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GTAIV trailer now available and on XBLM!
Rockstar Games' latest Grand Theft Auto 4 trailer "Move up, ladies" has just released onto the internets and it's teh awesome! We don't want to spoil it for you, but we will say that you get to see more of the game's characters, personalities and locations. And we have to say, we're loving our friend Niko. Take a look at the embedded version above or download the trailer in HD off of the XBLM. Take it all in folks, 2008 and GTAIV cannot come soon enough. We've already polished our guns.
New "Move up, ladies" GTAIV trailer debuts today
Can you feel it? The hype, excitement and anticipation surrounding the release of a new Grand Theft Auto IV trailer is thick in the air, because today at 3:00PM eastern (12:00 Noon pacific) GTAIV's latest arrives. The new "Move up, ladies" teaser trailer will be released all across the internets soon and is guaranteed to be viewable over on the official GTAIV website. We're expecting visual greatness, an new look at GTAIV and hopefully be introduced to a new music track that we can download for our iPod (or Zune) too. And if you just can't wait for it, maybe you can take your mind off of the whole waiting thing and download the box art unveiling video off of the XBLM. We hear that's good times too.
Beaterator and Timbaland pushed to 2009
Yes, we know, we're as crushed as you are. The musical beatmaking and music-mixing PSP game, Beaterator, by Rockstar games has been shoved back into 2009 because of fiscal year '08's robust lineup of titles, says the company. We're fairly sure that robust lineup constitutes mainly Grand Theft Auto IV, but we digress. The title was getting produced right along with Timbaland, so we'll assume both of those are pushed to 2009. It's all right, though, we'll find a lot of other things to tide us over until these games come out. Either way you look at it, though, 2009 is a long ways off, especially if you calculate time using the Blog-o-scheduler, which is approximately fourteen human years.
BioShock "franchise" ships 1.5m units; L.A. Noire bumped from fiscal '08
After what we imagine was a prolonged series of comically exaggerated high fives and hearty back pattings, the folks at Take-Two managed to sit down long enough to write up a report detailing their third quarter fiscal 2007 financial results. In fact, they were so excited after noting that critic's darling BioShock shipped an impressive 1.5 million copies – pulling the Xbox 360's attach rate even higher – they even called it their "new BioShock franchise." A franchise, eh? Gamasutra notes that during a conference call with investors to discuss the results, they specified that BioShock could become a franchise on a "roughly two year interval," handily making up for the missing income their annual football franchise used to bring in. Of course, that's not all bad; the company's Grand Theft Auto games have followed a similar model and managed to remain well respected titles despite what could only be called some stagnation. The execs also noted that the Rockstar and Team Bondi co-produced L.A. Noire, which was nowhere to be seen on the report's initial guidance for fiscal 2008, would not be released in fiscal 2008, which extends until 11/08. The game was previously listed as a PlayStation 3 exclusive for the fiscal '08 period. Read – Take-Two Third Quarter Fiscal 2007 Financial Results Read – BioShock Receives All-Time Highest Xbox 360 Ranking on Metacritic
L.A. Noire still listed as exclusive to PS3
Yeah, the trailer isn't new, but a lot of people have no idea what this game is. The latest financial reports from Take-Two have rolled around and we found it interesting to note that on the list of upcoming titles and platforms, L.A. Noire is still listed only as a PS3 title. We don't find this necessarily shocking. In fact, Take-Two's previous financial reports said the same. However, it is nice to see not only further confirmation of exclusivity, but another piece of evidence pointing towards developer support for the PlayStation 3 -- optimization of games on each platform is going to be much more important this generation for all consoles. If you have no idea what to expect with L.A. Noire, go watch the movie Chinatown. It's an excellent film and then imagine that as a game, with plenty of action riddled in between the narrations.
Rockstar Table Tennis backhands over to Wii
The nightmare of living in a Wii Play world of ping pong is almost to an end as Rockstar has announced that their Xbox 360 darling, Table Tennis, will be making its way over to Nintendo's world of waggle. As light on information as it gets, Rockstar's release is but a simple announcement and assurance that this will take -- say it along with us now -- full advantage of the Wii remote and its unique features. Okay, Rockstar founder Sam Houser really said, "a new audience can now experience a game that is beautifully designed and impossible to put down," but we know what he meant. With a release planned for this Fall, we can only hope that we have enough time to make our way over to Japan and learn those secret paddle positions we've heard so much about.
GTAIV trailer is live. Thoughts?
Well folks, the Grand Theft Auto IV trailer is up. You can either watch the tiny, poorly streamed version at Yahoo! Games, or you can watch the higher resolution trailer at Rockstar's website. Either way, expect to do a little waiting. As we suspected, the trailer gives a marginally closer look at some of the colorful characters we'll be seeing in Liberty City. We also get a deeper look at Niko, the main character. Sprinkled throughout are bits of action, like kicking in doors, hanging from helicopters, hanging on to the back of a speeding truck, and evading the newer, smarter police. All in all, the trailer is short, but definitely sweet. Alright, talk amongst yourselves.
GTAIV trailer goes live at noon EDT
Just so you know, the second trailer for Grand Theft Auto IV will be hitting the internet equivalent of the airwaves today at noon EDT. It will be available at the official GTAIV website as well as Xbox.com, and hopefully it will hit Xbox Live Marketplace on time too. Now that we've been introduced to the world of GTAIV, we're hoping to see at least a little gameplay. We wouldn't be surprised, however, if the second trailer is used mainly to introduce us to the other characters aside from Niko (the game's protagonist). As you sit there watching the minutes go by (this time without an oh-so-trendy countdown clock), you might as well check out our GTAIV gallery, which we've updated with an entire two new images. Yeah, we know. We spoil you.%Gallery-3451%
2nd GTAIV trailer brings new theme, gamer pics
Those of you looking forward to experiencing the second Grand Theft Auto IV trailer tomorrow will be happy to hear that it will also be available on Xbox Live Marketplace and Xbox.com. In addition, Rockstar will be releasing Grand Theft Auto IV gamer pictures and a theme. The press release (featured at Gamertag Radio) makes no mention of a cost associated with the gamer pictures and theme. We're hoping Rockstar has the sense to make them free.If you simply can't figure out what to do with yourself until tomorrow, why not take a gander at our Grand Theft Auto IV galleries? We've got tons of screenshots, and some images of the special edition. Maybe that will take the edge off of the long wait.%Gallery-4323%%Gallery-3451%
GTAIV Special Edition images revealed
Fresh from Rockstar we have the first images of the Grand Theft Aufo IV Special Edition. With the special edition -- for the not-too-low price of 90 bones -- you get the game, an art book, a soundtrack CD, a duffel bag, and the particularly cool locking safety deposit box. Yes, you'll have all the makings of your own (pretend) robbery. We have to admit, as special editions go, Grand Theft Auto IV looks to be right up there with the cat helmet. Check out high resolution images of the special edition in the gallery below.%Gallery-4323%
Take Two silent on $50 million GTAIV content
We asked the question once: did Microsoft pay $50 million for GTAIV content? Readers will recall that Take Two's recent conference call made reference to two separate $25 million payments for "episodic content." Prior to this, gamesindustry.biz confirmed that the episodic content for GTAIV would be exclusive to Xbox 360. Naturally, this stumped PS3 owners who were promised their own exclusive content as well. The obvious conclusion, then, is that MS coughed up some money to keep the content exclusive.Whatever the reality is, Take Two isn't talking. Gamesindustry.biz contacted the company for comment on the $50 million quote and were greeted with no official responses whatsoever. Did MS buy exclusivity? The world may never know (but probably yes).[Via Joystiq]
Rockstar's L.A. Noire listed for PS3 only in T2 report
Those interested in gunning down finely-dressed gentlemen in dark, 1940's Los Angeles alleyways need to plan their future investments wisely. Between the cost of building a time machine and that of acquiring a PlayStation 3, we'd advise you to go with the latter -- it's considerably cheaper and won't run the risk of demolishing our current timeline. A recent Take-Two investor report confirms what many have suspected since Rockstar's L.A. Noire was first revealed, listing the game as a PS3 exclusive -- at least as far as the 2008 fiscal year is concerned. Much of the game and its additional "e" is still aptly covered by darkness and smoke, though it's expected to share many similarities with Grand Theft Auto and developer Team Bondi's The Getaway series. It certainly looks to be the only noir experience we'll encounter in a while, at least until we manage to adapt our ridiculous gumshoe trilogy into a video game. [Via PS3 Fanboy]
Take-Two's lineup shows L.A. Noire remaining PS3 exclusive
In the recent months, we've seen exclusives deteriorate rapidly. However, from Take-Two Interactive's recent earnings report and scheduled lineup for 2007 through 2008, one such title still remains listed as "PS3." Rockstar's L.A. Noire, a GTA-inspired gangster style drama set in 1940's America, hasn't been mentioned at all (until now) since its initial announcement back in October last year. With poor outlook on Take Two's recent filings and news of impending layoffs, we wonder if L.A. Noire will be able to maintain its PS3 exclusivity for much longer. Because the video is so darned pleasing to watch, we've once again embedded it for your viewing pleasure. We'll be pleased to get screenshots up once they start rolling in. Over on Team Bondi's website, there have been a slew of job openings during the last month, which might indicate a final push for the title's impending release. Hmmm ... perhaps if one of our readers could infiltrate Team Bondi headquarters, they could convince the devs to toss some screenshots our way. We promise we would share. Just an idea. [Via PS3 Forums]
Second GTA IV trailer coming soonish
The last time we waited for a Grand Theft Auto IV trailer nobody knew what the game had to offer or even what it looked like. At the time it released, the interenet stopped for a moment. And now it looks like we're going to have to go through all the madness once again. Over on the official GTA IV website, the main splash page is announcing a second trailer called "Looking For That Special Someone" that will be available June 28th. And even though there is no suspenseful countdown clock, we're still excited to see more GTA IV goodness. We advise you to prepare for the worst, because June 28th could be the day the internet calls it quits.[Via TeamXbox]
Grand Theft Auto IV images galore!
Rockstar has rolled out a handful of new Grand Theft Auto IV images and we've incorporated them into a new gallery, along with previously released content as well. The shots all show off a very impressive level of detail, from foliage in the trees to reflective surfaces on automobiles. We also get some close looks at GTAIV's protagonist, Niko Bellic (seen above behind the wheel of a likely stolen ride). Check out our extensive new gallery below and tell us what you think.%Gallery-3451%
GTAIV hops on the special edition bandwagon
It seems like every major release -- and even some not-so-major releases -- gets a special edition these days. The latest to hop on the bandwagon is the next in the franchise that power-hungry politicos love to hate, Grand Theft Auto IV. We have to admit though, as special editions go, this one's a doozy. For the bargain basement price of $90, you get a metal safety deposit box, an art book, a soundtrack CD, a keychain for holding the keys to the deposit box, and a Rockstar duffel bag. Oh, and you get a copy of Grand Theft Auto IV as well. We dig that the special edition basically gives you the end result of a high profile theft: a loaded safety deposit box in a duffel bag.What say you, fanboys, does it top the cat helmet?[Via Joystiq]
New York pol compares V-Tech Rampage to GTAIV
Confusing politicians about video games is like shooting fish in a barrel it seems. State Senator Andrew Lanza (R) of Staten Island, has publicly come out against a flash game called V-Tech Rampage, in which players reenact the recent massacre at Virginia Tech. Concerning the game Lanza stated, "There are certain things in life you don't make light of and should not be turning into a game ... It's not a game, it's a tremendous loss of life."Unfortunately, Lanza revealed his lack of understanding about the game when he called on "retailers, manufacturers and Web site hosts" to distance themselves from the game. V-Tech Rampage is an independent game created by an Australian man named Ryan Lambourn. Clearly, Lanza doesn't understand the distinction between industry product and that which is independently produced.Still, Lanza finds a way to lump GTAIV into his statements, saying, "You've got Grand Theft Auto where you murder police officers ... To me, I can't imagine people marketing and distributing it, and putting it in the hands of kids, but it's happening." If we're going to continue the fight against violent games, can we at least get a new scapegoat? GTA is getting old.[Via Joystiq]
Midnight Club Los Angeles races to Xbox 360
Rockstar has officially announced that Midnight Club: Los Angeles is headed to the Xbox 360 and PS3. The game is being developed by Rockstar San Diego, the group that originally developed the Midnight Club series. Midnight Club: Los Angeles promises to "push the boundaries and expectations of what a racing game can be." Exactly how Rockstar San Diego plans to do this isn't made clear. Still, Los Angeles will be the first Midnight Club title developed for new-gen systems, so expect a healthy dose of graphical polish. Also expect plenty of "street racing culture" and barely-dressed women. Midnight Club: Los Angeles should be available in early 2008.[Via Joystiq]
Rockstar: 360 hindering GTAIV development
Speaking to the Official Playstation Magazine, Rockstar's creative vice president, Dan Houser, noted that the Xbox 360's lack of a guaranteed hard drive poses a challenge for the development of Grand Theft Auto IV. When asked directly about the issue, Houser agreed that the hard drive issue presented limitations. It should be noted, however, that Houser elaborated that both the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 have their share of challenges. As Houser put it, "both have their own particular pleasures and pains." What exactly these pleasures and pains are is anyone's guess.For what it's worth, the version of Grand Theft Auto IV being shown to the press is running on an Xbox 360. Do with that what you will. [Via Digg]
Flying is still in GTAIV (just not in planes)
Among the details revealed about GTAIV a couple weeks back was this little tidbit: "No planes." Many readers were understandably miffed, as flying is one of the more entertaining things to do in Grand Theft Auto. Fear not, fanboys, for we have discovered that flight has not been removed from the series. Game Informer's Andrew Reiner recently spilled the beans whilst speaking to GTANet. According to Reiner, the city is really too small for a plane to make sense, but other craft -- like helicopters -- will definitely make it into the game. That, obviously, is the big news, but Reiner revealed a few other details as well. The camera has been adjusted while driving, making the game feel more like Midnight Club according to Reiner. Also, Reiner was very impressed by the game's visuals (no pop up or loading screens), and notes that retail will look even better than what he saw. He also hints that characters from previous games may make an appearance.Hit the "read" link for the full interview.[Via IGN. Thanks, Rodney]
