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WoW Moviewatch: Unlimited Escapism vol. 4
From the creative mind of Baron Soosdon comes the season one finale of his Unlimited Escapism series, volume 4. While there may be, in his own words, no plot and no point, there are stunning visuals and a great soundtrack for your viewing pleasure. If you're looking for tons of special effects, though, you may not enjoy it, as he wanted to keep it simple. However, if you're looking for a cameo of Olibith, he has you covered.In his blog, he states that 2008 will bring two or three more Unlimited Escapisms and then the series will be finished. Baron also mentions changes that we can expect in his video format, as he is switching to h.264 encoding. Here's to a new year, Baron-style!Previously on Moviewatch...
First user created UT mod for PS3 released
The official PS3 "cooking" program that allows PC mods to work on the PS3 hasn't been released yet. But, that hasn't stopped Epic from taking things into their own hands. They converted Thomas Browett's DM-Shrine and made it available for PS3 play. Feel free to download it here or here.Unfortunately, the process of getting these levels to your system are a bit cumbersome. Provided you have some external USB memory card/stick (the PSP works well in this situation), you'll be able to transfer the files to your system. Be warned, however. You'll have to follow a specific directory layout in order to get this new level onto your machine. Hopefully, a more elegant in-game solution will be made available in the future.[Via Joystiq]
Unreal Tournament 3 toolset coming soon; some content released tomorrow
We know a lot of you were disappointed to find out that, even though Epic had promised, mods were not made available for the PS3 version of Unreal Tournament III on day one. Apparently they are still waiting on some paperwork from Sony and once that's in people will be able to export their mods for the PS3 version of the game. To tide us over until then, Epic has "cooked" some mods they've picked from the community themselves. The first piece, a map by the name of DM-Shrine, is available right now to play on your PS3.As if that wasn't enough, Epic is releasing some more user-generated content for download from the modding community. A mutator, some new maps and even a new game type. This should easily keep us busy until modders can "cook" their own content - when that happens we advise that you hold onto something, because we'll be seeing a tidal wave of content being released for us.Importing content is simply a matter of placing it onto the root directory of a memory stick or USB key, then importing it through the "My Content" section of the "Community" menu. Simple as that. The power of UTIII mods really becomes clear today and we can't wait to see what the modding community comes up with once the exporter is finally released.
Mark Rein excited about UT3 mods on PS3
The always talkative Epic Games VP Mark Rein is exuberant about the open system for downloading Unreal Tournament 3 mods for the PlayStation 3. "It's fantastic! I can't understand why people are so nervous about what Sony... no, Sony's wonderful," said Rein in a lengthy interview with Gamasutra. Rein also noted how this advantage is why the game landed on the PS3 first, before they resume Xbox 360 development next year.Rein also lauded the freedom in having an open system for mod downloads and stated that they will encourage modding through sponsored contests much like they have in the past (note: ironic to this situation, Rein's last name means "to restrain or control"). He did add, however, that they have an ability to "blacklist mods that do bad things." The two interviewers seemed befuddled by the freedom of the system, giving Rein more of a chance to assert his gospel. The next challenge for Epic is to try an accomplish that same openness on Microsoft's closed system Xbox Live. "They may or may not embrace it. We don't know," he said "That's why we've made the game for the PlayStation 3 first, because we knew exactly what the boundaries were going to be." Unreal Tournament 3 is due out December 10.
Unreal Tournament PS3 shipping in 'limited quantities' Dec. 10
Despite initial doubts, Midway has confirmed that the PlayStation 3 version of first-person twitchfest, Unreal Tournament III, will begin shipping to North American stores on December 10th, with "limited quantities" leaping onto shelves the following day. Initial supply has no doubt been hampered due to Epic's last-minute (some say miraculous) completion of the game, not to mention the fact that Bob the disc burner wanted to go on vacation like yesterday.In case you missed it during the Thanksgiving avalanche, Unreal Tournament III is already available for the "personal computer."
AGEIA to give UT3 modders a physical with PhysX mod kit
With consoles constantly encroaching on what used to be exclusively PC territory, it's refreshing to know that there are some things, such as mods, that remain the domain of those who prefer keyboard and mouse over thumbsticks. For example, while Epic's Unreal Tournament III will eventually find its way to gamers of both persuasions, it will be PC enthusiasts who enjoy the added benefit of mods, though word is that players will somehow be able to share mods between platforms. The latest mod tools for the game come from physics moguls AGEIA, who have announced plans to release a mod kit designed around the company's PhysX GPU processor, promising modders "everything they need to easily add PhysX-powered content into the UT3 universe." The kit, which will be available in December, will include additional tools, guides, tutorials and documentation and assets and examples on top of the game's existing mod tools.In addition, to show that it's serious AGEIA has also released a collection of "Extreme PhysX Mod Levels," which are now available and aim to demonstrate why we should all care about the PhysX processor. This collection includes the LightHouse and Tornado mod levels, the latter of which can be seen in video form here. More levels are promised, and while we can't say that this has driven us to brave the Black Friday crowds to lay down the geld for one of those cards, AGEIA no doubt hopes that players include PhysX cards on their shopping lists this holiday season.
Unreal Tournament III can install 3.5GB worth of data
If you so choose, you can play Midway's upcoming Unreal Tournament III with some data cached on your drive. It'll take a pretty sizable chunk: 3.5 gigs worth of data. According to Mark Rein, this will shave just a few seconds off of the already-brief load times, and is meant for the hardcore that'll undoubtedly play the game nonstop. "Yes there is an install option which places a bunch of the commonly used content on your hard drive to speed up loading and texture streaming times a bit. It does not install everything - you still have to put the disc in the drive to run the game. The install is absolutely not essential. The game runs just fine from the Bluray and load times aren't bad but if you're going to play the game a lot, and you've got an extra 3.5Gb on your hard drive, then you might as well do the install because the few seconds you save here and there will add up over time."[Via N4G]
Unreal Tournament 3 multiplayer powered by GameSpy
IGN and Epic sent word this morning that Unreal Tournament 3 will use GameSpy's online technology for multiplayer match ups. The announcement makes sense, given that GameSpy joined Epic's Integrated Partners Program in August, marrying the company's technology with Unreal Engine 3 and permitting cross-platform play across both the PC and PS3. According to a statement, both versions of UT3 will leverage off of GameSpy's tools for multiplayer matchmaking, in-game and out-of-game messaging, tracking players stats, VoIP messaging, and online ranking and leaderboards. However, while interoperability between the two versions of UT3 is expected, this still has not yet been confirmed. The game is currently earmarked on our calenders for release for the PC on November 19, while the PS3 version remains something of a mystery.[Via press release]
Rein: UT3 PS3 likely for this year (in America)
With just slightly over seven weeks left in the year, you'd think it would be well known whether or not a major release like Unreal Tournament 3 will be available in time for Christmahanukwanzika. But that's just not the case. After being written off as a 2008 release by Midway back in October, Epic's Mark Rein quickly piped up to say that "the goal is still to get the PS3 version of UT3 in stores before the end of 2007." Hopeful, perhaps, but far from a guarantee.Now, a holiday release is looking a little more secure. For one, the game recently showed up on Sony's list of holiday releases for 2007. For another, Rein recently told Eurogamer that Epic is "very close to a release candidate" and that there's a "very solid shot we'll get out this year" in America. European gamers are not so lucky, though -- the lengthy certification process in the continent makes a 2008 release more likely there. That's OK, though. It's not like the PS3 is suffering from a dearth of good shooters.[Via PS3Fanboy]
ThreeSpeech hosts Unreal preview for UK fans
A very lucky five people in the UK will be able to see an early version of Unreal Tournament III for PS3. As noted by the semi-official Sony blog, these five members of the public will be some of the first non-gaming media to see the game.Send your name to blog@threespeech.com if you would like to go in the draw and five names will be selected randomly tomorrow afternoon. Remember, you'll have to make your way to Brimingham, so only those that are in the neighborhood may want to enter.
Cinemassively: I'm So Sick
There's definitely a hierarchy in the Machinima world. For example, I personally get all fangirl over people that do community-related activities, like Hugh Hancock or Phil Rice. They, however, rave about guys like Baron Soosdon.Baron created this music video based on a song, of the same name, by Flyleaf and Legion of Doom. He used Unreal Tournament 2004, Half-Life 2, and World of Warcraft for the backgrounds, but the characters themselves are from WoW. The editing in this video is absolutely superb. The visuals are top notch, showing off stunning scenery and little tricks like depth of field.Did I mention that it's just one of a ton of outstanding movies he's made in WoW and other mediums? Yep, he's just that good. You can read more about how he made it on his blog.
Unreal Tournament trailer reveals 'story'
Wait, Unreal Tournament has a story? When did this happen? One of the big new improvements to this hotly anticipated PS3/PC sequel is the addition of a significant single player story. Fans of Unreal Tournament have long gone without a story. It's not really necessary, especially in light of such advanced multiplayer modes. Regardless, the single player mode should prove a great way of training our ability to gib and get some insane kills.
Wildfires prompt Midway to evacuate San Diego office
As firefighters battle to control ongoing wildfires in Southern California, almost 1 million people have been forced from their homes in what Bloomberg deems the largest evacuation in California's history. The blazes have also affected businesses, with GameDaily BIZ reporting that Midway employees have been asked to leave the publisher's San Diego offices (one of many spread across the world). In response to less sensitive gamers asking, "But what about mah gamez?!" Midway has provided assurances that its development schedules remain unaffected and that the company's Mortal Kombat, Strangleholds and so forth remain in the hands of employees dutifully tinkering at home.
Unreal Tournament 3 demo now available on PC, already benchmarked
Call of Duty 4 isn't the only high-profile PC demo launching today. Epic Games has released a demo Unreal Tournament 3. The 741 MB download, currently available at FilePlanet, features three maps (two deathmatch and one vehicle Capture the Flag): HeatRay, ShangriLa and Suspense.Unsurprisingly, there are already performance benchmarks for the game over various gaming rigs, such as this lengthy piece from PC Perspective. The demo description still lists UT3 as coming in November, although the game's publisher Midway doesn't have nearly as much confidence in that release window.%Gallery-4830%
UT3 beta demo rocking your PC within two weeks
Unreal Tournament 3! Unreal Tournament 3! The sequel to Unreal Tournament 2004, which was preceded by Unreal Tournament 2003. Three cheers for Unreal Tournament 3! Epic's grand poobah Mark Rein recently posted on the game's official forums, dropping some details regarding the upcoming "beta demo" scheduled to come out within "the next two weeks." Rein revealed that the teaser will contain online multiplayer and instant action bot play; a perfect aperitif for the diehard UT fans. Non-alcoholic for the under 21 set.It's certainly good to hear things are still on track for the PC version of the game, especially when the PS3 version is expected to slip into next year.
Unreal Engine issues cause Midway's PS3 delays; prompt release dates for '08 promised
Underneath the depths of a crater-sized hole left from their earlier Unreal Tournament 3 PS3 delay, Midway CEO David Zucker also made a rather bold statement about Midway's future Unreal Engine-based PS3 releases. Citing "technical issues of the Unreal Engine 3.0" as the main culprit for the PS3 delays of Stranglehold, Area 51: Blacksite and of course, Unreal Tournament 3, the conference call also included the assurances these technical issues have since been worked out, barring PS3 delays for future multiplatform releases in 2008 and beyond. Hmmm ... color PS3 fans bemused and slightly suspicious. After all, we're still left with a lingering sting from the triple whammy PS3 backhand they've dished out. If anything is certain, it's that death, taxes and occasional game delays are all but inevitable but we just hope Midway can stick to their guns to make one of those things, a thing of the past. Imagine ... no taxes! [Insert lolz here.]
Epic: Expect more story, not cross-platform play
After months of considering online cross-platform play between PC and PS3, it appears that Epic will not be able to deliver. "The biggest challenge in doing cross platform play is syncronizing [sic] the builds such that the build on the PC is 100% compatible with the build on the PS3," said Rein to BeyondUnreal. "Unfortunately (or fortunately) when you [develop] games on console you have a lengthy certification process to go through each time you release anything new." Instead of delaying the game, this option simply won't be available -- but that doesn't count out a patch that could deliver said functionality in the future.In regard to the singe player's story mode, the team wants you to "Expect more story than you're expecting." But, if you're expecting more than you already expect, doesn't that create some kind of self-feeding cycle where the story balloons to War & Peace-like levels?[Via ShackNews]
Gears of War and UT3 coming to the Mac
Back at WWDC one of the most surprising things was the emphasis on gaming. Well apparently Uncle Steve and Co. were serious as Epic has confirmed that the Xbox 360 mega-hit Gears of War as well as the highly anticipated Unreal Tournament 3 are both coming to the Mac. On a video at Gametrailers.com, Epic VP Mark Rein reveals the news. As the resident 360 maven let me assure you that getting Gears on the Mac should make a lot of Mac gamers happy. There's no word on timing, but with announcements like this there's reason to hope that the future of gaming on Intel Macs looks bright.[via MacMinute]
"One Thumb to Rule them All"
This video is just flat out amazing. Mike Phillips is a Mac gamer and writer, who just happens to have been born with spinal muscular atrophy. He's apparently only able to move his thumb, and yet that doesn't stop him from playing Unreal Tournament and World of Warcraft. This is possible thanks to a proximity switch connected the Swifty USB switch interface from Origin Instrument and the SwitchXS software from AssistiveWare. The latter looks basically like a kind of on-screen keyboard, that Mike scrolls through to select arrows or letters, etc. Seeing Mike frag people left and right is enough to make me keep away from him online. AssistiveWare has a variety of products to help disabled Mac users, as well as other videos demonstrating some of them.[via MacDevCenter]
New details on Unreal Tournament 3
A feature story in the latest Official Xbox Magazine has revealed some new details about Epic Games' upcoming Unreal Tournament 3 as well as some hype-tacular words by lead designer Steven Polge. Additions to the game include: Four-player co-op and two-player split-screen in the single-player campaign 18 vehicles and five types of turrets Hoverboards Polge also made a few claims sure to be cited in any brouhaha concerning the shooter. Referencing the Great Keyboard & Mouse vs. Controller Debate, the designer claimed that UT3's controls are so good that half of the staff prefer the Xbox 360 version. Also noted were the improvements in Unreal Engine 3, as exemplified by contrasting the game to previous Epic title Gears of War. Polge said that UT3 is "Gears on crack. Cover is for wimps!" You hear that, gamers who bought his company's previous Xbox 360 title? You're a bunch of wimps! (Until Gears of War 2 is announced, of course.)
