Game developer 10tons Ltd. has announced an upcoming iPad release of its popular puzzle game, Azkend. The iPad launch is around the corner, and among one of the first games being offered is Azkend HD. Azkend HD is estimated for a April 2010 release. The graphics have been remastered for the larger format of the iPad.

See a brief trailer of Azkend HD below.

"The Azkend HD brings out the best the iPad and Azkend can offer: beautiful high resolution art coupled with ultra playable touch controls.", said Sampo Töyssy, the Vice CEO of 10tons Ltd. "We don't have an iPad yet, but I imagine it'll be like playing a piece of art. If you need a break and want to escape for a while, this has to be one of the most eye pleasing ways to do it. This will definitely be the most luxurious version of Azkend to date. We've used all the pixels the iPad has to offer to deliver a premium quality puzzle game for all iPad owners."

If you want to get a feel of Azkend on your current iPhone or iPod touch, Azkend is currently available from the App Store for $4.99 (as well as a free "Lite" version here).

Remember that pre-order reservations on Apple's new iPad begins tomorrow, March 12th, at Apple retail stores or here on Apple's online store.

Write Comment (0 Comments)

Have you been eagerly awaiting some new Modern Warfare 2 maps? The good news is that Activision has announced a tiny bit more on the previously announced map pack (via teaser website mapathy.com) which is supposed to be hitting the Xbox LIVE Marketplace on March 30th. Furthermore, the multiplayer map pack will be released first on Xbox LIVE and will be available for the PS3 and PC on a later unannounced date.

No details on what the maps will be called or how many maps will be included in the pack, however, we do know that the map pack will be called "Stimulus Package." Unfortunately, nothing else has been explained.

Also, starting this weekend (March 12th to 15th), Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 multiplayer games will be accessible by all Xbox LIVE members in the Multiplayer Unlock event. Yes, that means even you Silver members that don't have a paid Xbox LIVE subscription can join in on the fun this weekend.

Write Comment (0 Comments)

Today at Sony's GDC press conference, Sony announced the PlayStation Move Motion Controller and Sub Controller for the PlayStation 3. A fall 2010 release date is estimated for the PlayStation Move Controller and Sub Controller in North America, which will function with the currently available PlayStation Eye Camera. Pricing has not be announced, but a "Starter Kit" for under $100 was mentioned at the Sony GDC Press Conference, which will include the PlayStation Move, PlayStation Eye and a game.

See the first images of PlayStation Move here in full screen (or here in a gallery).

See some details and screens of the first PS Move games as well as the availability of the PlayStation Move controller here.

Here are the complete details from Sony Computer Entertainment America's PlayStation Move Fact Sheet:

OVERVIEW:
PlayStation®Move offers a new and innovative gaming experience for the PlayStation®3 (PS3™) system by fusing realistic, high-definition gaming along with accurate, intuitive control. Consisting of PlayStation®Move motion controller, PlayStation®Move sub-controller and PlayStation®Eye camera, PlayStation Move enables sophisticated motion control and immersive gameplay only possible on the PS3 system.

PLAYSTATION®MOVE MOTION CONTROLLER
The corner stone of PlayStation Move, PlayStation Move motion controller combines advanced motion sensors, a dynamic color changing sphere, vibration feedback, and an easy to use button interface. Equipped with three-axis gyroscope, three-axis accelerometer and terrestrial magnetic field sensor, PlayStation Move motion controller tracks the precise movements and the angle of the controller. The PS3 system also detects the absolute position of the controller in 3D space by using PlayStation Eye camera. Highly sensitive movement tracking can be accurately traced back to the game, allowing intuitive gameplay as if the player is within the game.

KEY FEATURES:
- Works with PlayStation Eye camera to accurately track player position
- Includes action buttons of DUALSHOCK®3 and SIXAXIS® wireless controller for direct input
- Sleek and Wireless
- Built-in rechargeable Li-ion battery
- Advanced motion sensors in the controller precisely track both fast and subtle movements
- Color of the sphere's light provides visual feedback during gameplay
- Vibration feedback is felt during specific actions
- Bluetooth® technology supports wireless gaming
- Simultaneously use up to four motion controllers with a PS3 system
- Charge the controller and automatically pair it with the PS3 system via a USB cable (Type A - Mini-B)

PLAYSTATION®MOVE SUB-CONTROLLER
PlayStation Move sub controller is a supplementary controller, developed to further expand the experience that PlayStation Move games can offer. It can be used in most PlayStation Move games that require navigating an in-game character as it replicates the control features of the left side of DUALSHOCK 3 and SIXAXIS wireless controller into one’s PlayStation Move experience. PlayStation Move sub controller adds an analog stick, directional buttons and two face buttons into the PlayStation Move's control scheme. In addition, the sub-controller contains the L1 button, L2 button and L3 button for actions and commands common in advanced gaming.

KEY FEATURES:
- Wireless control completely untethered from PlayStation Move motion controller
- Intuitive navigation of in-game characters
- Easy and intuitive XMB™ menu navigation
- Built-in rechargeable Li-ion battery
- Charge the controller and automatically pair it with the PS3 system via a USB cable (Type A - Mini-B)
- Sleek curved body design that easily pairs with the motion controller
Note: DUALSHOCK 3 and SIXAXIS wireless controller can be used in place of the sub controller for all games that are compatible with the sub controller

PLAYSTATION®EYE CAMERA
As an integral part of PlayStation Move, PlayStation Eye camera is designed specifically to work with the next generation of PlayStation Move gaming titles being developed for the PS3 system. When used with PlayStation Move motion controller, PlayStation Eye camera precisely tracks a user’s movement and the motion controller’s sphere to help bring every move into the game. In addition, PlayStation Eye camera captures a player’s voice or image and when combined together with PlayStation Move games, will bring a whole new entertainment experience to user only possible on the PlayStation® platform.

KEY FEATURES:
- Engineered to perform in low-light conditions so that the rooms do not have to be lit brightly for the camera to deliver crisp, perfectly exposed video
- Two position zoom lens for close-up and full body options
- At 60 frames per second, captures a sharp, clear picture at 640 x 480 resolutions
- Frame rate of up to 120 frames per second for improved tracking, responsiveness and smoothness
- A sophisticated microphone with the ability to reduce background noise and focus on spoken word for smoother, more accurate speech recognition

Watch the recording of Sony's PlayStation GDC Press Conference here for more details on the PS3 Move Motion Controller and some of its upcoming games.

Write Comment (2 Comments)

The Resident Evil 5 Gold Edition was just released this week. This new edition of Resident Evil 5 for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 includes a couple of bonus episodes and content. If you're a previous owner of Resident Evil 5, Capcom hasn't forgotten about you. Starting today, Capcom is offering the "Resident Evil 5 Untold Stories Bundle."

Now available on Xbox LIVE, you can download both the Resident Evil 5 "Lost in Nightmares" and "Desperate Escape" episodes, along with a couple of Resident Evil 5 alternate costume packs for 960 Microsoft Points ($12). The individual DLC normally costs 1120 Microsoft Points ($14). PlayStation 3 gamers can get the "Untold Stories Bundle" on the PlayStation Store starting tomorrow for $12.50.

Here are the details from Capcom on what you'll find in the "Untold Stories Bundle":

"LOST IN NIGHTMARES
Only previously viewed during cut scenes of Resident Evil, now play through the events leading up to the moment Chris Redfield thought he lost his partner forever. Play as Chris Redfield or Jill Valentine and journey back to the infamous Spencer Mansion from the original Resident Evil. Try and solve its treacherous puzzles and search to uncover the secrets held inside.

DESPERATE ESCAPE
A fatigued but rescued Jill has collapsed.   Awoken by BSAA agent Josh Stone, play through their desperate escape from the Tricell facility, fighting off unrelenting waves of enemies in heart pumping blockbuster action as they race to assist Chris and Sheva in their final showdown with Albert Wesker.

Costume Packs 1 and 2:
Players can experience Resident Evil 5 in a whole new way with four new character costumes which allow additional playability through both gameplay and cut scenes."

Queue it up here on the Xbox LIVE Marketplace or watch for it tomorrow on the PlayStation Store.

Write Comment (0 Comments)

Street Fighter IV goes portable starting today. Capcom just released Street Fighter IV for the iPhone and iPod touch on the App Store. You'll be able to take the popular fighting game with you anywhere and challenge friends, or foes, using Bluetooth connectivity. A customizable virtual V-Pad (Visual Pad) allows you to re-arrange it for your control preferences.

Details from Capcom on what you'll find in the iPhone/iPod touch release of Street Fighter IV:
"Featuring eight classic characters from the console blockbuster including Ryu, Chun Li, Able, Blanka, M. Bison, Dhalsim, Guile and Ken as well as seven environments, Street Fighter IV offers players the most advanced fighting experience on the platform. Veteran players will instantly recognize Street Fighter IV‘s robust move sets including Unique Attacks, Special Moves, Focus Attacks, Super Combos and Ultra Combos. Newcomers to the series can get on the path to becoming a world warrior by completing the game’s new “Dojo” mode which provides simple to advanced lessons on dominating the game."

Download Street Fighter IV for $9.99 here from the App Store.

Write Comment (0 Comments)

Square Enix and Sony Computer Entertainment have announced the upcoming release of some Final Fantasy XIII virtual goods. If you want to show your Final Fantasy XIII fandom, watch out for the following PlayStation Home items (even invite your virtual friends over to a Final Fantasy XIII inspired apartment):

Personal space:
Eden – Primarch’s Vigilarium

Furniture:
Vigilarium One-seater Sofa
Vigilarium Table
Vigilarium Sideboard A
Vigilarium Sideboard B
Vigilarium Planter Set
Vigilarium Taxidermic Specimen
Vigilarium Desk
Vigilarium Chair
Cactuar Figure
Flowering Cactuar Figure
Tonberry Figure
Carbuncle Plushie

“As part of the launch celebrations we’re thrilled to be working with Sony to offer FINAL FANTASY fans the chance to personalise their HomeSpace with these exclusive items," said Larry Sparks, Vice President Brands PAL Region of Square Enix Ltd. “The apartment, furniture and items have been personally selected by the development team to best represent the world of FINAL FANTASY XIII.”

It's been confirmed from Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, but don't be surprised if these Final Fantasy XIII PlayStation Home goods make it to the North America PlayStation Home. Pricing has not been announced.

Write Comment (1 Comments)

Today's new Xbox LIVE Arcade game is Scrap Metal (1200 Microsoft Points, $15). It's the second game release as part of the Xbox LIVE Arcade Block Party game releases. Remember, you can get an additional 400 Microsoft Points if you purchase it and the other XBLA Block Party games by March 31st (see here). Check out the summary of Scrap Metal below, with links to the demo and full game purchase.

Details on Scrap Metal from xbox.com:
"Drift around corners with guns blazing and take out legendary competitors in the fast-paced, top-down racing game Scrap Metal™. Fight your way through explosive, action-packed missions and defeat cunning bosses to add their vehicles to your garage. Customize your newly-acquired cars and then return to the track to blast through more enemies. Jump online with Xbox LIVE ® to race against your friends and crush their cars with the wheels of your monster truck in pulse-pounding online multiplayer matches."

Queue up the demo here or the full game here.

Today EA Sports announced the next version of its popular Wii exergaming title, EA Sports Active. Tentatively titled "EA Sports Active 2.0" the new fitness oriented game will be available for the Wii and for the first time on the PlayStation 3 as well as mobile devices on the iPhone and iPod touch platforms. A new innovation to EA Sports Active is a "wireless control system," which uses new leg and arm straps with motion sensors, as well as a heart rate monitor. No longer limited to just a single leg strap for placing the Wii Nunchuk inside, these newly designed accessories will provide much more accurate monitoring of workouts.

Here are more details from EA Sports on what you can expect with the new accessories and functionality you'll find in "EA Sports Active 2.0":

"The new EA SPORTS Active 2.0* innovative wireless control system will give users complete freedom of motion, making it even easier to get a workout that delivers great results. Using innovative heart rate detection technology, the heart rate monitor will help users monitor intensity, providing constant on-screen monitoring throughout the workout and tracking user data over time to optimize performance.

The EA SPORTS Active 2.0* online hub will allow users to track and share all of their workout data, providing a centralized destination for all fitness, wellness and training needs. It will host a thriving online global community of EA SPORTS Active users who can share their fitness journeys, interact with workout groups and send messages to each other online to stay inspired and engaged. Users will also have the ability to download new workouts and exercises to their online connected PlayStation 3 console to keep their workouts fresh and maintain motivation**.

EA SPORTS Active 2.0* provides total body conditioning using progressive exercise in new prescribed programs. A three-phase, nine-week program provides a fitness roadmap to help keep users motivated and on track of their fitness goals. Additional mini-programs will also be available to add on, keeping workouts fresh and inspiring. The EA SPORTS Active personal trainer will walk users through their workout and provide continued encouragement with feedback to ensure an optimal workout experience."

So not only will your heart be monitored, but your friends will be able to monitor your progress as well through the online community features. That's something that will definitely help in keeping your exercise program on track. "EA Sports Active 2.0" is estimated for a fall 2010 release. Watch for more details on the new EA Sports Active game for the Wii, PS3 and iPhone/iPod touch at  www.easportsactive.com.

* Working Title
** Internet connection and EA account required

Write Comment (0 Comments)

Game developer Infinity Ward is teasing the release date for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2's upcoming Map Pack. The Mapathy teaser website may look like a website for self-help, but the text clearly points out it's for announcing a March 30, 2010 release date for Modern Warfare 2's upcoming map pack.

Keep a lookout for more information on mapathy.com. The first Modern Warfare 2 map pack is finally nearing release, on the Xbox LIVE Marketplace first. The PlayStation 3 and PC release will follow at a later date, still to be announced.

Write Comment (10 Comments)