News

You won't find this A-muse-ing

Posted by: Nathan at 5/5/2008 5:37 AM - Comments (0)
British Rock Music, a category so good it needs to be capitalized, has many bands that have been heavy hitters on pop charts all around the globe. May 8th, the British Band Muse will be topping a different kind of chart, The Down loadable content page of Guitar Hero III games everywhere (sorry Wii owners, this doesn't include you). The song pack features two songs from the Muse album Black Holes and Revelations "Exo-Politics"  and "Supermassive Black Hole" and the song "Stockholm Syndrome" from the album Absolution (the last being a particular favorite of mine). Maybe one day there will be other popular British Rock Bands hitting the DLC  of Guitar Hero III (I know there are others, I'm hinting for some Beatles).


BRITISH ROCKERS MUSE TO PLAY ENCORE IN DOWNLOADABLE CONTENT FOR GUITAR HERO® III: LEGENDS OF ROCK

 

SANTA MONICA, CA – May 2, 2008 – Known for their exhilarating live performances and unique blend of rock music styles, British trio Muse is returning to Guitar Hero® for an encore performance with the release of a three track downloadable song pack for Activision Inc.’s (Nasdaq: ATVI) Guitar Hero® III:  Legends of Rock

 

Featuring the rousing hits “Exo-Politics” and “Supermassive Black Hole” from the band’s critically acclaimed album Black Holes and Revelations, and “Stockholm Syndrome” from their multi-platinum record Absolution, the Muse track pack will be available for Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and in the PLAYSTATION®Store for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system on May 8, 2008.

 

Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock offers the ultimate rock experience with new wireless guitars, freshly added content and features including a multiplayer action-inspired battle mode, grueling boss battles, a host of exclusive unlockable content and visually stunning rock venues. Expanded online multiplayer modes allow axe-shredders worldwide to compete head-to-head for true rock status as they riff through a star-studded soundtrack including master tracks by legendary artists such as Aerosmith, Guns 'N' Roses, The Rolling Stones, Beastie Boys, Rage Against the Machine and Pearl Jam, as well as original songs by guitar icons Slash and Tom Morello. Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock is now available and is rated "T" for Teen by the ESRB.  For more information visit www.guitarhero.com.

 

About Activision, Inc.

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products.  Founded in 1979, Activision posted net revenues of $1.5 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007.

 

Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, the Netherlands, Australia, Japan and South Korea.  More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company's World Wide Web site, which is located at www.activision.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements:  Information in this press release that involves Activision’s expectations, plans, intentions or strategies regarding the future are forward-looking statements that are not facts and involve a number of risks and uncertainties.  Activision generally uses words such as “outlook”, “will,” “could,” “would,” “might,” “remains,” “to be,” “plans,” “believes”, “may”, “expects,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “estimate,” future,” “plan,” “positioned,” “potential,” “project,” “remain,” “scheduled,” “set to,” “subject to,” “upcoming” and similar expressions to help identify forward-looking statements.   Factors that could cause Activision’s actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements set forth in this release include, but are not limited to, sales of Activision’s titles, shifts in consumer spending trends, the seasonal and cyclical nature of the interactive game market, Activision’s ability to predict consumer preferences among competing hardware platforms (including next-generation hardware), declines in software pricing, product returns and price protection, product delays, retail acceptance of Activision’s products, adoption rate and availability of new hardware and related software, industry competition, rapid changes in technology and industry standards, protection of proprietary rights, maintenance of relationships with key personnel, customers, vendors and third-party developers, international economic and political conditions, integration of recent acquisitions and the identification of suitable future acquisition opportunities the timing and successful completion of the combination of Vivendi Games with Activision, the combined companies’ success in executing planned strategies and achieving assumed synergies and cost savings,  and foreign exchange rate changes.  Other such factors include additional risk factors identified in Activision’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K and subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.  The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to Activision as of the date of this release, and Activision assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements believed to be true when made may ultimately prove to be incorrect.  These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond our control and may cause actual results to differ materially from our current expectations.

Patch 1.05 out for Red Alert 3

by: John - - 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 - - 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 - - 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 - - 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 - - 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 - - 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 - - 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 - - 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 - - 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 - - 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 - - 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 - - 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]