via Computer and Video Games


It's been a little while but Bungie has finally opened its big gob to talk more about that Xbox 360 shooter it's working on - and not on the usual stage of its weekly community update either.

Speaking in the latest issue of Gamepro, Bungie fields a few of the mag's questions on the Halo 3's arsenal, including what's happened to Halo 2's SMGs now that the good old assault rifle is back in the spotlight.

"SMGs are still there, tweaked slightly, but not dramatically," says Bungie.net content producer Frank O' Connor. "The purpose of the AR is to fill a void, or rather, a vital role. A weapon that is not only useful to spawn with, but is flexible and powerful enough that you might stick with it rather than favouring another type of weapon."

"That weapon will be honed to a glossy sheen by launch, but bluntly, it's about perfect right now. That of course is an opinion, but believe me, it's balanced by knowing what our audience wants"

'O Connor also reveals there are changes ahead for the Chief's grenades: "Players will have plentiful grenade options. More on that soon. But grenades have an added layer of strategy this time around. Picking role-specific 'nades is important, but silkily natural."

The Brute Spiker rifle meanwhile can apparently be dual-wielded by the Chief and the Brute Shot is "almost certain" to make a return.

"The Needler has gone through significant changes," the Bungie man continues. "I'll call them improvements. The instant death attack - filling your opponent with a certain number of consecutive crystal-shards - is being tuned. But yes, it will still assplode your face."

All this talk of guns and 'nades has got us itching for the multiplayer beta again - so where is it, Mr. Bungie? "The file will be exactly 873.46 megs and...I'm kidding. Still being figured out, but we'll keep you posted." And the wait goes on... ...

via Computer and Video Games


A minor glitch that prevented gamers from using an unlockable dashboard theme and gamer pictures in Jetpack Refuelled has been fixed with a new update.

Rare released an official statement on its official site, acknowledging the technical blip, and apologised.

To install the update you are actually required to delete the game you have already downloaded and completely re-download the now-fixed version.

Don't worry though, it won't cost you a penny, and your save game and leaderboard status will remain intact.

If you're dubious of the whole process, Rare has kindly supplied a step-by-step tutorial. They're nice like that. ...

via Joystiq




Sony has sent word of their new offerings for the US PlayStation Network today. Most importantly for racing fans, Gran Turismo HD Concept will be upgraded for free to version 1.2, which enables force feedback through Logitech steering wheel peripherals. (European gamers have been enjoying GTHD 1.2 since the console's launch in the region.)

The Grand Theft Auto IV trailer is also available for download in high definition, as is the Armored Core 4 video. Microsoft's Peter Moore, proud that Xbox Live got the GTAIV trailer up before Sony, has added yet another tattoo on his arm to add to his collection of AAA-titled inkings.

All of the content will be available free of charge and should be online sometime today. ...

via Computer and Video Games


There's rumoured to be a playable demo of Square Enix's highly anticipated Final Fantasy XIII in the pipes for release to the PlayStation Network later on in the year.

Square Enix has yet to respond to the rumour, which originated in the US mag EGM, which says, "Xbox Live may be the download hotspot this spring (thanks in large part to the Halo 3 multiplayer demo), but late this year the honour will go to the PlayStation Network. We hear that Square Enix will release a demo of its highly anticipated role-playing game via Sony's online marketplace."

We'll update the story as soon as Square Enix Europe gets back to us. And here it is: "I'm afraid I can't comment on the playable demo of FFXIII at present," a spokesperson told CVG this afternoon. ...

via Computer and Video Games


The virtual online PC life simulator, Second Life, which is often compared to Sony's upcoming PS3 Home network, is under investigation by the FBI on the legality of its virtual gambling features.

Virtual casinos within Second Life allow gamers to gamble using the game's currency, the Linden Dollar, which is exchanged for real life US dollars.

Linden Labs, the creators of Second Life, have invited FBI Agents to poke around these virtual casinos, seeking legal guidance after heavy restrictions on internet gambling were introduced in the US last year.

Most lawyers deem that gambling with Linden Dollars in Second Life violates US anti-gambling laws, reports news.com.

Speaking of said laws, A New York lawyer, who studied the issues of gambling in virtual worlds, said: "What they did was go after the processors, and made it a crime to process payments that relate to online gambling sites. Linden could potentially be held as the same sort of processor."

"It's not always clear to us whether a 3D simulation of a casino is the same thing as a casino, legally speaking, and it's not clear to the law enforcement authorities we have asked," said Linden Lab's vice president of business affairs, Ginsu Yoon. ...

via Joystiq



With the announcement of Resident Evil 4 and Umbrella Chronicles for the Wii, coupled with the still unreleased Virtual Console titles Duck Hunt and Hogan's Alley, it's time to start asking, "Where's the Wii Zapper?" Gamestop has listed the Wii Blaster for $20 and what we strongly believe to be a placeholder date of May 1. Although, this isn't necessarily the most improbable date with the Resident Evil games expected to have a summer release.

The Gamestop listing has no photo of the what the Zapper Blaster looks like now. The last time we saw her she was behind glass at E3 with a "work in progress" sign. We're really looking forward to having a gun, these first-person shooters just don't feel natural with a Wiimote. Now give us a game that allows for dual wielding Blasters and that's a guaranteed $50 going to that publisher! ...

via Games Industry


Having already achieved number one positions in the US and Japanese software sales charts, PlayStation 3 exclusive Motorstorm has also secured the top spot in Europe.

Developed by Runcorn-based Evolution Studios, Motorstorm was launched alongside Sony's new console in all three territories. Although it was beaten to pole position in the UK by fellow first-party title Resistance: Fall of Man, the game has scored a number one across Europe overall - just as it went straight to the top when PS3 launched in Japan and North America.

"To see Motorstorm top the European, the Japanese and the US PlayStation 3 charts is just fantastic," said Evolution boss Martin Kenwright.

"Developing Motorstorm to a standard we were all happy with was certainly a challenge - but the team here really delivered. Evolution has a reputation for delivering high quality racing titles, but the consensus was to come up with something really special for Sony’s new hardware.

"We’re delighted that the public has agreed with the press and made Motorstorm a worldwide number one PlayStation 3 title." ...

via Games Industry


Echoing comments from new Take Two boss Strauss Zelnick earlier this week, analyst firm AG Edwards expects redundancies at the Rockstar parent company.

The research firm also predicts that Take Two will be looking seriously at it's third-party relationships and it may sell off its distribution division, Jack of All Games.

"Lowering headcount, particularly at under-performing studios, evaluation of third-party vendor relationships and real estate costs, and a more stringent green light process," are all on the near-future agenda according to AG Edwards.

As highlighted by other analysts and the publisher itself, diversification into sports titles and other markets in recent years has not helped the company financially, says the analyst.

"We are cautious on Take Two's prospect considering there is still a reliance on the Grand Theft Auto franchise and the company has been unable to leverage diversification efforts into increased profitability," warned the firm.

Earlier this week Zelnick revealed that redundancies are a possibility, as the company looks to streamline its operations to please investors. ...

via Games Industry


Every week GamesIndustry.biz brings you the latest news and game announcements, as well as an update on the new titles released in Europe this week.

Ubisoft has revealed Brothers in Arms: Double Time for the Nintendo Wii and DS. The WWII shooter is in development at Gearbox and is due this summer.

Sony is launching another WipEout title for the PSP. WipEout Pulse is in development at Sony Liverpool and will be supported with downloadable content including tracks, skins and music. The game is due September.

UK publisher Ghostlight is bringing Aruze's Japanese RPG Shadow Hearts: From the New World to PAL territories. The PlayStation 2 game will be released this May.

The first Nintendo Wii online title will arrive in Europe on May 25. Mario Strikers: Charged Football will allow up to four players to compete against each other using the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.

Funcom's anticipated MMO Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures has gone into the beta testing stage. The title is still due to be released October 30, published by Eidos.

Sega has announced the much-rumoured NiGHTS game for the Wii. A sequel to the Saturn original, NiGHTS Journey of Dreams is due this autumn.

THQ has confirmed WWE Smackdown Vs. RAW 2008 for multiple formats. The series will make its debut on the Wii, DS and PlayStation 3, as well as appearing on Xbox 360, PSP, PS2 and mobile handsets.

New releases are thin on the ground this week, with Activision's Guitar Hero II for Xbox 360 leading the pack.

Other big names hitting store shelves this bank holiday weekend include Ubisoft's Rayman Raving Rabbits (Xbox 360) and Prince of Persia: Rival Swords (Wii, DS), and Electronic Arts' The Sims 2: Celebration (PC) and Burnout Dominator (PSP).

Paradox's Frontline: Fields of Thunder (PC) and 505 Games' Playwize Poker & Casino (PSP) are also released. ...