News

Want a safe and free online experience?

Posted by: Sean Colleli at 9/12/2006 7:05 PM - Comments (0)
More On: K2 Networks
The recent Second Life hack is casting doubts about online security.  K2 network offers an alternative.  Teaming up with NetContinuum, they offer two free online games: War Rock and Knight Online, an MMORPG that is growing in popularity.  K2 promises air-tight security measures for gaming safety.


With more power to combat against hacking, K2 Network has joined with
NetContinuum
to ensure players are safe in K2's wide variety of Free2Play online gaming
worlds.
 NetContinuum sets up firewalls and monitors game access with fully
encrypted
user sessions so that gamer passwords are protected and hackers stay out.

K2 Network distributes high quality and entirely free games such as the
upcoming
multiplayer FPS, WAR ROCK (currently in open beta), and the popular MMORPG,
KNIGHT
ONLINE.  Please visit www.k2network.net to download both free games.  Now
over
7 million registered user accounts will feel safe to roam their digital city

streets knowing the online police are watching over their pixilated
characters.

Patch 1.05 out for Red Alert 3

by: John - posted: 12/4/2008 3:35 PM - Comments (0)
EA has alerted us that a new patch is out for Command & Conquer Red Alert 3. The patch, version 1.05, features a DRM De-authorization tool and a map builder as well as some bug fixes and balancing fixes. At least there's something to help you move your copy of Red Alert 3 to another computer but I think they should do away with the DRM in any case or choose a better one. SecuROM's not one of mine or anyone's favorite. [READ MORE]

Xbox 360 being friendly with 8 games offering free online play for a month

by: John - posted: 12/4/2008 1:23 PM - Comments (0)
Eight Xbox Live Arcade games will be available for free online play so those with Silver memberships can play with others for this month. The games include A Kingdom for Keflings, Aegis Wing, Bomberman Live, Hardwood Hearts, Hardwood Spades, UNO, Small Arms and Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix. It's nice to see Super Street Figter II Turbo HD Remix in there as that's a pretty recent release.

New Games for Windows - Live client

by: John - posted: 12/4/2008 1:20 PM - Comments (0)
If you want to try it out, Microsoft has released a new client for Games for Windows - Live. I've downloaded and installed it and so far found nothing really exciting about it. There are some videos, a demo, and other small stuff but really it's just not worth the time if you can't send or receive messages with other Live folks on the 360 or PC. Really, nothing to see here. Move along.

January sees DLC for Mirror's Edge, PC version on January 13th

by: John - posted: 12/4/2008 1:00 PM - Comments (0)
In January, DICE and EA will be releasing DLC for Mirror's Edge featuring seven Time Trial maps with nine races. You'll have to pony up $10 or 800 MS points though to get it. PS3 users are getting an additional map for free as well. Those waiting for a PC version to try and see the new physics effect will be able to purchase the game in the US come January 13th. I wish I had more time because the game looks pretty fun and I did have fun with the demo doing the time runs.
[READ MORE]

Nascar goes all cute with NASCAR Kart Racing

by: John - posted: 12/4/2008 12:55 PM - Comments (0)
It was only a matter of time but it's finally here. EA has announced NASCAR Kart Racing for the Wii letting up to four players race around using some of the sports' biggest stars. The characters look 360 avatar-ish and they all race around in these go-kart like vehicles. Yeah, it's not going to be anything realistic but if you like the Mario Kart games this one might reel you in.
[READ MORE]

EnjoyMMO Games introduces three new free-to-play MMOs to North America

by: Randy - posted: 12/3/2008 11:55 PM - Comments (0)
Three new free-to-play MMO titles have swept up onto North American shores by way of publisher EnjoyMMO Games.  I'll let them make their own introductions:
  • Phoenix Dynasty Online is a fantasy action MMORPG set in the world of the Warring States period of ancient China (from 475 B.C to 221 B.C.). In this game, you will traverse back in time to ancient China, join one of the four feudal states, Chi, Chu, Qin, and Zhao, grow your characters and skills, and participate in the legacy of history, fierce fighting, and politics among these feudal states, and ultimately, become the hero that is vital to the survival and success of your state.
  • Magic World Online is a new-concept MMORPG set in an ancient western fantasy world, in which players can choose one of the two opposing camps: Empire or Dynasty, and fight to uphold or change the law of the Magic Land. This is the first MMORPG that provides in-game Video Chat to allow more intimate interaction among players. Furthermore, the game has introduced an in-game Robot System that completely eliminates the existence of illegal BOT programs, thus making MWO a truly “fair” MMORPG. The game also has many other unique and exciting features such as: Multifunctional House, Auto Navigation, Massive State War, Growing Weapons, Marriage Instances, Multiple Living Skills, Official Position, Multiple Class Transfers, and so on.
  • Legend of Golden Plume is the cutest game for cuties. It is a great community MMORPG featuring teamwork and pet raising. Team up with up to 4 other players, and you can earn up to 5X Experience when you train. There are also many other exciting features such as Weapon Refinement, Tribe System, Marriage System, Master/Apprentice System, Trade System, fun quests, super cool skills (both for heroes and pets), and so forth. You never play alone in the world of LGP Online!

News Roundup: Wasteland Simulation Enthusiast

by: Randy - posted: 12/3/2008 11:26 PM - Comments (0)
  • Fallout 3's Vault-Tec Wasteland Simulation Manual is posted for all to see.
  • The professional, fits-anywhere NZXT Tempest Enthusiast Steel Mid-Tower Computer Chassis.
  • There are other charities besides Child's Play? Like TheTechLouge's Toys for Tots raffle and fundraiser?
  • Compact and loud enough to blow you away -- the Altec Lansing SoundBar speakers.
  • Carolina Games Summit keynote speakers announced:  Insomniac Games and Media Sunshine.
  • A tale of two guys playing Fight Night Round 3 -- with Rock Band controllers.
  • Philips amBX Premium Kit is a scaled-back amBX setup that's a speaker system for PC gamers.
Thanks to TechwareLabs, TheTechLounge, NCsoft, Carolina Games Summit, Legit Reviews, AtomicGamer and I4U News for today's news roundup.

GOG.com having 3-for-2 deals

by: Randy - posted: 12/3/2008 8:06 PM - Comments (0)
GOG.com (Good Old Games) is bringing to fruition a long-overdue concept:  Having, erm, good old games -- available at a pittance of today's going rate of $50 and $60 behemoths.  Plus you have the peace of mind knowing that these have passed through some old timey gamers' "classic status" filter.  This week's "new" releases:  Disciples 2 Gold and Jagged Alliance 2, going for $9.99 each.

But GOG.com has a 3-for-2 deal going on right now until December 8th:  Buy two $9.99 games and you get a $5.99 game free.  To cite their examples, you could buy Operation Flashpoint and Unreal Tournament 2004 and get FlatOut for free.  Or buy Gothic and Sacred Gold so that you can get Fallout for free. [READ MORE]

First Impressions: Prince of Persia

by: Randy - posted: 12/3/2008 7:08 PM - Comments (0)
The Prince can’t find his ass with both hands.

To be more specific, he’s looking for his donkey, Farah, and hasn’t been able to locate her.  And despite the Prince’s “Dude, Where’s My Car?” banter, it isn’t long before Princess “Don’t Call Me Princess” Elika comes along as a bona fide Daxter to his Jak.  Or Clank to his Ratchet.  I’m not sure which.  But she serves as a foil to his frat boy yearnings and sitcom sense of comedic timing.

Give yourself an hour with these two and you’ll stop rolling your eyes at the loquacious rhetoric, instead embracing the growing warmth between their cold shoulders.  The Prince isn’t interested in disclosing his past, while Elika exhibits textbook knowledge of the gods, magical and natural balance, and geographical history.  The Prince moves across inhuman environments with fluency, tempered between times with a workman's wit, while Elika comes in with the no-game-over-screen saves if the Prince’s stellar parkour training stutters a bit. [READ MORE]

Skate 2 plot discussed in new trailer

by: Chuck - posted: 12/3/2008 1:32 PM - Comments (0)
Here's the outline for the one in Skate 2, nothing earthshaking but still solid

Smashing Eagles into Nirvana on Guitar Hero World Tour

by: John - posted: 12/3/2008 1:09 PM - Comments (0)
Three great bands are releasing more tracks as DLC for Guitar Hero World Tour in December. On December 4th, The Smashing Pumpkins will have more songs for the game as G.L.O.W., 1979, and Everlasting Glaze will be available. Next week, Nirvana's You Know You're Right, Negative Creep, and Sliver hits the scene. Finally, The Eagles will release Frail Grasp on the Big Picture, One of These Nights, and Life in the Fast Lane will be available on December 18th. Frail is from the first completely new album in 28 years from the group who broke up and reformed after hell froze over. All of the track packs will be 440 MS points or $5.49 on the PlayStation 3. If you want to purchase them individually, you can get them for 160 MS Points, $1.99 for the PS3, or 200 Wii points on the Wii. [READ MORE]

City of Heroes Issue 13 hits today

by: Chuck - posted: 12/3/2008 12:13 PM - Comments (0)
NC Soft has launched the latest free add on for City of Heroes today.  The Power and Responsibility pack adds in secret identities, new build out options, and a mac beta in addition to a host of other changes and improvements.  The other cool feature is the Pact leveling which allows you and a buddy to stay at the same level no matter what happens.  If you want more information on the new features and tweaks check out my interview with Matt "Positron" Miller. [READ MORE]

Gaming Gibs for 12/3/2008

by: Chuck - posted: 12/3/2008 12:09 PM - Comments (0)
Here are a few things I missed while cringing at the faux Disney remake of Akira:

Viewing a kid's face as they play violent video games

by: John - posted: 12/3/2008 10:09 AM - Comments (7)
Watching the video, I can say my expression probably matches some of them and I know Chuck's face looks like a few in the video. Here's a little art project called Immersion where you just see a kid's face as they play violent video games. It's an interesting look in seeing what kids look like as they kill virtual people. So, do you look like this when you're engrossed in a video game?

News Roundup: Prince of Nuts and Bolts

by: Randy - posted: 12/2/2008 11:41 PM - Comments (0)
  • TheTechLouge clamps on the over-the-ear Sennheiser HD 595 Headphones.
  • Four ways the new Prince of Persia is (and isn't) better than the 80's Prince of Persia.
  • Picking the right memory kit for Intel Core i7 Platforms.
  • EverQuest Online Adventures interview with Senior Designer Michele Butler and Game Designer Sam Parra.
  • The List: Five Tricks for Star Wars: The Old Republic's Success.
  • iXBT Labs reviews seven USB flash drives in tests.
  • In-depth review of EverQuest II's latest expansion: The Shadow Odyssey.
  • Wrath of the Lich King is WoW gaming at its finest.
  • Living in the light, imagination-pumping world of Banjo Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts.
  • The distinctive, cool, silent Antec Veris Fusion Remote Max Premium Home Theater PC Case.
  • Overclocking RAM to its full potential with the Thermaltake RamORB.
Thanks to