Today, Ubisoft and GeoEye, Inc. announced that GeoEye, a premier provider of satellite, aerial and geospatial information, has provided high-resolution images taken from its commercial Earth-imaging IKONOS satellite for integration into Tom Clancy's HAWX for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the Sony PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system and on Windows-based PC. Tom Clancy's HAWX will be available in early 2009.

The HAWX development team is working closely with specialists at GeoEye to integrate realistic satellite images for every location throughout the game, including Rio de Janeiro, Cape Canaveral and the Middle East. With more than 16 international locations in the game, every mission will have players flying over GeoEye-provided satellite imagery in a three-dimensional environment creating an unparalleled, dogfighting experience.

GeoEye's IKONOS satellite was the world's first commercial Earth imaging satellite and its imagery is currently being used for US national security, mapping, air and marine transportation, environmental monitoring and insurance risk management. The amazing quality and detail of the IKONOS images will lend realism to Tom Clancy's HAWX giving gamers a feeling of immersion that will plunge them into the air combat mission of the game.

"High-resolution satellite imaging is moving from the black world of intelligence to the white world of commerce and Tom Clancy's HAWX will bring that reality to gamers," said Mark Brender, vice president, corporate communications and marketing at GeoEye. "With video game graphics becoming more realistic, the use of high-quality photographic ground textures in HAWX adds true photo-realism to the air combat experience."

During the development process the HAWX team has also worked with the U.S. Geological Survey and the Center for Earth Resources Observations and Science (USGS/EROS) to understand how to best create a topographical 'underpinning' for the satellite imagery, creating a very realistic representation of the Earth.

"We are extremely grateful to GeoEye for their collaboration with Ubisoft and pleased with the level of quality and service we've received," said Travis Getz, authenticity coordinator for the HAWX development team. "GeoEye's amazing imagery, combined with the intense aerial combat experience in HAWX, makes this a perfect partnership for everyone--especially gamers."

About Tom Clancy's HAWX

Developed by Ubisoft's Bucharest studio, Tom Clancy's HAWX delivers an intense and authentic aerial combat experience by fully leveraging the benefits of the next-generation platforms. The story begins in the year 2014. As the era of the nation-state draws quickly to a close, the rules of warfare evolve even more rapidly. More and more nations become increasingly dependent on private military companies (PMCs), elite mercenaries with a lax view of the law. The Reykjavik Accords further legitimize their existence by authorizing their right to serve in every aspect of military operations. While the benefits of such PMCs are apparent, growing concerns surrounding giving them too much power begin to mount.

Tom Clancy's HAWX is the first air combat game set in the world-renowned Tom Clancy video game universe. Cutting-edge technology, devastating firepower and intense dogfights bestow upon this new title a deserving place in the prestigious Tom Clancy franchise. Soon, flying at Mach 3 becomes a right, not a privilege.

For more information on Tom Clancy's HAWX, please visit http://hawxgame.us.ubi.com/ or www.ubi.com.

For more information about GeoEye and the IKONOS and GeoEye-1 satellites, please visit http://www.geoeye.com/. ...

If you've been amazed by the technical prowess of MGS4, you may have been saddened to know that the title was the last game in the series. Or was it? In an interview with Kotaku, former Assistant Producer at Kojima Productions Ryan Payton (widely credited with the Westernized control scheme for MGS4), mentioned his reasons for leaving the company and memories of developing the acclaimed title. At the very end of the interview, he revealed something that all Metal Gear fans wanted to hear. "It'll be hard not being involved in MGS5, but I've got the utmost confidence that Hideo Kojima, Ken Imaizumi, and our amazing team will put together another blockbuster game. I'll be cheering from the sidelines," Payton said.

This isn't the only Metal Gear news that has been released recently. According to an interview with Eurogamer, Hideo Kojima himself noted that MGS4 probably isn't possible to be made on the 360 because of the optimization for the PS3, physical media differences between Blu-ray and DVD and technology issues. However, he did mention that technological issues might not be a problem farther along in the future. "If the hardware technology rises then obviously, you know, [my future games] won't be based on the hardware anymore. Probably I will first create the software and then, um, it's a strange word to say, but port to other hardware if that technological ability rises in all areas," Kojima said.

Kojima also seemed to be annoyed about the seemingly constant focus on the PS3 vs 360, stating that the argument over exclusivity detracted from the game itself. "What kind of disturbs me sometimes, because a lot of people ask me about this PS3/360 question, is that it's not about the hardware - I want people to look at the game itself. Sometimes I even feel like it should be on a PC so that people don't ask me about hardware and platforms," Kojima mentioned. "In the near future I hope they'll ask me about Metal Gear, about us, about our future projects, and will stop caring about the hardware."

We contacted Konami for comment on the "announcement" of Metal Gear Solid 5, but received no word as of the publishing of this news.

http://uk.ps3.ign.com/articles/902/902836p1.html ...

What a crappy way to start a Tuesday. The IGN PlayStation Team just sauntered into the office, turned on its PlayStation 3s, and discovered that the network is down. "Use of the PlayStation Network has been suspended," a pop-up states. "Try to sign in again later."

Our immediate response was to go all Lord of the Flies -- Clements has been sacrificed, Roper has made a throne of old boxes, Jeff is blowing in a sea shell, and everyone's calling Greg "Piggy" -- but Sony says the outage is just for "standard maintenance."

The network should be back up soon.

http://uk.ps3.ign.com/articles/902/902807p1.html ...

Capcom's retro reimagining of the NES classic Bionic Commando has been keenly met, shifting some 130,000 copies since its release on Xbox Live, PlayStation Network and PC a mere seven days ago.

A canny reprising of the classic franchise before it's treated to a brand new outing early next year, Bionic Commando Rearmed has proven a hit with critics, scaling the heights of our own scoring system with a mighty 9.4. Producer Ben Judd seemed suitably ebullient when breaking the news on the game's official blog.

"Basically, we have set a standard in digital gaming. Consumers voted with their dollars. They have sent the message loud and clear - We are tired of meta-emulated crap; we want the titles of yesteryear to be paid the proper respect; we want them done right, and if the price is right, we'll buy. The bar has been raised."

http://uk.ps3.ign.com/articles/902/902772p1.html ...

Purchased the 80GB Core PS3 unit this evening at local Best Buy.

Here's what I've confirmed:

Model number is CECHK01, which has not been updated on Sony's official list of PS3 models yet. According to the manual, power consumption is rated at a max of 280 watts, same as the 40GB model.

However, I ran the 80GB Core unit into a Kill-a-watt and confirmed that the power draw is SLIGHTLY lower (10%) than the 40GB unit.

40GB PS3:
* XMB idle - 125.8 watts
* DVD playback - 141.2 watts
* PS3 MGS4 - 155.2 watts

80GB PS3 Core:
* XMB idle - 111.9 watts
* DVD playback - 126.0 watts
* PS3 MGS4 - 130.0 watts

80GB PS3 MGS4 Bundle:
* XMB idle - 180 watts
* Bluray Playback - 182 watts
* DVD playback - 197 watts
* Game (MGS4) - 200 watts

http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthr...uid=0&t=902935 ...

Empire Interactive, a wholly owned subsidiary of Silverstar Holdings (NASDAQ: SSTR), today announced that Jagged Alliance for Nintendo DS is currently under development by Strategy First Inc. and Cypron Studios.

Jagged Alliance is an explosive fusion of role-playing game and turn-based tactical combat, allowing players to become fully immersed in their characters. A new generation of gamers will be charged with liberating the Island of Metavira through the nonlinear gameplay that made the 1994 original so popular amongst gamers.

"Jagged Alliance provides an exciting blend of RPG and turn-based action, which has already won over fans worldwide," said James Spice, vice president of marketing at Empire Interactive. "It's the right time to bring the game's frenetic battles to Nintendo DS and offer a new generation of players an exhilarating gameplay experience."

"Jagged Alliance for DS is one of the many highlights in our upcoming release pipeline and this announcement augments Empire's commitment to bringing quality titles to a global market," said Clive Kabatznik, CEO of Silverstar Holdings. "The title will prove to be a truly entertaining experience for DS gamers."

Under Empire Interactive's recent distribution arrangement with Atari, Inc., Jagged Alliance will be distributed exclusively by Atari in North America. ...

Natsume, a worldwide developer and publisher of family-oriented video games, announced today that Harvest Moon: Island of Happiness for the Nintendo DS has officially shipped, marking Natsume's ten year commemorative anniversary celebration for the popular Harvest Moon series. Harvest Moon: Island of Happiness is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and will retail for $29.99.

The Harvest Moon phenomenon began ten years ago when it launched on the Super Nintendo. Since then, the RPG/Simulation series has sold millions of units in North America, garnered a large and loyal fan base, and has appeared on most every home and handheld console available, including GameBoy, GameBoy Color, GameBoy Advance, Nintendo 64, GameCube, PlayStation, PlayStation2, PSP, and the Nintendo DS. The celebration of a decade of Harvest Moon success includes special anniversary packaging, various retail promotions with special collectible pre-order plush toys, an exclusive 10th anniversary DS Lite Kit, strategy guides, and many more specialty items to commemorate the beloved Harvest Moon series.

"We are proud to mark the ten year anniversary of Harvest Moon with the launch of Harvest Moon: Island of Happiness on the Nintendo DS," said Hiro Maekawa, President and CEO of Natsume. "The Harvest Moon series has really grown over the past ten years. We are happy to provide this exciting new Harvest Moon adventure, and we think that both our loyal fans and newcomers to the series will enjoy it tremendously."

Harvest Moon: Island of Happiness (DS)

Harvest Moon: Island of Happiness brings the largest portable Harvest Moon experience ever to the Nintendo DS! Players find themselves shipwrecked on a deserted island. Starting off with nothing but an abandoned farm, a handful of seeds, and the determination to start a new life, it's up to them to tame the land and develop this mysterious island into a bustling tropical paradise!

By harvesting crops, raising animals, and mining for precious gems, players will help the island grow into a vibrant town filled with people, businesses, and eligible bachelors and bachelorettes! Players can take on the role of a male or female in their quest to find love and start a farming family.

Harvest Moon: Island of Happiness is a great game for players of all ages; it provides wholesome, non-violent entertainment that anyone in the family can enjoy. Players can also test their farming skills against each other and compete for prizes via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.

Harvest Moon: Island of Happiness will retail for $29.99. Players who pre-ordered the game through select retailers will also receive a free chicken plush as a bonus gift with purchase while supplies last.

For more information on Harvest Moon: Island of Happiness, please visit www.natsume.com or http://www.clevercomm.com/Natsume/ ...

The Sims, an Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) Label, shipped The Sims 2 Apartment Life for the PC, and The Sims 2 Apartment Pets exclusively for the Nintendo DSTM to retail outlets nationwide. In both releases, players leave suburbia for the action and excitement of apartment life. The eighth expansion pack for The Sims 2 franchise, The Sims 2 Apartment Life delivers the drama and fun of apartment living as they move into a brand new building, explore their new neighborhood, mingle in coffee shops, meet new friends and much more. In The Sims 2 Apartment Pets, life in the apartment becomes a lot less lonely as a friendly, furry or fine-feathered friend offers companionship and delivers happiness and joy to Sims. Both titles shipped to retail outlets in North America, European and Asia-Pacific regions and are available now!

The Sims 2 Apartment Pets for Nintendo DS

In The Sims 2 Apartment Pets on the Nintendo DS, players care for a variety of local pets including loveable cats and dogs, slithery snakes, hamsters, colorful birds and cuddly rabbits to make sure they receive the right treatment so that they stay happy, healthy and well groomed. Simoleans earned can be used to furnish the perfect apartment and buy fun pet accessories like hats, shoes and toys. Additionally, players can use the Nintendo DS touch screen and stylus to play cool mini-games and unlock new objects for their Sim and their pets.

Also shipping is The Sims 2 Apartment Life Limited Collection -- a great value to get your apartment life started. The set includes The Sims 2 Apartment Life and The Sims 2 Double Deluxe which consists of The Sims 2, The Sims 2 Nightlife Expansion Pack, The Sims 2 Celebration Stuff and a video DVD with a host of tips and tricks. ...

Leading video games publisher and developer Namco Bandai Games America Inc., announced today that it has shipped Digimon World Championship for Nintendo DS to retailers throughout North America. Based on the hit animated series, epic battles are only part of the action as players prepare their powerful Digimon to fight for special titles, money, and above all the glory of becoming the ultimate Digimon Champion!

In Digimon World Championship, a legendary tournament has just been announced. As a new Tamer, players must utilize a variety of hunting gear to explore and hunt over 200 wild Digimon in their natural habitats. Through intensive training regimens, develop and nurture your assembled combatants into the ultimate fighting force. Take heed as the different development methods used will determine the fighting style and personality of each Digimon warrior.

Players can use different techniques to boost specific Digimon abilities, as they prepare to compete in more than 50 different title matches. With a bit of creativity and resourcefulness, combining different Digimon with complimentary attributes or preparing them for different battleground environments will ensure success. Tamers can further test their skills and training by challenging friends to multiplayer battles using Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.

Digimon World Championship boasts the following features:

-A New Kind of Digimon Game: Digimon World Championship features hunting, tactical training, and intense title matches in a first for the popular Digimon World series!

-Hunt Wild Digimon: Experience the thrill of the hunt and pursue wild Digimon in the vast Digital World. Capture the wild Digimon with weapons, ingenious traps, and more.

-Remember Your Training: The way a Tamer trains and treats a Digimon will change the way the Digimon fights and acts. Buy and utilize different training aids. Teach your Digimon to be strong, or teach your Digimon to be defensive – it is up to you how to train them! The training combinations are endless.

-Over 200 Digimon: Digimon World Championship features over 200 Digimon, including returning favorites like Agumon and Gaomon, as well as some new Digimon.

-A Massive Digital World : Some wild Digimon can be found only in certain environments. Snowy mountains, sandy deserts, and lush jungles abound. As the day changes to night, different Digimon appear. Check back throughout the day to hunt the most elusive Digimon!

Digimon World Championship for Nintendo DS are rated "E" by the ESRB and carries a suggested retail price of $29.99. For more information, please visit www.namcobandaigames.com or www.digimonworldvideogames.com. ...