Sierra Online, a division of Vivendi Games, has released the first details and artwork for three of its upcoming titles - Switchball, an inventive physics-based puzzle game, Commanders: Attack!, a turn-based tactical military game, and Battlestar Galactica, a space combat game inspired by the popular TV series.
Coming to Xbox LIVE Arcade late this summer and currently available for the PC on popular online gaming portals, Switchball challenges players to control an ever-changing ball along a narrow and challenging course suspended in midair. A polymorphous ball exhibits different physical characteristics as it changes form as either a standard Marbleball, a feather-light Airball, an electrically charged Powerball or a dense and powerful Metalball. Players will have to solve their way through challenging levels packed with tricky obstacles, traps and mazes. With beautifully rendered 3D environments including Skyworld, Iceworld, Caveworld, Cloudworld and Lavaworld, Switchcball features an advanced physics engine, allowing players to interact with objects just as they would in the real world.
Commanders: Attack! is a gripping turn-based tactical game with a combination of strategic troop placement and entertaining head-to-head warfare. Featuring a 1930's art deco look and feel, players will use missile launchers, bombers and infantry to amputate the enemies' defenses and conquer the land. Players can choose to challenge the computer AI in a 15-mission campaign across three different landscapes or battle against three friends either locally or online in four intense multiplayer modes - Versus, Team Play, Player vs. CPU or same-system Skirmish. Commanders: Attack! will be available on Xbox LIVE Arcade and Windows PC this fall.
Inspired by the hit television series, Battlestar Galactica, airing on the SCI FI Channel, Battlestar Galactica is an action-packed top-down space combat game set in the universe of the hugely popular sci-fi television show. Players can take part in enormous multiplayer space battles with up to eight players online or play through the single-player campaign that includes memorable missions from the TV series. Pilots can either sign up to defend the Galactica or play as the ruthless Cylons as they seek to remove the human race from existence. With full 3D graphics to show off the detailed ships and cosmic environments, Battlestar Galactica allows players to fly four Human and four Cylon ships from the Viper II to the Cylon raider, each with unique weapon capabilities. Battlestar Galactica will be available on Xbox LIVE Arcade, as well as Windows PC this fall.
Sierra Online announces three Xbox Live/PC games
Tuesday, July 10th, 2007
GRAW 2 Update
Thursday, May 10th, 2007
SAN FRANCISCO – May 9, 2007 – Ubisoft, one of the world's largest videogame publishers, today announced release of the Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter ® 2 Throwback Pack, a new downloadable content (DLC) package for Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter ® 2 for the Xbox 360(TM) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. This new premium content package will enrich and extend the original game by allowing players to expand their Live experience with 7 fan-favorite maps hand selected from past Ghost Recon's games. This premium content package is available now via the Xbox LIVE!(TM) Marketplace for 800 Microsoft points. Take a look below for an outline of the full contents of the Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter ® 2 Throwback Pack:
Content available in the Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter ® 2 Throwback Pack:
The GRAW2 Throwback Pack consists of 7 classic maps from Ghost Recon's illustrious history. All of these maps have upgraded visuals and support all of the GRAW 2 thousands of customizable game modes.
Bonfires
Previous GR Title: Ghost Recon 2: DLC
Recommended # of Players: 4 to 12 players
Overview:
Several bonfires punctuate a thick mountain forest. The abundance of trees breaks up sight lines and makes fast moving targets difficult to engage.
Peninsula
Previous GR Title: Ghost Recon 2
Recommended # of Players: 2 to 8 players
Overview:
A remote village built on a peninsula with bridges connecting many areas of the map. Houses provide good cover when in a close-quarters combat situation.
Mountain Base
Previous GR Title: Ghost Recon 2: Summit Strike
Recommended # of Players: 8 to 16 players
Overview:
An abandoned Soviet base situated in the mountains of Kazakhstan, featuring narrow passes and dense pine forests in the surrounding terrain. Fortified ridges provide excellent defensive positions.
Mountain Falls
Previous GR Title: Ghost Recon 2
Recommended # of Players: 4 to 12 players
Overview:
A waterfall cuts a path down a steep mountainside, with the fast moving river dividing the map. Rocky cliffs provide excellent firing positions on enemies below.
Desert Gulch
Previous GR Title: Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter
Recommended # of Players: 2 to 8 players
Overview:
A rocky desert landscape carved into channels by rivers long since dried, featuring rolling terrain. Ridges overlooking twisting paths make long-range engagement and close-quarters tactics both viable options.
Fishing Village
Previous GR Title: Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter
Recommended # of Players: 8 to 16 players
Overview:
Dilapidated urban area gives way to a rustic fishing village near the shoreline. This map features a rolling, open terrain, abundant trees, and thick underbrush, making tactical movement a key to victory.
Jungle Mines
Previous GR Title: Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter – Chapter 2 DLC
Recommended # of Players: 6 to 12 players
Overview:
A mining complex set in the jungle of El Salvador. A massive multi-tiered structure dominates the central mine, and provides ample access to the many levels of excavation in the surrounding area.
For more information on Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter ® 2, please visit www.ghostrecon.com.
Content available in the Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter ® 2 Throwback Pack:
The GRAW2 Throwback Pack consists of 7 classic maps from Ghost Recon's illustrious history. All of these maps have upgraded visuals and support all of the GRAW 2 thousands of customizable game modes.
Bonfires
Previous GR Title: Ghost Recon 2: DLC
Recommended # of Players: 4 to 12 players
Overview:
Several bonfires punctuate a thick mountain forest. The abundance of trees breaks up sight lines and makes fast moving targets difficult to engage.
Peninsula
Previous GR Title: Ghost Recon 2
Recommended # of Players: 2 to 8 players
Overview:
A remote village built on a peninsula with bridges connecting many areas of the map. Houses provide good cover when in a close-quarters combat situation.
Mountain Base
Previous GR Title: Ghost Recon 2: Summit Strike
Recommended # of Players: 8 to 16 players
Overview:
An abandoned Soviet base situated in the mountains of Kazakhstan, featuring narrow passes and dense pine forests in the surrounding terrain. Fortified ridges provide excellent defensive positions.
Mountain Falls
Previous GR Title: Ghost Recon 2
Recommended # of Players: 4 to 12 players
Overview:
A waterfall cuts a path down a steep mountainside, with the fast moving river dividing the map. Rocky cliffs provide excellent firing positions on enemies below.
Desert Gulch
Previous GR Title: Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter
Recommended # of Players: 2 to 8 players
Overview:
A rocky desert landscape carved into channels by rivers long since dried, featuring rolling terrain. Ridges overlooking twisting paths make long-range engagement and close-quarters tactics both viable options.
Fishing Village
Previous GR Title: Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter
Recommended # of Players: 8 to 16 players
Overview:
Dilapidated urban area gives way to a rustic fishing village near the shoreline. This map features a rolling, open terrain, abundant trees, and thick underbrush, making tactical movement a key to victory.
Jungle Mines
Previous GR Title: Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter – Chapter 2 DLC
Recommended # of Players: 6 to 12 players
Overview:
A mining complex set in the jungle of El Salvador. A massive multi-tiered structure dominates the central mine, and provides ample access to the many levels of excavation in the surrounding area.
For more information on Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter ® 2, please visit www.ghostrecon.com.
Crackdown Update 5.10.07
Thursday, May 10th, 2007
Crackdown” Agents to Rearm, Reload With New Downloadable Content on Xbox LIVE
Microsoft Game Studios and Realtime Worlds provide explosive new cars, game modes and weapons for critically acclaimed Xbox 360 exclusive “Crackdown.”
REDMOND, Wash. — May 10, 2007 — Thought Pacific City was well on its way to becoming a wholesome, law-abiding community? Think again, Agent.
Microsoft Game Studios and Realtime Worlds today announced that there is still more crime to be purged and new ways to purge it with the release of both free and premium downloadable content for the critically acclaimed Xbox 360™ open-world action title “Crackdown™.” The content will be available for download from Xbox LIVE® Marketplace today.
With more than 900,000 units of “Crackdown” sold-through in only two months, Microsoft Game Studios and Realtime Worlds are extending the game’s unparalleled experience, offering gamers several exciting new features, including vehicles, weapons, game modes and seven highly explosive, new Achievements. In addition, Agents will have free access to improved mission time trials, an option to repopulate gangs and kingpins after they have beaten the game, a vehicle impound garage, and the long-awaited Keys to the City — a comprehensive cheat mode including new “super agent” abilities and the option to create ramps, vehicles and explosives anywhere in Pacific City, at any point in the game.
For 800 Microsoft® Points, Agents can also access the full “Crackdown” armory, which includes three unique vehicles, four new devastating weapons, co-op game types, an Agent “cloaking device” and an added dynamic street-racing mode.
The new and improved street-racing mode brings several white-knuckle races to the streets … and everywhere in between. Agents can win by any means necessary — via speed or sabotage.
Vehicle selection is imperative to an Agent’s success, and the premium vehicle additions will help gamers dominate their foes. The Agency Buggy, fitted with a turret for the new, ultimate fast-firing projectile chain gun, is the vehicle of choice in rough and tumble off-road races. The low-profile battering ram of the Agency Armored Vehicle is strong enough to knock vehicles out of the way and protect Agents from an onslaught of gunfire, and is fitted with an independently aiming rocket turret. The Agency Racecar is the high-speed car of choice on the long stretches of city pavement.
In addition to a flocking rocket launcher (the MSK Lobber) and the all-powerful MZ360 Mini-Gun, the premium content will feature both proximity mines and the HRX Harpoon gun capable of stopping crime in its path by nailing criminals to nearby cars and walls.
In addition, if a player who has yet to purchase the PDLC content enters into a co-op game with a partner who has, that player will be able to preview the new content for the duration of that game.
For gamers interested in dashboard content, one new “Crackdown” theme will be available for 150 Microsoft Points, as well as four exciting new picture packs at varying prices.
And finally, on May 16, owners of the specially marked packages of “Crackdown” will be able to access the long-awaited “Halo® 3” multiplayer beta from the in-game menu.
So whether it’s through the free or premium content, “Crackdown” gamers on Xbox LIVE are bracing themselves to hit the streets of Pacific City once again. Now, get out there, Agent, and kick crime where it hurts.
Microsoft Game Studios and Realtime Worlds provide explosive new cars, game modes and weapons for critically acclaimed Xbox 360 exclusive “Crackdown.”
REDMOND, Wash. — May 10, 2007 — Thought Pacific City was well on its way to becoming a wholesome, law-abiding community? Think again, Agent.
Microsoft Game Studios and Realtime Worlds today announced that there is still more crime to be purged and new ways to purge it with the release of both free and premium downloadable content for the critically acclaimed Xbox 360™ open-world action title “Crackdown™.” The content will be available for download from Xbox LIVE® Marketplace today.
With more than 900,000 units of “Crackdown” sold-through in only two months, Microsoft Game Studios and Realtime Worlds are extending the game’s unparalleled experience, offering gamers several exciting new features, including vehicles, weapons, game modes and seven highly explosive, new Achievements. In addition, Agents will have free access to improved mission time trials, an option to repopulate gangs and kingpins after they have beaten the game, a vehicle impound garage, and the long-awaited Keys to the City — a comprehensive cheat mode including new “super agent” abilities and the option to create ramps, vehicles and explosives anywhere in Pacific City, at any point in the game.
For 800 Microsoft® Points, Agents can also access the full “Crackdown” armory, which includes three unique vehicles, four new devastating weapons, co-op game types, an Agent “cloaking device” and an added dynamic street-racing mode.
The new and improved street-racing mode brings several white-knuckle races to the streets … and everywhere in between. Agents can win by any means necessary — via speed or sabotage.
Vehicle selection is imperative to an Agent’s success, and the premium vehicle additions will help gamers dominate their foes. The Agency Buggy, fitted with a turret for the new, ultimate fast-firing projectile chain gun, is the vehicle of choice in rough and tumble off-road races. The low-profile battering ram of the Agency Armored Vehicle is strong enough to knock vehicles out of the way and protect Agents from an onslaught of gunfire, and is fitted with an independently aiming rocket turret. The Agency Racecar is the high-speed car of choice on the long stretches of city pavement.
In addition to a flocking rocket launcher (the MSK Lobber) and the all-powerful MZ360 Mini-Gun, the premium content will feature both proximity mines and the HRX Harpoon gun capable of stopping crime in its path by nailing criminals to nearby cars and walls.
In addition, if a player who has yet to purchase the PDLC content enters into a co-op game with a partner who has, that player will be able to preview the new content for the duration of that game.
For gamers interested in dashboard content, one new “Crackdown” theme will be available for 150 Microsoft Points, as well as four exciting new picture packs at varying prices.
And finally, on May 16, owners of the specially marked packages of “Crackdown” will be able to access the long-awaited “Halo® 3” multiplayer beta from the in-game menu.
So whether it’s through the free or premium content, “Crackdown” gamers on Xbox LIVE are bracing themselves to hit the streets of Pacific City once again. Now, get out there, Agent, and kick crime where it hurts.
Ubisoft announces registration for GRAW 2 Beta for PC
Thursday, March 22nd, 2007
Ubisoft, one of the world's largest videogame publishers, today announces that registration for the closed multiplayer beta for Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter ® 2 on PC will begin in early April 2007. Once again being developed from the ground up by GRIN, the PC version of Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter ® 2 is being developed specifically for the PC and PC gamers. Look forward to seeing more information on Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter ® 2 PC as it approaches its release in June 2007. Until then, take a look below for more details on the imminent closed PC multiplayer beta:
In the closed multiplayer beta gamers can get their first taste of the map CALAVERA, a map created exclusively for Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter ® 2 PC.
The new Recon vs. Assault mode will have players fight their way through this Mexican village near the US border. As a member of the elite Ghost squad, gamers will need to use all of their know-how and expertise to stay hidden and sneak through small winding roads to locate and engage the enemy. As a Mexican rebel, players must be prepared to engage the Ghosts, using high calibre fire power, and must stop them at all cost.
The return of Team Deathmatch will challenge players and their friends to fight in battles where everything is possible; explore, engage and terminate.
For more information about Ubisoft, please visit www.ghostrecon.com or www.ubi.com.
In the closed multiplayer beta gamers can get their first taste of the map CALAVERA, a map created exclusively for Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter ® 2 PC.
The new Recon vs. Assault mode will have players fight their way through this Mexican village near the US border. As a member of the elite Ghost squad, gamers will need to use all of their know-how and expertise to stay hidden and sneak through small winding roads to locate and engage the enemy. As a Mexican rebel, players must be prepared to engage the Ghosts, using high calibre fire power, and must stop them at all cost.
The return of Team Deathmatch will challenge players and their friends to fight in battles where everything is possible; explore, engage and terminate.
For more information about Ubisoft, please visit www.ghostrecon.com or www.ubi.com.
EA Launches Boom Boom Rocket onto the Xbox Live Arcade
Thursday, January 18th, 2007
Electronic Arts announced its launch onto Microsoft’s Xbox Live Arcade with Boom Boom Rocket. The game is a hypnotic rhythm music game conceived by EA’s Pogo,com casual games design team and developed by Bizarre Creations, the developer who brought Project Gotham Racing 3 to the Xbox 360, and fan-favorite Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved to Xbox Live Arcade. The game is scheduled to go live Spring 2007 and is EA’s first title on Xbox Live Arcade.
In Boom Boom Rocket, players trigger rockets to the beat of the music while traveling through a 3D cityscape. The better the player times the explosions, the more spectacular the fireworks effects. The fireworks are choreographed to 10 original tracks created by Ian Livingstone. Players can play in single player mode or go head-to-head against a friend on the same console.
“As one of the worldwide leaders in game publishing, EA has long recognized the power of on-demand, online entertainment,” said Chris Early, Product Unit Manager for Xbox Live Arcade and Microsoft Casual Games. ”We’re honored that EA has chosen Xbox Live Arcade as the platform for their first-ever downloadable game for console game players and are excited to make Boom Boom Rocket available to the millions of Xbox Live Arcade players around the world.”
“Boom Boom Rocket is an addictive and original challenge for all types of gamer, and we're enjoying working with EA to create this unique Xbox Live Arcade experience”, said Martyn Chudley, Managing Director of Bizarre Creations. “Our teams love both working and playing on Xbox Live Arcade, and we're looking forward to releasing another innovative title on this platform with Boom Boom Rocket.”
“This is a perfect time to bring such a unique and custom-built arcade game to Xbox Live Arcade gamers,” said Chip Lange, EA Vice President. “We’ve crafted Boom Boom Rocket to offer an intensely fun entertainment experience for the thriving community of hard core and casual gamers alike on Xbox Live Arcade. It’s only natural that our launch title comes from the Pogo team, given their remarkable success with casual games.”
The game features three modes of gameplay: Normal, Speed and multiplayer head-to-head. Each song is choreographed into three skill levels to ensure that everyone can join in the fun. Successfully chain fireworks to fill the bonus meter and activate the psychedelic bonus mode for extra points. Players can unlock new firework designs by mastering each music track. You can also utilize the connected online element and see how their scores compare with other players on the Boom Boom Rocket leaderboard.
In Boom Boom Rocket, players trigger rockets to the beat of the music while traveling through a 3D cityscape. The better the player times the explosions, the more spectacular the fireworks effects. The fireworks are choreographed to 10 original tracks created by Ian Livingstone. Players can play in single player mode or go head-to-head against a friend on the same console.
“As one of the worldwide leaders in game publishing, EA has long recognized the power of on-demand, online entertainment,” said Chris Early, Product Unit Manager for Xbox Live Arcade and Microsoft Casual Games. ”We’re honored that EA has chosen Xbox Live Arcade as the platform for their first-ever downloadable game for console game players and are excited to make Boom Boom Rocket available to the millions of Xbox Live Arcade players around the world.”
“Boom Boom Rocket is an addictive and original challenge for all types of gamer, and we're enjoying working with EA to create this unique Xbox Live Arcade experience”, said Martyn Chudley, Managing Director of Bizarre Creations. “Our teams love both working and playing on Xbox Live Arcade, and we're looking forward to releasing another innovative title on this platform with Boom Boom Rocket.”
“This is a perfect time to bring such a unique and custom-built arcade game to Xbox Live Arcade gamers,” said Chip Lange, EA Vice President. “We’ve crafted Boom Boom Rocket to offer an intensely fun entertainment experience for the thriving community of hard core and casual gamers alike on Xbox Live Arcade. It’s only natural that our launch title comes from the Pogo team, given their remarkable success with casual games.”
The game features three modes of gameplay: Normal, Speed and multiplayer head-to-head. Each song is choreographed into three skill levels to ensure that everyone can join in the fun. Successfully chain fireworks to fill the bonus meter and activate the psychedelic bonus mode for extra points. Players can unlock new firework designs by mastering each music track. You can also utilize the connected online element and see how their scores compare with other players on the Boom Boom Rocket leaderboard.
PlayStation Store Gets Some Updates
Thursday, January 18th, 2007
If you're one of the lucky PlayStation 3 owners out there then you have access to the PlayStation Store. This resources is very similar to the Xbox Live Marketplace and is a spot where you can download games, exclusive content, and trailers for your console and PSP.
Recently some new items were made available, so without further fanfare here they are:
· Slash your way through Genji: Days of the Blade in alternate armor with a free costume pack
· A trailer for the new, remixed PS3 version of the award-winning racing title GripShift
· For the PSP system, Rally Cross, an emulated PlayStation title
· New trailers for Warner Bros. movies including 300 and Fred Claus.
Some stuff on the horizon also includes a multiplayer pack for Blast Factor, an emulated version of WipeOut for the PSP, and a God of War II trailer. Until then have fun downloading and spending your hard earned cash on some arcade-style games!
Recently some new items were made available, so without further fanfare here they are:
· Slash your way through Genji: Days of the Blade in alternate armor with a free costume pack
· A trailer for the new, remixed PS3 version of the award-winning racing title GripShift
· For the PSP system, Rally Cross, an emulated PlayStation title
· New trailers for Warner Bros. movies including 300 and Fred Claus.
Some stuff on the horizon also includes a multiplayer pack for Blast Factor, an emulated version of WipeOut for the PSP, and a God of War II trailer. Until then have fun downloading and spending your hard earned cash on some arcade-style games!