EA Sports: Tiger Woods PGA Tour '09

EA Sports: Tiger Woods PGA Tour '09

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09 is the latest golfing video game in the Tiger Woods PGA Tour series from Electronic Arts. It is scheduled to be released in North America on August 26, 2008 for the Xbox 360, PS3, PS2, Wii, and PSP.

EA has gone back do the drawing board with Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09 for Wii and the end result is a game of golf that feels both much more tailored to the Big N's platform and more polished than it ever has before. You will notice this newfound presentational finesse from the moment the game boots complete with a new interface overhauled with pointer-ready menus, and even better, enhanced in-game graphics. And when you pick up the remote to drive the ball, you're going to see Tiger's swing move at a one-to-one ratio with your own -- finally.


While EA Redwood Shores handled previous iterations of PGA Tour on Wii, Florida-based Tiburon took over duties for 09, erecting a 30-man team dedicated to the Nintendo version. "We decided to move development over to Tiburon mainly because the 360 and PS3 versions of the game are made here," explains Greg Rinaldi, development manager, Tiburon. "It's really just one big Tiger team now. One big family, you could say. Although the Wii team is kind of split off a little bit. We do share a little bit with the other guys, but we're pretty much separate because we want to treat the Wii title as its own thing. It's got its own set of plusses and challenges."

[ www.easports.com/tigerwoods09 ]

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Codemasters: Rise of The Argonauts

Codemasters: Rise of The Argonauts

The new print issue of Game Informer magazine also has the first details on Rise of the Argonaunts, the upcoming Greek-Roman themed action RPG from developer Liquid Entertainment and publisher Codemasters. The game, due for release in 2008 for the PS3, Xbox 360 and PC, is a loose retelling of the ancient myth of Jason and his Argonauts as they search for the Golden Fleece. The game will have Jason piloting his ship the Argo across a number of islands and as the game progresses Jason gains companions that help out and even the Argo changes to reflect the travels in the game's setting. Combat will be in real time and the player can even call on the gods for extra power. Yhe Unreal Engine 3 based game will also have a two player co-op mode.

[ www.rise-of-the-argonauts.com ]

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Ubisoft: Brothers in Arms

Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30

The gameplay in Earned in Blood is similar, if not identical, to Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30. The player usually assumes command of two teams of paratroopers to use the Four Fs--Find, Fix, Flank, and Finish--tactic against the enemy. The game discourages the use of solo run 'n' gun tactic by limiting the player's ability to aim, by decreasing the player's health, and by placing large numbers of enemies behind cover. To successfully complete a mission, the player has to study the layout of the battlefield, fix/suppress the enemy with overwhelming suppressive fire with one team (usually the fire team), and direct another team (usually the assault team) to flank the enemy by sneaking to the side or rear of the enemy to finish them off.

One huge difference between Earned in Blood and its predecessor's gameplay is the improvement in enemy AI. In Road to 30, the enemy usually will not move under fire even when the player's flanking action has been detected. In Earned in Blood, the enemy will constantly reposition himself according to the player's action, regardless of danger. This change makes stealth and distraction important considerations when the player is attempting to flank the enemy. At the same time, new tactics such as forcing the enemy into kill zones is possible with the new AI system.

The new enemy AI allows the player to be attacked more frequently than in Road to Hill 30.

[ www.brothersinarmsgame.com ]

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Capcom: Commando 3

Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3

Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3 is a downloadable game developed by Backbone Entertainment for the Xbox 360's Xbox Live Arcade service and Sony's PlayStation Network. It is the second sequel to Capcom's Commando arcade game, following Mercs, the name Wolf of the Battlefield being a literal translation of the original game's Japanese title

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Namco: Soul Calibur IV

Soulcalibur IV is the fifth installment in Namco's Soul series of fighting games, due for release on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 on July 29, 2008 in North America and July 31 in Japan, Europe and Australia. For the first time in the series history, the game will have competitive online play and is the second game in the series to not have an arcade release before the console release.

Soulcalibur is the name of the holy sword, created to battle the evil sword Soul Edge, around which the games' storylines revolve. According to a timeline released by Namco on their "Soul Archive" site, Soulcalibur takes place around 1587.

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Firefly: Stronghold Crusader

Crusader provides huge armies and huge battles - over 10000 units on the battle field. New buildings – Outposts provide hordes of attacking enemies to deal with. Battlefield powers – Reinforcement, bombard and heal powers can be used, no, MUST be used to defend against the waves of attacking enemies

Crusader Extreme trail - A heavy duty, 20 mission trail that will test the nerves of even the most hardened ‘Stronghold Crusader’ expert!

Compatible with Microsoft Vista

5 new A.I. opponents:

° The Wazir – Fiery tempered and aggressive
° The Marshal - Old and old school, he favours his knights
° The Emir - don’t let his kindly nature fool you!
° The Abbot - His monks defend more then the faith!
° The Nizar – Silent and deadly


30 new stand alone maps that can be played in multiplayer or single player skirmish.

[ http://www.fireflyworlds.com/ ]

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Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise

Unfortunately, not all is well on the island, as Professor Pester and his gang of Ruffians have wiped out Piñata Central's computer records, posing a threat to parties everywhere. Rebuild the computer database and thwart Professor Pester's evil plot by sending piñatas at full candiosity to parties all around the world. Build and maintain your piñata gardens—using your creativity and imagination to attract, trap, protect, train, and manage more than 100 different piñata species.

° Customize your garden and piñatas: Plant flowers, dig ponds, even place sand and snow in your garden to make exotic species of piñata feel at home. Buy objects to change the weather, or get new toys for your piñata. And nurture the thirty-two new species of piñata, including sour piñatas that infiltrate and wreak havoc in the garden. Choose to tame the sours, or feed them candy to keep them sweet.

° Play with a friend: Family members and friends can now share in the joy of creating a garden by plugging in an extra controller. The second player has access to all tools, actions, activities, and can help by collecting magic. It's an entirely new way to play.

° Play multiple game modes: Use the Player Guide System to master the fundamental aspects of the game. Then, try the Standard Mode where sour piñatas, feuding species, and limited money call for you to exercise problem solving and creativity to build and maintain your garden. Or enjoy Just for Fun Mode, which allows you to build a garden full of colorful creatures without worries.

° Experience Piñata Vision: Plug in an Xbox LIVE® Vision camera and interact with the game through the use of printed cards featuring a unique barcode. Flash a piñata card up to the Vision camera, and the content will drop directly into the game.

° Show off to friends: Use the new photo mode to snap, print, and upload pictures of your unique garden or customized piñatas to show to friends. Photograph your piñata and turn it into a piñata card, then share it with your friends so they can scan it and put it into their own garden.

° Teach your piñatas tricks: Piñatas can perform dazzling tricks, if you teach them with the new trick stick tool. Watch as piñatas play together, perch on each other, and interact in new ways to make them even more appealing.

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Konami : Metal Gear Solid 4

In Metal Gear Solid 4, the player (Old Snake) must navigate the game world in order to progress, using stealth and cunning in addition to traditional combat. It uses the series' traditional third person view with full camera manipulation, but also allows the freedom to play in first-person mode, as well as an over the shoulder view which can be switched from right shoulder to left for corner maneuvering. The Close Quarters Combat system has been completely revamped.

Several elements from previous titles return in modified forms. Players can also use a new form of camouflage called "Octocamo," which replaces the camouflage system featured in Metal Gear Solid 3. The normally dark-blue OctoCamo suit allows the wearer to blend in with any surface within a few seconds. Players use the Sixaxis controller's motion-sensing capability to reset the OctoCamo to its default color. A new monocular device called "Solid Eye" replaces the various binoculars and image intensifiers from previous titles, and a steel drum complements the series' traditional cardboard box disguise. It is able to deflect bullets, and can be rolled to knock enemy soldiers over, but can lead to Snake being sick should the player roll around too much.

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EA Simulation: MySims

EA announced that the successful Wii and DS versions of The Sims, MySims, will be coming to the PC in the fall. This is an unexpected move for the company, with many thinking another Wii game would be the next step for this child friendly version of the people simulator.

But rather than straight port of the game, the PC version will have a lot more content than the console original, from Online extras to new characters.

MySims takes the basic idea of The Sims, and melds it into a goal driven adventure that sees your self-created character fulfilling tasks from other people in your village. It is more like Animal Crossing than the Sims to be fair, which was a large part of the success it had on the Wii. EA beat Nintendo to the punch, releasing an Animal Crossing style game before Ninty had even announced one.

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EA Sports: NBA Live '09

NBA LIVE 09 is back with the best playing basketball game in the category that rewrites the book on authenticity and connectivity - but is still accessible enough for new users to get in on the ground floor.

New features like Pick and Roll Control, Defensive Lockdown Control, Signature Playcalling and Quickstrike Ankle-Breakers will make the LIVE experience fun, long-lasting and satisfying. For those in need of some extra coaching, NBA LIVE 09 takes you to training camp with the NBA Academy that gives you a chance to hone your skills.

Features:

⌐ NBA Academy
° Get the most out of your game and hone your skills when you jump into game with an all-new practice facility.



⌐ Quickstrike AnkleBreakers
° Force your defender to step up and guess what you'll do next. Trigger the turbo button and use the right analog stick for bold, responsive ball-handling moves to fake out your defender and create scoring opportunities.



⌐ Pick and Roll Control
° This new two-man game mechanic lets you control both the ball handler and the screener, as you set screens and run two man plays, with on court instructions popping up to guide you through each play.



⌐ Signature Playcalling
° Introducing an accessible in game playcalling system that pushes on-court visualization to guide you through the play. This feature will suggest authentic plays for NBA's stars to run on the court.



⌐ Lockdown Control
° A new risk reward system to lock in your check on defense. Get in tight on a strong shooting guard to take away his shot, or play back to keep a quick point guard from blowing by you.




⌐ FIBA Expanded
° With 24 national teams to choose from, you can compete in an international tournament using authentic FIBA rosters and teams, including, the United States, Spain, France, and more



⌐ Be A Pro
° Feel what it's like to be a part of a team and lock in as one player - online using Online Team Play, or offline in single player mode. Let NBA LIVE give you feedback and track how well you are playing your position.



⌐ 5 vs. 5 Online Team Play
° All 10 players on the court can now be controlled by users on 10 different consoles around the world. Now the game outcome can be completely dependent on how you play as an online team.

⌐ Online Custom Leagues
° Create your own online league, with all-new drafting, trades and a single elimination playoff format

⌐ Extend your Game with EA SPORTS World
° Create your own highlight reel then upload the video to EA SPORTS World to prove your passion to the world.

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EA Sports: NBA LIVE 09 Producer Profile - Brian Ullrich

Brian has been in the video game business since 1987, working primarily on sports titles for publishers like Nintendo, Microsoft, GT Interactive, and Acclaim, and at developers like DMA, Software Creations, and VR1. He joined EA in 2005 and has been the lead producer on NBA LIVE for the X60 and PS3 the last two years.

Job Title: Producer

Favorite Basketball Player: (current) Chauncey Billups, (all- time) George Gervin

Favorite version of NBA LIVE: LIVE 09 of course :)

EASPORTSWorld Profile: n/a

Favorite Basketball Moment: I'm old, so St. John's (#2)beating Georgtown (#1) in 1985

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Game Socks: Hawaiian Vacation

New Arcade Game: Elf Bowling: Hawaiian Vacation

Grab your sunscreen and flip flops because your favorite bowling elves are back and they mean business...funny business that is! If you thought Santa's elves were crazy before, just wait until you see them on vacation! The mischievous crew has escaped from the workshop to hit the sand and surf, and they're stirring up trouble all over the island! From cruise ships to volcanic cliffs, Elf Bowling: Hawaiian Vacation will take you on a crazy bowling adventure with the zaniest characters around!

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Game Socks: Crumb

New Puzzle Game: Crumb

Explore the secrets of the Enchanted Forest to discover what happened to the Forest Mother. Collect magical crumbs to read the pages of her journal, as you search for and learn the true identity of the Forest Mother. Crumb features over 50 beautifully detailed levels to explore, an exciting family-friendly story set in an enchanted forest, and hundreds of challenging puzzles!

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Blizzard: StarCraft II

StarCraft II continues the epic saga of the Protoss, Terran, and Zerg. These three distinct and powerful races will clash once again in the fast-paced real-time strategy sequel to the legendary original, StarCraft. Legions of veteran, upgraded, and brand-new unit types will do battle across the galaxy, as each faction struggles for survival.

Featuring a unique single-player campaign that picks up where StarCraft: Brood War left off, StarCraft II will present a cast of new heroes and familiar faces in an edgy sci-fi story filled with adventure and intrigue. In addition, Blizzard will again offer unparalleled online play through Battle.net, the company's world-renowned gaming service, with several enhancements and new features to make StarCraft II the ultimate competitive real-time strategy game.

Features:

~Fast-paced, hard-hitting, tightly balanced competitive real-time strategy gameplay that recaptures and improves on the magic of the original game

~Three completely distinct races: Protoss, Terran, and Zerg

~New units and gameplay mechanics further distinguish each race

~Groundbreaking single-player campaign

~Vibrant new 3D-graphics engine with support for dazzling visual effects and massive unit and army sizes

~Full multiplayer support, with new competitive features and matchmaking utilities available through Battle.net

~Full map-making and scripting tools to give players incredible freedom in customizing and personalizing their gameplay experience

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Blizzard: Blizzard Hiring!

Blizzard Entertainment is looking for an exceptionally skilled lead 3D character artist to work on the award-winning World of Warcraft. The ideal candidate has extensive experience modeling, texturing, and illustrating a diverse visual range of characters and creatures, as well as strong familiarity in related tools -- 3DS Max and Photoshop. A solid grasp of form, structure, color, and light for both 2D and 3D art assets is essential.

Blizzard Entertainment is developing Diablo III for simultaneous release on the Windows® and Macintosh® PC platforms. Further information about the game, including details on the other character classes, major new features for the single-player and multiplayer components, system requirements, pricing, and availability, will be announced as development progresses. To learn more about Diablo III, please visit the official website at www.diablo3.com. With multiple games in development, Blizzard Entertainment has numerous positions currently available. Visit http://www.blizzard.com/jobs for more information and to learn how to apply.

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Blizzard: Diablo 3

Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. revealed Diablo® III at PARIS, France date of June 28, 2008. The newest entry in its critically acclaimed action role-playing-game franchise. The announcement was made during the 2008 Blizzard Entertainment® Worldwide Invitational at the Porte de Versailles Convention Centre in Paris, France. A cinematic trailer and an extended gameplay demonstration with commentary from the development team introduced the game to the thousands of players in attendance.

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Game Socks: Hell's Kitchen

New Arcade Game: Hell's Kitchen

In Hell's Kitchen, Gordon Ramsay puts aspiring chefs through a culinary boot camp! Experience the show's pressure-cooker atmosphere as you advance through kitchen and dining room challenges. Success depends on how well you cook and serve meals, so master each time management test on your way to becoming a 5-star chef! You can even unlock 35 amazing recipes from the show to try at home! See if you have what it takes to beat the heat of Hell's Kitchen!

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Game Socks: Tropicabana

New Puzzle Game: Tropicabana

Make matches before an audience who will react to your every move! They roar with excitement when you do well, and sit quietly when you don't. Watch out for the stage mice as they scamper about trying to keep you from clearing the board. Earn money after each level, based on how well you keep the crowd entertained, and use the money to buy upgrades for the Tropicabana or visit the casino between levels for a little date with lady luck! The Tropicabana is now open for business!

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Game Socks: The Remarkable Truth

New Puzzle Game: The Pini Society: The Remarkable Truth

Take your first steps in the path of great adventurers and hear the story of one of the world's most elite and secretive organizations. Founded in 1854 and only recently re-discovered, The Pini Society was responsible for the greatest archeological finds of the last 200 years. Through the game and with your help, more of the society's secrets will be uncovered. This is the story as it has been pieced together thus far. We welcome you to The Pini Society!

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Game Socks: Cliffhanger Castle

Hide & Secret 2: Cliffhanger Castle

Will and Anna are back in another thrilling hidden object mystery! This time they're investigating the legend of King Arthur. Join the adventuresome duo on a brand new fun-filled adventure through 50 gorgeous locations with 36 challenging levels! Five different gameplay styles will keep you entertained from start to finish! Hold on tight for a thrill-ride that will keep you guessing until the end.

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Game Socks: Etch A Sketch

New Puzzle Game: Etch A Sketch

Grizelda the witch has shaken things up inside the Etch A Sketch, and Knobby must restore "draw and order" to his world. Help Knobby save his kidnapped friend and stop Grizelda's evil plan to turn everything in the Land of Aha! to Dullsville! Full of creative art tools, four unique game modes, tons of unlockable hidden items and a cast of hilarious characters, Etch A Sketch is innovative fun for the whole family! Check out this digital upgrade to the World's Favorite Toy today!

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Game Socks: First Class Flurry

New Time Management Game: First Class Flurry

Become a flight attendant! First Class Flurry offers time management fun in the skies! Take care of passengers in this fast paced game! Starlink Airlines has fallen on hard times and was just sold to a new owner wants to bring it back to its former glory. Claire, the airline's top flight attendant, needs your help to make sure every passenger has a wonderful flight! It's time to go where no flight attendant has gone before in First Class Flurry!

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Official Google Reader Blog: Brand new Google Reader for iPhone

Google released a new version of their excellent RSS reader or Google Reader software that will run on the iphone. It looks really nice looking and user friendly

Brand new Google Reader for iPhone [googlereader.blogspot.com]

Official Google Reader Blog: Brand new Google Reader for iPhone

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