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Rollersuit brings racing game to life
Have you ever wanted to slide along the ground at amazing speeds like the cybernetically-enhanced man/car hybrids in Kinetica? What? You say you haven't? You say you don't even know what Kinetica is? OK, take a few minutes to watch some videos of the game. We'll wait....OK, so doesn't that look like it would be fun in real life? We know!Anyway, French artist/engineer Jean-Yves Blondeau has apparently made this gaming dream a reality with a 31-wheeled roller-suit that can travel up to 100 kilometers per hour. According to Laurent, the suit was designed "to give [audiences] a smile, to get them out from their bad life." It certainly worked on us, and we hope it'll work on you too when you view the below clip.[Thanks Jeff]
Biker Mice from Mars screens and info
Mice.On bikes.From Mars, y'all.The animated series following the trio of -- you guessed it -- biker mice (from Mars) first aired in 1993. The show, often compared to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, aired for three seasons. An all new series kicked off this year in the U.K., and who could resist an accompanying DS game? The title, scheduled for early next year, features racing and fighting, because that's what biker mice (from Mars) do best. Especially when it comes to saving the a world.Couple of screenshots, courtesy of DS-x2, tucked away after the jump.
EA continues to exploit, charging $50 for Need for Speed unlockables
EA is determined to be the bully of Xbox Live Marketplace. Once again, the world's biggest games publisher is offering pay-don't-play content, inviting gamers to buy Need for Speed Carbon's unlockables.EA and Microsoft will argue that this is simply a matter of choice: choose to buy content; or choose to unlock content by playing. But this new set of choices defies our learned experience.Gamers want instant access to unlockables for all sorts of reasons (some are too busy to "earn" unlockables; some to lazy; others are inferior; and still others just have more fun when it's easy). There used to be a simple solution: cheat codes. But EA wants us to forget codes ever existed; wants to punish our wallets for not approaching its games with the Protestant ethic. All told, you'll burn an additional $49.25 if you want accelerated access to Carbon's goodies. Hey, you don't get to the top of the industry by offering handouts.See also:EA's premium ripoff: football tutorial videos on XBLMEA charging gamers to access unlockable contentEA charging twice for downloadable content
Midway releases LA Rush gameplay trailer
Midway has just released a gameplay trailer for LA Rush, which is due out in November. Featuring "amazing jumps, spectacular stunts," the game allows players to customize their cars by dropping them off at West Coast Customs, race against other players wirelessly and allows you to pull off some crazy jumps in the Stunt Arena. Judging by the video, the game looks like it's a lot of fun. And with West Coast Customs in the game, you're biggest decision could be whether you want a tanning bed or fireplace in your car. [Thanks, Steve]
Buena Vista Games races to Climax in Europe
Disney's video game arm Buena Vista Games has acquired London-based Climax Racing for an undisclosed amount of dough, giving BVG a chance to develop racing games, and a European office to add to the Disney empire. The Mouse House also currently owns Propaganda Games in Vancouver, and Avalanche Software in Salt Lake City.Climax developed MotoGP and ATV Offroad® Fury and may start cramming Disney characters into racing games, a la Mario Kart, or continue to develop sequels to both of these franchises. The recent MotoGP 2006 scored fairly decent numbers when it went through the paces, so hopefully BVG won't tinker too much with a formula that produces solid games.Still, we're hoping that Climax insisted on cash and didn't receive only stock options, Mickey Dollars and tickets to EuroDisney. If they held out for bootleg copies of The Rescuers and Who Framed Roger Rabbit? with the missing footage intact, they're sitting on a goldmine.
New Xbox 360 bundle hits UK tomorrow
Console bundles are often reviled during a system's launch period, as they make it practically impossible to leave the store solely with the item you wanted to purchase in the first place. A less bungled bundle, like the £299.99 Xbox 360 package launching in the UK tomorrow, comes several months after launch and doesn't deluge you with a bunch of games, accessories and HD televisions that you weren't quite ready to spend money on yet. Eurogamer reports that the deal in question includes 2 wireless controllers, a copy of Project Gotham Racing 3 and, quite generously, a Premium Xbox 360 as well. How efficient can a bundle be at swaying your interest? Does the higher price tag or the lack of choice make it less appealing to those in the know? See also: TGS: Blue Dragon hits Japan this holiday (along with a matching bundle) Microsoft to launch Xbox 360 Core in Japan
Forza 2 delayed, release date in limbo
After several days of internet murmurings and a noticeable lack of response from Microsoft, a delay in Forza 2's holiday release has manifested in that cruel place often referred to as "reality." Posting on the official Forza Motorsport forums, community manager Che Chou (username "chespace") revealed that the speedy sim sequel would overtake the 2006 holiday period and that the team would not "announce a new date until X06. Gotta do what you gotta do to get things right, y'know?" Oh, we know. Given the game's relatively brief development time (the first Forza hit the Xbox last year), lofty goals and glut of prerendered promotional trailers, the news will likely disappoint more than it surprises. The few weeks leading up to Microsoft's X06 event are sure to be filled with speculation regarding the new release date -- we hear March 2007 is pretty popular these days. In the meantime, Microsoft expects you to gaze upon the latest screenshots, one of which features a rather exciting wall. [Via Xbox 360 Fanboy] See also: Forza 2 jacks PGR3 technology
Gran Turismo Mobile shoved aside for PS3 dev
Devil May Cry for the PSP made a brief reappearance today, as did Gran Turismo 4 Mobile. The "indefinitely delayed" game was pushed aside so that the development team can finish their work on the PlayStation 3 follow-up in the Gran Turismo series. Once they're done with that (and who knows how long that'll take?), the development team expects to move onto finishing the PSP game.Sadly, it appears that the game probably could've been released much earlier: "We've reached the stage where a GT4 equivalent runs on the PSP hardware," Polyphony Digital commented to Eurogamer. While the PSP doesn't suffer from a lack of racing titles, it's disappointing to see one of Sony's premiere development studios simply abandoning work on the handheld.[Via PSP Vault]
Sonic Rivals trailer
Sonic has been cursed with some pretty mediocre gameplay in the past generation when placed in the third dimension. But, the 2D platformers found on the Game Boy Advance were all very solid. Sonic Rivals, the upcoming PSP-exclusive title features 2D gameplay, but with 3D graphics.... So, will it fall into the same curse that all the other 3D Sonics have?This trailer shows off some solid (and very speedy) graphics, but the gameplay worries me. Does it seem a bit too shallow? I'm afraid that because of its focus on racing, it might forget the important platforming element so crucial to a platform game. You watch the trailer and you be the judge.
Forza Motorsports 2 faceplate
This Forza Motorsports 2 faceplate popped up at EBGames, on sale September 12. Now we just need a game and a racing wheel to go with it.[Thanks Crimson Angelus]
Mad Tracks Hands-on
Xboxic goes hands-on with the Xbox Live Arcade version of Mad Tracks and finds it speeding along nicely, though sadly without Live multiplayer.
Colin McRae less popular than dirt
Who? For some, Scottish speedster Colin McRae has become synonymous with the automotive art of guiding a howling hunk of metal over bumpy roads, horrifying hairpins and, when things go wrong, oddly exposed cliffs. This is partially because he's an expert Rally driver, and partially because his name is plastered across Codemasters' excellent series of serious sims -- Colin McRae Rally. Though the games have always had a larger following in Europe (they got a PSP version, you know), the man's popularity in the US has never been called into more question than with a press release announcing his next-gen debut. Though the document promises all the usual technological trickery, such as exquisitely detailed tracks and realistic physics, it's the minor note regarding the title that proves to be the most telling. NOTES: Game titled "Colin McRae: DIRT™" in PAL territories. In the U.S.A, the game is titled "DIRT: Colin McRae Off-Road™". Naturally, this minor marketing maneuver ensures success in both territories. Europeans will spot Colin's name on a shelf and exclaim, "Hey, it's Colin McRae! I like him and / or the previous games in that series! I'll buy it!" whereas Americans will be greeted by familiarity. "Hey, it's dirt! I know what that is AND I know it's awesome! I'll buy it!" Being bested by dirt and its appealing gaming possibilities in your own franchise can't be a massive self-esteem boost, but it's certainly preferable to people mistaking you for some sort of pornography enthusiast. Colin McRae: DIRT DIRT: Colin McRae Off-Road hits the PC, Xbox 360, PS3 and mobile phones in 2007. Read - Press Release Read - Screenshots (possibly "target renders" since they're so purdy)
Get your rollcage ready -- next-gen off-roading is here
A simultaneous multi-platform smack in the face is coming for 2007 when DIRT: Colin McRae Off-Road is released. This game will feature a variety of locations to spin those wheels, not to mention multiple different objectives. Ever hear of Pike's Peak International? Don't worry. But all 12.4 miles and 150+ turns have been accurately replicated for our amateur driving pleasure. Don't want to peel out in a standard rally car? Go to the desert and drive some interesting looking trucks and 4x4s. Or climb steep hills in massive vehicles. Don't want to play alone? Online multiplayer support has been confirmed, which is nice. Don't really care about the game? That's okay -- check out the other screens at IGN.com. For still being in development and not using actual gameplay footage, (just referencing the 3D models and locations -- imagine it like putting separate pieces of the game together for an action shot... if that's not what it means, please clarify for us) those are nice images for car lovers and gamers alike.
New PGR3 content peels out on XBLM
Time to make room in the garage. Bizarre Creations just put the pedal to the metal with 12 new cars available on Marketpace as part of the PGR3 Style Pack. Here's the vehicle list: MW M6 (2006) BMW Z8 (2001) BMW M3 CSL (2003) BMW MINI COOPER S (2005) Gumpert Apollo Coupe 4.2 V8 (2005) 2005 Chrysler® Firepower Concept Ferrari 365 GTB4 "Daytona" (1968) Ferrari F430 Challenge (2006) Mercedes CLK DTM AMG (C209) Pagani Zonda F (2005) RUF R.K. Spyder 3.8 (2006) Vanwall GPR V12 (2006) The new wheels will set you back 400 MS Points, or 60 points per car if you you go the a la carte route. The pack also includes Photo Mode Integration and three mini-games so it's probably worth parting with the full Abe Lincoln if you're PGR freak. Race fans weigh in with your value assessment. Do you appreciate the option to download individual cars?[Thanks Sinz]
New PGR3 content hits Xbox Live Marketplace
Lifting their foot slightly from the pedal and instead concentrating on all things cosmetic and shiny, Bizarre Creations have finished putting together the Style Pack for Project Gotham Racing 3. As reported last month, the download contains 12 new beautifully shaped hunks of metal, fit for driving around the streets of London and gazing at for embarrassing amounts of time. Unlike last month, however, the pack is available for download right now. In case you didn't get it the first time, here's the list of included vehicles, available for 60 MS points ($0.75) seperately or 400 MS points ($5) as a group. BMW M6 (2006) BMW Z8 (2001) BMW M3 CSL (2003) BMW MINI COOPER S (2005) Gumpert Apollo Coupe 4.2 V8 (2005) 2005 Chrysler® Firepower Concept Ferrari 365 GTB4 "Daytona" (1968) Ferrari F430 Challenge (2006) Mercedes CLK DTM AMG (C209) Pagani Zonda F (2005) RUF R.K. Spyder 3.8 (2006) [Note: This one's free!] Vanwall GPR V12 (2006) In addition, you'll be prompted to update the game once you log on and be pleased to welcome some new (and way overdue) features. It's finally possible to upload the stunningly artistic or hopelessly amateurish images you've created in the game's photo mode to the official PGR3 website. It doesn't seem to be fully operational yet, but there is likely a very large tantrum in store should that not change in the near future.New multiplayer game modes come in the form of "Free Roam Points," "Team Free Roam Points" and a series favorite, "Cat and Mouse." The rules of the latter mode dictate that teams comprised of two cars each, one being an E-class vehicle, compete to have their slower car be the first to cross the finish line. If the other, faster car crosses the line first, the team loses instantly. The update also adds matching achievements should you need any further incentive to venture online.[Thanks Xbudd!]Previously: More cars pull into PGR3's garage Cadillac secures Xbox Live ad space Forza 2 jacks PGR3 technology
Xbox 360 going Flatout
Finnish game site LiveGamers.fi reports that local developer Bugbear is working on an Xbox 360 version of Flatout 2 with the new name Flatout: Total Carnage. No release date has been set. [Thanks Sam]
NFS Carbon race modes revealed
EternalGaming scored some details on Need For Speed Carbon from the same source who leaked early deets on NFS Most Wanted: Race modes include the now classic Drift, Sprint, Speedtrap, and Circuit modes as well as the brand new Canyon series of events that include the Canyon Duel, Canyon Race, and Canyon Drift. These Canyon series of events will have you hanging around tight turns that force you to dent the guard rail as you speed by at breakneck speeds.They also report that the police will be several times stronger than in Most Wanted, and that you'll have the ability to customize your crew's rides.[Thanks Aaron]
More cars pull into PGR3's garage [Update 1]
According to the lads at the UK's Official Xbox Magazine, Bizarre Creations is revving up 12 new absurdly beautiful cars for another Project Gotham Racing 3 download (pictured car sadly not included). The Style Pack is likely to release for the princely sum of 400 Microsoft Points ($5), with individual car downloads looking to set you back 60 (75c) points each. The marvelous machines included in the pack are: 365 GTB4 ("Daytona") BMW M3 CSL BMW M6 BMW MINI COOPER S BMW Z8 Chrysler Firepower Concept Ferrari 430 Challenge Gumpert Apollo Coupe 4.2 V8 Mercedes CLK DTM AMG Pagani Zonda F RUF R.K. Spyder Vanwall GPR V12 As with the previous Speed Pack, one car -- the RUF R.K. Spyder -- will be available for free, no doubts as a means to lure you into shelling out your easily purchased points for the full roster. Not a terrible thing to be tricked into, we admit, but we'd rather be given the opportunity to download some more garages. As any playboy millionaire will be quick to remind you, there's not much point in owning a sports car if you're not able to show it off to your equally rich fake friends.[Update: Now with real currency!][Via CVG, thanks smellslikepie! Mmm...pie.]
Need For Speed Carbon dated
Well, sort of. Due this fall from EA Black Box in Vancouver, the press release says Carbon, the next game in the prehistoric NFS series "will challenge players to face the ultimate test of driving skill on treacherous canyon roads." Why don't they call Need For Speed Canyon then? Here's the trailer. [Thanks X Budd]
Forza 2 jacks PGR3 technology
As much as we'd like to envision Microsoft programmers bursting into the UK offices of Bizarre Games, waving oversized pistols around and demanding that employees dump their precious code onto an external hard drive, the word "sharing" is the one used to describe the technology deal between the Project Gotham Racing 3 developer and the Forza Motorsport 2 team. In an Xbox World Australia love letter interview, lead designer Dan Greenawalt explains that the upcoming Xbox 360 racing sim will include an online TV mode, much like the one found in PGR3. "In Forza Motorsport 2, you won't just be watching a bunch of Ferraris racing together. You'll be watching completely customized Ferraris racing in a simulation environment. The personality of the driver emerges in Forza Motorsport TV. Paint schemes and physics mastery add to the excitement and diversity of the 'telecasts'." Exciting news, certainly if you've discovered that watching is the best part of playing a game.All joking aside, it is heartening to see PGR3's solid online implementation finding its way into another flagship franchise. Greenawalt goes on to highlight the game's 60 frames-per-second graphical glory, its more nuanced Drivatar AI system and a photo mode that -- get this -- may allow you to share your virtual snaps with friends. Let's hope Microsoft remembers to share that marvelous technology with the Project Gotham team. Well, maybe not all joking then.[Via Eurogamer]
