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New Dawn of Fantasy screenshots and information on races
Dawn of Fantasy seems like it's been in development for an awfully long time, but with a release coming in June, MMORTS fans should be getting excited. The team behind the game has sent along some new screenshots as well as more information on the three most influential races in the game -- Men, Orcs, and Elves. Elves, as most fantasy fans will likely expect, are split between Wood Elves and High Elves, with the former excelling at natural magic and the latter focusing on city building and alchemy. Orcs count a number of savage tribes among their numbers, with Desert Orcs and Swamp Orcs both focusing heavily upon offensive measures. Last but not least, the race of Men encompasses the cities of Rollingplain and Menthorn -- both are united under a single ruler, but Menthorn is filled with unrest and talk of rebellion. MMORTS fans will want to keep their eyes on Dawn of Fantasy as the game approaches release on June 17th. %Gallery-79066%
Hold the gates: Dawn of Fantasy dev diary gives an overview of stronghold defense
We haven't heard from 505 Games' Dawn of Fantasy for a while, but it looks as though the MMORTS is coming along quite nicely. In a first of hopefully several developer diaries, Lead Writer and Associate Producer Gordon Farrell shows one of the game's modes: stronghold defense. Dawn of Fantasy players will be encouraged to take control of pre-built villages, towns, and castle fortresses and defend them from the enemy as the situation warrants. In the video, Farrell shows how these strongholds can be built up and defenses laid out prior to the enemy's assault. The diary goes on to show a sample scenario of a player attempting to hold on to a multi-tiered fortress against the combined assault of Elves and Orcs. Each faction looks to have its own style and special units -- for example, the Elves wield giant Treants as siege weapons, whereas the Orcs have mobile towers and battering rams. Even though the cavalry comes to the rescue, the defending player is soon overwhelmed. However, Farrell speculates about what you might have done differently instead. You can watch the full dev diary after the jump!
Backbreaker: Vengeance tackles XBLA this summer
NaturalMotion officially unveiled what it was teasing earlier this week, and ... it's kind of confusing. Backbreaker: Vengeance uses the same subtitle as the company's recent iOS football game, but it is not the same game. The new Backbreaker: Vengeance (who are these football players seeking vengeance against?) is an XBLA-exclusive, arcade-style game that "takes inspiration" from the first Backbreaker's "Tackle Alley" mode. That means one runner attempting to cross the field against various arrangements of pre-placed defenders. Check out a trailer after the break -- especially if you're fond of body-crunching sounds. Actually, that advice also works in regards to buying the game this summer.
Rebellion giving Sniper Elite sequel a shot next year
UK-based developer Rebellion is on target to release a sequel to its 2005 sharpshooting sim Sniper Elite, teaming with 505 Games to publish the title. Like the original, Sniper Elite V2 will put players in the combat boots of a skilled marksman during World War II, as seen in the concept art above. If you've seen Enemy at the Gates, you have a good idea of what's in store ... only with (much) less Jude Law, we suspect. Waiting patiently is something snipers know a lot about, and it's something you'll have to do for this game -- it's pegged for release in 2012.
Wrecked: Revenge Revisited speeds toward XBLA and PSN this spring
No, it's not a game about Charlie Sheen's inevitable murder spree on all of those who questioned his ability to win -- though we imagine at least one game like that is already in the works. Wrecked: Revenge Revisited is the sequel to 2004's Mashed, a car-combat game for the PC, Xbox and PS2 from UK-based developer Supersonic Software. The developer will strap itself into the driver seat once more for Wrecked, which is currently slated to launch in the spring. Wrecked will once again focus on vehicular carnage, giving players access to various customization options for their rides -- oh, and the titular revenge mechanic, which allows vanquished enemies to retaliate through aerial strike maneuvers. A single-player Championship mode will feature 24 different challenges across four racing disciplines; online and local multiplayer supports up to four players at a time. Rip the e-brake to fly into our gallery below for the first screens. %Gallery-119420%
Supremacy is first MMA game to have female fighters
It's not easy to take down UFC as the reigning champ of MMA games. So, what is 505 Games and developer Kung Fu Factory adding to Supremacy to make it unique? The female touch. Two female fighters have been confirmed in the Supremacy roster: Felice "Lil Dog" Herrig and Michele "Diablita" Gutierrez. Peter Matiss, VP of Marketing at 505 Games, hopes that this will convince gamers that Supremacy is "totally unique" -- but will it be enough to dissuade UFC loyalists? Check out videos after the break.%Gallery-117578%
Michael Phelps pushes the limit for Kinect this June
Much to the dismay of ingrained anti-evolution campaigners, 16-time Olympic medalist and super swimmer Michael Phelps is now a video game. 505 Games has announced Michael Phelps - Push The Limit, "a competitive sports journey" that sees you slipping into a speedo and diving into "one of the most realistic and intense sports simulations ever created." No, it really sees you -- you'll be doing this in front of a Kinect. The claims of realism are obviously suspect -- you need some ropes and pulleys for this to really work, and you probably keep those in the bedroom -- but Push The Limit seems like it'll be split into different swimming stages, with digi-Phelps helping you manage your adrenaline on the starting block, time your finish to perfection and shop for size 14 shoes (probably). With enough practice and frantic air swatting, you could emerge closer to "the hope of taking down Michael Phelps." (Protip: It's easiest if you play as the keen-nosed photographer.) "This definitely isn't your typical video game," says Phelps, perhaps unaware that evolution isn't all it's cracked up to be these days. Come this June, he's in danger of being beaten by a shirtless fat kid jiggling in front of a camera.%Gallery-115566%
Dawn of Fantasy combines MMO with RTS on PC this June
Better set your alarm -- 505 Games has announced a title called Dawn of Fantasy, developed by Reverie World Studios, to be available on the PC this June. As you can see in the trailer after the break, the game is an MMORTS, combining single-player kingdom building and strategy warfare modes with a persistent online multiplayer experience. The title will have three different races available to players -- elves, men and orcs -- and, in addition to multiplayer skirmishes and a scenario editor, the game's economy will continue trading and growing even as you log off. Check the screenshots below for a better look at what could be a really interesting title.%Gallery-114720%
Dawn of Fantasy MMORTS coming in June
RTS fans have relatively slim pickings when it comes to massively multiplayer versions of their favorite games. Dawn of Fantasy, a new MMORTS developed by Reverie World Studios, looks to add another option to that mix when it releases on June 3, 2011. The new title takes place in the war-torn world of Mythador and supports persistent economic, trading, development, and diplomacy systems, as well as three racial choices (elves, men, and orcs) and a detailed historical background. Dawn of Fantasy also features low system requirements but still manages to render thousands of units and objects during its large-scale battle scenarios. Players will also be able to design custom scenarios using the game's map editor. "In what we feel is an underrepresented genre, we're confident that Dawn of Fantasy will have what it takes to stay in the hearts of MMO, RTS and fantasy fans for a long time to come," said Ralph Pitt-Stanley of publisher 505 Games. Check out our Dawn of Fantasy gallery below and an older interview with Reverie World, and don't forget to view the new trailer after the break. %Gallery-79066%
Supremacy MMA gets 'old school' this summer
Another competitor has entered the MMA game arena, ready to grapple with EA Sports MMA and THQ's UFC Undisputed franchise. And, uh, Fighters Uncaged, we suppose. 505 Games hasn't talked much about Supremacy MMA since E3, but now it's showing of the new fighter for PS3 and Xbox 360 and has announced a scheduled summer release of the game. Find a trailer after the break, full of glorious slow-motion violence. According to 505, Supremacy MMA differentiates itself from its competition with the inclusion of lightweight champion Jens Pulver, who has the best fighter name ever. Pulver's image and backstory will feature in the game, and he is working as a "combat and story consultant," as well. The other big difference: Supremacy MMA is "taking things back old school," as Pulver puts it. Supremacy is all about underground, unsanctioned fights between amateurs -- getting away from all the showbiz and money in professional fighting, to focus on what it's really all about: Two men beating the crap out of each other in a cage, for no reason.%Gallery-114003%
Download Naughty Bear on iPhone for free today
Redundant question: Want free stuff? Of course you do! That's why we'd like to inform you that the iPhone port of A2M Behaviour Interactive's game about a cuddly curmudgeon, Naughty Bear, is free today. Head on over to the App Store and give it a download -- you know, if you want. No pressure!
Naughty Bear 'Chapter 9' DLC now available for $5
You know how it goes -- they always offer the first fix for free. And then, when you need more, you have to pay up. A2M and 505 Games have employed this classic strategy for the release of a new piece of Naughty Bear DLC, dubbed "Chapter 9." The add-on is out today on Xbox Live and PlayStation Network, but unlike the previous DLC release, it'll cost you: 400 Microsoft Points or $4.99, respectively. Chapter 9 introduces the Island of Perfection, replete with "exclusive hidden treasures, deadly weapons and brutal buccaneers," and two boss bears for the cuddly curmudgeon to conquer: Admiral Giggles and The Great Bear Beard. The DLC also includes four new challenges. For avast look (see what we did there?) check out the trailer past the break and the images below. %Gallery-104302%
Naughty Bear crashes the iPhone party
Naughty Bear has apparently become a "worldwide success" for 505 Games. Capitalizing on its "very wide fanbase," developer A2M has just released a handheld version of the game for iPhone/iPod Touch. Check out screens and a trailer after the break.
Naughty Bear gets free 'Episode 8' DLC today
This news is something Naughty Bear's title star can finally be happy about. A2M and 505 Games is releasing DLC for the stuffed animal murder simulator today on Xbox Live and PlayStation Network. In the new "Episode 8," Naughty Bear receives an invite to a cake tasting party. But is it a trap? (Spoiler: It most certainly is!) In the episode, you'll have to fight against X-Bears, a "gang of superhero bears led by Danger Bear." You'll be able to unlock additional costumes, hats, weapons and challenges in an "originally themed environment" -- something the original game was sorely lacking. With a rather attractive cost of entry ($0), the DLC is certainly worth checking out, provided you can bear to play any more.
Backbreaker update 'Greathouse' getting ready to huddle up in 'early August'
505 Games has announced a new update for its Euphoria-powered footballer, Backbreaker. Dubbed "Greathouse," this new update -- which should be available sometime in "early August" -- adds a host of features the community have apparently clamored for, such as an "improved Quarterback camera view and passing game" and 100 new plays, including nine new formations to use. Greathouse also tweaks gameplay on the other side of the ball, introducing a new "user catch system" and "full control" over interceptions. For the full patch notes, head past the break. Update: We mislabeled the launch window for the "Greathouse" update as "next month," when in fact we meant to say "early August." We apologize for the confusion.
505 Games' 'Deep Black' makes a splash on PS3 and Xbox
505 Games and Russian developer Biart Studio have unveiled a new third-person shooter with a unique cover system: specifically, everything is covered with water. Most of the action in Deep Black takes place underwater, with players navigating the depths with "specialized underwater jet packs with integrated harpoons, mini submersibles and other high tech equipment." But it's not all swimmin' and shootin' -- 505 promises a storyline with "complex science-fiction mystery, espionage, and bio-terror." Deep Black is expected to surface in Q1 2011, joining Naughty Bear and Backbreaker as part of 505 Games's growing PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 lineup. Biart Studio is no stranger to games set underwater, having recently released the PSP mini, Reef Aquarium. %Gallery-97171% Show full PR text 505 Games Announce Deep Black Underwater Action Shooter coming to PS3 & X360 8th JUNE 2010 (Milton Keynes, UK) – 505 Games today announces a global agreement with Russian developer Biart Studio LLC, to publish Deep Black on Sony's PlayStation 3® and Microsoft's Xbox360® console systems. Adding to the publisher's growing line-up of Xbox 360 and PS3 titles, Deep Black lets players experience for the first time the thrills of a third person action shooter in an underwater setting. With the release set for Q1 2011, the unique setting of Deep Black combines action-packed battles with an immersive story line, of complex science-fiction mystery, espionage and bio-terror. Offering realistic physics in an underwater environment brings new "depths" to in-game challenges in Deep Black. Players will take to the murky depths armed with a wrath of underwater equipment from specialized underwater jet packs with integrated harpoons, mini submersibles and other high tech equipment in pursuit of enemies. With the majority of the game play taking place below the water's surface, action-adventure fans will need to master new skills to fight hostile enemies and infiltrate enemy bases.
Review: Naughty Bear
Sure, Naughty Bear is a little rough around the edges. The controls are too stiff, and the framerate is a bit sluggish. There isn't much content to play with, but as a $10 downloadable game, Naughty Bear makes for an interesting diversion. Wait ... this is a retail game? And you have to pay $50 for it? Unfortunately, in spite of a few good ideas, Naughty Bear is too sloppily executed, and too shallow to recommend -- especially as a "full" retail experience. %Gallery-79926%
UK charts: Harry Potter casts Chartium Supremus on Red Dead
If you're wondering what it would take to best Rockstar's dust-em-up, Red Dead Redemption, in a battle for UK chart supremacy, it would seem it only takes a wizard -- a blocky, mute interpretation of the nation's own Harry Potter. It only makes sense that Lego Harry Potter: Years 1–4 would debut at the top spot. Isn't he like the UK's Prime Minister now? The boy with a scarred forehead has pushed nearly everyone down a spot from last week: Red Dead Redemption has fallen to second, while Super Mario Galaxy 2 now takes up third. Also of note are strong UK debuts of several games, including Naughty Bear, Demon's Souls and Transformers: War for Cybertron. Find the complete top ten sales breakdown posted after the break.
505 Games enters the ring with MMA Supremacy
505 Games, publisher of the recently released Backbreaker, is once again stepping into the crowded sports arena. MMA Supremacy will be showcased at a behind-closed-doors event at E3 later this week. It's being developed by Kung Fu Factory, a relatively unknown team that credits itself with working on the Mortal Kombat franchise. Considering both THQ and EA Sports are fiercely competing in this space, CVG questioned creative director Ricci Rukavina on what Supremacy could add to the franchise. "We're taking a more cinematic approach visually as opposed to a television broadcast simulation," Rukavina said. "Our approach to gameplay is concentrating on skills over statistics which should reinforce fast, fun and intuitive play." In many ways, these are many of the same buzzwords used by NaturalMotion when promoting their Euphoria-powered football game -- one which featured many novel ideas, but didn't exactly win critics over. It'll be interesting to see if Supremacy can outperform its gridiron predecessor.
Backbreaker trailer opens the playbook on game modes
Today, 505 Games' Euphoria-powered Backbreaker hits the retail gridiron, and above you'll find a handy video guide to its many modes. Whether it's a quick exhibition game or compiling an entire season, there are a host of customizable gameplay experiences available to players. And, of course, it wouldn't be a sports game if there weren't pages and pages of stats to pour over.
