E3 News

[Ruslan74]

There are way too many events happening to deserve a thread each, thus a summary of all the events i can get hold of will show here.



EA, id Software and Fountainhead Entertainment Announce Orcs & Elves

link (http://ve3d.ign.com/articles/704/704305p1.html)

Electronic Arts Inc. announced today the development of Orcs & Elves, a brand new first-person, turn-based fantasy RPG, created exclusively for mobile phones by id Software and Fountainhead Entertainment. The game will be available exclusively to Verizon Wireless Get it Now customers on May 9, 2006 and nationwide in July.
Following the success of DOOM RPG, EA has teamed up with id Software and Fountainhead Entertainment to create Orcs & Elves, an epic adventure that utilizes the next generation DOOM RPG graphics engine resulting in rich gameplay of unparalleled depth. The title, which immerses mobile gamers in an original fantasy universe, provides a hybrid gameplay experience, combining first-person action and tactical turn-based RPG. With the help of a magical talking wand, players explore an ancient Dwarven fortress riddled with legendary beasts and untold treasures.

"We are thrilled to be working again with the brilliant team at id Software and Fountainhead Entertainment to create Orcs & Elves exclusively for mobile," said Mitch Lasky, Senior Vice President of EA Mobile. "We are committed to delivering the most innovative wireless titles and this collaboration with id Software is testament to that dedication."

"The formative computer games of my youth were fantasy games, so I am happy to finally bring one to market," said John Carmack, founder and technical director, id Software. "Orcs & Elves has been explicitly designed to play to the strengths and avoid the weaknesses of the mobile platform, with easy game play, a tight design, and a rewarding presentation of a world we think players will want to see more of."

"Creating a rich world for the mobile market where players can immerse themselves at any time or any place is truly rewarding," said Katherine Kang, CEO, Fountainhead Entertainment. "It's exciting to see games evolving on this platform."

Orcs & Elves catapults gamers into a world of sword and sorcery with over five hours of feature-rich gameplay. Players can wield eleven mystical weapons from flaming swords to powerful cross bows as they confront over thirty five vicious enemies - including trolls, dark elves and the undead. In this heroic quest to save the Dwarven citadel from the forces of darkness, mobile gamers encounter secrets, treasure chests, devious traps, puzzles and mysterious characters.


Assassin Creed Announced

link (http://ve3d.ign.com/articles/704/704302p1.html)

Today Ubisoft, one of the world's largest video game publishers, announced the development of a new video game franchise: Assassin's Creed. Assassin's Creed is being developed for PLAYSTATION 3 by an all-star team from Ubisoft's world-class Montreal studio - the studio responsible for acclaimed franchises such as Prince of Persia and Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell. The Assassin's Creed franchise will combine compelling new gameplay, superb graphics, and an immersive and sophisticated storyline to deliver an epic experience that will launch the action genre into the next generation and beyond.
"Assassin's Creed is going to push the video game experience as we know it today into an entirely new direction," said Yannis Mallat, chief executive officer at Ubisoft's Montreal studio. "Assassin's Creed's compelling theme and storyline experienced through the next-generation console will captivate audiences and affect them on the same level as an epic novel or film."

The first game in the Assassin's Creed franchise is set in 1191 AD, when the Third Crusade was tearing the Holy Land apart. Shrouded in secrecy and feared for their ruthlessness, the Assassins intend to stop the hostilities by suppressing both sides of the conflict. Players, assuming the role of the main character Altair, will have the power to throw their immediate environment into chaos and to shape events during this pivotal moment in history.

Ubisoft has a strong record of creating some of the industry's top-selling video game franchises and anticipates that Assassin's Creed will experience the same success.

"Ubisoft has established itself as a creative force in the video game industry by developing new intellectual property and turning it into multimillion-unit selling brands," said Serge Hascoet, chief creative officer at Ubisoft. "Our goal to introduce three new brands into the marketplace every two years is working. With Assassin's Creed we're introducing a franchise that will establish itself as the must-have next-generation game for the next-generation gamer."

The first game in the Assassin's Creed franchise will make its worldwide debut at E3 in Los Angeles and will be available to consumers in 2007.


Warhammer : Mark of Chaos News

link (http://ve3d.ign.com/articles/704/704301p1.html)

Faithful to the Warhammer license, Warhammer: Mark of Chaos puts the focus squarely on the battlefield with a real-time combat system that gives the player unprecedented customization and control of his army. An epic battle rages following a brutal Chaos invasion, where four fully playable armies (Empire, Chaos, Skaven, and High Elves) as well as additional controllable races (Orcs, Dwarfs, Vampires, and Goblins) clash on a massive battlefield.

MASTER THE ART OF WAR: Warhammer: Mark of Chaos is about WAR, focusing on the armies and battles while de-emphasizing the tedious aspects of base and resource management.

EPIC, VISCERAL BATTLES ON A MASSIVE SCALE: Epic sense of both scale and detail where big demons and huge beautifully rendered battalions clash with thousands of characters battling on screens in intricate detail.

USE ENVIRONMENTS TO YOUR ADVANTAGE: A variety of buildable features and randomized, destructible terrains such as forests, swamps, plains, and tundra change the shape of the battlefield and add a layer of strategy that provides infinite replayability.

COMMAND HEROES AND CHAMPIONS: As armies move from battle to battle in an epic war, Heroes and Champions learn new tactics, unlock new abilities, command larger units, even challenge other Champions in a duel to the death.

CUSTOMIZE YOUR ARMY: Warhammer: Mark of Chaos takes customization to a new level by allowing for body part swaps, weapon and armor enhancements, and more powerful controls to paint units and customize banners. Additionally, players can accent armies with mercenaries and "Dogs of War", augmenting the look and play of their army for a unique game experience.

VARIETY OF PLAY MODES: Dynamic cooperative campaign mode and a full assortment of multiplayer modes for both casual and competitive gamers.

Publisher: NAMCO BANDAI Games America, Inc.
Developer: Black Hole Entertainment
Release Date: Fall 2006
Platform: PC
Genre: RTS
Multiplayer: Yes
ESRB Rating: RP
URL: www.markofchaos.com


Mobile Ops : The One Year War Screenshots

link (http://ve3d.ign.com/articles/704/704296p1.html)

In the future, Rebel space colonies launch a brutal war for independence with a series of orbital strikes against the Earth. War is reinvented as advanced ECM renders long range sensors and communications virtually useless. In this chaos, a frightening new weapon, the mobile suit, is born. Agile, heavily armed and armored and optimized for short range combat with melee attacks and a wide array of weapons, the Mobile Suit is the ultimate instrument in this new age of warfare. Rediscover the thrill of mechanized warfare as you are thrown into battle as a soldier on the front lines of the One Year War. Fight on foot, in vehicles and in Mobile Suits around the globe. Crush your enemies online no matter where they hide, be it open battlefield or urban environments. Pick your side, choose your weapon, prove your supremacy.

Giant Mecha Warfare Comes to Life!- For the first time ever, giant mecha will engage in hand to hand combat with beam sabers, heat hawks and other melee weapons never before seen in the genre.

The battlefield of the future, now! -Jump into the cockpit of your war machine and experience first hand what mobile suit warfare in the Universal Century feels like as you battle in a host of vehicles and mobile suits, or engage in small unit infantry tactics as you pit your wits and body against the mightiest war machines ever created.

Fight the One Year War like never before! - Engage enemies on the battlefields of the One Year War any way you want -- on foot, in vehicles and in a wide array of mecha.

Fight on the frontlines, online! - Online play brings mobile suit warfare to life like never before. Fight in teams through multiple scenarios and battlefields.

Total Immersion! - Immerse yourself in the world of the Universal Century. Dramatic cockpit views, exquisitely detailed Mobile Suits and vehicles modelled down to the differences in ejection systems and boarding protocols. Using the power of the XBOX 360, view Mobile Suits and environments in unparalleled detail, right down to the rust and damage from combat, all in HDTV resolution.

Robust customization options! - Customize your mobile suit in near limitless ways. Determine weapon load outs from a huge arsenal and fully utilize your sensor suite.

Title: Mobile Ops: The One Year War
Genre: Mechanized Shooter
Platforms: Xbox 360
# of Players: 1 player, TBD players online
Developer: Dimps / Dream Execution
Release Date: Holiday 2006
URL: www.namcobandaigames.com

[Ruslan74]

Mage Knight Apocalypse Screenshots

link (http://ve3d.ign.com/articles/704/704293p1.html)

Set in the richly detailed Mage Knight universe, players take on the role of one of five guardians, warriors sworn by oath to seek out the heart of evil plaguing the land and stop it no matter what the cost. Guided by the magical and mysterious race known as the Solonavi, the guardians embark on an epic journey to rescue their world from the hands of an army of pure evil determined to bring about the Apocalypse. As the forces of Chaos rise, a creature of unimaginable strength and destructive power is born to lead the enemy: the Apocalypse Dragon, a seemingly unstoppable five headed monstrosity. In order to face this threat players cannot go it alone, they must rally support from all of the factions of the land and recruit brave heroes to fight for their cause. The future rests on the shoulders of these noble adventurers, and the battle to end all battles is about to begin.

Epic! - A beautiful and unique 3D world provides the panoramic backdrop to a story that has only before existed in your imagination. MKA offers a free camera system that takes you out of the isometric view normally seen in Action RPG's. Sweeping, panoramic backdrops, rich worlds, dramatic viewing angles, huge monsters and gorgeous visuals all put you into the game as never before. Battle the largest and most daunting foes ever seen in an Action RPG including the mighty Apocalypse Dragon!

Depth! - Use hundreds of skills, and thousands of weapons and items to face hundreds of unique enemies. Use the "Mage Stone" system of forging and alchemy to customize any item in literally hundreds of different ways for tens of thousands unique items.

Imagination! - No levels, no experience points, your character becomes an extension of your play style. To be a better fighter, swing your sword. A better mage? Cast more spells. Every click, defines how you progress up the skill tree and who your character becomes. Dynamic enemy scaling and multiple alternate scenarios means near- infinite replay-ability.

Title: Mage Knight: Apocalypse
Genre: Action RPG
Platform: PC
# of Players: 1-5 players
Developer: IS Games
Release Date: Spring 2006
URL: www.namcobandaigames.com


Hellgate : London Screenshots

link (http://ve3d.ign.com/articles/704/704289p1.html)

Hellgate: London is the first original title from premier developer Flagship Studios, whose team hails from such blockbusters as the Diablo, StarCraft, and WarCraft series. Set in the near future, Hellgate: London introduces a world devastated by a demon invasion. Players are thrust into a desolate city scorched by hellfire where the survivors meld science and sorcery to gain a foothold against the minions of darkness and save the bloodline of humanity.
Hellgate: London combines the depth of Role Playing Games with the action of First-Person titles, while offering infinite replayability and an individualized gaming experience through dynamically created levels, monsters, items, and events. Players create a hero and then battle through innumerable hordes of demons while completing quests and advancing through experience levels and branching skill paths. A robust, flexible skill and spell system, highly-customizable items, and a massive variety of randomly generated equipment allow players to create heroes that are truly unique.

Features:

A New Perspective on RPGs - Combining the depth and customizability of Role-Playing Games with the immersive experience of a first-person perspective, gameplay is fast-paced without requiring lightning-fast FPS reflexes, making it accessible to a broad audience of RPG fans.

Unique and Appealing World - Experience the ominous setting of post-apocalyptic London. From ancient ruins buried beneath city streets to shattered cathedrals to the last remnants of humanity bunkered in the Underground, the boundary between fact and myth are blurred as a few glorious heroes fight for their very souls.

Customizable Character Classes - Fight against the demons of the underworld as one of several unique character classes. Like the Templar, each class has a unique visual and game play style based on their particular history and heritage. Randomly generated and modifiable items ensure that heroes are distinct and individualized.

Hell on Earth - Battle against a wide variety of demonic enemies, each with their own unique attributes, abilities, and vulnerabilities.

Infinite Replayability - With dynamically- generated levels, massive quantities of randomly- created items, chance events and story- driven quests, no two gaming experiences are ever the same.

Single-Player and Online Multiplayer Support - While Hellgate: London stands on its own as a single-player game, it also provides a compelling cooperative multiplayer experience through a dedicated online gaming destination. By creating unique and individualized game play "instances" within a vast online community, gamers get all the best parts of traditional massive multiplayer games without the common downsides.

Publisher: NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc.
Developer: Flagship Studios
Release Date: TBD
Platform: PC
ESRB Rating: RP (M expected)
Genre: RPG
Game URL: www.hellgatelondon.com / www.namco.com / www.flagshipstudios.com
Players: Single and Multiplayer


Overlord Announced ; Screenshots

link (http://ve3d.ign.com/articles/704/704285p1.html)

Codemasters today announces an original next-generation title with the signing of Overlord from developer Triumph Studios, whose pedigree includes the award-winning strategy series Age of Wonders.
Overlord is a groundbreaking action adventure, set in a seriously warped fantasy world. Scheduled for a summer 2007 release, Overlord will launch for PC and as a console exclusive for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.

Controlling a mysterious figure that has inherited the legacy of the evil, long-dead Overlord, the player emerges, near death, from the ruins of the old Overlord's Dark Tower. Only the player's actions will determine if they will rise to become the new all-powerful Overlord; it's all down to how much of a bad ass they want to be in order to succeed… evil or really evil! Played out with plenty of black humour and dark irony, the game will immerse players in twisted parodies of classic fantasy scenarios and characters.

Overlord's key innovation is the introduction of an array of impish creatures - the Minions. They believe you are the old Overlord reborn and will use their unique skills to fetch, fight and die for you. Throughout the game players will actively control a horde of these gremlin-like critters and they'll follow your every instruction no matter how despotic or, for the Minions, life threatening it is.

Says Lennart Sas, Director at Triumph Studios: "Overlord offers a wealth of freedom and allows players to experience classic fantasy like never before. Working with the minions, players can loot and pillage their way through the game's world or maybe resist the temptations of evil. In Overlord, player choices truly shape the world."

Says Barry Jafrato, Senior VP of Brand for Codemasters: "Overlord comes loaded with innovative and compelling game mechanics wrapped in a scenario that's played out with plenty of black humour. We're delighted to be working with Triumph on the title, bringing something fresh and original to next-generation gamers."

With more details on this unique gaming property to be revealed through the course of its development, Codemasters will publish Overlord for Xbox 360 and PC in summer 2007.

[Ruslan74]

Army of Two from EA :eek:

link (http://ve3d.ign.com/articles/704/704284p1.html)

You're not alone soldier, not anymore. Electronic Arts today unveiled details of the action title that has been kept top secret for the past year. Developed at EA's boutique production house in Montréal, Canada, the new, original intellectual property will redefine strategic TWO man cooperative play when it launches on the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system and Xbox360 videogame system from Microsoft in 2007. ARMY OF TWO will throw gamers into hot spots ripped from current day headlines where they will utilize unique TWO man strategies and tactics while seamlessly transitioning between playing with intelligent Partner AI (PAI) and a live player. When one man is not enough, it will take an army of two to fight through war, political turmoil and a conspiracy so vast it threatens the entire world.
Alain Tascan, VP and General Manager of EA Montréal has been serving as Executive Producer on the title. Tascan comments, "ARMY OF TWO is a first for EA in many ways. This is the first EA studio to be built entirely from the ground-up. This is EA's first original title for the next-gen systems. ARMY OF TWO is the first game to put players inside tactical warfare involving Private Military Corporations."

Reid Schneider, Senior Producer at EA Montréal noted, "This is the game we've always wanted to create. Until now, the hardware would not allow us to deliver truly intelligent AI characters. We've built this game with co-operative TWO man gameplay as the centerpiece of the experience. Whether you're playing with PAI or a friend, it's about the TWO man missions, TWO man strategies and the TWO man advantage that really sets this game apart."

EA established a state-of-the-art studio in downtown Montréal in 2003. It has since drawn some of the industry's most talented creative specialists - programmers, digital artists, 3D animators, lighting experts, modellers, writers, directors, musicians and audio engineers.

Alone in the Dark Episodes?

link (http://ve3d.ign.com/articles/704/704283p1.html)

Atari today revealed details about the innovative game structure of forthcoming action-survival opus Alone in the Dark, continuing the pioneering heritage that began with the first Alone in the Dark in 1992, the game that launched the survival genre in gaming in 1992. The next-generation structure of Alone in the Dark has been designed by the team at Eden Games to enhance the players engagement with the story and keep them riveted to the screen throughout.
Taking inspiration from the presentation style and structure of a number of acclaimed and globally popular TV action dramas, Alone in the Dark will be split into a number of distinct episodes in a season-style format. Ten hour games based on film-style scripts and structures naturally lose narrative intensity as they progress, whereas the TV-season format delivers a constant sustained pace and high level of narrative intensity, all of which is key to delivering Eden's vision of a fiercely gripping and terrifying experience.

"Our new format for Alone in the Dark greatly enhances the pace and tension, keeping players permanently hooked into the engrossing story surrounding the mysteries of Central Park and beyond," said David Nadal, Game Director, Eden Games. "You barely have time to breathe before the next cliffhanger hits you…"

With approximately 30-40 minutes of gameplay comprising each episode, the structure of Alone in the Dark is adapted for an audience familiar with the hard-hitting bite-size delivery of contemporary TV dramas, offering easy accessibility whether the player has hours to devote or only wants a quick TV-style fix.

Each time the player launches a saved game, the episode will begin with a video summary of the previous episode to quickly re-immerse the player in the story, removing the need to remember where they were or what they were doing. Every episode will close with a nail-biting cliff-hanger ending to rattle players' nerves, and if the player is leaving the game a video teaser of the next episode will play to leave them wanting more.

The original Alone in the Dark is the video game that launched survival gaming and set the standard within the genre. Alone in the Dark returns with a heart-stopping survival experience realized through the use of state-of-the-art real-time physics and unprecedented environmental interaction. Delivering an exhilarating action-orientated experience within a highly detailed, open environment, Alone in the Dark once again takes the lead for innovation and excellence within the genre.



I am just wondering how many times has the word innovative been used in all these announcements... geez.

[Ruslan74]

Neverwinter Nights 2 info

link (http://ve3d.ign.com/articles/704/704226p1.html)

Bards sing tales of heroes from ages past, but never have the Forgotten Realms so desperately needed a champion. Years have passed since the war between Luskan and Neverwinter, almost enough time for the wounds of war to heal. But the brief peace the Realms have known may be at an end. Tension growing between the mighty city-states means the Sword Coast again teeters on the edge of open war. Unnoticed, a greater danger stalks the City of Skilled Hands. Unbeknownst to the denizens of the North, deep in the Mere of Dead Men, dark forces from across the Realms have been rallied under the banner of a legendary evil. If left unchallenged, all of the North is doomed to fall under its power.
Even in this darkest hour, hope remains. A mysterious relic is borne to Neverwinter in the hands of a lone hero so that its secrets may be unlocked - secrets that carry the fate of all the North. So begins an epic tale of shattered alliances, noble acts and dark deeds to be told across the Realms for generations to come.

PRODUCT FEATURES:


Experience the long-awaited sequel to the game that revolutionized creating and playing computer role-playing games;

Use the completely rewritten, powerful Obsidian Neverwinter Nights 2 Toolset to create your own adventures, share them with friends, or run them through your adventure directly as the Dungeon Master;

Play online with other gamers and enjoy limitless adventure;

Explore the Forgotten Realms in greater graphical splendour than ever before with a completely new, cutting-edge graphics system and an overland map;

Play new subraces like the Tiefling and Aasimar, while employing new spells, feats, and advanced prestige classes, based on the exciting Dungeons and Dragons 3.5 Edition rules;

Customizable Strongholds that allow the players to hire workers (like blacksmiths etc.), assemble and train troops, and expand the stronghold;

Recruit up to three companions to assist in your adventures. Improved party control allows for more dynamic tactical decisions in combat and more personal interaction;

Rediscover familiar locations and meet old friends from the Neverwinter Nights series.

PLATFORM: Windows
RELEASE DATE: September 2006
DEVELOPER: Obsidian Entertainment
PUBLISHER: Atari, Inc.
CATEGORY: Role Playing Game
ESRB RATING: 'RP' for Rating Pending


Test Drive Unlimited info

link (http://ve3d.ign.com/articles/704/704229p1.html)

With the ability for thousands of gamers to play simultaneously, Test Drive Unlimited is M.O.O.R.: Massively Open Online Racing. This is a truly unprecedented experience for racing gamers and is the ultimate automotive experience for car and bike enthusiasts alike. Once in the game, players can visit the most sophisticated car and motorcycle dealers to purchase new vehicles or simply take them for a spin. Gamers can then participate in 8 player races or take vehicles for a drive on over 1000 miles of diverse Hawaiian roads and pass by thousands of other real players. Further, players can collect and trade rare performance parts and customize each vehicle to make it one-of-a-kind. Finally, gamers win races, challenges, missions and tournaments to earn credits and purchase new cars, bikes, rare performance parts, clothes, apparel, homes and garages.
PRODUCT FEATURES:


Test Drive Unlimited is redefining the racing genre online with M.O.O.R.: Massively Open Online Racing. It is the only game that allows for literally thousands of gamers to play within the same game world simultaneously. The seamless online connection offers unlimited new challenges, opponents and competitions as well as monthly additions of vehicles, aftermarket parts, clothes and apparel;

More than 125 licensed vehicles from exclusive manufacturers including Lamborghini, Ducati, Aston Martin, Mercedes, Saleen, Shelby, and Jaguar;

Realistic cars and bikes: Amazing render quality and unrivalled interior details including full car functions such as radio, electric windows, horn, wipers and more;

Personalization: Upgrade each car or bike with options from the actual manufacturers' catalog. Players create characters, buy new homes and garages, and tune and upgrade vehicles with aftermarket parts;

Create challenges or races from more than 50 game rules and settings. Upload your created challenges online to become part of the player community;

A gathering of communities: Players can create or join a club to talk, chat, trade, race or organize club-based competitions and tournaments;

Simplified match making and division based rankings make this game the most comprehensive and accessible online racing experience.

Platform: Xbox 360 and Windows
Release Date: September 2006
Publisher: Atari, Inc.
Category: Racing
ESRB Rating: TBD


Arthur and the Minimoys info

link (http://ve3d.ign.com/articles/704/704218p1.html)

STORY AND PRODUCT OVERVIEW:
Directly inspired by the upcoming animated film of the same name, Arthur and the Minimoys is currently in development for PlayStation 2, PSP (PlayStation Portable) system, Nintendo DS, Game Boy Advance, and the Windows platform, and is planned for a simultaneous release with the film in January 2007. The game allows players to relive the fantastic adventures of young Arthur and his two pals, Selenia and Bétamèche, in their mission to save the Minimoys' world from destruction. The game will incorporate filmmaker Luc Besson's entire Minimoy universe and its tiny inhabitants with the richness and extraordinary visuals of the film.
'Arthur and the Minimoys' in a nutshell:


Originally a four-volume literary adventure written by Luc Besson, with more than 950,000 books sold in France alone, and translations into over twenty different languages

The film, in production in Europe for $85 million, is being distributed in the US by the Weinstein Company. A worldwide marketing budget of over $125 million is planned.

The film uses three technologies (2D, 3D and real film footage) and a unique graphical style that is groundbreaking in the world of animation

Voices and original music for the film by internationally renowned artists including David Bowie, Madonna, and Snoop Dogg.

GAME FEATURES:

Game play is based on the concept of the "trio" - each phase of a puzzle or combat requires utilizing the skills of all three characters (Arthur, Selenia and Bétamèche).

Each character has unique but complimentary powers which players must use to their advantage. The three heroes have their own particular objectives, but they must also aid one other.

Players can watch integrated scenes from the film offered in the form of parallel action phases.

PLATFORM: PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, PSP (PlayStation Portable) system, Nintendo DS, Game Boy Advance, and Windows
RELEASE DATE: January 2007
DEVELOPER: PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, PSP system, PC - Etranges Libellules; NDS - Etranges Libellules and Neko; GBA - Misitc
PUBLISHER: Atari, Inc.
ESRB RATING: RP
GENRE: Action-Adventure

[Ruslan74]

Ubisoft's E3 Lineup

Today Ubisoft, one of the world's largest video game publishers, announced its lineup of titles for the 2006 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) May 10-12, 2006 at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, Calif. Ubisoft will showcase its titles at booth #924 in the South Hall.

"Our E3 lineup demonstrates Ubisoft's profound commitment to the next-generation of video games," said Yves Guillemot, president and chief executive officer of Ubisoft. "Ubisoft is very excited to be introducing ground-breaking new intellectual property and showcasing how we bring innovation to our best-selling franchises. Our award-winning development teams are pushing the limits of what can be achieved and leading the industry into the future."

Ubisoft lineup for E3 2006:






Assassin's Creed: Experience the power of a feared Assassin in the game that will redefine the action adventure genre for the next generation. Players' actions will throw the immediate environment into chaos and shape events in this pivotal moment during the Third Crusade.


Brothers In Arms Hell's Highway: Gearbox Software's critically acclaimed squad-based WWII shooter launches into the next generation of gaming with amazing graphics and cutting-edge game play features powered by Unreal Engine 3 and a completely redesigned online component. As Matt Baker, lead a squad of real soldiers who think, relate and fight together through the brutal trials of the dramatic Operation Market Garden.


Dark Messiah of Might & Magic: Discover a new breed of PC game that will redefine the Action-RPG genre. Powered by an enhanced version of the Source engine from Valve, the second chapter in the new Might & Magic franchise allows players to experience ferocious combat as an expert warrior, mage, or assassin using a vast array of devastating weapons against vicious creatures in a captivating fantasy environment.


Enchanted Arms: The first RPG developed exclusively for Xbox 360, this epic adventure created by FromSoftware in Japan is arriving for the first time in North America and Europe. Enchanted Arms allows players to escape to a fantasy world filled with beautiful cinema-quality graphics, unique characters and bizarre creatures.


Game to be Unveiled: Experience the next-generation project from Ubisoft and Free Radical, the developers of the critically-acclaimed Timesplitters series for the first time at E3.


Open Season: Team up with the cast of characters from Sony Pictures Animation's feature-length CGI film Open Season coming in September. It's a riotous romp in the great outdoors for kids of all ages when a rowdy brood of forest animals turn the tables on unsuspecting hunters.


Rayman Raving Rabbids: Developed by famed creative director Michel Ancel, this new installment of the Rayman franchise will be the funniest and zaniest yet. Rayman's world is threatened by a devastating invasion by the most unexpected creatures and Rayman must battle to save his world and its inhabitants.


Red Steel: The only original first-person game built from the ground up and exclusively for the Wii launch. Red Steel takes full advantage of Nintendo's innovative controller and provides the unique experience of combined gunplay and swordplay.


Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Double Agent: The best-selling Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell saga is taking an entirely new direction. In the highly anticipated next chapter, play as a double agent spy for the first time. Take on dual roles of covert operative and ruthless terrorist, where choices of whom to betray and whom to protect affect the outcome of the game.


Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas: Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six makes its dramatic next-generation debut. Rainbow operatives take to the chaotic streets of Las Vegas as an escalating terrorist siege in "Sin City" threatens to take world terrorism to new heights.

[Ruslan74]

Midway's E3 Lineup

Unveiling one of the most diversified and high powered lineups in company history, Midway Games Inc., a leading interactive entertainment software publisher and developer, announced today its product portfolio to be shown at the annual Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), May 10-12 in Los Angeles. This year's lineup showcases proven brands such as Blitz: The League, Unreal Tournament 2007 and Mortal Kombat: Armageddon; exciting new properties such as John Woo Presents Stranglehold; kid's properties like The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy; high-end PC titles such as The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar along with full support for both handheld and next generation game systems.

"Our 2006 E3 lineup truly reflects our product strategy to broaden our portfolio and commit our resources to developing titles in a wide range of genres on all major platforms: handhelds, PC, and next generation consoles, " said David F. Zucker, president and CEO, Midway. "From proven brands like Mortal Kombat and exciting next generation games such as John Woo Presents Stranglehold, to high-profile PC titles such as Unreal Tournament 2007 and games for the younger market and handhelds, this is Midway's most diverse and powerful line up yet."

Midway's exciting E3 product lineup with expected ship dates include:




John Woo Presents Stranglehold: (PLAYSTATION3, Xbox 360, PC; Winter 2006) - Experience exhilarating, next-gen action for the PS3, Xbox 360 videogame and entertainment system from Microsoft and PC, as you continue the story of Inspector Tequila from John Woo's influential action film, "Hard Boiled" starring Chow Yun-Fat. Run into danger with both fists full of lead and take down the organized crime bosses who stepped over the line when they took your family. Stop at nothing as you destroy the entire world around you to get them back. You are a desperate man following your own rules; honor thy family; do what's right; fear no man.


Unreal Tournament 2007: (PC, PS3) - The latest entry into the Unreal franchise, Unreal Tournament 2007, is currently in development by Epic Games Inc. Fans will be blown away by the next-generation game play, modifiability and visuals that Epic's Unreal Engine 3 technology will bring to the franchise. This title has not yet been concept approved by Sony Computer Entertainment America.


Blitz: The League: (Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, PSP (PlayStationPortable) system; October 2006) - The celebrated arcade-style football franchise is back and better than ever with a new treatment of America's most popular sport. Blitz: The League exposes the harsh and troubling, behind-the-scenes stories of a fictional professional football league.


Mortal Kombat: Armageddon: (PlayStation2 computer entertainment system, Xbox; October 2006) - Introducing Mortal Kombat: Armageddon - the latest chapter in Midway's best-selling, award-winning, videogame fighting franchise. With the most complete Mortal Kombat roster ever, including every character from the Mortal Kombat fighting universe, revolutionary Create-A-Fighter and Create-A Fatality modes, Mortal Kombat: Armageddon promises to be the most complete, intensely lethal, fighting experience ever!


Spy Hunter: Nowhere to Run: (PlayStation 2, Xbox; September 2006) - Spy Hunter: Nowhere to Run takes the Spy Hunter franchise where it's never gone before - on foot. Featuring action superstar Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as government super-spy extraordinaire Alex Decker, players for the first time ever can step out of the Interceptor and straight into third-person action, utilizing The Rock's physical prowess by taking down enemies with intense melee combat moves.


The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar: (PC) - The Lord of the Rings Online is the world's first and only massively multiplayer online (MMO) role playing game based upon the literary works of J.R.R. Tolkien. Gamers of all levels will establish their unique reputations, explore incredibly detailed realms and join familiar Tolkien characters, while adventuring solo or in fellowships within an evolving and persistent re-creation of Middle-earth. The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar is developed by Turbine, Inc. Midway will co-publish (along with Turbine) and distribute The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar in North America.


Rise & Fall: Civilizations at War: (PC; June 2006) - Rise & Fall: Civilizations at War is the first real-time strategy game to place players directly in the heart of combat as a heroic general fighting side-by-side with their troops. Players can completely command one of the four mightiest empires of the ancient world as in a traditional RTS, but can also use Rise & Fall's innovative Hero Mode to enter the battlefield as one of history's eight greatest heroes. Rise & Fall will be exclusively shown on Alienware systems at E3.


Happy Feet: (PlayStation 2, Nintendo GameCube, Nintendo Wii, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, PC; November 2006) - Based on Warner Bros. Pictures' upcoming comedy adventure Happy Feet, Midway's immersive video game puts the player in the "tap shoes" of Mumble, a young penguin born into a nation of singing Emperor Penguins where each needs a Heartsong to attract a soul mate. Unfortunately, Mumble is the worst singer in the world... however, as it happens, he is a brilliant tap dancer! Based on the general storyline of the film, the player will be able to experience life from the point of view of Mumble in music, dance and interaction with the friends and enemies of the penguin's world.


The Ant Bully: (PlayStation 2, Nintendo GameCube, Game Boy Advance, PC; July 2006 - Nintendo Wii; November 2006) - Go pick on someone your own size! After bullying an innocent ant colony, a young boy named Lucas is magically shrunk down to ant size and embarks on a remarkable adventure. Play as Lucas, experiencing the dangerous and thrilling life of an ant as you battle, explore and forge new friendships with natives and other species in his new ant world. Based on exciting moments from Warner Bros. Pictures upcoming digitally animated family adventure The Ant Bully, and featuring all -new challenges created especially for the game, help Lucas evolve from recluse to hero in his quest to save the colony from extermination


The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy: (PlayStation 2, Nintendo GameCube, Game Boy Advance; November 2006) - The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy video game pits the characters from the popular Cartoon Network television show against each other in a fighting-adventure game, filled with mayhem, chaos and over-the-top graphics. In battle mode, up to four players can use a multitude of weapons in destructible arenas like the "Desert of Doom " and the "Underworld " to battle it out and be the last one standing. Players also have the option to play on their own or with a friend in mission mode. There are a series of 45 story-based missions which will encourage players to unlock new weapons and characters like the Boogey Man and Jack O'Lantern.


MLB SlugFest 2006: (PlayStation 2, Xbox; May 2006) - Midway's newest offering of its over-the-top baseball series, MLB SlugFest 2006 features a new create-a-player mode, updated 2006 team rosters and stadiums, along with a new library of signature animations and extreme collisions that have distinguished the franchise since its debut in 2002.


RUSH: (PSP system; September 2006) - For the first time ever on the PSP system, attempt mad jumps, high-flying stunts and arcade-style racing from the original RUSH franchise. Go head to head with a friend in a street race or cruise mission using wireless functionality, or experience Story Mode which allows you to race through 5 Los Angeles city re-creations while finding treacherous shortcuts and surviving death-defying jumps!


Mortal Kombat: Unchained: (PSP system; September 2006) - Mortal Kombat: Unchained takes the Mortal Kombat franchise to new heights with an innovative fighting system tailored for wireless functionality, unparalleled depth and brutally intense action that will appeal to long-time Mortal Kombat fans, as well as new gamers.


NBA Ballers: Rebound: (PSP system; May 2006) - NBA Ballers: Rebound is the only one-on-one basketball videogame available for the PSP highlighting the rags-to-riches path from an unknown Baller to today's biggest NBA superstar.

[FeralBanana]

Oh. My. Gawd.


Anyone wanna give a summary?

(anyone *actually* read all of that!?)

[TG]

That was the summary! :D

[FeralBanana]

:rofl: :rofl: :D:P:)

[Ruslan74]

lol... and these are mostly Pre-E3 news actually... GEEZ! :D

[FeralBanana]

Lol... you darn tipsy ruskie!

[Ruslan74]

Alan Wake Screenshots (http://ve3d.ign.com/articles/706/706683p1.html)

Title: "Alan Wake"
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Developer: Remedy Entertainment Ltd.
Format: Format TBD for Microsoft Windows Vista and DVD for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system
ESRB Rating: Pending
Availability: TBD
Product Overview: "Alan Wake" is a psychological action thriller from Remedy, the legendary and renowned developers of highly successful action titles. In this exciting new title exclusively for Windows and Xbox 360, gamers assume the role of Alan Wake, a best-selling suspense author who escapes to a small town to recover from the mysterious disappearance of his fiancée.

Set in the deceptively idyllic town of Bright Falls, Wash., "Alan Wake" immerses players in an intense and expansive cinematic world that enables players to roam freely in hyper-realistic, dynamic and interactive environments. "Alan Wake" is mission-based with a deeply engaging and suspenseful story line unveiling new twists and profound character revelations at every turn. Players will unravel the riveting plot through multilayered character interactions, unique problem-solving and intense combat against terrifying enemies. In this nightmarish world, Alan Wake must use a variety of weapons to survive, including his most powerful ally against the creatures of darkness — light itself.

Features:


Intense psychological thriller. "Alan Wake" delivers a deeply psychological and finely crafted plot that raises the bar for storytelling in video games. The riveting story of "Alan Wake" is propelled by a movie-like atmosphere, compelling situations, memorable characters and real-time pacing. Remedy has a record of creating and developing games with unique cinematic presentation and exceptionally high production values. The developer has harnessed next-generation gaming technology to tell a powerful story that immerses the gamer in the intense emotion and suspense of Alan Wake's thrilling adventure.

Massive, open world to explore. The free-roaming elements and massive open world allow gamers to investigate the mysteries of Bright Falls and encourage them to explore and pay close attention to detail.

Light as a combat element. As the story progresses, nights grow longer and days grow shorter. This poses a severe problem for Alan Wake since his enemies seemingly gain strength from the shadows, and before long light itself becomes his greatest ally. Players must skillfully combine their use of light with more conventional weapons to stand a chance against these creatures of darkness.

Realistic, interactive environment. Set in the town of Bright Falls, the hyperdetailed environments of the Pacific Northwest play an important role; even the change in daylight and weather will profoundly affect the characters and enemies in "Alan Wake." The game's advanced rendering engine provides amazingly realistic environments that bring this world to detailed life — from the lush forest of evergreen trees to the quaint small-town buildings and streets. The world of "Alan Wake" is alive and real.

Episodic narrative. The mission-based structure of "Alan Wake" creates an episodic narrative similar to a deeply structured dramatic television series. As the episodes progress, gameplay will evolve to introduce new elements and characters, escalating the level of threat and action in the game.

[Ruslan74]

Fligh Simulator X Screenshots (http://ve3d.ign.com/articles/706/706544p1.html)

Title: "Flight Simulator X"
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Developer: ACES Studio
Format: DVD for the Microsoft Windows® XP and Windows Vista operating systems
ESRB Rating: "E" for Everyone
Availability: Holiday 2006
Product Overview: "Flight Simulator X" is the culmination of nearly 25 years of the landmark "Flight Simulator" franchise and its most significant addition to date. The 10th addition to the highly successful "Flight Simulator" franchise, "Flight Simulator X" will immerse players in a beautifully rich and realistic world, offering a completely new and innovative gaming experience with dozens of new aircraft to choose from, including the AirCreation 582SL Ultralight and Maule M7-260C Orion with wheels and skis. Gamers of all ages, types and skill levels will experience firsthand what it is like to be an aviator traveling the globe either alone or online with others.

Features:


Immersive world. "Flight Simulator X" offers players a rich and innovative gaming experience with new technological advancements, incredible graphics and added realism including weather, time of day and seasons. Pilots can watch moving cars and detailed buildings in cities below; traffic on highways; indigenous houses, farmland and livestock; and wildlife in its natural habitats.

Mission-based gameplay. With the addition of new mission-based gameplay, players will have a specific purpose as their world comes alive for the first time with automobile traffic, moving boats and ships, and animal life. With more than 50 new missions to choose from, aviators can build their skill levels and engage in even more stimulating gameplay than before. Players can choose to compete in the Red Bull Air Race or bring relief materiel to the Congo, keeping track of their progress on each mission.

New aircraft. "Flight Simulator X" will enable pilots to fly the aircraft of their dreams, from the DeHavilland DHC-2 Beaver floatplane and Grumman G-21A Goose to the AirCreation 582SL Ultralight and Maule M7-260C Orion with wheels and skis. Players will be amazed at the details — such as shaded rivets, reflective paint, and glint from glass and chrome — as they view the world from 100 feet to 1 million feet.

Connected world. Through increased online gameplay capabilities, "Flight Simulator X" offers players a connected world where they can choose whom they want to be, from air-traffic controller to pilot or co-pilot, as they interact with other aviators from around the globe by chatting in real time via headset and keyboard.

Interactive airports. More than 24,000 airports feature AI-controlled jetways, fuel trucks and moving baggage carts, allowing players to explore their hometown or venture to a favorite far-off city.

[Ruslan74]

Too Human Screenshots (http://ve3d.ign.com/articles/706/706548p1.html)

Title: "Too Human"
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Developer: Silicon Knights
Format: DVD for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system
ESRB Rating: Pending
Availability: Holiday 2006
Product Overview: Step into the world of "Too Human," the next-generation third-person epic action game from renowned Canadian developer Silicon Knights. As the cybernetic god Baldur, you are thrust into the midst of an ongoing battle that threatens the existence of mankind. An ancient machine presence has forced the god's hand. In the first part of a trilogy, Baldur is charged with defending humanity from an onslaught of monstrous war machines bent on the eradication of human life.

In "Too Human," players are treated to a nonstop barrage of action powered by the seamless integration of melee and ranged firearms combat and fueled by breathtaking visuals enabled by the powerful combination of Xbox 360 and the Unreal Engine 3. Battles unfold in awesome scale as players engage with vast numbers of enemies. Gamers take it to the next level by playing the entire single-player campaign in multiplayer co-op mode via Xbox Live or system link.

"Too Human" is produced by Silicon Knights, which brings a wealth of knowledge, story-based design and gameplay expertise to the next generation of video gaming.

Features:


The birth of an icon. Fight as the powerful cybernetic god Baldur battling his way through enemy armies to become one of gaming's renowned iconic heroes. From weaponry and armor to combat techniques and combos, you can fully customize Baldur to become the best possible hero.

Epic beginning to a captivating trilogy. Begin the saga of Baldur in the first chapter of an exciting three-part narrative in the tradition of classic trilogies such as "Star Wars" and "Lord of the Rings."

Explosive melee and firearms combat. It will take more than brawn and raw strength to supplant the machine hordes. Utilize a sophisticated blend of seamless melee and firearms combat to vanquish foes near and far. Witness the fluid grace of heroes and enemies in battle as enacted by the acclaimed motion-capture group F.A.S.T. Feel each punishing blow through advanced visual effects made possible through the unmatched horsepower of Xbox 360 and the Unreal Engine 3.

Advanced cinematic presentation. Characters and environments come to life with unparalleled visual fidelity. Experience the full excitement of combat through a dynamically driven presentation system that portrays the combat with cinematic quality. Survive pulse-pounding battles against hundreds of on-screen enemies set against the vast landscape of the "Too Human" world. A sweeping orchestral score sets the mood for heartbreak, anger and bloodlust as each tune encapsulates the gamer within the immersive gaming environment.

New level of accessibility through intuitive combat. Perform Baldur's elaborate and complex combat maneuvers through the press of a button and chain together hundreds of rapid-fire attacks and combos with ease. Through the use of an intuitive combat system, "Too Human" delivers gameplay that is easy to learn and rewarding to master. "Too Human" will introduce combinations of weapons combat on a level that exceeds some fighting games, leaving players in awe.

Shared experience. Conquer the world of "Too Human" alone or with friends through advanced, four-player online co-op gameplay through the Xbox Live service.

Modern take on a classic story. "Too Human" chronicles the ongoing struggle between cybernetic gods, giant machines and mortal men on a massive scale never before seen. Play the role of a cybernetic god charged with protecting the human race against a relentless onslaught of machines.

Developer Information: Silicon Knights is the Canadian-based development studio behind critically acclaimed hits such as "Eternal Darkness" and "Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes." Building from the experience of working directly with famed game developers Shigeru Miyamoto and Hideo Kojima, Silicon Knights is committed to development methodologies to elevate games to be the dominant form of entertainment.

[Ruslan74]

Halo 3 Screenshots (http://ve3d.ign.com/articles/706/706453p1.html)

Who needs Halo 2 for Vista anyhow? :p

[Ruslan74]

Shadowrun Screenshots (http://ve3d.ign.com/articles/706/706448p1.html)

Title: "Shadowrun"
Publisher: FASA Studio
Developer: Microsoft Game Studios
Format: DVD for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system, and CD-ROM for the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system
ESRB Rating: Pending
Availability: Pending
Product Overview: FASA Studio, the creative minds behind "MechWarrior" and "Crimson Skies," are back with "Shadowrun," the new multiplayer first-person shooter (FPS) based on the much-beloved role-playing game (RPG) franchise. "Shadowrun" propels team-based combat into a new dimension with a revolutionary blend of modern weaponry and ancient magic. Up to 16 players can battle for control of this new world through Xbox 360-to-Windows Vista online compatibility. In "Shadowrun" players vie for supremacy in a constantly evolving battlefield where advanced technology and ancient magic provide an unprecedented and high-velocity tactical action experience.

Features:


Rich legacy brought to life. After a 5,000-year absence, magic has returned to the world of 2021, and global corporate might battles a relentless ancient order to harness this reawakened power. Be a part of the RNA, a global megacorporation, and bring order (and profit) to a world of chaos. Or join the Lineage to keep magic wild and free at all costs. Choose a side and wage war for the future of magic in the new world of "Shadowrun."

Bending reality and changing the rules of combat. Dive into a universe where ancient magic co-exists with deadly weaponry, and experience a revolution in multiplayer FPS gaming. Purchase advanced technology and magic for each round in an extraordinary arms race to improve your abilities and open new tactics for your team. Use your cybernetic eye to spot your enemy through walls, teleport behind your opponents in the blink of an eye, trigger a hologram as a distraction, and cut them down with a burst from your rifle to clear the room before they even know you are there.

Intense cross-platform multiplayer action. For the first time ever, Xbox 360 and Windows Vista gamers can compete as a team or as foes. Experience a quantum leap in interactivity as console and Windows Vista-based PC gamers battle for supremacy online via Windows Vista and the Xbox Live service. While "Shadowrun" gamers will battle endlessly for the right to be crowned the last man standing, they will also struggle to answer the question of which is the more-efficient killer: a Windows-based PC or Xbox 360. Through the unprecedented cross-platform functionality, up to 16 gamers using both a Windows-based PC and the Xbox 360 console will participate together in the ultimate multiplayer frag-fest. Don't be sidelined onto one platform: Control your own destiny and play on the console or the PC.

The Windows Vista experience. Windows gamers can participate in their own next generation of gaming as "Shadowrun" ushers in the era of Windows Vista. Through the power of the Windows Vista platform, "Shadowrun" promises a visually stunning, over-the-top action experience.

Classic races reinterpreted for a new world. Experience the thrill of combat as magic reawakens creatures of legend. Humans are joined by elves, dwarves and trolls in a battle for supremacy among soaring corporate towers and an ancient ziggurat of power. Strike a balance on your team with races possessing unique abilities that complement your weapons and tactics.

The ultimate online (and offline) battlefield. Fight against or alongside AI teammates or join up with friends against all comers via System Link, Split-screen, LAN and Xbox Live. Fill out your team with incredible AI characters that respond to each tactical situation and provide an unparalleled team experience. Train offline with the robust AI, or play through a host of minigames cooperatively online with your friends as you master the magic and technology of "Shadowrun."

[Ruslan74]

Mass Effect Screenshots (http://ve3d.ign.com/articles/706/706443p1.html)

Title: "Mass Effect"
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Developer: BioWare Corp.
Format: DVD for the Xbox 360 video game system
ESRB Rating: Pending
Availability: TBD
Product Overview: "Mass Effect" is a science-fiction action and role-playing game (RPG) created by BioWare, the commercially and critically acclaimed RPG developer of "Jade Empire" and "Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic." "Mass Effect" will deliver an immersive, story-driven gameplay experience with stunning visual fidelity. Published by Microsoft Game Studios, "Mass Effect" is an exclusive title for the Xbox 360 video game system.

As the first humans on the galactic stage, players must uncover the greatest threat to civilization. Their job is complicated by the fact that no one will believe the truth, but the world must be convinced of the grave threat at hand.

Players will travel across an expansive universe to piece the mystery together. As they discover and explore the uncharted edges of the galaxy, they come closer to an overwhelming truth — learning that the placid and serene universe they know is about to come to a violent end and that they may be the only people who can stop it!

Features:


Incredible science-fiction RPG with a rich, engaging story line. On a distant planet an amazing discovery is made. Players must determine the fate of humanity as they lead an elite tactical strike force in an effort to stop an entity so malevolent that it threatens to tear apart the very fiber of galactic civilization. "Mass Effect" will take players to new depths for an action-RPG, where, unlike in most RPGs, they will be faced with morally complex decisions that have significant impact on the fate of all life in the galaxy. Players must succeed in their quest — no matter what the cost.

Exploring uncharted worlds and uncovering a mystery that defies imagination. In addition to the main story arc of the game, players will be able to visit a large number of uncharted, unexplored planets that are side quests independent from the main story. At any time during the campaign, a player can choose to explore one of these planets and have an opportunity to discover new alien life, resources, ruined civilizations and powerful technologies.

Real-time, squad-based combat. "Mass Effect" features a real-time, squad-based tactical combat system. Players will enjoy intense, challenging and exciting third-person action and squad-based combat. Players and their squad-mates will be able to engage the enemy with ranged weapons and covering fire, biotic powers and science-based magic, and technological powers — all of which will be accompanied by amazing visual and physics effects that will add tremendous excitement and drama to the battlefield. Whether they use powerful biotic powers or the latest in military hardware, players will be well-equipped to take on whatever comes their way

Credible digital actors. "Mass Effect" will feature a huge cast of incredibly realistic nonplayer characters, enemies and party members. Each of the characters encountered will have realistic facial and body movements. A revolutionary advanced dialogue and AI system gives them engaging personalities, creating individuals so realistic they will seem like the first true "digital actors" ever seen in a video game. The resulting experience is one in which players will feel as if they are part of a rich, living world.

Character customization and deep role-playing systems. Players will be able to choose from and customize a variety of stunning, photo-realistic character appearances at the start of the game, and can increase various statistics that will affect their performance during gameplay. The reward system in "Mass Effect" is deep, well-integrated and extremely engaging. New equipment, weapons and armor that are acquired during the course of the story will change the appearance of the characters. "Mass Effect" will give players a huge breadth of additional customization options for their characters, weapons and vehicles. Talents and abilities will be upgradeable, and advanced talent options will become available at higher levels. Weapons and vehicles will be customizable to include various effects, abilities and upgrades. Each character class will have unique talents and abilities that will increase in power as players progress through the game.

Next-generation gaming defined. "Mass Effect" takes full advantage of the hardware of Xbox 360, providing players with exciting new experiences, including photo-realistic, high-definition graphics on an epic scale, and amazingly realistic characters who bring the world alive. Players will be immersed in a massive universe of unbelievable scale, meet characters who feel real and, most important, interact with them in ways that have never been possible before. As the future of gaming goes online, premium downloadable content and recognition of achievements will be available via the Xbox Live online game service.

[Ruslan74]

Viva Piñata Screenshots (http://ve3d.ign.com/articles/706/706436p1.html)

What: "Viva Piñata"
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Developer: Rare Ltd.
Format: DVD exclusive to the Xbox 360&153; video game system; Xbox Live®-enabled
ESRB Rating: "E" for Everyone
Release Date: Holiday 2006 worldwide
About "Viva Piñata"

"Viva Piñata," an original intellectual property and the latest innovative gaming experience from leading U.K.-based developer Rare Ltd., invites gamers to create an immersive world where living piñatas inhabit an ever-changing environment. Beginning with a few basic tools, players build and take control of this environment, using their creativity and imagination to attract, protect and manage over 60 different piñata species that can visit their world and make it their home. Utilizing hundreds of customizable elements, players can create a unique piñata paradise.

Pushing the capabilities of the hardware, "Viva Piñata" brings a vibrant and engaging gaming experience to the Xbox 360 platform. Appealing to kids, adults, casual gamers and enthusiasts alike, this uniquely customizable and social game rewards and challenges all players regardless of their skill level.

Gameplay

The "Viva Piñata" gameplay experience presents a customizable, social and spontaneous world in which gamers play an absolutely crucial role. The "Viva Piñata" world is an evolving paradise teeming with fantastic living piñata creatures and vibrant plant life, all determined by the player's choices and actions. "Viva Piñata" boasts the following qualities:


Customizable. "Viva Piñata" allows players' imaginations to run wild by providing them with expansive freedom and choice:

Your world. Your choice of contents will determine which of the piñata species are attracted to your world, since they all have individual requirements. Sowing grass, digging ponds, planting flowers and growing trees all affect which of the unique piñatas you will see. It's not just about plants, either; there is a whole range of ornaments and structures that could be decisive. Your reward for creating an appealing paradise is to watch the piñatas visit and eventually reside there, which is where the fun really starts.

Your piñatas. Once you have resident piñatas, you can begin to personalize your loyal community. Piñatas can be individually named and given their own personally designed tag to put on display as a declaration of their home turf. And the customization doesn't end there. You can make the colorful critters more distinctive by customizing them with all kinds of costumes and accessories.

Social. The "Viva Piñata" community is a rewarding place to be, whether you remain within the boundaries of your own world or venture out into the real world or your friend's piñata world via Xbox Live, the first and only global, unified online console games service.

Interact with the piñatas. Getting to know and understand the personalities and requirements of your piñatas is essential if you want them to stay happy and thrive. Make your world their ideal paradise, and they'll want to raise a family and expand your community.

Interact with the characters. Players decide how much help they want from the local guides, shopkeepers and work force. Go it alone or get them involved — you choose.

Interact with other players online. Via the Xbox Live online community, players can contact other gamers to lend a hand, lay down a competitive challenge or trade items.

Spontaneous. "Viva Piñata" is a constantly changing world where anything can and does happen:

It's happening outside. It's not just new piñata species that are drawn to your world; untamed sour piñatas with bad attitudes and troublemaking ruffians do their worst to spoil your creation and must be dealt with.

It's happening inside. Maintaining harmony within a growing community isn't always easy when rivalries, illness, injuries and even candy-spilling fights occur. If players turn their backs, who knows what their piñatas will do?

[Ruslan74]

Crackdown Screenshots (http://ve3d.ign.com/articles/706/706426p1.html)

Title: "Crackdown"
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Developer: Real Time Worlds
Format: DVD for the Xbox 360 video game system
ESRB Rating: Pending
Availability: TBD
Product Overview: "Crackdown" pushes the action-driving hybrid genre into the next generation with the first ever truly 3-D playground. Gamers will enforce justice by any means necessary in Pacific City, a crime-ridden urban center built to encourage the exploration of the full width, depth and height of the city. Coupled with highly innovative co-op gameplay — a genre first — and an interactive world where nearly anything can be used as a weapon, gamers will be able to create a volatile cocktail of judicial oppression as they clean up the streets.

"Crackdown" is developed by Scotland's Real Time Worlds exclusively for Microsoft Game Studios and the Xbox 360 platform. Real Time Worlds is led by Dave Jones, the creative mastermind behind some of the most innovative and best-selling video games, including the global blockbuster "Grand Theft Auto" and the legendary hit "Lemmings."

Features:


Brilliant experience from a legendary game designer. From Dave Jones, the creative mastermind behind "Grand Theft Auto" and "Lemmings," comes "Crackdown," an explosive masterpiece set to define open-world, free-form next-generation gaming.

True next-generation visuals. Harnessing the power of Xbox 360, "Crackdown" players enforce justice against the backdrop of a crime-ridden metropolis that is massive in scale, monstrous in scope and meticulous in detail. The unique presentation style employs a highly stylized rendering technique that turns the game into a living graphical novel.

Cooperative gameplay for double the mayhem. From the game's initial concept to final design, Real Time Worlds focused on delivering dynamic, engaging cooperative gameplay for double the carnage, action and intensity.

3-D free-form gameplay. For the first time ever, an urban playground has been created to encourage players to explore and exploit the full width, depth and height of a city. Players wage war on the crime syndicates by taking part in high-octane chases on foot and on wheels while using any appropriate route along, around, across, over, under or through the environment. Freedom abounds because it is up to the player to determine how best to complete the nonlinear objectives in a myriad of wild and creative ways.

Over-the-top action. All strategies and tactics are acceptable, provided players reclaim the streets by unleashing the awesome abilities inside each agent. As players develop and hone their gameplay skills, their agent's genetic tendencies will increase, allowing players to realize their agent's full potential. Players will be able to run at dazzling speeds, take death-defying leaps, handle the most incredible weapons, perform impossible vehicular maneuvers, move massive objects and deliver bone-crushing blows.

Music as environment. More than 100 licensed tracks, spanning a wide range of styles and genres, give audio identities to characters and locations in "Crackdown." The music coupled with a next-generation use of 5.1 surround sound will let gamers know just from the music and sound effects they hear which crime syndicate is headed their way.

The environment as a weapon. Is a character low on ammo? No problem. Thanks to an amazing amount of props and a deep physics system, players can use whatever they can get their hands on as weapons — trash cans, vehicles, even people — to clean the streets of crime. In "Crackdown," the effects of the players' actions stay in place much longer than in other open-environment titles, giving gamers a far greater range of options when setting the scene for mass destruction. If players gather vehicles to create a barricade, they will be there when the they return with more. Gamers can create an arrangement of explosives and come back later to set the explosion. "Crackdown" remembers, and reacts, to the players' actions within the game world.

[Ruslan74]

Gears of War Screenshots (http://ve3d.ign.com/articles/706/706416p1.html)

Title: "Gears of War"
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Developer: Epic Games Inc.
Format: DVD for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system
ESRB Rating: Pending
Availability: Emergence Day 2006
Product Overview: "Gears of War" is the first game developed by Epic Games exclusively for Microsoft Game Studios and the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system. "Gears of War" thrusts gamers into a deep and harrowing story of humankind's epic battle for survival against the Locust Horde, a nightmarish race of creatures that surface from the bowels of the planet.

In this third-person tactical action/horror game, players live and breathe the role of Marcus Fenix. A disgraced former war hero, Marcus seeks personal redemption as he leads his fire team against an onslaught of merciless warrior fiends. Gamers immerse themselves in an experience so intensely emotional and gut-wrenching that playing will be like controlling a blockbuster action movie.

"Gears of War" utilizes the breathtaking new Unreal Engine 3 to create cinematic, high-definition visuals for a gaming experience that truly ushers in the next generation. Gamers will experience beautifully rendered interactive environments and characters so lifelike they appear to be made of flesh and bone. The next-generation visuals create a world in which the tiniest detail is vivid in the largest battle.

"Gears of War" unites next-generation technology with classic, emotional storytelling and a revolutionary tactical combat system, engrossing the gamer in a horrifying epic story of war and survival.

Features:


Engaging and disturbing cinematic story. Massively scoped worlds, memorable characters and an epic story line play out like an intense and unsettling blockbuster action film. Dramatic in-game camera work and a compelling story bring the brutal, emotionally charged experience to life. Gamers control Marcus Fenix and his fire team as they pit advanced human technology against the overwhelming and horrific Locust Horde.

Fire team co-op action. All game modes, levels and scenarios are designed for cooperative fire team play (AI or human). For the first time, AI teammates are indiscernible from human players. They move intelligently, take orders effectively, and seek cover and defend themselves when necessary. Gamers will experience richer cooperative gameplay than ever, through unique characters that require cooperation to survive.

Unprecedented visuals in next-generation gaming. "Gears of War" ushers in the next generation with unprecedented visuals. The Unreal Engine 3 technology pushes high-definition visual designs and brings out the smallest details in the largest battle. Gamers will experience a rich dynamic world with an unprecedented level of detail. Characters come to life with unbelievable model quality and a physics-integrated animation system that has them truly reacting intelligently to events as they unfold around them.

Hyper-realistic and intense combat. In "Gears of War" the battlefield is a lethal place — to foolishly stand out in the open is to die. To survive, gamers can create and take cover using interactive and dynamic environments, suppress the enemy with blindfire, and use their weapons and teammates to outwit and outfight their terrifying enemies.

Next-generation Xbox Live action. "Gears of War" will embody the next-generation Microsoft Xbox Live experience and extend it even further. Gamers will be able to experience individualized matchmaking, view player statistics, earn player achievements, customize their games, and build and personalize their gamer profiles.

[Ruslan74]

Forza Motorsport 2 Screenshots (http://ve3d.ign.com/articles/706/706343p1.html)

Title: "Forza Motorsport 2"
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Developer: Turn 10
Format: DVD for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system
ESRB Rating: Pending
Availability: Holiday 2006
Product Overview: "Forza Motorsport 2," the sequel to Microsoft Game Studios' award-winning, fully customizable driving simulator "Forza Motorsport," speeds its way onto Xbox 360 this holiday. With authentic simulation physics, bone-jarring damage, photo-realistic graphics, and licensed tuning and customization options, the franchise improves on the unprecedented features gamers enjoyed in its debut installment. Loaded with more than 300 of the world's hottest cars for you to collect, personalize and tune, "Forza Motorsport 2" gives you a complete racing experience.

Features:


Lap the competition with truly next-generation features. Made possible by the power of Xbox 360, "Forza Motorsport 2" burns rubber at 60 fps with 4x full-screen anti-aliasing, motion blur, and high-dynamic-range lighting in crisp 720p high-definition glory. And you can feel every nuance of your car and the road thanks to support for the official Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel.

Experience uncompromising physics simulation. Top automotive engineers, professional race car drivers and programmers teamed up to create the most complete racing experience available. Cars incur dramatic damage and wear, which affects car performance. Advanced tire and suspension models respond to heat and pressure changes as well as weight transfer and aerodynamic load.

Master real-world tracks from around the globe. From the famously challenging Nürburgring Nordschleife track to the spectator-lined streets of Rio de Janeiro, race on meticulously designed tracks with an incredible sense of speed and realism. "Forza Motorsport 2" features more than 60 tracks carved out of 18 environments, including 13 real-world licensed circuits such as the Road America race track, Silverstone Circuit, Tsukuba Circuit and Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Sebring International Raceway is among four new real-world licensed circuits added to the repertoire of "Forza Motorsport 2."

Collect, upgrade and tune hundreds of cars. From sport compacts to purpose-built race cars, collect more than 300 cars from over 50 of the world's leading manufacturers such as Ferrari, Porsche, General Motors, Lamborghini, Nissan and Volkswagen. Take your car to the garage and install alternative engines, suspension kits, bolt-on superchargers, brakes, rims, racing slicks and more. Dial in advanced suspension settings, tire pressure and gear ratios. "Forza Motorsport 2" allows you to own the cars that will own the competition.

Create and share your masterpiece with the world. Express your inner artist in the paint and upgrade shops with near-endless visual personalization. Customize the shape of your car by combining licensed rims, performance parts and aftermarket body kits. Create your own unique paint scheme using millions of paint and decal options. Take in-game pictures of your creation in "Forza Motorsport 2" Photo Mode.

Compete in a vibrant online community. Take your personalized car onto Xbox Live for some intense online wheel-to-wheel racing. Earn in-game credits and complete single-player career objectives while racing over Xbox Live. Watch the best racers as well as your friends from around the world compete on Forza Motorsport TV.

[Ruslan74]

Grand Theft Auto 4 Press Release (http://ve3d.ign.com/articles/706/706266p1.html)

Rockstar Games, the universally-renowned publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc., is proud to announce Grand Theft Auto IV, the next-generation console debut of the genre-defining Grand Theft Auto franchise. Developed by world-class designers Rockstar North, Grand Theft Auto IV will be simultaneously available for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 and is currently planned to be in stores in North America on October 16, 2007 and in Europe on October 19, 2007.
...


This time, Xbox Nation won't have to wait. Responding to the cries of millions of Xbox 360 owners, Microsoft Corp. and Rockstar Games, the universally renowned publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc., have struck a groundbreaking agreement that brings "Grand Theft Auto IV" to the Xbox 360 platform on day one of its global release.
"Grand Theft Auto IV," the next-generation console debut of the genre-defining "Grand Theft Auto" franchise, is expected to be in stores on Oct. 16, 2007, in North America and Oct. 19, 2007, in Europe.

"Few franchises have had the profound impact on our industry as 'Grand Theft Auto,'" said Peter Moore, corporate vice president of the Interactive Entertainment Business in the Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft. "Gamers can't wait to play "Grand Theft Auto IV" in high definition on Xbox 360, and we couldn't be more excited to have the title on our platform from day one"

Separately, Microsoft and Rockstar Games are proud to announce a strategic alliance to provide exclusive episodic content for Xbox Live, giving the community ever-expanding gameplay experiences that simply aren't possible on other consoles.

"Through Xbox Live, we have a unique opportunity to reach out to our audience in new ways," said Sam Houser, executive producer and founder of Rockstar Games. "This strategic alliance allows us to craft experiences that fully leverage the on-demand distribution power and sheer size of Xbox Live."

The agreement to distribute exclusive Rockstar Games content via Xbox Live highlights the publishing community's growing desire to feed gamers' insatiable appetite for downloading new high-definition experiences and playing online. Since Xbox Live launched, fans have logged nearly 1.8 billion hours playing online and have downloaded more than 18 million pieces of content in just the past six months.

More hot coffee anyone? :p

[Ruslan74]

Hellboy Screenies, Info & Trailer (http://ve3d.ign.com/articles/706/706889p1.html)

Publisher: Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc.
Developer: Krome Studios
Release Date: 2007
Platform(s): PLAYSTATION 3, Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system, PSP (PlayStation Portable) system
Genre: Action/Brawler
Multiplayer: 1-2 Players
Brief Game Description:

Hellboy will provide players with fresh adventures featuring the acclaimed comic book's unmistakable fusion of action, atmosphere and humor. On the trail of a crazed witch, Hellboy uncovers a Nazi plot for world domination and must rush to defeat the crazed Hermann Von Klempt before he can exert his evil will upon a hapless world. As a visceral brawler, the game lets players unleash Hellboy's superhuman abilities as they smash their way through hordes of enemies with contextual use of the environment for added destructive power and strategy.

Key Features:


Original storyline set in the Hellboy universe, filled with classic characters from the comic book.

Stunning next-gen graphics with dynamic lighting effects bring Hellboy to life like never before.

Explosive battle system with contextual grappling commands lets players experience Hellboy's supernatural might as he unleashes the Right Hand of Doom on his enemies. Charge up your attacks for big hits or use Hellboy's agility to unleash a flurry of quick strikes.

Use strategy to take down hordes of enemies - toss a straggler into the crowd or manipulate the environment to create more manageable groups of enemies.

Fully destructible environments - bring down the house on top of your enemies or use the wreckage as weapons.

Play as series favorites Abe Sapein and Liz Sherman in cooperative multiplayer modes

[Ruslan74]

Coded Arms Assault Screenies and Info (http://ve3d.ign.com/articles/706/706859p1.html)

Publisher: Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc.
Developer: Konami Digital Entertainment Co. Ltd.
Platform: PLAYSTATION 3
Release Date: 2007
Genre: First person shooter
Multiplayer: 1-4 players co-op; 1-16 players online
Brief Game Description:

Coded Arms explodes into the next generation, as players take on the role of hacker trying to overthrow an evil corporation bent on world chaos. Set in cyberspace, players will take on fearsome enemies, unleash deadly viruses and download new weapons as they fight to bring down this new threat. Powered by the Unreal Engine 3, the game lets players unleash unprecedented destruction on the game's breathtaking environments, using explosions to send deadly debris flying towards their opponents and strategically using high-powered weaponry to shoot out enemy cover. Several action-packed multiplayer modes let players go head to head and also play through the game's story mode cooperatively online.

Key Features:


Stunning graphics powered by the PlayStation 3 and Unreal Engine 3

Fast-paced first person shooter with futuristic storyline set in cyberspace

Hack into the enemy's computer network to unleash viruses and obtain new weapons

Destructible environments create a new element of strategy as players determine the best way to eliminate points of cover and take out the enemy

Online cooperative play for up to four players

Cooperative or head-to-head online multiplayer modes for up to 16 players, complete with land and air vehicles in multiplayer-specific environments

[FeralBanana]

Shweet! New GTA!


Oh, and hold the coffee.. that stuff does some serious damage in large doses :p

Don't you love ambiguity!?!

:mbounce:

[Ruslan74]

Last i checked Teazer's there was no ambiguity there. :p

[doobiwan]

It's a teazer trailer . . . :p

[Ruslan74]

:rofl:

[FeralBanana]

Crazy :roffel: :crazy: