vivendi-games
Latest
Ghostbusters definitely afraid of ghosts, bad for their health
Some new details have emerged regarding the Wii version of the upcoming Ghostbusters game (aside from what was already reported), courtesy of Game Informer magazine. And, it would seem the game is going to be more of a party-type game, with a heavy focus on multiplayer. The graphics will focus more on a cartoonish presentation (we're guessing cel-shading) and the title's main storyline will follow the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions.The single player campaign will allow up to 4 players to compete co-operatively or competitively. Ghosts will act much like they do in the movies, flying through walls and objects, scaring the Ghostbusters (which will drain their health). The Ghostbusters will also have all of their tools at their disposal, including one special power for each Ghostbuster. There will also be a ghosts vs. Ghostbusters mode. The game is currently slated for a Halloween 2008 release.
Ghostbusters dumbed down on Wii?
It was with great excitement that we told you about a Ghostbusters game coming to the Wii, espcially with such a huge part of the cast and crew being part of the project. Another little detail has surfaced through a Variety article, though, which had the effect of smashing some of our excitement into tiny bits of desperation. As is stated in the article, "Developer Terminal Reality is making a 'Ghostbusters' game for PC, Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 aimed primarily at the core gamer demographic, while Red Fly Studios is making a version for Playstation 2, Wii and DS designed more for families and casual gamers."When we first heard this game was coming to the Wii, we thought of how much fun it would be to suck up ghosts with our Wiimotes. If the Wii game is a dumbed down, "casual" version, however, you can bet we'll be getting Ghostbusters for another system instead. We'll just have to wait and see if more details arise, but for now we can feel our excitement plummeting. [Via GoNintendo]
World of Warcraft continuing to boost Vivendi's bottom line
Vivendi, who happens to own Blizzard Entertainment, recently announced its earnings for the second quarter of 2007. Revenues from their gaming division are up 29% (with overall revenues up 7.4%), with the report claiming these numbers were up due to the continued success of World of Warcraft. Despite the fact that the game hasn't been growing as quickly during 2007 than it has in the past (Blizzard's official announcements suggest they're growing at a rate of approximately 160,000 new active subscribers a month compared to approximately 330,000 new active subscribers a month mid-2006), it's still a huge financial success that shows no signs of fading any time soon.
TimeShift trailer bends time on XBLM
The recently released trailer for TimeShift, the time-bending shooter from Sierra, has now landed on Xbox Live Marketplace. For those of you with unsuitable streaming capabilities, you can finally watch the trailer in all its high definition glory. In case you need a recap, TimeShift allows players to manipulate time in myriad ways. For example, you can stop time in order to evade oncoming bullets (and fire a few return bullets as well). Granted, time manipulation isn't exactly a new concept, but TimeShift looks to at least make it interesting. Go download the trailer and enjoy. Of course, if you're not picky about resolution, you could always just watch the streaming trailer right now.TimeShift is set to arrive this fall.
Riddick Remake coming from Starbreeze
According to UK magazine MCV, Starbreeze will be revisiting The Chronicles of Riddick after finishing The Darkness. Pro-G reports that the game, reportedly a remake, will be called The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena and that the game will feature a longer single-player campaign, online multiplayer support, and a developer's commentary mode. Frankly, we really dig the idea of hearing developer commentary as we play. Perhaps this is a feature we might see in more new-gen titles. When Pro-G contacted Vivendi Games for comment, a representative wouldn't provide any details but noted that an announcement is expected soon.Anyone out there excited to fight their way through a retooled Riddick?[Via Joystiq]
Vivendi acquires Wanako Games
Vivendi Games has announced its acquisition of the largest game development studio in Latin America, Wanako Games. Best known for its Xbox Live Arcade title, Assault Heroes, Wanako is expected to bolster Vivendi's Sierra Online division and expand its presence in the exceedingly colorful world of digitially distributed games. Wanako is currently working on 3-D Ultra Minigolf Adventures for Xbox Live Arcade. Wanako founder, Esteban Sosnik, seems pleased as punch by Vivendi's decision. "In working with Sierra Online on Assault Heroes it quickly became clear that our companies shared the same core values in game development and by joining together we could develop and deliver amazing products," he says. Indeed, this enhanced collaboration might just grant Wanako and Sierra Online the ability to develop and deliver an amazing patch for Assault Heroes, which has suffered from broken online multiplayer since its release over two months ago.
Metareview - Scarface: The World is Yours
It's been over twenty years since Al Pacino, Oliver Stone, and Brian DePalma gave us one of Hollywood's classic crime lords (and set the benchmark for f-bomb usage in a film). Given Rockstar's success with Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, it's not surprising that someone decided to cash in on the original coked out vision of 80s Miami. Enter Sierra and Radical Entertainment's Scarface: The World is Yours, an extension of the movie that finds Tony Montana very much alive and out for revenge on the cock-a-roaches who destroyed his drug empire. Reviews suggest that the amount of enjoyment you get out of this game will depend on your patience with its mission structure. Tony doesn't break his balls for anyone, but some of the side missions in Scarface just might break yours. IGN (87/100) thought Tony's rage mode was the balls: "By performing a number of 'ballsy' moves, you'll fill the Balls meter. Targeting certain body parts (kidney, head, arms, groin, etc.) will earn you Balls, and taunting someone after you kill them will earn you even more. It's a great system that works almost flawlessly." Game Informer (85/100) felt immersed in the power struggles of a drug kingpin: "Unlike Grand Theft Auto, in which you're frequently at the mercy of powers much greater than yourself, Scarface allows you to blaze your own path to greatness. The epic scope and the sheer amount of money at stake give Scarface a sense of urgency that few games in this genre have achieved." GameSpot (64/100) was looking for more freedom of movement: "The developers accomplished the task of bringing Tony Montana back to life. But by taking the focus off of the gameplay elements that you'd want in an open-city game and putting it more on the game's bland mission design and all the dull side tasks you'll have to do to earn a reputation, Scarface doesn't play to its potential strengths."
Eragon gameplay update
Your next Panzer Dragoon Orta fix might be coming from Eragon, based on the book and movie of the same name. According to Vivendi Games producer Tim Ramage, you'll spend one third of the game engaged in glorious aerial combat on the back of your dragon, Saphira. Unfortunately, there are the other two thirds of the game, which at this point appear to be standard third person combat and puzzle-solving fare. GameTrailers has some in-depth gameplay vids and interviews.Eragon will be shipping this holiday season on every platform except the Wii and PS3, and fans of Chistopher Paolini's bestselling novel also have the film to look forward to in December.
Scarface babe roster announced
Say hello to Tony Montana's new friends. Meagan Good, Vida Guerra, Jillian Barberie, Amanda Righetti, and Diora Baird (not pictured) have been added to the voice cast of Vivendi's Scarface: The World is Yours. And while these lovely ladies are easier on the eyes than a coked-out Michelle Pfeiffer, or Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio with an afro, we'll only get to hear their pretty little voices -- no 3D likenesses are mentioned in the VU press release. Each femme fatale will help Tony gain respect as he fights to rebuild his criminal empire in 1980s Miami. Scarface will be released this Fall, bubble bath not included. [via TeamXbox]
