaks, and crystal-clear water.'

Four-player split-screen multiplayer is also available, as well as online multiplayer for up to 20 players, while in the single player variant, players take on aggressive AI across 16 multi-route tracks, taking advantage of the newly available vehicle class, the monster truck.

MotorStorm: Pacific Rift is expected later this year, so watch the E3 trailer to whet your appetite!

Contributor: Oliver

E3 2008: inFamous trailer

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 17:44:00 GMT

Ever wanted to be a modern-day superhero? No? OK then…but if you did, then inFamous is the game for you, telling the story of 'Cole,' a normal guy that has been transformed and given mysterious powers by an explosion in Empire City, the setting for the game.

Riots break out, chaos erupts and powerful criminals take hold of the city as it is quarantined from the mainland. Cole is linked to the explosion by news crews and he is now a wanted man. Depending on Cole's actions, his journey into fame or infamy begins, now having to decide what he will do with his new powers.

Players will need to get used to Cole's evolving powers as he takes part in epic battles and takes responsibility for his actions in an open, dynamic world, with the freedom to explore his surroundings and experience what it's like to be a hero or a villain.

inFamous releases next year on PS3 from Sucker Punch Productions, they who brought you the Sly Cooper series.

Contributor: Lisa

E3 2008: Bionic Commando screens

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 17:38:00 GMT

Taking control of Nathan ‘R.A.D.’ Spencer, you are tasked with going behind enemy lines to reclaim an experimental weapon, which was used recently by terrorists to flatten an entire city. This, despite Spencer's death sentence for crimes he didn't commit; a sentence passed down to him by his own government.

Bionic Commando's main feature is the ability to use Spencer's bionic arm to grapple, swing, scale, climb and wall-walk through the ruined city, as well as deep canyons, eliminating a variety of human and robotic enemies as he goes, getting ever closer to the terrorist threat.

Bionic Commando for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC is the re-imagined, fully 3D version of the 1988 NES game of the same name, in development at GRIN, who worked on Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter for PC.

Contributor: Oliver

E3 2008: Animal Crossing: City Folk revealed

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:34:00 GMT

If you were a fan of Animal Crossing: Wild World for the DS you will know why so many gamers were happy that a release date was finally stamped on Animal Crossing for the Wii.

Officially revealed as Animal Crossing: City Folk, the game is a community simulation that sees players participating in daily activities ranging from fishing, collecting shells or watching fireworks to building snowmen, decorating your house or exchanging presents with friends.

Up to four players can enjoy the game, alternating, while 2 – 4 players can step into the Animal Crossing world via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. The game makes use of the new WiiSpeak microphone (sold separately) which sits on top of the sensor bar and picks up conversation in the room.

Contributor: Lisa

E3 2008: James Bond: Quantum of Solace sneak peak trailer

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:13:00 GMT

The latest Bond game and the first to be delivered by Activision, Quantum of Solace takes place during the events of the movie Casino Royale as well as the new movie, Quantum of Solace.

Game play ranges from sneaking to full-on, unscripted battles against 'realistic' AI. We've heard that one before…Quantum of Solace contains all the flare, cinematic effects and explosions you've come to expect from a James Bond movie, only this time in game form. We've also heard that one…To round it off, the game will also feature a multiplayer mode.

To get a glimpse of the action, watch the trailer showing off the different aspects of the game. Quantum of Solace releases late this year on all platforms, in development at Treyarch, Beenox, Eurocom and Vicarious Visions.

Contributor: Oliver

E3 2008: LittleBigPlanet developer walkthrough

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:11:00 GMT

Is anyone not looking forward to LittleBigPlanet? The platformer that allows you to create your own levels, objects and, basically, your own experience, is hopefully coming out this year.

Watch this developer walkthrough showing you some more features and content, while continuing to deliver the creative magic we can expect from the developers, Media Molecule.

Contributor: Oliver

E3 2008: Resistance Retribution for PSP

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:08:00 GMT

What's this? A Resistance game for the PSP? Indeed it is!

Taking a third-person perspective for this version, Retribution contains a new targeting system to take advantage of the PSP controls and an all-new storyline, bridging the gap between Resistance: Fall of Man and Resistance 2 for the PS3, giving you the chance to use 'classic' Resistance weapons against new and old enemies.

Multiplayer is also available for up to 8 players, in modes such as Team Deathmatch, Capture the Flag, Containment and Assimilation, via ad-hoc.

Watch the trailer to see how far the hardware is being pushed by Bend's 3rd generation PSP engine. Looking great!

Contributor: Oliver

E3 2008: Wolfenstein RPG details

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:05:00 GMT

If you ever got to play DOOM RPG for mobile phones, then you're going to be excited about this one!

Wolfenstein RPG, a first-person RPG features all-new art, 32 enemies (such as super soldiers, elite guards, zombies and tormentors) and game play systems with 17 different weapons to choose from, ranging from the conventional to the paranormal. You also get to smash Nazis over the head with a toilet!

The game includes secrets and hidden treasure that made Wolfenstein 3D so addictive, while also including 2 mini-games: 'War' and 'Kick the Chicken.' Sold!

Wolfenstein RPG is coming to mobile phones from id Software and EA.

Contributor: Oliver