The Console Wars: 09.04.2005 | Xbox 360, Playstation 3 PS3, Revolution

Saturday, September 10, 2005

Metal Gear Solid 4 Real Time at TGS

Metal Gear Solid 4 Real Time at TGS

"Konami builds up the hype for upcoming trailer.

Kojima Productions, the Konami subsidiary headed up by Metal Gear Solid producer Hideo Kojima, has announced that its Tokyo Game Show showing for Metal Gear Solid 4 will consist of a trailer running on actual PS3 hardware. The site makes it clear that we won't be getting target rendered footage, but actual PS3-generated footage.

The MGS4 showing will be part of a special stage event at the Konami Booth. Titled "Metal Gear Saga ~ Metal Gear Show in TGS 2005" and set to run throughout multiple times on each day of TGS, the event will also consist of looks at Metal Gear AC!D 2 for PSP and Metal Gear Solid 3 Subsistence for PS2.

For Acid 2, Konami states that the keyword for the showing is "Solid Eye." Although the updated gameplay systems and graphics system were unveiled at E3, the company plans on unveiling some new, top-secret info on the game at TGS. Whatever this turns out to be, it's so huge that KOnami is promising that we will be surprised.

Subsistence doesn't seem like it will have as many surprises, as Konami states that it will focus on the game's Online mode. Attendees will be able to take part in a battle tournament on stage. Ahuge group of stage guests is also scheduled to appear.

MGS4 should be the main event, though. The latest issue of Famitsu is promising a huge update on the game in its next issue, so we expect the game's TGS showing to be pretty big."

¶ D.Vader // 9/10/2005 06:44:00 PM // PermaLink //

Amazon.com [& ToysRUs.com] cancels all Xbox 360 pre-orders

Amazon.com cancels all Xbox 360 pre-orders

"E-tailer Amazon.com has cancelled all Xbox 360 pre-orders after selling the system through retailer Toys R Us early Thursday morning.

In a letter from Amazon.com and Toyrus.com to pre-order customers, the two retailers wrote:

Due to a system error, we mistakenly listed the Xbox 360 Video Game System you recently ordered as "available" on our web site.

We're sorry, but this item is not currently available. Therefore, we have cancelled your order and your credit card has not been charged."

This is the second time in recent months that Amazon.com has canceled pre-orders for video game products. The e-tailer previously offered pre-orders for the Nintendo DS game Nintendogs through retailer Target and subsequently cancelled all pre-orders due to a pricing error.

In March 2005, Amazon.com canceled pre-orders for the $249 PSP Value Pack after a similar availability error. The retailer then released PSP bundle configurations that sold for $300-$400.

Consumers have been irked by recent bundle configurations for the Xbox 360, with online retailers like Gamestop.com and EBgames.com selling system bundles from $600 to $2000.

Brick and mortar retailers like Best Buy, Circuit City, and Toys R Us typically do not sell video game systems in bundles.

Microsoft will release the hotly anticipated Xbox 360 Core System and premium edition sometime in November."

¶ D.Vader // 9/10/2005 06:42:00 PM // PermaLink //

Microsoft and Taiwan throw dust in HD, Blu-ray faces

Microsoft and Taiwan throw dust in HD, Blu-ray faces

"Third DVD format ready, nearly

CONFUSED BY HD and Blu-ray DVD formats? Wondering which player you'll want to buy?

Worry a little more, because according to a report in today's Taiwan Economic News, Microsoft and the Isle of Taiwan want to develop a third format and the unlikely partnership is throwing millions at the project.

The newspaper said that Microsoft and key Taiwanese organisations and players are developing the forward versatile disk (FVD), and there's $57 million of cash sluicing around the cunning plan.

ROC is close to hard placeRitek, CMC Magnetics, U-Tech Media, Lite On, Quanta, the government quango Industrial Technology Research Institute and others are cooperating on the plan, with players based on red laser high definition rather than the blue laser approach.

First generation disks will only store 6GB for single sided, and 11GB for double sided disks, with resolutions of up to 1280 x 720. Second generation disks will support over 15GB, the paper said.

But China is promoting EVD, which stands for the enhanced versatile disk.

Like we said, confused you're going to be. Taiwanese manufacturers will be happier with FVD than Blu-ray and HD formats, because they won't have to pay royalties to the different consortia hoping to collect, big time."

¶ D.Vader // 9/10/2005 03:41:00 PM // PermaLink //

Phantom Game Service Debut In Europe!

Phantom Game Service - Free Image Hosting at www.ImageShack.us

EUROPEAN DEBUT FOR REVOLUTIONARY ON-LINE PHANTOM GAME SERVICE
Develop Hosts Unveiling

Thursday 1st September 2005, London/... The eagerly awaited Phantom Game Service made its European debut at the third annual Develop Industry Excellence Awards last night.

Newly appointed CEO of Infinium Labs Kevin Bachus, one of the evening's sponsors, and a team from Infinium Labs were on hand to discuss the Phantom's development with the heart of games development community.

"Europe and the UK have a pivotal role in content development," comments Bachus. "At this stage of our development this was the perfect platform to engage the industry and the response we got last night was fantastic. There is huge support for an effective on-line channel that takes gaming direct to consumers."

About Infinium Labs
Based in Sarasota, Fla., Infinium Labs (OTC Bulletin Board: IFLB - News) is in development of the Phantom Game Service, the first end-to-end, on-demand game service. Delivered over broadband, the Phantom Game Service will offer casual and avid gamers a broad library of titles, available anytime, day or night, from the comfort of their living room. Infinium Labs is led by a management team with extensive experience in interactive media, entertainment, broadband services, technology and video games. For more information, please visit http://www.phantom.net.

European Media Contact
Andrew Ball
Anderson Baillie
+44 (0)1925 217250
andrewball@andersonbaillie.com

¶ D.Vader // 9/10/2005 02:43:00 PM // PermaLink //

Friday, September 09, 2005

Microsoft aims for hack-proof 360

"Microsoft plans to make its next generation games console, the Xbox 360, as difficult as possible to hack.

The 360 will have security built directly into the hardware, said Xbox engineer Chris Satchell.

Fans have modified the first Xbox to turn it into a media centre, upgrade the hard drive or allow it to play imported games.

Modifying a console is illegal in the UK if this is intended to get around anti-piracy measures on the Xbox.

Consoles such as the Xbox and PlayStation 2 can be modified by chips that are soldered to a console's main circuit board to bypass copyright controls.

The chips allow people to play games purchased legitimately in other countries, as well as running backup copies or bootleg discs.

"There are going to be levels of security in this box that the hacker community has never seen before"
- Chris Satchell, Xbox

Shortly after the first Xbox came out, computer scientists, smart amateur engineers and others started taking it apart and creating modification chips and software for the machine to make it do things Microsoft never intended it to." [more]

¶ D.Vader // 9/09/2005 03:26:00 PM // PermaLink //

Microsoft confirms official Xbox Live 360 pricing

Microsoft confirms official Xbox Live 360 pricing

"Gold and Premium Gold packages to be offered to X360 users this Christmas

Details of the various pricing plans for the Xbox Live service on Xbox 360 have been officially revealed, confirming earlier reports which hinted at a variety of subscription packs with different price points and benefits.

The basic pricing for Xbox Live Gold - as the subscription service is known, distinguishing it from the free Xbox Live Silver service - is $7.99 per month, with a three month subscription priced at $19.99 and twelve months at $49.99.

These subscriptions can be purchased directly through the Xbox Live Dashboard using a credit card, or acquired from retail outlets, and will give users access to play online games and use the matchmaking functions of the Xbox Live service, as well as doing all the things that Silver users can such as voice and text messaging, downloading demos and trailers and accessing the Xbox Live Marketplace.

However, two other more expensive packages will also be launched, which will only be available through retail outlets.

The Xbox Live Premium Gold Packs will be available in three-month and one-year variants, priced at $39.99 and $69.99 respectively. Both packs will include all of the Gold features, along with an Xbox Live headset and access to an Xbox Live Arcade game - Joust for three-month subscribers, and Bankshot Billiards for twelve month subscribers.

Three month subscribers will also receive a $10 mail-in rebate coupon for any Xbox 360 games, and 100 points to spend in the Xbox Live Marketplace, while twelve month subscribers get a $20 rebate and 200 marketplace points.

European pricing for the service has yet to be announced, but is likely to match up closely with the American price points."

¶ D.Vader // 9/09/2005 03:21:00 PM // PermaLink //

Project Gotham Racing 3 - 3D Screenshot

"What you're looking at here is a McLaren F1 LM, parked up in front of the (rather unimaginatively named) Tokyo Metropolitan Government No 1 Building. [...] Charlie has been working on tweaking the lighting values for the cars; here are the fruits of his labour. Pay particular attention to the reflection of the building on the car body, and also the beautiful shimmer of the sun hitting the roof at certain angles.

The car casts shadows on itself, and the road below it. You'll have to ignore the skid marks all over the place... that was me having a bit of fun before we started making the screenshot! Also, check out the specular effects on the tarmac as the sun shimmers off of it. Using the reflections and specular as a guide, you should be able to work out where the sun is in the sky when we made this screenshot!

Finally, you'll notice that the there are actually some advanced camera effects involved here. These have been implemented by Dave to simulate a real-life camera in the game (all adding to the realism we're striving to achieve).

"Motion blur" means that things in the distance are blurred, whilst the stationary car is kept in focus. Also, we make use of a technique called "depth of field". If you pause the animation and rotate to certain angles, you'll see parts of the car are blurred if they are nearer or further away from the camera. This is because the lens is actually focused at the middle of the image, and other things become "out of focus", just like in real-life. These are two really nice effects which we haven't been able to use before, but due to the awesome power of the next generation of hardware we can now implement them in our games."

Link: Project Gotham Racing - 3D Screenshot

¶ D.Vader // 9/09/2005 03:17:00 PM // PermaLink //

Document for Unsigned Xbox 360 Developers Reveals Interesting Info

"Since you don’t need an Xbox 360 development kit to start coding Xbox 360 games, Microsoft has published a document targeted at unsigned Xbox 360 developers which reveals some interesting info.

.......................................................

Unsigned Xbox 360 Developer Best Practices

Developers who are interested in writing games for Xbox 360 can be productive without having an Xbox 360 development kit. This paper describes hardware and software that can be used to emulate Xbox 360. It also includes recommendations for programmers wanting to get a head start on Xbox 360 development." [more]

¶ D.Vader // 9/09/2005 03:13:00 PM // PermaLink //

Ageia Withdraws Xbox 360 Comparisons

"Executives at physics-chip Ageia backed off recent claims that the upcoming Xbox 360 console would be unable to perform advanced physics processing.

At the European Game Developers' Conference in London last week, Ageia executives claimed that Microsoft's game console lacked the horsepower to run a fluidic physics simulation, which would model water flow or other liquids.

Wednesday evening, Ageia vice president of marketing Andy Keane acknowledged that including those comparisons in its presentation was a mistake, and that they were based on speculation from public specifications released on Microsoft. Although the company has tested its software on Xbox 360 development kits, Keane said, the tests were of extremely limited scope, and weren't designed to test the limitations of the hardware."

¶ D.Vader // 9/09/2005 03:06:00 PM // PermaLink //

THQ Onboard Revolution

THQ Onboard Revolution

"Company president pledges support, hints at aggressive Nintendo.

Tonight at THQ's year-end press event, IGNcube caught up with company president Brian Farrell and quizzed him on Revolution plans. Farrell did confirm that THQ is developing "games for Revolution." Providing more details than that, Farrell indicated wide support for all the next-generation consoles including Revolution, saying, "THQ's plan is to serve gamers no matter what platform they are on." Backing that up, he also firmly stated, "We are commited to Nintendo's [Revolution]."

However, when asked about what plans Nintendo has laid out for THQ, Brian was hush-hush on the matter. But he claims that based on his discussions with the hardware giant, he feels that "Nintendo is waking up."

Finally, when confronted with the question of whether or not THQ was in possession of development hardware, Mr. Farrell declined to provide specifics due to non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). All he would say was that "We're seeing more from Nintendo now [for Revolution] than we have an any other Nintendo platform."

THQ, joins the ranks of Square Enix, Konami, Bandai, and a few other publishers that have pledged support for the Revolution, which, as a reminder, is not the finalized name. Read our Revolution FAQ now for a full list of known details."

¶ D.Vader // 9/09/2005 03:05:00 PM // PermaLink //

Gamers to lobby Microsoft about 360 titles

"BACKWARDS COMPATIBILITY from one console generation to the next is turning into one of the niche issues with the current crop of new consoles, with both Microsoft and Sony promising it, and Nintendo going as far as to say it will run its legacy games on the Revolution.

However, all is not as straight forward as it seems – Microsoft, for example, has said that the Xbox 360 will be backwards compatible with the "best selling games" as Volesoft doesn’t think it has either the time or the inclination to convert all its Xbox titles to the 360.

So in the run up to release when the old titles will be beginning down the road of conversion grass roots support for various games is beginning to spring up in order to lobby Microsoft to convert people’s favourite games to Xbox 360.

In this battle for backwards compatibility 1UP.com has launched its own poll in order to see what games they'll be lobbying Microsoft to make backwards compatible. Where one goes, the rest follow and we don’t doubt we’ll be seeing more mainstream gaming media outlets following suit and launching campaigns of their own to ensure that office favourites make it to the Xbox 360 unscathed.

As for us here on INQ, we're voting for TimeSplitters: Future Perfect and The Punisher [hold on, what about Voodoo Vince? -Ed]. Come on Microsoft, you know you want to."

¶ D.Vader // 9/09/2005 09:52:00 AM // PermaLink //

Origen Xbox 360 Counting Down to the Announcement of Halo 3?

Origen Pic Free Hosting at ImageShack.us

Origen Xbox 360 Counting Down to the Announcement of Halo 3?

"Earlier this week, we reported about the latest update to the Origen Xbox 360 website, in which the teaser site had a phrase in Latin placed in one of the tree branches (you can go now to www.origenxbox360.com and right click on the tree and select Zoom In. Do that three times over the branch near the bottom). The phrase in question was:

in hoc spatio arbor noster floruit, fecundus pomies Elysii ignoti, qui in loco ludent electi, ab Originis angelis circumdati.

That would translate in English as:

In this space our tree has flourished abundant with the unknown fruits of Elysium, who will play in the chosen place, surrounded by the angels of Origen.

Although that sounds like a suggestion to either the rumored stores that will open on Tokyo and New York’s Time Square, or the first Xbox 360 kiosk appearing in stores, a new clue gives us a third option.

Kirill Wiser emailed us to inform us that Elysium is the name of the city in which John Spartan-117, aka Master Chief, grew up before being replaced with a flash clone in order to join the Spartan II program on Reach.

When we first discovered the Latin phrase in Origen Xbox 360, we immediately associated it with the Greek term. In Greek mythology, the Elysium (the spelling Elysium is a Latinization of the Greek word Elysion) are the Elysians Fields, the place where the mortals favored by the gods can go when they die. It is a peaceful and beautiful place similar to the modern concept of paradise.

One can understand why Bungie chose that name for the city in which Master Chief grew up but now the connection with Origen Xbox 360 is remarkable.

Interestingly too, the name of Halo 2 third and final boss is Tartarus, which again in Greek Mythology, is the opposite of the Elysium, the Underworld zone of eternal torment, where the greatest sinners were punished for their transgressions.

So now a new question rise: Is the Origen Xbox 360 web site counting down to the official announcement of Halo 3 on September 27th? Well, in only three weeks we’ll find out what Origen Xbox 360 is all about."

¶ D.Vader // 9/09/2005 09:20:00 AM // PermaLink //

Tons of Elder Scrolls IV Oblivion Screenshots

Tons of Elder Scrolls IV Oblivion Screenshots

"There have been very few Xbox 360 screenshots from Elder Scrolls IV Oblivion released so far. However there are tons of screenshots available from the PC version which will give you a good idea of what to expect since the two versions will be as good as identical. The only difference being that the Xbox 360 graphics will always be 100%, while PC gamers will need one hell of a PC to run the game with all the effects turned on. Also I have included a link to the old E3 trailer to keep you pumped until November when we finally get to play this mammoth of an RPG." [more]

¶ D.Vader // 9/09/2005 09:16:00 AM // PermaLink //

Madden 06 Xbox 360 trailer

"EA is finally starting to show more of Madden 06 on Xbox 360. This trailer is from a promotion compaign with Burger King, so it's converted from a Flash video. Don't expect a great quality."

¶ D.Vader // 9/09/2005 09:13:00 AM // PermaLink //

Gear: Microsoft Confirms 360 in November?

Gear: Microsoft Confirms 360 in November?

"Press release for PC controller hints at a November release.

Microsoft today announced its "Xbox 360 Controller for Windows" product, which we're taking as an alternatively packaged and yet standard Xbox 360 wired controller geared towards PC gamers, likely including a CD with drivers and an enhanced manual. When Microsoft originally announced its XNA development platform it said that next-gen Xbox controllers would work on Windows XP-based PCs, so that isn't really anything new.

The interesting part about the nearly factually-void press release is that the Xbox 360 Controller for Windows is due in November, giving credence to the longstanding rumor that Xbox 360 will indeed launch in November. As this looks to be exactly the same wired controller that Microsoft will ship with its Core system and as an accessory, it only makes sense that it will hit stores the same day as the console-targeted package.

While it would have been cool if the system launched the day after Thanksgiving, it seems like Microsoft is getting ready to tell us that Xbox 360 will be coming our way sometime during the month of November.

One last odd part about this is that the Xbox 360 Controller for Windows will retail for $44.95, while the standard wired Xbox 360 controller sells for $39.95. We're assuming any knowledgeable gamer will pick up the console-packaged version, download the drivers and save $5, but that might just be us."

¶ D.Vader // 9/09/2005 09:10:00 AM // PermaLink //

PS3, 360 Sonic leads wave of Sega announcements

Sonic the Hegdehog - Free Image Hosting at www.ImageShack.us

Chromehounds - Free Image Hosting at www.ImageShack.us

PS3, 360 Sonic leads wave of Sega announcements

"Publisher reveals next-gen Hedgehog and current-gen Sonic Riders for 2006; Chromehounds dated and detailed.

It might not have been the fabled "Segaton," (but hey, what is?) but today's flurry of announcements from Sega will elate devotees of the publisher. Late Thursday PDT, the company took the wraps off two heretofore unknown projects and dated one of its top next-generation titles.

First up was the announcement that yes indeed, there is a next-generation Sonic game in the works. Billed as a "re-invention" of the classic franchise, Sonic the Hedgehog will make its debut on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 sometime during 2006.

Presiding over the game's development will be none other than Yuji Naka, who, along with character designer Naoto Ohshima, created the original Sonic game for the Sega Genesis in 1991. According to Sega, Naka will "create the most intense sensation of speed ever experienced in videogames" with "an innovative combination of art, physics and game design."

"We are proud to re-create our famous friend, Sonic, for a new generation of gamers on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360," said Naka. "With Sonic the Hedgehog, we have gone back to our starting point, more than 15-years ago, to reinvent the attitude and speed that made our hero a legend. The 'rebirth of Sonic' will offer an unparalleled sense of speed that is only possible using the processing power afforded by the new systems."" [more]

¶ D.Vader // 9/09/2005 08:57:00 AM // PermaLink //

Thursday, September 08, 2005

SpeedTree RT Chosen for Eight More Game Titles

SpeedTree RT Chosen for Eight More Game Titles

"SpeedTree RT Will Be Featured in Five Xbox 360 Launch Titles

New Deals Include Ubisoft, THQ; WEBZEN Signs 3rd & 4th

Eight more games, including MMOs, Xbox 360 titles and PC strategy offerings, will feature SpeedTree RT’s unmatched approach to realistic, windblown trees and plants. With the addition of licenses for Huxley, by WEBZEN, and Saint’s Row, by THQ, SpeedTree is in five titles whose launch is expected to coincide with the debut of the Xbox 360 game platform in November 2005. Others among the five launch games include Bethesda Softworks’ The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, announced previously, and two Xbox 360 titles not yet publicly identified as SpeedTree-licensed projects.

“SpeedTree is driving the game industry’s wholesale adoption of a new environmental standard,” said Kevin Meredith, Director of Business Development for SpeedTree developer IDV. “Both traditional game developers and the pioneers of the next generation understand the dramatic effect realistic, animated foliage has on overall aesthetics and strategic game play. Players want natural foliage, and the best game developers will meet that demand in a way that only SpeedTree makes possible.”

SpeedTreeRT licenses announced today and described in more detail in accompanying press releases are:

Nexon (Korea) ZerA: Imperan Intrigue
Running Games (Norway) Medieval Kingdoms
Silent Dreams (Germany) Grotesque
Enigma Software Productions (Spain) War Leaders: WWII
Ubisoft & Monte Cristo Games (France) Firefighter Command Raging Inferno
Volition/THQ (USA) Saint’s Row
WEBZEN (Korea) Huxley and Endless Saga" [more]

Related Links:
SpeedTree® | IDV, Inc.
Press Release (PDF)

¶ D.Vader // 9/08/2005 05:58:00 PM // PermaLink //

First playable next-gen games confirmed for Tokyo Game Show

"Japanese publication reports Xbox 360 games Ridge Racer 6, World Air Force, and Kameo: Elements of Power to be playable at next week's event.

With the Tokyo Game Show only one week away, game publishers are beginning to announce their lineups for this year's event, which is expected to be as big (or bigger) than the TGS that took place right before the PlayStation 2's debut. The focus of TGS2005 is the PlayStation 3 and the Xbox 360, and it's been anticipated that some of their games will actually be playable at the show. The latest issue of Famitsu has unveiled a preliminary lineup of next-generation games for the show, and it confirms that a number of them will be playable.

The biggest surprise by Famitsu is that Namco's Ridge Racer 6 for the Xbox 360 will be playable at the show, even though no screenshots or trailers for the game have been released yet. The magazine also reports that the general public will get its first chance to try out Kameo: Elements of Power, created by Microsoft-owned, UK-based development studio Rare. Another Xbox 360 game to be playable at the show is Taito's jet combat simulator World Air Force, which fully takes advantage of the console's calculation capacity for real-time physics. A number of other Xbox 360 games will also be on display at the show, although they've only been confirmed in trailer form for now.

On the other hand, the lineup of PlayStation 3 games for Tokyo Game Show 2005 is still looking small. Only two games have been announced so far--Konami's Metal Gear Solid 4 and Koei's Ni-Oh--and both will only appear in trailer form. However, it's expected that more PS3 games will be at the show, as Sony Computer Entertainment hasn't announced any of the games that will be at its booth yet.

The Tokyo Game Show will take place at the Makuhari Convention Center in Chiba prefecture from September 16-18. The first day is open to industry affiliates only, but day two and three will be open to the public. Tickets are available for advance sale at 1,000 yen ($9) and can also be purchased at the show for 1,200 yen ($11). The current list of next-generation console games at TGS 2005 is below.

Xbox 360
(Title / Publisher, exhibit format)
Dynasty Warriors 5 Special /Koei, TBA
Dead or Alive 4 /Tecmo, Trailer
Frame City Killer /Namco, Trailer
Kameo: Elements of Power /Microsoft, Playable
Pro Yakyuu Spirits /Konami, Trailer
Ridge Racer 6 /Namco, Playable
Rumble Roses XX /Konami, Trailer
Shutokou Battle /Genki, Trailer
Tengei Makyo Ziraia: Haruka Naru Jipang /Hudson, Trailer
World Air Force /Taito, Playable

PlayStation 3 (Title / Publisher, exhibit format)
Metal Gear Solid 4 /Konami, Trailer
Ni-Oh / Koei, Trailer"

¶ D.Vader // 9/08/2005 02:15:00 PM // PermaLink //

Next-Gen Grand Theft Auto Tid Bit

Karl Winters with Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of developer Rockstar Games, wasn't willing to reveal exact plans for the next-gen installment of GTA, but the quote below does leave open the possiblity for the next installment to be on a next-generation console. More on this when it comes available.

"Take-Two's report also offered some tantalizing tidbits of grist for the rumor mill by revealing several previously unknown, currently unidentified games. The third quarter of its 2006 fiscal year will see "a sequel of a Rockstar brand" ship, while the overall year will see "two new titles for the PSP system."

Last but definitely not least, Take-Two's next fiscal year will see "extensions of the Grand Theft Auto franchise" on unidentified platforms, according to its earnings report. But when asked by analysts if this meant a new console GTA was coming next year, chief financial officer Karl Winters demurred, saying only, "We haven't announced that yet ... [we have] no announcement beyond PSP Grand Theft Auto.""

Link: Take-Two loses $28.8 million, hints at new GTAs

¶ D.Vader // 9/08/2005 02:12:00 PM // PermaLink //

Behind the magic of Xbox

"The theme of this year’s Allied Telesyn Hi Tech Awards is “Science Fiction or Science Future?”, and celebrates technological innovations that were once considered impossible. A stunning example of a reality that only the most visionary could have foreseen is the first ever global Halo 2 tournament, which took place this June. “King Tuur” of the Netherlands became a world champion, beating 50,000 competitors from 24 countries to take the top prize; but to do so, he never left his house.

Welcome to the world of online gaming, where borders disintegrate and anyone can be a king. Since its launch in November 2004, Halo 2, one of the many games available for Microsoft’s Xbox Live platform, has sold more than 6.7 million copies. Its enthusiasts have spent more than 220 million hours—more than 25,000 years—playing the game.

Microsoft believes that the appeal of Halo 2, and online gaming in general, has a lot to do with its social component. “Playing by yourself is fine, but competing against players from anywhere in the world adds a richness to the experience that was lacking in non-interactive games,” says Sean McBreen, Director of the Developer & Platform Group for Microsoft NZ.

The dynamic community is indeed impressive, with over 60,000 gamers logging on to Halo 2 at any given moment. Once you enter the world of the Master Chief, Halo 2’s cybernetic soldier, you can play against friends or have the computer select opponents according to specific criteria. You can also choose not to play against people you don’t like. Games can be public or private, and Microsoft is looking to add Spectator Mode for the next generation, so people who don’t have the game can log on to watch others play.

Neither King Tuur nor Master Chief are the true heroes of the piece, however. That honour lies with the engineers and creative minds that make the games console, software and the online experience possible - people like NZ’s Mathew Jury and Tom Hunt." [more]

¶ D.Vader // 9/08/2005 01:49:00 PM // PermaLink //

Company tests out gaming in movie theater-type setting

"Ever wish you could experience the "holodeck," the 3-D virtual environment aboard the Starship Enterprise?

There's a company that believes it's come close, letting video game players play with huge, high-definition screens that envelop the user.

HoloDek, which takes its name from the "Star Trek" series, has been testing out the concept in Hampton for about a year.

"This is a movie theater for gamers," Mike Fortier, vice president for technology at HoloDek, told The Boston Globe.

The company's test site features 42 gaming stations with high-speed personal computers and high-definition screens ranging in size from 17 inches to 13 feet.

Then there's the "half-pipe," which features a screen that is 20 feet wide and 12 feet high. Another creation is a sphere, which is 20 feet in diameter and eventually will offer a 360-degree wraparound gaming effect. The gamer sits inside the sphere on a robot that rumbles, banks, and spins out, providing many of the same effects as a flight simulator.

Most video game players play at home on their computer, game console, or the Internet. But HoloDek officials believe their creation will bring such gamers out of the solitude of their homes.

"We want to make it socially acceptable to enjoy the gaming experience," said Kit McKittrick, CEO of HoloDek. "How many gamers have experienced the country club life?"" [more]

Related Link:
::HoloDek Gaming Center::

¶ D.Vader // 9/08/2005 01:43:00 PM // PermaLink //

PS3 Megami Tensei Confirmed

PS3 Megami Tensei Confirmed

"Atlus currently hard at work on their demonised RPG series for the Playstation3...

Famitsu has today revealed that Atlus are currently developing a new title in the Megami Tensei series for the Playstation3. Although Megami Tensei is still a relatively unknown series across Europe, Ubisoft recently picked up and published Shin Megami Tensei across the territory complete with a cameo from Capcom’s Dante."

¶ D.Vader // 9/08/2005 01:35:00 PM // PermaLink //

Revolution Will Have Resident Evil 5

Adam Riley with Cubed3 had the pleasure of attending Nintendo's Pre-Christmas party. This event was to promote the unreleased product line for Nintendo through to the end of the year. During the promotion there was some banter about Capcom snubbing Nintendo Revolution on RE5. Here is a quote from the article, but there was no indication who said this.

"Capcom and Nintendo are as close as ever, which is why it was also confirmed that what a few of us had suspected is true – Resident Evil 5 has yet to be announced for the Revolution purely because details of the system are not publicly available. There will be good news on this front, worry ye not!"

So it looks like there is some hope for a Revolution version of Resident Evil 5.

Link: Cubed3.com :: Nintendo Pre-Christmas Party 2005

¶ D.Vader // 9/08/2005 01:28:00 PM // PermaLink //

WoW keeps it PC

WoW keeps it PC

"Developer resists interest to lure franchise to new platforms

Blizzard has confirmed that it has no immediate plans to bring its insanely popular and dangerously addictive PC-only MMORPG, World of Warcraft, to consoles.

Paul Sams, Blizzard's vice president of business operations, explained that despite interest from the major platform holders, the company isn't ready to expand its franchise beyond the reach of PC gamers.

"While there is an interest [from console makers] and while that sounds cool to us, we're not going down that road at this time," Sams told CNN. "Once we get to the point where we feel we've achieved best of class and it's sustainable, then we'll start contemplating those types of things."

With over four million subscribers and a truly global appeal, it's easy to understand why Sony, Microsoft or Nintendo would welcome the lucrative franchise to their respective systems.

And as WoW's popularity and appeal continues to thrive, the likelihood of the game making the jump to consoles seemingly becomes inevitable."

¶ D.Vader // 9/08/2005 01:02:00 PM // PermaLink //

Essential Mario 128 details emerge – GameCube code still intact

"Speaking on Japanese radio, Nintendo producer and game creator Shigeru Miyamoto has let slip a few new details on the mysterious Mario 128, outlining the importance of the game in relation to the emerging Revolution controller.

Perhaps the most important element to be revealed is the relationship between hardware and software Nintendo plans on showing. According to Miyamoto, Mario 128 will be to the new controller what Mario 64 was to the analogue stick.

Furthermore, it’s looking as though multiplayer, or at least team elements will be included. Miyamoto mentioned that Mario will have a “new character by his side.” What this specifically means is anyone’s guess, though a break from tradition is looking likely.

During our exclusive one-to-one interview with Miyamoto conducted earlier this year, we quizzed the famed developer on all things Mario 128. Here’s what he said:

Question: So the first question has to be – where was Mario 128 at this year’s E3. This is the third year in a row the game hasn’t shown up. What gives?

Shigeru Miyamoto: Well, we are working on Mario obviously, for the Revolution console. We have a lot of different ideas that where’re looking at right now, so whether it’ll be Mario 128 or a completely different Mario, we’re not sure yet. But we will have a Mario game, for the Revolution. What I’d really like you to do is take a look at the new Mario for the DS, a brand new title. It has wireless play for multiple players to hook-up and is on the showfloor!

Q: But late last year it was underlined that Mario 128 would be a GameCube title. So when was the decision made to shift it across to Revolution?

SM: I said that? [Laughs] The decision was made to make that change during last year though I don’t have an exact date.

Q: Is it a port of the original code?

SM: The Revolution is going to have a lot of technological makeup from the GameCube, so obviously it’s [new Mario] going to be made out of the same things. Plus a whole bunch of other stuff. So we are definitely using that code, just enhancing it, optimising it and adding new things to it. The code exists! It’s still alive!

As you can tell, things have obviously progressed since then. You can read the entire interview here."

¶ D.Vader // 9/08/2005 11:44:00 AM // PermaLink //

Halo Community Raises Nearly $100,000 for Katrina Relief!

The Bungie store put some T-shirts up for Katrina relief. The item has sold very well and sales have exceeded $90,000. The shirt goes for $19.95, with at least $15.00 per shirt going toward the cause.

"The disaster of Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana and Mississippi is an unprecedented tragedy. And it’s going to get worse before it gets better. That’s why everything you can do to help will make a big difference. Conditions are actually worsening by the hour - people are dying, disease is spreading and these folks dearly, dearly need our help. The problem is not simply going to go away.

We’ve made a T-Shirt.

Sounds sort of weak when we just say it like that, but it’s something we were able to do, and do quickly. Just so that we’re clear, of the $19.95 the shirt costs, about $15 in cleared funds will go straight to the Red Cross and directly to the disaster relief. Nobody, not Bungie, the Bungie store, or the distributor will clear a penny profit. That’s important. We basically want to get as much cash, as quickly as possible to those in dire need.

The T-Shirt will do three things:

* It will get cash, aid and assistance quickly to the people and organizations that need it.
* It will show your solidarity and outreach to those people so horribly affected.
* It will serve as a reminder that though terrible things try us, but that we can overcome them with friendship and kindness.

Additionally, Bungie Studios is going to donate all of the royalties we earn on any other Bungie Store products for the month of September to the Red Cross. So if you feel inclined to grab something else while you're here, know that a portion of that will also go to those in need.

So do it. Buy a shirt RIGHT NOW. If you’re a kid, and you don’t have a credit card, get your parent to read this, and get them to buy you a T-Shirt. They’ll be gaining a lot more than a dumb shirt."

¶ D.Vader // 9/08/2005 11:18:00 AM // PermaLink //

Perfect Dark Limited Edition comes to light - Xbox 360

"LE will come on two discs, in a collector's case, with a comic booklet and collectible holographic glyph cards.

Perfect Dark for the Nintendo 64 is one of the most adored first-person shooters of all time. Its success brought in a legion of fans who demanded more of heroine Joanna Dark once the game was completed. Rumors of its sequel floated around for what seemed like ages, until Rare and Microsoft announced that the series would finally return on the Xbox 360.

Of course, with half a decade passing between installments, fans of the franchise may have lost a bit of their fervor. Microsoft is trying to stir some renewed interest in the secret agent's sequel (actually, prequel) by announcing a collector's limited edition of the game to be released in a two-disc set.

The $59.99 game (the standard edition will cost $49.99) will come in a special black metallic case. Disc one will feature the standard game, and disc two will feature bonus content, including a behind-the-scenes video feature, unique gamer pictures for Xbox Live's gamer card, a custom theme for the Xbox 360 "dashboard," and the first chapter of Greg Rucka's novel Perfect Dark: Initial Vector.

Those hoping to get a little insight on the game's release date are going to have to wait. Microsoft has announced only that Perfect Dark Zero will be released "this holiday." Perfect Dark Zero is rated M for Mature."

¶ D.Vader // 9/08/2005 11:07:00 AM // PermaLink //

Microsoft prepping Xbox store in Japan?

"Three-story building with Xbox 360 logo under construction in Tokyo; no word on its purpose, but it should be ready in time for the console's launch.

Xbox 360 Store - Free Image Hosting at www.ImageShack.us

A mysterious construction site draped with a huge Xbox 360 logo has appeared on the streets of Tokyo. On Omotesando Road, just a few minutes away from the popular fashion district of Harajuku, Microsoft is erecting a new building that will apparently be used for some operation related to its next-generation gaming console. The structure is covered by a huge sheet imprinted with the overlapping green circles of the Xbox 360 logo on its front and side, which serves both as an advertisement and a shield to prevent pedestrians from peeking into the construction. By checking the building from the back, the entirety of the construction can be viewed, though there isn't much to see yet. The building looks to be three stories high, but only its outer framework is currently complete. There is about another two to three months of construction left, which should be just enough time to make it for the Japanese launch of the Xbox 360.

The building will be no small operation. Its construction permit showed that the structure has been declared a "specified construction work," which means that a minimum of 45 million yen ($410,000) is being spent on its creation. The project is under development by Code Five Corporation, a promotion firm located within walking distance of the Omotesando area. While rumors say that the building might be used as an Xbox 360 showroom or office, it's definitely too huge to be used for just a one-time promotion.

Microsoft may not just be eyeing Tokyo for some new digs. Last week, a report by the New York Post (registration required) claims the software giant may be eyeing some primo real estate in New York City's Times Square. While no contracts or leases have been signed, the space is rumored to be a company store in the vein of Apple's growing chain of retail outlets." [more]

¶ D.Vader // 9/08/2005 10:08:00 AM // PermaLink //

HD DVD Delayed Until 2006

"Getting its kit out before Christmas was more of a publicity stunt than anything else, but now HD DVD mastermind Toshiba has confirmed it will be delayed until the new year.

Rival format Blu-ray, lead by Sony, had made no bones about its decision not to come to market until 2006 and – since many are backing it to win the impending format war – it seems entirely comfortable with this decision.

By contrast, Toshiba had hoped a head start in the marketplace would boost public brand awareness, though recent years has shown that people are reluctant to jump on new formats the moment they become available. Just think about how long CDs were around before they eventually took over from cassettes? First generation equipment always tends to be incredibly expensive anyhow, and less reliable.

Still, we can’t help but believe Sony is cracking a gentle smile at this news, though overconfidence is its enemy bearing in mind that it lost the last format war when RCA’s VHS won out against its (technically superior) Betamax. Personally speaking, however, I can’t see the same thing happening again…"

¶ D.Vader // 9/08/2005 09:33:00 AM // PermaLink //

Wednesday, September 07, 2005

PS3: YOU'LL PAY FOR BLU-RAY

"Sony's next-gen media storage format cited as one of the reasons for the PS3's apparent astronomical costs

As we all know, the PS3 will be so expensive, you'll have to work extra hours, re-mortgage your house and pimp your granny if you want to get one come its eventual release.

Although rumours of solid gold plating and a free super model sellotaped to every box might not prove to explain the much-discussed inflated cost of Ken Kuturagi's next-gen opus, internet reports are fingering the inclusion of Blu-ray, the Sony-headed proprietary hi-capacity media storage format, as being one of the major culprits.

Unnamed sources quoted on tech site The Inquirer are now suggesting that the inclusion of a Blu-ray drive in every PS3 could cost Sony over USD 100 per unit - an expense which is likely to effect the final pricing of the console when it eventually hits shelves. As a comparison, the Xbox 360's standard DVD player will cost Microsoft significantly less than half that amount.

However, with commentators suggesting that Kuturagi's comments regarding the PS3's price might merely be serving to lure Microsoft into a false sense of security over its USD 399 Xbox 360, there's every reason to hold off planning that casino raid for the moment.

In particular, it's entirely possible that, as with Microsoft's current-gen Xbox, Sony will swallow up at least some of the apparently vast expense of manufacturing the PS3 and sell the console at a loss until manufacturing costs fall and the console gains a footing in the market.

In fact, with the war between Sony's Blu-ray format and Toshiba's HD-DVD heating up, it's equally possible that Sony might decide to suck up all additional expenses levied at the consumer in order to push Blu-ray-enabled machines into homes as quickly as possible, wrestling the attention away from HD-DVD, which is still expected to hit the market before Sony's format.

So yes, Blu-ray = expensive - but the PS3? We'll have to wait and see."

¶ D.Vader // 9/07/2005 04:36:00 PM // PermaLink //

Samsung look to dual format HD DVD Blu-ray player to stop format war

"Samsung, has suggested it might be able to avert a major DVD format war, by bringing out a dual HD DVD and Blu-ray player in one box if backers of the rival standards fail to agree on a unified format, a newspaper said.

According to Reuters, Samsung's head of consumer electronics, Choi Gee-sung, told the Financial Times Deutschland: 'We would welcome a unified standard but if this doesn't come, which looks likely, we'll bring a unified solution to market.'

'It won't be simple but you'll see our solution in the coming year. Consumers will be too confused otherwise,' he added in the interview published on Tuesday.

Samsung is a backer of blu-ray, which promises higher capacity than HD DVD and better interactivity and security."

¶ D.Vader // 9/07/2005 03:23:00 PM // PermaLink //

Superman Game Flies To Next-Gen

"Superman Returns director Bryan Singer has revealed that Electronic Arts' long-in-the-making Superman game is being made for next generation platforms. In an interview with sci-fi magazine SFX, the Usual Suspects and X-Men director has offered hints about the gameplay - but with the game having been worked on since 2003, it will be interesting to see what form this leisurely-developed (by EA's standards, anyway) game will take.

It's been known for some time that the game was in production, EA having acquired the rights in 2003. However, the originally mooted 2004 launch of a game based on one of DC's World's Finest heroes came and went. Now it seems the project will finally bear fruit in the summer next year when the Superman Returns film hits cinemas.

"It'll be for the next generation console," says Singer in rather loose and vague terms. "It'll have elements of the movie in it, but it'll have elements that'll make gameplay more exciting, in terms of the construction of Metropolis and Superman and his powers. Things like that."

Most recently it has been confirmed that EA's Tiburon studio, makers of the Madden NFL games, has been charged with making the game - and Singer's suggestion (although vague) that the game will rely as much on the city of Metropolis as well as its iconic hero is no surprise given the number of GTA clones that have sprung up.

Every one of the major games publishers has turned its hand at producing games based on Marvel and DC properties - Vivendi's Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction arrives in just a week's time, with Activision introducing Spider-Man and X-Men games in October. With a large quantity of the print advertisements in American comic books being for video games, it's clear that the marketeers and ad men know there is audience crossover. Coincidentally, comic-based titles have been a staple of videogames since 1978's Atari 2600 Superman game - but a good portion of the comic book games since have failed to fulfil the potential granted by their source material. So, even if it was to be expected that EA was waiting for the bankable accompanying movie to come to fruition before drawing up firm plans, EA taking its time time over this one could prove benefitial. Presumably, the company is aware that it has games' own 'Curse of Superman' to contend with - previous games starring the Man Of Steel have reviewed poorly and remain long-forgotten bargain bin casualties."

¶ D.Vader // 9/07/2005 02:49:00 PM // PermaLink //

Microsoft Preps 360 Developers

"You don't need an Xbox 360 development kit to start coding your Xbox 360 videogame, which is why Microsoft has information readily available on its website for unsigned developers excited to move into production, even without all of the official tools.

What's interesting to glean from the recommendations, however, is audience perception. For example, Microsoft foresees most Xbox 360 users not having much experience with a mouse and keyboard. "Design for controller input, not for keyboard & mouse input. Console players press simple buttons - they don't move the mouse or tap a keyboard."

One of the hacker additions to the original Xbox was the ability to rip a store-bought game onto the hard drive and effectively eliminate load times from the game. Though Xbox 360 will have hard drive options, Microsoft's ignoring this choice. "Minimize load times. Console games don't install to a hard drive - they run directly from the game disc, so using the game disc effectively is important."

Also related to the hard drive's status within Xbox 360 are Microsoft's thoughts on what should and should take advantage of the device. Developers are told to never assume players have their memory units or hard drive currently in the machine, as "a game should have playable modes even if the detachable drive is removed." Interesting...could we have a similar situation to the original Perfect Dark with Perfect Dark Zero? On Nintendo 64, there were many features players couldn't unlock without specifically purchasing the additional RAM pak.

If you'd like to take a look at the document for yourself, it's on Microsoft's own servers. Have a gander by clicking here."

¶ D.Vader // 9/07/2005 02:47:00 PM // PermaLink //

Help Katrina Victims - Gamers Relief

The devestation i areas such as Louisianna, Mississippi, and Alabama is beyond comprehension. The rebuilding will take months and the mourning much longer. Take a moment to think of those who have suffered this hardship. Open your hearts as well as your wallets to those who really need your help. All proceeds will goto the American Red Cross.

Link: Gamers Relief: Push Start to Continue

¶ D.Vader // 9/07/2005 10:47:00 AM // PermaLink //

Microsoft is armed for assault with Xbox 360

Microsoft is armed for assault with Xbox 360

"The buzz of Microsoft's Xbox 360 is starting to trickle to brick-and-mortar retail.

Electronics retailer Circuit City includes a poster of the Xbox 360 in vertical stance with a controller in the Xbox section of several locations. The poster profiles Microsoft's next-generation console only and does not cross-promote any software.

The point-of-purchase material is just the beginning of the marketing blitz for one of the hottest products in 2005. The Xbox 360 is expected to launch on November 4th before the start of the Thanksgiving holiday shopping weekend.

Microsoft will retail two versions of the Xbox 360, a Core System at $299, and a premium edition at $399.

To date, only online retailers have begun pre-orders for the system, with bundles ranging from $599 to $2,000. Brick-and-mortar retailers like Best Buy, Circuit City, and Toys R Us, have not begun any pre-order campaigns for eager consumers.

Microsoft has contracted three factories in Southern China to manufacture the Xbox 360 for a global launch in North America, Europe, and Japan this holiday season.

The company will have a head start against rivals Sony and Nintendo, both of which will drop their respective next-generation consoles in 2006.

Microsoft launched the original Xbox in 2001 around the same period in November but in a much more skeptical environment. The console was the first video game console from the computer giant and the launch was faced with several public misfires, including a bulky case, controller, disc-drive failure, and lack of acceptable software in Japan." [more]

¶ D.Vader // 9/07/2005 10:34:00 AM // PermaLink //

PS3's RSX is sort of Shader Model 3.0

PS3's RSX is sort of Shader Model 3.0

"Playstation 3 graphic part shades 3.0

SONY OFFICIALLY revealed that its RSX graphic part will be kind of Shader Model 3.0 compliant. You cannot actually talk about Shader Model 3.0 if you don't talk Windows DirectX but Shader model 3 has become the best way to describe how programmable a core really is.

Developers asked about Shader Model 3.0 support and company responded. It's interesting that the company is embracing Nvidia's failed CG marchitecture as its standard shading language.

On the PC, Nvidia decided to kill its CG shading language concept and to make some space for HLSL (Higher Level Shader Language).

Sony didn’t have any other choice as HLSL was the only alternative. If you talk Playstation 3 you should talk about CG as this is going to be the only way to do shading for this upcoming console.

Sony didn’t want to go for HLSL simply because the Vole itself invented this standard and that stuck in the Japanese firm's craw. The answer was Nvidia's CG. The Vole and its DirectX team wants to make everyone loves HLSL whether you like it or not but you can still bend some rules if you are Sony. If you are the Vole you kind of can afford to be bossy and to make people go the way you want them to go but Sony is tough cake.

RSX will enjoy specific version of SM 3.0 adjusted for this core and it will be highly programmable and will let you create some cool effects on Playstation 3."

¶ D.Vader // 9/07/2005 10:32:00 AM // PermaLink //

UK Official Xbox 360 Magazine Website Launched

"With the Xbox 360 set to launch later this year this is the dawning of a new era in Xbox gaming. But you don’t have to wait to get full access to Microsoft’s next-gen machine because the Xbox 360: The Official Xbox Magazine website is now online at OXM.co.uk.

With ex-C&VG alumni Graeme Boyd at the helm (we’re pretty sure this is a good thing, though you’ll forgive us for shouting SPLITTER!), you’ll find the hottest Xbox 360 news updated every minute of the day, the latest previews of the Xbox 360’s freshest games, and the most exciting Xbox 360 community where you can chat, discuss, debate and berate.

You’ll even be able to snatch a sneak peek at the upcoming launch issue of the Xbox 360: The Official Xbox 360 Magazine (hitting shelves on September 15) and get the full lowdown on why it will change the way you look at games magazines forever.

Of course there’s nothing like a hefty bribe to sweeten the deal so here’s the pitch: you could be the first person in the UK to own an Xbox 360 if you enter OXM’s exclusive online competition. One lucky winner will be the proud owner of a brand new Xbox 360 as soon as it’s released!

So don’t sleep through the dawning of a new era in Xbox gaming - get online at www.OXM.co.uk and take control of your Xbox 360 experience!"

¶ D.Vader // 9/07/2005 09:58:00 AM // PermaLink //