Rockstar Games has announced Manhunt 2, and it's coming to the Wii console, along with its release on Sony's PSP and PS2.
From Rockstar Games: "With Manhunt 2 we have tried to create a game that stays close to the original concept of chilling suspense and stealth, whilst pushing the game design and storytelling forward," said Sam Houser, founder and executive producer of Rockstar Games.
Visit the official web site here.
Rockstar's new London studio will be developing Manhunt 2. Available Summer 2007. Watch the trailer below.
Microsoft challenges gamers to increase their gamerscores in the first Xbox Rewards program, starting February 12, 2007. Visit http://www.xbox.com/rewardson February 12, 2007 to register, with a valid Windows Live ID (and Xbox Live gamercard linked).
Based on your current gamerscore at signup, you will be placed into one of three Reward Level categories after you register.
From Microsoft:
"Level 1 (0 – 4,999 annual Gamerscore): You are developing your skills and gaining experience. Take some time to get used to the program and learn your way around. The Challenges will typically be easier and the rewards smaller.
Level 2 (5,000 – 9,999 annual Gamerscore): We are going to turn up the heat a bit. You have proved that you know how to play and are willing to put in the gaming time to reap the benefits. The Challenges will get a bit more difficult. Never fear, the reward value goes up as well.
Level 3 (over 10,000 annual Gamerscore): This is an arena filled with the who's who of gaming. We don't want to claim that Level 3 is an exclusive club, but if you find yourself winning Challenges here, you've obviously pulled out the big guns, so enjoy while it lasts."
Keep in mind that the program will be launching on February 12, 2007, in the U.S. only, and you must be 13 years or older to participate.
The first Xbox Rewards Challenge kicks off with the "Old Spice Experience Challenge." Starting February 12, the first challenge is to increase your gamerscore by 1500 points before April 12.
Add 1500 points by unlocking achievements before that time and you will be eligible for one of the following rewards for the Old Spice Experience Challenge:
Level 1 winners get:
- Contra Xbox Live Arcade (Retail Value $5.00)
- Exclusive Old Spice Level 1 Xbox Rewards gamer picture
- An experience upgrade to Xbox Rewards Level 2
Level 2 winners get:
- Contra Xbox Live Arcade (Retail Value $5.00)
- Exclusive Old Spice Level 2 Xbox Rewards gamer picture
- 100 Microsoft Points
- An experience upgrade to Xbox Rewards Level 3
Level 3 winners get:
- Contra Xbox Live Arcade (Retail Value $5.00)
- Exclusive Old Spice Level 3 Xbox Rewards gamer picture
- 200 Microsoft Points
- Old Spice T-Shirt (Estimated Retail Value $10.00)
- A copy of Fuzion Frenzy 2 game (rated: E10+) (Estimated Retail Value $50.00)
Some rewards are limited, so they will be given to the first to complete the challenge. Microsoft says the rewards will not just be about increasing your Gamerscore, as different challenges will be announced.
Remember, the Xbox Rewards program starts on February 12, so hold on to bumping up that gamerscore until then, if you are in the Rewards Level you want to be. If not, get cracking and register here on February 12, 2007! Just another ingredient to add to that Gamerscore addiction!
Here is an interesting take on the current events surrounding the Wii safety issues. The Iconfactory made a couple cool desktops to spruce up your boring screen. Checkout and download to make your Wii little fashion statement.
The images convey rather useful tips such as: the Wiimote is harmful if swallowed, do not use the Wii as a toaster and do not use your Wii as a parachute. May sound obvious but then again... Got the message?
There were recent rumors floating around that a company called Zootfly was in the process of making a game based on the Ghostbusters series. Though the rumors, which even included target game footage, were squashed by licensing issues, the game could still be in the works.
In an interview with The Edmonton Sun, former Ghostbusters cast member Dan Aykroyd stated "Universal purchased the rights from Sony for a game. I'm actually going to have to perform and do some motion capture for them. That will be next year." As to who it's being published and produced by....we don't know. If anything comes up, we'll let you know. For the original article, click here.
The multiplayer female agent skin announced for the PS3 release of Tom Clancy's Spinter Cell: Double Agent (reported on here) will be coming to the Xbox 360 as downloadable content.
"The female spy skins will be part of the SCDA DLC for the Xbox 360 as has always been the plan. I do not have any more information about the DLC at the present time but I was able to confirm that much", said "Rhoulette", a community manager at Ubisoft Forums.
Here's an update to the Mii Sculpture we posted last week. Bidding has opened on eBay for the custom sculptures by Paul Thiel. At the time of this writing, with 3 days left on the auctions, the average going price was about $115-$130.
From the auction: "Process and Procedure:
The highest bidder will receive one six-inch sculpture handcrafted out of sculpey and acrylic that is an exact 3D replica of your own personal Mii Character!!!! Each and every detail of your Mii will be represented, from hair to facial features, clothing color, etc.
Each Mii will be numbered and signed by the artist with a certificate of authenticity and will be showcased with images of you, your Mii, and your Mii sculpture on a site available for public viewing!
Winning bidders will be required to send Mii Friend Codes to our Nintendo Wii Console.
You may also submit your Mii by mailing or emailing a photograph of your Mii (all angles) from the Mii Channel Mii Creator. If you choose to participate in our online showcase, winners are also asked provide a photo for display."
Delivery time is 3-4 weeks. How much would you pay for your Mii sculpture? See the auctions here.
Xbox 360 gamers know how addictive Xbox 360 LIVE's achievements and gamerscores are. It's a feeling that sinks in everytime you are on another gaming platform. "I could be ranking up my achievements." Achievements have changed gameplay and give you the satisfaction that you've completed part of a game. PC gamers that have been feeling left out will be glad to know the Achievement system is coming to Vista's Games For Windows platform via LIVE.
In addition to using LIVE's text, voice and using your Xbox 360 gamertag, achievements will also be crossing over from the Xbox 360 to the PC platform. Halo 2 on Windows Vista will be the first PC game to get an achievement system. Shadowrun will soon follow, which will be among the first crossplatform playable PC/Xbox 360 game.
The Achievements on Vista came up during Major Nelson's interview with Rich Wickam, from the Games For Windows Team. You can find the show, #210, on Major Nelson's blog here.
Namco Bandai Games revealed several screenshots and details to the upcoming PS2 action-RPG game, .hack//G.U. Vol. 2: Reminisce. Part of the .hack//GU trilogy, the Playstation 2 title will be released in Summer 2007.
Storyline:
.hack//G.U. Vol. 2: Reminisce picks up where players left off at the exhilarating conclusion of .hack//G.U. Vol. 1.
After defeating the mysterious Tri-Edge, Haseo and his friends learn that they can not log out of “The World.” But one of their own is whithering away – can she be saved in time? With new fighting abilities, new weapons, new party members, and new environments to explore, .hack//G.U. Vol. 2: Reminisce brings you deeper into the fantastical and creative “World” again.
Features include:
Epic Story –Breathtaking movies and a dramatic, twisting storyline help to reveal the true motives of other characters!
New Fighting Mechanics– Change weapons on the fly when fighting as Haseo
Upgraded Battle system- Utilize a new “Awakening” power, and master new fighting styles added to Avatar Battles!
More Exciting Fisticuffs – Compete in the second tier of the Arena Battles to become the Holy Palace Emperor, and fight in more Avatar Battles!
Crimson VS Card Game – Assemble the perfect deck and play the new Crimson VS Card Game!
Steam Bike – Earn items by completing Steam Bike Missions and customize your Steam Bike!
Make New Friends – New potential party members added to your roster, so you can hunt monsters with more of your favorite characters!
Midway's Root Beer Tapper (beers are only in "Tapper") will be available for 400 Microsoft Points this Wednesday. Features of the classic arcade game on the Xbox 360 include:
- Authentic to the original game, “Root Beer Tapper” on Xbox Live Arcade brings you a classic favorite.
- Take on a bar full of thirsty folks in “Root Beer Tapper” and see if you can keep their mugs full.
- Grab the empty mugs before they slide off the bar.
- Earn extra points by collecting tips.
- Locate and open the one can that has not been shaken up and serve it up to waiting patrons in the bonus rounds.
- Enjoy high-definition support for detailed graphics.
- Play either locally or over Xbox Live* in co-op or versus modes.
- Have your scores posted on the Xbox Live Leaderboard. High scores are tracked for the current week and also for all-time arcade, co-op and versus game modes.
- Earn up to 12 Achievements and 200 gamerscore points.
“Root Beer Tapper” will be available Wednesday, February 7th, at 1 a.m. PST on Xbox Live Arcade and will cost you 400 Microsoft Points ($5).
From Gamepro.com: "No word yet on a specific price (the Japanese version costs 2,000 yen, or about $16.50 US) or release date, but Namco Bandai has confirmed it will be available on the PlayStation online store sometime later this month."
