Techulous » Gaming

Apple launches Game Center – without any games

Byron Hinson — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 17:37:49 +0000

Apple has just released iOS 4.1 to the web for the masses to download. Not only does the update fix lots of niggling bugs and performance issues, it also adds long awaited support for Apple’s new Game Center.

The Game Center allows you to play multiplayer titles easily, see what your friends have been playing, check out both your own and your friends achievements and download/launch games from within the Game Center.

The problem right now is that as of launch there isn’t one game that supports it and currently we have been told that developers cannot submit any application that uses Game Center, so the one big feature of iOS 4.1 seems to be pretty useless right now and may well be for the next couple of weeks.

There is always the chance that Apple has worked with a few “big” companies to get their titles ready for launch today but right now there doesn’t seem to be any applications working on it.

Update: We’ve been told from some Devs that their Game Center updates have been reviewed and stated they are on hold until the iOS 4.1 release – so they are due to go live right away, but haven’t so far.

Mafia 2 DLC: Jimmy’s Vendetta Released

Byron Hinson — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 16:25:59 +0000

Jimmy’s Vendetta will take players into an alternate perspective of the mob through the eyes of Jimmy, a mercenary. Jimmy is the guy the other guys call when they need to finish the job. Jimmy’s Vendetta features dozens of intense newly created arcade-style, city-based missions that keep Jimmy driving, shooting and rampaging through Empire Bay. Missions will unlock as they progress, activating a slew of assassination and timed vehicle missions ending in dramatic shootouts and explosive car chases. Players will rack up points for performance, power slides, and skill shots. The scores will be immediately posted to the new leaderboard system, providing extensive re-playability, as players work to rise to the top of the ranks. Get to know Empire Bay – the executioner’s way.

Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole character profiles revealed

Byron Hinson — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 16:23:00 +0000

Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole – The Videogame, is a stunning action flight game set in an epic fantasy world based on the bestselling book series by author Kathryn Lasky, with an action-packed storyline that parallels the plot of the upcoming 3D fantasy family adventure film Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole.

In Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole – The Videogame, a young owlet named Soren arrives at the Great Ga’Hoole Tree and tells of his escape from the evil Pure Ones, revealing a new threat to the owl kingdoms. Players take on the role of Shard, a promising young Guardian, setting out on a secret mission to reveal the truth and uncover the sinister plans of the Pure Ones.

Kids will assemble an unlikely band of heroes as they take on the role of a Guardian, a winged warrior and protector of the owl world. As Shard, players take the fight against evil to the air, armed with battle claws and aided by trustworthy allies. Travelling through the owl kingdoms, fans will have a chance to experience the unique history and lands of Ga’Hoole in the heat of battle. Can you uncover the Pure One plot before it is too late?

Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole has been developed by Krome Studios (Xbox 360, Wii, PS3) and Tantalus Media (DS)

The Battles Rage On in New Downloadable Content for BioWare’s Dragon Age: Origins and Mass Effect 2

Byron Hinson — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 16:21:30 +0000

Leading video game developer BioWare™, a division of Electronic Arts Inc, today released new downloadable content for the critically-acclaimed games Dragon Age™: Origins and Mass Effect™ 2, throwing gamers back into epic battles with new stories revolving around key supporting characters in each franchise. The Dragon Age: Origins DLC pack, “Witch Hunt” ($6.99 on PlayStation® Network, 560 Microsoft points on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system, 560 BioWare Points on PC) features a story that reconnects players with one of the series’ original larger-than-life heroes, Morrigan. The Mass Effect 2 DLC pack, “Lair of the Shadow Broker” (800 Microsoft Points on Xbox 360, 800 BioWare Points on PC), centers around Liara, a popular character and squadmate from the original Mass Effect.

“Fans are asking for more characters, more adventures and that is what we’re delivering. Morrigan and Liara are two of the most beloved characters in their respective franchises and completing these new journeys will add to the story and action of both games.”
“Both ‘Witch Hunt’ and ‘Lair of the Shadow Broker’ represent our commitment to keeping the game worlds alive with high quality content, even post-launch,” said BioWare Edmonton General Manager Aaryn Flynn. “Fans are asking for more characters, more adventures and that is what we’re delivering. Morrigan and Liara are two of the most beloved characters in their respective franchises and completing these new journeys will add to the story and action of both games.”

Dragon Age: Origins “Witch Hunt” picks up Morrigan’s story after the defeat of the Archdemon and her disappearance into the shadows. Nearly a year has passed since the Archdemon’s death, and word has reached the Wardens that Morrigan has returned to Ferelden. Seeking to confirm her presence and confront her about her mysterious disappearance, players will head into the forest to tie up this last loose end once and for all. Players can either import their characters from Dragon Age: Origins and Dragon Age: Origins — Awakening or create a new, high-level hero. Dragon Age: Origins was the “RPG of the Year” for 2009 as named by Game Informer, the SpikeTV Video Game Awards and IGN.com among others. For more information on “Witch Hunt”, please visit http://dragonage.bioware.com/dao/witch_hunt/.

In Mass Effect 2 “Lair of the Shadow Broker”, Liara T’Soni is tracking down the mysterious Shadow Broker with the hopes of recovering a kidnap victim. Liara enlists the help of Commander Shepard and his crew, chasing clues from the luxurious heights of Illium to the depths of the Shadow Broker’s own secret lair. The new DLC pack adds the Shadow Broker intel center, new research, as well as the chance to continue a relationship with Liara from the original Mass Effect. With more than 70 perfect review scores, Mass Effect 2 is the highest rated game of 2010 on Xbox 360 and PC* and was recently named the number one game of all time for Xbox 360 by IGN.com. For more information on “Lair of the Shadow Broker,” please visit http://masseffect.bioware.com/info/dlc/.

*According to Metacritic.com.

NCsoft’s Aion Soars to New Heights with the Release of Aion: Assault on Balaurea

Byron Hinson — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 16:19:49 +0000

Weeks away from the one-year anniversary of the Western release ofAion, the entertainment phenomenon that has captured millions of players globally, NCsoft® today released Aion: Assault on Balaurea, a free and feature-rich expansion in which players can enjoy new levels, pets, weapons, items and skills within engaging solo and multiplayer zones and instances. To celebrate Aion: Assault on Balaurea’s release, NCsoft is offering exclusive pets for a limited-time through select retailers.

Assault on Balaurea introduces the game’s passionate fans to the next exciting chapter of Aion in which characters align together to launch a massive counter assault against the invading Balaur in their homeland. Along with the ability to explore new and updated zones and instances, the expansion provides players with an increased level cap, new weapons, items and skills as well as enhanced flight mechanics. Because exploring is never fun alone, Aion introduces completely unique, functional pets equipped with in-game benefits to keep characters company along the way.

“Assault on Balaurea is more than a free expansion consisting of new and exciting game experiences for our players, but a sign of our commitment to providing players hours of fun and excitement they can’t experience anywhere else,” said Jaeho Lee, CEO NCsoft West. “With this expansion, we continue to make Aion a truly global franchise by offering customised features catering to Western audience gameplay styles, something we’ve been looking forward to bringing our players since launch.”

Consumer excitement for Aion has never been stronger as the free expansion provides Western players with an unmatched regionalised gameplay experience featuring several in-game functions that utilise the breathtaking graphics, innovative gameplay and engrossing story Aion is known for. With a massive global audience that has wowed millions of gamers in the East and West, Assault on Balaurea extends the experience with several key features, including:

New Instances: Aion hosts eight new instances each filled with fantastic challenges and enticing rewards. These new instances experienced at both lower and higher levels offer a range of challenges for all varieties of players ranging from solo adventures to full-on Legion raids.

Pets: Pets are no longer only decorative. Aion redefines how MMORPGs approach pets, creating an entire new subsystem for players to explore as they acquire functional pets capable of storing goods, assisting with crafting or acting as guardians by alerting their masters to nearby enemies. Pets are acquired through in-game purchases, quest rewards, item drops, NCsoft Store, and special promotional events.

New Zones: Players will explore the vast lands of Balaurea, the home of the Balaur, ruled by the Dragon Lord Tiamat. The Asmodians and Elyos have established fortresses in the two new zones: Gelkmaros and Inggison, each area featuring completely new environments, powerful monsters and unique flight mechanics for players to enjoy.

Increased Level Cap: Five additional levels can be achieved. With an increased level cap of 55, characters will discover new weapons, earn new items and learn new skills as they explore the dangerous lands of Balaurea.

Enhanced Flight Mechanics: Brand new flight options in the form of Windstreams allow characters to traverse the vast new zones of Gelkmaros and Inggison with increased speed and unlimited flight time. Windstreams have varying strengths and effects, adding a further layer of depth and strategy to Aion’s highly-acclaimed flight mechanics.

Twitter Integration: Aion’s new Twitter feed functionality makes player bragging rights easy with its fluid integration into the game. Players can capture and Twitpic up to ten of their favorite screen shots using the updated in-game UI.

Aion: Assault on Balaurea is available today in North America, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore, and launches at retail this Friday, 10th September in Europe (SRP €29.99). The retail version features the exclusive premium Speckled Ailu (Panda) Pack pet along with a limited-time retailer specific pet exclusive from NCsoft Store, Amazon (France/Germany), GameStop (Germany), 4u2play (Germany), Fnac (France), Gamemania (Benelux), Game (UK), BT Games (South Africa), Steam and DL Gamer (Europe). In addition to the exclusive pets, the retail version comes with the full game client, expansion content and 30 days of game time.

For players looking to quickly increase their pet companions beyond in-game purchases, quest rewards and item drops, the NCsoft Store will feature an additional seven pets starting tomorrow.

For more information about Aion and Assault on Balaurea, go to www.aiononline.com

2K Sports Serves Up Another Winner With Top Spin 4

Byron Hinson — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 15:59:27 +0000

2K Sports announced today that Top Spin 4, the latest iteration of the Top Spin tennis simulation video game franchise, is scheduled to release in 2011 for the Xbox 360^® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation^®3 computer entertainment system and Wii^TM system from Nintendo. As the release date draws near, 2K will inform gamers about an exciting pre-order incentive; an exclusive vintage Andre Agassi playable character.

“Top Spin 4 is shaping up to be the most realistic and exhilarating tennis game in the Top Spin franchise,” said Greg Thomas, president of product development for 2K Sports. “For this iteration, the development team is focused on delivering a bold new take on the sport of tennis by allowing gamers to experience first-hand an uncanny level of realism in the player and stadium models, authentic audio captured directly from real tennis matches, and all-new innovative controls to dominate the competition.”

In development at 2K Czech, Top Spin 4 brings the competitive action of tennis to life like never before with redesigned controls, jaw-dropping player models and Signature Style animations, enhanced TV-style presentation elements, and one of the deepest player rosters to date featuring tennis’ top athletes and legendary pros. To commemorate the fourth version in the Top Spin series, 2K Sports is offering an exclusive vintage Andre Agassi playable character with pre-orders, details of which will be announced at a later date.

For additional information, please visit: www.gamestop.com/topspin4.

Top Spin 4 is not yet rated by the PEGI. For more information, visit:www.facebook.com/TopSpin4 or follow Top Spin 4 via Twitter: @2KSports.

*Pre-order only valid for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions of Top Spin 4.

Rimelands: Hammer of Thor, Highly Anticipated RPG From Crescent Moon And Dicework Games Now Available At The App Store

Byron Hinson — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 16:37:59 +0000

Crescent Moon And Dicework Games today announced that their highly anticipated epic, turn-based RPG adventure for the iPhone and iPad, Rimelands: Hammer of Thor, is now available in the App Store. Developed by teams that understand and love the core concepts of RPG gaming, and powered by Steam technology, Rimelands: Hammer of Thor offers the best RPG experience you can have on the iPhone.

Rimelands: Hammer of Thor is the first episode of many planned that will take the player into the world of mystery, intrigue and adventure. The game combines dice-rolling combat mechanics reminiscent of an old school pen-and-paper feel, with dungeon crawling and loot collection quests set in a vibrant mystical world that will draw the player in for hours. A spectacular story line with great puzzles creates an immersive fantasy experience you won’t want to leave.

In the Hammer of Thor, you enter the frostbitten realm where mankind is at odds with the magical creatures of legends called Fair Folk. Humans try to reclaim their territory, and war ensues. You play as a young treasure hunter exploring abandoned vaults to appease her grandmother’s seemingly endless appetite for riches, while struggling to find more about her dead parents and shrouded past.

FEATURES

- Full-Fledged RPG designed specifically for the iPhone and IPad

- Simple but powerful game mechanics that are easy to learn but hard to master

- Design for easy pick up and play with automatic saving

- A story of high adventure that’s a world apart from traditional fantasy cliché

- Three paths and talent trees provide countless customization options and depth of several play-throughs

“Doing an RPG right is not easy. Many miss on the most essential aspects of this genre. We’ve spend tremendous amount of time thinking through all elements of this genre to bring to live the most amazing RPG experience on the iPhone and iPad you can have. Rimelands: Hammer of Thor delivers a unique mix of strategy, story telling, pick up and play action along with immersive RPG elements so that you can level up, hack, slash and smash your way to victory,” said Josh Presseisen of Crescent Moon.

Priced on the App Store at $4.99 Rimelands: Hammer of Thor is now available for download. You can download the game here: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/rimelands-hammer-of-thor/id387634246?mt=8

F.E.A.R. 3 PAX Trailer

Byron Hinson — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 15:36:06 +0000

F.E.A.R. 3 continues the F.E.A.R. brand legacy, unleashing a paranormal horror first person shooter that delivers frenetic combat grounded in reality. F.E.A.R. 3 evolves the brand, introducing Divergent Co-op for two players: deep, social gameplay giving players distinctly different abilities which can affect their own play as well as the experience of the gamer they are playing with. Players can take on the role of Point Man, a genetically enhanced soldier with superhuman reflexes and the ability to manipulate time, or the undead spirit of his brother Paxton Fettel, a paranormal entity who possesses incredible psychic powers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xa85kISwKOs

LEGO Universe Goes Gold, Celebrates at PAX 2010

Byron Hinson — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 15:22:17 +0000

LEGO® Universe, the first MMOG (massively multiplayer online game) based on the LEGO play experience, will be on display at PAX this weekend! Fans can stop by the Gazillion booth (in hall 4B, booth 3433) from September 3rd – 5th to check out playable live demos, snag special-edition giveaways, and chat with members of the LEGO Universe development team on the show floor.

The LEGO Group is also pleased to announce that LEGO Universe has officially gone gold, meaning the game has surpassed quality standards and is being prepped for mass distribution this fall! Currently in closed beta for PC and Mac, LEGO Universe will ship to North American retail stores on October 26, 2010 with an ESRB rating of “E10+”.

In the upcoming MMOG, the chaotic Maelstrom threatens to destroy all Imagination in the Universe! Only a courageous team of heroes, the Nexus Force, stands in its way, but they desperately need your help. Brand-new screenshots released this week at PAX take you even further into the game’s backstory – the Maelstrom’s darkness is spreading across LEGO Universe as enemy Stromlings battle the Nexus Force in the deepest corners of Forbidden Valley and beyond.

Broken Sword: The Director’s Cut Steams onto PC and Mac

Byron Hinson — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 15:15:53 +0000

Revolution Software has today announced that the Director’s Cut of celebrated adventure game Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars is now available to download on PC across all major games download sites – with the Mac version being released within days. A retail version, to be published worldwide by Mastertronic, will follow shortly.

Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars – The Director’s Cut, a loving update to one of the most popular adventures ever written, boasts an all-new story arc woven into the original plot. With new facial animations drawn by Dave Gibbons (co-creator of Watchmen), enhanced graphics and audio, a context-sensitive help system designed for those stumped by the game’s ingenious puzzles, new mini-games and puzzles, and a new perspective on one of gaming’s most celebrated plots, Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars – The Director’s Cut is an essential adventure for fans old and new.

The original Broken Sword, released in 1996, introduced George Stobbard, Nico Collard and the conspiracy of the Knights Templar. Redefining intelligent gaming narrative, with a stunning globetrotting narrative which weaved fantastic with historical legend, the million-selling game won countless awards, topping many “best adventure game” lists.

Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars – The Director’s Cut begins with Nico Collard’s investigation into the brutal murder of an eminent Parisian statesman, and continues at a breakneck pace, as events collide in a race-against-time which sees the fate of the world rest in the hands of our two heroes.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to see The Director’s Cut on the formats which made the original such a smash,” says Charles Cecil, managing director, Revolution Software. “The additions and enhancements make this feel as fresh as ever – I am confident that the Director’s Cut will prove to be every bit as popular today as its predecessor was previously.”

Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars – The Director’s Cut will be available to download from all leading digital portals on a worldwide basis on Friday August 27th 2010.

The game is available to download now for £9.99. International pricing varies. Direct link to Steam version is here.

Puzzle Agent HD Released on the iPad

Byron Hinson — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 06:28:31 +0000

E3 Best of Show! IGN and MSNBC.com

A Puzzling Adventure with a Twist

When White House inquiries to the Scoggins Eraser Co. are answered only with curious puzzles, Nelson Tethers from the U.S. Department of Puzzle Research is sent on the case.

The strange events in Scoggins will challenge every ounce of Tethers’ expertise, and possibly his very wits too, with brainteasers at every turn: mazes, logic puzzles, riddles, and more. He soon realizes that these – along with the clinically pre-occupied townspeople, secret societies, and peculiar sounds from the forest – are intimately connected to the core mystery. And what’s with the gnomes?

* Plentiful puzzles to challenge your neurons. See if you can find every puzzle to solve the mystery of Scoggins — mazes, logic, riddles, brainteasers and more.

* Investigate the strange, peculiar and mind-boggling to crack the case! Your discoveries provide clues to the larger mystery crippling the town, or uncover puzzles that must be solved to reveal answers … or even more questions.

* Hunting for Hints: Chewing gum helps Agent Tethers think and solve. Find and collect gum wads around the town to uncover hints if you get “stuck” in any puzzles.

* Creative collaboration with indie comic artist Graham Annable (Grickle comics and animated shorts)

iTunes Link: http://itunes.apple.com/app/puzzle-agent-hd/id383232240?mt=8

Rockstar Games Presents Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars HD for the iPad

Byron Hinson — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 21:47:18 +0000

Today Rockstar Games announces Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars is coming to the Apple iPad September 9, 2010. Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars HD comes to the iPad with brand new updated, high definition graphics. The newest installment boasts more than 50 missions, countless side activities, and the ability to customize the soundtrack utilizing your own music on Independence FM, in the gang ridden and grisly Liberty City. Each mission offers thrilling, fast-paced action and the best gameplay elements of the Grand Theft Auto series specifically created with mobile gamers in mind.

Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars HD will be available for £5.99 from the Apple App Store.

Alien Breed: Impact out now on PlayStation Network

Byron Hinson — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 21:41:04 +0000

Britsoft developer/publisher Team 17 are thrilled to announce that Alien Breed: Impact, the latest iteration of the legendary Alien Breed series is launching today on the PlayStation Network across SCEE territories.

Alien Breed: Impact offers a dynamic combination of fast-paced action and intriguing adventure in a foreboding world of dread and horror. Scavenge for weapons, ammunition and items to use against overwhelming odds across monstrous, highly detailed and beautifully realised environments. Search anywhere and everywhere, even those that have fallen, for credits to spend on upgrades and that last ammo clip to help keep your foes at bay. Should you triumph and conquer the alien horde alone, then take a friend to the meat grinder that is the co-operative play experience via local or online co-op, and let the Alien Breed unleash its full fury on two more willing victims.

GAME FEATURES:

Alien Breed is back! – An action-packed mix of arcade-shooter, survival-horror and tactical weapons upgrades and customisation.
Epic single-player story mode – The single-player campaign mode that follows the narrative of the game through huge and challenging environments.
Two-player local or online co-operative play modes – Work together to defeat the alien horde across specifically customised maps.
Free demo trial – The “Prologue” sample section – a specifically designed introduction to the game; play in either single-player or two-player local or online co-operative mode.
New – Upgrades shop – Search fallen comrades and lockers to accumulate cash, and then tactically spend it on weapons/kit upgrades in the shop.
New – Enemies – Re-imagined and improved Alien Breed^TM enemies.
PlayStation^®Network Elements – Full trophy support and leaderboards.

For more information, visit Team17 atwww.team17.com or at the Team17 Facebook page, located at www.facebook.com/Team17Software .

Alien Breed^TM: Impact will be priced at, depending on territory:

UK – £11.99
Europe – €14.99

Starcraft 2 hits 3 Million in a month

Byron Hinson — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 21:35:25 +0000

Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. today announced that StarCraft^®II: Wings of Liberty^TM has sold over 3 million copies worldwide in the first month of its release, building on the game’s momentum as the bestselling PC game of 2010 and the fastest-selling real-time strategy game of all time.*

StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty was released simultaneously in North America, Europe, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, and the regions of Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau on July 27. With day-one sales topping 1 million copies, StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty became the bestselling PC game of 2010 within its first 24 hours of availability. The game went on to sell more than 1.5 million copies in its first 48 hours, setting the record for fastest-selling strategy game of all time, and has won numerous critical accolades, including multiple editor’s choice awards from major gaming publications.

“We appreciate all the enthusiasm that players around the world have shown for StarCraft II,” said Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. “It was important to us to deliver an overall gameplay experience that was accessible, balanced, and fun, and it’s been gratifying to see how strongly the global community has already embraced the game.”

StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty is the sequel to Blizzard Entertainment’s 1998 hit StarCraft, which has been hailed by players and critics worldwide as one of the top real-time strategy games of all time. Sporting a vibrant 3D-graphics engine, StarCraft II once again centres on the clash between the protoss, terrans, and zerg, with each side deploying legions of veteran, upgraded, and new unit types. Unparalleled online play for StarCraft II is available through a new version of Battle.net^®, Blizzard Entertainment’s world-renowned gaming service. Battle.net has been redesigned from the ground up to be the premier online gaming destination for Blizzard gamers, with several enhancements and new features, such as voice communication, cloud file storage, leagues and ladders, achievements, stat-tracking, and more.

The solo campaign for StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty continues the epic saga where it left off in StarCraft: Brood War^®. The story line chronicles the exploits of marshal-turned-rebel-leader Jim Raynor and features both familiar faces and new heroes. Players are able to tailor the experience, choosing their own mission path and selecting technology and research upgrades to suit their playing style throughout the 29-mission campaign. Several challenge-mode mini-games are also included, with focused goals designed to ease players into the basics of multiplayer strategies.

For more information on StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty, visit the official website at eu.blizzard.com/games/sc2/.

*Based on internal company records, public data, and/or reports from key distribution partners.

RuneScape – Behind the Scenes

Byron Hinson — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 21:33:55 +0000

September’s Behind The Scenes News

Romance blossoms during September in a brand new free-to-play quest, coupled with some rather elite achievements for our most experienced of members. If you’re not busy planning for the Bonus XP Weekend, why not swat up on your legal drama, as we prepare for the latest batch of court cases?

Court Cases: Back in Session

It’s been busy recently at the Seers’ Village courthouse, with cases closed and wrongs righted by those of you skilled enough to argue, examine and accuse, all while wearing a stylish wig. The court case update will consist of 11 new cases (as mentioned in the Back in Sessionblog), each far more fiendish than those released earlier in the year. Interrogate witnesses in the field, use viewing orb magics to investigate crime scenes and discover incriminating fingerprints for yourself as you uncover the truth behind some of our most popular personalities.

Cases once again navigate through a wide range of issues and characters from Barbarians vs. Mages (looking at RuneScape history from two conflicting perspectives), round Evil Dave, past Professor Oddenstein vs. Ernest, and taking a sharp left turn at the Sandwich Lady. Rewards still focus around Attack and Defence XP, but also include a barrister’s top, and a judge’s gavel that comes with an appropriately themed emote to let you conduct your own brand of justice.

Bonus XP Weekend

As you know from the newspost last week, we’re planning a second Bonus XP Weekend to take place from 3-6th September. We’re taking a slightly different approach this time, though, so do read the newspost or the Second Helping FAQ blog to learn more about this update. It’s a great time to train up those skills you’ve been neglecting, as well as work on your main attributes, with plenty of time to mix and match between all sorts of content.

Elite Achievement Diaries

The Elite Achievement Diaries update is one we have been discussing in our blogs as early as November last year and, finally, we can talk about the release. We are adding some epically high-level diary tasks to all of the Achievement Diaries, and some new hard tasks to the Lumbridge diary. Requirements include stats as high as 95 Prayer, 96 Fishing, 93 Slayer and 92 Firemaking with an inferno adze.

With new challenges come new rewards, of course, and the elite clothing comes with some useful perks. The highlights are access to a new mining area where there’s an NPC who exchanges ores for certs, more Slayer points from Lapalok, High Alch spells for the explorer’s ring and log chests for the beacon network. Not only that, but there are also improvements to the existing diary rewards AND some huge XP lamps? FTW!

Z-buffering

Improvements to our engine will bring a major graphical improvement to the game in the form of z-buffering. This means you will experience less ‘clipping’ issues (objects/scenery cutting other objects in half or sticking through each other) and find that scenery ‘layers’ on top of each other in a more predictable way. This will see improvements to high-paced game content like PKing and allow players to better see the threats around them.

Upon release, the end result will be fewer graphical glitches in software mode and we get faster OpenGL! This also bodes well for the future, as we can now design even more impressive areas and characters, particularly for OpenGL. It also allows us to improve the interaction between players in the future, such as multi-player emotes.

Gunnar’s Ground

Love is in the air in this month’s planned quest: Gunnar’s Ground. What can happen when a dwarf poet is rendered speechless by his love for a Fremennik chieftain’s daughter? You’ll face RuneScape’s first poetry composition puzzle and learn about the history of how the Barbarian Village came to be.

This is a brand new quest for the free-to-play game and will be replacing the old Romeo and Juliet quest. As we have often said in the past, we’re always trying to improve our existing content, but some elements just doesn’t age well and is often best removed entirely from the game; we feel that’s the case with Romeo and Juliet. Don’t worry, though: nobody will lose out on Quest Points or rewards.

In other news…

We also plan to speed up the Shantay Pass, give compost bins the ability to tell you how full they are, increase the clickable area of rope swings and allow you to define the colour of your Clan Chat.

Have fun!
Mod Mark
RuneScape Lead Designer

–
Ends

For more information about RuneScape please visitwww.RuneScape.com today to begin your adventure.

Coladia releases its adventure game Secret of the Lost Cavern HD for iPad

Byron Hinson — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 21:32:35 +0000

Coladia today is pleased to announce the release and immediate availability of Secret of the Lost Cavern HD for iPad. Secret of the Lost Cavern is an adventure game that plunges the player into an inspiring journey that takes place during the Paleolithic period in prehistoric time, 15,000 years B.C. The gameplay and each puzzle are designed to take unique advantage of the touch capabilities of the iPad.

15,000 B.C. Strange symbols found while hunting remind Arok of an encounter with a charismatic traveler a long time ago. In order for him to find his long-forgotten friend, the most brilliant painter of Prehistoric times, Arok begins a long and perilous journey.Play as Arok and enter a fascinating and bewitching Stone Age adventure.

Learn about Prehistoric life, follow the path of your mentor and work with him to recreate the paintings of the renowned Lascaux Cave. Venture through a wild time and decipher the symbols left by our ancestors. Hunt, fish, cut stones, paint animated frescoes and take part in mysterious shamanist ceremonies to win your place among the Lascaux Cave artist tribe. Will you be able to come through our ancestors’ secrets and survive in this wild and harsh world?

Features:

High quality images, movies and animations
Original soundtrack and sound effects creating an immersive atmosphere
Intuitive tutorial will guide you in your first steps in the game
Auto-save (when quitting or phone call)
“Bookmark” system to save and restore progress
“Hot Spot” hints

Device Requirements:

Compatible with iPad
Requires iPhone OS 3.2 or later
479 MB

Pricing and Availability:
Secret of the Lost Cavern HD 1.0 is available today on the AppStore and costs $9.99 (USD) in the Games category. Promo codes are available by contacting us.
Secret of the Lost Cavern is also available for iPhone at $4.99 (USD).

Secret of the Lost Cavern HD on the AppStore :http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/secret-of-the-lost-cavern-hd/id365037721?mt=8

The First Templar – gamescom 2010 Trailer Available

Byron Hinson — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 16:41:45 +0000

Kalypso Media today released a new trailer for The First Templar, the upcoming cooperative third-person action game being developed by Haemimont Games for Windows PC and the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. In this new trailer, viewers will be treated to an extensive taste of furious cooperative combat and fast-paced action from within The First Templar. Watch as Knights Templar battle against an onslaught of foes; from knights and archers, to something far more fearsome, and prepare yourself for an unmatched combat experience, which arrives in Q1 2011.

In development by Haemimont Games, The First Templar is a co-operative action-role playing game in development for Xbox 360 and Windows PC. The game portrays a dark and gritty view of the late 13th century where old friends become enemies, corruption spreads throughout the Church and fallen knights oppress the weak and renounce their oaths.

The First Templar follows the story of two main characters – a French Templar, and his companion, a noble lady who has been proclaimed a heretic. Taking control over these two unlikely allies, the player must uncover the mysteries behind the Templar Order, play a role in a grand conspiracy, and discover the secret of the Holy Grail. The heroes face powerful opponents at every turn, in the face of the Saracen, King Philip IV of France and the Inquisition.

The First Templar features both single player and co-op modes. When playing solo, the player can switch between the two characters, leaving the control of the second hero to the game’s AI. At any moment a second player can join in and take control of the AI controlled hero.

For more information about The First Templar, please visit www.kalypsomedia.com.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKY5S2rfKtM

Fly the TARDIS today, in episode three of Doctor Who: the Adventure Games

Byron Hinson — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 16:32:07 +0000

Generations of Doctor Who fans have dreamt of piloting their very own TARDIS – and from midday today, that is about to become a reality with the release of episode three of Doctor Who: The Adventure Games.

Available to download from www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho, TARDIS, takes players on a journey through time and space. With the TARDIS stuck in a riptide, and the Doctor sucked into space, Amy Pond must explore the secrets of the time machine in order to restore normality. The adventure will uncover the secrets of the TARDIS, debut The Entity – and allow players to pilot the TARDIS themselves.

Executive produced by Steven Moffat, and written by James Moran (Torchwood, Doctor Who), this third installment of the four-part series challenges players to get up close and personal with the world’s most famous time machine.

“When they asked me if I could name all the controls in the TARDIS and explain what they do, I knew that my years of obsessive nerdiness had finally paid off,” says James Moran. “My inner five-year-old is shrieking with excitement.

“But that’s not all – we’ve got new monsters, a new type of danger for the Doctor and Amy, and an area that has never been seen before. Just don’t sit in the Doctor’s chair…”

Ever wondered where those steps within the TARDIS go? Doctor Who fans will soon find out, as the game allows players to explore the Doctor’s wondrous drawing room, featuring treasures and artifacts from his many adventures – a location specially created for the game, which will go on to form part of the Doctor Who canon.

James Moran’s madcap script takes players on a frantic, funny and altogether surprising adventure which could only be told by a Doctor Who story. With full virtual likenesses of Matt Smith and Karen Gillan, and music from Murray Gold, this adventure is as much a part of the Doctor Who legend as the TV series.

Doctor Who: The Adventure Games have been produced by a team drawing on the very best talent from TV and gaming. The interactive episodes are executive produced by Steven Moffat, Piers Wenger, Beth Willis and with Anwen Aspden (BBC Wales Interactive), alongside Charles Cecil, one of videogaming’s most revered creators. The games are being developed by Sumo Digital, one of the UK’s best game designers. Stories and scripts are from Phil Ford (co-writer Doctor Who ‘Waters of Mars’) and James Moran (Doctor Who, Torchwood Children of Earth). The project has been commissioned for BBC Online by the Vision Multiplatform team, headed up by Simon Nelson and is being driven by BBC Wales Interactive.

TARDIS will be available from midday today on PC and Mac from the Doctor Who website (www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho) and is available for no extra cost to UK households.

And Yet It Moves Hits WiiWare Marketplace in Europe

Byron Hinson — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 16:29:16 +0000

Broken Rules announced today that the award-winning platformer And Yet It Moves is now available for European Wii™ owners. The brand new WiiWare™ version of the hit downloadable PC game introduces all new levels, bonus modes and controls that will have players twisting and turning their Wii Remote™ to rotate the game world while avoiding obstacles as they progress through colorful levels. The European release follows on the heels of the August 23rd launch in North America and is now available for 1,000 Wii Points.

Key features of the game include:
• Advanced Platforming – Players run and jump while physically rotating the world to solve puzzles.
• A Living World – Creatures such as bats, bees and monkeys populate the game world and react to ever-changing gravity.
• 20 Levels In Four Different Environments – Mind-bending puzzles set in an extraordinary paper collage world created with colored cardboard, brought to life with handmade sounds and music.
• Endless Replayability – Unlockables include bonus levels and competitive play modes: Time Trial, Limited Rotation, Speed Run, and Survival. Additional modifications can be unlocked that can change the entire game.
• Multiple Control Options – Play as you wish with 4 different control schemes. Use the motion sensor and Wii Remote pointer, or use the Classic Controller™.

And Yet It Moves is available for download through the Wii™ Shop Channel for 1,000 Wii Points™ and has been rated ‘7+’ by PEGI and ‘6+’ by the USK.

To view the official video trailer and learn more about And Yet It Moves, visit the official website at: www.andyetitmoves.net/

The official trailer can be downloaded here (33MB).

New Blade Kitten Trailer

Byron Hinson — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 18:32:24 +0000

Kit Ballard has made a name for herself rounding up some of the most deadly scum in the galaxy. And with over 60 different weapon and costume combinations, she’ll always be prepared for what she might face on the mysterious world of Hollow Wish. Join her in the all new action adventure game, Blade Kitten!

Title: Blade Kitten

Platforms: Xbox LIVE® Arcade, PlayStation®Network, PC Download

Release Date: September 2010

Developer: Krome Studios

Publisher: Atari

Genre: Action Adventure

PEGI RATING: 12+

Welcome to Hollow Wish… On the surface, it’s your typical lawless frontier. Yet this mysterious shell planetoid is filled with dark secrets and cloaked figures. It’s here Kit Ballard works as one of the best bounty hunters in the business. Don’t let her pink hair fool you, Kit is part cat, part girl, and wholly lethal. She is one of the last of her species, having fled her homeland after the genocide of her people at the hands of the ancient and mystical race known as the Darques.

Kit has since made a name for herself rounding up some of the most deadly scum in the galaxy. With her unique Darque Blade hovering at her side and obeying her every command, Kit can cut through even the toughest rogue drone while hunting down soft targets. Also along for the ride is Skiffy, Kit’s laid-back little sidekick who, when needed, serves as her protector.

Join Kit, Skiffy and the Darque Blade in the all new action adventure game… “Blade Kitten^”

FEATURES:

Pick up-and-play arcade action. Players can jump right in and easily begin exploring and fighting their way through large levels offering multiple paths loaded with secret areas and hidden collectables.
19 levels including 3 exploration levels with Noot (a rideable alien mount). A two part mini-series available exclusively via digital distribution.
Straight forward platform side-scroller. Harkens back to the simpler side scrolling games of yesteryear but with the depth that modern players demand.
Intuitive “scramble style” exploration. Kit’s innate feline abilities enable her to easily traverse environments. Her free-running meets rock-climbing style movement is designed to encourage players to explore the dangerous world of Hollow Wish.
Dramatic Narrative and Powerful Visual Direction. Blade Kitten goes well beyond most downloadable titles to deliver a strong narrative, in-engine cut-scenes, and a colorful, frenetic visual style that will be embraced by anime fans and casual gamers.
Fully voiced dialogue. Featuring a cast of 9 professional voice actors playing a total of 23 characters, each scripted sequence is fully voiced by Los Angeles based voice talent.
AI sidekick assistance. In certain locations, players can direct Kit’s sidekick “Skiffy” to assist them in combat, puzzle-solving, and in the collection of items.
From million-selling game creator Steve Stamatiadis. The Blade Kitten universe is the creation of Krome Co-Founder and Creative Director Steve Stamatiadis, his first new Intellectual Property since creating the multi-million selling “TY the Tasmanian Tiger^TM” series.

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