In a move similar to Project Gotham Racing 4, Burnout Paradise gets the addition of motorbikes. That's a first for the Burnout game series.
From Criterion Games: "For the first time, we'll let you loose in a Burnout game on motorbikes! And because we're dedicated to bringing you game-changing new Burnout Paradise content all year, bikes will feature their own game modes, challenges and even some new locations tailored to fit their unique performance and handing characteristics."
Can't wait to see those burnouts on the bikes. We'll have to see how the Criterion team handles the wipeout of the motorcyclist. The motorbikes will be included in the "Davis" Burnout Paradise update in August 2008. In addition to announcing the new motorbikes, there will also be a night mode.
Capcom has announced a few bonus extras for the PC version of Devil May Cry 4. More enemies, extra difficulty and cut scenes running at 120 frames per second are some of the highlights. Prior to the game's release, a demo will be available to allow PC gamers to not only try the gameplay, but see how their system holds up in the "benchmark mode."
Details on the PC exclusive options: "Turbo mode will turn-up the action to insane speeds, while Legendary Dark Knight Mode will harness advanced PC processing power and fill the screen with an unbelievable number of enemies for extra difficulty. Moreover, familiar enemies from the console versions will show-up in new locations in the PC version. The high resolution screen settings allow the cut scenes of the game to run at up to 120 frames per second (up from 30 frames per second in the console version of the game). Slider options are available to manage various visual effects seen throughout the game."
Devil May Cry 4 will be available for PCs this summer.
Think of LOL as social gaming, or a party game, on the Nintendo DS. LOL is a unique multiplayer only (2-4 players) DS game that provides a few basic drawing and voting controls, leaving the subject open to anything.
Agetec explains how the game is played: "LOL is played by one of the players making a challenge in writing to the others. The crazier the challenge, the more fun everyone will have. The person who delivered the challenge chooses an appropriate time limit, and everyone has to answer the challenge on their touch screen however they see fit – with words, pictures, or whatever comes to mind. The host reveals the answers, and everyone votes on a winner who will then decide on the challenge for the next round. Always different and a blast to play every time, LOL will, as its name implies, make everyone laugh out loud."
You won't be seeing this game at retailers. Obviously because it's a multiplayer only DS game. Hiro Fukuoka, producer at Agetec, states: “We love LOL, and think it’s a completely unique game, however we think it’ll be tough to sell into the retailers. So we decided to release it exclusively online. Hopefully it catches some attention like Electroplankton did. LOL will be available through Agetec.com on the day of its release, and we’re currently looking for an online retailer to do exclusive pre-orders with.”
LOL comes from SKIP, creators of other Nintendo exclusive titles like Chibi Robo and bit Generations. It was originally designed as a "comedy-training game."
LOL supports "DS Single-Card Download Play," which means only one DS system needs to have the game. You'll just need 3 other friends with a Nintendo DS. LOL will be available for purchase online at Agetec on May 30th for $19.99.
In an interesting move for Microsoft, the company announced today that they would be forming a partnership with the Companions in Courage Foundation. This foundation is a non-profit organization which helps families struggling with seriously ill children. Through this partnership, Microsoft will be supplying Xbox 360 Kiosks to various children's hospitals and pediatric centers.
"The customized and hospital-friendly Xbox 360 kiosks are pre-loaded with a variety of Y-rated TV programs, G-rated movies, games rated E and E10+, as well as Xbox 360 Headset and Xbox LIVE Vision Camera capabilities, which enable patients to communicate over a dedicated Xbox LIVE network. This network, created just for Xbox 360 kiosks and consoles in children’s hospitals, allows patients to play games over Xbox LIVE, but limits chat via voice, text and video to only those children playing from select hospitals across the country. The industry-leading parental controls on Xbox 360, known as Family Settings, will be used to help restrict access to content outside ratings parameters, as well as the times during which patients can use the kiosks or consoles."
This seems like an awesome way for sick children to break the monotony of the hospital bed. To make a donation to help provide more kiosks to hospitals, click here.
Today, KontrolFreek has announced that their Xbox 360 FPSFreek and SpeedFreek will soon be available for PLAYSTATION 3 gamers. The controller enhancements snap on to the existing PLAYSTATION 3 controller to improve your gameplay in racing and skating games (SpeedFreek) and FPS games (FPSFreek). The SpeedFreek cradles your thumb for ease in drifting and sharp turns, preventing slippage as well! The FPS Freek adds leverage to provide better accuracy to your aim.
The PLAYSTATION 3 SpeedFreek is now available for order at www.kontrolfreek.com. The FPSFreek is currently in the final testing stages and will be available in about a month for both the Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3. Pre-orders receive a 20% discount.
Activision has released the intro trailer and details of the upcoming Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 game, Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars. "MegaTexture graphics technology" is listed as one of the unique features of the game. What does that mean? Activision explains:
"Ground-Breaking Technology – Using id Software’s new MegaTexture rendering technology, Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars renders large, highly-detailed and un-tiled outdoor environments all the way to the horizon, providing a seamless experience that accurately simulates shadows, atmosphere, vegetation and weather for a graphically immersive gaming experience. Advanced real-time physics and all-new network code support large-scale military combat for up to 16 players through real-world locations, including deserts, glaciers, mountains and countryside."
Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars was previously released on the PC, but Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 gamers will get to "choose to play offline or online modes as Human or Strogg in one of five unique character classes." There's also "persistent character growth" to get you hooked and coming back for more. Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars will be available May 27, 2008.
Today's Xbox Live Arcade release is Lost Cities, from Sierra Online. The XBLA game is now available for 800 Microsoft Points ($10).
About Lost Cities: "Risk it all on the expeditions of a lifetime in the award-winning card game Lost Cities as it comes to life on Xbox LIVE Arcade. Draw from a pool of cards to amass the most points, play your cards wisely, take chances with your money, and create the best strategy to outwit your opponent on the road to victory."
Nintendo has announced a launch event for Mario Kart Wii to take place at the Nintendo World Store in New York City's Rockefeller Plaza. Actor Jason Priestley, from Beverly Hills, 90210 fame (and a racing enthusiast himself), will be there to compete against fans. Nintendo will also be giving away prizes, such as personalized Mario Kart driver's licenses.
WHEN:
Saturday, April 26
Nintendo World opens: 9 a.m.
Event: 2 - 6 p.m.
Today, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) has confirmed the PLAYSTATION 3 Official Grand Theft Auto IV bundle. It's been rumored from various retailers in the UK, but now SCEE has finally confirmed it.
From SCEE: "The bundle, available on April 29, 2008, will consist of a PLAYSTATION 3 40GB model, a SIXAXIS wireless controller and a copy of Grand Theft Auto IV, the latest title in the genre-defining Grand Theft Auto franchise, all for just €439 (RRP)."
“We are delighted to offer the millions of PS3 and GTA fans the ultimate gaming package,” said David Reeves, President, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe.
The GTA IV bundle has only been confirmed by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE). No word from SCEA if the US will get the same bundle.
Not much to say here, but check out Nintendo's Mario Kart Wii commercial below, with "Cowboy Jed." The video shows how to use the Wii Wheel to do a flip, a wheelie, power slide. Basically says: "Get behind the wheel!"
and 
game, Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars. "MegaTexture graphics technology" is listed as one of the unique features of the game. What does that mean? Activision explains:
to take place at the Nintendo World Store in New York City's Rockefeller Plaza. Actor Jason Priestley, from Beverly Hills, 90210 fame (and a racing enthusiast himself), will be there to compete against fans. Nintendo will also be giving away prizes, such as personalized Mario Kart driver's licenses.
