Video Game News & Info

EA to Acquire Mythic Entertainment

Sat, 01 Jul 2006 21:44:00 +0000

Studio Recognized Worldwide for Top Development Talent, Critically Acclaimed Franchises and Ground-Breaking Online Experiences
Electronic Arts today announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Virginia-based Mythic Entertainment®. Upon completion of the acquisition, Mythic Entertainment will become EA Mythic, a wholly-owned studio dedicated to developing Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs). Mythic is recognized worldwide for revolutionizing the online gaming space with the award-winning Dark Age of Camelot® and is currently developing Warhammer® Online: Age of Reckoning™ under license agreement with Games Workshop.

The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, and is expected to close during EA's second quarter of fiscal 2007. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Upon completion of the acquisition, Mark Jacobs, the President, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Mythic, will become Vice President, General Manager of EA Mythic. Rob Denton, the Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and co-founder of Mythic will assume the role of Vice President, Chief Operating Officer of EA Mythic. Mythic's 175-person development team will remain in Fairfax, Virginia.

"Mythic has always been a leading independent developer in the online space," says Mark Jacobs, CEO and co-founder of Mythic Entertainment. "EA's commitment to the online market as well as its focus on creating games of unsurpassed quality, scope and scale gives us opportunities and resources we could only dream about in the past."

"The addition of Mythic to the EA family reflects our deep commitment to the online gaming market worldwide. Mythic will bring one of the industry's most talented MMORPG teams to EA. Together, we will create games that will introduce MMO players to a whole new level of game play and excitement," said Paul Lee, President, EA Studios.

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Weekend Video Game News

Sat, 07 Jan 2006 01:37:00 +0000

Nintendo DS Mario Kart Bundle

Sat, 31 Dec 2005 18:49:00 +0000

Look at this!

Bundle includes Nintendo DS Game System, 2 Stylus Pens, AC adapter, Touch Strap, Mario Kart Wrist Strap and the Mario Kart DS game.

Nintendo DS with Mario Kart Bundle brings together the latest Nintendo innovation with one of its most popular games! This Red Hot Nintendo DS gives you a unique game-play experience using features never before offered, by any other system. With Mario Kart DS, you'll go wireless for great kart racing action! Race and battle with up to eight karts at once, with Mario, Luigi, Peach, Yoshi, Donkey Kong, Wario, Bowser, and Toad. With over 30 courses and all the crazy items and frantic speed players would expect, this game is a Mario Kart fan's dream!

Read more about Nintendo DS Mario Kart Bundle

Does it get any better? Mario Kart DS and the Nintendo DS?

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WarCraft III: Reign of Chaos

Sat, 31 Dec 2005 00:25:00 +0000

It has been nearly 15 years since the war between the orcs and humans ended. An uneasy peace settled over the land while, for years, the drums of war were silent. Yet the kingdoms of men grew complacent in their victory--and slowly, the defeated orcish clans regrouped under the banner of a new visionary leader.

Now a darker shadow has fallen over the world, threatening to extinguish all life--all hope. The drums of war play upon the winds once again--rising urgently toward the inevitable hour when the skies will rain fire--and the world will tremble before the coming of the Burning Legion.

WarCraft III returns players to the war-torn world of Azeroth. Developer Blizzard Entertainment combines the lessons learned from its bestselling StarCraft, the famous WarCraft lineage, and all-new 3-D technology to create an all-new, vibrant strategy game sure to become a classic.

Wage war in a fully interactive 3-D world that incorporates nonplayer characters, wandering monsters, neutral towns, strongholds, temples, and environmental effects. Four mighty playable races--humans, orcs, night elves, and undead--compete in a finely balanced dance of conquest. Upgradable heroes gain experience and harness new powers as the game progresses. This is WarCraft that's intimately familiar, yet as you've never seen it before.

WarCraft III: Reign of Chaos

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Age of Mythology: The Titans Expansion Pack

Fri, 30 Dec 2005 02:21:00 +0000

Expanding from Ensemble Studio's Age of Mythology - Titans brings to the experience the Atlanteans another culture with was 3 new gods to expand into your existing simulation. Atlanteans civilization/culture will allow players to uses god power multiple times within a game as opposed to the Greeks, Norse and Egyptians.

Features:

* Harness the awesome powers of the Titan gods as the battle for heaven and earth continues
* New single-player campaign, scores of new mythological units, and the ability to upgrade units to heroes
* Titans add another important chapter with the addition of new scenarios to explore and conquer
* Atlanteans can use god powers multiple times; unleash huge Titans to wreak havoc
* The ancient world comes to life in great detail with exciting gameplay elements and characters

Age of Mythology: The Titans Expansion Pack

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Nintendo DS

Thu, 22 Dec 2005 17:48:00 +0000

This is what everyone wants for xmas this year.

Read more info on Nintendo DS

Features:

* Dual ScreensTwo LCD screens offer one of the most groundbreaking game-play advances ever developed: experiencing a game from two perspectives at once. Imagine the possibilities. In a racing game, drivers might see their own vehicle's perspective on one screen and an overall track view on the other. In a role-playing game, the action could take place on the first screen while the second provides a reference for a player's tools inventory. Game play also could use both screens at once, offer
* Touch ScreenThe lower screen will offer something never before provided by any game device: PDA-like touch capabilities. Players no longer have to rely on just buttons to move characters org effects and cel shading.
* SoundThe 16-channel sound allows for greatly expanded use of voices and music, and a richer, more immersive game experience. A plug for headphones transmits stereo sound.
* Battery & Power ManagementThe battery is rechargeable and the unit features a low-energy-consumption design. The DS also has Power Management functions of Sleep mode and Standby mode. In Sleep mode, players can stop and resume game play whenever they like. If the user receives a message from a friend or user nearby, DS activates itself from Standby mode.

Order yours today - Nintendo DS

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Sony Playstation 3 PS3

Mon, 19 Dec 2005 03:40:00 +0000

The Sony PlayStation 3 console is described by Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc. (SCEI) President and CEO, Ken Kutaragi as a "supercomputer for computer entertainment." This next-generation Sony video game console is rumored to be available in Spring 2006 and promises to deliver state-of-the-art technology with new, powerful digital media and high storage capacity.

One of the key questions about the PS3 was what kind of media it would use. Sony has announced that the PS3 will use Blu-Ray discs as its media format, which can hold six times as much data as current DVDs. The PS3 will also support CR-ROM, CD-RW, DVD, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD+R formats. Sony has confirmed that the machine will be backward compatible all the way to the original PlayStation -- you'll be able to play all your favorite games without keeping all the old systems. The console will have slots for Memory Stick Duo, an SD slot and a compact flash memory slot. It will also sport a slot for a detachable 2.5-inch hard disc drive, somewhat similar to the Xbox 360's. Whether or not this drive will come standard still remains a mystery.

The PS3 will feature IBM's new "Cell" processor, which will run at 3.2 GHz and give the system two teraflops of overall performance. In fact, the PS3 is said to be 35x more powerful than its predecessor. This processor vaults the PS3 to the top of the list for most powerful, next-gen consoles -- rumor has it that the PS3 is two times more powerful than the Xbox 360 and 15 times more powerful than the Nintendo Revolution.

The PS3's dedicated graphics chip is no slouch, either. Dubbed the the RSX "Reality Synthesizer" and based on Nvidia technology, it will deliver fresh, realistic imagery and bombastic visual expression. The chip will be capable of 128-bit pixel precision and 1080p resolution for a full HD experience.

Some hefty multi-media features are built into the new console, as well, such as video chat, Internet access, digital photo viewing, and digital audio and video. Out of the box, the PS3 will have the capability to support seven Bluetooth controllers. Each controller can be used for nearly 24 hours before requiring charging. The controllers feature PlayStation's signature square-circle-triangle-X buttons, but they sport a never-before-seen, boomerang-like design. Also, as rumored, the PS3 will have Wi-Fi connectivity to the PSP, which can be used as a remote screen and controller.

A whole host of game publishers are already backing the PS3 and several have even confirmed games for the console. At the 2005 E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo) Konami introduced Metal Gear Solid 4, Capcom showed off Devil May Cry 4 and Namco unveiled Tekken 6. Also look for the fifth Gran Turismo title from Polyphony Digital, as well as the next Killzone from SCEE, and a new Western title from Rockstar Games.

Sony has also stated that the PS3 will have similar online connectivity and services as the next generation of Xbox Live. Calling it "an always on, always connected device," SCEI's chief technical officer Masa Chatani said the PS3 would be constantly in touch with a "PlayStation World" network "fundamentally based on community, communication commerce, and content."

Sony has confirmed a lot of information about its newest system, but until the PS3 is out on the market, the rumor mill will continue to churn with gossip -- both unconfirmed facts and bogus news. Nevertheless, with a powerful processor, an outstanding graphics chip, and an impressive list of new games, one thing is for certain: This console has firmly placed Sony on the cutting-edge of video game entertainment and technology.

Sony PlayStation3 - PS3

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Everquest II Collector's Edition

Tue, 20 Dec 2005 23:49:00 +0000

The Everquest II Collector's Edition includes: "Spell book" DVD holder, bonus DVD with exclusive video, exclusive art book, cloth map, and collectible coin with velvet pouch.

EverQuest II is an online universe that exists parallel to the hugely successful gaming phenomenon EverQuest. Featuring breathtaking graphics and a vast, beautiful game world to explore, EverQuest II sets new standards in graphical realism as players are immersed in the game's powerful epic storyline with thousands of players online.

Set 500 years after EverQuest, EverQuest II is a new and different game experience in a world marred by a series of massive cataclysms. Players enter this world by creating their own unique character from 16 races and 24 classes, using a powerful customization system for unprecedented player individuality.

Players will encounter hundreds of creatures as they travel across the majestic landscape of rolling hills, barren deserts, dense forests, and bustling cities. Thousands of new items, hundreds of new spells, and unparalleled adventures await all who enter the world of EverQuest II.

EverQuest II also features:

* A new, massive online world for thousands of players to explore, filled with danger, adventure and mystery
* Voices for almost every non-player character (NPC) in the game, a huge project encompassing nearly 100,000 lines and 130 hours of dialog (the equivalent of more than 65 feature films worth of content)
* Unparalleled character customization capabilities. In addition to thousands of pieces of armor, weapons and items users can equip, players will be able to customize their character's facial appearance to an incredible level of detail and personalization
* 16 races, 50 levels and 24 classes with a branching system that allows players to choose their class as they advance
* No race/class limitations, allowing players to truly choose who they want to be in game Player-owned real estate (such as apartments, homes, and guild houses)
* State-of-the art combat, spell and skill systems
* New, user-friendly game mechanics with reduced learning curve for both new and seasoned players Trade skills available to all player classes
* More than 160 unique creature types, from Orcs and Goblins to huge dragons and menacing Living Statues
* Incentives for current EverQuest subscribers
* A state-of-the-art, cinematic quality 3D graphics engine capable of improving as hardware technology advances

EverQuest II is a multiplayer online game you play via the Internet. A stable Internet connection is required to play. Sony Online Entertainment charges a small monthly fee for this game, separate from your Internet service provider access charges. The first month of this fee is included in the purchase price of this package. You must provide a valid credit card to register and play. After your first month, you can use your credit card to buy more time.

Product Description

The EverQuest II Collector's Edition opens up a new world of epic deds and amazing damgers, where players will encounter hundreds of creatures and unlimited adventure. Breathtaking graphics and an epic storyline immerse you in this world, as you become a legendary hero or villain. This special Collector's Edition includes a "Spell Book" DVD holder, bonus DVD with video assets, art book, cloth map and a collectible coin ina small velvet pouch. Players can now own real estate, such as apartments, homes, and guild houses Incredible graphics bring over 160 creature types to life - from orcs and goblins to menacing dragons and colossal Living Statues Features voices for almost every NPC in the game.

Everquest II Collector's Edition

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Xbox 360 Games

Sun, 18 Dec 2005 15:01:00 +0000

World of Warcraft Collector's Edition

Mon, 19 Dec 2005 14:22:00 +0000

Features:

* Exclusive in game pet
* Play the full game on both CD-ROM and DVD-ROM
* 1 month subscription to World of Warcraft
* 200 plus page hardcover art book
* World of Warcraft Behind the Scenes DVD

We're very excited to now reveal the confirmed contents of the World of Warcraft Collector's Edition. This special-edition collector's set will feature an inventory of rare, exclusive items created to commemorate the launc h of your epic quest into Azeroth, including:

* The full game on both CD-ROM and DVD-ROM
* One-month subscription to World of Warcraft
* The Art of World of Warcraft, 200+ page hardcover art book
* World of Warcraft behind-the-scenes DVD
* Exclusive in-game pet
* Official soundtrack
* Cloth map charting the continents of Kalimdor, Azeroth, Khaz Modan, and Lor daeron
* Signed collector's-edition game manual
* 10-day free guest pass invite for one of your friends to join the epic quest.

World of Warcraft Collector's Edition

Check out the latest info on this epic MMORPG game.

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Xbox 360 Game System

Sat, 17 Dec 2005 20:58:00 +0000

Xbox 360 sets a new pace for digital entertainment. More than just a cutting-edge game system, Xbox 360 also integrates high-definition video, DVD movie playback, digital music, photos, and online connectivity into one sleek, small tower.

Xbox 360 is much smaller than its predecessor--it measures approximately 3.3 by 12.2 by 10.2 inches and weighs 7.7 lbs. It's powered by custom IBM PowerPC-based CPU with three symmetrical cores each running at 3.2 GHz... continued

Read more about Xbox 360

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Xbox 360 Controller

Sat, 10 Dec 2005 03:13:00 +0000

Need an extra xbox 360 controller? By Microsoft

Features:

* Oscillating rumble with 2 separate vibration feedback motors and custom intensity (full, medium, low and off)
* 9’ of cable for an even bigger playing field
* Central Xbox Guide Button turns your system on and off from a distance
* Pulsing ring of light around Guide Button identifies players

Based on the acclaimed design of the Xbox Controller S, the Xbox 360 Controller features an extended nine-foot cable and an improved ergonomic design. The centralized, glowing Xbox Guide Button grants you quick access to your digital movie, music, and games libraries. The ultimate in gamer flexibility, precision, control, quality, and comfort are all yours.

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Game Boy Advance SP

Wed, 17 Nov 2004 21:26:24 +0000

Early Adopters Pick: March 2003. As the world's smallest video-game platform, the Game Boy Advance SP is also the first to use a built-in rechargeable battery.
Many decried the original Game Boy Advance's reflective LCD screen and its reliance on external light sources. The Game Boy Advance SP's main feature--optional backlighting--fixes this complaint nicely, but it's the wealth of other features that makes this system so surprisingly good.

At first look, you might think the SP is a sleek travel alarm clock. When closed, it's just as tall and deep as the original GBA, but only half as wide. Due to its clamshell design, the screen is always protected from everyday scratches. A small button in the center of the console turns on the backlighting element for use in low-light situations, like in a moving car.

The SP comes with a well-designed power adapter that recharges a built-in battery; its prongs fold in for easier storage. Our informal tests found that it takes about four hours to fully charge (you can even play it while it's plugged in and charging), and the battery lasts about 11 hours with the backlighting constantly on--your results may vary. Using the backlighting less often will conserve battery power.

The quality of the backlighting is very good. It's bright and clear when looking directly at it, but degraded from other angles. This is only a problem for friends who are watching the screen from over your shoulder.

But size, power, and affordability do not come without trade offs. There's no headphone jack here, though Nintendo promises an adapter. The system isn't very loud at its highest volume, and the sound can be turned down to socially acceptable levels. The L and R shoulder buttons are a fraction of the size they were on the GBA, and thus are harder to hit. Also, the reduced size of the SP is slightly less comfortable for adult hands than the GBA, but perhaps more comfortable for smaller hands. The cartridge port placement on the lower part of the console is fine for GBA games, since they are flush with the console body, but older Game Boy Color carts will stick out in a way that takes some getting used to.

Open it up and the hinge will seek out a preferred, pre-set angle (about 150 degrees), though you can open it a bit wider or narrower for your own comfort. The hinge stands up well to lateral pressure, and over all, the SP seems just as rugged as its predecessor--which has proven to be very rugged, indeed. --Porter B. Hall

Check out the latest colors: The Game Boy Advance SP's

Nintendo DS & Game Boy Advance

Wed, 17 Nov 2004 21:04:51 +0000

With the popularity of the Game Boy Advance we prepare for the release of the Nintendo DS.

Coming soon.