While Far Cry 2 is very definitely just a shooter, Edwards’ review suggests that Stalker’s “wide corridor” model (that I loved so much) is going to be made to look shabby by this seamless 50km world, as executed by a talented, well-funded studio. I can’t wait to get to grips with the kind of freedom in an FPS that has previously only really manifested itself in GTA games. This latest trailer doesn’t make the longing any better, showing off loads of the open world stuff, including character dialogue, gun-play, speeding vehicles, and the ubiquitous fiery explosions. The dynamic story-telling perhaps doesn’t lend itself well to trailers, but trying reading our previous interview with the lead designer to get your head around that a bit better.
(...)
Read the rest of Far Cry 2: “Money, Diamonds, and Blood” (19 words)

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Rap still hasn’t had a hit rhythm game. It was about a year ago that I wrote about that lack of hip-hop in a music-game genre dominated by rock (and had Alex Rigopulos explain the inherent challenges to me).

While interviewing Jones about “Scratch,” he told me that, in the course of getting music licensed for the game, he’s found a lot of people who want rap’s absence in rhythm games to be over. He said it’s time for a rap rhythm game that succeeds.

From my piece:

“The urban community has rallied around this,” Jones said in a telephone interview. “They see the void as well. It’s been a great communal effort to make this the best it can be so we can see more games like it.”

Hip-hop community, is now the time to get a piece of this rhythm game phenomenon? “Get On Da Mic” didn’t do the trick. Can “Scratch”? Could “DJ Hero“?

Read the rest of our report: New Turntable-Based Video Game Is Another Attempt At Hip-Hop ‘Guitar Hero’

Qore

Qore Episode 5 ($2.99 for episode / $24.99 for Annual Subscription)
Episode 5 celebrates Halloween with a scary game roundup. It also includes exclusive access to SEGA’s Valkyria Chronicles demo, some spooky/creepy artwork and new shooting galleries.
File Size: 1.68 GB

Games

Linger in Shadows ($2.99)
Linger in Shadows is a unique interactive digital art experience that uses the SIXAXIS controller to manipulate the very fabric of time and reality. Groundbreaking graphics and interactivity raise the bar for what is possible on PlayStation 3. Download Linger in Shadows and experience a truly unique journey that will change the way you think about games and art.
File Size: 100 MB

Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords ($14.99)
Building upon the addictive and easy to- learn gameplay of a puzzle game by integrating story and character progression elements found in RPGs, Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords delivers a brand new type of game that pushes the puzzle genre to a previously unseen level. The PSN version of the game also includes the content from the ‘Wrath of the Plague Lord’ expansion pack.
File Size: 242 MB

Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket Powered Battle Cars ($14.99)
Get ready for non-stop action as you take control of a rocket-powered super car! It is a sport like no other, where supersonic cars jump, flip, and rocket boost their way to victory!
File Size: 177 MB

Add-on Game Content

Hot Shots Golf Fall Fashion Line ($2.99)
Spruce up your Hot Shots Golf Fall wardrobe with a collection of playful and funky new outfits ideal for golf wherever you play. Five new costumes come your way with 6 variations for each new costume giving you a total of 30 new outfits to dress your favorite 5 players in Hot Shots Golf Out Of Bounds. So now matter where you play, you’ll certainly be the best dressed player on the course.
File Size: 101 KB

Dead Space Obsidian Suit (Free)
Download the exclusive Obsidian Suit now, available only for the PLAYSTATION 3! This amazing Level 5 suit features the jet black PLAYSTATION 3 colors, upgraded toughness, and extra inventory slots.
File Size: 10.4 MB

Note: Free for a limited time only.

Dead Space Scorpion Suit ($2.49)
Download the exclusive Scorpion Suit now! Equip Isaac with this stunning Level 5 suit featuring enhanced armor and extra inventory slots.
File Size 9.31 MB

FIFA 09

• All Leagues Pack ($19.99)
• Barclays Premier League English Pack ($6.99)
• Bundesliga German Pack ($6.99)
• Liga BBVA Spanish Pack ($6.99)
• Ligue 1 French Pack ($6.99)
• Primera Division De Mexico Pack ($6.99)
• Serie A Italian Pack ($6.99)

File Sizes: 100 KB

Mega Man 9 Endless Attack Mode ($2.99)
File Size: 216 KB

Mega Man 9 Protoman Mode ($1.99)
File Size: 100 KB

Rock Band

Build your Rock Band library by purchasing these song game tracks. For song credits, visit www.RockBand.com.

The Offspring Track Pack 01 ($5.49; includes tracks below, also offered individually)

• Gone Away - The Offspring ($1.99)
• Pretty Fly (For A White Guy) - The Offspring ($1.99)
• Self Esteem - The Offspring ($1.99)

Various Tracks

• All Right Now - Free ($1.99)
• Bad to the Bone - George Thorogood ($1.99)
• Cream and Bastards Ride - Harvey Danger ($1.99)
• Nearly Lost You - Screaming Trees ($1.99)
• Push It - Static-X ($1.99)
• Stop! - Against Me ($1.99)

File sizes: 21.7 MB - 38.9 MB (singles), 91.7 MB (track pack)

Sid Meier’s Civilization Revolution Single Player Map Pack: Brave New Worlds (Free)
New Single Player Maps for Sid Meier’s Civilization Revolution! Includes 4 new maps, each with its own unique geography providing uncharted new challenges.
File Size: 42.1 MB

Sid Meier’s Civilization Revolution Scenario Pack: The Victory Pack ($1.25)
Three new scenarios that are variations on classic victory conditions.
File Size: 104 KB

Super Stardust HD Game Bundle with Solo & Team modes ($14.99)
In Super Stardust HD, your mission is simple: destroy everything in sight! Visit different planets and fend off giant asteroids and waves of enemies by utilizing three upgradeable weapons to save the solar system from total annihilation. Download this bundle today to get the hit game plus the Solo and Team add-ons, all together at a discounted price.

Super Stardust HD Add-on Bundle (Solo & Team) ($7.99)
This is an upgrade pack for Super Stardust HD. You must already own the full title to make use of this upgrade.
File Size: 377 KB

Download this bundle today to get both the Solo and Team add-ons at a discounted price.

Demos (Free)

Warhawk
Download the Warhawk Demo today and check out the award-winning online gameplay expereince - “Online Battles Await.”
File Size: 855 MB

Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket Powered Battle Cars
File Size: 160 MB

Game Videos (Free)

LittleBigPlanet Life in LBP Ep. 2 (Play)
The second in a series of documentary-style videos exploring the wonders of LittleBigPlanet. In this episode, we see how SackBoys play! Alone or in a pack, these little guys know how to have a good time!
File Size: 157 MB

LittleBigPlanet Playtime
“Rockstar or Nerd? Pirate or Ninja? Whoever you are, when you come to LittleBigPlanet, its time to PLAY! Play alone or with friends and Jump, Race, or Slap your way to victory.
File Size: 52 MB

MotorStorm Pacific Rift Crashes & Carnage Trailer
In MotorStorm Pacific Rift, race first and think second. Anything goes when trying to reach the finish line and not every racer makes it. Watch these spectacular crashes as the Stormers reach for the goal. Stormers Unite!
File Size: 53.2 MB (720p) / 87.9 MB (1080p)

NBA 09 Trailers (x4)
NBA 09 The Inside and the makers of MLB 08 The Show bring you The Life. Could you step into the shoes of an NBA player in The Life? See if you’ve got what it takes to play three different story-lines in your bid to go from the streets, straight to the NBA. Pre-order today through GameStop and get an officially licensed NBA cap. Specially marked boxes can also get you one year FREE subscription to Vibe Magazine. Nothing Gets You Closer.
File Sizes: 38.4 - 46.5 MB

SOCOM: Confrontation - Desert Glory Flythrough
Fly through Dersert Glory, a classic map from the SOCOM universe rebuilt for SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation.
File Size: 72.2 MB

Bioshock Official Trailer
No gods or kings. Only man. Welcome to Rapture. Caught between powerful forces and hunted down by genetically mutated citizens you come to grips with a mysterious and fascinating world that not only challenges your capacity to adapt and survive, but brings to question your values and commitments to the inhabitants of Rapture. If your life was the prize, would you kill the innocent? Would you sacrifice your humanity? Opportunity awaits.
File Size: 68.5

Legendary: The Box Behind the Scenes 3 & 4 (x2)
Download and watch part three of the behind the scenes series looking at the making of Legendary. In this episode, we catch up with the dev team as they reveal their thoughts on the two main enemy creatures of the game: the mighty griffon and the savage werewolf.
File Sizes: Scene 3 (216 MB) / Scene 4 (166 MB)

Mercenaries 2 World In Flames Payback Trailer
Watch what others have been saying about Mercenaries 2!
File Size: 94.1 MB

Soul Calibur IV Character Gameplay Combos Trailer
This SOULCALIBUR IV trailer introduces some of the fantastic fighting moves executable in the game.
Check out these moves to pull them off in your next battle!
File Size: 181 MB

Tom Clancy’s End War Command Points Video Briefing
Leverage your points: This video will teach you the basics of command points and how you can use them to get access to a range of powerful mission support
File Size: 65.9 MB

Tom Clancy’s End War Mass Destruction Trailer
Demolish your enemy: This video will show off the most devastating weapons in your arsenal and give you tips on when to use them.
File Size: 70.2 MB

Starting today, PlayStation Store will begin to offer premium themes for purchase. These include themes from our partners Smobile and Disruptive Media Publishers as well as some game publishers.

Paid Themes

Kicks Theme ($0.99)
File Size: 2.71 MB

Bioshock Exclusive Theme ($0.99)
File Size: 5.41 MB

* Disruptive Media Publishers Paid Themes (x20)

Auburn University ($1.99)
File Size: 5.11 MB

Florida State University ($1.99)
File Size: 5.03 MB

University of Georgia ($1.99)
File Size: 4.93 MB

University of Miami ($1.99)
File Size: 5.02 MB

University of Michigan ($1.99)
File Size: 4.95 MB

University of North Carolina ($1.99)
File Size: 5.10 MB

University of Tennessee ($1.99)
File Size: 5.09 MB

University of Texas ($1.99)
File Size: 5.01 MB

Beach Sampler ($1.99)
File Size: 5.32 MB

Summer Down Under ($1.99)
File Size: 5.06 MB

Digital Techno ($1.49)
File Size: 4.55 MB

High Voltage ($1.49)
File Size: 5.57 MB

Horror Eyes ($1.49)
File Size: 5.53 MB

Refracted Revolt ($1.49)
File Size: 3.94 MB

Bad Girls ($1.49)
File Size: 3.58 MB

Halloween Vixens ($1.49)
File Size: 4.75 MB

Golden Retriever ($1.49)
File Size: 6.02 MB

Man’s Best Friend ($1.49)
File Size: 5.81 MB

Nordic Majesty ($1.49)
File Size: 5.84 MB

Seaside Sunsets ($1.49)
File Size: 4.77 MB

* Smobile Paid Themes

Elven-X ($0.99)
File Size: 4.72 MB

Iron Guard ($0.99)
File Size: 2.08 MB

Themes & Wallpapers (Free)

WipEout HD All Teams #2 Theme
File Size: 2.44 MB

Fallout 3 Brotherhood of Steel Theme
File Size: 1.43 MB

Fallout PIP-BOY 3000 Theme
File Size: 856 KB

Linger In Shadows Wallpapers (x2)
File Size: 235 - 412 KB

ATV Pure Wallpapers (x4)
File Size: 670 - 965 KB

Valkyria Chronicles Wallpapers (x2)
File Size: 1.42 - 1.57 MB

PLAYSTATION Store for PC

Here is this week’s content release for the PLAYSTATION Store for PC. To download these games to your PSP, navigate to http://store.playstation.com. There you’ll find descriptions of the content and directions on how to get started. For more on the PLAYSTATION Store for PC, please click here.

PSP Game Downloads

* Syphon Filter: Logan’s Shadow (UMD Legacy) ($24.99)
* Guilty Gear Judgement (UMD Legacy) ($5.99)

Add-ons

* echochrome level pack add-on ($4.99)

Videos (Free)

* Neverland Card Battles Trailer

Themes & Wallpapers (Free)

* NBA 09 PSP Theme 2
* Neverland Card Battles Wallpaper

What does taking out the RPG do?  In WAR it seems that we’re presented with a role reversal.  Usually the players are the ones starting out in the world as fledglings and work their way through the game, the story, and the levels on their way to becoming a hero.  Your character will advance and parts of the game will begin to unfold before you as you continue to discover what role you are playing in the game.  I’ll use EQ2 as an example because that was/is, in my opinion, one of the best games for the feeling of immersion and “belonging” in the world.  My character began in the world by taking his first steps on a grand journey.  As he progressed, so did my immersion in the world.  I would be lead to bigger cities, outposts, and posts naturally in a world that was fairly seamless.   I owned property, obtained items of great ‘value’, and felt like I was firmly grounded in a ‘real’ world along with the rest of the population.  In many ways, the style of game I am referring to feels more like I am living the life of my character - hence the “role playing”.

In WAR I am not taking on this role of living the life of my character and entrenching myself in the world.  As I have said before, I am more removed and in control.  The scope of the game is such that, in many aspects, it almost takes on an arcade feel; but then at the same time it doesn’t.   I’m participating in events and battles taking place in the broader scope of the world but at the same time doing quests and dungeons.  WAR is somewhere between the arcade the the rpg feel.  Not a bad place to be, but definitely different from anything we’re used to so far in the industry.

It’s very interesting to analyze stuff like this.  It makes me wonder where the future of the industry is going.  These games are slowly — slooowwwwly — evolving (or trying to evolve in some cases) from what they were a decade ago.  Is the EQ2 style (I consider this a “standard” mmorpg - not to be confused with the  “EQ Model”) on the way out and a more hybrid form taking its place?  Now that the genre has officially taken another step in the evolutionary process, it’s up to the next wave of games (I’m looking at you 38 Studios and Bioware!) to decide if these are traits they want to adopt or if they’ll rule them out and strike out on their own path.  Fascinating stuff!

CG: Is the casual market in danger of being flooded?

PT: Not in the least. Great games are selling at twice the volume they were a year ago, four times the rate they were two years ago. The trick here is identifying the types of games consumers want.

Yes, certain genres are saturated, but every time one genre feels saturated another opens up. Casual gamers are not casual in their consumption of games, provided of course you are building the games they’re asking for.

Full interview here

Continue reading Massively in Metropolis: DC Universe Online concept art sneak peek

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Gallery: Quantum Theory (PS3)

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