EL33TONLINE News

GTA IV DLC arriving early next year

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 16:11:00 GMT

So where is that much-touted (mostly by Microsoft), very expensive (paid for by Microsoft), exclusive to the Xbox 360 (…) downloadable content for Grand Theft Auto IV that was promised to be here before Christmas? It’s not here and, according to an announcement, it won’t be here until early next year.

Entitled Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and Damned, the first episode (of two) of the downloadable content will be available exclusively on Xbox 360 via Xbox LIVE on February 17 2009, featuring all new content including new missions, multiplayer modes, weapons, vehicles and additional music. The DLC obviously requires GTA IV to play. Founder of Rockstar Games, Sam Houser had this to say:

“Making these episodes has enabled us to expand the narrative and the experience of interacting with a game world in really innovative ways. We hope fans of the game enjoy the new way of experiencing life in Liberty City contained in this first episode.”

So, there you have it. After Christmas, but before Easter, to continue the festive release scheduling. Additional information reveals that the game follows the exploits of Johnny Klebitz, a member of Liberty City biker gang The Lost. Vice president of creative development for Rockstar Games, Dan Houser teases:

“Johnny is a very different character than [GTAIV protagonist] Niko, with a very different background. I can't go into too much detail on the story, because we try not to give away too much plot before the game is released. But I can say that the story will show you a different side of Liberty City.”

Some released screenshots for the game follow below:

Contributor: Oliver

Guitar Hero discouraged by Nickelback frontman

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:28:00 GMT

It seems not all real musicians appreciate plastic game controllers shaped like music instruments. While Aerosmith, Metallica and The Beatles are all getting their own music-based branded games, and hundreds of bands have been making some cash by selling songs via downloadable content from the likes of Guitar Hero and Rock Band, Chad Kroeger, the frontman for Canadian band Nickelback, isn’t so keen on the phenomenon:

“I feel like there's not enough rock bands out there, especially when we go on the road. It's tough to find other bands out there, because either they're making a record, or they just got done touring. So kids: Start rock bands. Set down the Guitar Hero, learn how to play an actual guitar and start a band, because it's hard to find more bands to put a solid rock-and-roll package together, to get out there. It's getting harder and harder, but I think we've done it.”

Maybe no-one’s approached them to make loads of cash off of Guitar Hero? jk.

Contributor: Oliver

MK VS DC Universe out today!

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:08:00 GMT

While North America got its collective hands on it on Tuesday, Mortal Kombat VS DC Universe is now available (mostly) everywhere around the world today!

The eighth entry to the series (not including spin-offs and special editions), Mortal Kombat VS DC Universe is especially unique for its inclusion of characters from an entirely different franchise (DC Comics obviously) and is also the first Mortal Kombat title on the new generation of consoles.

Mortal Kombat VS DC Universe is now available on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Head on over here for a collection of information, screenshots and videos, or turn your eyes below for a fatality montage featuring finishing moves from an array of key characters:

Contributor: Oliver

Second WoW expansion sells millions on launch

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 14:06:00 GMT

The launch-day sales figures have been revealed for World of Warcraft’s 2nd expansion pack, Wrath of the Lich King, and they sure are impressive.

Catapulting Lich King into the realms of ‘the fasting selling PC title of all time,’ it sold a massive 2.8 million units within 24 hours, say Blizzard, the developers, beating the previous record of 2.4 million units, held by their own game and the first expansion to World of Warcraft, The Burning Crusade.

Contributing to this great success was the fact that the game enjoyed a simultaneous worldwide release, with over 15 000 stores around the globe holding midnight launch events. Blizzard CEO and co-founder, Mike Morhaime said:

“We’re grateful for the incredible support that players around the world have continued to show for World of Warcraft. Wrath of the Lich King contains some of the best content we’ve created for the game so far and we look forward to seeing even more players log in to experience it in the days ahead.”

As of the end of October, World of Warcraft, the world-dominating massively multiplayer online RPG, has 11 million active online subscribers.

Contributor: Oliver

PlayStation Store Update for November 21st

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:44:00 GMT

It’s a bit of a mixed bag this week on the PlayStation Network, with the usual assortment of Rock Band and Guitar Hero downloadable content, as well as what’s becoming an expected slew of Dead Space and LittleBigPlanet DLC.

The long awaited Bioshock ‘Challenge Rooms’ add-on pack makes an appearance on both the US and European stores this week, however, which adds a spike of excitement for owners of that awesome experience.

The full European and US PlayStation Store Updates follow below:

Contributor: Oliver

Super Street Fighter II HD Remix priced for XBLA

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:31:00 GMT

The internet is abuzz with pricing and dates for Capcom’s forthcoming beat ‘em up Super Street Fighter II HD Remix.

Earlier in the week we brought you news that the game would be released on the 26th of November on Xbox Live Arcade. Just this morning we reported that it would be released on the PlayStation Store on the 25th of November and that it would feature a Street Fighter Underground Remix Soundtrack exclusive to PS3 gamers.

The latest news via Capcom’s blog is that HD Remix will cost 1200 Microsoft Points when it arrives on XBLA next Wednesday. The price point of $14.99 was also confirmed for the US PlayStation Store, however, it is not clear when the game will arrive in Europe although the use of the words “when it eventually arrives” in the post can’t be good.

Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix is a remake of the classic beat ‘em up that features new 1080p high definition art, redrawn character art and backgrounds as well as online multiplayer for up to two players.

Contributor: Lisa

House of the Dead: Overkill Collectors Edition for PAL fans

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:01:00 GMT

With the release of The House of the Dead: Overkill just around the corner, Sega has announced that a Collector’s Edition for the game will be released in the PAL territories.

The Collector’s Edition will be encased in an exclusive collector’s slipcase and will include an exclusive graphic novel titled “Prelude to an Overkill.” This specially commissioned comic will only be available in the Collector’s Edition and through selected retailers as a pre-order bonus.

“Prelude to an Overkill” takes a closer look at the stories of Agent Washington and Varla Gunns on the night before the events of the game.

Contributor: Lisa

Prince of Persia DLC confirmed

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:07:00 GMT

Ubisoft has confirmed plans to release downloadable content for the new Prince of Persia game post-launch. The publisher promised further details and release date for the DLC in the near future.

“Our intention is to do downloadable content that really offers a lot of value for the player - another experience,” said Ben Mattes, Producer.

Ubisoft also launched a new Prince of Persia website to kick off the countdown to the release of the game. Prince of Persia will be released for the Xbox 360 and PS3 on the 5th of December.

Contributor: Lisa

Super Street Fighter II HD Remix dated and priced for PSN

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 11:26:00 GMT

Earlier in the week Capcom spilled the beans that Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix will be released on the 26th of November on Xbox Live Arcade. Yesterday Capcom confirmed that the anticipated beat ‘em up would arrive on the PlayStation Network on the 25th of November.

The post on SCEA’s PlayStation blog also revealed that the game would cost $14.99. The game will feature online play and 1080p graphics, two types of gameplay (original and rebalanced) but trophies will not be available at launch.

Contributor: Lisa

Age of Booty dated for Europe

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 11:13:00 GMT

Age of Booty will be arriving on the European PlayStation Store on the 27th of November.

This is the official word from Capcom’s blog who also noted that the game “plays nicely across territories (North America, Europe and Asia) so EU gamers should find plenty of people to matchmake with right away.”

Contributor: Lisa

Colin McRae: Dirt 2 detailed

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 10:21:00 GMT

Yesterday Codemasters announced Colin McRae: Dirt 2. The future of the popular off-road racer was unclear after rally driver McRae died in September last year. However, Codemasters confirmed that the famous series bearing his name will continue and will honour his life after a decision made jointly between the McRae family and the publisher.

“Colin McRae was all about the speed, the excitement and the entertainment of rally driving. Even when we first worked with him over ten years ago, he captured a freedom and a spirit that enthralled rally fans.” said Gavin Raeburn, senior executive producer at Codemasters Studios.

“Later his showmanship shone through in events such as the X-games, the Dakar Rally and the Race of Champions. He could do things with a car that no one else would and that’s where we’re taking the series with new events at the extreme edge of rally and autosport. It will be a great tribute to an incredible champion.”

Contributor: Lisa

Japanese Sales Data: Media Create hardware sales for 10/11 – 16/11

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 10:04:00 GMT

The Nintendo DSi continued its domination of the Japanese hardware chart for the week ending the 16th of November. The third iteration of the Nintendo DS handheld sold 85 327 units, twice as many as the nearest competitor, Sony’s PSP. Together the DS Lite and DSi sold 88 886 units, down from last week’s 113 278.

The PSP sold 38 153 units this week to hold on to second place, also dropping in sales from last week’s 43 726. The Wii came third with 26 787 units, the only console to record an increase in sales this week. The PS3 sold 17 448 units, dropping marginally by roughly 1000 units this week, followed by the Xbox 360 with 7 983 units, which experienced dropped quite substantially from last week’s 12 759 units. The PS2 rounded off the chart with 5 421 units.

For a closer look at the software side of things, head over to the software chart for this week.

Hardware Chart

Nintendo DS - 88 886

PSP - 38 153

Wii - 26 787

PS3 - 17 448

Xbox 360 - 7 983

PS2 – 5 421

Source: Media Create

Contributor: Lisa

Colin McRae: Dirt 2 announced

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:07:00 GMT

Codemasters has announced that it will be releasing an off-road sequel to Colin McRae: Dirt despite McRae dying tragically in a helicopter accident last year.

“Colin McRae was all about the speed, the excitement and the entertainment of rally driving. Later his showmanship shone through in events such as the X-games, the Dakar Rally and the Race of Champions,” said the game's executive producer Gavin Raeburn.

“He could do things with a car that no one else would and that's where we're taking the series with new events at the extreme edge of rally and motorsport. It will be a great tribute to an incredible champion.”

Colin McRae: Dirt 2 will be released on the Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, DS, PSP and PC in 2009. For more information head over to IGN for an interview with Gavin Raeburn.

We thoroughly enjoyed our romp in the dirt in the first game. Read our review of Colin McRae: Dirt for more about our impressions of this off-road racer.

Contributor: Lisa

Lost Winds blows into Japan

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 13:48:00 GMT

Frontier has partnered with Square Enix to bring their popular WiiWare title Lost Winds to Japan and Asia.

Lost Winds is a platform adventure game that revolves around a young boy named Toku. Players control Toku as he embarks upon a quest to save his world from the evil Balasar with the help of the wind element Enril. Players use the elemental powers of Enril to guide and protect Toku, powering his jumps, defeating enemies and solving puzzles.

Toku and the innovative gameplay of Lost Winds charmed us so watch out for our review soon.

Contributor: Lisa

Japanese Sales Data: Media Create software sales for 10/11 – 16/11

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 13:06:00 GMT

The DS remake of the SNES platformer Kirby Super Star, Hoshi no Kirby: Ultra Super Deluxe (known as Kirby Super Star Ultra in the US), tops the Japanese software chart for a second week with 97 000 copies.

Spike’s Samuraidou 3 for the PS3 is the first of six new titles to debut in the Top 10 this week. Samuraidou 3 debuts at number 2 with 81 000 copies while Konami’s Tongari Boushi to Mahou no 365 Nichi for the DS enters the charts at number 3 with 72 000 copies.

At number 4 is Sega’s Fushigi no Dungeon Fuurai no Shiren DS 2: Sabaku no Majou which debuts with 45 000 copies. Sony’s Resistance 2 is new at number 5 with 33 000 copies and becomes the second PS3 title to debut in the Top 10 this week.

Contributor: Lisa

National Geographic to publish Sony’s Afrika?

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:17:00 GMT

Yesterday we brought you news of National Geographic launching its own games division. The label aims to publish and develop its own line of games for consoles in collaboration with Namco Bandai and Sony, specifically focusing on titles that encourage interest in the planet.

Tucked away at the bottom of the press release was an interesting list of titles that National Geographic Games plans to publish. On the said list is none other than Sony’s National Geographic: Africa.

Afrika is a safari sim/wildlife photography title that up until now has been released exclusively in Japan (and in Asia under the name Hakuna Matata) on the PS3. It seems that National Geographic may have spilled the beans on plans to release the popular safari game in North America.

The press release also reveals that the title will be released in November 2008, this month! This could well hint that it will be released as a downloadable title on the PlayStation Network.

Contributor: Lisa

Remarkable ‘Bike Hero: World Tour’ video

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 11:44:00 GMT

What a peculiar and-simultaneously-amazing video. It features some guy on a bike with a Guitar Hero themed handlebar, riding over little coloured dots on the road to simulate the in-game Guitar Hero fret board, getting ‘star power’ and multipliers along the way, eventually finishing the song with a ‘You Rock!’ Which song? Prisoner of Society by The Living End, on Hard difficulty, of course.

Was this the work of Activision PR, or a group of people with a little too much time on their hands? Surely the former… surely. Watch below and be amazed.

Thanks to Variety for the heads up.

Contributor: Oliver

The Wheelman release date revealed

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 11:04:00 GMT

Midway have confirmed a release date for The Wheelman, a collaborative development effort between Midway Newcastle and Vin Diesel’s own Tigon Studios.

The Wheelman is designed to be a blockbuster car chase racing game, taking its cues from classic Hollywood car chases, aiming to deliver powerful cinematic moments to drive the game’s storyline forward. You’ll either be using your car to ram your enemies off of the road, or an array of weaponry to shoot on the go, or, if the need takes you, you can get out the car for some on-foot action, with all of your exploits set in the city of Barcelona, Spain. Vin Diesel said of the game:

“We’re designing Wheelman to play like a Hollywood blockbuster. Playing this game will be just like taking control of the greatest car chases from feature films, except this time you’re in the driver’s seat.”

Midway executive vice president Martin Spiess assured gamers of their good intentions, “Featuring Vin Diesel and set in Barcelona, Wheelman is a title with enormous sales potential. We’re making a multi-million dollar marketing investment to make sure that gamers around the world are ready when Wheelman goes on sale worldwide, which we have planned for February 2009.”

The Wheelman has a release date of February 20th next year on Xbox 360 and PS3, with a movie also in the works. You can check out some screenshots and a recent trailer to get re-acquainted below:

Contributor: Oliver

Xbox LIVE Marketplace roundup for 19/11

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:46:00 GMT

What can you expect on Xbox LIVE Marketplace this week, other than the New Xbox Experience? Rock Band tracks and a new XBLA game, of course!

First the game - A Kingdom for Keflings, the first game to take advantage of the New Xbox Experience’s avatar system, is now available for 800 Microsoft Points. A city-building game from NinjaBee, A Kingdom for Keflings allows you to play either as your own avatar in giant form, or choose from a variety of other giants, to help your loyal subjects, the Keflings, build and develop a kingdom.

A variety of Rock Band tracks and track packs can also be found on Marketplace this week, a list of which follows below:

Contributor: Oliver

National Geographic announces games division

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:43:00 GMT

National Geographic, one of the world's largest non-profit scientific and educational organizations, has announced the launch of its very own games division, National Geographic Games (NGG).

The label, in collaboration with Namco Bandai and Sony Computer Entertainment, aims to publish and develop its own line of games for consoles, handhelds and mobiles, focussing on titles that continue the National Geographic Society’s goals of encouraging interest in the planet.

The label will be headed up by Paul Levine, taking on the role of corporate strategy and development Senior Vice President, while Chris Mate, formerly of Take-Two and Bethesda Softworks, will take the vice president and general manager reigns. Chief operating officer of National Geographic Ventures, Ted Prince said of the launch:

“The launch of our games division furthers National Geographic Venture's cross-platform strategy of creating and distributing unique consumer experiences and content on multiple platforms and devices.”

“Paul's strong background in cross-platform media, interactive entertainment and business building and development combined with Chris' expertise in the video game industry and product development will ensure that National Geographic Games extends our mission globally and makes the National Geographic brand more meaningful to a broader audience.”

Contributor: Oliver

Top Ten things to do on the NXE

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:26:00 GMT

Major Nelson, the Xbox mouthpiece, has posted his Top Ten list for things to do on the New Xbox Experience when it’s officially unleashed into the world later today, complete with hints and bonus tips. What’s the first thing on the list?

“1) Create (or Customize) your Avatar - You can spend as much (or as little) time as you want in the Avatar Editor to personalize your little guy/girl

Bonus: When you are done with #1, be sure to take a Gamer Picture of your Avatar. In the Avatar editor, choose Gamer Picture. You can use the controls to move your avatar around, zoom in and out or even change the background color (press Y).”

Thanks Major! The full list can be viewed on his blog, which includes activities such as exploring the dashboard, installing games to the hard drive, checking out the new marketplace and ‘PAR-TAY!’ His words.

Unless you’ve been submerged at the bottom of the ocean, in a locked coffin, buried deep in the sand beneath a giant reef, you’d know that the New Xbox Experience launches today, November 19th, bringing with it a host of new features and generally making the Xbox LIVE experience that much smoother.

Contributor: Oliver

Koei, Tecmo merger finalised, worth $207 million

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:13:00 GMT

The merger between Koei (Dynasty Warriors) and Tecmo (Ninja Gaiden, Dead or Alive), announced earlier this year, has had some further light shed on the exact terms of the agreement.

The holy (or unholy) union between the two highly regarded Japanese developers will be worth $207 million and will result in the formation of a holding company, with official operation of this company beginning in April 2009.

Performance expectations are pretty high, with expected sales revenues to reach $727 million, on profits of $166.2 million by the end of the fiscal year March 2012. This can be compared to current figures for Koei and Tecmo, with operating profits at $88.3 million and sales of $427.9 million for both companies combined.

The merger, news of which came after Square Enix made a move for Tecmo, aims to give both companies a much needed boost in corporate value, against a slowly deteriorating Japanese development industry.

Contributor: Oliver

Steel Penny Games announce Bruiser and Scratch for WiiWare

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:35:00 GMT

Steel Penny Games (founded in 2006 by ex-Naughty Dog veterans) has announced its first game, Bruiser and Scratch, will be heading exclusively to WiiWare in December this year. The game has yet to be priced.

Described as a “unique take on a matching puzzle game”, Bruiser & Scratch sees players controlling one of the heroes in each level as they unravel puzzles by pushing life-sized pieces around. As you match pieces they will combine and transform into other shapes until they are combined into a single winning piece at the end. The gameplay is described as “easy to grasp” but “more challenging than it seems.”

“Bruiser and Scratch is an exciting puzzle game for the whole family. As puzzle games go, this one is pretty challenging, rewarding and humorous,” said Jason Hughes, president and founder of Steel Penny Games. “It was our goal to develop a game full of character and fun that the entire family looks forward to enjoying together, a little bit at a time. Naturally, Wii is the ideal platform for this,” says Hughes.

For more information and screenshots head over to the game’s website.

Contributor: Lisa

Play Rock Band 2 with Tenacious D!

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:23:00 GMT

To celebrate the release of their new DVD, The Complete Masterworks 2, Tenacious D will be playing Rock Band 2 with Xbox LIVE Gold members on November 20th. What do you need to do to get in on the jam session?

Send a friend request to either of the following Gamertags:

JBTenacious

KGTenacious

Then, make sure you’re online at 8:00 PM EST (1:00 AM GMT on November 21st) for the action at 8:30 PM.

If you want in on this event, you’d better send those invites soon! For more information, head on over to the announcement on Xbox.com.

Contributor: Oliver

Xbox LIVE Activity for week of 10/11: Gears 2 is No. 1

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Just what has everybody been playing on Xbox LIVE over the last week? Would it surprise you to find out that Gears of War 2 wasn’t the number one most played game on the service? Sure it would, so logically it shouldn’t surprise you that it’s beaten out all of the most popular titles to become just that - the most played game on Xbox LIVE for the week of November 10th.

The battle raging between Call of Duty 4 and Halo 3 for the top spot will have to be waged for No. 2, while new challengers, Call of Duty: World at War and Left 4 Dead (in demo form, but now released in the US) will make the top five games even more heavily contested. It’s going to be extremely interesting to see how it all shakes out in the coming weeks.

The full top ten most played Xbox 360 titles, XBLA titles and original Xbox titles, based on unique users, follows below:

Contributor: Oliver

Football Manager 2009 launch trailer

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:46:00 GMT

After the latest Football Manager title stomped the UK charts on its launch week, managing a No. 3 placing on debut, it can safely be said that the 2009 edition has proven popular with the fans.

If you haven’t got it yet and you’re wondering what it’s all about, you can watch the launch trailer below to get a slice of the glamorous life football team managers must endure as part of their job.

Football Manager 2009 is now available on PC.

Contributor: Oliver

Super Street Fighter HD Remix dated for XBLA

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:08:00 GMT

Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix will be released on the 26th of November on Xbox Live Arcade.

A screenshot accompanying a post on Capcom’s blog detailing Street Fighter’s branded destination experience in the New Xbox Experience spilled the beans. The screenshot says “Coming Nov 26 to Xbox Live Arcade” while the post jokes that the release “could be just a few days away.”

Although Capcom has yet to announce a release date for the PlayStation Network, it seems logical that it would arrive on PS3’s on the 27th of November.

Contributor: Lisa

Capcom and Microsoft team up for NXE

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:10:00 GMT

Capcom and Microsoft have teamed up to bring Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix for Xbox Live Arcade to the New Xbox Experience. Capcom’s fighter will be one of the first games to be featured in the New Xbox Experience with a Branded Destination Experience.

This means that gamers will have a Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix central hub to access themes, picture packs, videos and new DLC.

“With 1080p high-definition art and graphics, and the ultimate user feature set, Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix is the perfect game to compliment the New Xbox Experience,” said Christian Svensson, VP of Strategic Planning and Business Development at Capcom Entertainment Inc.

Does this Branded Destination Experience get the thumbs up?

Contributor: Lisa

Prince of Persia Q & A

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:44:00 GMT

The latest chapter in the Prince of Persia universe is scheduled to be released on the Xbox 360 and PS3 this December. The new Prince of Persia uses the engine that powered Assassin’s Creed and introduces a new art style, evolved combat system and open world structure to the series.

The game is set in ancient Persia and challenges players to master the acrobatics, strategy, fighting tactics and new combat system as the Prince. The open world structure is a first for the franchise and gives players the chance to decide how the storyline unfolds depending on the paths they choose.

Players can also look forward to dynamic AI, most notably the Prince’s new ally Elika, who joins the Prince and helps out with acrobatics, performing special duo acrobatic moves and fighting combo attacks.

If you want a closer look at how the game is shaping up, don’t miss some of the latest screenshots. If you are still hungry for more Prince of Persia information, check out the Q & A below with Ubisoft Montreal’s Chris Easton. In it you will find loads of juicy information including the lowdown on why Elika and a new art style were introduced. Thanks to the Xbox Community Team for the interview.

- XCN: How would you summarise the new-look Prince of Persia?

Chris Easton: Visual Poetry!

Contributor: Lisa

New PSP Firmware coming soon

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:21:00 GMT

According to SCEA’s PlayStation blog, a new PSP Firmware update will be available shortly.

Version 5.02 will “improve system software stability during use of some features, including the PlayStation Store.”

A small update but now you know!

Contributor: Lisa