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DS releases for the week of November 3rd
If you need a game, this week's for you. While we can't vouch for the quality of all the releases (or even, uh, half), but we can say one thing: there's a lot of 'em. And by a lot, we mean dozens. Well, if you add up all the regions, anyway. Look, don't get technical. It's a lot. See for yourself.As an aside, after seeing this week's releases, we should stop crying about not having any more Professor Layton -- the first title is only just now being released in Europe! And what's up with Korg DS-10? It's been turning up on releases for a while. Maybe we'll actually see it this week. Army Men: Soldiers of Misfortune Dora the Explorer: Dora Saves the Snow Princess Dragonball: Origins Exit DS futureU: The Prep Game for SAT Goosebumps HorrorLand Guitar Rock Tour Hello Kitty Daily Imagine: Interior Designer Imagine: Wedding Designer James Bond 007: Quantum of Solace Korg DS-10 Little Red Riding Hood's Zombie BBQ Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa Monster Lab My Baby Boy My Baby Girl Petz Dogz Pack Pony Friends: Mini Breeds Edition Princess on Ice Real Soccer 2009 Theresia Tom Clancy's EndWar Winx Club: Mission Enchantix Zoo Vet: Endangered Animals
Retail and download releases for the week of November 3rd
This is a big week for fans of James Bond. Those who found themselves interested in the super spy's latest exploits will have a chance to nab Quantum of Solace this week. If you enjoy FPS games, or are looking for some people to play online with, we'd suggest Game Night. Of course, Quantum of Solace isn't the only game releasing this week. Head past the break and check out what else is on offer.
Quantum of Solace midnight launch in West Hollywood, new Bond theme goes Guitar Hero
Tired of all the Presidential coverage? Want to go British for a day? Activision has you covered. Best Buy and Activision have revealed plans to launch the Quantum of Solace game at midnight for players in the West Hollywood area. Beginning November 3 at 10PM, everyone and anyone is invited to celebrate the launch of the upcoming shooter which takes James Bond through Casino Royale and whatever a Quantum of Solace is. Attendees will also have a chance to score a boat load of prizes ranging from gift cards between $10 and $2,500 as well as a 52" LCD HDTV.Also on hand will be stations where gamers can practice their hand at the latest Bond theme, "Another Way to Die" from Jack White and Alicia Keys, in Guitar Hero: World Tour. The Bond theme will soon be made available as downloadable content for World Tour but no timing or price has been confirmed at this time.Not near West Hollywood? Best Buy has revealed 136 other locations will be open at midnight for the launch sans giveaways.
Quantum of Solace video may cheer you up
Look at the footage!As most of you have probably noticed, the Wii is inching toward living up to one of the great potentials of its controller: its usefulness for shooting at things! But what you may not have expected is the fact that a Bond game is looking pretty sweet. That hasn't happened too often since GoldenEye 007 set its amazing standard back in 1997.One European Wii owner decided to perform a great service for all the world (or, uh, those who might buy Quantum of Solace), and the result is the above video, featuring (almost) ten minutes of footage from the game, that you may study it closely. Bless YouTube and all its users.
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]
Joystiq gets some hands-on time with Killzone 2, Dead Space and more
Our archenemy friend with the coolest name Xav de Matos attended the Sony Holiday event in Toronto, Canada and has written up impressions of upcoming PlayStation 3 titles on our sister site Joystiq. The Killzone 2 hands-on even includes a little bit of cam footage. And best of all, because it was a Sony event, all multiplatform games played were the PS3 versions, so it is definitely worth checking out: 30 minutes with Prince of Persia Killzone 2 The beginning of Dead Space Revisiting the Quantum of Solace
Joystiq hands-on: Revisiting the Quantum of Solace
Skep·ti·cism (skpt-szm) n. A doubting or questioning attitude or state of mind; dubiety. Philosophya. A methodology based on an assumption of doubt with the aim of acquiring approximate or relative certainty. The rational and historically-proven assumption that any licensed game will suck. Lots. Seriously, have you played half of this stuff? As they prep the World for War, Treyarch has been quietly plugging away at the upcoming licensed title James Bond: Quantum of Solace. Powered by the Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare engine, QoS blends scenes from the first Daniel Craig Bond film -- Casino Royale -- and the anticipated upcoming sequel of the same name. We spent some time with Bond at the recent Sony Holiday event in Toronto, Canada. Since our last trial with the game, did Bond change our definition of skepticism?%Gallery-26648%
Sony's 'Quantum of Solace' VAIO laptop revealed as expensive, deadly
Someone over at Gadget Review has finally got their hot hands on the James Bond Quantum of Solace laptop -- and contrary to reports, it hasn't exploded, shot poison darts or been used to defuse a bomb... yet. Believe it or not, this machine isn't actually a piece of high-tech spy gear -- it's a garden variety Sony Z series with the usual kit: Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 128GB SSD or 320GB hard drive, 3G connectivity, 4GB RAM, 13.3-inch LED backlit LCD, fingerprint reader, Motion Eye camera and Blu-ray drive. This piece of cinematic history will be limited to 700 units, and it's expected to set you back a cool $4,000 -- but hey, check out that 007 logo! If that doesn't get you some action, nothing will. This babe / danger magnet ships at the end of October, we suggest employing Odd Job to help you nab one.
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 still looks suspiciously good
It doesn't make any sense! A movie tie-in isn't supposed to look this good or get us this excited but Quantum of Solace is achieving in both respects. Developed by Treyarch and riding on the coat-tails of the Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare engine, the latest James Bond adventure is set to release before the film on November 4. This behind the scenes trailer looks at some of the environments that gamers will experience in the game which takes place in both Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace. Excited? Yeah, us too. It feels ... strange.
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.
Joystiq interview: Quantum of Solace's Adam Gascoine
It's so easy to assume that Quantum of Solace is going to be just another rushed license game (even Daniel Craig did!). But after having sat down with a couple of the game's levels (full hands-on coming later), it's easy to see that this is one of Activision's strongest games of the 2008 lineup. We had a chat with the co-design director, Adam Gascoine, about the game and its development.Quantum of Solace is the first Bond game to be released alongside its movie counterpart. Has this impacted development? Were you rushed?We were worried about being rushed when we started the project, but thankfully we have a very solid relationship with the movie team. We were one of the first to see the script for the movie, plus we've been able to visit the sets and watch some filming several times now. All this made it a lot easier. We've been developing really since Casino Royale, about two and a half years in total, so we've had plenty of time to develop the game. Parts of the game are reminiscent of Uncharted. Was this a particular inspiration during the development of Quantum of Solace?Any good game is definitely an inspiration. I loved Uncharted. I played it twice. Parts of that game may well have influenced design decisions we made during development, just like any of the great 2007 titles. In particular, though, the quality of animation in Uncharted was definitely an inspiration.%Gallery-26648%
Joystiq hands-on: Quantum of Solace
This hands-on report is based on the Xbox 360 version of the game, though the developers assure us that the PS3 version will be almost completely identical.While I may not be the biggest Bond fan, and only watched Casino Royale because the Blu-ray came free with my PS3, Quantum of Solace was probably the most interesting game in Activision's Leipzig lineup. Going in with very few expectations and, to be honest, little interest in the title, I was impressed and intrigued with what I saw. It's easy to dismiss QoS as just another licensed movie game that will inevitably suck, but that's certainly not the case here.The first section of the game that I played was set in the sewers of Sienna, where I'm chasing someone (the developers weren't allowed to say who). The first thing you notice about the game is that the environments are gorgeous. For the most part these have been lovingly recreated from reference photos taken on the set of the movie, so they'll look identical to the film. As a result they're incredibly detailed and, in parts, colorful.The controls are both solid and fluid (if that's even possible!), leaving you to worry about what's going on on-screen, and not in your hands. Thanks to various set pieces throughout the level, you feel like you're interacting with the environment, rather than restricted by it. Everything feels a little less static and rigid when you're jumping over railings, falling through rotting wood and clambering over mounds of earth. Even if they are sometimes scripted. %Gallery-26648%
Quantum of Solace has Zapper support, online multiplayer
For those of you who've been tracking Quantum of Solace over at The Stiq, you know that most of the worthwhile things to discuss about the game have come from the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions. Well, it would appear that Activision isn't leaving Wii owners out to dry, as some cool features are being utilized in the Wii version of the title. For one, there will be multiple control schemes. Gamers can use the tried-and-true Wiimote and Nunchuk setup, or they can bust out their Zapper and play with that. On top of that, Activision has also confirmed the game will feature online multiplayer, as well as 4-player split-screen local multiplayer, which is exclusive to the Wii installment.Activision is also hard at work to make sure the game is no graphical slouch. Seeing as how the engine behind the game is the same used in Call of Duty 4, we're sure Quantum of Solace will have some lovely visuals.
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%
