via Computer and Video Games


Sega has said it recognised the need to revitalise Sonic and bring something new to the franchise during discussion on the recently announced Sonic RPG for DS.

"An RPG was something totally different for Sonic, it felt fresh and exciting. Knowing that we had the opportunity to work with a renowned developer like BioWare on this game confirmed that it was the right opportunity for us to now bring this vision to life", Sega of America President and COO Simon Jeffrey told IGN.

"Collaborating with the BioWare team was an ideal way to ensure that there were two solid reputations behind the game - the creators of Sonic and experts in the RPG genre", Jeffrey explained when asked why Sega decided not to develop the DS game internally.

BioWare itself is still keeping lips tightly sealed when it comes to game details, but the developer's president Greg Zeschuk did say, "the Nintendo DS capabilities will allow us to innovate and create a very compelling game that will appeal to an all-ages worldwide audience while still providing a deep, rich experience to satisfy the traditional BioWare fan".

CEO of BioWare Ray Muzyka added, "...we can say that we will be using many of DS's feature sets and we'll really be pushing the limits of what the system can do, always striving to innovate in what we deliver, as in all BioWare games." ...

via Computer and Video Games


Peripheral manufacturer, XCM, has made the surprising claim that a new cable that it has in the works will get an average-joe 360 pumping out a HDMI signal.

HDMI is the highest quality of digital video, used by all PS3s and one of the major new features of the new Xbox 360 Elite.

According to Maxconsole: "The cable itself is nearly finished and will be completed in approximately four weeks and promises to allow 1080p output on a regular white original Xbox 360."

It was previously assumed that normal 360s weren't at all capable of HDMI, but if XCM pulls it off, it'll be joyous for owners of the white box, and a kick in teeth for those that handed over major moolah for the upgraded Elite. Soz.

Although we admit to not having super-geeky knowledge of how different video signals are encoded, we would like to throw on point out there: surely, if the 360 is still kicking out an analogue component signal which is being converted to a digital HDMI signal on it's way to the TV by the cable, the resulting picture quality will remain the same as the component original, right? We dunno. Are there any MASSIVE geeks in the building? ...

via Eurogamer


The second Grand Theft Auto IV trailer will be available in high definition through Xbox Live Marketplace tomorrow at 6pm BST (5pm GMT), Microsoft and Rockstar said this afternoon.

You'll also be able to download an exclusive GTA IV theme and gamerpics, if you're into that sort of thing. Quite why you'd replace the Battlestar Galactica one is beyond us, but then maybe you don't like Tricia Helfer? Is that it? You disgust me.

Anyway, those of you without Xbox 360s will be able to catch it (the trailer - not Tricia Helfer) on the game's official website at the same time.

It's called "Looking for that Special Someone" (we recommend Google Image Search). The first trailer, "Things will be different", can be found on Eurogamer TV.

The news follows the publication yesterday of photographs of the GTA IV Special Edition, showing off the safety deposit box, keychain, soundtrack CD and duffel bag you'll receive if you throw down the USD 89.99 Rockstar's charging. The lawyers clearly don't come cheap.

The game itself, as you doubtless already have tattooed to your arm (hi Pete), is due out on 17th October in the US and 19th October in Europe.

So then. Until 6pm tomorrow ...

via Games Industry


Conspiracy Entertainment will publish nine Wii-exclusive titles in the US, all from developer Data Design Interactive.

The developer claims to have over 30 Wii titles due for release this year, with Conspiracy picking up games including Ninjabread Man, Billy the Wizard and Offroad Extreme.

"We have an ambitious release schedule and new distribution network to build in Europe, so we are pleased and excited to work together with Conspiracy Entertainment who already have the experience and contacts throughout North America and Asia," said Stewart Green, president of Data Design Interactive.

"We are convinced that their experience and professional approach will help us to establish and expand our gaming brands in the US and Asian markets." ...

via Games Industry


Nintendo is inviting developers large and small to produce new downloadable games to be sold through the Wii Shop Channel.

The initiative, called "Wii Software" here and "WiiWare" in the US, was announced at a private developers' conference this week and confirmed to press in Europe this afternoon.

"Wii Software provides developers with big ideas - rather than big budgets - an easy and very accessible way to create new games and bring them to the marketplace," European marketing director Laurent Fischer explained.

The service would also offer "great additional value for Wii owners who will be able to download fresh new games", Fischer added.

The first Wii Software titles will launch in early 2008. Users will pay for games using Wii Points.

Nintendo has always said it intended for the Wii Shop to host original downloadable games, but until now the company has only offered budget-priced downloads from the back catalogues of NES, SNES and N64 consoles - as well as SEGA's Megadrive and Hudson's TurboGrafx-16 - through its "Virtual Console" initiative.

Bringing new-game downloads online in 2008 will put the platform holder belatedly into line with Sony and Microsoft, whose PS3 and Xbox 360 consoles already support the option.

Nintendo, however, will be hoping that the Wii's unique motion-sensing control options will inspire developers to produce more interesting software than can be found on either of its competitors' platforms.

IS THIS THE WAY TO LEGAL HOMEBREW CODING ON THE WII

DIGG THIS

...

via Eurogamer


Sony UK has declined to comment on reports that the company is preparing a "WipEout HD" title as a downloadable PlayStation Network product.

WipEout Pulse game director Tony Buckley reportedly told 1UP that the internal Liverpool studio handling WipEout titles wants to release the PSN version quickly, and that we may see an announcement in August or even at E3 next month.

WipEout HD would feature online multiplayer, 1UP added, and would be an addition to the WipEout release schedule rather than a replacement for the full WipEout game that Sony Liverpool is known to be developing, which is supposedly due out next year.

A spokesperson for Sony UK said: "I can't confirm anything about WipEout on the PS3 at this time."

Earlier this month we spoke to WipEout designer Clark Davies about WipEout Pulse, the one Sony Liverpool WipEout game that is confirmed for this year, and he told us it was "too soon" to discuss plans on PS3.

But hey, we know something's going on, and WipEout HD sounds like a good bet given Sony's obvious fondness for high-definition PlayStation Network releases. Expect more in the coming weeks. ...

via Eurogamer


Sony plans to introduce support for AVC High Profile (H.264/MPEG-4) file playback in a new firmware update due out soon.

The firmware, version 1.82, will be released "in the next few days", PlayStation Network Operations Director Eric Lempel said in a post on Sony Computer Entertainment America's blog.

Recent PS3 firmware updates have introduced the ability to upscale DVDs, PS1 and PS2 games to 1080p resolutions, to downscale Blu-ray video to 720p and to view files stored on a home network.

However, there has been a mixed reaction to firmware updates from those who intend to play older games on their PS3s, with the level of support for several key titles including Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater from Konami seemingly in fluctuation.

In his blog post of Monday 26th June, Lempel perhaps anticipated this concern when he added: "We're continuing to evaluate and improve things across the board, including PS2 software compatibility." ...

via IGN


Ah, Rockstar, how you like to tease. With the arrival of the new GTA IV trailer threatening to bring the internet to a standstill when it goes live in two days, Rockstar is building excitement by answering the prayers of fan boys across the world and releasing new assets for the game. Well, one new asset, and it's not even a proper screenshot. Still, we're happy to get any kind of scraps when it comes to GTA and the new piece of art shows Niko behind the wheel of a car that has been pulled over by the cop. The beardy rozzer is flashing his badge through the window, much to Niko's disgust, and… well, that's about it.

We could waffle on for ages about how the cop could be crooked and that he might be working with Niko. Or we could theorise that the artwork indicates an all-new breed of supercop, one that will bust our Eastern European buddy if he breaks the speed limit by a couple of miles-per-hour. But, frankly, that would be pointless and a waste of your time. Instead, check out the artwork and make sure you're back here on Thursday, when we'll be showing off the new trailer and providing you with some proper insight into the game.


Screenshots of GTA IV are here ...

via Eurogamer


Vivendi Games division Sierra has revealed Robert Ludlum's The Bourne Conspiracy for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, a stealth-action game due to debut at E3 next month.

Developed by High Moon Studios and due out next summer, The Bourne Conspiracy will combine all of Jason Bourne's trademark characteristics - including his ingenuity in hand-to-hand combat and fire-fights and his escape and evasion techniques - as witnessed in the big-screen Bourne Identity and Bourne Supremacy films starring Matt Damon.

Although the first screenshots suggest that High Moon won't be using Damon's face, the game's goals are seemingly indivisible from those of its parent series, making the same promise to delve into Bourne's character and "provide game presentation inspired by the aggressive film-making and frenetic action found in the films".

"High Moon has collaborated closely with Mr Ludlum's estate holders, the guardians of his creative vision, since the day we began to develop the game," says High Moon president Peter Della Penna.

"The goal of that collaboration has been to create a videogame that takes inspiration from known elements within the Bourne universe, elements that have captivated more than a quarter of a billion people around the world, with original story and gameplay that establishes a signature Jason Bourne game experience. Robert Ludlum's The Bourne Conspiracy is our instalment to the series and is meant to reside on its own within the Bourne entertainment library."

Expect to learn more about what they're up to during E3, which runs from 11th to 13th July ...