DCEmu Featured News Articles

Load times in PS3 game ModNation Racers will be reduced by an update set for release tomorrow.

The patch, due for release at 10am Wednesday, is designed to address "issues the community has been concerned about".

It'll also implement a new casual difficulty mode, fix a bug that allowed players to cut the track and post unbeatable times in Hot Lap, and improve server stability to improve disconnects.

"On behalf of UFG [United Front Games], we want to thank everyone for supporting ModNation and being patient as we've worked hard to make it the best experience possible," Sony San Diego community manager Ramone Russell wrote on the US PlayStation Blog.

Eurogamer reviewed ModNation Racers in May, and returned with a solid 7/10.

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/mo...ove-load-times ...

I'll admit it: At first, as my clammy hands clutch its radiant wide screen, I'm not blown away by the Nintendo 3DS.

I'm taking in the new Mario Kart. Of course, it looks great - and, lo and behold, is in full 3D without the need for glasses.



But that's what I expect to happen, having chomped my way through a million and one E3 hands-on write ups.

Where's the jaw-dropping, the mystifying... the magic? Is the impressive-if-functional experience before me really enough to justify another £200+ handheld?

Nintendo's been coy on the price, but we know 3DS is going to be in the current range's 'architecture' - so it doesn't take a genius to work out the hit my wallet will have to take come launch day.

Before I know it, however, boulders and baddies started falling towards the screen. As Mario and Luigi screech out of the various obstacles' paths - and the former lobs a pin-perfect banana on his Brother's bonce - I get it. The 3DS's sorcery has claimed another victim.

The 3DS isn't about making old games prettier, I realise; it's about adding a whole new layer of depth to how we play, judge and perceive video game worlds.



In 3D, you can accurately judge the distance of an upcoming checkpoint, ramp or projectile. Timing a corner perfectly in a racing game becomes that much more natural; platforming suddenly feels tangible.

Those lucky (and wealthy) enough to own a 3DTV will know all this already, of course - but in my experience, the 3DS's brand of 3D seems even more fulfilling than the glasses-dependant equivalent.

Of the games and videos I try, the most impressive are Resident Evil - which looks absolutely stunning - and Kid Icarus, whose developers have evidently had longer than anyone else to get to grips with the hardware.

As I play on, many elements of the 3DS hardware itself surprises me. For one, the 3D slider doesn't work like the significant depth-tweaking tool I expect, but rather a 'tuner' to set the 3D effect just right for your eyes.

I can't see bugger all to begin with, but setting the 3D slider to about the halfway point provided a perfect effect, free of the distortion caused by having it up full whack.

The slide pad (that's the 3DS's version of a thumbstick) feels far better than the shallow 'clicky' experience I predicted.

Although there aren't really any games on show at my London demo frantic enough to demand a workout of the kit, the 3DS slide pad is not disorientating to use. Indeed, it feels more precise than the PSP's often cumbersome thumb nub.

On that subject, there sadly isn't much for press to actually play on 3DS yet - it's all mostly interactive 'videos'.

Pilotwings, however, is one impressive hands-on demo available. Flying through hoops in 3D is a whole lot easier than it was on Super Nintendo.

The new game takes place on Wuhu Island, which you may remember from Wii Sports Resort. The demo allowed two short challenges, one involving the aforementioned plane-and-hoop trial, and another involving popping balloons with a jetpack.

The sense of momentum added to this style of game by the 3DS is what first grabs you. Jetting over a building feels more physical. It opens my eyes to the potential for a whole tonne of classics to be reinvigorated by the extra perspective.

The second game I properly 'play' isn't exactly hardcore - Nintendogs + Cats. Despite the name, there's no felines in this demo. It shows off another of the 3DS's features: facial recognition.

Calling over my pup and sticking my mug close to the screen causes him to 'lick' my face. Likewise, tilting my head causes him to do the same (though buggering up the 3D illusion slightly in the process, admittedly). I make a firm decision: I'm NOT going to be playing this on the tube.

As you can probably imagine, lobbing a tennis ball, swinging a Frisbee and hoofing a boomerang become instantly more compelling when enhanced by Nintendo's gorgeous tech.

The question is, will developers explore the potential gameplay enhancements 3D could introduce - such as those seen in Pilotwings - or will they simply put out a bundle of gimmicks?

It's too early to make a final judgement at this stage, with a lack of hands-on demos throwing up a big question mark: After all, it's much easier to make 3D gaming look revolutionary with an on-rails video.

What's for certain is that the 3DS is the most exciting thing to happen to gaming in a long time. And if I was to put my money on anyone getting it right - and offering that all-important value for money - it'd be Nintendo.

http://www.computerandvideogames.com...VG-General-RSS ...

Rockstar's just released a price and date for the latest Red Dead Redemption multiplayer DLC.

The 'Legends and Killers Pack' will arrive on both XBL and the PSN on August 10 and can be yours for 799 English pennies or 800 Microsoft Points.

Here's what you'll get in return:

Nine new multiplayer map locations -- more than doubling the amount of territories in the multiplayer competitive modes;
Eight new multiplayer characters -- play as characters from Red Dead Revolver;
A new projectile weapon: the Tomahawk, with corresponding challenges for single-player and multiplayer gameplay;
New achievements and trophies;

Rockstar detailed its plans for Red Dead DLC over the coming months back in July. There's more to come and it involves Zombies.

http://www.computerandvideogames.com...VG-General-RSS ...

Rockstar's just released a price and date for the latest Red Dead Redemption multiplayer DLC.

The 'Legends and Killers Pack' will arrive on both XBL and the PSN on August 10 and can be yours for 799 English pennies or 800 Microsoft Points.

Here's what you'll get in return:

Nine new multiplayer map locations -- more than doubling the amount of territories in the multiplayer competitive modes;
Eight new multiplayer characters -- play as characters from Red Dead Revolver;
A new projectile weapon: the Tomahawk, with corresponding challenges for single-player and multiplayer gameplay;
New achievements and trophies;

Rockstar detailed its plans for Red Dead DLC over the coming months back in July. There's more to come and it involves Zombies.

http://www.computerandvideogames.com...VG-General-RSS ...

Motion control devices like Kinect will not cause the death of the traditional controller, insists Microsoft Games Studios Europe creative director, Peter Molyneux.

Speaking in a recent interview, the Lionhead man argues that game controllers are "not going anywhere" and that motion control is simply "a different kind of experience".

"The controller is a skateboard," he told Develop. "It requires an element of skill and practice for use. And yes, it is lovely and refreshing to use motion controllers, but they are a different kind of experience.


"You can argue all you want that bicycles are better for cycling than skateboards, but ultimately they're too different experiences for compare.

"Games controllers have been designed for two decades, and they're not going anywhere, they will continue to evolve," he added. "I don't think motion control, in itself, will cause the death of standard controllers."

Molyneux - who's overseeing big first-party Kinect games like Milo & Kate and Kinect Sports - says the device has been "a really interesting concept" over the last few years - though he's not sure it's been the most important change in gaming.

"That would be a difficult one to choose - handheld gaming, social gaming, the cloud, online gameplay," he said.

"It's been an amazing ride these last five years. I don't think anyone's stopped to notice that every six months over the last five years something's happened that's changed the course of the industry."

Lionhead's latest, Fable III, is just starting to gear up for release.

http://www.computerandvideogames.com...VG-General-RSS ...

Nintendo has already confirmed that development of the Wii 2 is well underway. But don’t expect any more information than that for quite some time, as president Satoru Iwata has told investors that the silence to ensure that the mystery tech will be a surprise.
“We are of course studying and developing the next console to Wii,” he stated. “However, there is a big difference between studying a product and announcing what it is and when we will release it.
“I am afraid to say that the history of entertainment is also the history of imitation. A great idea will promptly be copied unless protected through patents. At the same time, it is really important for our business to positively surprise people. Will you be surprised by our completed product if we told you how it is surprising three years in advance?
“Therefore, we basically disclose information on our products as late as possible. We believe this is the best approach for the entertainment products we are developing. Again, we are planning the next products for Nintendo's continuous growth, but we cannot tell you what, when and how we will release it here. Thank you for your understanding.”

http://www.mcvuk.com/news/40261/Iwat...o-surprise-you ...

Activision Blizzard, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) today announced that during the quarter ended June 30, 2010, life-to-date map packs for the Call of Duty® franchise surpassed 20 million units. Call of Duty remains the #1 best-selling first-person action franchise in the U.S. and Europe, according to The NPD Group, Charttrack and GfK, and has consistently raised the bar for the video game industry with its innovative and engaging online multiplayer experiences and downloadable content offerings. The most recent map pack for the franchise, the Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® 2 Resurgence Pack, was released on June 3 for the Xbox LIVE® online entertainment network and on July 6 and 7 for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Windows® PC.

"The Call of Duty franchise is unique in the world of entertainment and delivers one of the best multiplayer experiences ever," said Robert Kotick, CEO of Activision Blizzard. "We are thrilled to deliver to fans exciting and engaging content that has the intensity they have come to expect from the franchise." ...

Whether your tastes run to hunting, gambling, puzzles, battles or virtual pets, Nintendo has you covered with a fresh batch of downloadable games for the WiiTM and Nintendo DSiTM systems. For the WiiWareTM service, Fantasy Slots: Adventure Slots and Games invites you to chase giant jackpots, while Deer Captor challenges you to pursue big bucks of a different sort. For the Nintendo DSiWareTM service, both Match Up! and Hints Hunter offer portable puzzle fun for players of any background. Hand-held gamers can also interact with personalized pooches in Petz® Dogz® Family or brawl with fierce competitors in Blayzbloo: Super Melee Action Battle Royale. Whichever type of play you prefer, the selection of downloadable games is wider and wilder than ever.

WiiWare

Fantasy Slots: Adventure Slots and Games
Publisher: Big John Games
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: T (Teen) – Simulated Gambling
Price: 700 Wii PointsTM
Description: Players can bring the exciting "Slots" experience home. Choose from six adventure-themed, five-reel bonus slots, or try your luck with classic Cherries or Diamonds slots. Win big jackpots and earn access to VIP suites. Players can use their winnings to purchase vibrant merchandise to customize their suites. As players progress, they can win multiple awards and achievements. Five-reel bonus slots include Gold Rush, Power of Zeus, Pirate Cove, Wild Safari, King Arthur's Excalibur and the Rising Sun. Classic three-reel slots are Diamonds and Cherries. Additional features include: High Roller Suites, where you can live like a VIP while customizing your own high roller suite with items such as artwork, pool tables, trophies and furniture; Bonus Games, offering six great games that can be played separately to challenge your nerves and increase your winnings; and Unlockables with achievement trophies that are tracked and awarded for exceptional play.

Deer Captor
Publisher: Aksys Games
Players: 1-4
ESRB Rating: T (Teen) – Violence
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: Deer Captor is a shooting game that offers an immersive hunting experience. Choosing from a rifle or crossbow, players can put their marksman skills to the test as they try to capture a variety of wildlife such as deer, hares and kites in the comfort of their living rooms. Aim for a high score in Instant Mode, where the objective is to capture as many animals as possible within a set time, or test your mettle in Mission Mode, where you must complete a series of objectives to advance to the pinnacle of the hunting world. Play against your friends and family in friendly competition, or post your single-player score to online leaderboards for nationwide bragging rights. (A broadband Internet connection is required for online play.)

Nintendo DSiWare

Match Up!
Publisher: Digital Leisure
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 200 Nintendo DSi PointsTM
Description: Flip, match and…kaboom! How fast can you find the right set in Match Up!? No matter how old you may be, Match Up! will have you captivated for hours. Reveal shapes, colors and hidden bonuses with a new take on a childhood favorite. You'll need quick hands and a sharp mind to beat the clock and disarm the explosive cards riddled throughout the game. Not quite ready for the explosive action? Start with the engaging classic concentration play and see if you can level up.

BlayzBloo: Super Melee Action Battle Royale
Publisher: Aksys Games
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older) – Cartoon Violence
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Blayzbloo: Super Melee Action Battle Royale pits Ragna, Rachel, Jin, Noel, Taokak and others against one another in five stages of rumble-and-tumble brawling action to see who's the best. There's also a Free Battle mode you can play to your heart's content. Use items in battle to pummel your opponent into oblivion. Drive attacks and special moves may also come in handy to finish off your opponents. Do you have what it takes to become the best Blayzbloo brawler?

Hints Hunter
Publisher: CIRCLE Entertainment
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Comic Mischief
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Hints Hunter is an easy, casual game that you can play anytime and anywhere. The objective is simply to find hidden keys by working out the meanings of the hints in each level. You can play using only the stylus. Most of the hints are helpful and may require you to think about the time of day, game functions like clicking or dragging, or the principle of opening or closing. Be sure to observe the smallest details very carefully, including the name of a level or even a tiny flower.

Petz Dogz Family
Publisher: Ubisoft
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Comic Mischief
Price: 800 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: There's a whole family of dogs you can adopt and love! Take care of them, discover their unique personalities and teach them fun tricks. Choose from favorite breeds such as golden retrievers and Labradors. ...

Whether your tastes run to hunting, gambling, puzzles, battles or virtual pets, Nintendo has you covered with a fresh batch of downloadable games for the WiiTM and Nintendo DSiTM systems. For the WiiWareTM service, Fantasy Slots: Adventure Slots and Games invites you to chase giant jackpots, while Deer Captor challenges you to pursue big bucks of a different sort. For the Nintendo DSiWareTM service, both Match Up! and Hints Hunter offer portable puzzle fun for players of any background. Hand-held gamers can also interact with personalized pooches in Petz® Dogz® Family or brawl with fierce competitors in Blayzbloo: Super Melee Action Battle Royale. Whichever type of play you prefer, the selection of downloadable games is wider and wilder than ever.

WiiWare

Fantasy Slots: Adventure Slots and Games
Publisher: Big John Games
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: T (Teen) – Simulated Gambling
Price: 700 Wii PointsTM
Description: Players can bring the exciting "Slots" experience home. Choose from six adventure-themed, five-reel bonus slots, or try your luck with classic Cherries or Diamonds slots. Win big jackpots and earn access to VIP suites. Players can use their winnings to purchase vibrant merchandise to customize their suites. As players progress, they can win multiple awards and achievements. Five-reel bonus slots include Gold Rush, Power of Zeus, Pirate Cove, Wild Safari, King Arthur's Excalibur and the Rising Sun. Classic three-reel slots are Diamonds and Cherries. Additional features include: High Roller Suites, where you can live like a VIP while customizing your own high roller suite with items such as artwork, pool tables, trophies and furniture; Bonus Games, offering six great games that can be played separately to challenge your nerves and increase your winnings; and Unlockables with achievement trophies that are tracked and awarded for exceptional play.

Deer Captor
Publisher: Aksys Games
Players: 1-4
ESRB Rating: T (Teen) – Violence
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: Deer Captor is a shooting game that offers an immersive hunting experience. Choosing from a rifle or crossbow, players can put their marksman skills to the test as they try to capture a variety of wildlife such as deer, hares and kites in the comfort of their living rooms. Aim for a high score in Instant Mode, where the objective is to capture as many animals as possible within a set time, or test your mettle in Mission Mode, where you must complete a series of objectives to advance to the pinnacle of the hunting world. Play against your friends and family in friendly competition, or post your single-player score to online leaderboards for nationwide bragging rights. (A broadband Internet connection is required for online play.)

Nintendo DSiWare

Match Up!
Publisher: Digital Leisure
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 200 Nintendo DSi PointsTM
Description: Flip, match and…kaboom! How fast can you find the right set in Match Up!? No matter how old you may be, Match Up! will have you captivated for hours. Reveal shapes, colors and hidden bonuses with a new take on a childhood favorite. You'll need quick hands and a sharp mind to beat the clock and disarm the explosive cards riddled throughout the game. Not quite ready for the explosive action? Start with the engaging classic concentration play and see if you can level up.

BlayzBloo: Super Melee Action Battle Royale
Publisher: Aksys Games
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older) – Cartoon Violence
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Blayzbloo: Super Melee Action Battle Royale pits Ragna, Rachel, Jin, Noel, Taokak and others against one another in five stages of rumble-and-tumble brawling action to see who's the best. There's also a Free Battle mode you can play to your heart's content. Use items in battle to pummel your opponent into oblivion. Drive attacks and special moves may also come in handy to finish off your opponents. Do you have what it takes to become the best Blayzbloo brawler?

Hints Hunter
Publisher: CIRCLE Entertainment
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Comic Mischief
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Hints Hunter is an easy, casual game that you can play anytime and anywhere. The objective is simply to find hidden keys by working out the meanings of the hints in each level. You can play using only the stylus. Most of the hints are helpful and may require you to think about the time of day, game functions like clicking or dragging, or the principle of opening or closing. Be sure to observe the smallest details very carefully, including the name of a level or even a tiny flower.

Petz Dogz Family
Publisher: Ubisoft
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Comic Mischief
Price: 800 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: There's a whole family of dogs you can adopt and love! Take care of them, discover their unique personalities and teach them fun tricks. Choose from favorite breeds such as golden retrievers and Labradors. ...