Author - Ripper71

UEFA Champions League License Extended For PES 2013

2012/08/17

EL SEGUNDO, Calif.– Konami Digital Entertainment Inc., announced it has extended its exclusive agreement with UEFA for the use of the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League competitions in its Pro Evolution Soccer series.

The publisher has also bolstered various licences for use within its forthcoming PES 2013 title, with the Spanish league licensed in its entirety, while all the clubs from Italy’s highest league are also included. KONAMI has also sourced individual agreements with Manchester United, Bayern Munich, FC Porto, AEK Athens, Galatasaray Istanbul, Shahktar Donetsk, FC Kopenhagen, Zenit St Petersburg, CSKA Moscow, RSC Anderlecht, Dinamo Kyiv and Dinamo Zagreb among many others. Overall, 150 licensed teams are now available, with 17 more licensed national squads added, including the likes of England, Italy, Germany and France. Details on additional licences will follow.

“We are thrilled to continue our relationship with UEFA to bring The UEFA Champions League back to PES 2013 exclusively,” said George Richard, Vice President Sales & Marketing for Konami Digital Entertainment. “As PES 2013 continues to innovate with new gameplay features, such as PES FullControl (FC), it’s important to align ourselves with the most respected club competition in the world and allow players to showcase their individuality on the biggest stage.”

PES 2013 will be available in retail stores nationwide this September on PlayStation®3 and Xbox 360®. PlayStation®2, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable), Wii™ and Nintendo 3DS™ will be released later in the fall.

Harry Potter For Kinect Announced

2012/08/17

Ripper71

News

The all-new Harry Potter for Kinect video game exclusively on KINECT for Xbox 360 allows players to experience Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and the wizarding world like never before! Through the innovative KINECT capability, each player can scan their face to create a wizard avatar in their likeness – and then play as their avatar in the game. Utilizing controller-free and voice recognition technology available only on KINECT, players will attend Hogwarts, interact with professors, students and friends, call out spells to cast against opponents, brew potions, and even fly as they race on broomsticks to be the first to catch the Golden Snitch in a Quidditch match.

Harry Potter for Kinect is scheduled to be released this fall 2012.

Gallery:

Castlevania: Lords Of Shadow 2 PC Release Announced

2012/08/17

Ripper71

News

Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. today announced that it will release a Windows PC version of its stunning Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2, alongside versions for the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.

The Windows PC version of Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 is being simultaneously developed by Madrid-based Mercury Steam, and builds on its critically acclaimed predecessor. The title will feature an all-new storyline, a larger cast of characters, huge open world environments and breath-taking visuals delivered via a much more powerful, brand-new in-house game engine called Mercury Engine 2.

Whereas the first game detailed the origin of Dracula and his legendary connection with the Belmonts, Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 acts as a shocking finale to the Lords of Shadow saga. Dracula returns once again, weakened and yearning for release from his immortal bonds. Facing a new and powerful threat, the vampire lord must amass his old powers – and his castle is central to regaining his abilities.

“Castlevania: Lords of Shadow successfully rebooted the franchise but now we want to go further and exceed people’s expectations on what to expect from the sequel,” said Dave Cox, Producer of Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 and Head of Product Planning and Development for Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH. “This new game tells a much broader tale and one that spans centuries. It is a game that pushes whatever format it is on to the absolute limit, and we are delighted that its rich blend of first-class fighting, deep exploration and rich storytelling are set to delight and enthrall PC users, too. There’s a darkness coming and with our new game engine, we hope to deliver something truly special across multiple formats that will set new standards for action adventure games.”

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 will be available for the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and Windows PC in 2013.

Sound Blaster Brings The Rage

2012/08/16

Ripper71

News

SINGAPORE – Creative Technology Ltd today announced the Sound Blaster Tactic3D Rage Wireless gaming headset for PC and Mac, featuring state-of-the-art wireless audio technology and hassle-free connectivity. Creative also announced the new Sound Blaster Tactic3D Rage USB wired gaming headset. Both headsets feature customizable SBX Pro Studio sound and voice audio technologies to arm gamers with the competitive advantage of the most immersive and accurate 3D acoustic environment.

The Sound Blaster Tactic3D Rage Wireless gaming headset connects quickly and easily via a USB dongle, for uncompressed 2.4 GHz, latency-free wireless audio playback. In both the wireless and wired models of the headset, best-in-class sound quality pumps through 50mm Full Spectrum™ drivers, with frequency response of 20Hz ~ 20KHz. The TacticProfile audio interface on the PC or Mac enables customization of EQ and audio preferences, which gamers can export and share with others.

The Sound Blaster Tactic3D Rage gaming headsets introduce the SB Prism RGB LED illumination system, enabling gamers to choose from 16 million colors to light up the side of each ear cup to match their rig or gaming style. Adjustable pulsation and intensity control for the SB Prism system also allows the headset to dynamically pulsate with the audio stream in real time when activated.

“We worked closely with professional gamers around the world to embrace their vision of the ultimate gaming headset, and we met their challenge to design a wireless headset that sounds as good and performs as well as its wired counterpart, providing ultimate freedom of movement without compromising audio quality,” said Ryan Schlieper, Product Marketing Manager for Gaming at Creative. “We want everyone to feel like the Sound Blaster Tactic3D Rage is designed especially for them, so we’re excited to introduce the most customizable headsets on the market. The competitive advantage of creating your own personalized audio settings combined with customized ear cup illumination gives you the ultimate addition to your gaming arsenal.”

The Sound Blaster Tactic3D Rage gaming headsets feature SpringSteel steel core head band construction with sponge ear cups encased in leather for comfort during long periods of gaming. The built-in rechargeable battery powers up to 16 hours of use on a single charge. Rotary volume and mute controls are conveniently located on the ear cup. The detachable boom mic enhances portability and enhances the headset’s use for music playback.

The Tactic3D software control panel for PC and Mac provides all of the SBX Pro Studio and SB Prism customization capabilities.

SBX Pro Studio Sound and Voice Technologies
• SBX Surround™ – Goes beyond 7.1 surround sound creating unprecedented levels of audio realism including stunning surround effects that produce virtual speakers around, above and below you
• SBX Crystalizer™ – Hearing the clang of armor or the hum of a BFG, makes for a great game experience. SBX Crystalizer ensures that every audio detail is heard by restoring the “highs” and “lows” that are compromised with audio compression
• SBX Bass™ – SBX Bass technology dramatically improves the sound experience by expanding the low frequency tones
• SBX Dialog Plus™ – SBX Dialog Plus intelligently enhances voices in games and moves for dramatically clearer dialog
• SBX Smart Volume™ – Address the problem of abrupt volume level changes in games by intelligently applying gain and attenuation to deliver consistent volume levels
• VoiceFX™ – Enables alteration of voice with a variety of effects, which can be used to enhance the tone of a voice, create interesting accents, or enable someone to sound like a completely different person

Pricing and Availability
The Sound Blaster Tactic3D Rage Wireless gaming headset, priced at US$129.99, and the Sound Blaster Tactic3D Rage wired gaming headset, priced at US$79.99, are slated for availability at end September 2012.

Guns Of Icarus Pre-Order Available On Steam

2012/08/16

Ripper71

News

August 16th, 2012 – Muse Games’ newest title, Guns of Icarus Online (www.GunsofIcarus.com), is entering the home stretch and is now available for official pre-order on Steam with a 25% off discount. The cherry on top is immediate access to the closed beta, which is scheduled to run until launch on September 30th, 2012. Muse is offering several different game packages including a 4-pack bundle that prices that game as low as $8.75 per copy (after discount). The 4-pack comes with the Collector’s Edition (also available on its own) of the game that includes official soundtrack and an extra-costume to look your best on the opening day! So man your guns, repair the balloon, and dump that moonshine into the engines, because Guns of Icarus Online is taking off.

Guns of Icarus Online is the first co-operative airship combat game mixing together first-person shooter action with team-based strategy. Up to four people will crew a ship, taking on one of the key roles of Captain, Gunner, or Engineer joining a team and fighting against other ships above the post-apocalyptic waste. In Guns of Icarus Online, it will take teamwork and tactics to dominate the skies. The latest closed beta updates saw the addition of flamethrowers, a new ship with a severely powerful frontal assault, massively improved network and client side performance, and the addition of a multitude of equipment items, including moonshine, fire tarps, high velocity shells, smoke screens, and many more. Join the fun by signing up to our newsletter at www.GunsofIcarus.com or our facebook page at www.facebook.com/gunsoficarusonline and get a chance to win free access to our closed beta or make your pre-order from Steam at http://store.steampowered.com/app/209080 and be playing in minutes!

Trailer:

Gallery:

New Dead Or Alive 5 Fighters Announced

2012/08/16

Ripper71

News

Cologne, Germany – Team NINJA celebrates Gamescom 2012 by revealing two new fighters for the upcoming fighting entertainment title Dead or Alive 5, which launches on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 on September 25, 2012. Team NINJA re-introduces the characters of Brad Wong and Eliot, who look more realistic than ever in their return to the highly anticipated fifth installment of the Dead or Alive series. To premier these two new characters, Team NINJA has released spectacular new images of the characters highlighting both fighters in a never-before-seen stage.

Referred to as the “immovable apprentice,” Eliot is a Xing Yi Quan prodigy under the tutelage of master Gen Fu. The youngest contestant in the DOA tournament, Eliot has a polite and respectful attitude toward his rivals but can be very aggressive and impatient during a fight. Fast on his feet, he uses coordinated movements to generate bursts of power, overwhelming his opponents while simultaneously defending and attacking.

Brad Wong, having concluded his search for the legendary wine Genra, returns to Dead or Alive 5 with his unique fighting style. The “Druken Master” continues to exhibit the distinct moves of Zui Quan, confusing his opponents with his well-balanced style that employs a combination of hard-to-predict evasive maneuvers and quick strikes.

To showcase these two characters, Team NINJA has released all-new images of Brad Wong and Eliot fighting in a small Chinese house. This new stage is another example of the vivid interactive stages in Dead or Alive 5, as characters can be kicked through walls and windows, destroying their surroundings as they fight to win! Dead or Alive 5 will also include an extensive online mode, allowing players to test their skill against opponents from around the globe.

Final Fantasy’s 25th Anniversary Celebrations

2012/08/16

Ripper71

News

LOS ANGELES (Aug. 16, 2012) – Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX interactive entertainment products in the Americas, today announced the official North American 25-year celebration of FINAL FANTASY, one of the most groundbreaking video game franchises in history. A new website dedicated to this occasion allows fans to share their memorable experiences and stay up-to-date on the various events planned throughout the rest of the year.

Since its first release in 1987, FINAL FANTASY has won hundreds of awards and has received tremendous praise from fans around the world. The franchise titles are currently displayed in the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s “The Art of Video Games” exhibit that showcases the forty-year evolution of video games as an artistic medium. With fourteen installments of the main game and multiple sequels and spin-offs, the brand has expanded into other areas including motion pictures, anime, merchandise and publications.

In conjunction with the official FINAL FANTASY 25th Anniversary event in Tokyo, Square Enix will kick-off the North American festivities at Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) Prime 2012 with the franchise’s first “Experience FINAL FANTASY” event on Friday, August 31 from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the ACT Theatre in Seattle (700 Union Street). The general public is invited to re-experience their most cherished FINAL FANTASY games through dozens of playable units that span multiple generations and participate in a series of commemorative activities and games for fans of the renowned franchise. Prizes include fan favorite character plushies and a custom FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 branded PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Attendees will also be able to receive a special 25th anniversary poster featuring Yoshitaka Amano’s artwork. Near the end of the event at 7:30 p.m., fans will also have the opportunity to learn about the new details about the direction of Lightning’s story through a special video message from the esteemed creators Yoshinori Kitase (producer), Motomu Toriyama (director) and Isamu Kamikokuryo (art director).

The general public is also invited to attend two special concerts celebrating the music of FINAL FANTASY. The Chicagoland Pops Orchestra and Chorus will perform at the official 25th Anniversary Distant Worlds: THE CELEBRATION concert of FINAL FANTASY music on Friday, December 7 at 8:00 p.m. at the Akoo Theatre in Chicago, Illinois. This concert conducted by GRAMMY Award-winning artist Arnie Roth, will be an exclusive, one night engagement of the specially designed program of new celebration arrangements and a pantheon of classic FINAL FANTASY music from the entire series. Additionally, the FINAL FANTASY XI: 10th Anniversary Concert will be held on Saturday, September 22 at 8:00 p.m. at the Zellerback Auditorium in Berkeley, California.

The FINAL FANTASY momentum continues to build with the recently launched FINAL FANTASY III for the Android through Google Play, along with the recent announcement of the game as the launch title for the new OUYA game console. The downloadable PC version of the critically acclaimed title, FINAL FANTASY VII is now available and will incorporate key features that help players relive the award-winning story and share their experience with friends. Additionally, Square Enix recently announced FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn, the fully-redesigned, massively multiplayer online adventure.

Sleeping Dogs Experiential Website Launches

2012/08/16

Ripper71

News

Wanted to send you a link to the new Sleeping Dogs Night Market website (http://nightmarket.sleepingdogs.net) that was recently launched to promote the release of the Sleeping Dogs video game. The site was created by digital agency, moreYELLOW, who recreated a Hong Kong street market scene from the game as a full-screen experiential website for both Flash and HTML5.

The site is loaded with exclusive content to excite gamer fans that is unlocked through the interaction with numerous hot spots throughout the site revealing teasers, special pre-order bonuses, DLC details, plus Easter Egg to uncover throughout the site and an exclusive Takedown video featuring action-packed gory gameplay.

moreYELLOW (http://www.moreyellow.com) based the experiential site on the criminal underworld scene from the video game, which was recreated by shooting all of the characters on green screen with hand-build custom props, and then composing them into a custom-build 3D environment. The site features interactive hotspots and characters throughout to make uncovering all of the teaser content fun for the user such as special video sections featuring vehicles and bike gameplay, martial arts and hand-to-hand combat, plus special sections on the cops and triads who populate Sleeping Dogs’ crime-ridden streets.

(Editor’s Note: This site is worth it for the great unlockable video!)

Mad Catz Announces TRITTON Upgrade

2012/08/16

Ripper71

News

San Diego – August 16, 2012 – Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. announced today the TRITTON PRO⁺ True 5.1 Surround Sound Headset, the upgrade to the award winning TRITTON AX Pro. Compatible with both the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system from Sony, the TRITTON PRO⁺ True 5.1 Surround Sound Headset is expected to ship in September 2012.

The PRO⁺ features a number of key enhancements designed to offer superior performance and comfort. Featuring true Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound via eight separate Neodynium drivers (four in each earcup), the PRO⁺ produces superior surround sound separation and improved bass response thanks to newly repositioned speaker placement inside the earcups. In addition, the PRO⁺ features a redesigned in-line Remote and Selectable Voice Monitoring (SVM), allowing users to choose if they hear their own voice in the headset. The PRO⁺ sports a lightweight and flexible design, ideal for extended playing sessions and replete in an eye-catching gloss white finish.

“The AX Pro pioneered multi-driver Dolby Digital surround sound gaming headsets. We believe the PRO⁺ will be an important part of our growth and enable us to maintain our leadership position within the high-end gaming headset market.” said Darren Richardson, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz. “The PRO⁺ innovation in audio and design further demonstrates our commitment to the category and is part of our strategy to bring market leading products to passionate gamers.”

Additional information and purchase options are available at: www.trittonaudio.com/proplus

Mists Of Pandaria Opening Cinematic Released

2012/08/16

Ripper71

News

You’ve ended Deathwing’s destructive rampage and saved the dragonflights from extinction. Now you must unlock the mysteries of the lost continent and discover the dark secrets of Pandaria’s past. Explore ancient kingdoms hidden since before the Sundering, plunder vast treasures from the depths of the forgotten vaults, and rise to defend Pandaria from the shadow of a long buried evil – before it’s too late.

We are pleased to present the opening cinematic for Mists of Pandaria as presented at gamescom 2012. Whether you’re Horde or Alliance, there is one question we all must consider: “Why do we fight?”

Cinematic: