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Doctor Who: Worlds in Time in Open Preview

Ian Ratledge — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:00:02 +0000

The Casual Multiplayer Online Game is the First Ever Based on the Doctor Who Brand

London (December 20, 2011) – BBC Worldwide Digital Entertainment and Games today announced the open preview launch of Doctor Who: Worlds in Time, the new browser-based, free-to-play multiplayer online game. Developed in partnership with Three Rings, an award-winning developer of persistent online worlds, such as Puzzle Pirates and Spiral Knights, the game is the first-ever multiplayer game based on the Doctor Who television series.

Beginning today at DoctorWhoWIT.com, Doctor Who fans and gamers everywhere can enjoy the mystery and community of Doctor Who: Worlds in Time, which draws on the rich mythology, locations and excitement of the beloved television show.

“Our goal with Doctor Who: Worlds in Time is to expand engagement with the immensely popular Doctor Who brand and allow fans to deeply immerse themselves in that universe,” said Robert Nashak, executive vice president, BBC Worldwide Digital Entertainment and Games. “The game’s multiple worlds, its varied, wonderful characters and monsters, and changing story arcs will appeal to both Doctor Who fans and casual gamers alike.”

Doctor Who: Worlds in Time is designed for devotees of the show looking for a quick pick-up-and-play game, and life-long gamers and sci-fi enthusiasts seeking increased social engagement. Players choose among four races and endless possible character combinations to create their avatars. They can join together in missions identified by the mysterious Time Lord to defend civilization by undertaking interventions against infamous villains bent on creating chaos and destruction in the universe. Throughout the game, players will explore deep immersive worlds (e.g., Skaro, Messaline, The Library and New New York) featuring iconic monsters (e.g., Daleks, Cybermen and Weeping Angels), delivering the authentic experience of being part of the Doctor Who realm.

“As a huge Doctor Who fan, the chance to develop this game with BBC Worldwide was a dream opportunity,” said Daniel James, CEO of Three Rings Design, Inc. “We’ve worked to provide Doctor Who fans an experience that matches the quality and imagination of the TV show, and a forum to introduce casual gamers to this remarkable world with an experience accessible to players of all levels.”

While the game is free-to-play, revenue is generated through micro-transactions. Players can enhance their experience and accelerate their progress in the game through the purchase of Chronons, which will help them to complete missions, customize their avatars, build new contraptions and more.

Doctor Who, one of BBC Worldwide’s flagship brands, is the longest-running science fiction series in the world. It’s the story of the Doctor, the mysterious traveller in time and space, who has saved the universe so very many times. The Doctor is a Time Lord, one of a legendary race of powerful beings whose job it is to observe and record, but never interfere. The Christmas Special, “The Doctor, The Widow and The Wardrobe,” will be shown at 8 p.m. on BBC One in the UK on Christmas Day.

Doctor Who: Worlds in Time will launch commercially in the first quarter of 2012.

The Amazing Spiderman Returns to New York City

Ian Ratledge — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:39:46 +0000

Swing Through and Explore Manhattan in the Next Web Slingin’ Spider-Man™ Video Game from Activision® and Marvel

London, UK – 7th December, 2011 – An all-new Spider-Man is poised to bring the action back to New York City as Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI), and Marvel Entertainment, LLC announce The Amazing Spider-Man™ video game, planned to launch summer 2012 tied to Sony Picture Entertainment’s upcoming feature film of the same name. Created as an epilogue story occurring entirely after the events of the movie, the game features the return of free-roaming web-slinging all over the city and evolutionary improvements to navigation and combat, as the newly anointed Spider-Man is plunged into an all-new storyline charged with protecting Manhattan from a variety of criminals.

The Amazing Spider-Man is in development at veteran game studio Beenox, and features an original narrative crafted by Hollywood writer Seamus Kevin Fahey (episodes of Spartacus: Gods of the Arena and the re-imagined Battlestar Galactica) that continues young Peter Parker’s adventures following the events of the new film. Using the game’s new Web Rush mechanic allows players to pull off a vast array of moves never before possible. With a story that takes players through many areas all over (and under) Manhattan, fans will feel what it’s truly like to be a Super Hero, as they experience the cinematic adrenaline rush of web-swinging through the city and fighting crime using Spider-Man’s spectacular acrobatic moves and attacks.

Fans can check out the WORLD PREMIERE EXCLUSIVE TRAILER for The Amazing Spider-Man video game during Spike TV’s Video Game Awards, airing live on Saturday, December 10 at 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT.

For more information on The Amazing Spider-Man, please check out http://www.TheAmazingSpiderManGame.com.

About Marvel Entertainment

Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilises its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information, visit www.marvel.com.

About Activision Publishing, Inc.

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products.

Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, South Korea, China and the region of Taiwan. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company’s website, http://www.activision.com

Air Traffic Chief

Ian Ratledge — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 20:01:27 +0000

Organise the busy skies and guide the planes and helicopters to a safe landing. Keep your cool, don’t let the numbers overwhelm you, and most of all, don’t crash!

Dirt Bike 2

Ian Ratledge — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 19:39:20 +0000

Test your biking skills on one of the most dangerous rocky terrains around. You should be very careful as you make your way and avoid crashing or hitting any obstacles or you will lose the game.

Battlefield 3 – Review

Peter Baumann — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 18:58:19 +0000

It may not have brought in quite the same sales figures as Call of Duty’s latest instalment, but has EA finally brought something to the table that could shoot its rival off its long reign at the top spot?

Let’s get straight to the multiplayer, which is without a doubt the game’s stongest asset. No-one can deny that the multiplayer is a truly stunning experience on Battlefield 3, in terms of both graphics and gameplay.The different multiplayer game modes cater for every type of player, featuring the standard Team Deathmatch, for those wanting to play just to get the best kill death ratio, and some more tactical game modes like Conquest and Rush. Alongside these larger multiplayer game modes, DICE have also included Squad versions, where squads can take on other squads to work their way up the Battlefield ranks. The range of things you can do in maps is huge, and, unlike its rival, Modern Warfare 3, Battlefield 3 allows players to use a large range of vehicles such as jets, helicopters, tanks, jeeps and boats. One rather fun feature is the ability to base-jump off a cliff or parachute out of a destroyed helicopter, meaning that you can swap from vehicle warfare to ground warfare when your vehicle is about to be hit by a missile and turned into a flaming wreck. This isn’t Call of Duty! Instead it’s an open, realistic combat experience where teamwork is encouraged, and in some specific game modes, vital.

The phenomenal size of the maps makes Battlefield 3 incredibly lifelike, as you are not instantly thrown into a hectic gunfight when you spawn. However the game does allow for both long distance play and point-blank runnin’ and gunnin’. On many maps, you can have multiple battles going on at once, both on the ground and in the air. The Frostbite 2 engine allows for a much greater scale of destruction than in previous Battlefield games, meaning that maps are constantly changing as buildings are razed to the ground. In Battlefield 3, if you don’t feel like walking round a building or wall, you can blast your way through it. This is what makes Battlefield 3 so exciting, you never know what is going to happen to the building you are in or the sniping spot you have found. This also discourages camping, and the “spot” function enables those players fighting as a team to point out enemies and get extra points when a fellow team-mate gets the killing shot if you miss or need to reload. Another great thing about Battlefield 3 is that you cannot be ‘panic-knifed’. Killing someone with your knife is dangerous but rewarding, and if you get it wrong you could end up dead. The numerous cinematic animations for knifing make it much more satisfying, and you steal the enemy’s dog-tags as well.

There is a huge amount of customization to keep you occupied in the Multiplayer part of the game. All vehicles have upgrades which are unlocked when you gain enough points, and camouflage and dog-tags can also be fully customized, along with the soldier classes. There are four classes, Assault, Engineer, Support and Recon, each having its advantages and disadvantages, and can be tailored to your style of play. For instance the Assault class allows you to revive downed players and heal those in need, whilst the Engineer class allows you to carry a rocket launcher and a vehicle maintenance kit, which can be upgraded to a remote-controlled robot that can arm or disarm the bomb in Rush mode, destroy enemy vehicles or repair friendly vehicles. As you level up, you unlock various upgrades or new weapons. These can then be used to unlock further sights, silencers and grips for that weapon, just to name a few.

Due to the capabilities of graphics on consoles, the game is limited to 720p, but still the graphics are truly stunning. Every leaf blowing in the wind, or building collapsing to rubble has been paid close attention to by Battlefield’s designers. Whilst the console version has a maximum of 24 players and the PC version can cope with 64, you never feel as if there are too few players to enjoy the vast maps on console, and there is never a quiet moment. Even with the 720p cap, the game is one of the best looking out there for consoles, and on PC version looks even better.

The weakest part of the game takes the form of the Single-Player Campaign, which can only really be described as a series of flashbacks, much like those in the Call of Duty: Black Ops campaign. DICE has showcased all of its jaw-dropping graphical achievements, with the textures and colours flowing seamlessly from one frame to the next. Unlike the Multiplayer, the Campaign feels strict, limited and scripted, with next to no room for exploring the beautiful maps that they have created. However, most people who buy Battlefield 3 will buy it for one thing, the Multiplayer, so the slightly under par Campaign should not be criticised too much as it is not the focus of the game, merely a side dish to the main course. The only reason DICE have included the campaign really is to rival the Call of Duty series, and where they have not tried to copy Call of Duty they have truly excelled.

The Co-op mode is much better than the Single-Player Campaign, but unfortunately it only features a handful of missions. Whilst the Single-Player Campaign can feel slow, and quite frankly dull at points, the Co-op is brutally difficult at times even on the easiest setting and requires constant communication with your teammate. There are few negatives about the Co-op mode, but small things like not being able to switch pilots in the second mission means that it can take several attempts before the better flier is called upon to pilot the helicopter, and not fly it straight into a mountain or plummet to the ground. These small problems can make this mode a little frustrating but still enjoyable for the majority of the time. Flying is a skill on Battlefield 3 and it takes serious patience and practice, especially in the Multiplayer where other people may have unlocked better upgrades for their vehicles. By completing Co-op missions you unlock various weapons which can then be used in the Multiplayer. It should be noted that some of these unlockables can only be won in the Co-op missions.

When you first set eyes on this game, the first thought that comes to mind is “WOW”. The graphics and sounds are outstanding throughout the game. Every gun sounds different, adding to the realistic feel of Battlefield 3. RPGs whizz past your head, whilst the blurring suppression caused by enemy fire coupled with the cracks from guns and the terrifying explosions make this game truly immersive and you feel like you are at the heart of the action. Furthermore, the magnificent Frostbite 2 game engine means campers are rare. Once a camper is spotted, engineers lay into the building they are sniping from with RPGs whilst fellow gunners kill the enemy now standing helplessly in the open behind what was a fully protective wall.

The introduction of Battlelog allows players to track and compare their friends’ stats with their own. Platoons enable you to find out which of you is the best at what particular field of combat at the click of a button. Battlelog is EA/DICE’s answer to Call of Duty’s Elite subscription service. Whilst it is an added bonus for console players, it has had complaints from PC users. Even to play the Single-Player Campaign mode, an internet connection is needed to launch the game, which means that you cannot play it when offline. Apart from this fairly major flaw, Battlelog makes it easy for PC players to invite friends and join matches by simply dragging their contacts into a game to invite them.

Even though Battlefield 3 wasn’t without its flaws upon release, DICE have been quick to release patches and updates, eliminating the majority of glitches. It seems that they are listening to the gaming community much more than other companies, with the Forum section on Battlelog offering players the opportunity to report problems or wishes for future patches and updates. Whilst the game does fall down on the plot of the Single-Player Campaign, it is obvious Battlefield 3 has really pushed the boundaries in terms of graphics, sounds, and Multiplayer, particularly with its incorporation of the Frostbite 2 game engine, and has created a serious rival for makers of Call of Duty to worry about.

+ Graphics and sounds are incredible
+ The Multiplayer alone warrants the £40 RRP
+ Co-op is stimulating and enjoyable
+ Vehicles
+ Frostbite 2 game engine
+ Customisation of your soldier and vehicles
+ Upgrading vehicles can be difficult, especially jets and helicopters, when you are a newcomer
+ Caters for every style of play
+ Teamwork is encouraged
+ Very difficult to camp

- Single-Player is very limiting
- Battlelog means PC users have to be connected to the internet for all game modes
- Quick-time events in the Single-Player Campaign can be dull and repetitive
- Only 6 Co-Op Missions

8.7/10

Zenimax Media Announces Successful Launch of the Elder Scrolls® V: Skyrim™

Ian Ratledge — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 18:39:34 +0000

With More Than 50 Perfect Review Scores,
Seven Million Copies Hit Retail Shelves Worldwide

November 16, 2011 (London, UK) –ZeniMax® Media Inc. today announced that Bethesda Softworks’® award-winning title, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, has enjoyed an enthusiastic reception by gamers across the globe. After shipping seven million units of Skyrim for the Xbox 360® video game entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, and PC, Skyrim’s launch units are expected to generate more than $450 million in global retail sales.

With tens of thousands of fans lining up at retail outlets at midnight on 11/11/11 to purchase the game, Skyrim continued to record strong sales following its release. More than 50% of launch units were sold in the first 48 hours and Bethesda Softworks has been receiving large reorders from major retailers in North America, and across Europe and Australia. Online activity has been notable, with Steam reporting that in the first 24 hours of its release, Skyrim set a record with over 280,000 concurrent players, far outdistancing all other titles.

“We are grateful for the fans’ response to Skyrim,” said Robert Altman, Chairman and CEO of ZeniMax Media. “Todd Howard and his team at Bethesda Game Studios have crafted a very special game. Anticipation for Skyrim has surpassed any game in our company’s history, and we are pleased that sales and reviews have reflected the quality and hours of amazing gameplay it provides.”

The eagerly-awaited title has garnered more than 50 perfect review scores, earning praise from some of the industry’s most influential and respected critics including: USA Today, G4TV, GameSpy, Wired, Eurogamer, Destructoid, GamePro, Official Xbox Magazine, Joystiq, The Guardian, and GamesRadar. G4TV describes Skyrim as “one of the greatest games ever made” and Eurogamer was one of many outlets to call it a “masterpiece.”

“Without a doubt, this has been our most ambitious project ever,” said Todd Howard, Game Director on Skyrim. “After over three years of development, we’re finally excited to get it into everyone’s hands.”

Developed by Bethesda Game Studios®, the makers of the 2006 Game of the Year, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion®, and 2008 Game of the Year, Fallout® 3, Skyrim reimagines and revolutionizes the open-world fantasy epic, bringing to life a complete virtual world for you to explore any way you choose.

For more information on Skyrim visit http://elderscrolls.com.

Grand Theft Auto V – Speculation

Ian Ratledge — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 22:27:03 +0000

Having had over 3 years to explore pretty much every nook and cranny in Liberty City, GTA fans have been eagerly awaiting the first signs of the next game in the series. Our first glimpse at the next GTA installment suggest we will be making a much welcomed return to San Andreas.

So far, Rockstar Games haven’t given us much to go on so here is a list of things we picked up on after viewing the trailer:

Vinewood (GTA’s fictional take on Hollywood for those of you who are new to the series), the glitz, glamour, beaches & countryside.
Only 1 thing springs to mind…. Hello California! Many of the landmarks and locations seen in the trailer give an immediate indication that game will be based around Los Santos (the series’ take on Los Angeles).

For the first time ever, dogs might be making an appearance in a GTA game.
Numerous snapshots of rural locations such as the wind farms and Mount Chiliad are a possible sign of a much less urban orientated setting.
Planes (both jets and bi-planes) which were dearly missed in GTA IV look to be making a re-emergence.
There seems to be some economic hardship in San Andreas with people living in the streets and underpasses of Los Santos.
A brief glimpse of a person looking out from an apartment block could be a clue that he is the main protagonist in GTA V.
There have been rumours that this person is a slightly older version of GTA Vice City’s protagonist, Tommy Vercetti.

Real estate properties may also be available for the player to purchase (see the for sale sign?)
Mini-games like playing golf and going to the fitness centre look like they will be making a presence.
Finally, keeping with good old GTA traditions…. Hookers (no surprises there).

As it stands currently, there is no official release date for Grand Theft Auto V. Like its predecessors, just the news of this upcoming GTA title has sent shock waves through the gaming community. One of the best selling and highest rated series in the history of gaming looks to set another benchmark for the industry with its future release of GTA V.

Apple Voted Biggest Influence on Video Games Industry

Ian Ratledge — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 10:16:54 +0000

London Games Conference, 10 November 2011, One Wimpole Street

Forget PlayStation, the Internet or Mario, it seems Apple has had the biggest impact on the world of video games according to a survey of 1,000 people working within the industry itself.

Apple founder and all round IT visionary Steve Jobs was voted most influential person with 26 per cent of the overall vote (and 46 per cent of the top five winners’ vote). And Apple’s hero gaming device – the iPhone – received one in six (17 per cent) of the votes to take the most influential product moniker.

The top five people and products from the survey, which was carried out by the London Games Conference (10 November, central London), are below:

Top five people to have shaped video games
(First figures are percentage of overall vote; second are percentage of top five votes)

· Steve Jobs 26% 46%
· Gabe Newell (co-founder and managing director of Valve) 16% 29%
· Shigeru Miyamoto (developer of Mario, Donkey Kong, Zelda) 7% 12%
· Tim Berners-Lee (inventor of the world wide web) 4% 8%
· Mark Zuckerberg (founder of Facebook) 3% 5%

Top five products to have shaped video games

· Apple’s iPhone 17% 53%
· Nintendo Wii console 7% 22%
· Xbox Live 3% 9%
· The original PlayStation console 3% 9%
· Steam (digital distribution) 2% 7%

“In just over three years the iPhone and the App Store have transformed what consumers expect of games, and how the industry makes and sells them – today, download games have come to the fore. Steve Jobs, the iPhone’s driving force, was the ultimate independent developer – uncompromising in his vision, with unquestionable influence, and hugely artistic and commercial results,” commented Michael French, editor in chief, MCV, the leading trade magazine of the video games industry.

“Apple thrived by linking ultra-desirable mobile devices to compelling online services. Likewise, the web and connected services like Facebook and Steam have transformed how humans behave and interact, so it’s little wonder to see all of these products and their progenitors Tim Berners-Lee, Gabe Newell and Mark Zuckerberg rank highly in our London Games Conference survey.

“LGC is the only event dedicated to examining the ways connected gaming has transformed video games – we will be welcoming 300 industry professionals to head great leaders speak and discuss hot topics including how smartphone games are transforming the world.”

About the London Games Conference

The London Games Conference – now in its third year – takes place on 10 November at One Wimpole Street in Central London. The full speaker line up can be found here: http://www.mcvuk.com/events/read/london-games-conference-2011/01067