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Bizarre making Bond title for '09, new racing IP is 'Mario Kart meets Forza'
At a summit held by Massive for in-game advertising, Activision confirmed that Bizarre Creations is working on a new third-person Bond title for release in 2009. According to the Twitter feed of Newsweek's N'Gai Croal (trust us, he's legit), the game is being touted as "racing and driving focused." The executive also mentioned Bizarre's new racing IP, describing it as "Mario Kart meets Forza." It's not much (in fact, it's somewhat paradoxical), but it does hint at a departure from Project Gotham Racing's realism -- relative to Mario Kart! The executive also reportedly said the next Call of Duty Modern Warfare is due out Fall 2009. We're uncertain if that's confirmation of the next COD's setting or just a glib way of saying "Infinity Ward's COD series." We're reaching out to Activision for clarification on all these statements.
Amazon goes looney: James Bond Blu-ray Collection six-pack for $64.95
We know that some of the James Bond classics on Blu-ray have had issues playing back on certain BD players (Samsung BD-P1500 and LG BH200, we're looking at you), but at this price, we're almost willing to take the risk. Amazon's Gold Box Deal of the Day (read: this won't exist tomorrow) offers up all six of the 007 hits that were recently released on Blu-ray for a whopping 64% off of MSRP, or $64.95. We're too embarrassed to share our Calculus III grade here, but we're pretty sure that makes each film right around $10.82 given that shipping is free. We know money's tight, but seriously, how could you possibly resist whipping out the plastic for this? Who's in?[Via HighDefDigest]
Los Angeles Quantum of Solace launch event fizzles
Are people getting less excited about midnight launches? Or does it just depend on the game, or even the event itself? We'll have a chance to test that theory this week with what looks to be yin and yang launches. Last night we went to the midnight launch of Activision's James Bond game Quantum of Solace, and at the other end you've got Gears of War 2 launching on Friday. We'll have to see how they compare, because last night's Quantum of Solace launch was a big Dr. No.%Gallery-36045%
Poll: Are your new James Bond Blu-ray Discs acting up?
We've been hearing of complications surrounding playback of the new suite of 007 Blu-ray classics since last week, but we suspected the issues were contained. Apparently we were badly mistaken. A week later, we're still hearing reports that players from nearly every manufacturer are having one issue or another, with no real rhyme / reason as to what's going on. It seems as though deck manufacturers are aware of the issues and are working towards a solution, but we're just curious to see how many of you are experiencing problems. Are your new Bond discs causing headaches, or is everything humming along nicely?[Via CDFreaks, thanks Anthony] %Poll-21844%
James Bond Blu-ray classics seen early
Sir Bond's Blu-ray classics aren't slated to ship until October 21st, but apparently, the box sets have found their way into at least one particular store. It seems as if the six films are split between two box sets (though we imagine you'll also be able to purchase them individually), and one lucky poster over at AVS Forum finally decided on Volume Two. Packed within was For Your Eyes Only, From Russia With Love and Thunderball. Lookin' good, James, and that pair of e-Movie Cash Certificates for Quantum of Solace is much appreciated as well.[Via CommanderBond]
Quantum of Solace Blu-ray ship date out ahead of theatrical release
Not that this curious scenario hasn't happened before with 007 films, but a full month and change before Daniel Craig wows audiences again as James Bond, we already know when said film will be waiting for us on store shelves. Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Spain has reportedly confirmed that the DVD and Blu-ray release of Quantum of Solace will happen in March of 2009, though an exact date has yet to be chosen. Oh, and there's all those other Bond BDs hitting in just over a week -- fun, fun![Via MI6]
Sony reveals limited edition 007 VAIO TT, USB Micro Vault and Reader Digital Book
In a move to pump up the impending theater debut of Quantum of Solace, Sony is simultaneously opening up a new promotional game and introducing a few new pieces of limited edition gear. Obviously, we're a touch more concerned with the kit than the game, so we'll skip over those details and head right to the meat of it. The outfit will be offering up 100 limited run VAIO TT laptops that are emblazoned with a 007 logo on the palm rest and a matching leather protection case. Additionally, a Special Edition Bond bundle for the Reader Digital Book will feature an embossed cover with a 007 logo and coupon codes for free downloads of Ian Fleming's novels Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace. Lastly, we've got the 007 USB Micro Vault in 8GB and 16GB flavors, both of which come pre-loaded with the Quantum of Solace trailer and other miscellaneous "bonus content." Wild guesses as to price / release dates are being accepted now.
Quantum of Solace granted on Nov. 4, pre-order nets map pack
Suave super spy James Bond will live and let buy on November 4th, with the release of his Q-riously named movie tie-in, Quantum of Solace. Coming from Treyarch -- with love -- to every platform ever, the 007 shooter puts you in the potentially exploding shoes of the new(ish) franchise frontman, Daniel Craig, and tasks you with saving the world, swirling martinis and bedding duplicitous dames. Indeed, with the game featuring several flashbacks to Casino Royale, it seems someone definitely understood that our demands are for Eva. Activision has also announced that those who pre-order the game from GameStop will receive a download token, redeemable for a forthcoming multiplayer map pack. In addition to "a variety of classic modes," Quantum of Solace will grant you a view to a team kill in several modes, including "Bond Versus," "Bond Evasion," and "Golden Gun." Note that this bonus applies to the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions -- this isn't the spy who loved Wii. Alright, no more idiotic puns and references. We've got to save some for next year, you know.%Gallery-26648%
Quantum of Solace gets shaken, not stirred Nov. 4th
Activision has announced that James Bond: Quantum of Solace will be hitting North American shelves on November 4th. Those who pre-order James Bond: Quantum of Solace will recieve a token to download a multiplayer map pack that will be available "post-launch." The offer is only available to those who pre-order at GameStop. It looks like Activision will be offering a $70 collector's edition of Quantum of Solace as well, though there are no details as to what it contains above and beyond the $60 standard edition.For those who scoff at a free map pack, Best Buy is offering $10 off any James Bond DVD to those who pre-order Quantum of Solace.
Activision-Blizzard plans yearly Bond games
Variety continues to dig through yesterday's "analyst day" presentation by Activision-Blizzard brass, but has already uncovered a number of "ah-hah"-worthy tidbits. This one includes the number 7. 007. As in James Bond, who, according to the company, will star in yearly Bond franchise titles from the company – currently working on Quantum of Solace, built on the Call of Duty 4 engine – whether there's a new Bond movie release to tie them in with or not.Specific genres, systems, and developers weren't mentioned, but this very aggressive business model would likely target as many game types and platforms as possible to reap maximum rewards from the risks taken. As Variety's Ben Fritz points out, this strategy could turn south rather quickly should Quantum of Solace not live up to gamer – and, more, importantly sales – expectations.
Craig, Dench on board for Quantum of Solace game
We're happy to report that when James Bond returns to video games this fall with Quantum of Solace he'll be voiced by our new favorite 007, Daniel Craig. But we're a little worried about how we're going to focus on the game when our undies continue to spontaneously drop to the ground, coaxed off by Bond's baritone brogue! The game will also feature Judi Dench as M and new additions Mathieu Amalric and Ukrainian actress Olga Kurylenko.... Listen, did we type that part about our undies dropping out loud? No? OK, thank goodness.
007: Casino Royale Collector's Edition first Blu-ray Disc to double-dip
Studios just love to re-release older titles just before a follow-up film hits the silver screen, and Sony's making darn sure it milks the 007 franchise for every dime it's worth prior to Quantum of Solace landing in theaters. Not only are six Bond classics slated to hit Blu-ray on October 21st, but now one of Sony's best-selling 007 BD titles will be joining 'em. Yep, 007: Casino Royale will be re-released in a Collector's Edition with seven hours of new material, free e-Movie Cash to catch the aforesaid QoS in cinemas, Bonus View picture-in-picture visual commentary with Director Martin Campbell and Producer Michael G. Wilson and a "Know Your Double-O" BD-Live-enabled multi-player trivia game. To our knowledge, this is the first Blu-ray title to double-dip, as we're not counting the whole Fifth Element fiasco as a true double release. Prepare to spend $38.96 for the 2-disc Blu-ray set or $29.95 for the 3-disc DVD package.[Thanks, Chris]
Bond fans have different perspectives on different perspectives
Poor James Bond. The guy's been passed around so many times by so many companies that no one seems to know what to do with him any more. Activision was so open to ideas that they actually surveyed fans on what perspective they'd like to see in the next double-o adventure.According to MTV, the community was divided, with 60 percent wanting a first-person view and 40 voting third-person. We know how Activision responded (including both perspectives in Quantum of Solace), but we're curious how you will: Is your perfect Bond game through the agent's eyes ... or the back of his head?%Gallery-26648%
Latest Bond to feature Titanium Sony Ericsson C902 -- Q would have done better
It's Bond time again and that means the inevitable glut of merchandising tie-ins. First out of the gate is a limited edition Titanium silver Sony Ericsson C902 Cyber-shot which does the honor of promoting the release of the latest 007 exploit dubbed Quantum of Solace. Besides the color, 007-themed wallpapers, screen savers, and "spy-style" game demo, the C902 slider that actor Daniel Craig will sport during the November theatrical launch is just like the C902 launched way back in February. Oddly enough, no pictures of the new 007 model were provided by Sony Ericsson in the announcement. Fitting though, given Q's disquieting absence from the film we weren't expecting much. SE could certainly learn a thing or two from Nokia about effective product placement.
Quantum of Solace screens look pretty bad
Yep, pretty much. Bond games have never lived up to the astronomical heights of GoldenEye 007, and we weren't really expecting a DS game to pull through and take the crown. Action games in general aren't the best for the touchscreen -- but we want to be proven wrong. Will Daniel Craig's portable outing be an exception to the laws of crappiness? Unnnnnlikely.Using your keen spy senses, examine the gallery and predict the fate of Quantum of Solace. The movie will be undoubtedly cool, but that might be all we can hope for.%Gallery-27829%[Via press release]
Joystiq eyes (only) on: James Bond in Quantum of Solace: The Game
James Bond, always too busy to stop and smell the flowers. James Bond returns to movie theaters this fall in Quantum of Solace, and this time he'll be back in video game format as well. Treyarch has been developing a Quantum of Solace game in conjunction with the new flick, enjoying carte blanche from the producers to photograph and use everything from the movie in the game, including blonde Bond Daniel Craig. You can count on his stoic visage making an appearance, not to mention his recognizable voice. Find out what we learned from this first peek at the game, freshly declassified.%Gallery-26648%
See the first image from Quantum of Solace
Interested to see what Treyarch is doing with the 007 license? GamesRadar has obtained the first image of Quantum of Solace, built on the Call of Duty 4 engine and due out this fall alongside the film. What can we glean from this screenshot? Well, there's Daniel Craig, and he will probably use a pistol while standing by an indoor body of water at some point. We eagerly await the next screenshot to find out what, exactly, Daniel Craig would shoot at.
James Bond classics coming to Blu-ray this October
Before you rush off to theaters to catch Quantum of Solace this November, MGM and Fox are planning to keep you squarely planted on the couch for at least a few days in October. Announced today, the two studios have agreed to push out a half dozen Bond classics on Blu-ray this October (20th internationally; 21st in North America), each of which will be "restored and re-mastered." The films in question are Dr. No, Die Another Day, Live and Let Die, For Your Eyes Only, From Russia With Love and Thunderball. There's no mention of a price just yet, but judging by how extraordinarily well Casino Royale did, we're sure these will do just fine.[Image courtesy of OriginalProp]
New Bond game Quantum of Solace runs on COD4 engine, launching with movie
The upcoming 007 game just got an ammo clip of good news.* Quantum of Solace, currently in development at Treyarch, is running on the Call of Duty 4 game engine and due out this Fall alongside the movie. "We look forward to launching Bond: Quantum of Solace in Q3 concurrent with movie. This game uses the Call of Duty 4 engine and technology to bring Bond games to a new level," said Activision Publishing CEO Mike Griffith in a conference call yesterday (36:20 mark).Why does this excite us? Simply put: COD4 is one of the best multiplayer experiences currently available on consoles, and it gives us hope that this version will be able recapture the magic we felt when we first tried split-screen Goldeneye on the Nintendo 64. It also gives us an idea as to what platforms we can expect to see the game on -- likely Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and perhaps PC. Quantum of Solace, the film, is releasing October 31 in the UK, November 7 in North America.* Note: Fear not, the writer of this joke has indeed been eliminated.
Activision's 2008 promises more Guitar Hero, James Bond, Spider-Man
Activision's recent conference call didn't consist entirely of gloating about those record holiday-quarter sales, as the publisher also took the opportunity to outline some of its plans for 2008. It seems we're in for quite the party, albeit one where you'll actually remember everybody's name. Guitar Hero? James Bond? Tony Hawk? Spider-Man? Yeah, we've met.According to a Variety report, the aforementioned party will see multiple performances by The Instrument Protagonists, due to promote two Guitar Hero "add-ons" in Spring and a full sequel in Fall. While party animals debate the game tie-ins to animated films Kung Fu Panda and Madagascar 2, suave gentleman will attempt to decrypt James Bond's film adaptation, Quantum of Solace. A roughly equal amount of solace will be found by the comic fans huddled around the punch bowl, as new Spider-Man and Marvel Ultimate Alliance games are expected to knock on the door at some point during the festivities.Finally, don't expect Tony Hawk to be turned away (he's on the guest list), especially since he's bringing his friend ... uh ... Call of Duty? We honestly don't know where we're going with this analogy. [Via The Cut Scene]
