via IGN

During last Friday's Wii LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga public unveiling at Nottingham Game City, Jonathan Smith, head of production at Traveller's Tales Games let slip a few tidbits of information regarding upcoming title LEGO Batman.

Having wowwed the crowds with a toy lightsaber taped to a Wiimote, Smith wrapped up proceedings with LEGO Indiana Jones trailer before turning his attention to the Dark Knight's LEGO debut, revealing that Batman villains Nighthawk and Man-Bat are among the denizens of Gotham City who'll make it into the game.

Sure, it's not much, but it seems there'll be plenty for LEGO fans to look forward to in the coming months and beyond. ...

Sega of America has announced the release date and prices for Ambition of Illuminus, the expansion for Phantasy Star Universe.

...

via MCV

In2Games, the pioneering British developer of motion-based videogames and controllers, has today announced that its groundbreaking RealPlay range of PlayStation 2 wireless motion sensing games will be distributed throughout the UK by Pinnacle Software.

The first titles in the RealPlay will be released in the UK on November 30th 2007. Priced£34.99, each title comes with a unique controller which brings wire-free motion sensing to the PlayStation 2 for the first time.

<*>RealPlay Racing introduces a wireless steering wheel, which controls the on-screen action for this fast and furious racer. <*>RealPlay Pool comes complete with a replica pool cue, with which players can apply swerve and spin before actually hitting each shot. <*>RealPlay Golf’s wireless club tracks your swing to bring an on-course dimension into the game. <*>RealPlay PuzzleSphere comes with a unique‘sphere’ which players manipulate in real life in order to guide an on-screen replica through heart-in-mouth rollercoaster courses.

Two additional titles– RealPlay Bowling and RealPlay Tennis– are scheduled for release early in 2008.

“Pinnacle Software is the right partner for such a unique range of titles,” says Paul Rebhan. Sales Director, In2Games.“We needed a team who immediately bought into the concept and the opportunity at retail; but one which, more importantly,‘understood’ what we’re trying to do. These are games for the whole family to enjoy, and we need the right distribution partner to maximise our presence at retail.”

“Innovative, enjoyable and affordable– that’s the RealPlay range in three words, and we’re delighted to have won the contract to handle UK distribution,” says Peter Sleeman, MD, Pinnacle Software.“The PlayStation 2 format still boasts the largest installed base of any home console, and the RealPlay range extends its offering into the realms of next generation. Hardware and software at such an attractive price point should swell the tills of games retailers up and down the country.”

RealPlay Racing, RealPlay Golf, RealPlay Pool and RealPlay PuzzleSphere will be available exclusively on PlayStation 2 on November 30th 2007, priced£34.99. ...

via GameZone

SEGA of America, Inc. today released details for Phantasy Star Universe: Ambition of the Illuminus for the Xbox 360, Playstation 2 and for PC. Phantasy Star Universe: Ambition of the Illuminus is an expansion to the epic sci-fi action role-playing game, Phantasy Star Universe, and will be available on November 20, 2007. The Xbox Live download will be available for 1600 Microsoft Points/$20 USD and the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system and PC versions will be available at retailers across North America for $39.95 USD.

Whether tackling quests online with a party of up to six adventurers, or fighting through the next chapters of the exciting online story missions from the original game, Phantasy Star Universe: Ambition of the Illuminus enables gamers to experience the wonders of the Gurhal System through the eyes of a personalized avatar. The expansion pack allows gamers to experience an even richer and more varied Phantasy Star experience. Players will explore exciting new levels, such as the Ruins of Old Rozenom City and the subterranean Granigs Mines, where they will encounter new and more powerful enemy types and bosses, and master additional versatile class types.

The expansion further enriches the online Phantasy Star Universe experience with newly created and enhanced gameplay and customization features. Players can commune in new and expanded lobby areas filled with colorful decorations and music, including the new Casino Voloyal where roulette and slots can earn players special casino-only items. Character and weapon customization is even deeper with the introduction of new weapon types, armor, Photon Arts, and clothing. Also, each Guardian’s individual Room is upgraded with far greater options for customization.

Phantasy Star Universe: Ambition of the Illuminus continues the exciting single-player action-RPG storyline as a new Human Fundamentalist group, known as the Illuminus, disrupts the peaceful Gurhal System throwing the Gurhal Government into chaos. Using their custom-made Guardian, players embark upon a series of missions where they will meet familiar characters like Ethan Waber from Episode 1 and others including GUARDIAN instructor Laia Martinez from Episode 2.

Since its introduction in 1988, Phantasy Star has revolutionized the RPG genre by creating new standards through innovative gameplay, as well as being the first console RPG to offer an online experience in Phantasy Star Online. This new installment also expands the popular online adventure of its predecessor and continues the quest for peace in the Gurhal System.

Phantasy Star Universe: Ambition of the Illuminus is rated “T” by the ESRB. Online play requires a subscription, for more detailed information, please go to the official website at www.phantasystaruniverse.com. Please note that the Xbox 360 download requires the original Phantasy Star Universe game. ...

via IGN

Square Enix has reinstated its "Return Home to Vana'diel" campaign, urging Final Fantasy XI players who dropped their online accounts to rejoin the community in time for the release of the multiplatform MMO's fourth expansion pack in November.

Customers who deleted their Content IDs or PlayOnline accounts are now able to rejoin their fellow adventurers in the world of Vana'diel as the Wings of the Goddess expansion ships on Nov. 20.

Square Enix held its first Return Home to Vana'diel event in North America in 2005.

Uniting players in North America, Europe and Japan, FFXI is the first massively-multiplayer online roleplaying game capable of simultaneous communication across multiple platforms: PlayStation 2, PC and Xbox 360. Now in its fifth year of service, the game has a community of more than 500,000 subscribers and more than 1.7 million player characters worldwide.

The Return Home to Vana'diel campaign will run until Feb. 29, 2008. ...

via Wired News

Could Nintendo be planning a Virtual Console service for the Nintendo DS? That's the word from UK magazine Edge -- in the same article, no less, as the Animal Crossing MMO news that Susan covered just now.

What I find more interesting is the bit about Nintendo gearing up to release a Nintendo DS storage card that will allow users to download and play Game Boy content on their handheld. Sure, it also opens itself up to abuse, but Nintendo has been pretty successful at not allowing users to crack Virtual Console games, so maybe they've got this sewn up?

Just not sure how the download service will work: will you do it all on the DS? If so, you'll be... tapping in your credit card number onto the screen? I guess that would work. ...

via Galbadia X

Sega has revealled an upcoming RPG for the Nintendo DS. Bleach: The Third Phantom will be released in Japan in early 2008.

This will be the third game that Sega has developed for the Nintendo DS based on the Bleach manga and anime. The previous installments, Bleach: Blade of Fate and Bleach DS 2nd were both fighting games. The Third Phantom will be a 2D strategy RPG.

No news of a North American release have been announced, although an eventual state-side release is possible. The first of the Nintendo DS Bleach titles was released to North American gamers on October 10. ...

via IGN

Just when you thought the PlayStation 2 was dead and buried, another publisher comes along with a new title for the aging console. In this case its SouthPeak Games with futuristic racing title Iridium Runners, zooming to Europe in February, 2008.

It's not as hackneyed as it sounds though, this Iridium Runners: rather than diving behind the wheel of a snazzy speedster, you've got to dash on foot, collecting all manner of power-ups and over-the-top weapons. So, Mario Kart without the karts, basically.



Iridium Runners features several game modes, including a full championship, single race and a split-screen multiplayer. When racing with others, you can play a more traditional free-for-all race or take part in the team mode, which pits two groups of two players against each other.

Melanie Mroz, executive vice president of SouthPeak Games had this to say, of all things: "Iridium Runners is another example of the fun, distinctive and unique titles that we look to publish. The PlayStation 2 market is still thriving and Iridium Runners will represent great value for money, thanks in no small part to the team at Playstos." ...

via PS3 Center

According to Take Two a former employee of Sony Europe has admitted to leaking out a beta test version of Mahunt 2 for the PS2 to allow the world of pirates the chance to try out the game.

The man is a former employee of Sony Europe only because he has since been fired since getting caught in the act.

Take Two did not reveal many details about the man or what had happened but they did state that the man has been let go from Sony Europe. There will likely be consequences as this could warrant a fine or even jail time since it is technically stealing.

The employee has stated that he knows that he is responsible for the unauthorized online distribution of the beta test version of Mahhunt 2 for the PAL PS2.

In all fairness though he may have just been trying to get the game out so people who it may be banned for still could play it. ...