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Rumor: Bizarre working on a new 007
It's juicy rumor news time kids! Oh joy! Word on the street (EGM's street) is that recently acquired Bizarre Creations is hard at work on a new (get this) James Bond game. Yup, that same James Bond 007 guy that used to be so darn awesome, but has gone missing as of late. The rumored Bizarre Bond game is supposed to be heavy on the vehicle driving (makes sense), which tickles us to pieces. Bizarre Creations making a Bond game ... this should be good.[Via Joystiq]
Wii Fanboy Review: Geometry Wars Galaxies
There's a war going on out there. It's not one fought by men and women aligning themselves to countries or territories, battling over land or future prospects. No, this is a very different war, one which takes place between shapes in a fantastic space environment. The weapons are different, the combatants are different, but the principal has remained the same: survive to see your enemy's demise. %Gallery-4778%
DS Fanboy Review: Geometry Wars: Galaxies
Geometry Wars is one of those games that shows up on every system possible, and yet it always manages to be a little bit different in every iteration. And if you played it first on Xbox Live (let's all raise our hands), then you might be wondering -- as I was -- just how the game, which worked so well with a dual analog setup, would translate instead to dual screens. The result not only plays and controls better than expected, but ends up being just as much fun as the original ... if a little tougher on the ol' hands. The real question here is: how do you take a cheap downloadable title and turn it into a full game? This is a question a lot of DS games have faced, and with Geometry Wars: Galaxies, there's plenty of added content that makes the shooter feel fully expanded. The lower price on the DS title (as compared to the Wii version) surely never hurts, though! %Gallery-11043%
Big surprise: Guitar Hero 4, Call of Duty 5, and Tony Hawk 11 confirmed
Activision's biggest pre-merger franchises are all (GASP!) getting sequel treatment. In a fact sheet concerning the Activision Blizzard deal (PDF file), the publisher lists Guitar Hero 4, Call of Duty 5, a new Tony Hawk title (which would be its 11th iteration), a James Bond game and a racing title with the recently-acquired Bizarre Creations, as well as licensed titles with Dreamworks and Marvel.None of these sequels come as a surprise, as they are all critical and commercial successes, but this is the first official confirmation of their existence. According to Activision Blizzard's earlier conference call, 50% of Activision's revenues are derived from franchises it owns outright, including Guitar Hero and Call of Duty. It should be noted that as well that all three franchises also have competition from rival Electronic Arts in the form of Rock Band, Medal of Honor and Skate. No word on project release dates for any of the sequels.Read - Fact sheet [Warning: PDF file]
CoD5, GHIV and Bizarre racing game confirmed
In news that won't totally shock or awe you, we have semi-confirmation of a few games Activision is working on and are headed down the development pipeline. Activision games that include Call of Duty 5, Guitar Hero IV, new James Bond, new Tony Hawk, new Dreamworks titles, new Marvel titles and a Bizarre racing game. All these sequels are mentioned in a fact sheet posted over on Activision Blizzard's newly live website under Activision's "pipeline includes" section. No dates, no time frames or other specifics are mentioned in the fact sheet other than the confirmation that the games exist and are being worked on. Again, nothing earth-shattering here, but it's still exciting game announcement stuff.[Via GamesIndustry.biz]
Metareview: Geometry Wars: Galaxies
There aren't many reviews out just yet for the newly-released DS version of Geometry Wars: Galaxies, but so far, it seems like a solid take on the XBLA title. The only real problem? Those sneaky hand cramps that accompany some DS titles. Gamespot -- 70%: "... Geometry Wars: Galaxies proves its worth. This isn't just the same $5 game all over again for a higher price. The content added with the galaxies mode and the multiplayer functionality adds a lot of depth to the experience, and the control changes to both versions, while not as spot-on as a straight-up dual-analog control setup, work well enough to be not only playable, but fun as well. If you were a fan of the original game or just like intense shooters, Geometry Wars: Galaxies fits the bill." Games Radar -- 80%: "Piloting your ship with the D-pad and directing your fire with the stylus feels surprisingly accurate. But the pad isn't as easy on your thumb as an analog stick, and you may find your left hand cramping up as you frantically apply pressure to keep your ship on the move. You can enjoy a cramp-free round of Galaxies once you learn to relax your death grip and move with gentler taps, but this will take a bit of getting used to ... But even strangers to the series will be hard pressed to find a shooter as satisfying as Galaxies on the DS." %Gallery-11043%
Reminder: Bizarre not working on PGR5, working on 'new racing series'
Buried in the Q&A section towards the end of a Bizarre Creations newspost regarding an update to the Cat and Mouse mode in PGR4, the recently acquired third-party developer (Activision nabbed the UK-based devs in September if you'll recall) confirm that they won't be working on Project Gotham Racing 5. Instead, they're hard at work on "a brand new racing series" no doubt full of cars and tracks and all the other thrilling hallmarks of the genre. We'd seen reports stating the same – that Bizarre's second, more action-oriented dev-team (think The Club) would be working on existing Activision IPs and their accomplished XBLA team (think Boom Boom Rocket) would be continuing with that platform while the PGR team would be working on something new – but confirmation from the developers themselves serves as a nice, short reminder for PGR fans that it's a brave new world for Bizarre.
PGR4 update changes Cat and Mouse mode, adds tournaments [update]
Project Gotham Racing 4 (or as we like to call it, the meaty, primitive husk which envelops and safeguards Geometry Wars: Waves) is going into the shop for a shiny new coat tomorrow, as Bizarre Creations is releasing a free update for the title which will address the concerns of some of their valued vehicular veterans.A major feature of the update is the Cat and Mouse mode's change from a linear race to a free roam chase around the city of your choice. Now, each team will have only one "mouse" car, which must be at least one class lower than the other "cat" cars on its team. Teams earn points by keeping their mouse alive, by having their mouse perform style moves, and by hitting the other team's mouse.Also scheduled for the update are four tournament modes: Daily Tournaments (Mon. through Fri.), Super Saturdays, Simulation Sundays, and the Global Cup (a grueling, 512-man event which takes two weeks to complete). Rumor has it that, for a fortnight, the winner gets to sit high upon a tower crafted from the bones of their fallen competitors, and declare supreme dominance over all of Xbox Live. Let us all hope for a merciful and benevolent ruler.Read -- Cat and Mouse mode detailsRead -- Tournament mode detailsUpdate: Apparently, the newly renovated Cat and Mouse mode was late for the morning train, and will not be featured on todays update. However, a Bizarre Creations employee has assured us that the new mode will be "rolled out in a separate update in a few weeks."
Geometry Wars: Galaxies slips ... everywhere
Slowly but surely, the threat of European wallets being completely stripped clean before the start of December is diminishing. In fact, we might even have cash remaining (though hey, let's not get ahead of ourselves). Only a few days ago, we received the unhappy news that Zack & Wiki will miss the holidays in Europe, and Kuju's purdy Geometry Wars: Galaxies has now joined it. The shape-based shmup (try saying that quickly), once the cause of many a bleary-eyed, late-night session on the Xbox Live Arcade for this writer, will instead arrive on January 18th. Meanwhile, the US will also be waiting a little longer for the game, but the delay is far less severe -- just one week, according to GameStop, which means the title will now launch on November 20th. The DS version, it's worth noting, is still due on the 27th.
Geometry Wars: Galaxies delayed to 2008 in Europe
Originally scheduled for holiday 2007 releases, it seems that both the Nintendo Wii and DS versions of Geometry Wars: Galaxies have been pushed back to next year in Europe, according to publisher Sierra Entertainment. Now scheduled for release on January 18, the newly-expanded versions of the Xbox Live Arcade classic feature more than 60 planets on which to shoot and evade hostile shapes. Uniquely, both versions also support the ability to wirelessly beam the full version of Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved to a Nintendo DS portable. It's worth noting that these delays only affect the European releases; the Wii and DS versions in North America are still scheduled for release on November 20th and 27th, respectively. Sorry, Europe. We'll let you know how it is.
The Club videos shoot up the place
Sega has released a trailer for the upcoming shooter The Club, which is being developed by Bizarre Creations (their last game before working solely under Activision). The trailer is very slick, showing off the cast of the arcade shooter. The characters run the gamut of generic badasses: there's the square-jawed Russian, the tough cop (gone bad?), the obstinate Irishman, and ... well, a crazy guy in a rain slicker. There's even a guy named -- we kid you not -- Killen. But what's a cool trailer without little gameplay? Nothing, that's what. So, we've included a gameplay trailer after the break. The Club is a little different from most 3rd person shooters, as its main focus is constant action. The faster you make your kills, the more your score multiplier increases. Essentially, it's 3rd person Geometry Wars on steroids. Watch and enjoy.
Geometry Wars: Galaxies ad is out of this world
Sierra's deviant advertising campaign for Geometry Wars: Galaxies, LOLcats and a "Particle Man" music video, was undeniably effective at grabbing the attention of online gamers, so it only makes sense that the publisher would carry over the same offbeat approach to the land of print. EGM's latest issue features one of the most ridiculous full-page ads we've seen since the mid-90s, promoting the multi-directional shooter as "Asteroids on steroids" and emphasizing that abstract with a beefy, curled-lip ape of a man gripping a Wii remote and nunchuck. Jump past the break for the complete, glorious Geometry Wars: Galaxies ad.
Geometry Wars direct-feed video looks ... good!
We've been skeptical about the DS version of Geometry Wars Galaxies, based on so-so impressions and the seeming unsuitability of the platform for the game, but two recent developments have caused us to embrace the possibility that it may be okay after all: Bangai-O Spirits made us believe that tiny-sprite shooters are possible on the DS. If Treasure thinks it's a good idea, we think it's a very good idea. This video, titled "Maseis," came out and looked neat. Watch the video yourself and see if frantic, abstract shooting has a place on the DS. The only concession we can see to the size of the system is a smaller level, and that may just be this one level. [Via Kotaku]
Bizarre likely to work on existing Activision IP
While still poised to work on a new racing franchise, recently-acquired developer Bizarre Creations has a second, action-oriented team that will "probably be working on a property that [new parent company] Activision already owns," according to executive vice president of publishing Robin Kaminsky (via Develop).As noted by Develop, major Activision properties include Call of Duty (staying firmly with Infinity Ward, we'd presume), Tony Hawk, Guitar Hero and a multitude of license titles. Could Bizarre be assigned a James Bond game? The Club, Bizzare's arcade shooter, is scheduled for early 2008.
Palm Foleo unboxed, AT&T-branded Centro spotted?
Welcome to Engadget: Bizarro Edition. Look, truth be told, now that the Foleo has been wiped from a foreseeable Palm future, we kind of wish we could get our hands on one (rare gadget collectors that we are). Well, at least one lucky, lucky gentleman has done just that, and he's been kind enough to share the pictures with the rest of the world. We're not sure how an individual goes about procuring this device, but we can honestly say we're pretty jealous. It's essentially like having an embalmed unicorn in your living room. But that's not all, kids. Take a long, hard look at that Centro in the photos (which is referred to as the Treo 500P) -- it's got AT&T branding all over that home screen. Is your curiosity piqued? Join the club. Take a look at the little curiosity after the break.
GW Waves not on XBLA, Bizarre has other plans
Sure, we're all sad that Geometry Wars Waves will be forgoing Xbox Live Arcade in order to be an exclusive mini-game in Project Gotham Racing 4, but we all have the same nagging question: why, Bizarre Creations, newly acquired subsidiary of Activision, why? In a recent interview with Eurogamer, Bizarre Creations community lead Ben Ward gives this answer, "It's because we had plans for Live Arcade, but Waves isn't it." According to Ward, Geometry Wars Waves isn't really being designed as a full featured sequel to Geometry Wars Retro Evolved, but more as a simple mini-game. Waves is "an Easter egg" as Ward puts it, "not a full retail product." So there you have it folks, Waves may be an exclusive to PGR4, but Bizarre isn't done with Xbox Live Arcade. Hey, maybe when they create their next XBLA game, they can slip in a little mini version of PGR.[Via XBLArcade]
Geometry Wars unveils a LOLAd campaign
We can't decide if this marks a clever nod from some kids at an advertising firm to Internet culture, or the precise moment that LOLcats stopped being cool or funny. We're feeling generous, so we think we're going to go with the former, seeing it as a refreshingly lo-fi, low-budget, punk-rock approach to game advertising. Also it made us laugh. If you can't tell (because the ad doesn't actually have the name of the game printed anywhere!) this cat is advertising Sierra's Geometry Wars Galaxies. The ad was found on IGN by NeoGAFfer John Harker, and we don't want to think about how much money we made for IGN when we tried to find it ourselves. We even reloaded the same Jackass PSP review found in the GAF screenshot to maximize our chances of having the same ad come up. It was only later that we discovered the actual website for these ads, which contains a load of 'em. Of course, those of you with excellent memories for Geometry Wars advertising will remember that this isn't the first time Sierra has used bizarre, nonsensical advertising techniques to promote this game. [Via NeoGAF]
PGR4 features eco-friendly race mode
Our partners in crime at AutoblogGreen -- just like Autoblog, only with more miles per gallon and fewer emissions -- have discovered that Project Gotham Racing 4 is set to feature a very interesting racing challenge. Part of the game's invitational series of races, the challenge is called "Electric Vs Petrol Showdown" and allows players to "take the wheel of a two-seater, silent, electric sportscar (the Tesla Roadster) and face-off against a gas-guzzling, noisy, mean machine (the Ferrari Testarossa)." For those that don't know, the Tesla Roadster is reportedly a damned impressive piece of kit, boasting the ability to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in about 4 seconds. The environmentally friendly super car can also travel 200 miles on a single battery charge. The best part, thanks to PGR4, is that you won't have to spend $98,000 (base price, mind you) to try one out.[Via AutoblogGreen]
PGR4 demo to have exclusive content
A demo from Bizarre Creations' Project Gotham Racing 4 should be hitting Xbox Live soon, according to the developer (via Eurogamer). In addition to five playable vehicles (cars and bikes) that presumably will be in the full game, there will be an Arcade mode exclusive to the demo set in Macau, featuring exclusive challenges.We're a bit perplexed about the exclusive content. If it's good, why not include it in the full game. Conversely, if the content is not good, or not on par with the full game, why use it to promote the title?A time trial for Nurburgring Snow will also be in the demo. Project Gotham Racing 4 (with Geometry Wars: Waves) is due out October 2 in North America.
The Club goes dancing, shooting February 2008
When Bizarre Creations is not driving fast cars or pulverizing polygons, the Liverpool-based developer likes to blast bullets at a blistering rate with little regard for their surroundings. According to a press release from publisher Sega, their incoming shoot 'em up The Club will ship this February for PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, hopefully just in time for Valentine's Day. In the meantime, check out our impressions of the title from E3. And speaking of shoot 'em ups, we hear Clive Owen's new film has an action sequence or two. %Gallery-4838%
