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Just a tease, new Bioshock screenshots
With the release date nearly set, today 2K Games released two (yes, only two) screenshots of that underwater adventure Bioshock. The screenshots don't give us anything new to chew on, except for maybe an enemy we haven't seen yet. They also look like they came from the PC version, due to the whole 4:3 aspect ratio. Not a big problem though, we accept all Bioshock media because we're excited and nobody can rain on our parade. Make the jump for the other screenshot.[Thanks, un1qu3 n3wy0rk]
All aboard! Bioshock coming June 2007
1UP is reporting that a 2K Games forum poster has officially announced that Bioshock will sink into retailers (witty aren't we?) on both Xbox 360 and PC June 2007. 2K Kimberly, an official 2K Games member, posted on the Through the Looking Glass forums this message, "I'll let you in on the official word on the release date: June 2007. Heard it here first. ;-)". Here's to no delays and actually seeing Bioshock this June when the video game release drought begins. Anyone want to bet on the actual Bioshock release date, do you think they'll make a June release?[Thanks, todd]
Jeter still MLB cover model
If you base your sports game purchases on how pretty the cover athlete is, than this is a great day for you. Derek Jeter will once again don the cover of a 2K Sports' title. Predictably that title will be Major League Baseball 2K7. Mr. Jeter (or DJ as I like to pretend I call him) had this to say: "It is a real privilege to represent the premier MLB title in the video game industry." He continued, "Just as I am always striving to improve my game, 2K Sports is constantly improving theirs, and this dedication has made Major League Baseball 2K7 the best MLB video game ever." He then stopped reading the cue cards and went back to his favorite hobby of counting money. Major League Baseball 2K7 will appear on the PSP March fifth (according to EB Games). [Via IGN]
The Darkness meets The Interview
CVG recently sat down with Starbreeze, developers of The Chronicles of Riddick (and the underrated Enclave), to talk about their upcoming 360 title, The Darkness. The interview covers a number of topics, including why Starbreeze decided to tackle a relatively unknown comic and what sort of pressure they feel after Riddick became a huge success on the original Xbox. The developers admit that putting a shooter out for the 360 in the wake of Gears is "intimidating," but they remain focused on presenting the best game possible. They cover all the basic questions about what it's like to develop for 360 and how involved the comic creators are. Our favorite exchange involves the developers discussing the difficulty of bonding with a hitman, the main character of The Darkness. "The Darkness is quite a dark character - a hitman. Although he suffers from the normal trials and issues that we all do.""Yes, like 'Who do I want kill?'"We can all identify with that, right? Hit the read link for the full interview.[Via Digg]
Bioshock invades the web, scares children
There's no question that BioShock is one of the most highly anticipated Xbox 360 games, and what highly anticipated game would be complete without a Flash-filled promotional website? None, that's what. The official BioShock website has now gone live and it fulfills the requisite Flash requirement quite nicely. The site offers game info, screenshots, the trailers released so far, and mini fly-throughs of some of the environments. There are two forthcoming sections that will focus on weapons and player upgrades, too. The website drips with the creepy 1940's radio show creepiness that we've all come to know and love. And maybe it's just us, but the soundtrack reminds us vaguely of Lord of the Rings. Go check it out.This game just can't come out fast enough.[Via Joystiq]
Bioshock website is alive
2K Games has launched the official website for Irrational's Bioshock. It's the usual fare of media essentials (including a link to the new trailer) enhanced by a creepy 40s-era motif. If anything, the attention to detail on the site is a reminder that Irrational isn't playing around. Having earned numerous 'Best of Show' awards at E3 this year, Bioshock is certainly a game we should look forward to.
Take-Two signs in-game advertising deal
Take-Two and independent advertising company, Double Fusion, have announced an agreement that will see up to nine upcoming 2K and 2K Sports titles riddled with in-game "advertising opportunities". The official press release notes that Double Fusion will be exclusively providing dynamic advertising technology across all platforms, with the exception of the Xbox and the Xbox 360. While the online implementation of ads is nothing unheard of, it's the actual description of the embedded, offline versions that prove to be a bit scary."Select versions of 2K and 2K Sports titles will feature integrated, hard-coded placements that will offer marketers opportunities for deep integration into gameplay and storylines, reaching users of the games whether or not they are connected to the Internet."In-game advertising is often a tug-of-war between a subtle man in a trenchcoat and an obnoxious exhibitionist with an oily burger in his pocket. It's all a matter of balance, with the product or service demanding the player's attention, but in a way that seems natural and unobtrusive within the game's framework. The best in-game advertising often lends to the believability of the world (billboards in a dense city make complete sense), whereas the worst destroys it completely (billboards in Hyrule, not so much). Let's hope Take-Two doesn't have us taking our band of adventurers into the ancient NIVEA forest as we search for the magical PANASONIC DLP SCREEN. (Hint: Speak to the merchant elf -- he'll give you a BMW with GPS navigation.)
PSP Fanboy review: Dungeon Siege Throne of Agony
PSP gamers have been waiting eons for a great system-exclusive RPG. The Untold Legends series did a fair job of satisfying my hack and slash needs, but didn't bring anything new, inventive, or exciting to the table. Enter Dungeon Siege. This beloved RPG series has been considered one of the PC's best. While the original games were developed by Gas Powered Games, this PSP-exclusive sequel is taken care of by newbie team SuperVillian Studios. And unfortunately, it appears this team simply wasn't ready to handle such a large game: although many elements of the game are excellent, numerous bugs, general sluggishness, and a repetitive formula, make it just another game to pass the time.
The Darkness, the first FPS with tentacles
More from 1UP, as they have released a video of the behind-closed-doors demo of The Darkness from E3. The game looks pretty interesting, if not earth shattering. The highlight, of course, is the the dark powers of the lead character. Able to see in the dark, summon beasties to kill foes, use tentacles to fling cars about with reckless abandon, and open black vortexes that suck in anything nearby, our hero is pretty slick. One of the more interesting bits in the game is the ability to flip on a TV and see actual video. Seriously, there's an actual Popeye cartoon on the TV in the game. The developers, Starbreeze, claim that this feature is truly next gen and makes The Darkness stand out. So now I can watch TV on my TV. What will they think of next? See the video after the break.
First Family Guy gameplay video released
I gotta say the Family Guy game is looking pretty darn sharp with its cell-shaded graphics, and IGN has just released the game's first video, showing off those gorgeous good looks. However, don't get too excited yet because this video has been added to all IGN channels its being developed for. Still, even if it's not the PSP version, it should still look very comparable. Gamespy had the privelage to play an early build and said the gameplay tends to get boring, but the visuals and storyline are very good. Family Guy, which will be published by 2K Games and developed by High Voltage Software is set to ship Oct. 16.
The Darkness lead designer spills some beans on the game
An interview conducted over at Eurogamer covers the upcoming title The Darkness. They sat down with lead designer Jens Andersson and the main points from the interview are below: The story has been changed heavily from the comics, but the writer of the comics has been at their side to okay every move. PC version is unannounced, but likely. Andersson says they'd really like to put it on the PC. Online multiplayer will let you be darklings (creepy crawly dudes) as well as the main to keep the action fresh and pretty surprising. Jens believes the game has the potential to be a big hit on the PS3 because "there's so little competition that I've seen on the PS3." No 1080p support -- will probably be a standard resolution across Xbox 360 and PS3 instead. Extra content on the PS3 version, but no real gameplay tweaks/additions. 10-15 hours of gameplay, estimated for single player. Metal based soundtracks \m/, So there you have it: a quick run-down of the latest info regarding The Darkness. There's a little more in the actual interview, but it's nothing all that particular towards the game itself. Will this game contend with Resistance? It seems different enough, being more third-person. In truth, there isn't a game quite like this on the launchpad for the PS3. We'll keep our eyes on it when 2007 rolls around.
Fresh Bioshock Images
Xboxyde has posted some lovely pics of System Shock's spiritual sequel, Bioshock. The pic above is particularly disturbing. I call it "Joan Rivers, with hooks." So, is this game out yet, or what? We wants it.
No, Stronghold isn't coming to the PS3, all right?
The ESRB recently released a list of approved titles, and among the titles was Stronghold Legends. This excited a good handful of strategy game buffs, but it turns out that it was a clerical error. According to 2K Games, the listing simply isn't true and the game is coming only to the PC. But The Darkness (not the band), also by 2K Games is indeed coming to the PS3, no question about that.Just to pique your interest, Stronghole Legends is a mix of conquest, strategy and tactics, and castle building. There's a strong multiplayer function in the works and a pretty intense map editor to make your own lands of Dark-Age fantasy. It sounds fun, but too bad it won't be on the PS3. When more info about The Darkness is released, be sure to count on us to give you the scoop!
Metareview - Prey (Xbox 360)
Is this the answer to our summer woes? Well, let's put it this way: it's either Prey or Chromehounds -- if you're an Xbox 360 owner. We're goin' with the Cherokee alien abductee, even if Prey is a short-lived romp. This one's got 'summer blockbuster' written all over it... Detroit Free Press (100/100) is not noted for its gaming insight, but chimes in with praise: "This is one game any Half-Life or Doom fan can buy without reservations." 1up (80/100) wants more of the gimmicks: "If only the Native American mysticism had figured in more. If only the spirit "death walk" had developed into something more than a shooting gallery. If only the voice acting and storytelling were a little better." GameSpot (75/100) deals a low score -- by its standards -- summing it up: "[Much] of the game's potential for unique thrills feels wasted by its straightforward level design, and the multiplayer doesn't add much to the package."
Take-Two pledges support for Wii
According to Take-Two president and CEO Paul Eibeler, the publisher was impressed with Nintendo's E3 showing and is now committed to producing a range of titles for Wii beginning in late 2007.Eibeler focused on Wii's potential to expand Take-Two's 2K Sports series, specifically MLB. 2K is also responsible for a slew of non-sports titles, including BioShock, CivCity: Rome, Dungeon Siege, Family Guy and Prey, which may or may not find a home on Wii. Eibeler made no mention of the availability of current or future Rockstar titles for the Wii platform.
