Face Breaker: Steve Talking Head Trailer

Here is a new character profile for EA's upcoming Facebreaker. This character is named Steve weighing in somewhere between Superman and The Incredible Hulk. This new video shows off some of his fantastic moves. Enjoy!

Mirror's Edge Will Not Be 1080p, Only 720p

Mirror's Edge developer Digital Illusions CE have revealed today that their upcoming title will not be in 1080p on either the PlayStation 3 or the Xbox 360.

At PlayStation Day 2008 in London on Tuesday, DICE's general manager Sean Decker said that gamers can expect "crisp, clear texture resolutions" at the high definition minimum of 720p.

"It's more about in certain situations you're going to see very crisp, clear texture resolutions there and, again, this is more for the tech-file, somebody like me who's sitting up there and looking at every single little detail and saying, OK what's the difference between this one and this one, putting them side by side." Decker said.

[PS3 Mirror's Edge won't be in 1080p, DICE confirms]

X-Play: Madden 09 All Access

A new All Access feature from X-Play gives us a look at Madden NFL 09. They talk about the Madden curse, and if it will ever come back. Enjoy!

EA Sports Announces Fight Night Round 4

Electronic arts have announced Fight Night Round 4 today for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. The game will ship in early 2009, however, meaning we have a bit of time before we get our hands on it.

“The EA SPORTS Fight Night franchise has always been synonymous with quality and innovation that raised the bar for the sports videogame genre”, said Kevin Wilkinson, Executive Producer, EA SPORTS. “EA SPORTS Fight Night Round 3 was a platform defining game as the industry transitioned to next generation consoles. EA SPORTS Fight Night Round 4 will change how boxing games are played and measured in the future.” View the press release below.

THE CHAMP IS BACK! EA ANNOUNCES EA SPORTS FIGHT NIGHT ROUND 4

Mike Tyson Featured in First Boxing Videogame in Nearly a Decade

Guildford, UK – May 7, 2008 – Electronic Arts Inc. (Nasdaq: ERTS) announced today that EA SPORTS™Fight Night Round 4 is in development at EA Canada in Vancouver under the EA SPORTS brand. EA SPORTS Fight Night is back with the most realistic “in the ring” experience to date, featuring some of the greatest boxers in history fighting in their prime.

“The EA SPORTS Fight Night franchise has always been synonymous with quality and innovation that raised the bar for the sports videogame genre”, said Kevin Wilkinson, Executive Producer, EA SPORTS. “EA SPORTS Fight Night Round 3 was a platform defining game as the industry transitioned to next generation consoles. EA SPORTS Fight Night Round 4 will change how boxing games are played and measured in the future.”

Featuring a re-written gameplay engine, EA SPORTS Fight Night Round 4 will add a variety of fighting styles and boxer differentiation to authentically emulate the greatest fighters of all time. Pressure your opponent with the brawling inside style of young Mike Tyson, bobbing and weaving to set up powerful hooks and uppercuts. Capitalize on Muhammad Ali’s reach, hand speed and fleetness of foot to bewilder your opponent with lightning fast jabs and straights from the outside. For the first time in history, EA SPORTS Fight Night Round 4 gives you the opportunity to pit these legendary heavyweights against one another and name a true champ.

No fight will be the same with an all-new physics-based animation system that recreates the full spectrum of true-to-life punch impacts, giving boxers a devastating arsenal of punches, blocks and ring movement. The new physics system allows for missed punches, glancing punches, knockout blows and for the first time ever, rough and tumble inside fighting. Fatigue, adrenaline, footwork and timing all come into play as you hammer away at your opponents.

EA SPORTS Fight Night Round 4 will be available for the Xbox 360™ system and the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and ships to retailers in 2009. The game has not yet been rated by the ESRB or PEGI.

EA SPORTS™ is the leading interactive sports software brand in the world, with top-selling titles and franchises including Madden NFL Football, FIFA football, NHL® hockey, NBA LIVE basketball, NCAA® Football, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® and NASCAR® racing.

EA Reveals 'EA Sports Freestyle' Sub-Brand

Electronic Arts today revealed their new EA Sports sub-brand, EA Sports Freestyle. This new sub-brandn focuses on more casual sports that is easy to pick up and play for kids, parents, women, and men.

“The launch of EA SPORTS Freestyle is an exciting milestone in the evolution of the EA SPORTS brand,” said Peter Moore, president, EA SPORTS. “EA SPORTS Freestyle will be a perfect complement to our core portfolio of games that our loyal fans are deeply passionate about, and will provide compelling opportunities for new audiences looking for a lighter gaming experience and an easier entry point into EA SPORTS.” View the press release below.

EA UNVEILS NEW 'EA SPORTS FREESTYLE' SUB-BRAND
EA SPORTS Freestyle to represent the lighter side of sports: No rules, just fun.

Guildford, UK – May 6, 2008 – Electronic Arts Inc. (Nasdaq: ERTS) today launched EA SPORTS Freestyle™, a new sub-brand aimed at a growing, more casual sports gaming audience. EA SPORTS Freestyle games, while based in sports, will be playful, inclusive, casual, and easy to pick up and play for kids and parents, women and men, and casual and hardcore sports fans of all ages.

“The launch of EA SPORTS Freestyle is an exciting milestone in the evolution of the EA SPORTS brand,” said Peter Moore, president, EA SPORTS. “EA SPORTS Freestyle will be a perfect complement to our core portfolio of games that our loyal fans are deeply passionate about, and will provide compelling opportunities for new audiences looking for a lighter gaming experience and an easier entry point into EA SPORTS.”

EA SPORTS Freestyle will be the home for innovative new intellectual properties from the EA SPORTS label, including three new games in development and slated for release in the next 12 months. The first title to launch under the new sub-brand will be FaceBreaker™, an arcade-style boxing title set for release in September 2008 and the first new console IP from EA SPORTS since 2002.

EA SPORTS™ is the leading interactive sports software brand in the world, with top-selling titles and franchises including Madden NFL Football, FIFA, NHL® hockey, NBA LIVE basketball, NCAA® Football, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® and NASCAR® racing.

Mirror's Edge: PlayStation Day 2008 Trailer

Well, here is a game we never thought we'd see at PlayStation Day 2008. Here is the first trailer for Digital Illusions CE's upcoming Mirror's Edge and the trailer looks amazing. Those interested in the song featured in the trailer, download it here.

Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 09 Announced

(left: image from Tiger Woods 07) EA Sports have today announced this year's Tiger Woods title, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 09.

“Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 09 is the most authentic golf video game on the market, and we’re excited to bring an immersive experience to the masses,” said Executive Producer Mike Taramykin. “Our partnership with Hank Haney provides fans immediate coaching from one of the top minds in golf. This year’s game brings unprecedented levels of customization and control, allowing seasoned vets and first time players ‘inside the ropes’ of TOUR golf.” View the press release below.

TIGER'S COACH IS YOUR COACH IN TIGER WOODS PGA TOUR 09
Tiger's Performance Coach, Hank Haney, Guides Gamers through Their Career

CHERTSEY, UK.– May 2008 – Electronic Arts Inc., (NASDAQ: ERTS) announced today that Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® 09, the next installment of the world’s #1 selling golf video game franchise, will be available in retail stores this summer. The game will feature dynamic, personalized gameplay via Tiger Woods’ personal coach, Hank Haney. Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 09 also features a more intuitive and customized EA SPORTS™ GamerNet** experience as well as an all-new game engine powering online play.

“Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 09 is the most authentic golf video game on the market, and we’re excited to bring an immersive experience to the masses,” said Executive Producer Mike Taramykin. “Our partnership with Hank Haney provides fans immediate coaching from one of the top minds in golf. This year’s game brings unprecedented levels of customization and control, allowing seasoned vets and first time players ‘inside the ropes’ of TOUR golf.”

Looking to drive the ball long and straight? Trying to nail the pin with the approach shot? An all-new addition to this year’s game, Haney will assist gamers as they hit the links and try to advance their career to win the FedExCup. In Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 09, a player’s skill level is dynamic, constantly adjusting throughout the round just as it would during a real afternoon out on the links. Following each round, Haney will deliver customized feedback on a player’s performance. This feedback system allows all gamers, rookies or PGA TOUR pros, to compete and enjoy the game at any level.

EA SPORTS GamerNet is a ground-breaking online innovation that features a refined, easy-to-use interface in Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 09. EA SPORTS GamerNet challenges, such as long drive, approach shots and putting will be delivered instantly throughout all game modes and players will have the ability to post their challenges from the fairways. EA SPORTS GamerNet also features an all-new daily leaderboard and challenges customized to fit an individual’s playing style.

Online play has also been enhanced with Simultaneous Play. This all-new online engine gives up to four players the ability to play each hole at the same time, allowing players to get in a rhythm, swing when they are ready and make one round of golf even faster and more competitive than ever before possible.

Developed in Orlando, Fla., by EA Tiburon, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 09 will be available on August 26 on the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system, the PlayStation®2 and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment systems, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system and Wii™.

For more information about Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 09, check out www.easports.com/tigerwoods09.

EA SPORTS™ is the leading interactive sports software brand in the world, with top-selling titles and franchises including Madden NFL Football, FIFA Soccer, NHL® hockey, NBA LIVE basketball, NCAA® Football, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® and NASCAR® racing.

Steven Spielberg's Boom Blox May Go Multiplatform

Steven Spielberg is currently working on a game titled Boom Blox for the Nintendo Wii. The game has Wii-specific controls, but Electronic Arts mentions that they are thinking about bringing the game to other consoles such as the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Amir Rahimi, the game's senior producer tells us.

"There's definitely the potential to go to other consoles. Our mindset, our philosophy was that we didn't want to taint our thinking by taking any other console into account. The way we saw it we wanted to make this the most authentic Wii experience that it could possibly be. So we didn't think about the PC, DS, PS3 or Xbox 360. We're still very much in the mindset of finishing this game. But once it's over the sky's the limit. There's definitely the possibility of going to other consoles."

Who knows, Boom Blox could come to our system in HD.

[Boom Blox Interview] [Kotaku]

Madden NFL 09: Gillette Stadium Trailer

Electronic Arts released a new trailer today of Madden NFL 09. The new trailer showcases a game going on in the Gillette Stadium with the New York Giants playing the New England Patriots. Enjoy!

Madden NFL 09 to Run at 60fps on PlayStation 3, Screenshots

In a new intervivew with Phil Frazier, one of Madden 09's lead designers, he tells us about the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions of the game. He says that "They are equal, and they're both running at 60 frames-per-second this year. An interesting thing to point out is not only are they both running at 60 fps, but we've also made a huge leap in terms of graphics.". Don't believe him? "We're proud of that and I think our fans on PS3 this year should have no reason to feel disappointed." Lets take his word, and lets try and get a good Madden this year. For now, enjoy the shots.

[Madden NFL 09 Interview]

Madden NFL 09: Through the Year Teaser Trailer

The first trailer for EA Sports' upcoming Madden NFL 09 has been released today. The new trailer shows Madden through the years from the first to the most recent. The end of the trailer shows the box (unsurprisingly, only the 360 box) along with the August 12, 2008 release date. Enjoy!

The Orange Box: This Is Exactly Why We Need a Patch

If you are wondering why we keep on posting these series belonging to The Orange Box petition, it is because we are fed up of going into a server in Team Fortress 2 and find moving weapons or weapons stuck in the walls. Or going in to get disconnected hundreds of times. Or playing Portal and getting killed only to wait 30 seconds to respawn. Or playing Half-Life 2 and dying due to that crappy frame-rate. Or once again playing Team Fortress 2 to realize we don't have all the features we should. Watch this new video from the petition above, and you'll realize why EA is slacking, and we need a patching.

[SIGN THE ORANGE BOX PETITION]

Rock Band Patches Up to v1.4

Harmonix released a new patch for the PlayStation 3 version of Rock Band today, version 1.4, to fix up the in-game store. The store was broken after the launch of the new PlayStation Store, but it is now fixed. The store will also get the new songs before the PlayStation Store does, making it all nice and easy. Enjoy!

[Rockband 1.4 Patch Released for PS3]

The Orange Box Petition Continues: Videos and Images

The guy who started that Orange Box petition continues on with proof of why we need this new patch. Some of the evidence includes screenshots from the PlayStation 3 version and screenshots from the Xbox 360 version. Other includes videos demonstrating the work EA has put into the game, such as the one above were the beginning of the match lags like crazy. Visit the site to sign the petition.

Update: Big shout out to the site as they've featured us on their homepage. We want our good Orange Box too!

Matt Ryan Announced Cover Athlete for PS3 NCAA Football 09

Electronic Arst has today unveiled that the NCAA Football 09 cover athelete for the PlayStation 3 version of the game will feature Matt Ryan from Boston College.

Electronic Arts have also announced they are pumping up some new and improved features in NCAA Football 09, one being Gameday Saturdays. They are trying to recreate the atmosphere of gameday. They've also expanded Dynasty Mode to support up to 12 players in head-to-head online leagues spanning up to 60 seasons.

You can view new screens at the link.

[Matt Ryan Snags 'NCAA Football 09' PS3 Cover; New Screens]

Burnout Paradise: Motorbikes, Community Features, and Planes Coming

Today is one hell of a day for gaming, first those Grand Theft Auto IV videos and now this. Today Criterion announced some new details about their 'Cagney' update coming soon to Burnout Paradise after the 'Bogart' update (only about a day a way). Lets take a look at what 'Cagney' will include.

• Custom Routes are no longer featured in competition races - you can choose from 40 predefined Paradise Drives that Criterion have sanctioned, 7 of which came from fans.
• Sanctioned Routes have their own Time Leaderboards - so you can all see who’s the fastest per route.
• Traffic can no longer be switched off in competition races
• No more ‘rounds’ in competition racing - many players disconnect, when they feel like there's no chance of winning, so they've got rid of the concept of rounds.
• Cars can be grouped by Boost Rating - limiting to Boost Level 3 cars, for example, still gives you 10 massively varied cars but they'll all be pretty closely matched for great racing.
• Car Select now appears after the Race Route has been selected - the host can't make sure they're the only one who knows the route, and now everyone gets a chance to choose an appropriate car.
• The host can't kick other players any more
• Grid position is based on player ranking
• Full Boost Bars
• Rank and Ranking Points are displayed in game
• New map icons differentiate the Start and Finish points

We've seen all this already from the Criterion website, so what else will be coming with the update? For starters, some new start up screens and logos. As you launch the game, you will see a streamign player and game news with all the newest updates from the Criterion website. The page will also feature local time, Paradise City weather (along with real cities), a caldendar, and some hints and such for the game.

The Calendar featured on the page will be a reminder of what events are going to occur in the online community of Bunrout Paradise. Every weekend from July, there is going to be a Burnout Paradise event, some events will involve new cars. Criterion said some of these new cars will not have boost, although. You need to use your skills under standard conditions.You can get cars that will never be offered again with this update.

The update will also bring in Custom Soundtracks for the PlayStation 3. They will also be remixing all the sounds and music in the game, and add sirens to the police cars.

They also said that 70 new freeburn challenges are coming with the Cagney update, and they will be adding even more challenges throughout the year. There will be leaderboards for these challenges as well.

The 'Cagney' updaet should be coming at the end of June 2008.

Wait, there is more. Criterion has another update after 'Cagney' planned called 'Betty Davis', which should be out during the end of July 2008. This one is going to be the first 'you need to buy it' add-on.

This update is going to include, for the first time in any Burnout title, motorbikes. The update will let you drive around Paradise City at night as well, with less traffic at night, just as in real life.

Finally, there is one more thing not scheduled for any updates just yet, and that is planes. Criterion is not sure whether planes are coming to the game this year, but how could you not be excited about this. It's like Grand Theft Auto without the shooting.

[Live from Paradise; Criterion announce motorbikes, community features and planes!]

Update: Criterion has updated their site with a new direct-feed screenshot of a motorbike in-game at night (see above). They say bikes will feature their own game modes, challenges and even some new locations tailored to fit their unique performance and handing characteristics. The Betty-Davis motorbike update should arrive in August 2008.

Head Coach 09 to Have Standalone Release Along with Madden 09 Collector's Bundle

Electronic Arts has announced today that NFL Head Coach 09 will have it's own standalone release rather than only being in the Madden NFL 09 Collector's Edition. The game will be relesed on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 this Fall for $49.99. That means if you want it separately, you'll have to wait about a month after Madden 09 releases.

[NFL Head Coach 09 NOT Only Available In Madden 09 Collectors Edition]

EA Announces Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Electronic Arts today announced that Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince will be getting it's video game adaption from EA's Bright Light Studio, releasing when the movie releases later on this year. The game will be arriving on mainly all consoles available. View the press release below.

EA AND WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCE HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE VIDEO GAME
Fans will relive the thrills, action and excitement of the movie this holiday season

Guildford, U.K. – April 22nd, 2008 – EA’s Casual Entertainment Label and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment today announced that the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince™ video game will be released later this year to coincide with the Warner Bros. Pictures film based on J.K. Rowling’s sixth Harry Potter book.

“We believe that the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince video game represents a milestone in the movie tie-in genre,” said Harvey Elliott, Head of EA Bright Light studio in the UK where the Harry Potter franchise has its home. “Building on the technological advancements of previous games in the series and with a particular focus on the unique control system of Nintendo’s WiiTM, the team here is working closely with the filmmakers to create an immersive interactive experience that captures the story, the action, the excitement and, above all, the fun of the film. ”

“Working with EA, we look forward to offering fans a compelling Harry Potter video game, one which captures the thrilling storyline and high visual quality of the movie,” said Scott Johnson, Vice President, Business Development for Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “The adherence to the rich fiction is a trademark of this franchise and with Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince fans will experience the most authentic and enjoyable game in the series to date.”

In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Voldemort is tightening his grip on both the Muggle and wizarding worlds and Hogwarts is no longer the safe haven it once was. Harry suspects that dangers may even lie within the castle, but Dumbledore is more intent upon preparing him for the final battle that he knows is fast approaching. Together they work to find the key to unlock Voldemort’s defenses and, to this end, Dumbledore recruits his old friend and colleague, the well-connected and unsuspecting bon vivant Professor Horace Slughorn, whom he believes holds crucial information. Meanwhile, the students are under attack from a very different adversary as teenage hormones rage across the ramparts. Harry finds himself more and more drawn to Ginny, but so is Dean Thomas. And Lavender Brown has decided that Ron is the one for her, only she hadn't counted on Romilda Vane’s chocolates! And then there’s Hermione, simmering with jealously but determined not to show her feelings. As romance blossoms, one student remains aloof. He is determined to make his mark, albeit a dark one. Love is in the air, but tragedy lies ahead and Hogwarts may never be the same again.

In the game of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, players will return to Hogwarts to help Harry survive a fraught sixth year. They will also have a chance to engage in exciting wizard duels, mix and brew magical ingredients in Potions class and take to the air to lead the Gryffindor Quidditch team to victory. Players may even get sidetracked by Ron’s romantic entanglements as they journey towards a dramatic climax and discover the identity of the Half-Blood Prince.

Under development by EA Bright Light Studio, the team behind the worldwide success of the Harry Potter library of games, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is scheduled for release in time for the movie launch this fall for the Wii, PLAYSTATION®3, Xbox 360™, PlayStation®2, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable), Nintendo DS, Windows PC, Macintosh and mobile devices.

The Orange Box PlayStation 3 Petition Started

An Orange Box PlayStation 3 gamer has started a new website with a petition for "a patch, a REAL one" for the game. The site features an Images section where it shows all the menus and components the Xbox 360 version of Team Fortress 2 has, and the PlayStation 3 lacks, such as private slots, and what not. We know we are going to sign it. If you support it, hit the link.

[EA PS3 Petition]

Team Fortress 2: Meet The Scout

The latest issue of GameTrailers TV featured a hilarious new short of the Scout from Team Fortress 2. You really need to watch this, because basically, he's "a pretty big deal". Enjoy!