Author - Jerry Paxton

Harvest Moon: A New Beginning Coming to North America

2012/05/29

Burlingame, CA. – May 29, 2012 – Natsume Inc., a worldwide developer and publisher of family-oriented video games, is proud to announce that Harvest Moon: A New Beginning will be coming to North America this year; a year which also marks the 15th anniversary of the Harvest Moon series in North America!

“We’re extremely excited to be bringing Harvest Moon: A New Beginning to the North American audience,” said Hiro Maekawa, President and CEO at Natsume. “It’s hard to believe it’s been 15 years since the first Harvest Moon game debuted on the SNES back in 1997! A New Beginning has many new customization features that will please both veterans of the series and new players alike!”

Echo Village has seen better days… Just as you’ve moved in, almost everyone else has moved away to greener pastures. It’s your job to bring everybody back by making the town appealing again, and giving Echo Village a new beginning!

Customization is King

For the first time in series history, you can completely customize your character’s appearance! Choose your character’s gender, skin color, facial expression, hairstyle, and much, much more! You even go to the tailor and have them make new outfits for you!

Don’t like where your crops and barn are on your farm? Easy! Just pick them up and move them! Yes, it’s really that easy to customize your farm in Harvest Moon: A New Beginning!

In addition to the ability to customize your character’s and farm’s appearance, you can also create tons of new additions for your farm, house, and Echo Village! Build park benches and topiary for the local citizens, a pet house for your farm, and exotic wallpaper and furniture for your house! A New Beginning features new animals like llamas and yaks, new crops to harvest, and new characters to meet and woo!

Natsume is celebrating the 15th Anniversary of the Harvest Moon franchise at E3 and the rest of the year. They can be found in the South Hall in booth 515.

Players can follow all the news for all of the beloved Natsume franchises via www.natsume.com, or by scooping all of the latest Natsume news at www.natsume.com/facebook and www.twitter.com/natsume_inc.

Fatshark Announces $10K Krater Edition

2012/05/29

Jerry Paxton

News

STOCKHOLM, Sweden. May 29, 2012. Fatshark today announced a very special 10.000 Dollar edition of the upcoming game KRATER.

The KRATER 10.000 DOLLAR VICTOR EDITION will not only get you the game, the Game Designer Victor Magnuson will come to your home – wherever in the world it’s located – and personally deliver the game. He will also cook a meal, and then play the game together with the game connoisseur.

“We wanted to do something extra for the game connoisseur, something different that you wouldn’t get with most other games.” says Gunnar Johansson, Brand Manager, Fatshark. “And is there anything cooler than having the Game Designer come to your home and play the game with you? Well, perhaps if he also would prepare a superb meal before the gaming session – so we added that.”

If you want to get a visit from Victor, then you’ll find the KRATER 10.000 DOLLAR VICTOR EDITION here – www.kratergame.com/10k

If you don’t fancy Victor’s cooking, then you can pick up the KRATER COLLECTOR’S EDITION via Steam – http://store.steampowered.com/app/42170/ or the Fatshark Store http://store.fatshark.se – and get 25% off for a limited time.

World of Tanks Unveils British Tanks

2012/05/29

Jerry Paxton

News

29^th May, 2012 — Wargaming.net, the award-winning videogame developer and publisher, today announced that its highly acclaimed MMO action game, World of Tanks, will soon be invaded by some of the most powerful and iconic war machines from Great Britain. The new British tech tree joins the ranks of existing armored vehicles, which include lines from America, France, Germany and the former Soviet Union.

World of Tanks players will get the chance to charge into battle in such recognizable vehicles like the Crusader, Black Prince, Centurion and Conqueror, decimating their opponents and attempting to balance their performance across two main vehicle types – fast and powerful tanks that lack endurance, as well as slow, heavily armored machines with low-damage weaponry.

“The British tanks are by far the most intriguing models we’ve come across over the course of World of Tanks development,” said Wargaming.net Lead Producer Sergey Burkatovskiy. “In giving the players two distinct, yet very different types of vehicles, the development team has worked very carefully to make sure that balance not only fits into the current game, but is also one that’s extremely fun. We can’t wait for our players to experience it for themselves.”

Screenshots

Video Games Live Coming Back to E3

2012/05/29

Jerry Paxton

E3, News

HOLLYWOOD, CA – MAY 29, 2012 – Heralded by the LA Times as “Ingenious and fantastic!” and proclaimed “Captivating and bombastic!” by the NY Times, Video Games Live has once again teamed up with E3 (Electronic Entertainment Exposition) and the ESA (Entertainment Software Association) to continue its 8 year tradition of pulling out all the stops for its annual Los Angeles show by announcing a cavalcade of special guests, first time ever music premieres, industry stars, new interactive technology, and incredible prizes. The performance will take place on Wednesday, June 6^th at the Nokia Theatre positioned directly across the street from E3, the game industry’s most important annual event.

Aside from fan favorites such as Castlevania, Halo, Sonic and Chrono Trigger/Chrono Cross, audience members will be treated to new live premieres from such titles as the award winning The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim®, the 90’s cult classic Earthworm Jim, the Billboard and iTunes chart topping music from Journey, as well as Blizzard Entertainment’s Diablo® III, and upcoming World of Warcraft®: Mists of Pandaria™. The original composers will be making appearances and performing on stage with over 110 musicians. Video Games Live will be celebrating the 25^th Anniversary of Street Fighter with its hard rocking symphonic Street Fighter II medley including special guest appearances. To celebrate the recent induction into the Classic FM Hall of Fame (at #16 of all time!), Nobou Uematsu’s Aerith’s Theme will be presented in a new exclusive symphonic Video Games Live arrangement. The newly created Pokemon Symphonic Suite will be making its Los Angeles debut as well as some very special guest performers for the award winning song “Still Alive” from Portal. Original Toto founder/songwriter/pianist/vocalist David Paich and friends will be joining the symphony and choir to perform “Hold the Line” alongside the winner of the pre-show Guitar Hero competition.

A variety of YouTube superstars will also be performing including America’s Got Talent finalist and internet sensation Lindsey Stirling known for her amazing cinematic music videos viewed by tens of millions of people online which include her top featured Legend of Zelda medley. Video Games Live favorite Martin Leung (“the Video Game Pianist”) will once again grace the stage to debut his new piano arrangement of classic Rare Software favorites such as Banjo-Kazooie and Donkey Kong Country. Laura “Flute Link” Intravia will be showcasing her vocal talent as well as performing her 25th Anniversary Zelda arrangement with the symphony along with her new Mario flute medley. Heavy Metal guitarist Viking Jesus will invade the stage and conquer the audience with the world premiere of his pedal to the metal rendition of Star Fox.

Incredible game industry legends from around the world will be appearing on stage and/or in the post-show Meet & Greet (free of charge to all ticket holders) including Takashi Iizuka (producer, director, designer and head of Sonic Team), the original Earthworm Jim team, Blizzard Entertainment Audio Director and composer Russell Brower, Grammy Award winning game composer Christopher Tin, Silent Hill game producer and composer Akira Yamaoka, Atari founder Nolan Bushnell, Monkey Island creators Tim Schafer and Ron Gilbert, legendary game designer Warren Spector (Wing Commander, Deus Ex, Disney Epic Mickey) and over 20 game industry superstars including Al Lowe from Leisure Suit Larry and King’s Quest fame performing the theme from Leisure Suit Larry on saxophone.

From the beginning Video Games Live has always been an interactive show and this year that interactivity is taken to a new level. Aside from randomly chosen audience members appearing on stage to play a game while the orchestra provides (and changes) the soundtrack on-the-fly, Video Games Live will now incorporate members of the audience to help chose the setlist during the show by texting and/or using their Smart Phones. A real-time meter will show which games are leading during the show and the most popular choice will be the one performed. Other interactive elements will include live Skype appearances and interviews with game industry legends and photographs of the audience taken during the performance and posted on the Video Games Live Facebook page for tagging. The first 50 people to tag themselves during the show will receive a free copy of “Ghost Recon: Future Soldier”.

Audience members for this performance will be a part of gaming history! Since its creation in 2002, the award winning Video Games Live continues to break attendance records around the world, and after 10 years in business and hundreds of shows, yet another prestigious award and record will be bestowed on stage with an induction and certificate ceremony from Guinness World Records for the most video game concerts ever performed. Twin Galaxy founder Walter Day will be presenting a special trading card to commemorate this record breaking show with all audience members receiving a free copy of the card. Pac-Man World Record Holder and crowned Video Game Player of the Century, Billy Mitchell (known for his role in the movie King of Kong) will also be present to unveil his limited edition Video Games Live hot sauce.

Incredible door prize give-a-ways from Samsung, AMD & Intel (including laptops, hard-drives, media devices, software and much more) will be awarded on stage during the show to lucky winners (any ticket holder will be able to enter). The ever popular pre-show costume contest will be in full effect as each costumed member will be brought on stage as the audience decides the winner by volume of applause.

“Since starting VGL in 2002, this particular show is turning out to be one of our most exciting and spectacular shows ever!” stated industry veteran and Video Games Live Creator/Executive Producer Tommy Tallarico. “There really is something for everyone in this show no matter what era or genre of gaming you’re into. Being partnered with E3 and the ESA allows us to bring the entire industry together for a complete celebration of the gaming world. If ever there was a Video Games Live to attend, this is the one!”

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW and range from $25 – $75 with a limited number of Ultimate VIP Backstage Experience packages.

TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE:
http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/2C004867DA6F51E9?brand=aeglive

VIDEO GAMES LIVE ULTIMATE VIP BACKSTAGE EXPERIENCE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING:

One VIP ticket considered the “best seats in the house” to view the show
Pre-show backstage tour by VGL creator and game music legend Tommy Tallarico
Special Exclusive VIP area pre-show party access
Special meeting with video game designers/composers/producers from around the world
Special FRONT OF LINE access to the Video Games Live post-show meet & greet
Video Games Live backstage laminated tour pass
Free download card for the special extended Video Games Live: Level 2 album
Video Games Live poster

iHome iDM5 Executive Workstation Review (Misc)

2012/05/28

Jerry Paxton

News, Reviews

iHome has once again outdone themselves with their new iDM5 Executive Workstation. The iDM5 can be thought of as a home port of call for your favorite tablet device or smartphone. Measuring 14.5″ wide x 2.3″ high x 7.4″ deep, the iDM5 is not small. In fact, it very much reminds me of a classic word processor device (look that up, kids). After the tray which holds your tablet deploys, you simply set the tablet in the tray and can begin using the dock to type away. This is accomplished via the iDM5’s on-board Bluetooth capabilities.

Typing is not the extent of those abilities as the iDM5 Executive Workstation also plays music via a pair of stereo speakers. The two stereo speakers deliver very rich audio – even at high volumes. In fact, during our trials, the iDM5 did very well in keeping up with a much more expensive (and singular in function) BOSE speaker system. Pairing the iDM5 to my iPad was very simple and required no code or pass-lock. I simply paired and began to play my tunes and use the keyboard. If you want to play music on the iDM5 but cannot attach a device via Bluetooth, you can also use the 3.5mm input jack to play audio files. As to the topic of the iDM5’s keyboard, it is very reminiscent of the Chiclet keyboard found on Apple devices. It features nice tactile play and noise response.

Taking the Bluetooth capabilities a step beyond even the keyboard and stereo speakers – this also allows the iDM5 to be used as a high end speakerphone system for your smartphone or cell-capable tablet. The iDM5 utilizes a technology called “SoundClear” in order to reduce echo in the speakerphone calls and does a wonderful job of doing so. I was able to pair my iPhone to the dock and make several calls – each leaving me surprised at its audio quality.

The iDM5 workstation runs on standard AC power from an outlet and also features two USB ports on the left side of the unit. These generic ports allow you to charge just about anything without limiting the dock to a particular kind of tablet or phone. The only problem I found while using the iHome iDM5 was that the folding tray which supports a tablet device feels a bit wobbly. This is especially apparent when pressing on a tablet’s screen that is laying against the iDM5 tray. Hopefully, iHome will strengthen the tray in future models of the dock.

Overall, the iHome iDM5 Executive Workstation is a great purchase at a retail price of $149.99. While that may seem steep at first glance, you must realize that the price point includes a Bluetooth keyboard, Bluetooth stereo speaker system, Bluetooth speaker phone, and device charging station capabilities. That is a lot of proverbial bang for your hard-earned dollar!

You can find out more about the iHome iDM5 Executive Workstation Here:

iHome iDM5 Product Page

Forge of Empires Launches US Client

2012/05/28

Jerry Paxton

News

Hamburg, May 25, 2012. This week, InnoGames launched a U.S. specific version of the new browser game Forge of Empires,where Americans can play together and belong to a distinct community, separate from the international English version of the title. Players can access this by visiting us.forgeofempires.com, or choosing the American flag on any of the Forge of Empires homepages.

Forge of Empires is a browser-based strategy game, where players, tasked with leading their own city to prosperity can research new technologies, build impressive historical buildings and enlarge their sphere of influence through military campaigns and skillful dealing. Other players’ cities can be visited and, while admiring structures and placement of buildings, be supported by polishing decorations or motivating workers for increased happiness or resource outcome. Forge of Empires also contains a long-term single player campaign, as well as an ever-growing number of PvP-features, which offer months of entertainment. InnoGames provides additional information in the game’s very own blog.

With more than 80 million registered players, InnoGames is one of the world’s leading developers and providers of online games. The Hamburg-based company has scored major successes with games such as Tribal Wars,The West and Grepolis.

Jet Set Radio for Vita Announced

2012/05/28

Jerry Paxton

News

SAN FRANCISCO & LONDON – May 25, 2012 – SEGA® of America Inc. and SEGA® Europe Ltd.today confirmed that much-loved Dreamcast classic Jet Set Radio™ will be coming to PlayStation®Vita Systems this summer, and will be playable for the first time at this year’s Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles, California.

Upgraded HD visuals paired with the original funky soundtrack that rocked the ears of gamers worldwide in 2000. The PlayStation Vita’s unique features provide new ways for gamers to interact with the environments of Tokyo-to, from touch functionality that makes spraying graffiti more natural to Vita camera integration. Jet Set Radio for PlayStation Vita is a handheld version that loses nothing in the way of content or experience in comparison with its console and PC brethren.

“The fan reaction to our recent reveal of Jet Set Radio has been incredible!” said Haruki Satomi, Senior Vice President of Digital Business at SEGA. “As Jet Set Radio is focused on creativity, the touch capabilities of the PlayStation VITA are proving to be a perfect fit.”

Jet Set Radio will also be released on Xbox LIVE® Arcade for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®Network, and Windows PC Digital Download this summer. For more information on Jet Set Radio, please visit www.sega.com.

For more news follow SEGA on Twitter or “like us on Facebook.

Screenshots

Bullet For My Valentine Coming to Rock Band

2012/05/28

Jerry Paxton

News

Cambridge, Mass. – May 25th, 2012– Harmonix today announced that three tracks from Bullet For My Valentine are headed to the Rock Band™ Music Store of downloadable content for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Wii™.

Rock Band provides the deepest and best selection of artists, songs and albums through the Rock Band music platform, which features more than 1,400 artists and more than 3,500* tracks via disc and download purchase (complete list of tracks at www.rockband.com/songs). Rock Band’s gigantic music library dwarfs that of any other rhythm video game on the market. More than 100 million songs have been sold through the Rock Band Music Store since its launch on Nov. 20, 2007.

Tracks downloaded from the Rock Band Music Store are compatible with the award-winning full-band Rock Band 3 experience, as well as the upcoming controller-based Rock Band Blitz, coming summer of 2012 for Xbox LIVE® Arcade and PlayStation®Network!

Rock Band DLC Additions for Xbox 360, PlayStation®3 system and Wii™

On May 29th, a three pack of tracks from Bullet For My Valentine – the Welsh four piece metal group, known for its melodic hooks and heavy riffs – comes to the Rock Band Music Store!

The pack kicks off with “Tears Don’t Fall” from the band’s debut studio record, 2005’s The Poison. It’s followed by “Scream Aim Fire,” the first single off of their 2008 album of the same name. Finally, “Your Betrayal,” the lead track from Bullet For My Valentine’s third studio album, 2010’s Fever, closes out the pack. An optional Pro Guitar and Pro Bass upgrade will available for “Your Betrayal,” as well.

Available on Xbox 360, Wii and PlayStation®3 system (May 29th, 2012):

Bullet For My Valentine – “Tears Don’t Fall”
Bullet For My Valentine – “Scream Aim Fire”
Bullet For My Valentine – “Your Betrayal” X

(These tracks will be available in Europe on PlayStation®3 system May 30th)

Tracks marked with “X” will offer Pro Guitar and Pro Bass expansions for $0.99 per song; tracks marked with “O” feature support for keyboards.

Price:
$5.49 (440 Microsoft Points™, 550 Wii Points™) for “Bullet For My Valentine Pack 01”
$1.99 USD (160 Microsoft Points™, 200 Wii Points™) per song
$0.99 USD (80 Microsoft Points™, 100 Wii Points™) per song for eligible Pro Guitar/Pro Bass upgrade

** Dates for Rock Band game tracks are tentative and subject to change. **

*Available on-disc, via download and disc export. Internet connection and export key purchase required. Wii™ Shop Channel has more than 1,500 song tracks available for purchase on the Rock Band platform on-disc, via song import, and download. Not applicable to Nintendo DS™

The Secret World Release Date Change

2012/05/28

Jerry Paxton

News

Funcom today announced that the company has made a small adjustment to the release date for The Secret World. Due to market reasons, the ship date has been moved by two weeks to July 3rd, with Early Access starting June 29th. The new launch date places The Secret World in a more positive launch window which will benefit the launch of the game.

We are also excited to share with you the dates and content of the remaining Beta Weekends!

The third Beta Weekend, titled ‘Hell Raised’, will begin on June 15th and run until June 17th. In this Beta Weekend players will be able to experience the Illuminati and Dragon starter experiences as well as the Templar experience. Players will also get to leave Kingsmouth and venture into the massive region known as Savage Coast, where they will soon find that the very gates of hell itself have opened up! This will allow players to experience the epic ‘Hell Raised’ dungeon where you will have to battle the demons of hell itself!

MMORPG.com and Massively.com played through the ‘Hell Raised’ dungeon recently, and judging from their previews they had a hell of a good time. You can check out their impressions here.

The fourth and final Beta Weekend will begin on June 22nd and run until June 24th. This event will focus on the player vs. player experience in The Secret World, and players will get to sample both the Eldorado battlefield experience as well as the massive warzone gameplay where over a hundred players clash together in persistent battle. Here the Illuminati, the Templars and the Dragon will get to duke it out and hone their battle skills on each other before the real conflict begins when Early Access opens on June 29th.

See you in The Secret World soon!

Sincerely,
Funcom