When XSEED and Namco Bandai meet, wonderful things happen. The last Banamco title to be localized by the publisher was Retro Game Challenge. Today, XSEED announced to IGN that it will publish Fragile: Farewell Ruins of the Moon in North America, with a projected Holiday 2009 release date. Wii fans have been clamoring for this game for a long time.

The tri-Crescendo-developed adventure game takes place in a ruined version of the modern world, as one young boy named Seto looks for any other surviving humans, armed only with a flashlight. XSEED plans to include a full English voice track, and has received "very promising" feedback from the development team about a dual language option.

http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/28/xs...nture-fragile/ ...

Format-holder trying to break records with number of simultaneous players on 360

Microsoft is trying to make history with a new 360 title, it seems - but developing a system that allows for 300,000 players simultaneously.

A job posting released by the firm has called for "an experienced server developer to help develop our server architecture. We are building an extremely high performance system to extend console games to the server in new ways; creating a completely new set of web services to support dynamic programming information of games and scheduling data".

That includes a new gameplay scheduler for Xbox Live - which presumably lets players agree times to meet online - and this new massively multiplayer game.

Requirements for the role include "building a backend capable of hosting a 300,000 player game in real-time with real money on the line (anti-cheating, etc)" the post ing says.

300,000 is a massive number of simultaneous players in real-time. Most MMOs use multiple servers to distribute their higher quantity of players. The only single-server game, EVE Online, has 300,00 players total - but only ever had over 50,000 playing in real-time at once.

http://www.developmag.com/news/31970...er-online-game ...

EA's released a new Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince trailer, which apparently shows the wizard kid facing off against Draco Malfoy.

It's out on July 3. Enjoy.

trailer here --> http://www.computerandvideogames.com....php?id=215932 ...

Having struck up a very profitable Olympic-based partnership last year, Sega has turned on old rival Mario to take him on at his own game with the announcement of Sonic & Sega All Stars Racing.
The game, which is in development for Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii takes place in your typical assortment of colourful locations and features many of the Sonic and Sega universe’s favourite characters, including Tails, Dr. Eggman, AiAi (Super Monkey Ball) and Amigo (of Samba De fame).
Expect comic attacks, hidden short cuts and character-specific ‘All Star’ moves.

“Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing is no ordinary racing game,” Sega Europe’s marketing director Gary Knight stated. “Its huge variety of characters and vehicles, plus the ability to play both online and off set it apart from other games of this type.
“The team have pushed the boundaries on what you would normally expect and created a different and unique party racing title whereby you really can’t take anything for granted.”
Sonic & Sega All Stars Racing will be released in early 2010.

http://www.casualgaming.biz/news/286...gen-kart-racer ...

Having struck up a very profitable Olympic-based partnership last year, Sega has turned on old rival Mario to take him on at his own game with the announcement of Sonic & Sega All Stars Racing.
The game, which is in development for Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii takes place in your typical assortment of colourful locations and features many of the Sonic and Sega universe’s favourite characters, including Tails, Dr. Eggman, AiAi (Super Monkey Ball) and Amigo (of Samba De fame).
Expect comic attacks, hidden short cuts and character-specific ‘All Star’ moves.

“Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing is no ordinary racing game,” Sega Europe’s marketing director Gary Knight stated. “Its huge variety of characters and vehicles, plus the ability to play both online and off set it apart from other games of this type.
“The team have pushed the boundaries on what you would normally expect and created a different and unique party racing title whereby you really can’t take anything for granted.”
Sonic & Sega All Stars Racing will be released in early 2010.

http://www.casualgaming.biz/news/286...gen-kart-racer ...

Having struck up a very profitable Olympic-based partnership last year, Sega has turned on old rival Mario to take him on at his own game with the announcement of Sonic & Sega All Stars Racing.
The game, which is in development for Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii takes place in your typical assortment of colourful locations and features many of the Sonic and Sega universe’s favourite characters, including Tails, Dr. Eggman, AiAi (Super Monkey Ball) and Amigo (of Samba De fame).
Expect comic attacks, hidden short cuts and character-specific ‘All Star’ moves.

“Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing is no ordinary racing game,” Sega Europe’s marketing director Gary Knight stated. “Its huge variety of characters and vehicles, plus the ability to play both online and off set it apart from other games of this type.
“The team have pushed the boundaries on what you would normally expect and created a different and unique party racing title whereby you really can’t take anything for granted.”
Sonic & Sega All Stars Racing will be released in early 2010.

http://www.casualgaming.biz/news/286...gen-kart-racer ...

This week's PSN update dons Ferrari Challenge DLC (which almost never saw the light of day), as well as more LittleBigPlanet and MotorStorm 2 goodies.

Eat official listage:

PS3 Store

Title Licence/Publisher Availability Price
Game
CellFactor: Psychokinetic Wars Ubisoft All Territories except Belgium, Nethlands, Portugal, Russia £7.99/€9.99
Inferno Pool Blade Interactive All Territories £6.29/€7.99
Demo
Crash Commando SCEE All Territories FREE
CellFactor: Psychokinetic Wars Ubisoft All Territories except Belgium, Nethlands, Portugal, Russia FREE

Packs
MotorStorm Pacific Rift - Mohawk Signature Livery Pack SCEE All Territories FREE
Sonic - Apotos & Shamar Adventure Pack SEGA All Territories except Portugal & Russia £2.39/€2.99
Saints Row 2 - Corporate Warfare THQ All Territories except Czech, Poland, Russia, Saudi, AE, South Africa £4.79/€5.99

Ferrari Challenge System 3 All Territories except Belgium, Nethlands, Portugal, Russia
Pack Of 5 New Cars And 1 Track £4.49/€4.99
Additional Car - Enzo Ferrari £1.29/€1.49
Additional Car - Ferrari 430 Scuderia £1.29/€1.49
Additional Car - Ferrari 599 Gtb Fiorano £1.29/€1.49
Additional Car - Ferrari 612 Sessanta £1.29/€1.49
Additional Car - Ferrari F330 P4 £1.29/€1.49
Additional Track - Nurburgring £2.89/€2.99

Cuboid CREAT
Bundle (Pack 1 + 2) £7.99/€9.99
Level Editor Pack £4.79/€5.99
Levels Pack (booster pack) £3.19/€3.99

Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 2 KOEI All Territories FREE
Additional Mission 4 FREE
Additional Mission 5 FREE
Additional Mission 6 FREE
All Territories except Czech Rep, Greece, Luxembourg
Rock Band Electronic Arts Ltd Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, UAE
Cuz U R Next £0.99/€1.49
Ministry Pack 01 £3.19/€3.99
Lieslieslies £0.99/€1.49
Linger £0.99/€1.49
She's Not There £0.99/€1.49
Tell Her No £0.99/€1.49
The Great Satan £0.99/€1.49

Guitar Hero World Tour - The Touch By Stan Bush Activision UK Ltd All Territories except Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, UAE £1.59/€1.99

Little Big Planet SCEE All Territories
2000AD Costume Kit £4.79/€5.99
Judge Dredd Costume £1.59/€1.99
Hammerstein Costume £1.59/€1.99
Johnny Alpha Costume £1.59/€1.99
Rogue Trooper Costume £1.59/€1.99

Videos
Trash Panic Official Trailer SCEE All Territories FREE
MAG Trailer SCEE All Territories except Germany FREE
Uncharted 2 Multiplayer Trailer SCEE Additional Territories Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Italy, FREE
Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Russia,
Switzerland, Spain

Killzone2 SCEE All Territories except Germany
Badge Abilities - Assault FREE
Badge Abilities - Engineer FREE
Badge Abilities - Medic FREE
Badge Abilities - Saboteur FREE
Badge Abilities - Scout FREE
Badge Abilities - Tactician FREE

Themes
F.E.A.R. 2 MP Theme All Territories FREE

PSP Store/Media Manager Store

Demo
Monster Hunter Freedom Unite Demo Capcom All Territories FREE
All Territories except Czech Rep, Greece, Luxembourg
Rock Band Unplugged Demo Electronic Arts Ltd Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, UAE FREE

Packs
Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce - Additional Quests 1 KOEI All Territories FREE

PS3 In-Game

Little Big Planet SCEE All Territories
2000AD Costume Kit £4.79/€5.99
Judge Dredd Costume £1.59/€1.99
Hammerstein Costume £1.59/€1.99
Johnny Alpha Costume £1.59/€1.99
Rogue Trooper Costume £1.59/€1.99

Crash Commando Full Game Unlock SCEE All Territories £7.99/€9.99
CellFactor: Psychokinetic Wars Unlock Ubisoft All Territories except Belgium, Nethlands, Portugal, Russia £7.99/€9.99

This week's PSN update dons Ferrari Challenge DLC (which almost never saw the light of day), as well as more LittleBigPlanet and MotorStorm 2 goodies.

Eat official listage:

PS3 Store

Title Licence/Publisher Availability Price
Game
CellFactor: Psychokinetic Wars Ubisoft All Territories except Belgium, Nethlands, Portugal, Russia £7.99/€9.99
Inferno Pool Blade Interactive All Territories £6.29/€7.99
Demo
Crash Commando SCEE All Territories FREE
CellFactor: Psychokinetic Wars Ubisoft All Territories except Belgium, Nethlands, Portugal, Russia FREE

Packs
MotorStorm Pacific Rift - Mohawk Signature Livery Pack SCEE All Territories FREE
Sonic - Apotos & Shamar Adventure Pack SEGA All Territories except Portugal & Russia £2.39/€2.99
Saints Row 2 - Corporate Warfare THQ All Territories except Czech, Poland, Russia, Saudi, AE, South Africa £4.79/€5.99

Ferrari Challenge System 3 All Territories except Belgium, Nethlands, Portugal, Russia
Pack Of 5 New Cars And 1 Track £4.49/€4.99
Additional Car - Enzo Ferrari £1.29/€1.49
Additional Car - Ferrari 430 Scuderia £1.29/€1.49
Additional Car - Ferrari 599 Gtb Fiorano £1.29/€1.49
Additional Car - Ferrari 612 Sessanta £1.29/€1.49
Additional Car - Ferrari F330 P4 £1.29/€1.49
Additional Track - Nurburgring £2.89/€2.99

Cuboid CREAT
Bundle (Pack 1 + 2) £7.99/€9.99
Level Editor Pack £4.79/€5.99
Levels Pack (booster pack) £3.19/€3.99

Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 2 KOEI All Territories FREE
Additional Mission 4 FREE
Additional Mission 5 ...

This week's PSN update dons Ferrari Challenge DLC (which almost never saw the light of day), as well as more LittleBigPlanet and MotorStorm 2 goodies.

Eat official listage:

PS3 Store

Title Licence/Publisher Availability Price
Game
CellFactor: Psychokinetic Wars Ubisoft All Territories except Belgium, Nethlands, Portugal, Russia £7.99/€9.99
Inferno Pool Blade Interactive All Territories £6.29/€7.99
Demo
Crash Commando SCEE All Territories FREE
CellFactor: Psychokinetic Wars Ubisoft All Territories except Belgium, Nethlands, Portugal, Russia FREE

Packs
MotorStorm Pacific Rift - Mohawk Signature Livery Pack SCEE All Territories FREE
Sonic - Apotos & Shamar Adventure Pack SEGA All Territories except Portugal & Russia £2.39/€2.99
Saints Row 2 - Corporate Warfare THQ All Territories except Czech, Poland, Russia, Saudi, AE, South Africa £4.79/€5.99

Ferrari Challenge System 3 All Territories except Belgium, Nethlands, Portugal, Russia
Pack Of 5 New Cars And 1 Track £4.49/€4.99
Additional Car - Enzo Ferrari £1.29/€1.49
Additional Car - Ferrari 430 Scuderia £1.29/€1.49
Additional Car - Ferrari 599 Gtb Fiorano £1.29/€1.49
Additional Car - Ferrari 612 Sessanta £1.29/€1.49
Additional Car - Ferrari F330 P4 £1.29/€1.49
Additional Track - Nurburgring £2.89/€2.99

Cuboid CREAT
Bundle (Pack 1 + 2) £7.99/€9.99
Level Editor Pack £4.79/€5.99
Levels Pack (booster pack) £3.19/€3.99

Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 2 KOEI All Territories FREE
Additional Mission 4 FREE
Additional Mission 5 FREE
Additional Mission 6 FREE
All Territories except Czech Rep, Greece, Luxembourg
Rock Band Electronic Arts Ltd Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, UAE
Cuz U R Next £0.99/€1.49
Ministry Pack 01 £3.19/€3.99
Lieslieslies £0.99/€1.49
Linger £0.99/€1.49
She's Not There £0.99/€1.49
Tell Her No £0.99/€1.49
The Great Satan £0.99/€1.49

Guitar Hero World Tour - The Touch By Stan Bush Activision UK Ltd All Territories except Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, UAE £1.59/€1.99

Little Big Planet SCEE All Territories
2000AD Costume Kit £4.79/€5.99
Judge Dredd Costume £1.59/€1.99
Hammerstein Costume £1.59/€1.99
Johnny Alpha Costume £1.59/€1.99
Rogue Trooper Costume £1.59/€1.99

Videos
Trash Panic Official Trailer SCEE All Territories FREE
MAG Trailer SCEE All Territories except Germany FREE
Uncharted 2 Multiplayer Trailer SCEE Additional Territories Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Italy, FREE
Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Russia,
Switzerland, Spain

Killzone2 SCEE All Territories except Germany
Badge Abilities - Assault FREE
Badge Abilities - Engineer FREE
Badge Abilities - Medic FREE
Badge Abilities - Saboteur FREE
Badge Abilities - Scout FREE
Badge Abilities - Tactician FREE

Themes
F.E.A.R. 2 MP Theme All Territories FREE

PSP Store/Media Manager Store

Demo
Monster Hunter Freedom Unite Demo Capcom All Territories FREE
All Territories except Czech Rep, Greece, Luxembourg
Rock Band Unplugged Demo Electronic Arts Ltd Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, UAE FREE

Packs
Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce - Additional Quests 1 KOEI All Territories FREE

PS3 In-Game

Little Big Planet SCEE All Territories
2000AD Costume Kit £4.79/€5.99
Judge Dredd Costume £1.59/€1.99
Hammerstein Costume £1.59/€1.99
Johnny Alpha Costume £1.59/€1.99
Rogue Trooper Costume £1.59/€1.99

Crash Commando Full Game Unlock SCEE All Territories £7.99/€9.99
CellFactor: Psychokinetic Wars Unlock Ubisoft All Territories except Belgium, Nethlands, Portugal, Russia £7.99/€9.99

This week's PSN update dons Ferrari Challenge DLC (which almost never saw the light of day), as well as more LittleBigPlanet and MotorStorm 2 goodies.

Eat official listage:

PS3 Store

Title Licence/Publisher Availability Price
Game
CellFactor: Psychokinetic Wars Ubisoft All Territories except Belgium, Nethlands, Portugal, Russia £7.99/€9.99
Inferno Pool Blade Interactive All Territories £6.29/€7.99
Demo
Crash Commando SCEE All Territories FREE
CellFactor: Psychokinetic Wars Ubisoft All Territories except Belgium, Nethlands, Portugal, Russia FREE

Packs
MotorStorm Pacific Rift - Mohawk Signature Livery Pack SCEE All Territories FREE
Sonic - Apotos & Shamar Adventure Pack SEGA All Territories except Portugal & Russia £2.39/€2.99
Saints Row 2 - Corporate Warfare THQ All Territories except Czech, Poland, Russia, Saudi, AE, South Africa £4.79/€5.99

Ferrari Challenge System 3 All Territories except Belgium, Nethlands, Portugal, Russia
Pack Of 5 New Cars And 1 Track £4.49/€4.99
Additional Car - Enzo Ferrari £1.29/€1.49
Additional Car - Ferrari 430 Scuderia £1.29/€1.49
Additional Car - Ferrari 599 Gtb Fiorano £1.29/€1.49
Additional Car - Ferrari 612 Sessanta £1.29/€1.49
Additional Car - Ferrari F330 P4 £1.29/€1.49
Additional Track - Nurburgring £2.89/€2.99

Cuboid CREAT
Bundle (Pack 1 + 2) £7.99/€9.99
Level Editor Pack £4.79/€5.99
Levels Pack (booster pack) £3.19/€3.99

Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 2 KOEI All Territories FREE
Additional Mission 4 FREE
Additional Mission 5 ...

That's right kids -- Ballmer himself whipped out the newly minted Zune HD for us during D7 and showed of a few of its finer features... including its ability to play a Pixar movie on its gorgeous OLED screen. Also of note, Steve off-handedly mentioned that the device would be shipping in a month, though we can't confirm that that's accurate. Anyhow, these pictures say far more than a thousand words, so just hit the gallery.

Update: Microsoft just pinged to let us know that the Zune HD is still set for a Fall release, not next month.

http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/28/e...-for-engadget/ ...