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France vies to give artful tax break for game industry
France's Culture Minister Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres is hoping to classify gaming as art. In doing so, the French gaming industry including Ubisoft, Vivendi and Infogrames would receive a 20 percent tax break. France already considers cinema a form of art.Ignoring the debate on whether or not gaming is an art, the classification has major opposition from the games industry in and around France. The primary concern, as explained by Patrice Chazerand of Interactive Software Federation of Europe, is government interference with the game design process. Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot supports the tax break, though its no surprise since Ubisoft could only benefit from savings when their developer studios are too global for French interference.In March, French decreed the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres to game designers Michel Ancel, Frédérick Raynal and Shigeru Miyamoto.
Gamestop lists Ghost Recon for PSP
Retailers have been great at revealing upcoming announced games. Remember how we spotted Oblivion for PSP at Gamestop? Sure, there were tons of denials, but truth was: it was real. (Pictures here.) Gamestop has revealed yet another interesting listing: Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter 2 for PSP. The first GRAW was a critical success. Hopefully, the sequel will be able to capture even a small part of the original's excellent gameplay. We have the PS2 version of the first GRAW pictured up here, and we're confident that Ubisoft can get the PSP version looking close to the visual fidelity of this game. I mean, look at the awesome work they're doing on Rainbow Six: Vegas. [Via Gamespot]
Live from downtown, it's R6 Vegas (video)
Ubisoft has released a video showcasing the downtown sections of Rainbow Six: Vegas. Those of you who've played the demo will be pleased to see that the downtown sections are a little more varied than the environments in the demo. The video shows off some of the colorful casinos, neon lights blazing. The video also demonstrates the ability to set target priorities for your teammates -- in other words, which terrorists to take out first -- which is a great feature. Head on over to Xboxyde to check it out. If the tiny streaming video doesn't do it for you, we'd suggest downloading the HD version and streaming it to your 360.Seriously, we've said it before, but this Christmas is going to be hard on a fanboy's wallet.
Vegas finally makes it to the US
Rainbow Six: Vegas, a game based around one of the United States' most famous cities, has ironically been everywhere except the US. The demo has been live in both the UK and Japan for some time now, leaving many American players lost, not knowing what to do. If this sounds like you, rejoice, because the demo has finally hit these golden shores. Clocking in at over 470 Megs, the demo is available in Marketplace right now. So, if you're American and you haven't already created a digital, British speaking doppelganger of yourself, go grab the demo and kill some terrorists. Oh, and save the innocent, or something.
Ubisoft's steering wheel, boxed
It's the doughnut, ready and willing to cradle your Wiimote while you take those hairpin turns. If you're not picking up GT Pro Series or Monster 4x4 (both of which come packaged with the wheel), then you can snag one of these for a pretty reasonable $19.99. While it may look funny (and so will you when using it), the steering wheel has actually gotten some pretty good reviews, the most recent from Chris Kohler of GameLife.Check after the jump for the back of the box.
RB6: Vegas demo available in Japan
The Rainbow Six: Vegas demo showed up in Europe last week, and now it's available -- the English version -- in Japan as well. Unfortunately, fans in the US are still out of luck, unless they finagled a UK profile or grabbed the latest OXM. Worse, not everybody seems happy with Ubisoft's effort this time around. For those who have played the demo, is everything coming up sevens (or sixes rather) in Vegas?[Thanks Chris]
Splinter Cell: Dynamic Advertising Agent
Concerned reader and avid Splinter Cell fan, Carlos Birdsong, shares some interesting info about Double Agent."I was playing SCDA with some friends as a Merc and I saw a spy run under a truck that had a Comcast ad on it. I was out of grenades and told one of my teammates to toss a grenade under the comcast truck, only he didn't see it. Why? He saw what was by default a Hong Kong truck instead of the Comcast truck.While I think in game ads are cool when in context, I saw some Comcast signage as well, but this dynamic ad rendering can affect gameplay--subtle but interesting side effect."Dynamic ad placement in games is starting to become commonplace, and situations like this could be an unfortunate byproduct. Have any of you experienced similar problems? Do you think dynamic ads should be removed from multiplayer games where positioning is important, or at least made so every player sees the same thing?[Image via Mega64]
Metareview - Dark Messiah of Might and Magic
If you're debating whether or not to purchase Ubisoft's Dark Messiah of Might and Magic, the extreme range of reviews for the new RPG-shooter may leave you even more confused. A few things to consider: IGN issued their score without reviewing Dark Messiah's multiplayer, and Game Informer didn't seem to experience any of the technical glitches that marred GameSpot's and GameSpy's sessions. If you haven't done so already, you might want to download the demo, then wait a few weeks and see what other customers are saying. Game Informer (93/100) enjoyed the Arx Fatalis-style atmosphere: "The ancillary aspects of the game – exploring Dark Messiah's fantastic world, enjoying the plotline, and simply basking in the great ambiance that Arkane Studios has created – are savory distractions that never get in the way of the core gameplay." IGN (88/100) loved the combat system: "The mix of brute force, spell casting and blade-work work well together. Combined with the ability to lift boxes, barrels, crates and a host of inanimate objects, you're never short of something to hurl or a clever way of inflicting pain." GameSpot (67/100) did not love the combat system: "All told, the game's single-player has its moments but is often really repetitive. It's certainly not bad, but the story never ropes you in, the combat isn't very satisfying, and you never get the feeling that Sareth is growing more powerful as you play." GameSpy (60/100) had issues with just about everything: "Unfortunately, things like shaky enemy AI, meandering and unintuitive level designs, and a paper-thin plot make the game's brilliant moments seem way too infrequent. The biggest inherent problem with Dark Messiah's multiplayer is that all the cool Source physics elements have been gutted from it." See also: Metareview - Heroes of Might and Magic V
RB6: Vegas for $39.99?
Not sure if this is a mistake or what, but Amazon has Rainbow Six: Vegas listed at $39.99. That's $20 cheaper than every other retailer. Get it while it's hot.. [Thanks Tariq]
New Wii hands-ons, plus Phoenix Wright import
Game|Life has scored some precious hands-ons with Ubisoft's Wii launch titles and also managed some time with the Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney: Justice For All (DS) import while traveling to and from the Ubisoft offices. Check out the coverage: Monster Truck 4x4 and GT Pro - "...just old games with Wii controls shoehorned in, and how do you really get excited about that?" Red Steel - "I didn't play Red Steel at E3 ... So I had no firsthand knowledge of the game until today. And what I played was great. Apparently they've made great strides between E3 and today, because the controls ... were spot-on..." Rayman Raving Rabbids - "...this might be the best non-Zelda game of the launch, and easily a great showpiece for the controller's abilities." Splinter Cell: Double Agent - "After spending a half an hour struggling to complete the first level of Double Agent on Wii, I went home, popped in the PS2 version, and blasted through it unscathed in minutes." Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney: Justice For All (DS import) - "Not only is the game bilingual, it's actually a global product. When plugged into an American DS system, the title bar on the console's menu screen reads -- instead of Gyakuten Saiban 2 -- 'Phoenix Wright: Justice For All.'"
Taking Red Steel for a spin
Chris Kohler over at the Wired Blogs recently got his hands on Red Steel and came to the conclusion that he is pretty darn good at it. Citing other journalists' claims of having a tough time getting used to the controls and busting caps in Yakuza with ease. Chris also notes that he did not get his hands on the game at E3 or Nintendo's NYC event last month, stating that the controls were "spot on" and made for "an immersive, thrilling ride."It's good to hear some positive news about Red Steel, right?
Ubisoft expands to Mexico
Ubisoft is establishing new offices in Mexico City, Mexico, making it the 22nd country with Ubisoft's presence and the first in Latin America. Ubisoft's world presence, which can be observed via their website, is reminiscent of the board game Risk. If Ubisoft's got a hot hand with a pair of dice, they might be able to out roll EA's forces and overtake Brazil. The French-originating company also announced their lineup for the Electronic Games Show in Mexico City. In addition to Open Season (shown on the PS2) and Rainbow Six Vegas (shown on the Xbox 360), Ubisoft will present three Nintendo Wii titles: Red Steel, Rayman Raving Rabbids, and Splinter Cell Double Agent. All the games are billed as holiday 2006 titles, all but ensuring Double Agent as one of the once-eight-now-seven Wii launch titles. [Via GameDaily]
GRAW 2 on its way -- Assassin's Creed waits until late 2007
All right, I'll be honest -- I did play GRAW online multiplayer on the 360. I'll be honest again: I don't like FPS and I don't much care for online multiplayer. With that in mind, understand that I didn't like GRAW at all. Just a personal preference; I know many, many people like it a lot. So, when we read that Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 was taking the release slot of Assassin's Creed (4th quarter of fiscal year... probably around February) as well as Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway. Basically, this means we can expect those two titles any time after March of '07 up to March of '08... whenever Ubisoft decides they need to "strengthen fiscal year 2007-2008"... basically whenever they need some money, then they'll release these games. That's kind of annoying, but it's business. Anyone bent out of shape? Ubisoft just replaced two high-profile titles with the sequel to a (subjective alert) mediocre FPS! It bends us out of shape. We want some stealthy killing with things other than high-powered rifles and lobbed grenades. Just for the record... Tom Clancy, stop. Personally, I'm sick of seeing your name tacked on to any modern/post-modern war game. Your plots are easy to generate, too (go down to #4).
Ubisoft pledges fourteen games by March
Ubisoft has shown perhaps the staunchest third party support for the Wii, previously pledging a ridiculous eight games at launch. As if that wasn't enough, the go-get-em' developer has stated in a recent financial report that they will be releasing no less than fourteen games by March 2007. Since Ubisoft has announced no other games then those coming at launch, the additional six are completely unknown.Though we may not know much, apparently one of the six is a "non-announced new brand", implying an original IP. Are the others, then, mere sequels, ports, and remakes? Well, the more the merrier, we say. A particularly sad detail, however, is that the report specifically mentions only seven games at launch, which means one of the original eight may not be on the streets come November 19th after all. Which is it? Splinter Cell: Double Agent, Blazing Angels: Squadrons of WWII, and GT Pro Series are the likely candidates, though we won't know for sure till close to launch time.Now remember, kids, say your prayers for love, peace, and Beyond Good and Evil 2 every night, and maybe one will come true. You know which one we want.[via Joystiq]
Assassin's Creed & BIA slip, GRAW2 must satisfy
Expected to headline Ubisoft's early 2007 release list, Assassin's Creed and Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway have been delayed at least six months, likely pushing their releases into Q3 2007 or beyond. Ubisoft did not give specific reasons for the setbacks.Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 is now set to fill the fourth fiscal quarter gap (January–March 2007), meaning, for better or worse, the sequel to this year's hit will be developed and released in roughly a year's time. Despite critical and consumer acclaim, the original GRAW had some glaring flaws that should not be ignored the second time around -- laughable (and often frustrating) A.I. being the most obvious. At least GRAW2 will be up against some genuine next-gen competition when it hits the market.[Thanks, Indy; Via Digital Battle]
Ubisoft: 14 Wii titles by March 2007
In their recent press release concerning revenue forecasts, Ubisoft pledged seven more Wii title, in addition to the seven announced at launch, bringing the total to 14 Wii games by March 2007. The first concern we have is the seven launch titles. Prior to the press release, we knew of eight confirmed launch titles (listed after the break). Which game is not making the launch window? Ubisoft's press release did not provide any further elaboration of the seven Wii launch games, but we think prime candidates for delay are Splinter Cell: Double Agent and Blazing Angels.That leaves us with six unknown non-launch titles due for release before March. Of them, one will be a "non announced new brand." Does that mean the other five will be sequels, adaptations, or other franchice iterations? Ubisoft releasing 14 titles within as many weeks of the Wii launch is a big gamble. The publisher-developer aspires to topple EA as the No. 1 publisher worldwide, but is this a route of quantity over quality? If Ubisoft's titles prove to be consistently high caliber (or, at least, pretty decent), then perhaps their assault on the Wii library will prove fruitful. However, if a string of titles within that period turn out to be low quality garbage, then Ubisoft is doing nothing to help the company long-term.
Win a Dark Messiah PC from Vigor, Logitech
Ubisoft's Dark Messiah of Might and Magic is now available, and the French publisher has launched a "Gear Up to Win" sweepstakes to promote its new FPS/role-playing adventure. The top prize is a $3,000 Vigor gaming rig outfitted with Logitech's G15 gaming keyboard, G5 mouse, and Z-5500 speakers. Best of all, the system's pimped out with Dark Messiah branding so that orc will be staring at you with his beady little eyes even when you're not playing the game. You have until November 30 to enter online.
Rainbow Six: Vegas demo video
For our American readers who have to wait for the Rainbow Six: Vegas demo -- or those that won't use this trick -- we have something that will cure what ails you. Xboxyde has posted a video of the first 10 minutes of gameplay from the demo. There's rapelling, thermal vision, and plenty of terrorist killing. In other words, the game looks like a lot of fun. Check out the video here, or a high resolution version here. Here's a crazy question, is anyone getting Rainbow Six instead of Gears of War?
R6: Vegas demo now available, not in US
European 360 Fanboys, now is your time to gloat. You can now officially download the Rainbow Six: Vegas demo off of Xbox Live Marketplace. Meanwhile, we unlucky American 360 Fanboys will have to sit and wait for Ubisoft to release one here. This may mark the first time Euopeans get content first. In other news, pigs have grown wings and have become quite successful in their aeronautical endeavors (good for them). So, Euro-fanboys, does it take the sting off of the wait for Dead Rising at all?[Via Major Nelson, who seems to be having technical difficulties]
Metareview - Splinter Cell Double Agent (Xbox 360)
It's been nineteen long months since Ubisoft delivered the last Splinter Cell installment. Sam Fisher is finally back, in Double Agent, premiering on Xbox 360 -- a variety of versions will soon follow, spanning PC, PlayStation 2 & 3, Wii, and Xbox.The game is not as radical as the title would have you believe, unless you're a Spies vs. Mercs follower, in which case, Ubisoft has shuffled the multiplayer game around; and apparently, for the better: Game Informer (90/100) "came for the single-player ... and stayed for the multiplayer." Eurogamer (90/100) warns of tedious load times, but can't deny that "[Double Agent is] by far the best game in series to date." GameDaily (80/100) is "a bit disappointed with the AI," but agrees with GI that "the addictive Mercs vs. Spies multiplayer mode makes up for the single player's shortcomings."
