- LostWinds 2 titled Winter of the Melodias
- Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles release date is November 17, 2009
- Monster 4×4: Stunt Racer announced for Wii
- GTA Chinatown Wars’ PSP port release date is October 20, 2009
- Aion Open Beta starts on September 22, 2009
- Heavy Rain downloadable content being considered as extra stories
- Naruto Shippuden Ryujinki (Dragon Sword Chronicles) coming to Wii in Japan
- Gran Turismo 5 adds damage, NASCAR and WRC! Will include 1,000 cars!
- Halo 3: ODST Video Doc “Bip.Bap.Bam” shows Firefight mode
- Gears of War 2 Game of the Year Edition arrives on September 1, 2009
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 scored by Hans Zimmer
- Dragon Age: Origins voice cast includes Tim Curry, Claudia Black and Captain Janeway
- Disney buys Marvel for $4 billion
- New video game releases week 35, 2009
- On Wii Shop and DSiWare today: Phantasy Star, Tales of Monkey Island: Chapter 2, 3-2-1, Rattle Battle, Puzzle League Express
- Gaming News you might’ve missed in week 34
- Command & Conquer 4 now officially named Tiberian Twilight as requested by fans
- Wii Football controller accessory patented by Nintendo
- True Blood episode shows Dead Space: Extraction
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LostWinds 2 titled Winter of the Melodias Posted: 31 Aug 2009 10:20 PM PDT
LostWinds, if you didn’t know, has become the best-selling WiiWare title in Europe. And thus the developers at Frontier are now working on the sequel. It will feature a brand new game mechanic, as detailed in Edge Magazine, which allows the game’s protagonist, returning hero Toku, to switch the seasons of the world. This is obviously used to solve various puzzles. Toku can also swim in this title, and can create powerful cyclones that can drill through rocks and pick up water. It will also have a hint system to make the game easier for newcomers. Here is a developer diary with the team discussing their creation of the first game. Via N-Europe |
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Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles release date is November 17, 2009 Posted: 31 Aug 2009 10:01 PM PDT
This puts it in direct competition with Valve’s competing zombie game . . . Left 4 Dead 2. Which also launches on November 17th. In Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles, players will need to arm themselves against the horrors of the city in the sequel to the gun shooting game Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles. Darkside Chronicles takes place in Resident Evil 2’s Racoon City. It’s September 29, 1998, and the city has turned to hell due to the effects of the T-virus. Players take control of Claire Redfield and Leon S. Kennedy to deal with the undead. Only this time, the enemy is not the Umbrella Corporation . . . instead, players venture into the unexplored areas of the Resident Evil story, along with the darker passages of the characters’ histories. The story will also intertwine with that of Resident Evil: Code Veronica. Here’s a new trailer for the game from GamesCom 2009. Key features of Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles include: * Two-Player Co-op Shooting: Invite friends and family to experience the horror alongside you in 2-player co-op mode. Via 1UP |
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Monster 4×4: Stunt Racer announced for Wii Posted: 31 Aug 2009 09:48 PM PDT
“Gamers of all ages will enjoy even bigger wheels, faster trucks and crazier stunts which made Monster 4X4: World Circuit the second highest selling driving game on the Wii ever. Whether you’re grinding through inner-city construction sites, crunching out-of-town canyons, or scraping through exclusive wall-driving features, players will be able to perform vertical stunts and find shortcuts as they take on their friends and family in 4-player split-screen modes.” “Monster 4×4: Stunt Racer is a game the fans of Monster Truck World Circuit have been restlessly waiting for,” said Tony Key, director of marketing at Ubisoft. “Players will get to experience more excitement, upgraded features and the exhilarating action of steering the world’s most powerful trucks while tearing through new extreme off-road racing circuits.” But no online play?! Bah . . . Key Features of Monster 4X4: Stunt Racer include * NEW STUNTS: Players can use nitro to pull off crazy stunts like barrel rolls and back flips. Drive up vertical walls to reach shortcuts, avoid difficult terrain and cross the finish line right before your friends. |
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GTA Chinatown Wars’ PSP port release date is October 20, 2009 Posted: 31 Aug 2009 09:36 PM PDT
Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars follows the story of Huang Lee, a young Triad who travels to Liberty City after the mysterious death of his father. Within the game, players will navigate their way through the streets as they uncover the truth behind an epic tale of crime and corruption within the Triad crime syndicate, delivering the unprecedented amount of depth that has become a true trademark of the franchise. The PSP version will include enhancements over the DS version such as: upscaled widescreen graphics, enhanced lighting and animation, and, best of all, all-new story missions. Via 1UP |
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Aion Open Beta starts on September 22, 2009 Posted: 31 Aug 2009 07:50 PM PDT
Within the next four weeks, NCsoft will treat European and North American gamers to two opportunities to jump into the world of Aion and explore Atreia as Asmodian or Elyos characters ahead of its release in Europe on 25nd September and North America 22th September. Aion’s Open Beta Test featuring version 1.5 will take place 6-13th September and will include numerous Western enhancements, including improvements to Aion’s innovative character customisation with a host of Western styles, as well as new zones, instances, skills, quests and continued game balancing and improvements. Open Beta will retain a level cap for both Elyos and Asmodians characters at 30 allowing players to focus on getting to the same level so they can explore the lands of Atreia together, as well as the Abyss. Players who have pre-ordered Aion will be treated to a Pre-Select and a two-day Headstart period giving them the opportunity to explore, organise and progress through the game prior to the official launch. Pre-Select will take place on 18th September, while Aion’s Headstart will begin 20th September. Players can still participate in the Aion’s Pre-Select and Headstart programs by pre-ordering the game through several participating online and brick-and-mortar retailers. For a complete list please go to www.aiononline.com. Unlike any MMO before it, Aion is a uniquely crafted online experience where flight offers much more than just a way to explore the landscape – it is a strategic and integral part of combat, quests, and exploration. Players will dive into battle and plunge through thousands of unique, story-driven quests, all while trying to save a world literally shattered in half from centuries of brutal conflict. Using one of the most flexible and in-depth character customisation systems ever featured in an MMO, players will be able to create genuinely distinct characters and explore a visually stunning world of ethereal beauty brimming with otherworldly inhabitants, mysterious enemies, and ancient secrets. Here is a new trailer for Aion showing off the history of the world. |
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Heavy Rain downloadable content being considered as extra stories Posted: 31 Aug 2009 07:30 PM PDT
“It’s a self-contained experience. We won’t release the end of the game as DLC that you need to pay for. The game has all the scenes it’s supposed to have. It’s a complete story,” Cage said in an interview at GamesCom 2009. “But we are talking with Sony at the moment about having maybe extra downloadable content, maybe with prequels or sequels about the characters. I’m sure people will get attached to some of them and will want to know them even better.” Cage also discussed some of the newly confirmed online features that will appear in the title. “We’re working on this at the moment, having some content online and different features online,” he said. “But it won’t be of course multiplayer. It’s a single-player experience.” Cage also promises that these downloadable extra stories does not mean that the game is “short” necessarily. He says it was built to be a “short” experience, but that it is a fully fleshed out one. And that there is “big replay value”. The story scenes are also all intertwined and players can replay scenes or jump to and fro as they try to piece the mystery together. The game releases exclusively on PlayStation 3 early next year. Via VideoGamer |
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Naruto Shippuden Ryujinki (Dragon Sword Chronicles) coming to Wii in Japan Posted: 31 Aug 2009 07:05 PM PDT
The game is the latest in a line of Naruto games for the Wii, but this one seems to be more of an adventure game with fighting game elements. In the game Naruto wears his 10th Anniversary Dragon King Costume with his new Dragon Blade weapon. The storyline will also be a new one created to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the series. It also apparently features dragons . . . the title even translates to “Naruto Shippuden: Dragon Sword Chronicles”. Here is the first teaser trailer. |
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Gran Turismo 5 adds damage, NASCAR and WRC! Will include 1,000 cars! Posted: 31 Aug 2009 06:45 PM PDT
And the numbers are quite staggering. The game will include an insane 1,000 cars! Exterior damage has been implemented and 170 of the cars will even include interior damage! Perhaps the most mind-boggling news though is the announcement that Gran Turismo 5 will include both NASCAR and WRC! It will also include Electric cars like the Prius and Insight and other Hybrids. The game will also include 20 distinct raceways for a combination of 60 different layouts and has an all-new physics system. And, of course, it will include full online play. Here is the first gameplay footage of Gran Turismo 5 showing off the damage system. And here is another gameplay video, this time with sound! |
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Halo 3: ODST Video Doc “Bip.Bap.Bam” shows Firefight mode Posted: 31 Aug 2009 06:20 PM PDT
Firefight is similar in some respects to Gears of War 2’s Horde Mode, wherein you take on wave after wave of increasingly difficult enemies. In Halo 3: ODST, you can play Firefight Mode in four-player co-op either via System Link or online. Variations on the game type can be added via Skulls, and each player plays the game for an unlimited number of time until they’ve expired all their lives. You can also earn medals and Achievements for playing the Firefight Mode. Additional maps are unlocked as you progress through the game’s Single-Player campaign. The waves are also randomly generated, making it impossible to know exactly how to tackle the next wave. Those that have pre-ordered Halo 3: ODST, will also get to play as Sergeant Major Avery Johnson, the person narrating the video below, in the Firefight Mode. See Firefight in action in this video documentary. |
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Gears of War 2 Game of the Year Edition arrives on September 1, 2009 Posted: 31 Aug 2009 05:14 PM PDT
For those who don’t have the game, it will be a great deal at a cheaper price of $40. It includes the full game of Gears of War 2 along with all of the downloadable content packs released so far: Flashback, Combustible, Dark Corners and Snowblind. This adds to 19 additional multiplayer maps from the “All Fronts Collection” and the extra “Road to Ruin” chapter for the single-player campaign. Kotaku is also reporting that the game comes with a DLC download card, which allows you to download the extra content from the Xbox Live Marketplace for free. It’s not actually on the disc. Either way this is a great deal for those few gamers who have yet to pick the game up. Via 1UP |
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Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 scored by Hans Zimmer Posted: 31 Aug 2009 04:50 PM PDT
This hopefully means the epic-ness will be taken up a few notches as you play through the game. Which you can see in action, the single-player History Mode at least, in this leaked gameplay video from a Game Crazy company conference. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is scheduled for release on November 10, 2009 on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC. Via VG247 |
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Dragon Age: Origins voice cast includes Tim Curry, Claudia Black and Captain Janeway Posted: 31 Aug 2009 04:23 PM PDT
Dragon Age: Origins marks BioWare’s return to fantasy, created from the ground up to take players through a dark epic tale filled with violence, lust, and betrayal. Tim Curry will play the villainous Arl Rendon Howe. Howe is the calculating villain, cultured and charming, with an insatiable lust for power who never hesitates to harm anyone who gets in his way. Kate Mulgrew will lend her vocal flair to Flemeth, a powerful witch who maintains her immortality through the darkest of means, and who plays a pivotal role in the player’s survival. Both roles provide the actors with the opportunity to bring their considerable talents to bear in their portrayal of these characters. Watch them work behind-the-scenes in this video. Dragon Age: Origins will be released on November 3, 2009 for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC. |
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Disney buys Marvel for $4 billion Posted: 31 Aug 2009 03:44 PM PDT
This equals to around $50 per Marvel share, a 30% premium for shareholders of the comic king. It also means that the house that Mickey Mouse built now owns the rights to over 5,000 Marvel Comics characters! “This transaction combines Marvel’s strong global brand and world-renowned library of characters including Iron Man, Spider-Man, X-Men, Captain America, Fantastic Four and Thor with Disney’s creative skills, unparalleled global portfolio of entertainment properties, and a business structure that maximizes the value of creative properties across multiple platforms and territories,” said Disney head Robert A Iger. Ike Perlmutter and his team have done an impressive job of nurturing these properties and have created significant value. We are pleased to bring this talent and these great assets to Disney.” It is not yet known how exactly this will effect Marvel, and in turn, effect any Marvel videogames. It is my guess that Disney will NOT tamper with what Marvel is and has become, but will instead allow Marvel to use the tremendous assets and infristracture now at their disposal to Marvel’s advantage. Hopefully this will only mean positive things for Marvel who will have the broadest reach they’ve ever had with Disney’s backing. I just pray that Disney won’t be getting in the way of how Marvel operates and what they produce. And they better not do anything crazy. Like add Marvel characters to Kindgom Hearts! . . . Actually on second thought, that might be kind of cool! Read the whole press release for all the legal mumbo jumbo regarding the buyout, below. Worldwide leader in family entertainment agrees to acquire Marvel and its portfolio of over 5,000 characters Acquisition highlights Disney’s strategic focus on quality branded content, technological innovation and international expansion to build long-term shareholder valueBuilding on its strategy of delivering quality branded content to people around the world, The Walt Disney Company (DIS) has agreed to acquire Marvel Entertainment, Inc. (MVL) in a stock and cash transaction, the companies announced today. Under the terms of the agreement and based on the closing price of Disney on August 28, 2009, Marvel shareholders would receive a total of $30 per share in cash plus approximately 0.745 Disney shares for each Marvel share they own. At closing, the amount of cash and stock will be adjusted if necessary so that the total value of the Disney stock issued as merger consideration based on its trading value at that time is not less than 40% of the total merger consideration.Based on the closing price of Disney stock on Friday, August 28, the transaction value is $50 per Marvel share or approximately $4 billion. “This transaction combines Marvel’s strong global brand and world-renowned library of characters including Iron Man, Spider-Man, X-Men, Captain America, Fantastic Four and Thor with Disney’s creative skills, unparalleled global portfolio of entertainment properties, and a business structure that maximizes the value of creative properties across multiple platforms and territories,” said Robert A. Iger, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company. “Ike Perlmutter and his team have done an impressive job of nurturing these properties and have created significant value. We are pleased to bring this talent and these great assets to Disney.” “We believe that adding Marvel to Disney’s unique portfolio of brands provides significant opportunities for long-term growth and value creation,” Iger said. “Disney is the perfect home for Marvel’s fantastic library of characters given its proven ability to expand content creation and licensing businesses,” said Ike Perlmutter, Marvel’s Chief Executive Officer. “This is an unparalleled opportunity for Marvel to build upon its vibrant brand and character properties by accessing Disney’s tremendous global organization and infrastructure around the world.” Under the deal, Disney will acquire ownership of Marvel including its more than 5,000 Marvel characters. Mr. Perlmutter will oversee the Marvel properties, and will work directly with Disney’s global lines of business to build and further integrate Marvel’s properties. The Boards of Directors of Disney and Marvel have each approved the transaction, which is subject to clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act, certain non-United States merger control regulations, effectiveness of a registration statement with respect to Disney shares issued in the transaction and other customary closing conditions. The agreement will require the approval of Marvel shareholders. Marvel was advised on the transaction by BofA Merrill Lynch. |
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New video game releases week 35, 2009 Posted: 31 Aug 2009 08:05 AM PDT
Monday: Tuesday: Wednesday: Thursday: |
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Posted: 31 Aug 2009 06:21 AM PDT
Where available, we’ve included videos of each of today’s games. Either for nostalgia’s sake or so you can see if any new game is to your taste. This week’s new Virtual Console game is: Phantasy Star This week’s new WiiWare games are: Tales of Monkey Island: Chapter 2: The Siege of Spinner Cay 3-2-1, Rattle Battle! This week’s new DSiWare game is: Puzzle League Express |
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Gaming News you might’ve missed in week 34 Posted: 31 Aug 2009 05:59 AM PDT
In week 34, 2009, he talks about BlizzCon 2009, console exclusive game previews, and more big games news. |
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Command & Conquer 4 now officially named Tiberian Twilight as requested by fans Posted: 31 Aug 2009 05:45 AM PDT
More than 15,000 fans from all over the world submitted their ideas via commandandconquer.com, with Command & Conquer 4 Tiberian Twilight being the most popular title for EALA’s conclusion to the epic Tiberium saga. “Our sophisticated fans are a tremendous community with a great love for the series. We really wanted to involve them in Command & Conquer 4 – what better way than to have them create the title?” said Mike Glosecki, Lead Producer on Command & Conquer 4 at EA Los Angeles. “We were blown away by all the creative names they came up with but the most popular selection, Tiberian Twilight, seemed the best fit, embodying that the saga is coming to a powerful and epic conclusion.” Command & Conquer 4 Tiberian Twilight brings a multitude of innovations to the fast and action-packed C&C gameplay that fans have come to love in the series’ 15-year legacy. Introducing mobile bases, persistent player progression, a 3-class system and an objective-based 5v5 multiplayer, Command & Conquer 4 Tiberian Twilight will bring fans more strategic depth and compelling new gameplay variations than any C&C game before. With the return of the series’ signature high quality live action cinematics, including Joe Kucan as the Brotherhood of Nod’s enigmatic leader Kane, Command & Conquer 4 Tiberian Twilight is set out to give fans a powerful and stunning conclusion to their beloved saga. Samuel Bass takes a break from working on the game to give us some insider info on C&C 4’s debut trailer. |
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Wii Football controller accessory patented by Nintendo Posted: 31 Aug 2009 05:33 AM PDT
Apparently Nintendo patented this soft Wii Football controller. Or more specifically, Howard Cheng, Vice President of Research and Development at Nintendo of America did. You can see it “in action” together with the Wii Remote on the illustration above. What that doesn’t show is what’s going on inside the Wii Football. It can add the use of the Wii nunchuck and Wii MotionPlus add-ons to detect orientation and improve its ability to recognize actions for better in-game controls. Here are some usage examples given by Nintendo: Via Siliconera |
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True Blood episode shows Dead Space: Extraction Posted: 31 Aug 2009 05:29 AM PDT
The Nintendo Wii and the upcoming Wii-exclusive Dead Space: Extraction game got a cameo in last week’s “New World In My View” season 2 episode of True Blood. You might recall similar product placement in Heroes from the PS3’s Heavenly Sword before that launched as well. Dead Space: Extraction won’t be out until September 29th, 2009. Watch the Wii appearance on True Blood. Warning: coarse language ahead. The Wii console appeared in the same show previously with Bill playing Wii Sports golf. |


Ubisoft has announced a new Wii racer called Monster 4X4: Stunt Racer, the sequel to the original “













In the name of Kane — the fans have spoken. EA Los Angeles announces the official name for the upcoming iteration of the award-winning real-time strategy series, Command & Conquer 4. Scheduled for a 2010 PC-exclusive release, 


















