Splosion Man

There doesn’t seem that there is any room for games hailing from the 16-bit school of design. Bigger budgets and powerful consoles bring new ways of design to our favorite games. While this isn’t a bad thing, sometimes it always good to sit back and enjoy a retro style game that will most assuredly bring a smirk to your face and memories of gaming past. Luckily, downloadable games are perfect to scratch this itch. Their lower budgets and easier development allow for new ideas and a retro way of thinking. Developer Twisted Pixel has taken this route and crafted a side-scrolling puzzle platformer that is deeply rooted in 16-bit design with an injection of new wave ideas.

In ‘Splosion Man, you play as the titular character who must ‘splode his way out of a top secret research facility before your creators can despose of you properly. In order to do this, you’ll traverse more than 50 levels that will call your ‘sploding expertise. You can ‘splode three times in a row before you must recharge for a few seconds and each level offers a different puzzle or reflex challenge that will call for strategic ‘sploding in order to pass.

The game is deceptively simple. Every button on the controller causes you to ‘splode, so only timing and clever thinking are the skills required. Each level presents a different challenge that must be tackled with the idea that you can only ‘splode so three times and littered thoroughout are explosive barrels, flame jets, and other tricks and traps that can be used to traverse the obstacles. At first, levels are easy and teach you the basics, but later levels are brutally difficult and require precise timing and quick thinking. If you find the level too hard and are dying a lot, the game allows you to skip to the next level, albeit with a pink toutou, but this feature alleviates frustration and just allows you to have fun.

A puzzle platformer like this lives and dies by it’s level design, easily falling into pitfalls with crudely designed levels. Luckily Twisted Pixel shows that is has an eye for designing amazing levels. The puzzles are never too confusing or cheap or boring. Cleverly placed barrels, spike walls, and other obstacles both hint at your next step and provide nerve wracking tension that results in a gratifying feeling of accomplishment after you pass it. Single player level design is only surpassed by the co-op multiplayer’s levels. Multiplayer mode allows for up to four people to ‘splode together through 50 separate levels that are even more well designed and genious. They provide unique challenges that take advantage of co-op, which brings the ability to ‘splode off each other to launch higher, and don’t feel liked tacked on additions or single player level transplants.

Twisted Pixel could have left it at that, but there titular hero brings a much appreciated madness and to the game. Straight out of a Chuck Jones cartoon, ‘Splosion Man is a manic and hyper agent of destruction. His animations and noises are well done and hilarious, as he runs at his prey and spouts Schwarzeneggar lines. He’s both adorable and insane, adding a cartoonish and whimsical feeling to the game.

Twisted Pixel has established quite a name for themselves with both The Maw and now ‘Splosion Man, showing that retro game design can be combined with new ideas. ‘Splosion Man keeps things simple while also providing an intense challenge and clever gameplay that feels like it’s straight out of a Super Nintendo cart. It a fast, fun, manic, and ‘splosive game that will keep you entertained for a long while.

Transformers Revenge of the Fallen Character & Map Pack Plus Now Available

Press release:
The battle for earth rages on as Activision Publishing, Inc announced today that the Transformers™: Revenge of the Fallen Character and Map Pack Plus is available now for download on Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system. The massive content pack will include eleven playable characters, three all-new maps for online multiplayer game modes, and a brand new “Expert” difficulty setting for the single player campaigns.

Megan Fox, one of Hollywood’s most sought after young actresses and star of both the Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen movie and video game, will be on Xbox LIVE® online entertainment network on Saturday, 29th August at 3:00 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time to challenge fans in multiplayer matches using the new content.

Fans of the original TRANSFORMERS television series can take a trip down memory lane, as new characters include “Generation One” versions of OPTIMUS PRIME, MEGATRON, STARSCREAM and SUNSTORM, while fans of the blockbuster movies will be excited by the additions of SOUNDWAVE, SIDESWIPE, JAZZ and JETFIRE. In addition, new skins are available for fan-favourite characters including Stealth Colours BUMBLEBEE, “Generation One” Colours RATCHET and “Generation One” Colours SIDESWIPE. All characters can be used in both the single player campaign and multiplayer modes, with the exception of JETFIRE, who is only available in multiplayer.

Additionally, three new multiplayer maps extend the diverse set of battlefields on which players can battle with or against their friends. Courtyard is set on the U.S. east coast, where players battle in a metropolitan setting surrounded by open skies and tall skyscrapers. Hillside takes players to the urban backdrop of Cairo, where players will fight in the war-torn streets and alleyways of a ruined cityscape. Sandstorm transports players to yet another section of Cairo, populated with low buildings and wide-open regions perfect for instantaneous, frenetic action.

For players who have mastered the single-player campaigns, the new “Expert” difficulty mode tests players’ skills with more difficult enemies and a whole new set of time challenges, along with corresponding leaderboards. This exciting downloadable content pack also features new Xbox 360 Achievements and PLAYSTATION 3 Trophies.

The Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Character and Map Pack Plus is currently available on Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft for 800 Microsoft Points and in the PlayStation®Store for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system for £7.99.

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen is rated PG by the BBFC; the Windows PC version was developed by Beenox Studios and is also rated PG; the distinct Wii and PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system versions were developed by Krome Studios and are rated PG; two unique AUTOBOT and DECEPTICON-specific Nintendo DS versions were developed by Vicarious Visions and are rated PEGI 7+; the PSP system version was developed by Savage Entertainment and is rated PG by the BBFC.

Batman Arkham Asylum Makes World Record

Press release:
Today the highly anticipated Batman: Arkham Asylum™ game has been awarded a Guinness World Record for the ‘Most Critically Acclaimed Superhero Game Ever’.

Batman: Arkham Asylum, out today in the United Kingdom, has been given top scores across the board from National newspapers and specialist game reviewers. The game has broken the Guinness World Record in this category by achieving the highest average score of 91.67 from reviews around the world.*

Developed by Rocksteady Studios and based on DC Comics’ Batman license, Batman: Arkham Asylum offers players diverse gameplay that pushes the envelope for action, adventure and superhero games and exposes players to a unique, dark and atmospheric adventure taking them to the depths of Arkham Asylum.

Gaz Deaves from Guinness World Records states, “We are so pleased to be awarding Batman: Arkham Asylum a Guinness World Record. It is a fantastic new game and due to the reaction of gaming experts we believe it has a well deserved place in the Guinness World Records book.”

In Batman: Arkham Asylum, BATMAN finds himself trapped inside the confines of Gotham’s psychiatric hospital for the criminally insane, ARKHAM ASYLUM. THE JOKER has set a trap for the DARK KNIGHT and has conspired with the deranged inmates to eliminate BATMAN once and for all. Adding to the authenticity of the game are veteran animated Batman voice talents Mark Hamill and Kevin Conroy, who reprise their roles as The Joker and Batman respectively.

Batman: Arkham Asylum features an original story by Paul Dini, Batman writer and five-time Emmy Award winner whose credits include Lost and Batman: The Animated Series. Gamers will move in the shadows, instill fear amongst their enemies and confront The Joker and Gotham City’s most notorious villains, including HARLEY QUINN, BANE, KILLER CROC, POISON IVY and SCARECROW, who have taken over the asylum.

Batman: Arkham Asylum is rated “BBFC 15” and available for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION®3 Computer Entertainment System for the suggested retail price of £49.99. It will also be available for Games for Windows® LIVE at retail outlets for the suggested retail price of £34.99 on September 18, 2009. For more information, please visit www.batmanarkhamasylum.com.

Kurt Cobain to Feature in Guitar Hero 5

Press release:
Remembered as one of the most iconic artists in the history of alternative rock, Kurt Cobain’s enduring legacy continues with his video game debut as one of five exclusive in-game artists in Guitar Hero^® 5. The former lead singer and guitarist of Nirvana will be featured as a playable character, performing two of the band’s hit singles from their 1991 genre-defining album Nevermind: "Smells Like Teen Spirit" and a special, previously unreleased live recording of "Lithium." The band’s breakthrough hit and one of the greatest rock songs of all time, "Smells Like Teen Spirit" helped define the 1990s and will speak to a whole new generation in Guitar Hero 5.

"Kurt Cobain is one of the most recognizable frontmen in rock ‘n’ roll history and it’s an honor to have two of Nirvana’s masterpieces included in Guitar Hero 5," said Tim Riley, Vice President of Music Affairs for Activision. "This is the first time the original recording of ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ has ever been licensed in an entertainment property and we’re thrilled to offer Guitar Hero^® fans exclusive access to the unreleased live version of ‘Lithium.’"

Guitar Hero 5 features the strongest, most varied set list to date comprised of master tracks from more than 80 of the hottest bands of today and the biggest classic acts; including Kings of Leon, The Rolling Stones, The White Stripes, Santana, Vampire Weekend, Tom Petty, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, plus more than 25 artists from a variety of music genres that will be making their music video game debut. Among the first-time-ever features of Guitar Hero 5 are: Party Play, where players can jump in or drop out of gameplay seamlessly; RockFest, a comprehensive competitive experience available featuring five new head-to-head modes playable online or in your living room; and the ability to play the entire set-list from the first time the game is turned on.

Guitar Hero 5 refines the player experience, enhances the art style and redesigns core features such as GH^TMMusic Studio, making it the most accessible, fun-to-play and authentic experience for seasoned music gamers as well as first-time players. New innovations such as Band Moments, where bands are rewarded for hitting special note streams together and song challenges where gamers are tasked to play through a song a specific way, add a new competitive layer of excitement and accomplishment to the music rhythm genre.

Published by Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI), Guitar Hero 5 is being developed by Neversoft Entertainment for Xbox 360^® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION^®3 computer entertainment system, and by Vicarious Visions for the Wii^TM system from Nintendo. Budcat is developing Guitar Hero 5 for the PlayStation^®2 computer entertainment system. The game is rated "T" for "Teen" by the ESRB. For more information about Guitar Hero 5, please visit GH5.GuitarHero.com.

The King of Fighters XII Dated

Press release:
Ignition Entertainment Ltd., a UTV Enterprise – a worldwide publisher and developer of videogames confirm a new release date for UK, Europe and Australasia of 25th September 2009 on Xbox 360™ and PLAYSTATION®3

Commemorating the 15th anniversary of the franchise, KOF XII serves up 22 characters each with their own unique moves and styles in a stunning 2D production incorporating all-new, high-resolution fighters fluidly animating across painstakingly detailed, 100% hand-drawn backgrounds.

Many fan favourites such as Terry Bogard, Robert Garcia, Ash Crimson, Kyo Kusanagi and Iori Yagami make a welcome return, along with two new additions to the home console version of the title – Elisabeth and Mature.

Online support for both formats allows players from around the world to battle it out to see who is truly the ‘KING’ of the fighters. Online Rankings and Voice chat are also supported.

THE KING OF FIGHTERS XII, has come away from this year’s E3 show with a number of awards and nominations including the prestigious IGN editors award of Best of E3 2009 – Best Fighting Game on PlayStation®3.

GameFocus – Best of E3 Fighting Game – Winner
GameSpy – Best of E3 2009 – Best Fighting Game – Runner Up
1UP.com – Best of E3 2009 – Best Fighting Game – Runner Up
GameSpot – Best of E3 2009 – Best Fighting Game – Finalist
IGN – Best of E3 2009 – Best Fighting Game – Winner (PS3)

IGN: ‘THE KING OF FIGHTERS XII is not only one of the best-looking fighting games around, it’s also one of the most rewarding. Putting hand-drawn sprites into a current-gen game is a difficult task, but KOF XII is entirely hand-drawn and it looks fantastic. The gameplay is equally enticing, as it represents a slick update of the classic King of Fighters combat. Even if you’re not a fan of the franchise, this is one to look out for.’

‘We are thrilled that IGN, the world’s biggest gaming media, has nominated THE KING OF FIGHTERS XII as best fighting title on PlayStation®3’ said Peter Rollinson, Product Manager, Ignition Entertainment ‘There is a huge positive buzz within the gaming community. KOF XII has improved over its predecessors in many ways, offering a fresh yet familiar experience to all fighting fans’

For more information on THE KING OF FIGHTERS XII including screenshots, trailers, and loads of details on new game play features! please Visit http://www.kingoffighters12.co.uk/

THE KING OF FIGHTERS XII is released in the UK and Europe on Xbox 360® and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system on 25th September 2009.

DiRT 2 – World Tour Trailer

Press release:
Previewing a world that’s just waiting to be torn up with tyre-tracks, Codemasters® today released the Colin McRae™: DiRT™2 ‘World Tour’ video. Revealing the nine international locations that will play host to over 100 exhilarating events in the much anticipated racing game, the video is now available at www.dirt2game.com.

Colin McRae: DiRT 2 will take players on a World Tour of diverse and challenging real-world environments where they will compete in contemporary off-road events. Taking the very best of modern off-road racing as its inspiration, the World Tour delivers thrilling new race types, big event atmosphere and stunning locations.

The World Tour delivers over 100 aggressive multi-car and intense solo race events at nine stunning locations across the globe. From the inner city circuits of London, where spectacular day and night Rallycross races are held around Battersea Power Station, to Shibuya where racers compete in the mud-flooded streets of Tokyo’s city centre, the World Tour will also take drivers to open countryside.

In China rallies run past paddy fields in the Yangshuo region before hitting roads that rise up the cone-shaped mountains. The mountainous coast of Croatia provides a test of control as stages traverse tight hillside hairpin sections.

The World Tour will also take travellers to the open roads of Morocco, where stages pass through the streets of Ait Benhaddou and out into the open surrounding desert. From the heat and dust of Morocco, world tourists will also take in the mud and dirt tracks of Malaysia’s Rawang province where roads wind through muddy jungle tracks with plenty of standing water.

The World Tour also heads west taking competitors on a 3-stop expedition of the United States. From the Estadio del Ray stadium in Los Angeles to Baja, California, with its dirt circuit featuring jumps and sweeping turns, to a canyon run at Kane Creek, near Moab, Utah, where the track is surrounded by immense natural red rock cliffs.

Complete with full head-to-head competitive online play, get ready for the ultimate off-road competition when Colin McRae: DiRT 2 launches September 8th (US), 10th (EPAC), 11th (UK) for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft®, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, Wii™, Nintendo DS™ and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system. A Games For Windows® LIVE edition will follow with support for DirectX® 11.

The playable demo is now available from Xbox LIVE® Marketplace and the PlayStation® Store in Europe. The PS3 system playable demo will be available in North America from Thursday 27th August.

Section 8 Statistic Portal to Launch With Release

Press release:
SouthPeak Games and developer TimeGate Studios are pleased to announce their clan and statistics portal for the upcoming Section 8™ sci-fi FPS. This extremely robust online center offers players unprecedented information and coordination for everything they do in the game. It also allows for full clan management and recruitment. Everything will be accessible at www.joinsection8.com/stats and be available next week when the game ships in North America.

Features:

· Create a Section 8 clan

o In game clan tags can be setup to automatically update from the portal

o Ability to turn on/off recruitment status and review the statistics of your incoming applicants

o Establish hierarchies within your clan (Recruit, Member, Officer, Leader, etc.) and manage rosters directly from the portal

o Toggle viewing clan member’s e-mail address for coordination outside of the game

· Over 50+ unique Leaderboards not available in game, categorized by:

o Career Statistics (XP, Kills, Deaths, Destructions, Combat, Teamwork, etc.)

o “In a Life” Records (XP, Teamwork, Combat, Kills, Damage, Captures, Repairs, Defenses, Destruction)

o Gear “In a Life” Records (Assault Rifle, Shotgun, Knife, etc.)

o Badges (32x badges)

o Feats (16x feats)

· All Leaderboards can be changed to best “overall” or best “within my clan”

· Overall community page that tracks the top players / top clans, as well as tracks continuously updated community wide statistics (ex: most popular map, popular gear, popular loadout, etc.)

· A unique player profile page for each user that tracks over 100 unique in-game statistics to the individual that can be set to rank either best “overall” or best “within my clan”

· Mutually exclusive statistics for each platform (Xbox 360, PC)

· Supports players from all regions (EFIGS)

Section 8 will be available for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft on September 1, and for Windows PC on September 4 in North America. Both the Xbox 360 and Windows PC versions will be available on September 11 in the UK and Asia Pacific, and September 18 in the rest of Europe.

Dragon Age Has Talent

Press release:
Leading video game developer BioWare™, a division of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) has secured a star-studded voiceover cast for its upcoming blockbuster game, Dragon Age™: Origins. Featuring Tim Curry, star of The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Broadway’s Spamalot, as well as Kate Mulgrew, well-known for her role as Capt. Kathryn Janeway in “Star Trek: Voyager”, Dragon Age: Origins also includes notable cast members Tim Russ (“Star Trek: Voyager,” “Samantha Who?”), Claudia Black (“Stargate SG-1,” “Pitch Black”) and Steve Valentine (“Estate of Panic,” “Crossing Jordan”). Dragon Age: Origins marks BioWare’s return to fantasy, created from the ground up to take players through a dark epic tale filled with violence, lust, and betrayal.

Tim Curry will play the villainous Arl Rendon Howe. Howe is the calculating villain, cultured and charming, with an insatiable lust for power who never hesitates to harm anyone who gets in his way. Kate Mulgrew will lend her vocal flair to Flemeth, a powerful witch who maintains her immortality through the darkest of means, and who plays a pivotal role in the player’s survival. Both roles provide the actors with the opportunity to bring their considerable talents to bear in their portrayal of these characters.

“Dragon Age: Origins has the largest cast of characters of any game BioWare has ever made,” said Mark Darrah, Executive Producer, BioWare. “By working with an incredibly talented cast of actors we are able to bring reality and depth to the characters, their back stories, motivations, and dreams that our talented writers have created for them.”

In Dragon Age: Origins, players take on the role of a Grey Warden, one of the last of an ancient order of guardians who have served as protectors throughout the centuries. Only they have the power to unite the shattered lands, defeat the Archdemon and drive back the darkspawn that threaten to destroy the world. Players will interact with many interesting characters who may join them in their quest, and they will choose whether these characters become friends, foes, or even a romantic interest. Featuring a deep and compelling story where every choice can have a dramatic impact on the game, Dragon Age: Origins is scheduled to release on November 3, 2009 in North America and November 6 in Europe, for the PC and Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system and later in November for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system.

F.E.A.R 2 – Reborn DLC Demo Available

Press release:
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and Monolith Studios are pleased to announce that a playable demo for F.E.A.R. 2: Reborn, the next F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin DLC pack, is available for free download via PlayStation® Network and Xbox LIVE® Marketplace today.

This free demo provides the first chance to get a hands-on look at the upcoming single-player campaign, featuring four all new levels. F.E.A.R. 2: Reborn immerses gamers in the aftermath of Alma’s destruction with a mysterious new point-of-view: that of Replica Soldier Foxtrot 813. Be careful, not all is as it seems.

Download now and get the first look at F.E.A.R. 2: Reborn today!

The complete F.E.A.R. 2: Reborn experience will be available for purchase on September 3 via PlayStation Network for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, and Xbox LIVE for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and Windows™ PC. Additionally, patches for PlayStation 3 and PC and a title update for Xbox 360—all including Slow-Mo Deathmatch mode capabilities—will be made available for free on September 3.

Codemasters Hands Over Dirt 2 Distribution Rein to Sony

Press release:
Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) will drive sales of Colin McRae™: DiRT®2 on PlayStation® formats in all PAL markets other than Spain, Australia and New Zealand, Codemasters® announced today. The arrangement sees SCEE performing sales and distribution for both the PlayStation®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system editions of the much anticipated off-road racing game.

The title, which is currently seeing demo download figures close to the 1 million mark, headlining to rave reviews and heralded as the definitive racing game of the year, will be released on September 10th (PAL) and 11th (UK street date), following the launch of the new PlayStation®3 system.

Commented Axel Herr, Senior Vice President, Publishing EPAC, Codemasters:
“To have Colin McRae: DiRT 2 represented by the platform holder during the new PS3 system’s launch window is testimony to the strength of the game and its commercial relevance. The Colin McRae series has enjoyed a great affinity with the PlayStation brand in PAL territories for over 10 years and we’re proud to have the support and ambition of SCEE behind it during this key time for both the PS3 and PSP.”

Colin McRae: DiRT 2 is set to take racing games to a new level with thrilling new race types, striking locations, big event atmosphere and a peerless line-up of super-charged speed machines, each selected to deliver spectacular, fast paced racing. Taking players on an exhilarating World Tour, Colin McRae: DiRT 2 will deliver over 100 stunning events, including aggressive, multi-vehicle races and intense solo challenges, set in the most diverse and demanding real-world environments.

Offering full head-to-head competitive online play, get ready for the ultimate off-road competition when Colin McRae: DiRT 2 launches September 8th (US), 10th (EPAC), 11th (UK) for the PS3 system, PSP system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft® Wii™ and Nintendo DS™. For the latest news and videos, race over to www.dirt2game.com or become a fan at www.facebook.com/dirt2game. A two-race playable demo is now available from the PlayStation® Store in Europe.

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