Ignition Entertainment Announces Blacklight: Tango Down

Press release:
Ignition Entertainment has revealed the first insight into the back story, setting and weapons of their upcoming multiplayer-focused first-person-shooter Blacklight: Tango Down, currently in development at Zombie Studios.

Blacklight Tango Down is a fully featured Unreal Engine 3.0-powered game set to release this summer exclusively through Xbox LIVE® Arcade, PlayStation®Store, and through digital distribution channels on PC, making it one of the most advanced games ever released solely through downloadable channels.

WHAT IS BLACKLIGHT?
Blacklight: Tango Down is set in the near future and revolves around a special operations military group called “Blacklight.” Blacklight is the SECDEF’s (Secretary of Defense’s) personal direct action team comprised entirely of “Tier One Assets.” These elite soldiers are extraordinary operators recruited from all branches of special operations, including Combat Applications Group (Delta), SF, DEVGRU (SEAL), RANGER, and CIA MSP. All combatants are hand-selected and trained specifically to be equipped to deal with fast-moving, ambiguous and unstructured situations. This is the player’s role in the game.

THE WORLD OF BLACKLIGHT: TANGO DOWN
Blacklight: Tango Down’s near-future setting is not that different from our own time and will appear hauntingly familiar to gamers but also distant enough to be surprising and unsettling. It is a universe that has been overtaken by the exploding speed of technological progress and is left suffering from the unbridled failures that those advances create.

The technological overbuild has created a bleak environment which has transformed once vibrant and familiar cityscapes into dark and endless virtual billboards and danger zones. An ongoing viral epidemic ravages society and the military’s drive to control and use the virus as a weapon has only created more devastating strains. Civilians and governments struggle through ongoing unrest. Order can only be imposed through force and fear.

The military’s attempts to weaponise the virus has lead to what some call “Q-Fever” or SIV (Sentient Insanity Virus) and the people it infects are known as SIVs. The virus destroys a person’s humanity, transforming them into frightening creatures that are less capable of utilizing tools but are far more aggressive and impervious to pain.

SCIENCE FACT, NOT FICTION
Blacklight: Tango Down is set in a universe that is based in Science Fact, not Science Fiction. The future combat technologies and weapons featured in the game are based on the bleeding-edge military developments and breakthroughs of today. Whereas currently, in our real world, these items may exist only in the laboratory or in conceptual designs, in Blacklight: Tango Down, these advanced military tools are deployed mainstream and make up the military reality of the game.

This “science fact” equipment includes exciting new future weapons and support systems, like EMP grenades that disable opponents’ electronic visors, Digi-Grenades that distort the optics of enemies, reactive body armor and widely customizable weapons. The most iconic piece of Blacklight technology is the “Hyper Reality Visor,” a head piece that uses its own electronic pulse and nearby electro-magnetic fields to render the world in a new way, allowing soldiers to see what is otherwise invisible.

Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions Announced

Activision has announced a brand new Spiderman game, scheduled to release sometime this Fall. With Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions, Activision aims to take a fresh turn in the franchise with an approach that is more closer to its comic roots than any previous games have been.

Here is a bit of info via Gamespot’s first look article: “Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions takes a new approach to chronicling the webbed hero’s exploits that comes closer to his comic roots than the other media he has appeared in recently. The game’s story, penned by The Amazing Spider-Man comic writer Dan Slott, revolves around a mystical artifact called the Tablet of Order and Chaos. As you can imagine, with a name like that, the tablet is more than just a dusty museum relic. In true comic fashion, it turns out that the thing happens to be an object of immense power that is essential to keeping reality in balance. Naturally, it gets shattered into four pieces while Spider-Man is in the process of thwarting a robbery. Given the relic’s role in balancing reality, this is a pretty time-sensitive problem that requires immediate attention, so Spidey is tapped by one of the many guest stars in the game to set things right. On a side note to comic fans, Spidey’s mystic taskmaster is an inspired choice and isn’t anyone who has been a Sorcerer Supreme.”

Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions will arrive for the Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, and DS.

Screenshots:

UK Retailer Slips Out Release Dates for Big Titles

VG247, a popular gaming website, has received an internal game release list from UK’s retailer GAME. The expansive release schedule dates top titles coming out from publishers like Activision, Crytek, Bethesda, etc.

The list gives release windows for Call of Duty 7 (October), Brink (September), Band Hero 2 (October), Fallout: New Vegas (October) and Guitar Hero 6 (September), while also mentions specific release dates for titles like Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4 (May 28), Singularity (June 28) and Crysis 2 (September 24).

The release schedule may or may not be accurate, and so obviously, should be taken with a pinch of pixels.

Here is the copy of the entire release list (courtesy of VG247, of course):

Lost Planet 2 – 15 New Multiplayer Screenshots

Capcom had announced a multiplayer demo for Lost Planet 2, sequel to 2007′s well received action adventure, set to release on April 21st for Xbox 360 and April 22nd for PS3. The demo will feature the Turbulent Jungle map from the versus mode, 16 players battles, full chat support and stat tracking.

Today, they have released a ton of new screenshots featuring the map with some great looking multiplayer action going on. Have a look:

Xbox 360 Slim Pictures Surface

The all-too-rumored slimmer version of the Xbox 360 has always been in the news, even when Microsoft denied any plans to shape up its console offering last year.

When Kotaku had asked Director of Product Management Aaron Greenberg about the constant rumors he had said, “We feel great about our console. We have taken a different philosophy, adding more value to our existing console through updates and reinventing the system software. We feel like our system has done very well for us in the current form. We have no plans for a slim.”

However, today a Dutch site called Game King has posted “‘fresh out of the box the pictures of the Xbox 360 (codename Napoleon), to give you a glimpse of this beautiful show.” (Yeah, you can go ahead and blame Google Translator for that ‘show’.) Have a look:

We doubt this Macbook Air-with-holes looking Xbox 360 Slim is true since we can only see a side of it. Real or an elaborate April Fool prank? We shall surely know tomorrow.

Update:
Yup, as we guessed, it did turn out to be an April Fool’s joke, and as one of our readers pointed out, the ‘Xbox 360 Slim’ could have just been the old and buried HD-DVD add-on.

Win Two Copies of Final Fantasy XIII PS3

Final Fantasy XIII marks the dawning of a new era for the celebrated series, bringing the series to multiple hi-definition consoles simultaneously for the first time in its history. Expanding upon the rich tradition of the series, producer Yoshinori Kitase (Final Fantasy VII, X, X-2), director Motomu Toriyama (Final Fantasy VII, X, X-2), character designer Tetsuya Nomura (Final Fantasy V, VI, VII, VIII, X) and art director Isamu Kamikokuryo (Final Fantasy X, XII) combine their creative vision to deliver the latest masterpiece in the Final Fantasy universe. Additionally, Masashi Hamauzu (Final Fantasy X, Dirge of Cerberus-Final Fantasy VII-) presents a sweeping soundtrack while movie director Takeshi Nozue (Final Fantasy VII Advent Children) and his team of artists adorn the game with seamless cinematic sequences of unparalleled calibre.

Features
• Take Part in a Gaming Experience that Sets New Standards – The first in the series developed for a simultaneous release on multiple high-definition consoles, FINAL FANTASY XIII pushes new boundaries in cinematic presentation, sound and gameplay.

• Experience the Unity of Speed and Strategy with the Ultimate Active Time Battle system – The familiar system has evolved, granting players the freedom of executing numerous commands in a single turn with the multi-slot ATB gauge. Whether inputting singular commands in each slot for consecutive attacks, or expending multiple slots at once to activate a devastating blow, it’s up to the players to respond effectively to the battle conditions at hand.

• Adapt to the Ever-Changing Tide of Battle with Paradigms – A brand-new game mechanic enabling players to assign roles to their party members at any time during battle, shifting between combat paradigms. Consisting of various combinations of the game’s six roles, ranging from Commando, the offensive specialist, to Medic, the quintessential healer, paradigms allow players to respond and adapt instantly to any given situation to turn the tide and seize victory.

• Witness the Battle Scene Transform with an All-New Summon System – Introducing Gestalt Mode, a powerful dimension of the summon system that elevates the action to a whole new level. In Gestalt Mode, characters and their transformed Eidolons fight as one, dealing massive damage to enemies through simple button commands.

• Delve into an Emotional Experience – An immersive storyline connects players to an intriguing cast of characters. Will they have the strength to confront their cursed fates, or will destiny prevail over all that they believe in?

Supreme Commander 2 Out Tomorrow on Xbox 360

Press release:
Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of Square Enix® interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, today announces SUPREME COMMANDER® 2, created by critically-acclaimed developer Gas Powered Games, will be available on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft from tomorrow, 1st April 2010. The game is also available on PC-DVD.

SUPREME COMMANDER 2 is the next instalment in the award-winning SUPREME COMMANDER franchise, set 25 years further into the future. Featuring numerous game enhancements, an in-depth campaign mode, online multiplayer and a unique storyline, the game represents a new dimension in RTS gaming.

Boasting intense battles on a massive scale, players will wage war, creating enormous customizable armies and experimental war machines that can change the balance of power at any given moment. Assume the role of one of the three enigmatic commanders, each representing a unique faction with a rich story that brings a new level of emotional connection to the RTS genre.

“The partnership with Square Enix has been a highlight of my career,” said Chris Taylor, Founder and Creative Director of Gas Powered Games. “I couldn’t be more proud of what the team has accomplished, as the game has continually exceeded all of my expectations throughout its development.”

Larry Sparks, Vice President Brands PAL Region of Square Enix Ltd. comments, “SUPREME COMMANDER 2 has already achieved fantastic recognition across media and the RTS community winning E3 Best Strategy Game 2009 from IGN, 1UP and GameSpot. We’re thrilled to be working with Gas Powered Games to release a game that really pushes the genre’s gameplay and storyline expectations to a new level.”

Battlefield 1943 Sells 1m Units on XBLA

Press release:
DICE, an Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) studio, today announced that Battlefield 1943™ is the fastest game to reach 1M units sold on Xbox LIVE® Arcade for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. Battlefield 1943 is a critically acclaimed First-Person Shooter multiplayer game that IGN says “…is an impressive package that sets a new standard for digital titles.”

“The reception of Battlefield 1943 continues to amaze us, even months after the game was released,” says Gordon Van Dyke, Producer on Battlefield 1943. “Being the fastest game to reach this milestone is an incredible achievement. The game has set a new standard for what can be done in the downloadable games category. It’s fantastic to see how gamers have recognized the value that the game delivers for just $15. It is another great entry point into the Battlefield franchise.”

Originally released in July 2009, Battlefield 1943 has won over 4 game critic awards and is the most popular download-only multiplayer action game. The game brings DICE’s first-class WWII action to gamers where 24 players can compete across four classic WWII Battlefield maps: Wake Island, Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima and Coral Sea. These maps are inspired by the award winning Battlefield 1942™ game, and have been redesigned and reengineered from the ground up using the DICE Frostbite™ engine allowing players to wreak havoc and destruction via land, sea or air.

Battlefield 1943 is now available on Xbox LIVE Arcade for 1200 MS Points or on PlayStation®Network for $15. The game will soon also be available for PC.

David Reeves Joins Capcom

Press release:
Capcom®, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today confirmed that it has appointed David Reeves as COO at CE Europe, the company’s European subsidiary. This role, effective from April 1st, 2010, will see Reeves responsible for overseeing all aspects of the European operation with the remit to maximise potential revenue and explore new areas for growth throughout the region.

Most recently President and CEO for Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, Reeves spent 14 years with the company setting up operations in Germany, Austria and Switzerland and overseeing the launch of PlayStation throughout Europe.

“We are very pleased to have secured the services of someone of David’s calibre, commented Hiroshi Tobisawa, President, CE Europe. “He brings with him an unprecedented level of industry knowledge and expertise which will be invaluable as we look to grow our European operation.”

Speaking about his appointment, David Reeves said, “I established a close working relationship with Capcom during my time at Sony and have always admired its commitment to push boundaries and develop innovative titles. It is therefore a real pleasure to now join this organisation and be a part of its future successes.”

We had spoken with David Reeves at the Games Alliance Middle East Show ’09, you can read interview article here.

Sam Fisher is on Twitter

As part of the marketing campaign for Splinter Cell: Conviction, the video game’s protagonist Sam Fisher is now on Twitter. Quite fitting as we hear that’s the sort of thing covert op types do. You can read his tweets at twitter.com/Real_SamFisher.

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