Prepare to go in all guns blazing.  Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) today announced that BLACK™ is now available at North American retailers for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and Xbox® video game system from Microsoft.  The game is rated M for Mature with descriptors: Strong Language, Violence, by the ESRB and carries an MSRP of $39.95.

 

A hotly-anticipated first person shooter from Criterion Games (creators of the Burnout™ franchise), BLACK delivers explosive Hollywood-style gun battles and destruction set against the modern war on terror.  BLACK casts players as Sgt. First Class Jack Kellar, the leader of an enigmatic Black Operations team sent in to Eastern Europe to eliminate a traitor.

 

BLACK challenges gamers to master and exploit erodeable cover in a game world where bullets affect every surface, and nearly everything can be destroyed.

 

Conceived following a trip to a Las Vegas gun range, the game’s intent is to deliver the loudest, most thrilling weapons and gunplay ever in a videogame … which has earned the game a reputation for being “gun porn” among industry press.

 

“Guns are loud, exhilarating and utterly terrifying things,” said Alex Ward, creative director, Criterion Games.  “BLACK delivers a deep shooting experience that captures the paralyzing sensation of pulling the trigger of dangerous and exotic automatic weapons.”

 

BLACK will release under the EA™ brand and was developed by Criterion Games in Guildford, UK. The studio is also developing the next-generation debut of Burnout™ Revenge, slated for release on March 7 for the Xbox 360™.

Infinity Ward has released the following information with regards to their updates to Call of Duty 2 in the near future.  

 

This should make those interested relax a bit more to know that Infinity is indeed putting up and standing behind their game!
  _____ 

Call of Duty Community:

As you recall, back in December, we announced plans to incorporate Punkbuster, as well as offer some MP maps to the PC version for Call of Duty 2.  We're happy to report that this PC update is currently in testing and all is going well.  In fact, we are testing these now and will be releasing them soon, so stay tuned.  With regards to the update, here are a few things to look forward to:

*        Punkbuster functionality

*        Two new multiplayer maps.

*        HTTP redirect in multiplayer, which adds an option for modders to send players to an external website to download their maps and mods.

*        Repair of multiplayer exploits and minor bug fixes

We're also putting finishing touches on the map editing tools for the game and will have those out very soon as well.

On the Xbox 360 side, we're also happy to tell you that we're very close to releasing our second Title Update, improving the Xbox Live multiplayer functionality. Here's what's coming in that update:


1. Player Lag has been addressed
2. Private Game Lobbies / Reserved Slots 
3. Enable Live Host to set custom game options
4. Map Preferences setting
5. Post Game Lobbies (players at end of match will return to lobby)
6. Enemy Player Name Notification
7. Kick Player (host ability)
8. Lobby Game Type, Map and Host Notification

Again, thank you for your support.and stay tuned for future updates!

- Infinity Ward

Fans of the saga, get ready for some next generation slicing and mayhem....at a discount price!

 

KOEI STRIKES BACK WITH DYNASTY WARRIORS(r)5 EMPIRES FOR XBOX 360 actical Action Mega-Series ynasty Warriors Makes Its Debut on Xbox 360 ith US$39.99 Suggested Retail Price

 

KOEI, recognized worldwide as the remier brand of strategy and action games, announced that DYNASTY ARRIORS(r)5 EMPIRES for Xbox 360(tm) video game and entertainment ystem from Microsoft, is scheduled to ship to North American retailers n March 28, 2006, with a suggested retail price of US$39.99.

"Dynasty Warriors has become an essential part of the complete video game experience. As we step into this new era of gaming, we have see Xbox 360 as a powerful platform for what is already the world's most advanced melee combat engine," said Amos Ip, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing for KOEI Corporation.  "This coming March, video gamers can anticipate a masterful gaming experience rich in action and strategy that only the Dynasty Warriors series can provide."

DYNASTY WARRIORS 5 EMPIRES is the first appearance of the Tactical Action mega-series on Xbox 360. With features exclusive to Xbox 360 including widescreen graphics presented in full 720p and Dolby Digital 5.1 sound, the game delivers the most stunning and detailed portrayal of the Dynasty Warriors ever. Gamers will feel as though they were pulled onto the battlefield as battlecries and stampeding soldiers come from every direction.

The Adventure Company releases 6 new screenshots from Crime Stories, its investigative thriller adventure title.

As the brilliant young FBI agent Martin Mystère, you have just been called upon to investigate the brutal murder of the highly reputed scientist, Professor Eulemberg. What sensational secret has the professor uncovered that has made him the victim of such a horrific crime?

Your investigations into the murder will take you all over the world as you are confronted with many dangerous and exciting adventures. Only you can solve this horrific crime - and the mystery that lies beneath it...

 

·                     A cinematic investigative thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat for hours!

·                     Amazing hi-quality 3D environments to expore and interact with.

·                     Many interesting objects to search for, collect and use.

·                     Creative and original puzzles to solve.

·                     Loads of characters to meet and talk to - you choose what you want to say to them!

·                     A dark and disturbing tale of betrayal and murder!

·                     From the award-winning publisher of MISSING® and Syberia®

 

Crime Stories ships on March 14, 2006 with an anticipated ESRB rating of "T" for Teen.

 

Take on the role of Martin Mystère, a brilliant young F.B.I. agent, who has just been called upon to investigate the brutal murder of the highly reputed scientist, Professor Eulemberg.

Your investigations into the murder will take you all over the world as you are confronted with many dangerous and exhilarating adventures. Only you will be able to solve this horrific crime – that is if you act fast… and keep your wits about you!

 

http://www.adventurecompanygames.com/tac/crime_stories/index.html

 

I know you were all waiting for the Chronicles of Riddick sequel but alas we'll have to wait a bit longer....at least until after "The Wheelman" makes a run.  Diesel's Tigon Studios has committed to the game and movie...read below.   "The Wheelman" To Come to Life as Video Game Property and Feature Film; Vin Diesel to Star and Produce Vin Diesel's Tigon Studios Joins Forces with Midway, MTV Films, Paramount Pictures and MTV Games For Groundbreaking Collaboration on Action–Entertainment Property

Chicago, IL and Los Angeles, CA, February 22, 2006 – Bringing together some of the top content providers in entertainment, Midway Games Inc. (NYSE: MWY), a leading interactive entertainment industry publisher and developer, Tigon Studios, founded by Vin Diesel, and Viacom's (NYSE: VIA, VIAB) MTV Films, Paramount Pictures and MTV Games today announced a collaboration on a groundbreaking action-entertainment property, The Wheelman. The Wheelman is being developed as an intensely riveting video game from Midway, in association with Diesel’s Tigon Studios and MTV Games, intended to serve as the introduction to a series of related entertainment offerings. MTV Films and Paramount Pictures have purchased the rights to develop a major motion picture based on the video game. The Wheelman is being developed as an adrenaline-charged action movie starring Vin Diesel as an expert wheelman who comes out of retirement to protect a woman from his past. Rich Wilkes, who worked with Diesel on "XXX," is slated to write the script for the project. Diesel’s Tigon Films and MTV Films plan to produce the film, and Paramount Pictures intends to release it. Overseeing the film for MTV Films will be David Gale, Executive Vice President, Loretha Jones, Senior Vice President of Development and Jason Weiss, Senior Director of Development. Overseeing for Paramount will be Dan Levine, Senior Vice President Production, Matt Jackson, Vice President Production and Eben Davidson, Director Creative Affairs. Overseeing for Diesel's Tigon Studios will be Samantha Vincent, Vice President and Coz Lazouras, Product Development Executive. The Wheelman will be the second of three titles under the recently announced strategic relationship between MTV Networks and Midway to market, jointly sell in–game advertising and collaborate on soundtrack development. "With The Wheelman we have created the first integrated franchise being launched for both the gaming and film industries," said Vin Diesel. "In collaborating with Midway, MTV and Paramount, TIGON Studios has brought together an incredible team to execute this project." "We believe The Wheelman is a groundbreaking new model for our industry," said David F. Zucker, president and CEO, Midway. "We intend to create a broad–arcing experience, simultaneously developing entertainment properties across a number of mediums, with Vin Diesel right at the center of it all." "We've been big Vin Diesel fans since he first wrote, directed and starred in his first feature 'Strays,' so partnering to bring this kick–ass character to life across multiple screens is not only exciting, but reflective of how we want to work with talent," said Van Toffler, President, MTV Networks Music/Films/Logo Group. "With some of the biggest names in the feature film and gaming worlds joining forces on The Wheelman, we've got all the makings of a very cool franchise." "With the close cooperation of Midway, Paramount and MTV Films, we are putting together a new way to tell a story," said Cos Lazouras, production executive, Tigon Studios. "Working in tandem with the movie, we envision the video game will introduce The Wheelman in a way that creates a unique connection with the audience that will blend the interactive world with the experience of the motion picture."

That's right.  For all the Xbox heads who have already played Burnout Revenge on their Xbox, get ready for Burnout Revenge times 10 with the Xbox 360 version.  Ten (10) new crash junctions and a revved up visual display make this game worth revisiting on the 360.

 

My boys @ XGP did fans the pleasure of a preview...so check it out!

 

 

I'm ready for some revenge, 360 style!

Electronic Arts (Nasdaq: ERTS) announced today that EA SPORTS™ Fight Night Round 3 has shipped to retailers nationwide. The third installment in the award-winning EA SPORTS Fight Night series assures that no fight is over until the final bell rings. In the sport of boxing, one punch can change a fight and with the all-new in-game Impact Punches, you can shift the momentum or end it all instantly with one explosive punch.

 

EA SPORTS Fight Night Round 3 features amazingly detailed graphics that capture every emotion of the fight. The game delivers an unparalleled boxing experience and is one of the best-looking and playing sports game for the Xbox 360™ system. Whether you’re hammering away at opponents with nasty hooks and uppercuts or setting them up for a wicked Impact Punch, you have the most complete boxing videogame experience in your hands.

 

Create a championship boxer from the ground up and take him through the ranks for a shot at the title belt in Career mode. Or re-create boxing’s greatest rivalries in ESPN CLASSIC™ mode, including such storied rivalries like Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier, Marco Antonio Barrera vs. Erik Morales, Bernard Hopkins vs. Jermaine Taylor, and many others.

For you sill and crazy fans out there waiting to sink your racing hands on this title, Atari has released a fansite kit for you to enjoy filled with screens and sounds from the game.

 

Head on over to the official site to get your greedy little artistic hands on it!

EA ANNOUNCES THE LORD OF THE RINGS, THE BATTLE FOR MIDDLE-EARTH II FOR THE PC HAS GONE GOLD

 

Offering the chance to experience the Middle-earth you have never seen … Electronic Arts officially announced today that the highly anticipated, The Lord of the Rings™, The Battle for Middle-earth™ II has gone gold and will be on store shelves in North America on March 2, 2006. The Lord of the Rings, The Battle for Middle-earth II, is the sequel to the critically acclaimed real-time strategy (RTS) game The Lord of the Rings™, The Battle for Middle-earth™.

 

Developed at EA’s Los Angeles (EALA) studio for the PC under the EA™ brand, The Lord of the Rings, The Battle for Middle-earth II includes all new content from J.R.R. Tolkien's original fiction, and allows the player to delve deeper than ever before and engage in new battles that go beyond the award-winning movie trilogy. The development team at EALA have brought The Lord of the Rings™ world to life in accordance with an agreement with The Saul Zaentz Company d/b/a Tolkien Enterprises that grants EA the rights to develop games based on the books, in addition to a separate agreement that allows for games based on the New Line Cinema films.

 

"The Lord of Rings, The Battle for Middle-earth II will introduce players to new heroes, creatures, places and stories from Tolkien's fiction brought to life in the visual style of the films from New Line Cinema," said Mike Verdu, Executive Producer at EA LA.  "The game combines a rich and wonderful world with innovations in real-time strategy game play to deliver the complete Middle-earth experience.  This is the Middle-earth you've never seen."

 

In The Lord of the Rings, The Battle for Middle-earth II, players wage war in the Northern regions of Middle-earth where they can choose to assume command of the most storied civilizations in all of Middle-earth history - the Elven and Dwarven armies - or fight on the side of Evil with heroes and creatures that have never been seen in The Lord of the Rings films.  Reprising his role as Lord Elrond, Hugo Weaving lends his voice to the game, helping to set the scene and tone for each mission. 

 

For access to all the behind-the-scenes details of creating a blockbuster The Lord of the Rings PC game, fans will enjoy the first ever Collector’s Edition DVD release from the highly successful The Lord of the Rings franchise with The Lord of the Rings, The Battle for Middle-earth II Collector’s Edition.  This special, limited edition will ship simultaneously with The Lord of the Rings, The Battle for Middle-earth II and will be available at select retailers with a US MSRP of $59.99. The Lord of the Rings, The Battle for Middle-earth II will be available at retailers nationwide with a US MSRP of $49.99. Both games are rated “T” for Teen by the ESRB.

HUXLEY is the first massively multiplayer online (MMO) game to combine the twitch-based fast-action gameplay of a first person shooter (FPS) with the cerebral character development of an MMO to deliver an intense and exciting online entertainment experience of a complete MMOFPS. In a post-apocalyptic world where human beings have mutated and divided into two opposing races, Sapiens and Alternatives must battle it out in fierce online first person combat. The Hybrids, a mysterious third race, add to the drama as the three factions will do whatever it takes to wipe out the opposition and win control of a world in turmoil and its vital resources.

 

I'm interested to see how this one turns out.  I have more screens and a new video to post but my press contact's server is REALLY slow.  Stay tuned.

Today I'm introducing a new feature on this blog.  Each week I'll try to feature a new design of mine whether it be game related or not.

 

For those interested, you can contact me about design services at Kendi-Styles, my own personal design front.

 

This week's feature is just a personal background I decided to make.  Check out the album highlight.

Sega and Monolith are bringing their Xbox 360 thriller to the PC for PC fans to enjoy.  I have some screenshots I thought I'd post...I'm sure they've been seen but for my fans out there who haven't seen them, here they are.

 

I'm still waiting to get my hands on this game!!  If anyone wants to donate Condemned on the Xbox 360 to ole Deacon, then hit me up with an email.

 

For now, enjoy these PC shots.

ArenaNet Opens Up Highly Anticipated Game to Global Beta Test and Announces Pre-Order Availability

ArenaNet(r), creators of the #1 selling online roleplaying game Guild Wars(r), and NCsoft(r) Corporation, the world's leading developer and publisher of online computer games, announce today plans for a landmark event to preview Guild Wars Factions(tm), the highly anticipated follow up to 2005's critically acclaimed game Guild Wars. On March 24, 2006, game players around the globe are invited to participate in the Guild Wars Factions Preview Event, an exclusive and one-time opportunity unlike any offered before. 
 
All current Guild Wars players can join the event, and will be able to invite up to three of their friends using an in-game invitation interface. Entry into the beta event will also be available through the Guild Wars Factions pre-order package, which will include the Guild Wars Factions (GWF) pre-order CD, a GWF beta access key, a "friend" key that allows access to the beta event, a 14-day, 10-hour trial key for the original Guild Wars game, a tactical guide, and a quick-reference card. The Guild Wars Factions pre-order key also adds one unique item for each of the game's two new professions, the Ritualist and the Assassin, and authorizes the user to play Guild Wars Factions 24 hours before the game's street date in spring 2006. The Guild Wars Factions pre-order package will be available in retail stores nationwide beginning February 28. 

A game beta test of this size and scope has never been offered before and is a unique event for both fans and the ArenaNet team alike. With current Guild Wars players, their invited friends, and players around the world who purchase the GWF pre-order converging on the game for the Guild Wars Factions Preview Event, ArenaNet is preparing capacity in all its data centers to handle record-breaking numbers of new players.

"To be able to open up Guild Wars Factions and share this one-time experience with so many people is truly a thrill," said Mike O'Brien, ArenaNet co-founder. "Guild Wars players will get the opportunity to play Factions before the game's release while sharing the game with up to three of their friends. We can't wait for the feedback from the seasoned players, as well as those who join us for the first time on March 24."

Guild Wars is an online roleplaying game where players explore a rich fantasy world, acquire skills, build personalized characters, and compete in head-to-head guild battles with players from around the world. In addition to the compelling game design and innovative technology that make playing Guild Wars a unique experience, Guild Wars' success is due in part to a revolutionary business model in which no monthly subscription fee is charged to its users.

DreamCatcher Games today released nine new screens from its upcoming first-person shooter, “Painkiller: Hell Wars” for the Xbox (R).
 
Gamers take on the role of Daniel Garner in “Painkiller: Hell War,” who is stranded in a place between Heaven and Hell. To escape purgatory and receive purification, you must fight hordes of hellish monsters to help stop an impending Unholy War between the forces of good and evil.
  
“Painkiller: Hell Wars” is planned for release on the Xbox this month and has an ESRB rating of “M” for Mature.
 
For additional information on “Painkiller: Hell Wars,” please visit the game’s official website:

 

Bling..Bling....everytime I come around your city....Bling, Bling...pinky ring worth about fiddy...Bling, Bling.

 

No this ain't Juvenile and Lil' Wayne or Cash Money....it's a fitting intro to Midway's NBA Ballers Phenom for the Xbox and PS2 set for release this Spring.

 

It's features Detroit Piston, Chauncey Billips, as its cover boy.  The game is about you being the next "phenom". 

 

Here it is…The NBA Finals in sunny Los Angeles, California. It’s time for all the unknowns from around the world to step on the court and get noticed by the right people. From scouts and coaches to casting directors, everyone is looking for the next “phenom.” You have one week to check out the city and prove that you’re the one everyone is looking for. Take the trophy in unique basketball tournaments, customize your style to get all the eyes on you, and interact with the local scene. By the end of the week, you could be the #1 draft pick of the NBA or on your way to your own entertainment empire. Have you got the skills to prove you belong at the top?

 

A few of the features include:

I know you're out there....sitting in front of your computer screen screaming at how your favorite game could get a low rating by some online website or some gaming magazine.  You could write a much better review is what you're thinking right?

 

Well, your pal Deacon has a way for you to do just that.  For those who don't know, I moonlight as the webmaster/designer for the gaming site, XGP.  I'm currently planning a re-launch to a much easier, cleaner, and manageable system soon.  With that, I'm looking for some people who would like to come on board and help with a variety of things.  And this is for ANY system you are capable of writing for.

 

Including:

It's an unpaid position (meaning completely voluntary on your part) but one that I believe allows you to do what you love best and be heard at the same time by other fellow gamers. 

 

If you want more information on this, feel free to leave a comment or email me on either of the emails listed on my profile.  Those looking to write exclusively and not do any uploading of media, make sure you have a sample of your writing ready or be able to write a quick review wrap up so my Senior Editor can have a look-see.

 

I hope to have some talented and eager gamers helping to make an impact on other gamers and their need for information on games.

 

*preferred age 18+ but not required (see exceptions)

The most highly anticipated boxing videogame of the year is about to enter the ring with style. Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) today revealed the 12 songs that will score EA SPORTS™ Fight Night Round 3. With cutting-edge artists Obie Trice, Atmosphere and Consequence (Kanye West’s protégé) highlighting the soundtrack, you can be sure this realistic boxing experience will knock your socks off when the game ships on February 20 for the Xbox 360™ system, Xbox® videogame system from Microsoft,  the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system.  

“EA SPORTS Fight Night is a spectacularly brutal game with bone-crunching gameplay and photo-realistic visuals. We wanted to make sure that the soundtrack is as powerful as the boxer’s punches,” said Steve Schnur, Worldwide Executive of Music and Music Marketing at EA. “Each song gets your heart pounding and makes you want to move faster, dig deeper and punch harder.”

 

The music features :

Title / Artist

Back Again	Dilated Peoples
Crook Dancin	Slic One
Don’t Stop	Roc ‘C’
Itz Nothin	Young Roscoe
Knock Em Down	L.T.D. A.
Never Gonna Get It	Sean Biggs feat. Akon & Topic
Night Night	Consequence
Round One	Kray Twinz feat. D&G
The Arrival	Atmosphere
The Best Out	Dipset
Uh-Oh	Brasco
Wanna Know	Obie Trice

As was announced yesterday, Black went into Gold status for Xbox and PS2.  For those who don't know, going Gold means everything is done and the only step left is to get it on the store shelves for your greedy little hands to pick up.

 

Here's a cool website to get in the spirit of Black.  Thanks Jon for the delivery! The game will be available at North American retail outlets on Feb 28.  Black has been rated M for Mature so parents watch out and refer to the Must-See Links section here for an ESRB understanding.

 

My friends @ AEG sent some new screens on this one.  This may be the first time they've been seen..so take a peek.  I added my name to add my personal touch to 'em.

 

(8 new screenshots added)

 

 

 

 

Ready to get your hustle on?   Break out that old Tom Cruise and Paul Newman classic, The Color of Money, because you'll need to know the tricks of the trade when it comes to pool hustlin' in The Hustle: Detroit Streets.

 

It's a pool simulation with a bit of role playing added to bring you as close to the hustlin' game as possible without actually being tossed around by Vinnie, the pool shark.

 

The Hustle: Detroit Streets is set to release on Xbox and PS2 this month.