Here is a new video showing all the cool things you can do when you create your character in the Metal Gear Online beta. There will probably be more options in the full game. Enjoy!
Monday, April 21, 2008
Metal Gear Online: Character Creation Video
Here is a new video showing all the cool things you can do when you create your character in the Metal Gear Online beta. There will probably be more options in the full game. Enjoy!
Fallout 3: Three New Screenshots
THEY: April 2008 Q&A
IMC Interactive has released a new Q&A for their upcoming mystery shooter, THEY. The new interview touches on the weapon pimping, robots, and the multiplayer as well. Enjoy!
THEY claims to be a “mystery first-person shooter” for PC, Xbox 360 & PlayStation 3. How do you create this feeling and what sort of techniques are used to provoke this sense of mystery?
The story-telling in THEY doesn’t influence the fast paced action of a FPS game – it has dynamic battles, a living environment and those bad creatures you have to kill. But the story has some issues common with plots of mystery movies! After some analyses we figured out that one key element, which transports mystery is the so-called dualism and this is what we will show in THEY. On the one hand you have a real environment, which everybody knows (London) – on the other hand some mysterious phantoms and you don’t know what they are. Another way is to build up characters’ credibility during the storyline, you feel positive with them, you trust them – and suddenly something happens, which topples your big picture! This is what the essence of mystery is and it’ll take some time to get an overall picture. For players this means, they have been aware of several surprises and nothing seems to be like it is in the beginning…
Furthermore you label THEY as a “Next Gen Title”, can you give examples what special technologies you refer to when speaking of next generation?
Next Gen Title is something more than just visuals. It's about the whole feeling, atmosphere, gameplay – it's a new level of immersion of the player into the game. It takes many technologies combined together to achieve such effect. From pure rendering techniques, through impressive physics, believable AI to comprehensive animation subsystems: They all make a game world more real than even before, and this is what we call “Next Gen” feeling.
You unveiled an interesting new FPS feature, which is called „Pimp my weapon“ or „Weapon tuning system“, what does that mean in detail?
What's so cool about FPS games? Weapons! In the history of games the numbers of weapons have raised from a few smaller weapons in the beginning and more in the past, up to a minor opportunity to edit weapons with an alternative firemodes or so. Now we just put another step forward, as we give players the possibility to create their own unique weapons for example at the beginning of each level. First of all it's NOT just about one gun you have. You can save - based on your weapons memory and the central generator your weapon owns - different setups of a gun where you have access to at any time. Never change what the player is expecting! Each configuration has two different barrels, the already introduced generator and what we call a gadget slot (for scopes and stuff). One barrel can be used as an Ak47, MP5, shotgun etc. while the second barrel is a launcher, plasma beam and so on just to give an example. So players can customize different weapon setups based on their choice or skill, while they collect the upgrade items for their weapon as they progress into the game!
The real important thing is that players have never been given so much freedom in creation before. They can build their own weapons and their imagination is the only limit, because the variety of customization is huge! You're even able to paint it in a way you like by using even external brushes like your picture or whatever you like. In THEY players are not only the audience of the game, they are also co-creators. By creating weapons a player becomes one of the game creators. It's a real game 2.0 feeling. Additional if someone doesn’t like to have fun with the customization ability, he/she will be given a typical set of guns by using auto-tuning. In this case the game does the customization itself in predefined directions like power or shooting speed. Being an FPS games fan, ask yourself a question: how cool would it be to create your own unique weapons? In THEY you can do this. And the interface is very simple and intuitive – everyone who sees it, gets the idea immediately.
How did you get this idea of your weapon tuning system?
Well the FPS genre didn’t change so much in the past, and as we didn’t want to reinvent the wheel, we just wanted to enhance it a bit with some fresh ideas. Why not adding a feature, which is common in racing games and pure fun for almost every player? So the idea developed from players desire to be able to have the weapon of their dreams, and not just another weapon a developer is offering them grateful and that is not so much different from other games. So it is fresh, it is unique and it is fun! It is some way of Game 2.0 feature with user generated content.
THEY is playing in good old England. Why did you choose the UK?
It is in the London area, because this is the landscape, which is known to most people in the world. No other city has so many landmarks and known buildings. Everybody in each part of the world knows Big Ben, London Eye, Tower Bridge, Subway system and many other things, while Berlin, Paris or New York have not so many different known landmarks to offer. Beside that everybody, who visited London really likes the city – so why not play and act there in the future as a real hero?
Where the hell do these evil robots come from?
This is one of the main questions the player will face in the single player campaign of THEY, and it is one of the most surprising answers when you will play and continue the solo player mode. But if you like mystery series like Lost or Heroes – would you like to know the end of the overall series before even seeing the first episode? So we will not say where THEY come from, what THEY want…we only want to mention, that we NEVER said in the past, that THEY are aliens …
Will the main character fight alone, or will he receive reinforcements from time to time? If he will be accompanied, what he’ll have to do in the squad? Follow or maybe issue orders?
THEY is a first person shooter – not an always alone person shooter – expect here and there some story based events - but hey, it's Mystery FPS! You'll find out while playing the game and we don’t want to tell you all the fun upfront.
Beside the stunning single player campaign you will find a long lasting and highly motivating multiplayer part, where new game modes will be introduced beside the usual death match, team death match, capture the flag and so on.
What goals do you have for the multiplayer?
The goals for multiplayer are strictly related to the weapon customization. What we aim for is to create new cool modes and we want to achieve it by using the strengths of the weapon customization. Imagine death match where players are equipped with their own special dedicated weapons or team death match with players having unique guns so they can use their own created tactics and it all thanks to the weapon customization. Clan members would be able to paint weapons in their own style recognizable for other clans. We are also thinking about modes based on collecting weapon parts.
As the game is using consoles, which can feature Full HD - are you targeting full 1080p or 720p like most recent releases?
It's too early to say this. At the current development stage we are more focused on implementing gameplay issues on consoles, but of course we are looking forward to achieve 1080p with a good frame rate to make THEY a real experience to the audience! But if the frame rate will not fit our (and the players) expectation, we will downgrade to 720p, as we are quite sure players out there are more interested in a full frame rate, than full HD. But we work hard to feature 1080p.
Why did you decide to program your own engine? What makes your in house technology superior to a technology, which can be licensed like Unreal Engine 3?
When using an external engine we are limited to some level. Having our own engine we have full control over every single feature. We can adjust it best for our game needs and fit the technology to desired gameplay, not vice-versa. Thus it is the decision to build up THEY with our own technology.
Will the game feature physics that influence gameplay or are the physics just used to have even more eye candy?
Of course we use it not only for eye candy. Movable and destructible objects may hurt enemies and the player as well i.e. when a destroyed wall falls down on an enemy. Paths through a level may vary from each other depending on what has been destroyed by the player; of course it must be limited to some reasonable level. Dynamic environment can be used by goal oriented AI. Naturally eye candy in terms of physics is also nice and it adds a realism element.
Actually the graphics system in THEY is created in a way that allows building up levels from A to Z from destructible objects. It means that you can destroy almost all you want, not only scripted objects, but we limited the system to some reasonable levels because what would gameplay look like if you would be able to crush all environment around you? Destroy all and walk to exit? That's why buildings can be damaged, but their “frame” will stay – mostly ;)
Bethesda: No Demo for Fallout 3
Bethesda Softwork's Pete Hines has confirmed that there will be no demo for their upcoming RPG, Fallout 3. Hines said there was "no way" to preview a portion of the game's world in a demo.
"When you build it as one thing, there's no way to portion off a section and have it stand on its own without putting the whole game in the demo, which we're just not going to do," said Hines.
"And it doesn't really capture the fun of a game like an Elder Scrolls or a Fallout, where you can go where you want and do what you want. So no demo, sorry."
There you have it, no demo. It's cool though, all I really care about is the full game.
[Fallout 3 demo not possible]
THEY: 21 New Screenshots
Tears to Tiara Releasing July 17, 2008?
Remember that SRPG, Tears to Tiara? Well, it is a PlayStation 3 remake of a 2005 PC Game. PlayAsia has just posted up the title for pre-order along with a release date of July 17, 2008 for Asia. Could this game finally be seeing a release this year? When we find out more on this, we will let you know.
[Play-Asia] [PS3Fanboy]
Midnight Club: Los Angeles Announced for September, New Screenshots, PSP Edition
"People are going to be blown away when they see how true-to-life Los Angeles looks in this game," said Jay Panek, Midnight Club Producer Rockstar San Diego. "We've added some great twists and turns that let players experience the authentic vibe and feel of the city at blistering speeds that you simply couldn't get away with in real life." The press release below.
Rockstar Games Announces Release Date for Midnight Club: Los Angeles on the Xbox 360® Video Game and Entertainment System from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION®3 Computer Entertainment System and Midnight Club: LA Remix for the PSP®Open-world street racing series debuts on next generation consoles September 9th and 12th for North America and Europe respectively
NEW YORK—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Rockstar Games is proud to announce the fourth installment of its critically-acclaimed and genre-defining Midnight Club franchise, Midnight Club: Los Angeles, is set for release on September 9th in North America and September 12th in Europe. Developed by series creator Rockstar San Diego, Midnight Club: Los Angeles will give gamers the unprecedented freedom to race through a hyper-realistic LA.
"From the beginning, Midnight Club has been about street racing in a open-world," said Sam Houser, Founder of Rockstar Games. "With our team at Rockstar San Diego we have developed a game that we feel once again pushes the boundaries and expectations of what a racing game can be."
Whether driving by the beach or beating the competition by cutting through a parking garage at 200 mph, Midnight Club: Los Angeles provides a seamless, breathtaking environment for everyone who loves to compete. With no load times, no tracks, and no rules, the game allows players to race who they want, when they want, and where they want in an unbelievable recreation of Los Angeles.
"People are going to be blown away when they see how true-to-life Los Angeles looks in this game," said Jay Panek, Midnight Club Producer Rockstar San Diego. "We've added some great twists and turns that let players experience the authentic vibe and feel of the city at blistering speeds that you simply couldn't get away with in real life."
A racing game is nothing without the great cars and Midnight Club: Los Angeles allows extensive customization of vehicles for both performance and appearance. Players can now fully personalize their officially licensed imports, tuners, classic muscle cars and motorcycles both inside and out with a dizzying array of licensed rims, spoilers, interior gauges, tires and more.
Also scheduled for release on September 9th, Midnight Club: LA Remix for the PSP® system will provide another incredible portable racing experience. Developed by Rockstar London, the game will take full advantage of the hardware to deliver the unrivaled sense of speed and style that the best-selling Midnight Club series is known for.
For more information about Midnight Club, please visit our website at http://www.rockstargames.com/midnightclubla.
Rockstar Games is a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).
Alone In The Dark: Five New Screenshots, HUD Revealed
Silent Hill V Renamed: Silent Hill: Homecoming Coming September '08
Konami Digital Entertainment today announced that Silent Hill V has been renamed to Silent Hill: Homecoming and will be hitting Europe this September, with no word on a US release date. The horror game will feature Alex Shepherd, returning to his hometown of Shepherd’s Glen to investigate the sudden disappearance of his brother. He ends up facing the darkest of horrors. The game also features an all-new soundtrack by acclaimed series composer Akira Yamaoka. The press release below.
Konami's first Silent Hill® title for Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION®3
Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH has announced the official title of its first Silent Hill game for PLAYSTATION®3 and Xbox 360. Entitled Silent Hill: Homecoming, the game will be released end of September this year across Europe.
The sixth installment in the classic video games series, Silent Hill: Homecoming introduces another protagonist to the mythos. The story follows Alex Shepherd, returning to his hometown of Shepherd’s Glen to investigate the sudden disappearance of his brother. From Shepherd’s Glen to Silent Hill, Alex must face the darkest of horrors in order to find his brother. Struggling with his own grip on reality, Alex must unravel the mystery behind his nightmares, discover the truth behind his brother’s disappearance, and confront the evil lurks in the seemingly empty streets of Silent Hill.
Homecoming is the first Silent Hill title for the new wave of ‘next generation’ consoles, featuring all-new graphics that bring the fear and terror of Silent Hill alive like never before. Alex must survive attacks from the misshapen denizens of the town using an all-new enhanced combat system that provides a wide array of attacks and counters. Along the way, Alex will encounter a variety of weapons to battle these horrific monsters and must also solve deadly puzzles as he uncovers the darkest secrets of Silent Hill.
Silent Hill: Homecoming also features an all-new soundtrack by acclaimed series composer Akira Yamaoka.
Sony To Launch PlayStation Network Video Service
Sony Computer Entertainment studio executives tell us that they will be launching an online video service for the PlayStation 3 through the PlayStation Network as early as summer.
Sony has been in licensing talks with studios recently, about obtaining material for the service. The launch of the service will include movies and television shows.
Patrick Seybold, a PlayStation spokesman declined to comment on the service. However, a PlayStation marketing chief said that they would show more details in a post on Tuesday on the PlayStation.Blog.
"Many of you have been hearing rumblings about a video service that will allow you to download full-length TV shows and movies via PlayStation Network for North America," wrote Peter Dille, senior vice president of marketing for Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. "While I don't have any new announcements . . . it's already been confirmed that we'll be offering a video service for PS3 in a way that separates the service from others you've seen or used."
We will update you when Sony updates us. Yes, we are excited.
[Sony to launch online video service for PlayStation 3]
Metal Gear Online Beta Delayed
Well, with all the trouble with the Metal Gear Online troubles in Europe and America, it was for sure that Konami was going to delay it. Konami has delayed the release of the beta in all regions outside Japan. They haven't announced a new beta date, but they say they will announce something tomorrow. The good thing we get out of this is that the beta will now last until May 11 instead of May 6. The press release below. [Kombo]
IMPORTANT NOTICE for all
METAL GEAR ONLINE PREMIERE BETA players
We would like to thank all players for their keen interest in taking part in the beta test. However, we regret to inform you that due to extraordinary levels of traffic from all around the globe, we have been unable to run the service to the level we expected. As a temporary measure, we will be deferring the start of the US public beta test until we are able to stabilize our server.
We would like to apologize for all inconveniences as well as confusion caused. We would like to add that due to the above reasons, we will be making the following changes to the schedule:
1) Starting date: TBA. We will be making another announcement on 22/4/2008 23:00(PDT)
2) Beta Test closure: This will now be on 11/05/2008 at 24:00(PDT) rather than 06/05/2008 at 24:00(PDT)
IMPORTANT: Please note that your voucher code will only be valid up until 05/06/2008, so please make sure to register them by then.
Midway Gamers' Day 08: This Is Vegas Walkthrough, First Gameplay
At the Midway Gamers' Day 2008, they showed a demonstration walkthrough including the first gameplay for This Is Vegas, developed by Surreal Software. The video shows some objectives, some dance moves, fighting, pissing, bartending, and wet t-shirting. Enjoy!
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