via Game Guru


Codemasters has uploaded demo versions of their forthcoming rally game, Colin McRae: Dirt. The PC version can be downloaded from the Codemasters website while the Xbox 360 version can be downloaded from Xbox Live.

The Colin McRae: Dirt demo for the Xbox 360 has Crossover, Hill Climb and C.O.R.R. (Championship Off-Road Racing) events while the PC demo will have point-to-point rally stage multiplayer. The common thing between both the demos is the Crossover race that is set in Avelsbachring, Germany with gamers taking on Colin McRae himself.

Colin McRae: Dirt for the Xbox 360 and PC is expected to release on June 15, 2006 while the PS3 version of the game will release after some time. Till then you can do with the demo, which is 768.9MB in size for the Xbox 360. The PC version is 875MB in size. Click here to head to the official Codemasters website to download the PC demo. ...

via TheNewsTribune

Nintendo announced this week in Seattle several new ways for video game players to connect with one another online.

Though the company leads the worldwide video game industry with the top-selling Wii console and the portable Dual Screen system, it is behind competitors Microsoft and Sony when it comes to online multiplayer gaming.

The fun starts June 11 with the launch of Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree, a game that puts players through a series of fun puzzle exercises designed to increase brainpower. By activating the console’s WiiConnect 24 feature (which requires a broadband Internet connection and a wireless router), players can exchange performance information online and try to best one another’s scores.

It’s not nearly the same level of online activity offered in, say, a 16-player deathmatch in Halo 2 for the Microsoft Xbox. But with the next few games in the lineup, Nintendo will bring more to the table.

Pokémon Battle Revolution, due June 25, is the first title that allows players to link the Wii and the DS. Four players can do battle with Pokémon they’ve trained in the recently released DS games Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl. Four players can battle in the same living room, or, with a broadband connection, they can play online.

Finally, with the July 30 launch of the Wii fantasy soccer game Mario Strikers Charged, players can go online for one-on-one matches and climb regional rankings boards.

The hope is that the online modes in these games are just precursors to what we might see in Nintendo’s AAA properties due later this year. The next Metroid sci-fi game, for instance, would be a perfect opportunity for online first-person shooter matches. And the fighting game Super Smash Bros. Brawl would be a natural online. Nintendo has also promised Wii owners a new Mario adventure game this year. ...

via IGN

Today, Square Enix announced that it has shipped Dawn of Mana to retail locations across North America. Developed exclusively for the PlayStation 2, Dawn of Mana is the follow-up to the cult classic, Secret of Mana, for the SNES.

Dawn of Mana brings the famed RPG series into the realm of 3-D for the first time, while still preserving the atmosphere of past games. Dawn of Mana takes place before Secret of Mana, and reveals the mysterious origins of the Mana Tree and the Sword of Mana.

Hardcore World of Mana fans should be forewarned that a limited edition Breath of Mana music sampler disc will be available at participating retailers. Purchase the game at Amazon.com, Game Crazy, GameStop, or EB Games, and receive the disc for free while supplies last.

...

via GameDaily

GameWorks, the casual dining brand of Sega, today announced the installation of three game attractions at its 14 locations. This includes 3 units of the newly released OutRun 2 SP SDX Driving attraction in Las Vegas, Detroit and Chicago, launching a testing of Virtual Bowling by Brunswick in Las Vegas and installing 84 Sega UFO Catchers throughout the company's U.S. locations.

"We continue to upgrade our entertainment experience to appeal to a broad audience - everyone who drives or wants to drive. OutRun2 SP SDX is a game the public has been waiting for," said Ben Kitay, President, COO, SEUI. "OutRun SP SDX is the newest offering from our parent company Sega, so we are excited to be the first location in the U.S. where guests can try the game. Premiering these new game experiences only strengthens our commitment to offering the newest and best gaming attractions in the world."

"Virtual Bowling is perfect for GameWorks in Las Vegas," he continued. "It is new and exciting, and it is yet another point-of difference that keeps us in is front of the others in the casual dining and entertainment category in Las Vegas."

"We've made it easier to win a prize in our UFO catchers - our goal is for the guests to experience the excitement of winning," Kitay added. "We want them to feel they can spend two or three dollars and possibly walk away with the prize they really wanted. We want them to find the game exciting and a great value for their money - which will increase repeat play." ...

via Gamasutra



With overall sales still at a seasonal low, the Japanese sales charts has seen the latest in the Shining series of role-playing games enter straight in at number one with just over 78,000 unit sales. The PlayStation 2 exclusive is a follow-up to Shining Tears, itself as spin-off from Sega’s Shining Force series of strategy role-playing games.

The second highest new entry of the week is Western import favorite Moero! Nekketsu Rhythm Damashii: Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan 2 on Nintendo DS, with almost 71,000 units sold.

The original game was a sales flop in Japan, with the Western spin-off Elite Beat Agents faring little better in North America. Developer iNiS’s new game, though, finally seems to have found the sales success to match the critical acclaim heaped on the series.

The third new entry of the week, at number three, is Odin Sphere. The new title, from GrimGrimoire developers Vanilla Ware, is also an exclusive PlayStation 2 action role-playing game. However, with sales just over 59,000 it represents only a minor success for publisher Atlus.

The rest of the top ten is largely the same as the previous week, although generally with even lower unit sales. Outside the top three there are only two titles not for Nintendo formats: Final Fantasy Tactics for PSP at number four and Monster Hunter Portable 2nd for PSP at number twenty-three.

Shining Wind (PS2) - 78,030
Moero! Nekketsu Rhythm Damashii: Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan 2 (DS) - 70,821
Odin Sphere (PS2) - 59,248
Final Fantasy Tactics: Shishi Sensou (PSP) - 39,480
Wii Sports (Wii) - 27,788
Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings (DS) - 23,904
Motto Nou o Kitaeru Otona DS Training (DS) - 18,790
Hajimete no Wii (Wii) - 18,179
New Super Mario Bros. (DS) - 17,862
Wii de Yawaraka Atama Juku (Wii) - 15,816 ...

via Gaming Today

The first annual G2E Asia trade show looks like it will be an exciting one. IGT Asia will be forming a very strong presence at the show. The primary purpose of this particular trade show is to promote Asia-specific games. A more familiar name to us in the states is Sega and they are making their presence felt as well. Three Kingdom Wars, a 7-level mystery progressive theme developed in partnership with Sega and IGT is one of the most anticipated displays of the entire event.

The first G2E Asia Exhibition will take place June 13-14 at the Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Center, with IGT's booth #201, "The Big Picture," joining 76 other exhibitors. IGT will display 95 machines, showcasing Emperor's Choice, an Asian-specific multi-level progressive, and the M-P(TM) Series roulette/baccarat multi-player product.

G2E will be making a big appearance in Las Vegas on November 12 for the North American show.

...

via Playstatic

In a strange turn of events, well, an ambitious one at least, Sony and BT (British Communications) have just announced that the versatile little gaming-guidebook thing, the Playstation Portable, is turning into a phone.

Plans to add “wireless broadband communications functions, including high quality handheld video calls, voice calls and messaging” to the Playstation Portable were announced yesterday by BT and Sony.

Over the course of a four-year contract, the two companies have resolved to develop a “raft of extra features”, which will be available across a wide range of SCEE territories, starting in the UK and branching out.

Steve Andrews, BT chief, Mobility and Convergence, said:

“The combination of SCEE and BT working together is a natural fit. Sony is a world-class company producing some of the world’s most innovative electronic devices and BT is at the forefront of communications with the 21CN global platform. The PSP is an excellent device for both gaming and communications, because of its high quality screen and audio capabilities. With over 8 million PSPs shipped across Europe, we are very excited by the opportunity to give customers a whole new communications experience, connecting and seeing friends across the world through BT’s technology.”

David Reeves, president of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, said:

“It is very exciting for us to be partnering with BT on such a unique project. The opportunity to combine our market leading expertise with BT’s knowledge in communications opens up many possibilities and we look forward to bringing many exciting communication functions to PSP fans.” ...

via Pro-G

Following news that Nintendo of America will release four of its most anticipated titles in 2007, the European wing has been unable to offer any details regarding the games' release dates across Europe.

Metroid Prime 3: Corruption is scheduled to launch in the US on August 20, with Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime also confirming that Super Mario Galaxy, Super Smash Bros. Brawl and The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass will find their way to US stores before the year is out.

When asked for European release dates, a Nintendo UK rep said that no dates for these titles have been announced.

Given Nintendo's track record for heavily delayed European release dates, PAL gamers can be justifiably pessimistic about the big four making it to their local store this year. ...

via GameZone

Today, Ubisoft, one of the world's largest video game publishers, announced Rayman Raving Rabbids(TM) 2 exclusively for the Wii(TM) and Nintendo DS(TM) systems. Those mischievous bunnies are back in a hilarious sequel, a party comedy game that is guaranteed to be even crazier and funnier than the first with even more insane games to play. Rayman Raving Rabbids 2 will push the envelope of the Wii gameplay experience by continuing to make innovative use of the Wii Remote(TM). It will deliver fun, intuitive games that feature the wacky humor that Rayman and the Rabbids are known for. In development at Ubisoft's Paris studio, Rayman Raving Rabbids 2 is scheduled for a fall 2007 release.

"The first Rayman Raving Rabbids was a huge critical and commercial success worldwide,” said Helene Juguet, director of marketing for Ubisoft. "Rayman Raving Rabbids 2 is poised to continue that success, as gamers can't seem to get enough of those crazy bunnies; they're just so popular!”

About Rayman Raving Rabbids 2 After invading the world of Rayman, the insane Rabbids have a new objective: THE INVASION OF PLANET EARTH! Setting their home base at a shopping mall, the Rabbids try to study human behavior and mimic everything humans do in funny, illogical ways. As part of their training, the Rabbids must carry out several missions around the globe to prepare themselves for world domination. Rayman will attempt to infiltrate the Rabbids, disguised as one of them, in a mission to foil their crazy plans and save Earth. Game features include:


New wacky games - 60 brand-new games that spoof popular culture and are even wackier than those featured in the first Rayman Raving Rabbids.

Unique use of the Wii Remote – Discover new, innovative ways to play, with eight types of gameplay, including shaking, precision, dexterity and balance.

Travel around the world - Take Rayman on a world tour to defend Earth from the Rabbids invasion. Travel to five different regions such as the USA, Europe and Asia, where players will challenge the Rabbids in the local environments.

Customize Rayman and the Rabbids - Use more than 110 items (skins, hats, accessories and clothes) to dress Rayman and create your own Rabbids. Unleash your creativity with over 540K customization combinations.

Multiplayer experience – Play co-op or battle up to three friends in all the games unlocked in the single-player campaign. ...