ToC Gaming News Blog : All The Latest PC Gaming News

Sony Ericsson to introduce Android 3.0 gaming platform and PSP Go-like smartphone

There's no question that gaming on the Android platform has heretofore been relatively underwhelming, but that looks like it's all about to change. It seems that Sony Ericsson -- a company that has yet to even introduce an Android 2.0 device -- is at work on a project to redefine gaming on Google's mobile platform. We now know (via a trusted source) that the company is actively and heavily developing a brand new gaming platform, ecosystem, and device (possibly alongside Google) which are already in the late stages of planning. And we've got the goods on it. 

Here's what we can tell you about the hardware: if you're a gaming fan, this is exactly the kind of phone you've been waiting for. The device is described as cross between the Samsung Captivate and the PSP Go-- in other words, it's a landscape slider with game controls in place of the typical QWERTY keyboard. The D-pad is here, but instead of the small joystick, the device will have what was described as a "long touch pad" for analog controls, along with standard PSP buttons and shoulder buttons. The phone has a large display, described as being between 3.7 and 4.1 inches with WVGA or better resolution, a 5 megapixel camera that we're told might not be final, and it'll likely have a 1GHz Snapdragon CPU on board. The phone is mostly black with some silver highlights, and the gamepad area is white / silver in color. Apparently it's currently branded as a Xperia device, but it looks like it will carry PlayStationbranding as well. Those who've seen the phone say it looks "pretty damn sexy." The mockup above probably doesn't do the actual hardware justice, but it should give you an idea of what you'll be dealing with.





On the software side, it looks like the device will be running Gingerbread (Android 3.0) with a phone-specific skin, and there will be a new area of the Android Market specifically for the games. That content will be initially accessible only by the halo device, but from the sounds of things, these titles might be made available to other Android phones if their specs and button layouts meet requirements. Games will be graphically in the range of PSX or PSP games, meaning true 3D gaming is headed to Android. Titles currently being shown off seem to be focused around some older PSX as well as new PSP offerings, withGod of War, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, and LittleBigPlanet possibly on tap, and future plans for titles which incorporate augmented reality features.

In terms of release, it's possible that the phone and ecosystem could be introduced as early as October of this year, but we have yet to confirm.

Right now we're working on getting even more detail about the phone and partnership, but we can tell you now that this is not a random rumor -- we have reason to believe that what we've heard and seen is real and coming to market. It makes perfect sense in a way -- Google gets a much-needed push into the gaming and entertainment space for Android, while Sony (via its partnership with Ericsson) finally delivers the PlayStation phone users have been wanting. We see it as a major win for both companies and the consumer... and we always need another distraction. Stay tuned to this space for updates as we get them, and in the meantime, start socking away the pennies.

Source: Engadget

Quantum of Solace blends intense first-person action with a 3rd person cover combat system that allows players to truly feel what it is like to be the ultimate secret agent as they use their stealth, precision shooting and lethal combat skills to progress.

Get the Quantum of Solace Demo off WP (689mb)

James Bond is back to settle the score in Quantum of Solace: The Game. Introducing a more lethal and cunningly efficient Bond, the game blends intense first-person action with a unique third-person cover combat system that allows players to truly feel what it is like to be the ultimate secret agent as they use their stealth, precision shooting and lethal combat skills to progress through missions. Seamlessly blending the heart-pounding action and excitement of the upcoming "Quantum of Solace" feature film with the "Casino Royale" movie, the title propels players into the cinematic experience of international espionage. Based on the renowned Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare game engine that has been specifically engineered to immerse players in the Bond universe, Quantum of Solace: The Game delivers superior high-definition graphics, reactive AI and visually stunning locations inspired by locales portrayed in the films.

Key Features :

• Quantum of Solace: The Game marks the first time players can become the dangerous and cunning Bond as portrayed by Daniel Craig in "Quantum of Solace" and "Casino Royale."
• From silent take downs and sneaking through confined spaces, to one-on-one shoot outs and large scale battles, players experience a variety of gameplay that challenges them to think through situations and choose how they progress, whether it’s through covert means or confronting enemies in full force.
• Players engage in both first-person and third-person gameplay that allows gamers to be Bond in unscripted battles against the world’s most evil villains and mercenaries.
• Filled with armed combat, massive explosions and vertigo-inducing chases, gamers are immersed in an authentic Bond universe and drawn into epic movie moments with theatrical camera angles, split screen effects, picture-in-picture sequences, and amazing environments inspired by real world locations such as Montenegro, Venice, Bolivia and Austria.
• Bringing James Bond to next-gen consoles for the first time, gamers now have the ability to battle online in a variety of modes.

Wii-Specific Features:

• Paying special attention towards making the game one of the most graphically stunning titles on the Wii, Quantum of Solace: The Game is filled with armed combat, massive explosions and vertigo-inducing chases. Gamers are further drawn into epic movie moments with theatrical camera angles, split screen effects, picture-in-picture sequences, and visually stunning real world locations such as Montenegro, Venice, Bolivia and Austria.
• Players fully immerse themselves into the Bond universe utilizing controls designed specifically for the Wii. Players may choose to use the unique Wii Remote and Nunchuk control scheme to seamlessly target and engage their enemies or they can leverage the Wii Zapper to truly step into the shoes of James Bond.
• Bringing James Bond to the Wii for the first time, gamers now have the ability to battle their friends in online multiplayer battle. Players can also engage with up to four players in split screen local multiplayer games, a mode that is exclusive to the Wii platform.

NDS-Specific Features:

• Quantum of Solace: The Game for the Nintendo DS introduces streamlined controls, with players stealthily navigating the treacherous world and engaging in intense combat using only the stylus for a unique and compelling James Bond experience.
• Choose how you want to complete your missions. Use your skills in espionage, to silently disable your foes. Take aim from a distance to remove enemies with deadly precision. Or come in close for melee combat in an innovative touch screen combat system.
• Earn Bond points, collect better items, and use special playing cards to customize and enhance your abilities. Choose where you want to upgrade your character to enhance your favorite style of play. Explore the world for rare and powerful items.
• The game narrative accentuates key movie events from both "Quantum of Solace" and "Casino Royale," as players control James Bond through in-game conversations with multiple narrative options. Choosing the right one can unlock new abilities and uncover special items.

James Bond: Quantum of Solace is in development for NDS, PS2, Wii, PS3, X360, PC, and scheduled for Nov. 4, 2008 release.

WorthPlaying - Xbox 360 (X360) , PlayStation 3 (PS3), Nintendo Wii, Xbox, PlayStation 2 (PS2), GameCube (NGC), PSP, Nintendo DS (NDS), GBA, Windows PC - All about games !

Bizarre Creations has very kindly told us what to expect from the Project Gotham Racing 4 Xbox Live demo - just as soon as it comes out of certification and lands on your Internet face.

The demo will consists of five vehicles (made up of cars and bikes), with a demo-only Arcade mode chapter set in Macau. This will consist of new challenges that have been custom-built for the demo.

Not content with that, they are throwing in a Nurburgring Snow Time Challenge - so you'll be able to see just how pretty the track (rebuilt for PGR4) looks when it's blanketed in snow. The snowy Time Attack also includes full leaderboard support.

The full game, for which our final-build hands-on will go live oh-so-shortly, splits single-player gameplay between Arcade (128 medals from Steel up to Platinum) and Career (difficulty pre-set by user, then a season of races and events).

And of course it has lots of Internet play, with a greater focus on Friends-based leaderboards and tournaments that are suitable for players of all skills, rather than the "best in the world or nowt" mentality of old.

Sounds rather good, no? We'll let you know when it's up there.

PGR4 is due out exclusively on 360 on 12th October

 

source: here

News Source : here Technorati Tags: Call of Duty 4, Infinity Ward		Buy
posted by Stoney

Pro Evolution Soccer '08 Demo

Screw FIFA, Winning Eleven: Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 (horrible title) is where it's at if you're into football, and now there's a 1GB demo available for you to kick about in. Download from:

• 3D Downloads
• ComputerGames.ro
• FileFront
• Gamershell
• Worthplaying

News Source : Here Technorati Tags: Pro Evolution Soccer 08		Buy
posted by Gunny

The demo version of Stranglehold has been released on FilePlanet.

Chow Yun-Fat reprises the role of Inspector Tequila from John Woo's influential action film, "Hard Boiled" in this hyperkinetic shooting game. Run into danger with both fists full of lead and take down the organized crime bosses who stepped over the line when they took your family.

News Source : Here Technorati Tags: Stanglehold		Get
posted by Gunny

Electronic Arts has released a playable demo for the PC edition of FIFA 08, allowing you to try out the latest installment in this soccer series. The demo offers the chance to play as seven teams, FC Barcelona, AC Milan, America (Mexico), NY Red Bulls, Manchester United, Marseille, and Bayern München.
Download mirrors are listed below at the alternative sources.

Download mirror #1 - fangaming.com |

Download mirror #2 - fileshack.com |

Download mirror #3 - worthdownloading.com |

Download mirror #4 - computergames.ro |

Download mirror #5 - gamershell.com |

Download mirror #6 - 3ddownloads.com |

News Source : Here Technorati Tags: Fifa08, Electronic Arts		Buy
posted by Eggchaser

PC gamers now have a reason to mark a big circle around September 25th on their calendars as the single player demo for Crysis will be lighting up rigs worldwide in just 27 days.

Consisting of the entire first level in Crysis’ epic single player campaign, “Contact,” gamers will get to finally experience first-hand the stunning visuals, revolutionary Nanosuit gameplay and open-ended level design that make Crysis one of the most anticipated shooters and PC games of all time. The demo is also poised to include a huge surprise from Crytek, but for now you’ll just have to wait and check out the latest Crysis Nanosuit trailer by following the link below.

DOWNLOAD THE HD TRAILER HERE

Crysis is coming off award-winning showings at the German Games Convention, picking up Best PC of GC honors from the panel of experts judging the show and from E3, where it also won the Game Critics Awards Best PC Game of E3 2007. The countdown to Crysis ends on November 16, 2007.

For more Crysis news, stay tuned to www.nanosuit.com.

News Source : Here Technorati Tags: Crysis, Crytek, EA		Buy
posted by Churchy

I've long been a fan of RTS games, from way back enjoying the original Command & Conquer games, right up to the present day offerings of games like Company of Hero's. Well all I can say is move over, there's a new daddy in town, a new top dog, king of hill. Click the images to below to see the full size versions.

This game is simply stunning. Using a familar control system to other RTS games you'll soon feel at ease giving orders, and the visuals and cinematic's are spectacular.

The level of polish that has gone into this game is obvious, from camera movement to voice talent, it all just works beautifully.

The game worlds are so detailed I often found myself wandering off following a group of helicopters as they went about their business rather that doing what I was supposed to be. Everything in this game is on another level to what we've seen before.

Even something as simple as the common airdrop/resupply action is a joy to watch with its movie like cinematic's as the transport galaxy/starlifter transport aircraft swoops in and delivers its payload.

It all feels fantastically real, with aircraft seeming to have correct real world physics, and pyrotechnics to rival that of even the most expensive Hollywood blockbusters. 

The game feels like a blend of Battlefield 2 meets Command & Conquer, and as you can tell I was absolutely blown away by World in Conflict.

I guarantee you at several points during playing the demo you will actually be saying "oh wow" and "jeez" out loud, I know I did.

Download the World in Conflict Demo now and check it out, you wont be disappointed. I'm off to get my pre-order sorted, you can too by clicking the game cover below.

News Source : Here Technorati Tags: World in Conflict, Massive Entertainment, Sierra		Buy
written & posted by Gunny

With the release this week of the Medal of Honor Airborne Demo, It got me thinking what food, would the real soldiers of World War 2 like the character of Boyd Travers have eaten?

 In an exclusive interview with Gamespot, the developers give new details on what Crytek is working on. He hints that, there is a pending announcement soon to be made which involves the unveiling of a new IP which might be possibly mutiplatform, Crysis demo..
..which will come at the end of this month or early next month.

Highlights
* Crytek are working overtime polishing the game.
* Will run well and look great on single core CPUs + 6800GT.
* Crysis is designed as a trilogy.
* New IP announcement soon; Possibly multi-platform.
* Demo may come at the end of September; Expect an announcement soon.

News Source : Here Technorati Tags: Crytek, Crysis Demo, Crysis		Buy
posted by Gunny

The World in Conflict Demo has been released. Grab it on our fileserver: wic_demo_uk.exe.
Note: UK users should first try ukftp.multiplay.co.uk as this allows more clients connected at once than ftp.multiplay.co.uk, which is primarily for European visitors.

More links:

http://browse.files.filefront.com/World+in+Conflict+Official+Demos/;2020319;/browsefiles.html

http://www.gamershell.com/news/41160.html

News Source : Here Technorati Tags: World in Conflict, Massive Entertainment, Sierra		Buy
posted by Gunny

 

Build a lively, bustling medieval town in this ambitious new take on the long-lived and much-loved Settlers real-time strategy series. Found a flourishing economy while defending your empire through shrewd diplomacy and combat.

This demo includes two maps: a tutorial and a free settle skirmish map.
See download mirrors below at the alternative sources.

Demo

The Settlers: Rise of an Empire Demo

Added: 11 hours ago | Size: 1.36 Gb | Downloads: 273

Trailer

The Settlers: Rise of an Empire - GC 2007 Gameplay Montage

Added: yesterday | Downloads: 8

The Settlers: Rise of an Empire - Climatic Challenges Featurette

Added: 2007-07-10 | Downloads: 29

The Settlers: Rise of an Empire - Ubidays 07 Interview

Added: 2007-05-24 | Downloads: 37

The Settlers: Rise of an Empire - Ubidays 07 Developer Walkthrough Pt. 2

Added: 2007-05-23 | Downloads: 29

The Settlers: Rise of an Empire - Ubidays 07 Developer Walkthrough Pt. 1

Added: 2007-05-23 | Downloads: 33

The Settlers: Rise of an Empire - Trailer

Added: 2007-04-24 | Downloads: 46

News Source : Here Technorati Tags: The Settlers: Rise of an Empire, Ubisoft		Buy
posted by Gunny

The demo has been released. The Medal of Honor: Airborne demo is now available all across FileShack on public and Mercury servers. This is the single player demo. QuickSilver for Mercury members is also available for those of you using download accelerators. What's it like? Well go find out for yourself.  Download your  Medal of Honor: Airborne demo here

Other Download Location's HERE

Discussion and Opinions HERE
 

News Source : Here Technorati Tags: Medal of Honor Airborne, EA		Buy
posted by Churchy

Get ready to get airborne! On August 23, parachute into combat with EA’s demo release of Medal of Honor Airborne™ for the PC and Xbox 360™ videogame and entertainment system. The Xbox 360 demo will be available on Xbox LIVE™* Marketplace and the PC version will be available on the official Medal of Honor™ website.

Demo Mission: Operation Husky

A joint allied operation into the island of Sicily, Operation Husky follows Boyd Travers and the 82^nd Airborne on their first combat jump on July 11, 1943. After securing and sabotaging four anti-aircraft guns, Boyd is sent to rendezvous with a group of Airborne paratroopers at the edge of the village. Here, they run into the German Heer army, who is attempting to recapture the village from the Airborne. Boyd must push to the end of this small hamlet, eliminating Germans along the way, then find a sniper rifle and eliminate the German commander. He’s successful, but not before the commander has successfully called in reinforcements.

Source:  http://www.n4g.com/

posted by Eggchaser

 Tiscali has compiled list of so far known public FTP mirrors of leaked (but confirmed to be working) PC demo of BioShock, which will officialy debut in 5 hours on Fileplanet.

 INFORMACE 

Výrobce:
Irrational Games 

Vydavatel: 
Take 2 

Velikost: 
1,9 GB 

Download link: 
Games.Tiscali.cz, Ftp.vein.hu, Hardwired.hu

Download link 2: 
Filezaru.com, Softpedia.ro, Xtremepc.ro, Torrent

Homepage: 
zde

Souhrnné info: 
více o hře - videa, dojmy, screenshoty, novinky...

Download link: 
Games.Tiscali.cz, Ftp.vein.hu, Hardwired.hu

Download link 2: 
Filezaru.com, Softpedia.ro, Xtremepc.ro, Torrent

Source : Here

posted by Gunny

Electronic Arts has announced that both PC and Xbox 360 demos for their upcoming WWII shooter Medal of Honor Airborne will be released on Thursday, August 23. Here is a snip:

     Demo Mission: Operation Husky

    A joint allied operation into the island of Sicily, Operation Husky follows Boyd Travers and the 82nd Airborne on their first combat jump on July 11, 1943. After securing and   sabotaging four anti-aircraft guns, Boyd is sent to rendezvous with a group of Airborne paratroopers at the edge of the village. Here, they run into the German Heer army, who is attempting to recapture the village from the Airborne. Boyd must push to the end of this small hamlet, eliminating Germans along the way, then find a sniper rifle and eliminate the German commander. He’s successful, but not before the commander has successfully called in reinforcements.

Source: http://www.firingsquad.com/

posted by Eggchaser

Proof that you can't please everyone: the BioShock demo already has many PC users crying foul (amongst other less family-friendly words). "What about us!" they wail, indignant that some scruffy little console will be playing at least some part of the game before they are. Well, Irrational are saying that a PC demo is coming. Not here yet, but it's coming.

For those of you who are looking for a BioShock demo on the PC, it is in the works and will be out later this month. I'll give you more details about it tomorrow.

See, they haven't forgotten about you. Just kicked you down their list of top priorities, is all. Wait til tomorrow before reaching for that pitchfork/torch.

Yes They Remembered You: BioShock PC Demo "Coming"

posted by Gunny

So during what could have been the worst show I’ve ever seen, called The Kill Point on Spike TV, gamers got a new glimpse at BioShock for the Xbox 360 and PC.

More importantly, Geoff Keighley threw up some exclusive announcement for all of us. And guess what? Fire up your Xbox 360 (sorry PC users, no love for you) and grab a demo for the game, which looks amazing. The demo weighs in at 1.3GB and should take forever to download with the amount of people that will be hammering the Xbox Live servers.

The demo is out now, and the game drops on August 21st.

Loot Ninja » BioShock Exclusive Announcement: Demo Available NOW!

posted by Gunny

posted by Eggchaser

Thrilling fight choreographies, gripping characters and realistic worlds create new dimensions in the genre. The title also introduces new benchmarks in content. Experienced script editors link the cinematic story with maximum gaming freedom in a medieval fantasy world.

Features :

• Offering a freedom of choice unseen in other Role Playing Games. The world literally comes to life as it immediately reacts to the player's actions and changes accordingly -offering new and exciting challenges.
• Strong, non-linear storyline. Players can shape their own story by choosing the path of conducting the main conflict and resolving meaningful side-quests.
• Spectacular and dynamically choreographed fights. The combat system combines intuitive steering, tactical challenges and movie-like visual experiences.
• Free and unlimited character development. Players can experiment with different careers and even reverse their former choices with the help of "career changers".
• Unique magic system. The Players are allowed to assemble their own magic spells.
• Animals to be ridden on. Players can travel and fight on various animals from horses to tamed lizards and beasts.
• A choice of traps and snares are at the Player's disposal making the gameplay both rich and flexible.
• Huge variety of items to be found. Randomly generated pieces of equipment, thematic sets and combined items offer the space to experiment and satisfy the need to collect.
• Wide range of beautifully rendered terrains: from high mountains to seashores and deep caves with all of the locations featuring ultra sharp texturing and stunning design.
• Hyper-realistic tree physics and sophisticated weather system make the world come to life as has never been seen before.
• Advanced Artificial Intelligence that manages group behaviour of large virtual communities.
• Recently expanded multiplayer capabilities will now allow 1000's of players.
• Symphonic music to make the experience more emotional and memorable.
• Extensive usage of Pixel Shader 2.0 and 3.0, HDR, multiple materials and unique shadow engine to ensure the best visuals possible.
• Support of Multi CPUs and Multicore CPUs, SLI and CrossFire Technology

If you've been lucky to join in on the beta test of Sierra and Massive Entertainment's World in Conflict (PC, Xbox 360), then you probably wouldn't be here in QJ to read this bit of news: the closed beta period has ended on July 31, and you'd all have probably picked up this news after the developers dropped a development update on the final day.

Source : http://pc.qj.net/

posted by Gunny
 

posted by Eggchaser