via Computer and Video Games


During a recent interview with Dr. Greg Zeschuk, co-founder and president of the mighty BioWare, he let slip a few words on the possibility of a demo. When asked point blank if there'll be a demo, we were told, "We're still thinking of the exact form the demo could take."

We then pressed further saying, "So there was is one then?" to which a distinctly nervous Zeschuk replied, "Probably... I'm being particularly non committal... Our goal would defiantly be to have one depending on time challenges and things.

"I can't remember who said it, I think it was Mark Rein, I'd hate to quote Mark (laughs), but it's a huge challenge getting a game and demo out around the same time. We're still thinking about how exactly that's going to play out. We're clearly running out time though."

If you were sat there in front of him, it was obvious there's a demo in the pipeline judging by his reactions. Fingers crossed it's just pre-release. We can't wait.


Screenshots here
Full interview here ...

via Computer and Video Games


All eyes are on Sony whipping out the rumble-enabled version of the SixAxis controller at the Tokyo Game Show this weekend, as rumours reach a climax on the net.

Word is that Sony will showcase the new controller, along with a new version of PS3 firmware that enables XBM browsing during gameplay.

It wouldn't surprise us. Developers reportedly received rumble-enabled controllers themselves at the beginning of August, and despite Sony denying it, strong evidence suggests those controllers to have been in developers hands for around six weeks now.

CVG contacted Sony UK, who knew nothing of Sony Japan's plans for TGS. Expect more from Kaz Hirai's keynote speech this Thursday. ...

via IGN


Eternal Sonata, the newest role-playing game from Japanese developer tri-Crescendo, shipped today to U.S. retailers, publisher Namco Bandai Games America announced Monday.

Set in the dream world of dying composer Frederic Chopin, Eternal Sonata follows the story of a young boy and girl caught up in a tale of good and evil, love and betrayal.

Set against the backdrop of Chopin's music (performed by pianist Stanislav Bunin), the game features a hybrid real-time battle system, cel-shaded graphics and a "light-and-dark" combat mechanism that alters enemy form and player attacks based on shade and sunlight.

Eternal Sonata should be in stores tomorrow for the Xbox 360. ...

via IGN


Every Monday brings new VC goodness, and this week is no different, as Nintendo has updated its Wii Virtual Console to bring you a trio of gaming enjoyment. Hitting the system this week are Yoshi's Story for Nintendo 64, Super Thunder Blade for SEGA Genesis, and World Class Baseball for TurboGrafx16. Each game is hitting at its expected price point, and is currently available for download.

Per tradition, we've included Nintendo's official game descriptions below:

Yoshi's Story (Nintendo 64, 1 player, rated E for Everyone, 1,000 Wii Points): The evil Baby Bowser has cast a spell turning Yoshi's Island into a picture book. Worse yet, the Super Happy Tree has been stolen, making the island dark and gloomy. Players must take control of six Yoshis, each a different color, and travel through six pages (worlds) of platforming adventure to recover the tree and return the island to normal. Featuring huge character models and bright, vibrant colors, the game's various environments (such as woods, caves, mountains and oceans) come alive in a uniquely gorgeous 2¿-D look. Eat fruit, avoid enemies and obstacles, and throw eggs from the Yoshis' never-ending supply in your quest to stop Baby Bowser's plan from succeeding. If you're good enough, you can aim for higher scores by being picky about the fruit you eat. And who knows, you might even find the mysterious black and white Yoshis.

Super Thunder Blade (Sega Genesis, 1 player, rated E for Everyone - Mild Violence, 800 Wii Points): In this follow-up to Thunder Blade, you'll fly a new and improved attack helicopter in a series of attacks against guerilla armies that are bent on taking over the world. Although your aircraft is formidable, your enemies are vast and varied. You'll have to take on submarines, tanks, fighter planes and more. Your command of this state-of-the-art battle copter must be top notch, as you'll have to dodge oncoming fire and use your various weapons to eliminate all enemy targets so you can reach the guerilla base and end their nefarious plans once and for all. Put on your flight suit and step into the thrilling action of Super Thunder Blade.

World Class Baseball (TurboGrafx16, 1-2 players, rated E for Everyone, 600 Wii Points): Acclaimed for its steady game play, World Class Baseball is the definitive baseball game on the TurboGrafx16. Battle the computer in OPEN MODE or play a friend in VERSUS MODE. Customize your team in EDIT MODE or even watch a game between two computer opponents in WATCH MODE. World Class Baseball offers the complete baseball gaming experience. Of course there's also plenty of single-player action. The main feature is PENNANT MODE, where the player chooses a team from one of the world's leagues and strives to win their team's league. Beat league rivals and save your progress with passwords on your way to becoming league champions. After winning your league, get ready to the face the other league's champion in the heated series for the world championship. ...

via Eurogamer


SEGA Japan has finally whisked the velvety blanket off its line-up for Tokyo Game Show 2007.
Among the tray of delights will be playable versions of Valkyrie of the Battlefield and Imabi Kisou for PlayStation 3.

The first of these is an action-strategy game with a sort painted canvas aesthetic from the developers of the Sakura Taisen series, while the latter is an impressive-looking spooky survival-horror game you might not want to play in the dark. There's blood and stuff.

NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams will also be playable, as well as traditional JRPG Fuurai no Shiren 3 on Wii.

SEGA plans to show many more games at the conference in trailer form, denoted below with an asterisk by the name.

PlayStation 3

• Ryu ga Gotoku Kenzan! (Yakuza 3)*
• Valkyrie of the Battlefield
• Imabi Kisou
• Sega Rally *
• The Golden Compass *

Wii

• NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams
• Fuurai no Shiren 3
• Ghost Squad
• Miburi & Teburi *
• The Golden Compass *
• Doraemon Wii: Himitsu Doguo Kettei Sen

Xbox 360

• Sega Rally *

PlayStation 2

• Jissen Pachi-Slot Hisshouhou! Hokuto no Ken 2
• Phantasy Star Universe: Ambition of the Illuminus *
• Seaman 2 *
• Sega Ages 2500 Vol. 31: Dennou Senki Virtual On *
• Jissen Pachinko Hisshouhou! CR Sakura Taisen

Nintendo DS

• Sonic Rush Adventure
• Sakura Taisen: Kimi Arugatame
• BLEACH The 3rd Phantom
• Picto Image DS
• Mainichi Shinbun 1000 Dai-News *
• Touch de Zuno DS *
• The Golden Compass *
• Kodai Ouja: Kyouryuu King - 7-tsu no Kakera
• Dream Cat Smile DS

PSP

• SEGA Rally *
• The Golden Compass *

PC

• Phantasy Star Universe: Ambition of the Illuminus *
• Splash! Golf *

...

via Games Industry


The Legendary Edition of Halo 3 should sell out in the US, according to a Microsoft spokesperson.

In a statement to GamesIndustry.biz, the spokesperson said that "While we cannot comment on specific numbers for the US sales of the Legendary SKU, we can confirm that demand remains high and the highly-collectible version of the game is on track to be sold out by the time Halo 3 launches next week."

The Legendary Edition Halo 3 retails for USD 129.99 and comes packed in a Spartan Mjolnir Mark VI helmet case along with two disks of extra content.

CVG is reporting that the Legendary Edition has already sold out in the UK, with all available units being accounted for by pre-orders. ...

via Eurogamer


Q Entertainment has said its mysterious PS3 project will be a port of PC title Angel Love Online.

The news came from Japan, translated by IGN, where the publisher said we'd be able to play the cartoon-inspired MMORPG this December. Unfortunately Sony Europe was unable to elaborate on that, though, so you should pencil it in as a Japanese date for now.

Angel Love Online is based in the Garden of Eden, where you'll play as a protector of the feathery angels. There are four different realms for you to rid of evil and claim as your own, as you complete quests, hoard equipment and meet new friends as you go.

Like the PC version it will be free to play, and will fashion an income from you lot buying new bits and pieces using your hard-earned real-life money.

There's much more information over on the official website, as well as the option to download the demo to give it a quick spin.

We'll keep you updated if and when a date gets the nod. ...

via Games Industry


Elite Beat Agents developer Keiichi Yano has warned that a glut of titles in the music genre could lead to over saturation and poor quality.

As titles such as Activision's Guitar Hero and Sony's SingStar strike a chord with the gaming audience, the designer and co-founder of iNiS said that he expects the genre to continue to grow, but hopes it won't be at the cost of good quality titles.


Yano believes that it's not just understanding game development, but understanding music, that's key to creating quality titles in the music genre.

...

via Eurogamer


SEGA has spilled news-beans that NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams will feature two-player and network support at launch, although exactly what form it will take is unconfirmed.

Both will join the returning A-Life feature from the Saturn original, which lets you capture and manipulate the inhabitants of Nightopia - even combining them with Nightmaren enemies to create weird Mepians.

NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams is an action-adventure game that takes place in a dream world. You play as flying jester-like character that enters the thoughts of two youngsters when they fall asleep.

Your goal is to help them overcome the fears accumulated in their waking life, by soaring through levels collecting orbs, defeating enemies using special abilities, and facing "unforgettable" boss battles conjured up by their nightmares.

The original game on the SEGA Saturn drummed up a significant following, and the publisher is hoping to cause more of a stir this time around with its fancy Wii controls.

NiGHTS is due for release in Europe early next year. ...