via Computer and Video Games


The very first in-game footage from the much anticipated Gears of War 2 is smashing onto the internet on May 9.

Microsoft has confirmed to CVG that gameplay footage from Epic's big sequel will be unleashed on May 9, 11pm Pacific time - that's May 10, 7am here in the UK.

Microsoft has told us: "It will be approximately 90-120 seconds in length", and will "have an intro by Cliff and then show gameplay footage from the campaign". Multiplayer won't be shown.

No further hints as to what might be in the trailer were offered. But at least you'll get to see more than the mass-draw and water-effect demonstrations showcasing the latest Unreal tech at the GDC unveiling in February.

As well as the new plot, the sequel promises to raise the bar even further than the first on a technical front, with "technological advance" on Unreal Engine III.

You know the time and the place. Get those F5 keys ready... ...

via Engadget




Just when you thought it couldn't get any more meta than a full NES clone hacked into an NES controller, somebody goes and mods up an NES cart to play Famicom cartridges. The all-in-one unit includes a pair of controller plugs, video out and that all-important reset switch in a pretty slick package. That's great and all, but when our grandkids start building PS3 clones out of discarded Blu-ray cases, we're seriously going to start freaking out. ...

via Joystiq




Wal-Mart's intranet, "The Wire," recently laid out how the maestro of retail will handle the Grand Theft Auto IV launch. As seen in the picture above -- with the full plan detailed in the gallery below -- 24-hour stores will begin selling the game at midnight and should be prepared for the launch. One of the more interesting parts in the "execution guide" states that Wal-Mart has a "strategic focus on winning in gaming, and GTA IV represents a strong opportunity for [it] to highlight [its] entry into the gaming industry." Customers are supposed to know that Wal-Mart is the: "Fastest way to play GTA IV."

The guide describes that two associates should be manning the register, with one to ring up customers and the other to pass along the requested game version. If the line is too long, an electronics associate should "take quantities of the game to the front register and assist the cashier by handing out the game at time of purchase." Considering Wal-Mart went through the effort of making such a comprehensive guide, corporate would probably love to hear from customers who don't have a pleasant and efficient shopping experience during the GTA IV launch.*

*Metagame: The "execution guide" has a major error on Pg. 2, can you spot it? Hint after the break.


More lanuch plan sheets here ...

via IGN


Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. today announced Target: Terror has shipped to retail stores across North America. Developed for the Wii, Target: Terror brings to North America the classic arcade shooter with features including unlockable mini games and the new "Justice Mode," allowing a single player to use two weapons. Fans can experience this classic one-of-a-kind game with updated controls for the first time in their own living room.

"Konami is excited to bring Target: Terror to the Wii," said Anthony Crouts, Vice President of Marketing for Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. "Fans of the original arcade classic can experience this thrilling light-gun shooter on a next-generation console while maximizing the gameplay experience with the Wii Remote." ...

via Computer and Video Games


Atari's released pics and details on the Alone in the Dark Limited Edition, which will be released in a "specially designed box" (see pics, obviously).

Joining a figurine of AitD main protagonist Edward Carnby in the edition is the official soundtrack CD, art book and a good old making of documentary. And the game (obviously).

Alone in the Dark is a reinvention of the granddaddy survival horror series and finds Edward Carnby encountering all kinds of nastiness in Central Park. The game's received plenty of coverage to date and a number of rolling demos have shown impressive tech that's been created for the title (view those on our game page).

The limited edition is available in Xbox 360, Wii and PC flavours.


Images of the set here ...

via Computer and Video Games


Retailers are having trouble selling new games on Wii because publishers are relying on traditional advertising methods for videogames, an analyst has said.

Retailers have expressed concerns in a recent New York Times article, which investigated how many games were being sold for Nintendo's console.

Speaking about Super Smash Bros. Brawl, GameStop employee Xavier Pervez said, "We sold a couple thousand copies in the first week, [but] it's dropped off significantly now. Maybe 100 in each of the last couple of weeks."

Super Smash Bros. Brawl sold more than 1.4 million copies during its first week of release, but according to the NY Times, sales dropped more than 90 percent in the preceding month.

In response, Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter stated that games publishers were failing to embrace unconventional advertising methods that would reach a broader audience.


To clarify where publishers might aim their marketing dollars, Pachter highlighted where Nintendo's marketing budget for Wii Fit was going.

...

via IGN


EA's Casual Entertainment Label and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment today announced that the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince video game will be released later this year to coincide with the Warner Bros. Pictures film based on J.K. Rowling's sixth Harry Potter book.

"We believe that the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince video game represents a milestone in the movie tie-in genre," said Harvey Elliott, Head of EA Bright Light studio in the UK where the Harry Potter franchise has its home. "Building on the technological advancements of previous games in the series and with a particular focus on the unique control system of Nintendo's Wii, the team here is working closely with the filmmakers to create an immersive interactive experience that captures the story, the action, the excitement and, above all, the fun of the film. "

"Working with EA, we look forward to offering fans a compelling Harry Potter video game, one which captures the thrilling storyline and high visual quality of the movie," said Scott Johnson, Vice President, Business Development for Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. "The adherence to the rich fiction is a trademark of this franchise and with Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince fans will experience the most authentic and enjoyable game in the series to date."

In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Voldemort is tightening his grip on both the Muggle and wizarding worlds and Hogwarts is no longer the safe haven it once was. Harry suspects that dangers may even lie within the castle, but Dumbledore is more intent upon preparing him for the final battle that he knows is fast approaching. Together they work to find the key to unlock Voldemort's defenses and, to this end, Dumbledore recruits his old friend and colleague, the well-connected and unsuspecting bon vivant Professor Horace Slughorn, whom he believes holds crucial information. Meanwhile, the students are under attack from a very different adversary as teenage hormones rage across the ramparts. Harry finds himself more and more drawn to Ginny, but so is Dean Thomas. And Lavender Brown has decided that Ron is the one for her, only she hadn't counted on Romilda Vane's chocolates! And then there's Hermione, simmering with jealously but determined not to show her feelings. As romance blossoms, one student remains aloof. He is determined to make his mark, albeit a dark one. Love is in the air, but tragedy lies ahead and Hogwarts may never be the same again.

In the game of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, players will return to Hogwarts to help Harry survive a fraught sixth year. They will also have a chance to engage in exciting wizard duels, mix and brew magical ingredients in Potions class and take to the air to lead the Gryffindor Quidditch team to victory. Players may even get sidetracked by Ron's romantic entanglements as they journey towards a dramatic climax and discover the identity of the Half-Blood Prince.

Under development by EA Bright Light Studio, the team behind the worldwide success of the Harry Potter library of games, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is scheduled for release in time for the movie launch this fall for the Wii, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation 2, PSP, Nintendo DS, Windows PC, Macintosh and mobile devices. ...

via Joystiq


There's nothing "quick" about having to register three unique IDs to play the Metal Gear Online beta. But, assuming most would-be participants have already got a PlayStation Network account, the real pre-game obstacle has been the Konami ID and its supplementary Game ID.

Since the beta (with its laggard update patch) was released for download last Wednesday, the Konami ID registration site has been a case study in how not to prepare for a traffic spike. Thankfully, the site is now back online with a temporary "quick registration" option for those of you eager to push past the bureaucracies and land in some actual gameplay, um, rather, return to the waiting room... ...

via IGN


Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of Square Enix interactive entertainment products in North America, announced that The World Ends with You was shipped to North American retailers today.

The creators of Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts bring a new mix of innovation and style to Nintendo DS with The World Ends with You. Drop into the center of Japan's youth culture with this stylish new title, set to revolutionize the way that DS games are experienced with its creative battle system, distinctive art style and hip soundtrack.

With a completely unique take on the capabilities of the DS system, The World Ends with You takes familiar DS functionalities and adds an exhilarating new edge. The battle system challenges players to take control of two characters simultaneously, choosing from a variety of touch and sound commands to unleash dynamic psychic abilities. With a soundtrack that complements the vibrant, urban visual style and a plot filled with riveting twists and turns, The World Ends with You promises to set new standards for the next generation of gamers. ...