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by Published on September 26th, 2007 18:47
via IGN
Following up on our report on Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep for the PSP, we've got the latest on the new DS entry in the series, Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days.
Square Enix has drafted Japanese development studio H.A.N.D. for the new game, but the regulars are, of course, overseeing the project. Tetsuya Nomura is the director, with Tomohiro Hasegawa, who served as art director and was responsible for texture work in Kingdom Hearts II, serving as co-director. On the HAND side, the head of production is Kouji Yamamoto. He previously worked on Chocobo and the Magic Picture Book.
The three shared new details on the game in an interview with Famitsu.
The storyline this time around focuses on Roxas and his days with Organization XIII. The game will tell the story of why why Roxas attempted to enter the Organization XIII, and eventually why he attempted to leave. The game starts off when Roxas enters Organization XIII, but we could end up seeing his birth in the game's prologue.
Looking at the Kingdom Hearts story timeline, the game takes place before Kingdom Hearts II, during the one year period where Sora is asleep. Sora's memory is being reconstructed during that time. The development staff is currently thinking up some methods for incorporating the ability to see Sora's memories into the game; this is just in the idea phase, but it could involve something that focuses on the connection between Sora and Roxas.
The game's single player mode will focus on the Disney worlds. The developers are selecting the worlds from past titles that fit in well with the new title. According to Hasegawa, the game may end up featuring different types of play for each world.
As for gameplay specifics, the three developers aren't talking. Hasegawa hinted that the game will have the action-oriented gameplay of past titles, although he admitted that there's a problem with button count. The lack of buttons on the DS is an area that HAND is currently addressing.
Outside of the single player story mode, the game will include a multiplayer mode. This mode has nothing to do with the storyline, according to Nomura, but it will likely have some connection as far as items and character growth are concerned.
Four players can play together in multiplayer mode. The game will let players select from all members of Organization XIII, with at least thirteen characters on offer. The characters have different skills and different weapons.
Multiplayer mode will be mission-based, with bosses to fight and puzzles and traps to clear. The focus will be on short gameplay experiences with high replay value. We can look forward to both competitive and cooperative modes, with Yamamoto even hinting that a score attack mode could be in the works.
About that name. According to Nomura, it's actually a code name whose meaning players will only understand once they've cleared the game. He provides somewhat of a hint, though. The term 'days' in the title refers to the fact that the game progresses on a daily basis, telling the daily life of Organization XIII.
Like the other two Kingdom Hearts games announced at the Tokyo Game Show, Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days is currently without a final release date. ...by Published on September 26th, 2007 18:46
via Computer and Video Games
Valve Software's Orange Box of delights is clearly on of this Christmas's hottest properties and it's a joy to clap eyes on it once again courtesy of eight new screenshots.
The majority of the screenshots are snaps of Half-Life 2: Episode Two, although there's one of the game select screen too.
Look how much Valve is packing into Orange Box. Half-Life 2, Episode One, Episode Two, puzzle game Portal and team-based multiplayer blaster Team Fortress 2. It's like first-person shooter heaven.
Not too many moons ago we were at Valve's HQ and getting hands-on with its wares, and during the play time we got to grips with - among other things - a near final version of Team Fortress 2. Read our report, and you can also view exclusive TF2 gameplay movies from the on-going beta.
PC and Xbox 360 versions of Orange Box release on October 19, with the PS3 pack arriving a little later. Keep eyes on CVG for full reviews near release time. ...by Published on September 26th, 2007 18:42
via Computer and Video Games
Bioshock could make its way to Wii, PS3, PS2 and handhelds, according to an analyst in a recent Take-Two report.
In a company update, Janco Partners analyst Mike Hickey banked on Take-Two extracting more from the success of the critically acclaimed Bioshock, as well as the continued anticipation of GTA IV.
"We expect management could choose to raise capital now, leveraging a higher share price, investor enthusiasm over the GTA IV release, the franchise potential of Bioshock and their strong fiscal '08 guidance," said Hickey.
Don't put your life on hold though - if Bioshock should make it to other formats, Hickey (via GameDaily) doesn't expect it to happen before fiscal year 2009. ...by Published on September 26th, 2007 18:41
via IGN
The latest issue of Famitsu has new details on Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep, one of three new portable entries in the series that were announced in the Square Enix Closed Megatheater at the Tokyo Game Show.
Birth by Sleep gets its name from the unlockable Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix closing movie, which you probably haven't seen since this director's cut version of Kingdom Hearts II hasn't been released outside of Japan. That movie featured a bunch of new characters, including Terra and Ven, the latter resembling Roxus. Birth By Sleep focuses on three main characters, Terra, Ven and a third character.
In development by the team down in Osaka that developed the Re: Chain of Memories component of Final Mix, Birth By Sleep is being headed up by some familiar names. Tetsuya Nomura is director of the project, with Tai Yasue serving as co-director. Patrick Chen is serving as producer with Youichi Yoshimoto as co-producer.
In a developer interview with this week's Famitsu, Nomura revealed that development on the project actually started long ago, but was halted due to the amount of volume that ended up going into Re: Chain of Memories. The plot was certainly finished in time for the release of Final Mix, as the closing movie for that game was created around it.
Daisuke Watanabe is working on the scenario. You might recognize him from FFXII, KHII, FFX-2 and Chain of Memories. He's also supervising the DS and cell phone KH games. With Birth by Sleep, his talents are put to particular use, as Nomura says he specializes in multi scenario systems.
The game has three scenarios, each told from the perspective of one of the main characters. Yasue joked with the magazine that players may think the game was made by three different teams, as the play style is different for each character due to their varying personalities and abilities.
Re: Chain of Memories had separate Sora and Riku scenarios. Different here, according to Yasue, is that rather than playing one scenario after the other, you'll have to use certain characters to clear certain sections. This also isn't like a 'zapping' system, he noted. He's promising something that players have never seen before.
Regarding gameplay systems, early screenshots of the game show a command menu not unlike previously Kingdom Hearts PS2 titles. Nomura says that of the three newly announced titles, the PSP game is the closest to previous titles in the series and will offer the feeling of action for which the series is known. However, in a separate interview, he also noted that the game will actually be close to the Re: Chain of Memories battle system, with your commands appearing in the form of a deck.
Some new gameplay systems are in the works as well. The character growth system, in particular, uses some ideas that Yasue believes will shock players. While not giving too many specifics, Yoshimoto revealed that they're thinking up a few systems where players hook up their PSP with other players; this presumably has something to do with the growth system Yasue was speaking about. Nomura noted that this type of multiplayer system wil be completely different from the multiplayer mode of the DS title. He also referred to the DS game as being the only new Kingdom Hearts title with actual multiplayer play, so it's a bit unclear if the PSP title will actually let players play together.
The game will once again be constructed of multiple worlds, similar to past titles. However, Yoshimoto is promising some new Disney worlds. Look forward to areas like Sleeping Beauty's Forest.
Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep is still somewhat of a mystery. And it might stay a mystery for a while. In a separate interview, Nomura noted that of the three new portable Kingdom Hearts games, it's the first one to have started development, and will likely be the last one to see release. ...by Published on September 26th, 2007 18:38
via Eurogamer
Ubisoft has swooped past our news control tower this morning to unveil its new Tom Clancy's Air Combat brand.
Yes, the army man who no-one-really-knows-it-could-be-Ray-Mears has provided the inspiration for a jet fighter game on PC, PS3 and 360.
You see, the big problem in Clancy land is that a private military force has saved up its pennies and built up enough power to take on the US. This has forced America to respond in kind, by suiting you up and popping you in the cockpit of a futuristic air flying machine.
Air Combat is boasting stabilisers to gently ease you into the idea: advanced piloting assistance you can turn off when you get used to it all. And once you do, the whole world is your lobster, and Ubisoft reckons it will become an instant online multiplayer hit.
"We are confident that this new brand will become the new benchmark for flight combat games and will be, like other Tom Clancy based games, an instant online multiplayer hit," said Sebastien Delen, big cheese at developer Ubisoft Bucharest.
"The player will experience all the action and excitement of modern air combat, from intense dog fighting to tactical strikes."
Tom Clancy's Air Combat is due for release next year. We'll let you know more when it arrives. ...by Published on September 26th, 2007 18:24
via Eurogamer
Never mind Chantelle sashaying down the red carpet and Pharrell Williams having problems with his axis inversion at the London launch of Halo 3 last night. Over in Ireland, the game was launched by a real superstar - MacGyver.
Or rather Richard Dean Anderson, the man who played the ever-resourceful TV hero in the late '80s and early '90s and also appeared in Stargate: SG1.
That's according to Microsoft Ireland, who announced the star's planned appearance yesterday.
"As anticipation for the game reaches fever pitch around the globe it became clear that this was not going to be like any other game launch," said MS exec Orla Sheridan.
"We are bringing Richard Dean Anderson to Ireland, which will be his first time in the country, for the launch as the characters he has played such as MacGyver are heroes and pop culture phenomenons like Master Chief.
"Both are ordinary individuals who, despite in surmountable odds, have stepped up to the challenge to come out of extraordinary situations."
Unfortunately Eurogamer wasn't there to witness MacGyver's appearance, though we like to think he turned up and fixed everybody's broken Xbox 360 using only a Swiss Army knife and some duct tape. And a towel. If you were there, and especially if you have photos, do write in. ...by Published on September 26th, 2007 18:23
via Eurogamer
Microsoft boss Bill Gates has his signature on a limited edition Halo 3 console, which is being sold for charity on eBay.
Bald-headed smooth talker J Allard has also added his mark to a 30GB limited edition Halo 3 Zune. The current bid for the items stands at USD 2,150. All of that will go to the Boys & Girls Clubs of King County organisation, which helps youngsters who've had a hard time get a better shot at life.
Bundled on top of these in the auction are piles of other goodies: an HD-DVD player, Halo 3 Legendary and Standard Editions, Halo Triple Pack (Halo, Halo 2, Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack), two extra limited edition Halo 3 wireless controllers (with McFarlane collectable figurine), a Messenger Kit, HDMI cable, and extra 120GB hard drive.
You'll also get a rare accessory pack, which comes in an aluminium casing with a Live Vision Camera, Quick Charge Kit, Memory Unit, Wireless Controller, Wireless Headset, Universal media remote control and a Play & Charge Kit. Oh, and you'll get a Halo 3 T-Shirt, too.
The Limited Edition Halo 3 Zune also comes pre-loaded with loads of stuff. There's Halo and Halo 2 soundtracks, plus loads of videos for Halo 3 and more than 120 pieces of artwork for the game.
Even the Limited Edition Halo 3 console comes with lots of bits and pieces: special edition 20GB hard drive, wireless controller, headset and downloadable from Live, plus an HDMI port, HD AV Cable, Ethernet Cable, Play & Charge Kit and one month's free Live Gold membership.
So that's, er, quite a lot of stuff then.
Pop over to the auction to see what it all looks like and to read the various terms and conditions for bidding, right here ...by Published on September 26th, 2007 18:21
via Eurogamer
Microsoft has made some tweaks to Xbox Live and it should now be up and running.
You can keep an eye on exactly what state the service is in on the official status page, which is updated by the operations center as it irons out various niggles.
Problems came, unsurprisingly, after Halo 3 launched in the US on Tuesday, prompting an enormous surge of Master Chiefs venturing on to the service in order to shoot each other and say rude words. ...by Published on September 26th, 2007 18:19
via Games Industry
UK retail has reported that copies of Halo 3 are flying off the shelves, with High Street outlet Woolworths praising the "record breaking" sales.
As numerous retailers up and down the company took advantage of the anticipated release by opening at midnight or early this morning, some are suggesting the game may even beat day one sales of the biggest DVD and CD releases.
"Halo 3 has been flying off the shelves this morning," said Gerry Berkley, trading manager for games at Woolworths.
"In the first two hours that our stores were open it sold thousands and thousands of copies, breaking all previous first morning sales records for a computer game.
"If sales continue at this rapid pace, it could end up being the biggest ever first day sales number for an entertainment product, beating any CD, DVD or book that has gone before it," he revealed.
Specialist retailer Gamestation also saw a successful launch, as it opened over 190 stores at midnight throughout the UK, and provided a link-up for customers in two different cities to play against each other.
"Our midnight openings were a great success. Big crowds showed up with customers and staff alike in great spirits," offered Jenny Leach, senior product manager for Gamestation.
"The live link-up between our Birmingham flagship and Edinburgh stores added another exciting new dimension to the launch, providing extra entertainment during the lead up to midnight."
Don McCabe, managing director of Chips, said that some stores were close to selling out already, and he expected to be ordering more before the weekend.
"It's gone very, very well indeed," he said.
"In hindsight I wish we'd ordered more. Quite a few shops are heading for a sell-out by the end of the day and we'll be restocking for the weekend.
"Microsoft and (distributor) Gem have done a very good job, they deserve praise for keeping the supply lines strong and giving us everything we've asked for," he added.
Following a successful launch in the US, Microsoft treated a select audience of UK gamers to a special red carpet screening of Halo 3 last night at London's iMAX cinema. ...by Published on September 26th, 2007 18:12
via Games Industry
Microsoft launched Halo 3 in the UK on Tuesday evening with a film-style premiere event at the IMAX cinema outside Waterloo in London.
Rather than focus on a midnight launch at a retailer Microsoft decided instead to roll out the red carpet, inviting a handful of celebrities along to the event.
Pharrell Williams and Christian Slater both attended, greeting fans gathered outside the cinema in the rain, while UK TV presenter Iain Lee hosted the show inside.
After some delays in ushering in the audience, made up mostly of Halo fans, Williams was called onstage to take on other celebrities based in locations around Europe - Carmen Electra joined from Paris, while LL Cool J battled from Amsterdam.
A fans' shoot-out followed, with a two-versus-two death match game - each team representing one half of the cinema audience, slogging it out to win Halo 3 copies for the onlookers they represented.
Unfortunately the teams were incorrectly named, causing some confusion for the audience, while one player's controller also failed partway through, leaving his team at something of a disadvantage.
As compensation Microsoft promised Halo 3 copies for everybody, which appeased the crowd, particularly as the event finished several hours before the game went on sale to the public.
The event was followed by an invite-only after-show event in Soho. ...- Search DCEmu
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