The most controversially named game of recent years -- Rockstar's Bully -- is in danger of becoming Just Another Game: Rockstar has announced that henceforth, it shall be known as Canis Canem Edit. Except in the US, where it will still be known as Bully.
Which is all rather bizarre. The origin of the new name is easy to describe: Canis Canem Edit (which, Latin-speakers will know, means Dog Eat Dog) is the motto of the fictional Bullworth Academy featured in the game.
Canis Canem Edit doesn't exactly trip off the tongue, and seems to be a wilfully obscure moniker to give the game -- surely a more obvious move would be just to call it Bullworth Academy. And the anti-bullying organisations calling for the game to be banned are hardly going to change their tune just because of a name-change.
Advertisement:The fact that Rockstar has retained the Bully name in the US suggests some reluctance has accompanied Rockstar's adoption of the tag Canis Canem Edit outside this territory. Could some sort of outside agency have influenced the decision? Perhaps they were bullied into it - boom boom!
Guitar Freaks & DrumMania MASTERPIECE SILVER is a compilation including both Guitar Freaks V and Drum Mania V. 3 people can play simultaneously, one using the guitar, the other the drums and the last one using a bass. Konami included more than 70 songs, most of them composed by famous artists.
Blood + One Night Kiss is the adaptation for BLOOD+ the anime series aired on the TBS Network in Japan. Players control Saya the main character and a new character named Aoyama in this action game. The game was developped by Grasshopper (Killer 7, Samurai Champloo).
Kamiwaza, is a stealth-adventure game, in which players take the role of a Japanese thief living in the Edo period. Ebizou can use multiple items and secret techniques to steal goods from rich merchants and samurai. The gameplay is very simple, each action being performed by pushing only a single button.
SuccessHK have posted an offer of $5 off the price of a Netplay Keyboard Controller for the PS2, dropping it down to a much nicer $10.
Heres more info about the Netplay Keyboard Controller
Product Features of Playstation 2 Netplay Keyboard Controller
Full-function keyboard detaches from unit for extra versatility
Dual mini joysticks feature user-selectable digital and analog modes
8-way pressure-sensitive D-pad and 10 buttons deliver all the control you need
Dual-vibration feedback motors let you feel all the action
Ideal for PS2 online game, such as, Final Fantasy XI
More Description of Playstation 2 Netplay Keyboard Controller
Boost your online gaming performance with Logitech's new NetPlay Controller. This all-in-one device combines the fun of a dual-vibration feedback controller and the convenience of a USB keyboard with full-size keys. The comfortable design with smooth grips contours to your lap and delivers everything you need to enjoy the next generation of PlayStation2 games such as EverQuest Online Adventures and Final Fantasy XI.
To get it at the reduced price youll need this Promotion Code: 6354
Representatives of the media, retail and distribution gathered at GC in Leipzig, Germany to experience for themselves the latest ground-breaking product from the Xploder team.
Greeted by two HD plasma screens showing a side-by-side comparison of the Xploder HDTV Player versus standard PS2 output, visitors were astounded by the instantly recognisable differences. They were left in no doubt of the visible improvements made by the product - crystal clear graphics, well-proportioned characters, crisp text within on-screen menus, detailed backgrounds, vivid colours and smooth character animation - resulting in dramatically enhanced gameplay.
From driving to fighting, role-play to strategy almost all games including titles such as Formula One 06, the Godfather, GTA: Liberty City and classic beat-em-ups like Tekken 5 benefit from the improved HD image quality through the HDTV Player (compatible with 90% of all PS2 games). Simply choose your required settings, (480p, 720p, 1080i and numerous VGA modes) position the screen image in the required location and experience games as they were meant to be played.
Xploder HDTV Player is also capable of playing DVDs in High Definition and Enhanced Definition modes.
With consumers still anxious about committing to next generation movie formats, and concerns about the availability and pricing of the PS3, the HDTV Player is a cost-effective alternative for those who want to make the most of their existing HDTV system and current Movie and game collections.
Why wait to play games and DVDs in HD? For just 29.99 / 49.99 / $49.99 you can experience HD quality now! Includes High Quality Component RGB Cable (with composite video adaptor).
EEuG has released a new version of his Media Player for the PS2, heres whats new:
- DTV 480p video mode support added. Note: not tested here;
- added menu option to configure controller port 2. There're 3 options:
- gamepad: remote control is disabled and controller port 2 is configured
for gamepad;
- remote control: controller port 2 is configured for the official remote control
with external IR sensor plugged into controller slot 2;
- none: controller port 2 is disabled and support for the official remote control
with built-in IR sensor is enabled;
Notes: second option will appear only if there's no rom1:RMMAN2 module;
- added brightness control to the player. Use 'L2' gamepad button to decrease
brightness and 'R2' to increase it;
- added high precision mode to the MP3 decoder. Sound appears better in this mode but
it's more demanding in computational sense. This mode is always on for audio files
and it's selectable for video files via SMS menu;
- fixed cdvd driver (ISO9660:1999 mode). Thanks to 'Voldemar_U2' for the research and
implementation;
- added support for arabic subtitles. Activated by
"SMS menu->Player Settings->Subtitle Alignment->right" option. I'm not sure if I did
it correctly (original strings are reversed and displayed right aligned), so any
comments are welcome. Thanks to 'ALI' for explanations;
- updated USB drivers;
- network drivers are slightly optimized resulting a bit faster network transactions
(I've got ~690KB/s while transferring a video file to the hard disk);
New release of the launchelf app for the PS2, heres whats new:
LaunchELF v4.01 (2006.09.01)
-Fixed bug that caused the 'Back' tooltip to be duplicated in FileBrowser menu
-Fixed bug in editor that caused it to scroll past every second 'page' without stopping
-Made some minor source alterations suggested by EP, to reduce compiler warnings
-Upgraded usb_mass to latest version from ps2dev.org SVN (plus our usual changes). This version fixes a bug in the last version, dealing with start/stop of USB storage devices, so anyone who had trouble with the last version should try this one. (If you installed an external driver to fix that, try configuring to use the default again instead.)
As Guitar Hero II tunes up for a November release, new details on the tracklist that axe wielders will be able to wield, have materialised - courtesy of a feature on the sequel appearing in US magazine Electronic Gaming Monthly.
It's emerged that recently confirmed songs for the game such as Guns 'N' Roses' 'Sweet Child O' Mine' and Lynyrd Skynyrd's 'Freebird' are being joined by the likes of Nirvana's 'Heart-Shaped Box' and Motley Crue's 'Shout at the Devil'. Here's the tracks currently confirmed for Guitar Hero II:
Nirvana: Heart-Shaped Box
Van Halen: You Really Got Me
Guns 'N' Roses: Sweet Child O' Mine
Butthole Surfers: Who Was in My Room Last Night?
Motley Crue: Shout at the Devil
Primus (Performed By Primus): John the Fisherman
Stone Temple Pilots: Trippin' on a Hole in a Paper Heart
Anthrax: Madhouse
The Police: Message in a Bottle
The Pretenders: Tattooed Love Boys
Spinal Tap: Tonight I'm Gonna Rock You Tonight
Heart: Crazy on You
Allman Brothers Band: Jessica
Lynyrd Skynrd: Freebird
Avenged Sevenfold: Beast and the Harlot
Dick Dale: Misirlou
Lamb of God: Laid to Rest
Alice in Chains: Them Bones
Reverend Horton Heat: Psychobilly Freakout
Black Sabbath: War Pigs
KISS: Strutter
The Rolling Stones: Can You Hear Me Knocking?
Rush: YYZ
Monolith Soft's popular Xenosaga series debuted in Japan back in 2002 and is well known for its incredible storytelling. Now with the decision to end the epic tale in the third episode, developers have made every effort to let the bright flame of this RPG trilogy go out with a bang to be remembered. While the Japanese version has been available for a while already, the English-speaking world can now fully embrace the rich narrative that Namco offers fans of the series, as the highly anticipated US release is in stock now. More than eight hours of movies and voiced cut-scenes, an updated battle system, customizable skill sets for characters, shops to trade items in, an extensive mini-game system, creation of your own maps and lots of other new stuff make Xenosaga III - Also sprach Zarathustra a worthy closure of a magnificient saga. By the way, if you feel like catching up on earlier Xenosaga titles on the go, we do recommend checking out Xenosaga I & II, which is a remake of the PS2 prequels for the Nintendo DS in one awesome, revamped compilation.
Nagisa let us know in #pcsx2 that he released a new version of his great ps1/ps2 pad plugin,this time adding a x64 build as well!
Here's the changelog:
v1.7:
-Changed to DirectInput9.
-Fixed PADreadPort1/PADreadPort2 API.
-Fixed the confusion about PAD1/PAD2 settings.
-Added x64 DLL.
You can grab the source along with both x32 and x64 binaries here: http://www.ssspsx.com/
Sony Japan is set to reduce the price of its PlayStation 2 console in the region, in preparation for the launch of the PlayStation 3 later this year.
The popular home console will retail for 16,000 Yen (108 Euro), coming in to effect on September 15th.
Sony recently reduced the price of the PS2 in Europe, where it now sells for a suggested retail price of 129.99 Euro.
Sony has sold over 106 million units of the PlayStation 2 worldwide since its debut in 2000, and intends to launch the PlayStation 3 across Japan, Europe and the US this November.
Rockstar's sent us a new gameplay trailer from Canis Canem Edit (previously 'Bully'), so in time-honoured tradition we've uploaded it here for you to pass mince pies over. A fairly short clip, it reveals a female midriff, bike race action and a little bit of fisticuffs between opponents as they pedal away furiously and jump off ramps and stuff. Boys, eh?
We're still twiddling our thumbs waiting for our copies of the first Yakuza to arrive, but already Sega has released a number of screenshots showing off the sequel, which is set to hit the Land of the Rising Sun at the end of the year.
According to highly-respected Japanese mag Famitsu, Super Monkey Ball creator Toshihiro Nagoshi is once again taking the reins for the sequel, which is said to contain over 100 stories and sub quests.
Story-wise, Yakuza 2 kicks off with an assassination, which prompts our hero to head southwards towards Kamurocho, Osaka and other locations across Japan. As well as the original game's returning Japanese voice cast, Yakuza 2 also has a number of new characters, including the game's heroine, Kaoru Sayama, a police officer apparently known as the 'Yakuza Hunter'.
In addition, Famitsu also reveals that Sega's second crime-em-up will feature a "deeper dramatic storyline" and there will be new themes, such as an "adult love story." As long as we still get to beat up fat Japanese gangsters, we're don't really care.
Yakuza 2 is currently penned for release in Japan on December 7th, with the original game landing on our shores next Friday. Look out for a review of the latter very soon.
While everyone was over the moon at the announcement of a next-gen 360 exclusive PES 6, and then possibly also sick as a parrot as it wasn't quite so exclusive, it's easy to forget that the game has prospered for many a long year on what many PES aficionados consider its ultimate platform, the PS2.
The reasons are many and varied, but ultimately our footy experts are agreed it's actually all down to the Dual Shock controller, which so far, has provided the ultimate interface for playing Seabass's annual magnum opus. Of course, this may all change in the next-gen incarnation, but we've spent so many halcyon days on the PS2 version of PES, even the prospect of a next-gen version can't deflect us from what we consider its real home platform.
But enough waffling from us, what you really want to see is PES 6 in action on PS2, so here's a fresh array of shots from our recent session with the game, showing amongst other things ex-Man Utd hitman Ruud Van Nistelrooy banging one in for Holland, Italy's World Cup star Luca Toni unleashing a fierce volley against Argentinean opposition and Michael Owen surging through a packed Dutch midfield (good luck with the op this week fella).
Nice, and in case you missed them first time around, you should also direct eyes right to check out our recent exclusive shots of new England skipper John Terry making his debut in the game. Only a month to wait now before PES 6 arrives - and there goes a whole year of lunchtimes all over again.
You may know from times past that Super-Bike Riding Challenge is one of our hot tips for Most Wanted biking game of the year and today we've opened the throttle for another exclusive movie showing from the game.
With the release roaring ever closer - in fact, just 10 days away now on September 15 - this latest trailer showcases the game's fine looking intro movie and should set you up nicely for all the 'two-wheels good' action in prospect.
Popping wheelies, hot overtaking manoeuvres, thrashes, crashes and bashes - it's all there for you to enjoy, and if you need to know more about why we reckon it's so hot, simply slide eyes right and check out our preview and extensive chat with developer Milestone. Then it's back for a full throttle showing of the movie, enjoy!
Creating a universe is a big job, and Sega is taking a mulligan on its Phantasy Star Universe to get the job right. In a letter addressed to Phantasy Star Online users this week, Sega apologized for a series of technical glitches that stymied many users' efforts to play the game online.
The game, which went on sale for the PlayStation 2 and PC in Japan on August 31, suffered problems in its online mode from the outset. When trying to connect online, players were met with various technical issues, incluing blank screens and corrupted character data. As a result, Sega was forced to shut down its servers on the evening of September 3 and is working to fix the problem. Service for testing and troubleshooting purposes is scheduled to resume tomorrow.
The game will formally re-launch in October, and the free 30-day trial included with the game will be calculated from this time. The bad news for early adopters who struggled through the game's issues to play is that "it is possible that during the testing period, player data will be rolled back or deleted"
Kratos shows off of his gory new tricks in a selection of bloody God of War 2 screens
To be honest with you, if we spotted God of War's Kratos running amuck down our local we'd run the other direction - not matter how menacing or gigantic our evil, spiked-hammers were.
The fellow in these screenshots though obviously isn't as smart (or cowardly) as us, as he's getting a right old beating from our favourite Greek baldie in the PS2 GoW sequel, slashing into shops early next year. For more info on gory GoW follow-up click on over to our preview, and don't forget to check out the excellent gameplay trailer as well.
- Supports PS2 and PS1 controllers, racing wheels and dance mats.
- Supports Dual Shock 2 and Dual Shock
- Compatible with Windows 98, 2000, ME and XP
- Supports 5 players and games
- 5 players can play at the same time with USB controller
- USB hub function extend 1 USB slot in 3, to connect additional USB accessories
- Compatible with all PC games and emulators
The game formerly known as Bully will be released on October 27th in Europe, Rockstar told Eurogamer this afternoon.
Recently renamed "Canis Canem Edit" for Europe (it's the Latin for Dog Eat Dog, apparently), the game has courted controversy blah blah blah blah blah.
But we had a crack on it recently and were quite taken with it - and how different it was to the child-stamping horror the people protesting it claimed it would be. Funny that.
Over in Japan the Yakuza (Japanese Mafia) has always been a fascinating subject for films and stories, providing a dark atmosphere but with an interesting sense of honor, respect, and loyalty. Last year however for the first time Sega let people experience that seedy underworld for themselves with a free roaming PS2 action adventure title. Costing a massive US$ 21 million to produce, it was right up there with the most expensive titles ever made, but it also scored a whopping 37 / 40 from Famitsu, a sequel is already due for release this Christmas in Japan, and a feature length Japanese movie based on the game is in the works too. We're looking at it this week though because the US port is arriving and it boasts an impressive voice talent of Michael Madsen (Reservoir Dogs, Sin City, Kill Bill), Michael Rosenbaum (Lex Luthor in Smallville), Eliza Dushku (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Bring It On), Rachel Leigh Cook (She's All That, and the voice of Tifa in Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children) and Mark Hamill (Star Wars, Wing Commander, Batman: New Times).
The storyline was penned by an award winning Japanese novelist, Seishu Hase, and stars Kazuma Kiryu, previously a rough member of the Yakuza who has been locked up for a decade after taking the blame for a friends mistake. Now not a moment after getting out he's was back in the world of dank allies, dive bars and dodgy strip clubs, but the rules of the game have changed however. That's where you and complex story including over a dozen intricately detailed chapters begins. The designers went to great lengths to authentically re-create the city streets and illicit haunts of Tokyo's nightlife district, and the graphics are some of the best seen on the PS2. As you get into street brawls the fighting engine lets you string together attack combos to take out multiple enemies or grab and use in-game objects as weapons. Your strength, stamina, and skills can be upgraded, and a heat gauge is powered up by pulling off perfect combos. You can also accumulate weapons and items, engage in numerous side missions, interrogate and bribe informants, gamble, and even stop in one of the many shops or hit baseballs in a batting cage if that takes your fancy. Those after a deep adventure set in a world unseen in videogames to date should pick up the US release of Yakuza today.
Current WIP on the PCSX2 0.9.2 beta has led to the PAL (SCES 5049x) version of Final Fantasy X being Playable. Thanks to a variety of fixes made by various members of the team, including;
MTGS / DC mode stability - Great for Dual Core / CPU users!
IPU fixes, including fully working sound in videos
Pause and sync issues, no more random hangs, looping etc
SPU2 fixes, including ADMA, and timing related issues.
With MTGS (Multi Threaded GS) / DC (Dual Core) features gaining improved stability, the game can be played at 'enjoyable' speeds, ranging from a base speed of 29 FPS in the most intense areas, right up to the peak speeds of over 140 FPS.[1]
This means that the US, Japanese and finally the European versions of Final Fantasy X are fully playable!
Enjoy the shots posted on the PCSX2 official forums! here
SpyHunter: Nowhere to Run takes the Spy Hunter franchise where its never gone beforeon 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 Rocks physical prowess by taking down enemies with intense melee combat moves. In Nowhere to Run, the evil NOSTRA corporation returns, this time with a plan to steal the latest government technology including the worlds most sophisticated spy vehicle, the Interceptor, and it's up to Alex to stop them.
Yakuza is an action-adventure title with a story and setting focusing on the darker side of Tokyo life. In a society where respect and honor holds great importance, there is an even higher regard for these traits within the one organization that is most feared by all: the Yakuza. Kiryu Kazuma ?a former rising star in the Yakuza who is rebuilding his life after serving a 10-year prison term for murder ?suddenly finds himself caught in a spiraling underworld plot involving a mysterious girl known as Haruka and a missing $100 million. Kazuma must use his fists and his wits to stay alive as he unravels the complex web of truth and lies that surrounds the notorious Yakuza. The game is produced by Sega's Toshihiro Nagoshi, collaborating with Japanese author Seishu Hase as scenario director.
NASCAR 07 makes you take risks, be rewarded, and become a champion. Use skill and instinct during the most intense race situations as you control the outcome by avoiding disastrous wrecks and flying debris. Every driver (and every race) takes on the characteristics of real-life NASCAR, from the aggressive style of experienced veterans to the reckless approach of the rookie drivers. With all-new speed blurring and realistic spark and smoke effects, feel your heart pump and your pulse race as the all-out drama and intensity of 190-mph racing comes at you like never before with NASCAR 07. Build up the all-new Momentum Meter by surviving the most dangerous situations in NASCAR racing Adjust your car to handle exactly how you want with a user-friendly sliding scale, for complete control behind the wheel Compete against a wide range of drivers with specific attributes - from inexperienced rookies to talented veterans Experience 190-mph intensity like never before with all-new speed effects that fully deliver the exhilarating action of NASCAR
The Empire strikes back in this sequel to the endearing Star Wars game made all of LEGOs. LEGO Star Wars II follows the Rebel Alliance's battle to dismantle the Galactic Empire and rebuild a galaxy in pieces. From Darth Vader's pursuit of Princess Leia aboard her blockade runner to a showdown on the reconstructed Death Star, the game includes even more of the family-friendly LEGO action. The sequel finally allows you to build with your LEGO blocks, as a new Free Play mode allows gamers to customize the vehicles for new ship designs, as well as Free Play all of the playable characters (over 100 in total) by mixing and matching body parts, forming the likes of 'Stormbacca', 'Chew Vader' and 'Leia Wan Kenobi.' Other additions include cool new character-specific attacks and maneuvers, Power Brick items, playable mini-kit vehicles, an improved two-player camera, a greater challenge for advanced players, and more.
With the release our the Crystal Chip v2.0, we'd like to offer free samples to operators of PS2 websites around the world. We have a limited number of samples available so if you operate a PS2 website and wish to sample the CC2.0 for review please contact use from our contact web form. We don't ask you to do a positive review, simply an honest and accurate one.
FARMER brings us another great product in Component Technology: The "Twins Component Cable" for your Xbox and PS II. It is constructed from the highest quality coaxial cable. This cable provides added High Quality Noise Shield, to filter out even more noise & distortion, allowing you the highest quality resolution possible! Enjoy your game play in incredible resolution through the component inputs to your TV, Monitor, or other compatible viewing device. The high quality connections for both the Xbox and PS II allow you to easily switch between devices.
Rule Of Rose takes you into the past for incredible and strange gaming action. It is March, 1930 when young Jennifer's parents are killed in a tragic airship accident. She is sent to Rose Garden Orphanage, in a remote portion of the English countryside. In this dilapidated building, a ragtag mob of children who call themselves the "Aristocracy of the Red Crayon" rule. They kidnap her and take her into the dark heart of an impossibly large zeppelin, on a meandering course for a distant land. Now, with the help of a canine companion named Brown, Jennifer has to find valuable gifts for the Aristocracy, or suffer a fatal punishment for her insolence...
NHL 2K7 brings back the champion of hockey games with better gameplay and faster on-ice action. Take command of tape-to-tape passing, behind-the-net plays and precision give-and-go attacks. Dominate the ice with NHL caliber goaltending, skating, checking and puck handling with the deeply enhanced animation system. Featuring all-new presentation elements, commentary and cut-scenes, NHL 2K7 brings the ice to you. Online gameplay and comprehensive online features - Completely online stat tracking, buddy lists management and online leagues
The golden age of console hockey returns when NHL 07 debuts with gameplay innovations that will allow players to feel like they are actually on the ice. Players take complete command over every movement on the ice without ever taking their hands off the analog sticks. A revolutionary new Skill Stick system is an intuitive gameplay scheme that delivers an unparalleled sense of on-ice speed and control. Using the left stick to direct the lower body, and the right to control the upper, gamers will reach a level of fluidity only experienced on the ice. Skate into the zone and glide around your defenders while bringing your stick across your body and drawing it back to fire a slapshot ?all without touching a button.
Unless the endless waiting made you give in to the lure of an imported version of Square Enixs latest masterpiece, get ready to give Kingdom Hearts II a Royal European welcome at the end of this month.
The critically acclaimed action RPG from legendary director and character designer Tetsuya Nomura, which blends classic Disney characters and worlds with those of other Square Enix series such as Final Fantasy, will be available on PlayStation 2 from September 29. The game was first released in Japan last December and in the U.S. earlier this year.
Continuing the high standard set by the original game and Chain of Memories on the GBA, this sequel also introduces new characters, all designed by Nomura (best known for his Final Fantasy VII, VIII and X-2 work), as Sora, Donald Duck and Goofy head off on a second dramatic quest. There are even Pirates of the Caribbean-set levels to explore, which are fortunately nothing like those found in the official tie-in to Dead Mans Chest.
IGPX: Immortal Grand Prix lets players will experience a new type of racing thrill! In the year 2049, the most popular sport in the world combines high speed motor racing with 3 vs. 3 team battles. The Immortal Grand Prix pits teams of 3 players in IG Machines against each other at breakneck speeds of over 350 miles per hour, all while battling over 60 mile tracks that constantly change. Players can test their skills in Grand Prix Mode, Grand Prix Battles, Simulation Battles, and the vaunted IGPX Festival -- which includes a 3 vs. 3 Dream Match and a Battle Royale!
Sonys just had one brilliant advertisement following another these days. Well, at least this time its not laden with racist undertones. Their latest strategy? Advertising that the soon-to-be-made-obsolete pink PS2 is the gaming system of choice for pervs. It took me a while to even figure out that this was a PS2 ad - note the square - triangle - circle - cross shapes of the undergarments and it becomes more clear.
Is it just me, or is this advertisement doomed to scare away the pink PS2 target market of girl gamers? Or is the thought of some guy sniffing panties just the kind of thing to convince you to get that PS2 youve been lusting after?
EA Sports has some news that will bowl over cricket fanatics: its latest slice of virtual leather on digitised willow, Cricket 07, will ship on PlayStation 2 and PC in early November.
Which leaves plenty of time for us to enact our own virtual Ashes Test series - England's attempt to maintain its grip on the urn begins on November 23 in Brisbane. EA Sports has extensively revamped the game, endowing it with what it calls the Century Stick control system. EA Canada producer Justin Forrest explains: "Our new, innovative 'Century Stick' control system will change the way all fans approach gameplay as you'll now have full control over foot choice, shot selection, shot power, and shot direction - it's never felt this close to actually wielding a bat before."
The game also features a more natural camera perspective and a Quickplay system that lets you crank up the speed and drop the difficulty level for Twenty20-style wham-bam action (it lets you play fully licensed Twenty20 games) or slow things down and crank up the difficulty from proper Test Match action. And, naturally, it will let you enact the Ashes in all their glory. Check out the attached screens for an even greater insight. Let's just hope that, injuries notwithstanding, Freddie, Straussy and the boys do the business again.
Over 8 Hours of Movies Including Voiced Cut Scenes - Pre-rendered cut scenes and real-time cut scenes with dramatically enhanced models, as well as in-game voiced cut scenes with anime-style 2D portraits unveil an epic story.
The Exciting Conclusion to an Epic Trilogy - Building on the deeply philosophical and existential storyline of the first two titles, the concluding chapter in the series brings closure to the remaining mysteries in the highly acclaimed story.
Updated Battle System - Battles are intuitive and fun, combining the best aspects of the first two games' battles, while introducing the new Break system.
Customize Your Characters - A branching skill set promotes character specialization and diversification. Strategic party management is more highly rewarded, adding another level of depth to game strategy.
Money/Shops Are Back!- Buy, barter, and sell any items or equipment, allowing you to upgrade your characters and E.S.s frequently.
Challenge Yourself and Friends with new Mini-games - With 60 pre-made levels to complete, the Xenosaga puzzle mini-games add a new type of challenge for the player, and rewards his performance. The mini-game map editor also lets players create, play and share their own custom maps with friends.
Description
A year has passed since Xenosaga II. Shion has resigned her post at Vector Industries after realizing that the company is deeply connected to the cause of the Gnosis phenomenon. She has thus joined Scientia, an underground organization, in order to unveil Vector's true objectives. The development of KOS-MOS is to be cancelled, and a mysterious android, T-elos appears to be taking KOS-MOS' place. Shadows of suspicion and conspiracy surround T-elos. Uncover the future of mankind in this much-anticipated conclusion to the Xenosaga trilogy.
Yasmin, Cloe, Sasha, and Jade are back for a brand new adventure sending them across the country in search of the hottest fashion designer. Players will experience unique adventures through the eyes of the four playable characters, in detailed open world environments, as they compete for a spot in "America Rocks Fashion" TV show. Fans will discover new features that include a figure skating competition and the ability to adopt a pet to train, dress, accessorize and showcase in competitions.
Not one to let the prolific Ben Heckendorn get all the attention, fellow modder Brian Gardiner has fired a shot across the bow with his latest creation, the palmPS2. While it's a generation behind Heck's most recent mod, it certainly looks to hold its own in the usability department, with the fit-and-finish to match. Gardiner even went as far to include as many original PS2 parts as he could manage, and kept the size down by opting for an external battery pack. The only downside, apart from being far beyond the skills of most of us, is that the screen apparently suffers from a bit of a green tint due to the PS2's RGB output.
DMS Technologies are proud to present our latest Modchip developments, the DMS4 E.Z.I. S.E. Lite and DMS4 E.Z.I. S.E. Pro. The worlds first 100% completely solderless direct boot/auto detect modchips which are intelligent and can detect their own functionality. Connection to the DSP and BIOS are achieved through micro molded precision interconnects designed and manufactured in Japan, whilst we have designed an innovative pass through adapter for the eject signal. High quality molex connectors are used for reduced noise distortion and improved signal transmission. Over eighteen months were spent start to finish, and perhaps the E.Z.I S.Es best and most novel feature is the E.Z.I. S.E. panel which uses the FPGAs intelligent logic design to verify the integrity of the necessary patching signals and report the status via a Green or Red LED. Of course the DMS4 E.Z.I. S.E. Lite and DMS4 E.Z.I. S.E. Pro preserve all the features of their solder installation cousins, providing amazing performance all in a clip on plug and play solution, which is set to the turn the scene upside down!
The DMS4 E.Z.I. S.E. (for V5-V15) is the world's first direct boot, auto detect modchip to offer 100% solderless installation. The research and development stages of this project took 18 months of exhausting work and many hundreds of thousands of dollars. High power microscopes and latest Japanese mold making equipment equipment were required to analyse and construct the precise dimensions, contours and physical tolerances required to connect with the DSP and BIOS integrated circuits. Other so called solderless mods, have relied on swap technology with a cheat device.
Many people had doubts we could pull it off, citing the complexity of micro molds and ingenuity required to complete such a task, as next to impossible. Well guys, it's here, and we're first
We're very proud to offer a product which we're sure will revolutionise the PS2 modchip world. As you've come to expect, you can be sure of world class quality software and technical innovation, from the scene's most innovative MOD maker.
Sorry it has a been a long time since my last post but I've been busy with real life, and most of all.. as you can understand it from the title itself : busy with the port of libmikmod !
So thanks to it, the LuaPlayer now features full sound and sfx
Additionally I optimized a lot all file access (using buffering) so loading time are much more faster and specially for host !! To finish and as always, a little video of drMario (yes I love it!) but this time with sound enabled !
Enjoy !
A quick remark on the performance, as the PS2 is of course doing a great job. I tried the other day DrMario on LuaPlayer 0.20 for the PSP (@233Mhz) and the sound was a bit choppy. But as you can see, everything is working just fine here, so PS2 still r0x0rs
The PS2 sequel to the Dreamcast's legendary Seaman will be unveiled in more detail later this week, according to the game's creator.
Vivarium's original was a huge success on the Dreamcast - particularly in Japan - but the developer's kept quiet about the follow-up since almost exactly a year ago when it first mentioned it.
At the time, we were told that whereas the Dreamcast original recognised single words, the sequel - with a USB microphone - will be able to react to entire sentences.
Since then, Vivarium's released Cube oddity Odama with Nintendo, and it'll be interesting to hear the developer's view on what its pals in Kyoto have been up to in the past 12 months too.
Last September, prior to Nintendo's Tokyo Game Show coming out party for the Wii controller, Vivarium president Satou Yutaka had said, "In the last 20 years there really hasn't been much advancement in the user interface of game. If we could just change the interface, I think games would get much more exciting and unique." Perhaps he's changed his mind since then.
Weekly Special: Dragon Quest: Shonen Yangus to Fushigi no Dungeon for PlayStation2 at US$ 12.90 only - offer valid for 1 week
From the publisher: Yangus, the former brigand in "Dragon Quest VIII" was also young and lovable once. As his father was the leader of the infamous band of thieves, "Yang Lion", so young Yangus aspired to be a legendary brigand too. One day, his father brought back a mysterious magical pot that embroiled 12-year-old Yangus in an adventure involving the finding of treasures in dungeons. Besides encountering various monsters, the player will also meet with Yangus's female fellow thief in "Dragon Quest VIII", Geruda, who has a close relationship that went back to their childhood in the game. What were they like when they were kids? What promises did they make with each other?
Square-Enix's PlayStation2 RPG Dragon Quest: Shonen Yangus to Fushigi no Dungeon is now available at discounted US$ 12.90 only.
Metal Slug 6 is the latest arcade platform action hit from SNK Playmore, finally ported to PlayStation2. Metal Slug 6 has originally been released on Atomiswave hardware, which is the first main game in the franchise not to run on SNK's Neo Geo MVS arcade hardware.
Metal Slug 6 is both a departure and a return of sorts for the series. Whereas Metal Slug 4 dealt with technological and cybernetic themes and Metal Slug 5 possessed a paranormal motif, Metal Slug 6 returns to the Rebel-Martian alliance featured in Metal Slugs 2, X, and 3, but on a much broader scale. Rather than repeating the previous games' events of the Martians breaking the alliance and the Rebels assisting the player in turn, the player now teams up with the Rebels and Martians to combat an even greater threat.
After the turmoil of the Bakumatsu Period, Japan stepped into the Meiji Era. In a certain sword dojo in Tokyo, a traveling swordsman appeared, and the story thus began The evil devil-of-a-man Shishio Makoto and his subordinates attempted to overthrow the Meiji government. And in order to stop their ambition, Himura Kenshin, Saito Hajime and Sagara Sanosuke ventured to Kyoto, each with his individual feelings. This production is based on the Kyoto part, separated into "Kenshin Story", "Saito Story" and "Sanosuke Story", with the player controlling the respective main character in each story to play a sword clashing action game. The hatred, gratitude, love of Japan's Bakumatsu Period reignite into flames from ashes here!
Cabela's Alaskan Adventures is the ultimate hunting and fishing adventure to North America's last frontier. Experience all that Alaska has to offer, as you go on 38 hunting and fishing adventures across vast tundra. For the first time in one game, you will be able to hunt trophy animals, fish, bird hunt, dog sled through the Alaskan Artic, and compete in various outdoor-themed contests. It will take every ounce of skill and strategy to hunt or catch that record-breaking trophy. It's as true-to-life as it gets! Go exploring or get to your next hunting spot in a snowmobile, truck or ATV All new shooting features and controls including Hunter's Sense, Gun Sway and Drop Dot Incredibly realistic terrain including vast tundra, dense forests, river deltas, rocky slopes and more
The first original title from Capcom's Clover Studio -- headed up by Viewtiful Joe producer Atsushi Inaba. Okami takes place in a time when people still believed in the existence of God. The world has become a lifeless place, as shown in the game's use of Hokusai-style Japanese woodblock print visuals. Playing as Ama Terasu, a sun god who takes on the form of a wolf, your goal is to bring life back to the world. Bringing life back to the world involves defeating lots of beasts. With each beast you defeat, the world's life force is restored just a bit, with colors and eventually people appearing. Famitsu reveals two of the game's main beasts, the Ama no Jyaku and the Nue. Ama no Jyaku has the ability to peep on what others are thinking and disturbs them by doing the opposite of what they want. Nue, meanwhile, gains strength with every sip of the alcohol that he carries with him.
Ford Street Racing takes you to the sun-bleached streets of LA for a unique fast-and-furious team racing experience. Control your own racing team while competing on the dangerous streets of LA. Block, draft and challenge your opponents as you get behind the wheel of any of the 18 officially licensed high performance Ford vehicles - from the classic 1970 Mk 1 Capri RS2600 to the recently announced 2007 Ford Shelby GT500. Switch between your three cars racing and issuing commands to your team-mates to gain both a tactical and positional advantage. Win cash to repair existing cars -- and purchase higher performance racers Single player game structure, plus split-screen multiplayer
If you are also interested in psone / psx programming. -> I made a little IDE to Blade Libs / GCC called PsOne Dev Studio 2006. Now its complete SDK binded with all stuff required to make programs or games for PsOne console.
We are now taking preorders for the new amazing breakthrough from Team DMS: DMS4 EZI S.E. Lite and Pro are totally solderless solution for PS2/PStwo V4 to V15!!
There is a version without the case for people who do not require the PStwo solderless installation and only plan to use this product on older (big) PS2.
New York Final Fantasy fans readying that Tifa Lockhart cosplay outfit for Halloween may want to stitch a bit faster. Though the anticipated role-playing game Final Fantasy XII is set for release on October 31 in North America, Square Enix is giving fans a peek at the game a few weeks early.
The PlayStation 2 game will be playable at DigitalLife, a consumer electronics show that takes place in New York City between October 12 and October 15. Unlike the build available at this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo, the version of Final Fantasy XII appearing at DigitalLife will be the final, retail version.
To celebrate the launch of the game, which received a perfect score from Famitsu when it was released in Japan, New York City has declared October 11 Final Fantasy XII Day and will hold a special commemoration in Times Square. Part of the festivities will include a Final Fantasy costume contest, with winners joining Square Enix in New York on FFXII Day. Square Enix promises more information on the contest on its Web site.
Final Fantasy XII is rated T for Teen and will retail for $49.99.
The second entry in the Samurai Warriors series once again places players in control of Sengoku era generals. In addition to new generals, the game includes new gameplay systems and updated areas.
Since Phantasy Star Universe launched in Japan for the PlayStation 2 and PC last month, the game's online experience has been plagued by unstable connections and problems related to character data. Phantasy Star Universe publisher Sega has addressed the issues on the game's Web site, saying that it is making "drastic improvements" to the game, which was the top-selling title in Japan last week despite its problems. The announcement further says that Sega is working to "bring the debugging period to a close."
The largest change announced was that new game servers are being added. Until now, PSU has been contained within the World 1 servers, but from September 14, a second set of servers, dubbed World 2, will be put online. Worlds 1 and 2 will be totally independent of each other, so players will be required to select a world when logging on. Character data cannot be moved between the worlds, but players will be allowed to keep up to four characters on each world using a single account.
Sega also listed a number of bug fixes that have already been made, such as fixing the overwriting, the rollback, and the locking-up of character data. However, issues with logging in and transporting to the My Room areas have not yet been resolved.
"The bugs that have occurred so far have been caused by the concentration of access traffic, which surpassed our estimates and resulted in overflows on the database server," the publisher explained. "This was causing character data to be overwritten and rolled back, and these issues spread to the My Room servers. We have been working around these problems on the program level, and by adding servers, but everyday access traffic exceeded our maintenance efforts."
Take-Two Interactive has had its share of controversies in the last couple of years. The discovery of a sex minigame in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, dubbed "Hot Coffee," and that game's subsequent rerating comes in at the high end of the controversy scale for inspiring federal gaming legislation, while the discovery of a "nude" skin and more violence than was initially rated in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion seemed to cause less of a stir.
In between the two was Bully. Originally announced in May of 2005, the game puts players in the role of a student at the fictional Bullworth Academy, where the protagonist is said to "stand up to bullies, get picked on by teachers, play pranks on malicious kids, win or lose the girl, and ultimately learn to navigate the obstacles of the fictitious reform school." Critics soon jumped on the game, labeling it "a Columbine simulator," calling for it to be banned, and demanding that Take-Two stop production of the game.
A new wrinkle has entered the discussion today, as the Entertainment Software Rating Board told GameSpot that Bully has been rated T for Teen. When it hits the PlayStation 2 next month, Bully will carry content descriptors warning consumers of "Crude Humor, Violence, Sexual Themes, Language and Use of Alcohol & Tobacco." According to the ESRB rating guide, T for Teen games have content that "may be suitable for ages 13 and older."
Wedbush Morgan Securities analyst Michael Pachter told GameSpot he actually expected the game to get a T-for-Teen rating given recent information Take-Two has released on the game since confirming the October launch.
"I think that Take-Two generated a lot of unintentional bad will with the Hot Coffee fiasco, and I think that they are trying to enhance their reputation by avoiding controversy where it doesn't help their business," Pachter said. "Bully will be just as fun with a T rating as it would have been with an M [for Mature] rating. To be honest, I think that Manhunt would have performed better with the violence toned down a bit. It was an incredible game but got a lot of criticism from the gaming press for over-the-top violence."
Pachter said he wasn't sure if the game's rating would help or hurt its prospects at retail but said he didn't expect the game to be a huge seller, anyway.
"I have low unit estimates for the game, especially since it's only on PS2," Pachter said, "so it will likely not have a dramatic impact on the bottom line. If anything, there is probably some upside to my estimates if the game performs well."
Users of modchipped videogame consoles could face fines of up to AU$6600 under new laws being put in place by the Australian Federal Government, a news alert from law firm Minter Ellison says. Those who distribute or offer modchipped devices could face fines of up to AU$60,500 and/or up to five years in jail.
The new laws, which are being put in place to comply with Australia's obligations under the Australia United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA), will be in effect from 1 January 2007. A draft of the legislation was released for public comment earlier this week. According to the Minter Ellison statement, the "AUSFTA requires Australia to prohibit the use of devices and services to circumvent technological protection measures (TPM)".
Some exemptions to the law will be put in place, including for those doing computer security testing, law enforcement and library use.
NBA 2K7 gives you the chance to be a legend on the court! Get the serious roundball action you crave and achieve NBA superstar status. With the industry leading online experience and unrivaled franchise control, NBA 2K7 is for any real fan. Seamless online play and the most comprehensive online features anywhere including complete online stat tracking, buddy lists management, and online leagues
The 2007 game of EA's hoops sim, designed with a new development philosophy that drives gameplay and feature innovation. This year, NBA Live 07 introduces the next generation of basketball gameplay with EA Sports' Total Freestyle Control, a new feature that gives users more control over athletes than they ever imagined. By introducing a ground-breaking next generation AI system that is both intuitive and intelligent, combined with advancements to fan-favorite features like All-Star Weekend and Dynasty Mode, NBA Live 07 will continue to deliver its award-winning gameplay experience to fans worldwide. Also this year, NBA Live 07 partners with the worldwide leader in sports to deliver more ESPN content in-game while you play than ever before.
A full console version of the second iteration of the mercury-manoeuvring puzzle game should arrive before Christmas
Mercury Meltdown, the puzzle game in which you control a blob of virtual mercury, is coming to the PS2: Ignition Entertainment (and European distributor Atari) has announced that the full console version of the PSP game, called Mercury Meltdown Remix, will arrive in time for this Christmas.
Mercury Meltdown Remix will feature 12 labs (the game's equivalent of game worlds), two of which are exclusive to the PS2 and over 200 levels.
One of the oddest games ever created is to make a comeback: Sega has announced that Seaman 2 is in development for the PlayStation 2.
Dreamcast owners will undoubtedly remember the original Seaman, which essentially consisted of a talking human-headed fish (clearly inspired by Monty Python's Meaning of Life) which could understand and respond to words delivered by players to a bizarre gamepad controller with a built-in microphone. Seaman 2, according to reports, will feature a Chinese caveman, who will be able to understand entire phrases rather than individual words.
If your Japanese is better than ours, you'll want to head to the Seaman 2 site, where you will find a big picture of a caveman, as well as several human-headed amphibians which may well also feature in the game. Apparently, Seaman 2 will work with the original controller - the official site features a downloadable utility which lets owners use their Seaman controllers with Windows - as well as the PS2's USB microphone. If we dig out any more details at the Tokyo Games Show this week, we'll share them with you.
To paraphrase the Arctic Monkeys, Codemasters bets that you look like an idiot on the Internet - and so they've set up a competition to find out.
The idea is to record a video of yourself dancing - whether you're good or bad - and if the viewing public recommend you then you could win tickets to see Pink play at Wembley Arena.
Obviously it's all part of a push to promote PlayStation 2 rhythm-action game Dance Factory, which features songs by the Pussycat Dolls and others, and allows you to dance to music from any other CD you happen to throw in the disc drive.
All you have to do to enter the competition is upload a video of yourself dancing to the Dance and Win website. Each week someone will get their hands on five tickets for the gig.
Better yet, the winners will be entered into a grand final, and victory there means you get upgraded to VIP status, with chauffeur-driven limo and hotel accommodation in London for the night of the gig.
And if you're simply awful, you might end up in the "Dance Disasters" section instead.
The competition runs until October 13th, and anybody voting on the videos gets entered into a prize draw to win a copy of the game and a dance mat.
Chilean film director Jorge Olguin has signed up to direct the cinematic version of Capcom's Clock Tower survival horror, IMDB and the excellently named Gorezone.net are reporting.
Olguin's previous work includes Angel negro and Sangre eterna. The latter is described by IMDBers as a pretty decent vampire film given the shoestring budget.
According to Gorezone, Olguin will waste no time getting going, with a Todd Farmer (Jason X) script already in place for production to begin in December.
Previously we'd heard that Clock Tower would focus on the third game in the series, which follows a little girl called Alyssa as she tries to get out of the way of annoying spirits by solving puzzles.
You'll know how much we like GTA here on CVG, we've always considered the series one of the flagships on the very cutting edge of gaming (well, since the move to 3D anyway). However, during a recent and rather attractive demo of the rather excellent GTA: Vice City Stories, representatives for the developer indicated - a little surprisingly - that the newest and hottest PSP GTA offering is unlikely to make the transition back onto PS2.
You'll remember that GTA: Liberty City Stores, as well as being the must-buy title for PSP when it was originally launched, proved so popular that it made a more than successful debut back onto PS2, so that home console gamers could enjoy its many delights without leaving the comfort of an armchair.
However, it seems that it's unlikely to be the case with Vice City Stories, with Rockstar saying this is mainly because it doesn't want to cause confusion with the launch of the all-consuming GTA IV which is set to make its next-gen debut in October 2007. There's also probably a bit of a resource issue, with Rockstar no-doubt going flat out to fill GTA IV with lashings of innovative gaming goodness - it might simply not be able to spare the time to make a Vice City Stories PS2 version happen.
A little bit of a shame really, as in our not so humble opinion VCS looks well capable of such a feat, but alas it seems Rockstar wants to concentrate on its next-gen efforts. Unless of course you can change its mind and petition the chaps to make it happen. A good start could be in our comments field below, where you can begin your campaign!
It's play time for Rockstar's Canis Canem Edit as a new trailer surfaces and introduces us to school life in Bullworth Academy. Dr Crabblesnitch, school principal, informs us of the supposed virtues of Bullworth Academy in the trailer, but suffice to say the reality revealed is somewhat different. As in very, very bad. Yep, naughty kids and crazy teachers - it all takes us back to a time when all we had to worry about was whether our mums would discover our, ah, biology literature hidden under the mattress. It's sort of funny, so have a free chuckle on us.
Play Asia are doing one of their weekly specials, heres the details:
From the publisher: The classic 1987 arcade shooter gets a complete makeover in R-Type Final. While it does include all-new features, such as the Force System and AI Mode, it still retains some of the classic gameplay that started it all. Use the Force System to power-up your ship and battle against the evil Bydo. Over 100 ships are available for you to choose from and customize. Save your ships on a memory card via AI Mode and battle head-to-head against the computer or your friend's machines.
Irem's R-Type Final (PlayStation2 the Best) is now available at discounted US$ 9.90 only.
Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria tells the story of another valkyrie sister that takes place hundreds of years before Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth. In this latest installment of the legendary RPG series, divine insurrection besieges the heavens. Invoking his power as king of the gods, Odin hastily reincarnates the spirit of rebel valkyrie Silmeria into Alicia, Princess of Dipan. However, unbeknownst to Odin, the spirit of the battle maiden awakens within Alicia, still seeking vengeance. Believing his daughter to be possessed, King Barbarossa of Dipan declares Alicia dead and exiles her to a faraway castle. Odin learns of Silmeria's awakening and dispatches the imperious Hrist Valkyrie to summon her spirit to Valhalla. Alicia runs in fear -- and Silmeria in defiance -- as they embark on a journey where nothing is what it seems and all hide behind a mask.
In Just Cause, you take on the role of the flamboyant Rico Rodriguez - an undercover CIA operative specialising in regime change - as he tries to overthrow the corrupt government of San Esperito. This rogue South American island is suspected of stockpiling WMDs and it's your job to negate the threat to world peace. It could be to your advantage that this tropical paradise is about to implode as various factions vie for power - it just needs a gentle nudge in the right direction.
Just Cause offers the freedom to tackle your assignment however you want: play the island's factions off against one another; incite a rebellion among the masses; or build alliances with rebel forces and drug cartels. Explore the game's world of 1,225 square miles of mountains, jungles, beaches, cities and villages with a variety of air, land and sea craft.
Kusaka Hyoma, a first year student at Tsukioka School, heard from his grandfather the following legend: "When the gate to the other world opens, a powerful green light can be seen and the ancestors of the Kusaka clan will step on this land." The next day, while exploring a mysterious cave behind the school, Kusaka is surrounded by a mysterious light. Could it be the one is grandfather talked about?
Harukanaru Tokino Nakade Maihitoyo is a visual novel for girls inspired from the movie Harukanaru Toki no Naka de released in Japan this August. The story takes place during the Heian period in an alternate reality. The player takes the role of a young girl named Akane Motomiya. The game involves conversations, random events as well as battles.
Kid Games latest visual novel involves a high school student named Tsukasa who, one night sees a mysterious girl named Miru in her dreams. This mysterious girl claims to be Tsukasa's cousin, even though she can't remember her. The next days, strange incidents start to happen around Tsukasa...
Though Japan and Europe are no strangers to having options when it comes to a console's colors, traditionally the selection of systems in the US isn't as varied. That trend has been changing lately, with the most recent announcement being alternate pink and black versions of the popular DS Lite.
It appears that another console manufacturer may be following suit, if a recent product listing on GameStop's Web site is to be believed. The site has a page for a Sony PlayStation 2 Silver Redesign, the same product that has been available in Japan and Europe since 2005.
The $129.99 console is listed as being available on October 24, just in time for the holidays and three weeks before the Wii and PlayStation 3 go on sale. The system is fairly bare-bones, packaged with no games and only one controller.
Sony had not yet responded to GameSpot's request for confirmation on the product's US availability as of press time.
Please note, while retailer listings frequently jump the gun on publishers' product announcements, they should not be taken as final confirmation of a game's existence, nor should the absence of a listing be considered as proof that a game isn't coming to a given platform.
The hottest revolution and bestselling video game in the music game category returns to its arcade roots with Dance Dance Revolution SuperNOVA, the first arcade version to be released in North America in 6 years. Following the arcade release, the game hits PlayStation2 consoles in the fall. Dance Dance Revolution SuperNOVA uses an enhanced hardware engine to deliver vibrant 3D backgrounds, cool music videos and crisp high-resolution graphics. On-screen dancers are displayed with animations that offer life-like realism. Dance Dance Revolution SuperNOVA is a brand new evolution in the DDR series and expands on every aspect of what made the original series innovative, fun and addictive. Learn how to play with the new voice assisted Tutorial Mode Put your dancing skills to the test with the new Battle Mode, counter opponent attacks and change the game in real-time
The Fast & The Furious: Tokyo Drift will immerse players in the underground world of drift racing. Set in a world related to the movie, yet separate, the game features a ground breaking drift mechanic that makes drifting accessible to both beginning and veteran racing game drivers. Gameplay features revolutionary new systems like the Drift Indicator that make The Fast & The Furious the most accessible yet realistic drift game ever. Perched at the forefront of the drift racing phenomenon, the video game combines ground breaking gameplay mechanics with unprecedented speed and authentic underground cool, positioning this game as the must-have racing title.
Based off the Zatch Bell anime, this fighter features four player action, but can be enjoyed by single players through its story mode. Zatch, Tio and other characters from the show are selectable and feature in dialogue sequences. The game can be played two on two in teams or battle royal with each player attempting to take out enemies. Cards appear at random during battle and have various effects, from given your characters life to making them large.
In the most fearsome war ever fought, emerged the most fearless soldiers ? the Commandos. Have you got what it takes to join the original elite Special Force in the World War II shooter Commandos Strike Force? In a new direction for the multi-million selling series, Commandos Strike Force takes you right into the heart of the action from a first person perspective. Take control of the three members of the Strike Force unit, each with their own play style. Switch between the Green Beret, always at the heart of the action with his expertise in combat and the use of heavy weaponry; the Sniper with his nerves of steel and expert marksmanship; and the Spy, stealthily striking at the heart of the enemy. However, it is your choice how you execute plans of attack by using the Commandos' unique skills. Set in war torn Europe amid the backdrop of World War II, you must take your highly trained group on a series of daring missions, deep behind enemy lines in France, Norway and Russia. Taking control of a Nazi-occupied town, freeing French Resistance prisoners and kidnapping a general are a few of the large range of missions. As well as a compelling single player campaign, the game features a variety of online multiplayer modes.
Final Fantasy XII has been out since March in its home country, and is due for release this October 31 in the US... with Europe suspiciously left off any release schedule from the Japanese giant. Until now that is, as Square Enix has finally confirmed that the English language version will finally be adventuring across the Atlantic for an early 2007 release.
John Yamamoto, President and CEO of Square Enix commented "we are very excited to be bringing FFXII to Europe and PAL territories next year. The game has been a massive success in Japan and looks set to become one of the crowning glories of PlayStation 2."
Obviously 'early 2007' is still quite vague, but at least the long-awaited RPG is now 100% confirmed to hit these shores. No details were given whether we would get the US Collector's Edition although we are keeping our fingers crossed given Square's past tendency to reward European gamers for dramatic delays, with Final Fantasy X receiving tweaks before it landed in Europe.
Final Fantasy XII will be released in Europe in early 2007.
The PlayStation 2-exclusive latest game in the epic RPG series has been out in Japan since mid-March, and will be released in the US on 31st October.
Square Enix Europe president and CEO John Yamamoto said the game "looks set to become one of the crowning glories of PlayStation 2".
Set in the world of Ivalice, FFXII follows princess Ashe and Vaan - a young resistance fighter and a young adventurer respectively - who are brought together by the invasion of their home, Dalmasca, by Arcadia.
Unlike the first ten games in the FF series, XII's battles take place in real-time on the exploration screen, and introduce "active dimension battle" (ADB), which involves using a Command Window to specify attacks and then waiting for a Wait Time Gauge to fill up before the action is performed.
Mind you, that simplistic description probably doesn't do it justice. For more on that game, which has proven controversial due to the nature of its battle system, see our review of the Japanese version.
SEGA of America has announced plans to bring Shining Force EXA to our PlayStation 2-owning friends across the pond.
Although ostensibly an action RPG, EXA's US release will see the introduction of new elements to give the game a more strategic slant.
You'll still control warrior Toma, destined to unite a divided world, and sorceress Cyrille, destined to have a silly name, but you'll also need to keep an eye on something called the Geo Fortress.
This Fortress will be of your own design, and will need to be left protected whenever you set off to take in some missions. Rather than just a burden, though, it'll grow to match your style and tactics, like a sort of basalt daemon, possibly.
No word on when EXA's due out, but we'll let you know if we hear.
Last month, Activision and RedOctane, publishers of the popular PlayStation 2 game Guitar Hero, filed suit against peripheral manufacturer The Ant Commandos (TAC) over its unlicensed guitar controllers. Rock-and-roll is nothing if not belligerent, so it seems fitting that TAC is firing back.
Guitar Hero controller (l) and TAC Freedom V Wireless controller (r)TAC today announced that it has filed a countersuit against RedOctane and Activision, alleging that they have violated federal antitrust legislation.
Much of the RedOctane/Activision complaint centers around the packaging and advertising similarities between the official Guitar Hero game and controllers, and TAC's own "Guitar Mania" line of peripherals. In TAC's countersuit, the company claims that it was RedOctane and Activision who mimicked its own offerings. Specifically, it refers to the Magical Guitar peripheral that TAC part-owner Topway Electrical Appliance made for Konami's Guitar Freaks series of games in 1999.
A TAC representative told GameSpot that the CEO and sales manager of RedOctane visited Topway's Chinese factory twice, once in 2001 and again in 2004, asking questions about the design of the Magical Guitar controller. The representative also said that TAC purchased several hundred of the guitar controllers from Topway between 2002 and 2004, when RedOctane was known primarily as a seller of unlicensed peripherals for rhythm games like Konami's Dance Dance Revolution and Guitar Freaks.
Topway's original Magical Guitar.TAC is asking a judge to prevent Activision and RedOctane from selling its Guitar Hero game bundled with a controller. The company wants the game sold exclusively on its own, so that consumers can then decide which controller they would like to use. Despite the legal wrangling, TAC has said it will continue to design, make, and sell its Guitar Mania line.
That's the name of the Samurai Spirits compilation SNK Playmore is developing for its Neo-Geo Online Collection for the PS2. It'll include 6 titles in the series (presumably all the episodes born on the MVS), according to Famitsu. The already announced World Heroes compilation will get the name 'World Heroes Gorgeous' and will include the full series, while rumors of a Fuu-Un Mokushiroku series pack [Savage Reign and Kizuna Encounter in the West] are still in the air. Famitsu also shows us the very first screen of Doki Doki Majo Saiban (Dengeki Online has the second one), one of those games from the new batch of non-action titles for the DS from the company, which we mentioned here. Finally, SNK Playmore has just confirmed brand-new graphics for The King of Fighters XII. That implies 'true hi-res' sprites, if you ask us.
From 1890 to 1990, Midway presents one century of American Arcade Games. Itfs 32 titles gathered in a single PlayStation 2 disc, for your very own entertainment.
Take-Two got a letter from the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations, or NASDAQ, indicating that the company is not in compliance with a filing requirement for continued listing on the NASDAQ Stock Market.
Take-Two knew it was coming, due to an internal investigation of the Bully publisher's stock option grants. This investigation has delayed the filing of Form 10-Q, required to maintain eligibility in the stock market.
The next step for Take-Two is to request a hearing with the NASDAQ Listing Qualifications Panel to review the Staff Determination. Until a decision is rendered Take-Two will continue to be listed under TTWO on the NASDAQ Global Select Market.
Based off the Zatch Bell anime, this fighter features four player action, but can be enjoyed by single players through its story mode. Zatch, Tio and other characters from the show are selectable and feature in dialogue sequences. The game can be played two on two in teams or battle royal with each player attempting to take out enemies. Cards appear at random during battle and have various effects, from given your characters life to making them large.
God of War was undoubtedly a stellar slice of violent, blood-spattering adventuring on PS2 and so suffice to say we're somewhat eager to get our great dirty hands all over the sequel.
Unfortunately, the follow-up's not due till Q1 2007, which means we'll have our work cut out topping that headline.
After achieving 'new God of War' status, our old mate Kratos must now embark on another bout of smash 'n' kill in an effort to alter his fate and end his continued torment. Apparently, this will involve journeying to the far reaches of the world and defeating untold horrors. Whatever. Just enjoy the movie.
The first 3rd party NEW lenses for Playstation 2 (big format) have finally arrived. The 400B, 400C, 400R and HD7 lenses are the most common problem encountered on PS2. With those new lenses, users expand by years the life span of their beloved console!
Get your dancing shoes on as, this week, the US edition of DDR SupaNova arrives on the PS2. Over 70 songs will keep you on your feet, packing more in than any previous US release to date. The line-up includes the likes of Fall Out Boy, Franz Ferdinand, Ferry Corsten, David Bowie, The Crystal Method, Armin van Buuren, Paul van Dyk feat. Wayne Johnson and loads more. An improved training mode will help newcomers get into the groove, or if you prefer to dance your own way you can create and save custom steps onto your PS2 memory card, slide it into the arcade machine and win over the girls by dancing so good it'd be almost as if you'd made it yourself
A new battle mode will not only keep you grooving till you slip on your own puddle of sweat, but keep you on your toes as opponents can counter attacks, and you can both change the game in real time. Then there's online play letting you dance off over the net, complete with a ranking system based on how long youve been playing. Overall your legs get a solid work out, plus EyeToy support has your upper body moving by adding an extra layer of mini games on top of the fun (or in my case, embarrassment Ed). Due in this week, DDR SupaNova expands on every aspect of what made the original series innovative and addictive.
The most popular puzzle game in videogames History makes a comeback on the PS2. Enjoy the fever of the 80's arcade games center at home with Sega Ages 2500 Series Vol. 28 Tetris Collection.
This new episode in the Pop's Music series features 15 new songs and 100 playable songs in total that are taken from anime series, drama series and games. The game overall design has also been reworked to make the player feel the heat and joy of the carnival.
Quartett! The stage of Love is a port of a PC love simulation that's set in a classical music school called Magnolia. Taking control of student Phill Junhers, who was scouted to be a student at Magnolia, players must interact with a group of girls over a two month period and attempt to make it to concert-level performance. The game employs a so-called Floating Frame Director system which brings character visuals to life with over a hundred graphical patterns that make use of thousands of frames. Princess Soft has improved upon the PC version with full voice.
Newest installment in the Sangokushi game series. For the first time in the series, this episode features full 3D maps as well as a detailled overlook on the battlefield.
Kowloon Youma Gakuen Ki re:charge is an adventure game which mixes elements of RPG. Despite the title, the game takes place in Shinjuku, Tokyo's Kamiyoshi high school in 2004. The protagonist, an exchange student, who doubles as a treasure hunter, hears of an ancient treasure resting well hidden in the deepest areas of a ruin buried underneath the school building. He eventually discovers the entrance to the underground labyrinth on a graveyard located in one corner of the school's campus and the adventure begins. This re:charge version can be compared to Shin Megami Tensei's maniax edition and features new dungeons and an extended scenario.
Konami has finally gone on the record with the information we've all been waiting to hear: Pro Evolution Soccer 6 on Xbox 360, PC and PS2 will hit retail on October 27.
"This is the date all football fans have been waiting for," states Martin Schneider, European Marketing and PR Director for Konami. "October 27 will see established Pro Evolution Soccer fans looking to get their hands on the latest version, while we are delighted to be bringing the first Next Generation version to Xbox 360 users. The season truly starts here - and Pro Evolution Soccer 6 will once again top the table of the football genre."
Konami also revealed that the PSP and DS instalments will follow "shortly after".
Namco Bandai's latest Tales RPG will be released on 10th October in the USA, exclusively on PlayStation 2.
Tales of the Abyss puts you in the role of Luke fon Fabre, heir to a baron, who in a dramatic departure from all the other JRPG plots, learns of friendship and sacrifice that could save the world.
The publisher's promising its most realistic character models yet - designed by series mainstay Kousuke Fujishima - while a "flexible motion battle system" ought to make roaming the 3D world a bit more exciting than usual.
Not that yours truly has much of a clue, as you'd probably guessed. More on Tales of the Abyss when one of our JRPG demons gets their hands on it.
description
Hundreds of years before Lenneth's tale, another saga lies concealed by the gods. The valkyrie Silmeria once served Odin loyally, but after an incident ignited a conflict between them, Odin forcefully reincarnated her as a human. The human soul that would carry her spirit was that of Alicia, Princess of Dipan. Ordinarily, Silmeria's consciousness would have been sealed, her spirit dormant until she was next summoned... However, the forced transmigration causes Silmeria's spirit to awaken within Alicia, leaving two souls to inhabit a single body. The spirit that should have been sealed has awakened a situation Odin will not ignore for long.
This installment introduces the new Photon Action System to the classic side-scrolling action format found in the original. Projecting photons grants players more freedom to explore and expands the action, resulting in challenging puzzles with clever solutions. Add to that "sealstones" that affect the laws of nature in dungeons, launching strategy to new heights. The unique battle system of the previous game has evolved into the Advanced Tactical Combination Battle System.
