ubisoft
Latest
Brain Age creator leaves DS development for PSP, DS fanboys cry [Update 1]
If you can't beat them, take from them. Although the old saying may not go exactly like that, it's what Sony has done as they managed to woo Dr. Kawashima, the creator of the DS' immensely popular Brain Age games to join the PSP team. In addition to coming to the PSP, the game is getting a name change to Mind Quiz, which is developed by Sega and published by Ubisoft. Mind Quiz challenges player's (you guessed it!) minds with math, reflexes and memory mini-games that end with the player receiving their "brain age" score. Currently, Mind Quiz is scheduled to go on sale throughout Europe in November.Seeing as I don't own a Nintendo DS, I've never played these games before, but they have interested me. However, after I get to play Mind Quiz, I won't tell you all my brain age score out of fear of public humiliation.[Update 1: Clarified a sentence that was a bit confusing.][Via Joystiq]
Assassin's Creed's brains exclusive to 360
Assassin's Creed, Ubisoft's erstwhile PS3 exclusive, has finally been confirmed for the Xbox 360 and, just a few short weeks later, they were even showing off gameplay at Microsoft's X06 event, with nary a PS3 in sight. When they weren't enjoying the fun and sun in Barcelona, Ubi producers, like Jade Raymond, were doing walkthroughs of the game and even comparing platform strengths. From IGN:"While the PlayStation 3 and 360 versions of Assassin's Creed are virtually identical, Raymond did say that on the 360 the team is putting a special emphasis on achievements. The hardware also allows for improved threading, which will improve even further the crowd AI."We're not sure what this means? Is it that the triple-core processor in the 360 is more powerful than Sony's Cell (we don't think so) or that it's simply easier to extract power from the 360 due to a more streamlined development environment? John Carmack says it's "a really sweet development system," and in the game development community, that's like money in the bank. So, since the crowd is going to be such a major part of Assassin's gameplay, can we expect a better experience on 360? Or is this just developers nitpicking over the minutiae of cross-platform development?[Via 360stuff]
Dr. Kawashima defects to PSP, 'Brain Age' becomes 'Mind Quiz'
The DS's beloved mascot is moving on. The ever-jovial Dr. Kawashima is taking his "brain age" circus and heading for greener pastures, hoping to score big-time on the ungrazed PSP platform.As Brain Trainer, the title has been burning up the sales charts in Japan, and now Ubisoft will deploy Sega's newly tagged Mind Quiz across Europe in November. Overseen by Dr. Kawashima, players will test their calculation abilities, reflexes, and memory in a series of bland mini-games, culminating in a "brain age" score.Nevermind that it's Brain Age without the touch screen, blazing through simple arithmetic is just ... So. Much. Fun! (And we hear it makes you smarter.)
Ubisoft prez sends some 360 "love"
It's a good thing that Sony's Ken Kutaragi reportedly doesn't care about the competition, because if he did he might be worried about the strong words of support for Microsoft's Xbox 360 coming from Ubisoft president Yves Guillemot during an interview with GameIndustry.biz.Guillemot said that Ubisoft granted an exclusive Splinter Cell title for Xbox 360 because, "Splinter Cell was created on the first Xbox, so we thought it was important to come back for one volume with Microsoft to create a very good quality title focused on using the full power of the system." He added later, "We love Xbox 360 because it's easy to develop on and that's why we want to put great quality products on it."Ubisoft is clearly hedging its bets in the next-generation console race by offering plenty of launch support for the Wii and brining major games like Assassin's Creed to the PS3 as well as to the 360. Still, this laudatory interview from the company's president is sure to brighten the mood of any ardent 360 supporter.
New Red Steel images
Red Steel looks more and more stunning every time we see new images and art for it. We knew that being a ninja was the most bad ass thing on this planet but we never knew that it could look so amazing. Not even a pirate could say no to that screenshot. Ubisoft is really pushing the envelope with this game (it helps that it is on such an amazing system as well) and we hope it it falls in line as one of the best Wii titles. So far, we see no reason to not be amped about it. [Via 4 Color Rebellion]
Assassin's Creed 360 has superior AI, says Ubisoft producer [update 2]
Assassin's Creed producer Jade Raymond has let slip what she must have assumed was a minor detail, suggesting the Xbox 360 version of Ubisoft's upcoming release will boast superior crowd AI when compared to the PlayStation 3 version. She points to 360's more-capable threading technology as the reason for this slight improvement. Raymond also noted that the Xbox team is working on some special achievements for Assassin's Creed, but she did not comment on the state of PS3 "entitlements."Many had anticipated that Assassin's Creed would be one of PS3's future hits (a reason to invest in the pricey console), if not the killer app -- but that was when AC was "exclusive" to Sony's console. Will news that the Xbox 360 version is apparently "smarter" drive some console sales away from Sony and into Microsoft's corner? Will the MS camp try to market this detail to its advantage? This is an issue to watch.[Update 1: clarified wording with regard to comment #4.]Update 2: As described in comment #7, IGN writes: "you will actually feel for handholds." We assume this means the (Xbox 360) controller will vibrate when Altair is in position to use safe hand- and footholds. But with a lack of rumble support, how will the PS3 handle this gameplay feature?
Suspiciously beautiful Rainbow Six screenshots
Ruriweb has discovered some supernaturally beautiful screenshots of the PSP version of Rainbow Six. Certainly, the game doesn't match the visual intensity of its Xbox 360 brethren, but it does a fine job visually nonetheless. Everything seems a bit too stellar: the character models, the lighting and the textures. Hopefully, such beauty doesn't come at the expense of framerate or loading times. We'll certainly find out more info before the game sneaks into store shelves in October. Until then, check out more pics after the cut.[Via PSP-Vault]
X06: Assassin's Creed gameplay video
Taken directly from the X06 press briefing yesterday, here's a video of Ubisoft's Jade Raymond demonstrating Assassin's Creed gameplay. That's right. For really reals y'all. It's actual gameplay of Assassin's Creed. No CGI filler here, just the real deal. Unfortunately, this video ends before the mysterious death screen, which has something of an anachronistic feel to it compared to the overall game. We're not sure if the demonstrator was supposed to die or not, but the demo snapped off very quickly when she did. Check out the video after the break.
Splinter Cell, BioShock, GTA IV episodes exclusive for Xbox 360
Both BioShock and Splinter Cell Conviction (the suspected title for the post-Double Agent iteration) will be console-exclusive to the Xbox 360; BioShock will still be coming to the PC, while Splinter Cell can still be released for the PC and various portable console (DS, PSP). BioShock publisher Take-Two will also be providing "exclusive access to two downloadable, epic episodes of Grand Theft Auto IV via Xbox Live, each with hours of entirely new gameplay ." Ubisoft's Splinter Cell Conviction is the title found during their "accidental" leak earlier this month. The exclusivity of BioShock was predicted by GameSpot back in January after developer Irrational was bought by Take Two. The GTA IV episodes are a "complete exclusive," according to Scott Henson, Director of the Game Development Group at Microsoft, and will not showing up on the PlayStation 3 download service. The episodes will be available a few months after the release of Grand Theft Auto IV on October 17 and 19 in US and Europe, respectively. Microsoft hinted at exclusive GTA IV content as early as July. While BioShock may not affect the mass audience, the loss of Splinter Cell and some exclusive GTA IV content could hurt the PlayStation 3's image in North America and Europe. Then again, Sony does have Metal Gear Solid 4 to satiate its consumers, but what are the long-term ramifications of Microsoft's exclusive deals?
Kane & Lynch trailer shows us how it's done [update 1]
Those wonderful boys at Xboxyde have posted the Kane & Lynch trailer that hit Marketplace this morning. Now this is how you make a trailer. Let's just put it this way, if it was a movie, we'd watch it. Ubisoft Eidos is making it clear that story telling is going to play a big role in this generation. Let's just hope that the gameplay lives up to it.Update:Oops. It's Eidos not Ubisoft.
Here it is: Red Steel boxart
For a lot of people (read: people who are not obsessive gamers like us), the boxart is their only real window into what a game might offer. That tends to make it a little important in the grand scheme of things. And when it comes to selling an entire system, the boxart of a few key games becomes doubly important. Nintendo is facing something of a challenge when it comes to winning so-called "hardcore" gamers to its side in this round of the console wars, and this box for Red Steel may help shift the balance. There's nothing about this title that is juvenile in any way, but the same could be said for many GameCube games, and yet the notion that Nintendo is 'just for kids' lingered. Having this box prominently displayed next to the spankin' new Wiis come November 19 could win a few more fans for the House of Mario and their new benefactor Ubisoft. It's simple, yet gives the impression of frenetic motion -- something that is often seen on the covers of the better class of Hong Kong action films.How does it strike you? Give us your impressions.
Assassin's Creed art sans watermark
We ran a post about some spiffy new artworks from Assassin's Creed yesterday. We also made an offhanded remark about the IGN watermark dirtying up our pretty, pretty picture. It looks like reader, Alexis Ayala, took that remark to heart. Alexis has since scrubbed the watermark out of two of the images. The reason: "I was bored." You can grab the first one by clicking the image above. The second can be found here. We totally <3 you, Alexis.
Far Cry Vengeance designer speaks
We've suspected that Jack Carver would make a showing on the Wii for some time now and it was no surprise when Ubisoft finally gave up and admitted it was happening. Turns out IGN managed to interview the Wii version's designer, Fabrice Cuny, and extrapolate several details on the game as well as a slew of screens. This isn't just Far Cry Evolutions Predator with a new coat of paint, however, as Cuny is quick to explain that Vengeance will feature a new storyline, maps, and weapons.Of the new maps, 3 were mentioned as Tourist Resort, which is a hotel setting, an abandoned WWII base, and a fuel refinery. The new weapons that players will be able to wield in these environments are a machete, a Bull44 revolver, G18 automatic rifle, and more that Cuny would not reveal. Also, it is confirmed that Far Cry Vengeance will able to run in 16:9 and progressive scan.Head on over to IGN and check out the new screens.
Dark Messiah screen contest announced
Ubisoft's community manager for Dark Messiah of Might and Magic has announced a new promotional contest on the game's forum. The French publisher is soliciting humorous screenshots and pictures that can be taken from the single player demo, multiplayer beta, or by simply playing medieval dress-up with your friends. At stake are 20 Dark Messiah bonus discs, and a t-shirt for the top entry. Not many guidelines are offered, but considering the French have such deep affection for Jerry Lewis, you might want to try reenacting a scene from The Errand Boy while dressed in your best Orc outfit.You only have until October 1, so get snappin' (or grabbin')!
Need new wallpaper? Think Assassin's Creed [update 1]
IGN has some fancy artwork from the PS3 exclusive that wasn't, Assassin's Creed. The artworks are all very large and very pretty. They're just right for that spiffy new desktop background you've been looking for. Now if we could just scrub out that pesky IGN watermark ...Update: Fixed tiny grammatical error.
Ubisoft "accidentally" leaks tons of assets
Over two gigs worth of screenshots, videos, and concept art was apparently accidentally posted by Ubisoft on their public ftp server. Whoops. While some of these games have already been announced, some haven't, although there aren't any real surprises here: Assassins Creed, Farcry 2, Farcry PSP, Farcry Wii, Lost, Naruto, Open Season, Prince of Persia, Rainbow Six: Vegas, Rocky PSP, Splinter Cell Double Agent, Splinter Cell Conviction, Surf's Up, Star Wars PSP, Shaun White, TMNT, and TMNT GBA. Ubisoft isn't too pleased about the leak either, stating,"The publication of this type of information can only be harmful to the game development process and we will take all steps necessary to prevent this from happening in the future."While we can understand why Ubisoft wouldn't want employees or summer interns posting confidential information on the internet, how does it harm the game development process? We can understand if the raw code for Splinter Cell: Conviction got out, or if a disgruntled programmer posted a disk image of Far Cry 2, but screenshots and videos? And while TGS is unfolding? Color us suspicious.
Ubisoft takes a leak, reveals new titles
The NeoGAF forums exploded when an archive of assets from Ubisoft was stolen and leaked. The game of most significance for PSP owners has to be FarCry, a first person shooter that's been seen on the PC, Xbox and Xbox 360 (with a Wii version coming).Other games featured in the leak included a new Splinter Cell (before Double Agent even makes it into stores!) and Ubisoft's upcoming Naruto game.[Thanks, steve!]
New Red Steel images -- Ninjas pwn
Since yesterday was absolutely ruined with it being International Talk Like A Pirate Day, we ninjas are throwing out a rebuttal. Behold dirty sea-dwellers! Red Steel images! How could you ever turn away the lifestyle of a ninja when it is so clearly stated in these screens that we absolutely pwn? Just look up at guy-with-tattoo-on-head. He is totally getting chopped in half by one of us. If that image doesn't convince you, take a look at any of the other screenshots and you'll see. Ninjas for life. [Via News4Gamers]
Red Steel interview reveals more on locales and controls
Creative Director for Red Steel Nicolas Eypert recently took part in an interview with Shacknews to discuss some things about the game's content. Nicolas reveals that while the game will feature a lot of environments in Japan, you'll be able to visit some American locales such as a tuning garage and massage institute. Japanese areas in Tokyo are confirmed to include a harbor, geisha neighborhood, and gambling area. In discussing weaponry in the game, Eypert stresses that all of the usual firearms you'd expect will be included:"You have all the standard weapons you like in a shooter: shotgun, assault rifle, pistols, grenades... The thing is that we adapted the controls for the Wii. So now you can directly launch a grenade as if you had it in your hand. You can launch it from above or roll it on the floor. That completely changes the way you enjoy the weapons."Sounds great! Head on over and check out the two page interview for more on the game's controls and focus mode, the bullet-time-like game mechanic that allows you to slow down time for greater accuracy.
Rayman Raving Rabbids rumors debunked [update 1]
When a game like Rayman Raving Rabbids has this much hype, the rumors go flying. It turns into a he said, she said ordeal and 1up has put that to an end. For those of you thinking that this is strictly a platformer, you are wrong friend. This, as Nintendo cleared up, is a mini-game collection. As 1up tells us: The single-player story mode does feature Rayman running around in third-person along the lines of a platformer in places, but these places are limited to the game's overworld hub set in a gladiator arena. There is no "gameplay" connected to these scenes -- they simply involve moving Rayman from one challenge to another, without camera control, watching cinema sequences and earning prizes like costumes. Next, the rumor going around that the FPS mini-game has the player changing directions with the analog stick is false. The game automatically moves you and you aim with the Wiimote. Lastly, Rayman Raving Rabbids has not been moved to release in 2007. It is considered a launch title and looks like it will be one of the best (right after Zelda, of course). [Update: Fixed a typo.]
