Madden: The Goods Here's the one place you'll want to go for everything we currently know about EA's newest Madden games for 2005. Empire Earth II Unique Units We take a look at the each civilization's special weapons.

As you may have heard before, building construction is based on a pre-defined grid system. Your capital city's grid layout will depend on which faction you choose, but the Silver Flame gets four groups of four surrounding the main castle, for a total of sixteen. On each square, you can choose from eight different types of buildings, all of which will produce a unit. You have your typical ranged fighters, healers, spellcasters, and random flying units, but what's interesting is that there's no build tree. You can build any type of building, as long as you have enough money and shards. Money trickles in gradually, but you'll want to go underground to get the real horde (more on that in a minute).

Valve Releases New HL2 DM Map 06:24 pm - Robert 'Apache' Howarth - Games: Action (0 comments)
Valve has released a new deathmatch level for Half-Life 2 called dm_runoff that you can download free via Steam:

An update is available for Half-Life 2: Deathmatch and the Source Engine. The update will be applied automatically when your Steam client is restarted. The specific changes include:

Half-Life 2: Deathmatch

• Added new map, dm_runoff

Source Engine

• Moved default Steam port to 27009 (UDP) from 27030. Use -steamport to override this setting

WPG 06:12 pm - Robert 'Apache' Howarth - Games: General News (0 comments)
Time for a little hair of the dog that bit me. :)

• Square Enix's E3 2005 Lineup - Screens
Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII (PS2) - Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King (PS2) - Final Fantasy XI (PS2/PC) - Final Fantasy XII (PS2) - Front Mission Online (PS2/PC) - Fullmetal Alchemist 2: Curse of the Crimson Elixir (PS2) - Kingdom Hearts II (PS2) - Radiata Stories (PS2) - Romancing Saga (PS2)
• 'Bad Day L.A.' (Xbox/PC) - Screens
• 'Company of Heroes' (PC) - Screens
• 'Enthusia Professional Racing' (PS2) - Screens
• 'Everybody's Golf' (PSP) - Screens
• 'FreeStyle Street Baseketball' (PC) - Screens
• 'NBA '06' (PS2) - Screens
• 'NCAA Football 2006' (PS2/Xbox) - Screens
• 'Okami' (PS2) - Screens
• 'Prince of Persia 3' (PS2/Xbox/PC) - Screens
• 'Road to Sunday' (PS2) - Screens
• 'Serious Sam II' (Xbox/PC) - Screens
• 'SUN' (PC) - Screens
• 'War Leaders: Clash of Nations' (PC) - Screens
• 'We Love Katamari' (PS2) - Screens

• 'Rising Kingdoms' - Demo
• This demo features a tutorial, two multiplayer maps (bots, LAN, and online), one Foresters campaign mission, two difficulty settings, and an in-game map editor.
• Various Game Trailers
• 'Madden NFL 2006' (PS3/Xbox2) - Next-Gen Trailer
• 'Earth 2160' (PC) - Making of Trailer
• 'Empire Earth 2' (PC) - Release Trailer
• 'Fantastic Four' (NGC/PS2/Xbox/PC) - Trailer
• 'FreeStyle Street Baseketball' (PC) - Trailer
• 'Genji' (PS2) - Japan Trailer
• 'Guild Wars' (PC) - Trailer
• 'SpecForce' (PC) - Trailers (3)

American McGee Plays With 'Western Fear Culture' For Bad Day L.A. 04:08 pm - Andrew Burnes - Games: Action (0 comments)
While American McGee had a hand in the development of Scrapland, GameSpot has the first news, images, and information regarding Bad Day L.A., his first title for Enlight:

Featuring a "comedic storyline that plays off the fear culture" prevalent in Western society today, Bad Day L.A. is an action game that's clearly going for an odd mixture of laughs and drama. Enlight says that in BDLA, gamers will be "thrust behind the shopping cart of a homeless-man-turned-city-saving crusader." The main character, one Anthony Williams, is a "reluctant hero who left behind the privileged life of a successful Hollywood agent after losing his self-respect." Williams encounters a number of challenges while traveling around the titular Southern California metropolis, including zombies, terrorists, and earthquakes.

Enlight says the Bad Day L.A. is designed to "satirize" Los Angeles and disaster films. It will have 10 levels that will place gamers in a variety of LA neighborhoods, including Hollywood Boulevard, Venice Beach, and Beverly Hills. The game will also sport a distinctive, cel-shaded visual style developed by husband-and-wife illustration operation Kozyndan.

A short interview with McGee is also included.

Prince of Persia 3 Announced 03:50 pm - Andrew Burnes - Games: Action / Adventure (0 comments)
Not hugely surprising that Ubisoft would announce a third instalment in the series, so here's the news:

Today Ubisoft, one of the world's largest videogame publishers, announced that it is developing Prince of Persia 3 (working title) for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox video game system from Microsoft, the Nintendo GameCube and the PC-CD Rom. Scheduled for release in the second half of 2005, Prince of Persia 3 is the third volume in the award-winning Prince of Persia franchise. Blending the best features from the first two installments (Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time and Prince of Persia Warrior Within) with the talent, vision and ingenuity of Ubisoft's development teams, Prince of Persia 3 will enliven the franchise with a vitality - and plenty of unexpected twists - that will impress and satisfy long-time fans and newcomers alike. Prince of Persia 3 will be showcased at the Electronic Entertainment Expo May 18 - 20 at Ubisoft's booth, #1300 in the South Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center. "Prince of Persia 3 promises to be THE best instalment in the legendary franchise," said Tony Kee, vice president of marketing for Ubisoft. "By combining two playable characters in a masterly balanced gameplay, with the perfect mix of acrobatic moves and a compelling storyline, the Prince of Persia will appeal to both Sands of Time and Warrior Within fans alike. The Prince is back to reclaim his kingdom, and he has a few surprises in store…"

The Prince of Persia, a seasoned warrior, returns from the Island of Time to Babylon with his love, Kaileena. Instead of the peace that he longs for, he finds his homeland ravaged by war and the kingdom turned against him. The Prince is rapidly captured and Kaileena has no choice but to sacrifice herself and unleash the Sands of Time in order to save him. Now cast out on the streets and hunted as a fugitive, the Prince soon discovers that past battles have given rise to a deadly Dark Prince, whose spirit gradually possesses him. Game features include:

• Play and master two distinct characters: Wield the powers and weapons of two master warriors with different combat styles, attitudes, and histories.
• Choose your way to fight: Master the expanded Free-Form Fighting system to destroy enemies in your own style; strangle enemies from afar with the deadly Daggertail; or surprise them with full-speed one-shot kills using a brand new stealth art. The choice is yours.
• Battle freely through Babylon: Dominate enemies on the perilous rooftops, dodge through chaotic streets, and ambush pursuers in dark, underground passageways.
• Immerse yourself in a dramatic story: Experience unparalleled depth in storytelling as you fight your way through a twisting tale filled with adrenaline, tension and discovery.
• Manipulate time to surprise enemies: Execute powerful attacks against entire armies by slowing down or rewinding time, or surprise them by using some all-new Sands of Time powers.
• Experience a masterful blend of gameplay: True to the Prince of Persia franchise, the game provides a variety of action combat, agility and story-driven puzzles - all masterfully blended together into a rich gaming experience.

Word from friends who've seen this already is that the abysmal rock music has been axed.

NBA STREET Showdown & FIFA Soccer Ship For PSP 03:48 pm - Andrew Burnes - Consoles: PSP (0 comments)
Sports titles appear to be big business on the PSP, so here's a couple more from EA:

"We are thrilled to bring both NBA STREET and FIFA franchises to the PSP platform which now offers players an uncompromising gaming experience on the go," said Warren Wall, VP and Executive Producer at EA Canada. "These titles, along with the rest of the EA's PSP launch line-up, prove that EA is committed to delivering first-rate entertainment in the palm of your hand."

Developed specifically for the new PSP platform, NBA STREET Showdown and FIFA Soccer are full of exciting and original game modes that can be enjoyed in single player, turn-based Party Play, or in wireless head-to-head multiplayer. Players can explore the jam-packed unique content starting with a variety of mini-games or rock out to tunes using EA&153; POCKET TRAX, the built in media player! This unique feature allows gamers to effortlessly transform their PSP into a portable and stylish music player featuring each title's hot soundtrack. FIFA Soccer also offers players the capability to watch music videos when not hooked on playing the game.

Each will set you back $49.99.

Heaven VS Hell Announced 03:43 pm - Andrew Burnes - Games: Real-Time Strategy (0 comments)
Good vs. Evil RTS set for 2006 release & E3 unveiling:

TKO's Heaven VS Hell, the next generation of real-time strategy (RTS) PC gaming, will put players in command of angelic, demonic and mortal forces battling to determine the fate of humanity.

In the mid-25th century, human technology has become so advanced that they have learned to manipulate the natural order of the universe and begin meddling in God's design. Not since Satan challenged God for the throne of Heaven, has there been such sheer defiance of his will. Humanity's arrogance infuriates God, so he plans to cleanse the Earth of mankind and start anew. With the sound of a trumpet, the seal is broken and Heavenly forces descend upon the Earth. The Devil, fearing his own loss of power wages Armageddon, the war to end all wars, for the remaining souls of men.

Players control one of three factions: Heaven, Hell or Humans, each with their own distinct units, abilities and instruments of war. Their goal is to destroy their enemies by amassing an army and sending them into a holy/unholy war. The game is built around the concept of resource and force management, as well as battlefield strategy, all packaged neatly within a fully featured game including a riveting story, beautiful 3D graphics and breathtaking sound effects.

We Love Katamari Announced 03:39 pm - Andrew Burnes - Consoles: PS2 (0 comments)
An odd title for a sequel, but I'm just glad there's a sequel period. Key features include two-player co-op and an enhanced battle mode:

Leading video games developer and publisher Namco Hometek Inc. announced today "We Love Katamari," the sequel to 2004's beloved cosmic clump-rolling game, "Katamari Damacy." "We Love Katamari," available exclusively for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system later this year, will feature the diminutive yet determined Prince, with an assortment of celestial cousins and the eccentric King of All Cosmos.

The King of All Cosmos grew to stardom after taking all of the Prince's katamaris and replacing the stars. His fans knew no bounds and wished to see more katamaris fill the sky. The King of All Cosmos desired to appease all of their requests and recruited the Prince and his cousins to help. Now they are tasked with rolling up even more clumps, each larger and more different than the one before.

In "We Love Katamari," players will find themselves in various new locations around Earth as the Prince and his cousins roll up different katamaris according to the fans' requests. "We Love Katamari" continues the series' trademark graphical style and musical excellence with an original soundtrack and hundreds of brand new items including Koi fish, angels and famous Earthly landmarks to roll up. The Prince's celestial rolling has no boundaries; as his katamari grows larger, he can roll up literally everything in his path - from underwater creatures to mountains and even the Eiffel Tower itself!

Now, release the bloody thing on Xbox too.

Lord Of The Rings Composer Signs Up For SUN 03:34 pm - Andrew Burnes - MMOG: Role-Playing (0 comments)
Howard Shore, a pretty high-class film composer who's done work on Lord of the Rings, Gangs of New York, Silence of the Lambs, and other such huge films, has signed up with Webzen, the new boy MMO publisher on the block, to compose the music for SUN:

"It is a privilege for Webzen, Inc. to work with such a talented composer like Howard Shore," said Nam Ju Kim, CEO of Webzen, Inc. "His composing legacy has spanned decades and we're excited to be a part of his video game debut. We are confident that Howard will leave his signature mark on SUN and help elevate the quality and overall entertainment experience of the game to unprecedented levels in the online entertainment world."

In composing the signature soundtrack for SUN, Howard Shore turned to The National Philharmonic of Russia (NPR). He is utilizing over 60 of the best orchestra players in Russia, and also using the expertise of renowned conductor Vladimir Spivakov.

SUN is the first title to incorporate console-style game mechanics into a classic MMORPG. With action-packed intensity, stunning graphics, unique battle systems, and a captivating cast of characters, SUN is an epic medieval tale set in a rich world of emperors, armies, magicians and monsters. Under the reign of the Immortal Emperor, Schwarz, the Geist Empire has ruled the Blandis continent for five hundred years. Possessing secret knowledge of the essence of nature known as Ether, Emperor Schwarz converted the precious Ether into dark energy, and used it to conquer the entire continent with his formidable armies. The continued extraction of Ether has impoverished the land, causing the Empire to turn its eyes to the rich lands of neighboring nations to continue its supremacy. With insurrection inevitable, a rebel leader, Ignis, has formed an elite force called the Guidance, who have declared war against the Empire.

Road To Sunday Announced 03:30 pm - Andrew Burnes - Consoles: PS2 (0 comments)
People looking for a non-EA American football game may find solice in Road To Sunday, Sony's new franchise, although maybe not seeing how it's described as a "sports entertainment drama:"

Defining the next evolution in gaming, Road To Sunday presents a unique, sequential, episodic storyline that will provide both sports and entertainment videogame fans with the first ever sports entertainment drama. Blending on- and off-the-field action, Road To Sunday delivers a unique cinematic football experience where gamers must complete various missions, moving from setting to setting and character to character as dictated by the story.

The storyline revolves around Blake Doogan, an affluent sports mogul who inherits a professional football team after his father dies in a suspicious explosion while vacationing in Jamaica. Blake learns his father borrowed large sums of capital from a Jamaican kingpin to purchase a professional team. Doogan's father's debt is now his debt. The gameplay follows the owner, his sidekick Harry and seven football players as they put it all on the line in order to accumulate enough money to pay off the Jamaican kingpin and win the championship.

Players not only compete on the gridiron but also gain exposure to an underworld of questionable characters, gambling, and an underground fighting league run by the corrupt Jamaican kingpin. The players' world off-the-field involves high-stakes fighting tournaments, betting, gambling, and training, all of which increase player attributes for future missions and football games.

Complete barmy press release available via the comments; game launching Winter 2005.

Square-Enix E3 Lineup Announced 03:24 pm - Andrew Burnes - Games: General News (0 comments)
Here's word on what Square-Enix'll be showing off at E3, which just happens to include a Final Fantasy snowboarding game:

• Before Crisis - Final Fantasy VII - Mobile
• Dirge Of Cerberus Final Fantasy VII -PlayStation 2
• Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King - PlayStation 2
• Final Fantasy II - Mobile
• Final Fantasy VII Advent Children - DVD -2005
• Final Fantasy VII Snowboarding - Mobile
• Final Fantasy XI: Chains of Promathia - PlayStation 2, PC
• Final Fantasy XII - PlayStation 2
• Font Missions 2089 - Mobile
• Front Missions Online - PlayStation 2
• Fullmetal Alchemist 2: Curse of the Crimson Elixir - PlayStation 2 - July 2005
• Hexcite Fusion - Mobile
• Kingdom Hearts II - PlayStation 2
• Musashi Mobile Samurai - Mobile
• Radiata Stories - PlayStation 2 - Fall 2005
• Romancing SaGa - PlayStation 2

Complete details of each title can be found via the comments.

NBA '06 Announced 03:20 pm - Andrew Burnes - Consoles: PS2 (0 comments)
I've got a whole load of press releases today folks, so I'm just going to start chucking them out there...

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. announced today the launch of NBA '06, appearing exclusively this Fall for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system. The title introduces a number of feature firsts, including a behind-the-scenes, all- inclusive story mode and an entirely new game design where a player's talents on the court dictate their ability to manage teammates and even the crowd. NBA '06 delivers a comprehensive basketball experience, combining a unique cinematic career mode and action-packed mini-games with an all-access pass to the NBA's world off the court.

All-new for NBA '06 is a "Showtime Gameplay" feature that provides gamers the opportunity to achieve the delicate balance of teamwork, entertainment, and individual skills. Player skills to master include a passing system where highlight reel no-looks and alley-oops increase player attributes and raise team play. In addition, a low post gameplay feature is newly implemented, where action in the post is identified by an icon system that allows gamers to see strengths and weaknesses of various big men encountered in the league. The Showtime Gameplay system also introduces an enhanced artificial intelligence (AI) system that affects teammates and the general crowd depending on player skills. As gamers successfully execute more difficult challenges, player and team skills improve, along with crowd support.

More, including word of the new 'Epic' mode, can be found via the comments.

Windows XP x64 Launches 03:14 pm - Andrew Burnes - Games: General News (0 comments)
Windows XP x64 has launched today folks, and Microsoft's on hand to make sure you know about - top 5 reasons to upgrade, 120 day trial, upgrade from x32, for a fee.

PSP Launching Sept 1st In Europe 03:11 pm - Andrew Burnes - Consoles: PSP (0 comments)
After a whole load of back and forthing, Sony has announced that the PSP will finally launch -here- in Europe on September 1st, for a reasonable £179:

Initially the handheld will only be available in a Value Pack, mirroring the recent US launch. In this bundle, the PlayStation Portable unit will come complete with a number of accessories, including a 32Mb memory stick, battery pack, headphones with remote control and multimedia demo disc.

Early adopters will also be entitled to a free copy of Spider-Man 2 the movie on PSP's proprietary UMD format, by register their console through www.yourpsp.com and placing an order.

Huzzah, but why do we have to wait eight weeks for our film to come through the post?

DICE Ports Battlefield 2 To PSP; Announces New FPS 07:06 am - Andrew Burnes - Games: Action (0 comments)
In possibly the shortest press release 'evar,' DICE today announced the development of a new first-person shooter for the PC, but gave away nothing but a rough release date: fall 2005:

The development of the PC game will take place at the Company's Canadian studio. Digital Illusions receives a development budget from the publisher Electronic Arts.

The contract gives us a guaranteed development budget, and the game is also expected to generate royalty incomes to the Company during 2005 and 2006, said Patrick Söderlund, CEO at Digital Illusions.

Next up, DICE announced an ambitious port of Battelfield 2 Modern Combat to Sony's PSP; this will be developed externally at EAUK however:

We are looking forward to launching the Battlefield brand on handheld platform too, and we have strong beliefs in the spread of Playstation Portables, said Patrick Söderlund, CEO at Digital Illusions.

To Digital Illusions licensing is an attractive solution since the Company doesn't have enough resources personnel-wise to produce the PSP version at the moment. We also get a larger product portfolio without spending money on extra development costs, said Patrick Söderlund, CEO at Digital Illusions.

The Company licenses the rights to produce the game Battlefield 2 Modern Combat for PSP to Electronic Arts' English studio. Thanks to the licensing Digital Illusions will not have any development costs, and will also get royalty from the first sold copy of the product for this platform. Usually Digital Illusions has to reach a cutoff level of the development cost before getting royalty. The Company gets a lower royalty share per sold unit for the PSP version of the product, since the game is developed externally.

Interestingly DICE retains the right to can the product right up until the moment it's on shop shelves, if it utterly blows.

Digital Illusions' Launch Timetable

Battlefield 2 - PC - FPS - June '05
BF2 Modern Combat - PS2, Xbox - FPS - Fall '05
Untitled - PC - FPS - Fall '05
BF2 Modern Combat - Xbox 360, PSP - FPS - Q1 '06
Untitled - PS2, Xbox, Sony and Xbox 360 - '06/'07
Untitled - PS3 and Xbox 360 - Action - '07

Cossacks 2 Demo 06:52 am - Andrew Burnes - Games: Real-Time Strategy (1 comment)
CDV just released a demo of Cossacks II: Napoleonic Wars, a real-time strategy game that isn't set during World War II. As is often the case, no one's got a flying fuck of a clue what you get for pissing away 480MB of your bandwidth, but at least you get the warm glowing satisfaction of wasting x website's bandwidth too, if turns out to be a load of old tosh.

Yeah, I'm feeling sassy.

• 3D Gamers
• Action Trip
• Boomtown
• FilePlanet
• Gamershell
• GG Mania
• Official Site
• Worthplaying

Relic Announces Company of Heroes 06:45 am - Andrew Burnes - Games: Real-Time Strategy (0 comments)
Hey, another World War II game, and it just happens to be real-time strategy - who'd a thunk it? But, this one's by Relic, creators of the splendiferous Dawn of War, so there's hope yet:

"Company of Heroes will again demonstrate Relic Entertainment's reputation for excellence and innovation in the RTS genre," said Jack Sorensen, executive vice president of worldwide studios, THQ. "Relic's unparalleled story-telling and action-oriented approach to the genre have never been more pervasive than across the battlefields of World War II Europe."

Company of Heroes is built on Relic's next-generation Essence Engine and also utilizes the Havok Physics engine, delivering cinematic visual detail in a world completely driven by realistic physics. Gamers will experience the journey of the brave men of Able Company in a deep single-player campaign that begins with the invasion of Normandy through their fight across Europe, all set against the most dynamic battlefield ever seen in a game. Company of Heroes' completely destructable environment means no two battles ever play out in the same way. Advanced squad AI delivers startling new realism and responsiveness, bringing soldiers to life as they interact with the environment and execute advanced squad tactics to eliminate the opposition forces.

The kicker is that you'll be waiting till 2006 to play it. Oh, more info should hopefully be found on the official website, once whoever remembers to bring it online.

1,000+ New Titles At E3 06:40 am - Andrew Burnes - Games: General News (2 comments)
The Entertainment Software Association has announced the stats for what's gonna be at E3 this year, as always:

Overall, more than 5,000 products will be shown at E3Expo 2005. The nearly 300 exhibitors who participated in the survey were asked to provide details of what they consider to be their top-ten products at the event. According to survey respondents, top-ten titles at E3Expo 2005 will fall into the following categories:

• Action/Adventure games (19 percent);
• Role Playing games (13 percent);
• Sports/Driving/Racing games (11 percent);
• Child/Family games (6 percent);
• Strategy games (5 percent);
• Simulation games (4 percent);
• Educational/Edutainment games (3 percent);
• Arcade games (3 percent);
• Other games (4 percent).

The ESA also reckons that 81% of the above will be on shop shelves before Christmas.

Illusion To Use Meqon Physics 06:33 am - Andrew Burnes - Games: General News (0 comments)
Illusion's set to use Meqon physics for a 3rd person action game scheduled for release in 2007, but they're not giving up the name:

Illusion chose Meqon's game dynamics system thanks to it's advanced technology, comprehensive capabilities and ease of implementation. Meqon's game dynamics system allows a wide range of physical effects to be accurately modeled and implemented, from vehicle dynamics and character (ragdoll) physics through to rigid body dynamics and complex interaction between every object within the environment.

Illusion Softworks is developing a number of new titles for the PC and next-generation games consoles. Like many of the company's previous titles they feature advanced, realistic 3D environments and sophisticated 'open' gameplay.

Duke Nukem Forever's physics are also powered by Meqon.

Which Next-Gen Console Tickles Your Fancy? 03:15 am - Robert 'Apache' Howarth - Consoles: General News (0 comments)
The focus of this week's VE poll (that you can vote in on your right) is Which next-gen system interests you more at this point? Consoles usually have a window every four or five years where they're actually ahead of PC games on a technical standpoint, and this new generation of systems should be no different. Keep in mind, this isn't about the best system, or most powerful, but the one that interests you the most.

Results of last weeks poll are in which asked for your pick of game of the year to this point. Resident Evil 4 won a very close battle against Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory. Just don't tell anyone that "bleh so far..." was the overall winner...

Clues for Remedy's Next Game 12:57 am - Robert 'Apache' Howarth - Games: Action (0 comments)
-biXen- sends word that some folks have uncovered some clues about Remedy's upcoming game which will be announced at E3:

Some people from the 3D Realms Forums have noticed that Remedy trademarked the name Alan Wake (http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry;=78574816). They've also registered alanwake.com which you can see by doing a whois on e.g. register.com So it's definitely a possible name. And it has the same namingtype that 3DR affiled games have had. Although they are not in this anymore.

Hardware & Tech Nuggets 12:45 am - Robert 'Apache' Howarth - hardware: General News (0 comments)

Reviews

• 3RSystem R700 BadGuy ATX Case - OCTools
• ABS Ultimate M6 PC - GD Hardware
• Aerocool GT-1000 Heatpipe Heatsink - Hi-Tech Reviews
• AMD Athlon 64 x2 & Operton dual-core processors - A1
• Arctic Silver ArctiClean - OCModShop
• Asus V6800V (V6V/V6000V Series) Notebook - HotHardware
• CoolerMaster Aquagate Mini R120 Water Cooling Combo - Hardcoreware
• GIGABYTE GA-K8N Ultra-9 Motherboard - Techniz
• Thermaltake Kandalf VA9000SWA Silver Aluminum Computer Case - Tweaknews
• Raidmax KY-550ATX PSU - ATR
• SCAN 3XS ISOTOPE System - HEXUS
• SilverStone Zeus ST65ZF 650W SLI Power Supply - 3DGameMan
• Western Digital Raptor 74 GB HDD - nV News
• Zalman CNPS7700-Cu and VF700-ALCu Heatsink - GruntvillE

  Other Stuff
  

• AMD to Adopt DDR500 Officially - CoolTechZone
• Analysis of the Main Characteristics of Memory Modules. Part 11 - Digit-Life
• Price Guides, April 2005: Video Cards - Anandtech
• The Best Case Scenario Test Rig Completed - The Best Case Scenario

Game Reviews 12:30 am - Robert 'Apache' Howarth - Games: General News (0 comments)

PC

• Doom 3: Resurrection of Evil - Boomtown - 7/10
• Empire Earth II - Gamespy - 4/5
• Psychotoxic - Loaded,Inc. - 4/10

  Xbox
  

• Area 51 - Xbox.IGN - 8/10
• Jade Empire - Firing Squad - 84%
• Psychonauts - Gamesdomain - 9/10
• Psychonauts - Gamespy - 4.5/5
• Psychonauts - Xbox.IGN - 8.7/10
• Raze's Hell - Xbox.IGN - 7/10
• Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory - Armchair Empire - 8.6/10

  PS2
  

• Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition - Armchair Empire - 8.8/10

In Other News... 12:15 am - Robert 'Apache' Howarth - In-House: In Other News... (0 comments)
Ever have one of those weekends where you need another weekend to recover? :) Had a lot of fun, but man I am beat.

So... whose going to check out Guild Wars this week?

Do you think the game's release will have any impact on World of WarCraft? Guild Wars isn't technically a massively multiplayer game, but hey, most of WoW's player base aren't exactly MMOG gamers either...

PC:

• American Civil War: Gettysburg
• Cossacks II: Napoleonic Wars
• Dungeon Lords
• Empire Earth II
• Falcon 4 Gold
• Guild Wars
• Guild Wars Collector's Edition
• Laser Squad Nemesis

Playstation 2:

• Area 51
• Jampack Volume 12
• Predator: Concrete Jungle
• Resident Evil Outbreak: File # 2
• Stella Deus

Playstation Portable:

• FIFA Soccer
• NBA Street Showdown
• Rengoku: The Tower of Purgatory

Xbox:

• Area 51
• Motocross Mania 3
• Predator: Concrete Jungle
• Virtual Pool: Tournament Edition

GameCube:

• No releases

Nintendo DS:

• Pac-Pix
• Puyo Pop Fever

GameBoy Advance:

• No releases

DVD:

• Airline: The Complete Season 1
• Beaches (Special Edition)
• Blade: Trinity (Extended Unrated Platinum Series)
• Blade: Trinity (Rated Platinum Series)
• Cirque du Soleil Solstrom (Superbit, 5 discs)
• Darkness (PG-13)
• Darkness (Unrated)
• Emile
• ER: The Complete Third Season
• Hell's Gate 11:11
• Heroic Duo
• Highway to Heaven: Season One
• Land of the Lost: The Complete Third Season
• Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events (Collector's Edition)
• Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events (Full Screen)
• Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events (Widescreen)
• Leonard Part 6
• Snow White and the Three Stooges
• Soup to Nuts
• Strange Days on Planet Earth
• Survivor: The Australian Outback The Complete Season
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Volume Two
• The Assassination of Richard Nixon
• The Doris Day Collection
• The Nameless
• The Three Stooges in Color
• The Waltons: The Complete Second Season
• Trading Spaces Creative Home Decor with Designer Doug Wilson
• Trading Spaces Great Kitchen Designs and More!
• Undertow
• Wild Things Box Set (Wild Things (Unrated), Wild Things 2, Wild Things: Diamonds in the Rough)
• Wild Things: Diamonds in the Rough
• Wildboyz: The Complete Second Season Uncensored

Movies - Now Showing:

• A Lot Like Love
• Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room
• King's Ransom
• Madison
• The Game of Their Lives
• The Interpreter

Movies - Opening Friday April 29th:

• 3-Iron
• Death of a Dynasty
• The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
• xXx: State of the Union

The PC enjoys the biggest week, although none appeal to me personally. I'm sure Guild Wars will do well, as will Empire Earth II, and Cossaks II will probably give both a run for their money with a huge fan base from the first outing and various expansion packs for it. I think Dungeon Lords may be out this week, but then again, I say that nearly every week, so ring before you rush off to the store.

Everywhere else, including movies & DVDs I see nothing too amazing, although Blade: Trinity was just cool. Oh yeah, screwed up the movie release schedule last week, but this one's right.

What will you be spending your money on in the week ahead?

First Serious Sam 2 Screenshot 04:51 pm - Andrew Burnes - Games: Action (7 comments)
Seriously! sent over a link to the first confirmed in-game screenshot of Serious Sam 2.

Check it out here.

Mod Happenings 04:44 pm - Andrew Burnes - Games: Action (0 comments)
Here's a couple of cool happenings from the mod world:

• The Sven Co-op website has been updated with in-game screenshots of their latest Sven-Co-op 2 accomplishments, and a report on development progress:

  Please note that, while all of the shots below were taken in-game (including the black-background shots), the features themselves have not yet been implemented and WILL NOT be included with the first released version of SC2. Our current plan is to release a beta version of the mod as soon as we have the HL2 single-player storyline working well co-operatively... giving you all something to play (and the mapping community something to work with) while we work on more advanced features.

  Note also, however, that what you see below isn't all we've been working on over the past few months -- Expect another media release in the not-too-distant future. As for the mod's current status: Due to Nev's efforts and Zhyla's, we presently have a majority of the HL2 storyline in a playable state (complete with equipment being carried between levels, etc)... but there are still plenty of bugs to be fixed and problems to be solved before we're done with it.

• Meanwhile, over on the UT engine, Free Monkey Interactive sends word to tell us that their public beta 2 release of UT XMP is nearing completion, with many new features highlighted in this swanky teaser trailer.

Radha Mitchell To Star In Silent Hill The Film 12:40 am - Andrew Burnes - Games: General News (4 comments)
Coming by the way of the Hollywood Reporter is news that Finding Neverland actress Radha Mitchell will be the lead female in the film adaptation of Silent Hill, presently scheduled for a 2006 release:

Principal photography is due to begin Monday in Toronto on the suspense horror feature and will run through July 22. The movie, directed by French filmmaker Christophe Gans ("Brotherhood of the Wolf"), is budgeted at $45 million-$50 million, with additional casting not yet final.

The production team includes cinematographer Dan Laustsen ("The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen"); editors David Wu and Sebastien Prangere, who both worked on "Brotherhood of the Wolf" (also produced by Davis); costume designer Wendy Partridge; production designer Carol Spier; and creature design by Patrick Tatopoulos ("I, Robot").

Madden NFL 2006 TV Ad 12:39 am - Andrew Burnes - Consoles: Xbox Next (6 comments)
Over on TeamXbox you can check out the advert for Madden NFL 2006 that was aired during NFL Draft.

Just remember, it's not in-game.

In Other News... 12:38 am - Andrew Burnes - Games: General News (22 comments)
So I'm pretty much at the conclusion of Psychonauts, but I don't want it to end. It's a masterpiece of pick up and play gaming with a tonne of laugh out loud moments, non-annoying platforming, and a mountain of pick ups, in addition to incredibly imaginative levels that are genius in their construction. Microsoft were short sighted in dumping this, although it's certainly to Majesco's gain - I just hope it doesn't take another 5 years to produce a sequel.

Started Stronghold 2, which appears entertaining, but I'm only a couple of levels in - graphics are less than I expected, but I like the continuation of the levels, which allows you to keep your previously built infrastructure; far too many games strip you of your nicely built base each level (give me a sequel to Warzone 2100 Eidos!).

Midnight Club 3 give me a tension headache from the damn stressful races that often see you losing by the slightest of margins, although I'm glad the rival cars don't have elastic 'NFSU' AI. My car looks like a piece of crap, but I'd rather put earned cash into the performance than some stupid hydraulics to make it bounce up and down for the few brief seconds before a race.

I feel that I need an extra pair of hands to play Unreal Championship 2, plus the overall structure of the game (weapon changes and such) don't agree with me - sorry Epic, this one gets a thumbs down from my camp.

Destineer's Close Combat: First To Fight is a horrid horrid experience on the PC in pretty much every respect (it's so bad it crashes when I attempt to assign a command to mouse 4 or 5); long since uninstalled.

I'm looking for people interested in SWAT 4 co-op for regular games. If you want to join in the fun, drop me an email, but please only if you're serious about it.

What do you think of the Xbox 360 images?