X3: Terran Conflict Update 2.1 and UPLINK Competitions
Egosoft announces the X3: Terran Conflict 2.1 Update:
A Treasure Hunt Mission and Much More!
X3: Terran Conflict 2.1 is now available! In this update we see the addition of a community-developed mission, written by Ketraar. This mission is called Treasure Hunt and will have you chasing your tail around the X-Universe looking for the next clue to lead you to what is arguably the ultimate prize. Speaking to Ketraar regarding the development of the mission, he said, “The Mission Director is a great tool and as an X-veteran, I wanted to bring a little nostalgia to TC through a mission. With Xenon_Slayer on hand to provide some guidance on the tricker parts of the mission’s development, the process of making it was both educational and fun and I hope that gamers will find it as fun to play.”
Also featured in this update is a much-awaited performance upgrade, which streamlines graphics rendering to produce better frame-rates and a generally smoother gameplay. This patch will also bring further improvements to Tractor Beam towing, the Universe Trader, a number of scripts and the ‘mine minerals’ command. For those of you who like to keep things ticking along while you do other things, this update also brings a new ‘run in background’ option, so you can chat to friends or surf the Egosoft forums while your factories churn out wares! If you’re using this option, you may want to park your ship somewhere safe before you alt-tab out of the game – you could end up in an asteroid or 400km from the sector’s centre! The update also adds a number of new Mission Director variables and attributes, in addition to a couple of script commands. There will also be more info available about marines in menus, as well as more ship information available in shipyard and HQ menus.
As well as adding in new content and features, we’ve also fixed some of those annoying little bugs. Some graphical and turret configuration issues have been fixed. The patrol and defend sector commands have also been fixed. Additionally the rear turret compatibility of the Springblossom has been reverted to its pre-2.0 configuration.
X3TC UPLINK Competitions
Stats Mean Prizes!
Now that you have had a chance to get used to the fact that you can save your game stats and upload them to the Egosoft servers and then see the results of your exploits both in league tables and in your personal profile, we think it’s time to ratchet up the competition slightly – with a competition!
On a weekly basis we will invite you to upload your stats to a special UPLINK area, so that our panel of judges can determine if you have met the victory conditions for that week’s competition. The criteria for each week’s round could be anything from “the most stations destroyed” and “the most jumpdrive energy used” to “the most sectors found” during the competition period. We will tell you, of course, what the gameplay and victory conditions will be and also what prize you’ll be playing for.
You will be given a gamestart to use (so you can assume you’ll have to start a new clean game) and a goal to reach by the stated deadline. Important note: members of EGOSOFT staff and players of games with the **MODIFIED** tag in the player states will not be permitted to enter this competition.
More information available on: http://www.egosoft.com
Korea is National Partner for the first GAMES CONVENTION ONLINE
The world’s first ever trade show for browser, client and mobile game, the GAMES CONVENTION ONLINE, celebrates its premiere from 31 July to 2 August. For three days on end, around 50 exhibiting companies, among them gaming portals, publishers and gaming service providers, present a unique gaming event at the Leipzig Exhibition Centre.
The exclusive national partner for the industry’s new get-together is Korea, the pioneer and trendsetter worldwide when it comes to online and mobile gaming. For its first ever presentation in Europe, the Asian country will introduce itself to the public at the GAMES CONVENTION ONLINE with around 15 companies. They include NHN Games, Korea’s biggest gaming portal, as well as further leading game publishers.
“As the market leader in online and mobile gaming, Korea is already several years ahead in terms of know-how and technology. With its presentation at the GAMES CONVENTION ONLINE, trade and private visitors can see the future development of the European market and at the same time, tap into new ideas,” says Silvana Kürschner, Strategy Director GC Global.
Korea will be a sensation at the GAMES CONVENTION ONLINE for more than just its gaming prowess. The design look of the collective stand highlights the special status of the tiger nation: a pavilion arranged as a traditional Korean tea garden seduces gamers into a world of hitherto unknown heroes and mysteries. Manga games are particularly popular in Korea and will delight the Leipzig public. In addition to the Korean presentation in the public area, there will also be another pavilion in the Business Center at the trade show, where admission is restricted to officially recognised trade visitors and representatives of the media.
“For Korean publishers, the GAMES CONVENTION ONLINE is the gateway to the European online gaming market. Leipzig gives us the opportunity for the first time to show ourselves to gamers and to make contact with representatives of the industry,” Il Kim is pleased to note as director of the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA), an agency under the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Together with KOTRA, the Korean foreign trade company, and SBA, a Seoul-based foreign trade agency, the KOCCA is organising the Korean participation at the GAMES CONVENTION ONLINE.
PANZERKRIEG: BURNING HORIZON 2
COMMAND GERMAN, SOVIET AND ALLIED ARMIES IN NEW WW II PC GAME
Panzerkrieg is the new battle strategy PC title inspired by the cult game Blitzkrieg. Due for release in June 2009 by Ascaron Entertainment, Panzerkrieg is a real time strategy that combines the historical accuracy of World War II with thoroughly engaging, yet easy to master gameplay.
Based on three story-driven single player campaigns, Panzerkrieg provides gamers with over 50 hours of tactical combat and engaging strategy. Players can choose between the Allied, German or Soviet campaigns, reliving key battles from history such as the Battle of the Bulge, Operation Sturgeon Catch and Battle of the Frontiers.
German campaign: Lost Victories
Operation Barbarossa is one of the authentic battles that players can relive in Panzerkrieg. The mission begins with German troops located in the East and West, with the surrounding terrain at the enemy’s advantage. Players must deploy their troops to storm the USSR border where the enemy lie in wait. Just like the real invasion, many of the attacks will be from fighter planes in the sky. However, players can also make use of the souvenir H39 French light tank with lethal flamethrowers, for obliterating infantry and light armoured vehicles at short range.
Soviet campaign: Red Horizon
The Soviet missions begin in Orshca, 1941, when Europe was dominated by the German Reich. Players must eliminate the enemy Flak gun and take control of the Katyusha rocket launcher, a formidable weapon with immense fire power. Commanding as Marshall Voroshilov, this tactical mission provides a small number of units that must be carefully deployed. The sniper unit is particularly powerful, as camouflage mode can be used to scout out the enemy, making covert stealth attacks.
Allied campaign: Blitzkrieg Rolling Thunder
After tackling the German and Soviet campaigns, players can truly test their skills as a great war leader in the challenging Allied missions. These include the retreat to Burma from Singapore in 1941, where players can command as General Patton. Quick and strategic thinking is required, as enemy attacks are constant, rapidly diminishing the number of Allied troops. Using the right units is also important, as correctly positioned Bofors anti aircraft guns and British Cromwell and Churchill tanks will help protect troops from airborne and tank attacks. Players can also deploy snipers or officers to see further afield than other units, gaining important information on enemy positions.
Publisher: Ascaron Entertainment
Web: www.Ascaron.com
Developer: United Publishing
Release date: 12th June 2009
PEGI: 12+
Format: PC
Genre: Battle Strategy
Price: £19.99
Majesty 2 Fan Q&A Released
Lead Producer Answers Gamers’ Questions Regarding Upcoming PC Title
Paradox Interactive released a Q&A from E3 for their upcoming PC strategy title Majesty 2: The Fantasy Kingdom Sim, which is set for release later this year.
In the Q&A, Tom Söderlund, Executive Producer for Majesty 2, describes the anticipated sequel, which maintains the strategic gameplay of the first game and updates all the key elements. The highly-regarded charm and humor of the original remain intact along with the unique indirect control scheme.
To view the Majesty 2 Q&A, please click here:
Part one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pib34OUz7U
Part two: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pib34OUz7U
New features implemented in the beta version showcased at E3:
• Campaign assembled – All the missions have been finished and are united into a single playable campaign. We now have lords, great artifacts, and a final boss
• Hall of Lords - At the end of a mission, the player can promote a hero to the status of Lord. Lords can be called upon in later missions, after building a “Hall of Lords”
• Basic heroes can be promoted to temple heroes – When a player builds a temple to any god of Ardania, he can promote a corresponding basic hero to a temple hero. For example, if a player builds a temple to Dauros he can promote regular warrior to a paladin of Dauros
• Magic buildings are now built without peasants - Mages, Guilds, and Magic Towers are built now by means of magic rather than by the hands of peasants
• Tax policy – New control mechanism implemented for tax policy. Now you can adjust the amount of money your tax collector will gather in his rounds
• Opposite hero types are hostile to each other - For example, elves don’t like dwarves and dwarves don’t like elves. They will use some special abilities on each other. There are also other unit types who do not appreciate each other’s company
Majesty 2 is scheduled for release during Q3 2009 and will be published worldwide by Paradox Interactive. It will be available for digital download at all major digital download portals.
For more information about Majesty 2, please visit the official website at http://www.majesty2.com/.
The Fiesta Race For 1 Million is Underway
Join the competition on the newest game server, Cypion
Sharpen your sword, prepare your most dangerous magical spells and join thousands of adventurers in the Race for 1,000,000, a brand new competition for Outspark’s hit massively multiplayer online roleplaying game Fiesta! This unique event corresponds with the launch of the newest Fiesta game server, Cypion, and offers players a chance to win a truly massive prize – up to 1 million SparkCash!
Gamers can now create a character on the Cypion server, explore the world of Isya and start leveling. During the month of June, up to 1,000,000 SparkCash is up for grabs. But hurry! Beginning July 1, the prize will shrink every hour. The first three characters to reach level 105 on Cypion will each win the amount of SparkCash left on the countdown the moment they reach 105. For complete information about the Race for 1 Million, visit http://events.outspark.com/2009/fiesta/cypion.
Set in a fanciful 3D world with beautiful and exotic locales, dangerous monsters and hundreds of engaging in-game quests, Fiesta is a free PC game designed for players of all ages and experience levels. To learn more about Fiesta and create a free Outspark account, visit fiesta.outspark.com.
BioShock 2 – info on the multiplayer features
Step back into the unforgettable world of Rapture in BioShock 2, the next installment in the franchise that has won more than 50 Game of the Year Awards and has sold more than 2.5 million units worldwide. Developed by 2K Marin, 2K Australia and Digital Extremes, BioShock 2 provides players with the perfect blend of explosive first person shooter combat, compelling storytelling and intense multiplayer to form one of 2009’s most highly anticipated titles.
Set approximately 10 years after the events of the original BioShock, the halls of Rapture once again echo with sins of the past. Along the Atlantic coastline, a monster has been snatching little girls and bringing them back to the undersea city of Rapture. You are the very first Big Daddy as you travel through the decrepit and beautiful fallen city, chasing an unseen foe in search of answers and your own survival.
Multiplayer in BioShock 2 provides a rich prequel experience that expands the award winning BioShock gameplay. Set during the fall of Rapture, players assume the role of a Plasmid test subject in the underwater city that was first explored in the original BioShock. Players will need to use all the elements of the game’s toolset to survive as the full depth of the BioShock experience is refined and transformed into a unique multiplayer experience that can only be found in Rapture.
Singleplayer Features:
- Evolution of the Genetically Enhanced Shooter: Innovative advances bring new depth and dimension to each encounter. New elements, such as the ability to dual-wield weapons and Plasmids, allow players to create exciting combinations of punishment
- Return to Rapture: Set approximately 10 years after the events of the original BioShock, the story continues with an epic, more intense journey through one of the most captivating and terrifying fictional worlds ever created
- You Are the Big Daddy: Take control of BioShock’s signature and iconic symbol with the original prototype Big Daddy, and experience the power and raw strength of Rapture’s most feared denizens as you battle powerful new enemies
- Continuation of the Award-Winning Narrative: New and unique storytelling devices serve as the vehicle for the continuation of one of gaming’s most acclaimed storylines
Multiplayer Features:
- Genetically Enhanced Multiplayer – Earn experience points during gameplay to earn access to new Weapons, Plasmids and Tonics that can be used to create hundreds of different combinations, allowing players to develop a unique character that caters to their playing style.
- Experience Rapture’s Civil War– Players will step into the shoes of Rapture citizens and take direct part in the civil war that tore Rapture apart.
- See Rapture Before the Fall – Experience Rapture before it was reclaimed by the ocean and engage in combat over iconic environments in locations such as Kashmir Restaurant and Mercury Suites, all of which have been reworked from the ground up for multiplayer.
- FPS Veterans Add Their Touch to the Multiplayer Experience – Digital Extremes brings more than 10 years of first person shooter experience including development of award-winning entries in the Unreal® and Unreal Tournament® franchise.
The Sims 3 – The Ten Commandments rewritten
Brits suggest updated Commandments as they fail to remember, understand or see relevance in many of the traditional ten
New research out today reveals that over a quarter (28 per cent) of 11 to 16 year old British children can’t recite a single one of the Ten Commandments and only six per cent of British adults and children can recite all ten from memory.
Despite traditionally being viewed as the ultimate set of moral standards for society to live by, research conducted by computer game The Sims 3 reveals that many of the commandments are now seen as outdated and irrelevant to modern life in the UK, with the average number Brits can quote from memory only being four out of the 10.
To mark the launch of The Sims 3 on Friday 5th June, the British public has been invited to suggest a new modern day set of Ten Commandments to reflect the world we live in today.
The Ten Commandments Rewritten have been hand carved into two stone tablets (as referred to in the Bible when they were given to Moses by God on Mount Sinai) and will be offered to the Houses of Parliament this week as a benchmark of public opinion about the standards that we should all live by today.
The limestone tablets feature updated versions of six of the traditional commandments that Brits still find relevant to life today but replace the remaining four with the most common themes of over 1,000 suggestions of those polled. Each of the new Ten Commandments uses modern language to help make them more easily understood.
The remaining four new commandments act as a real sign of the times focusing around not being motivated by greed following the MPs’ expenses scandal, not committing acts of terrorism, respecting and protecting the planet, and respecting all people regardless of race, religion or sexuality.
Modernised Traditional Commandments (ranked in order of importance to the British public)
1. Do not kill
2. Do not steal
3. Do not cheat on your partner with another person
4. Do not envy others
5. Respect your parents
6. Do not accuse a person of something they did not do
New Commandments
7. Respect all people regardless of race, religion or sexuality
8. Do not commit acts of terrorism
9. Respect and protect the planet
10. Do not be motivated by greed
Play God
The Sims 3 effectively allows users to ‘play God’. Players become the creators of their own world and the characters that live (or die) within it. They control the lives, personalities and moral conduct of the characters they create. They can then decide whether they choose to ‘play nice’ and give their characters (Sims) happy, prosperous life or to ‘play nasty’ and make things difficult or dangerous.
With this in mind over 1,000 adults and 11 to 16 year olds were quizzed on their knowledge of the Ten Commandments and their opinions on their relevance to modern society, exploring which moral standards actually matter most to modern day Britain.
While the majority of Brits believe that six of the Ten Commandments are still relevant today (ranging from 61 per cent to 91 per cent), around two thirds of the population question the relevance of the remaining four (ranging from 62 per cent to 70 per cent).
Using both traditional and modern wording these four include:
• Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy / You shall remember and keep the Sabbath day holy (only 30 per cent of Brits believe this to still be relevant as people increasingly use Sunday as a day to work and shop)
• Thou shalt have no other gods before me / You shall have no other Gods but me (only 34 per cent of Brits believe this to still be relevant as Brits increasingly adopt other religions and beliefs)
• Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image / You shall not make for yourself any idol, nor bow down to it or worship it (only 34 per cent of Brits believe this to still be relevant as Brits increasingly idolise and ‘worship’ celebrities)
• Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain / You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God (only 38 per cent of Brits believe this to still be relevant as the name ‘God’ is so often used to express irritation or unfairness)
Many school children aged 11 to 16 also fail to understand the traditional wording of several of the Ten Commandments according to the research. These include:
• Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image (only 16 per cent claim to fully understand the meaning)
• Thou shalt have no gods before me (only 24 per cent claim to fully understand the meaning)
• Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s goods (only 25 per cent claim to fully understand the meaning)
• Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain (only 26 per cent claim to fully understand the meaning)
• Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour (only 27 per cent claim to fully understand the meaning)
• Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy (only 29 per cent claim to fully understand the meaning)
Claire Ridley, UK Marketing Manager for The Sims 3 comments:
“The Sims 3 is all about messing with life and making decisions that will affect the lives of each of the characters in the game. Whilst it is ultimately a game, a person’s moral standards will quickly start to show through revealing what sort ‘God’ they will play over their creations.”
In line with The Sims 3, the research also asked what people would be most likely to do if they could ‘play God’ for a day. While eight per cent said that they would help themselves first by making themselves more attractive or wealthy and four per cent said they were use their power to wreak revenge on someone who had done wrong by them in the past, 17 per cent would help improve the lives of friends and family.
However, the overwhelming majority of 65 per cent of Brits would choose to help the world as a whole, such as putting an end to poverty, bringing about world peace and stopping global warming.
While very few people admitted that they would be likely to break any of the Ten Commandments, the ones that people are most likely to break are keeping the Sabbath day holy (38 per cent) misusing God’s name (23 per cent), envying neighbours (19 per cent) and committing adultery (five per cent).
The Sims 3 launches on both PC and Mac formats on Friday 5th June.
Fan feedback from 275 million online games played shapes EA SPORTS FIFA 10
New Innovations Change Player Control Experience in FIFA 10
On the heels of winning 25 international gaming awards with FIFA 09, Electronic Arts Inc. revealed the first features for its top-selling* football franchise from EA SPORTS™. Responding to consumer feedback from more than 275 million online games played**, FIFA 10 will deliver a new standard for authenticity with gameplay refinements and innovations that will make it the most complete and intelligent simulation of football.
On the pitch, critical gameplay fundamentals have been enhanced to ensure that FIFA 10 mirrors real-world football, providing more sophisticated ball control, and physical interaction between players. In addition, players now move, behave and position themselves more realistically. On attack, players analyze space more effectively, curve their runs in an attempt to stay onside, create passing lanes naturally, and drive for more variety in attacking options. On defense, new concepts like position priority enable defenders to multitask so dangerous spaces left open by teammates out of position are covered. Plus, slide tackle targeting, press marking, and better-urgency clearance logic provide new options that make defending a tactical skill in FIFA 10. In goal, a myriad of improvements and refinements to goalkeeper intelligence result in a more responsive and powerful rushing system and ultra-realistic saves.
“We have benefited from 275 million games played online to refine FIFA 10 in a way that matters most to our fans,” said Andrew Wilson, Vice President & Executive Producer for the FIFA franchise. “We’ve listened and responded to their feedback to improve player control, responsiveness and intelligence and create what we believe is the world’s most authentic football videogame.”
Listening to feedback and addressing gamer frustrations has become a key part of the EA SPORTS strategy to improve the FIFA franchise on an annual basis. Better balance on lofted through balls, improved goalkeeper intelligence, more realistic shooting mechanics with less shots hitting the goal posts, a practice arena to perfect skills, and a more immersive football experience through continuous play and quick free kicks are just a few of the issues raised by fans and addressed in FIFA 10.
Three new innovations revealed today have been developed to change the player control experience in FIFA 10. The first-ever true 360° dribbling system gives players finer control of the ball, enabling them to find spaces between defenders that previously were not possible. Using an all-new animation technology, skilled dribblers now have the ability to face the defender and use highly responsive lateral dribbling to skip past him. An innovative concept called Freedom in Physical Play enables players to perform wider dribble touches and new collision sharing creates a varied, less predictable, and extended fight for possession between the dribbler and a defender.
FIFA 10 also features a deeper iteration of the ever-popular Manager Mode with more than 50 major improvements, including new match realism, realistic player transfers based on multiple decision points, and true-to-life player growth curves.
New game modes, and innovations to popular features like Be A Pro, will be revealed in the upcoming months.
Visit www.easports.co.uk/fifa beginning June 5 for more information.
FIFA 10 will be available in stores world-wide this Fall 2009 for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system, Wii™ home video game system, PC, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Nintendo DS™, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system and mobile. It is developed under the EA SPORTS brand by EA Canada in Burnaby, B.C. The game has not yet been rated.
EA SPORTS™ is the leading interactive sports software brand in the world, with top-selling titles and franchises including Madden NFL football, FIFA Soccer, NHL® hockey, NBA LIVE basketball, NCAA® Football, and Tiger Woods PGA TOUR®.
*Based on total sales in 2008 according to the NPD.
**Number of games played while connected online between September 2008 and June 1, 2009
Dawn of Magic 2 Website goes live
Kalypso Media are pleased to announce the official website of their forthcoming action role-playing game Dawn Of Magic 2.
Besides general information about Dawn Of Magic 2, the website provides visitors with a range of high quality screenshots and a forum for fans to discuss the upcoming game. The much anticipated trailer will be released soon.
In Dawn of Magic 2, players will again have to save the world from the dreaded Legions of the Shadows. The sequel is set 10 years after the original Dawn Of Magic. The fragile balance between the forces on Earth has disintegrated. The evil forces won’t leave Earth without a desperate struggle even after the death of the monstrous immortal Modo.
Time is pressing and you have little time to carry out your mission. Use your magical skills and the power of hard steel to defend yourself and save Earth. Are you ready to prevent an invasion by the Legions of Shadows? If so you must start another hazardous journey to the labyrinths of The Other World in Dawn of Magic 2?
Key features
- Comprehensive Action-Role-Playing
- Balanced wizardry system based on 12 schools of magic
- More than 100 spells that can be combined
· Dynamic combat mode using combos, skills and magic
- Dozens of different elaborated characters and monsters
· Advanced NPC system
- Multiple hazardous adventures and fascinating quests
- Atmospheric sounds, speech and music themes
Dawn of Magic 2 will be released this July for a RRP of £29.99.
The Website is live now at www.dawnofmagic2.com
FINAL FANTASY XIV
MMORPG Scheduled for Simultaneous Global Release on the PlayStation3 and Windows
Square Enix Co., Ltd. (Square Enix), announced that FINAL FANTASY XIV, an all new massively-multiplayer role-playing game (MMORPG), is planned for a simultaneous global release with language support in Japanese, English, French and German.
Adventure begins anew in the vast realm of Eorzea!
More information on FINAL FANTASY XIV can be found at http://www.finalfantasyxiv.com/.
Product Information
Title: FINAL FANTASY XIV
Platforms: PLAYSTATION 3 & Windows
*Details on required PC specifications to be announced at a later date
Languages: Japanese, English, German, French (simultaneous release)
Genre: MMORPG
Release 2010
MSRP: TBD (Software & Subscription)
Rating: Pending (ESRB/PEGI/CERO)
Copyright Information: © SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved.
Official Site: http://www.finalfantasyxiv.com/