PC Game News

Dedicated EVE fans will be rewarded with their ninth free expansion from CCP by the end of this year. It’s pretty amazing to see how popular this MMO is and how many people have stuck by it.

"CCP, one of the world’s leading independent game developers, today announced the launch of the ninth free expansion for EVE Online, its popular science fiction massively multi-player online game (MMOG). EVE Online: Quantum Rise offers limitless opportunity to the talented starship pilots of New Eden as the roots of conflict spread deep for their lifeblood.

Players have great things to look forward to in EVE Online: Quantum Rise. Corporations will be able to set their products apart from the rest by building trust in their goods through customizable storefronts. The backbone of EVE’s vibrant economy, industrial ships are being rebalanced and optimized to better suit the needs of haulers and industrialists-including the latest edition to the fleet, a massive capital industrial ship dubbed the Orca. A new certificate system will give a quick and verifiable means to discern a pilot’s skill level in trading, gunnery or countless other professions, providing plenty of bragging rights. Meanwhile, the introduction of a medal system allows corporations to distinguish their most valued pilots and honor them for their achievements.

The staged delivery of EVE Online: Quantum Rise began with the recent implementation of technological breakthroughs such as StacklessIO and EVE64 which upgraded the server hardware and streamlined communication between server and client to severely reduce lag. The reality of thousands of ships simultaneously engaged in adrenaline-charged combat is at hand and several fleet battles have already been fought using this new technology. Emboldened by the significant effects these improvements bring to high-level gameplay, CCP will push forward with a myriad of hardware and server improvements to bring the most massive player vs player experience available, expanding a boundless universe into a limitless one.

"We are very proud to be delivering this expansion, both in terms of features and the sheer performance increases made possible by deep refactoring of selected portions of our network and server code, complimented with the finest hardware we could find," says Torfi Frans Ólafsson, Senior Producer of EVE Online. "I can’t imagine a better game where you can engage hundreds of people simultaneously in highly immersive tactical combat or simply sit back and make millions off of the conflict via research, manufacturing or logistics. You choose your destiny; that’s the beauty of it."

Further features also include:
• Weapon linking to make your onslaught easier
• Continuations of the massive Trinity graphics update
• Changes to autopilot routes and avoidance techniques
• More to be revealed in the coming weeks

A full list of features will be available soon at www.eveonline.com.

Availability:
EVE Online: Quantum Rise will be available for subscribers as a free download at www.eveonline.com/download. Non-subscribers should visit the EVE website to sign up for a free 14-day trial account."

Another flash video for Mirror’s Edge is available for viewing, as we get to see Faith’s humble beginnings as a tough teen turned to the wall-running, rooftop-jumping maniac we’ll get to play as in Mirror’s Edge. The video does set up her character rather well, because of the sheer badassness she exudes. Her indomitable spirit is fully present here and November 13th better get here soon.

Apparently, if you finish the Playstation 3 version of BioShock, a "BioShock 2: Sea of Dreams" trailer appears. Someone posted the video on Youtube, who managed to receive and complete the game a week before its console release.

F.E.A.R. 2 is set for an early 2009 release, which is fantastic, because it gives us a little more space to play the rest of Fall’s games. As you might have guessed already, this trailer focuses on the power armor you’ll be able to don in Project Origin. In a word, it looks sweet. Let’s hope the game still retains its fear factor, because contrary to popular opinion, the original F.E.A.R. scared me to death.

Next week’s going to be pretty rough. EA’s Dead Space hits PCs, with Ubisoft’s Far Cry 2 right next to it. And if you own a DS, you know you want Order of Ecclesia. There goes my paycheck. Anyway, two new trailers for Far Cry 2. The first one takes a look at the factions you can join and ally with in the game. Never was aware the game had something like this. I hope it’s pulled off well, unlike the rough implementation of it in games like S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series.

The second trailer dives into the flexible map editors. It really looks like your imagination’s the only thing that’s going to keep your maps from blooming into the one you thought up in your head. Far Cry 2 ships next Tuesday and depending on your retailer, it’ll make it on its ship date or it’ll hit the shelves a day after.

Valve has announced that the highly anticipated "Left 4 Dead" is now available to pre-purchase on Steam, the company’s popular digital distribution platform.

"Left 4 Dead is a new franchise from Valve, and has earned numerous awards it march to launch this holiday, including "Best of E3" Awards from Game Infomer and Maximum PC magazines. Like the pre-purchase promotions happening at retail for the PC and Xbox 360 versions, those who pre-purchase via Steam will save 10% off the regular price. The pre-order promotions are part of a $10 million marketing campaign that includes television, outdoor, online and print advertising.

 "With just over four weeks until launch, Left 4 Dead is showing every sign of topping The Orange Box on both the PC and Xbox 360, at retail as well as on Steam," said Doug Lombardi, VP of marketing at Valve. "Our pre-sell numbers at retail have jumped to over 65% greater than Orange Box at the same proximity to launch, and we’re seeing tremendous enthusiasm for the product in what promises to be another great year for gaming on both platforms."

Set in the immediate aftermath of the highly-anticipated zombie apocalypse, Left 4 Dead features single player, multiplayer and co-operative gameplay modes. Next-generation artificial intelligence tailors the pacing and difficulty ensuring a different experience every time the game is played.

Left 4 Dead is due for release on PC and Xbox 360 on November 18 in North America and November 21 in Europe. The worldwide Steam release will happen November 18. For more information, please visit www.steamgames.com"

Electronic Arts has announced that pre-orders for the Collector’s Edition of "The Sims 3" have begun at select North American retailers including GameStop, Best Buy, Circuit City, Fry’s Electronics, GameCrazy, EB Canada, Amazon.com, Gogamer.com, Target.com and Walmart.com.

"Worldwide pre-order opportunities outside of North America will be announced in the coming months at which time fans can look to local retailers in their market for more information. The Sims 3 Collector’s Edition, in stores on February 20, 2009, will include the full game along with an additional collectable 2GB The Sims Plumbob™ USB drive, tips and hints guide and a bonus in-game European-styled sports car unavailable elsewhere. In addition, those who pre-order the product now will receive an additional exclusive in-game vintage sports car, and a collectible poster that is a first look at the neighborhood, all available while supplies last*.

The freedom of The Sims 3 will inspire you with endless creative possibilities and amuse you with unexpected moments of surprise and mischief. In The Sims 3 you can create lifelike Sims with a unique personality and take them anywhere including the gym, bistro, park, art gallery and more. The feature-set includes a new seamless, open neighborhood, new create a sim, new unique personality traits, new unlimited customization and new gameplay that’s quick and rewarding.  The neighborhood is alive and constantly evolving so what happens to a Sim on one side of the neighborhood could impact your Sims on the other side of town! If your Sims are in the right place at the right time, who knows what might happen? And now for the first time, your Sims have distinctive personalities thanks to a range of all-new personality traits. You have the option to select from dozens and dozens of personality traits such as brave, artistic, kleptomaniac, clumsy, paranoid and romantic. Combine up to five traits to create over a million truly diverse Sims.

The all-new Create – A – Sim allows you to completely customize your Sims’ appearances making every Sim unique. The feature is easy-to-use and more powerful than ever, letting you fine-tune every aspect of your Sims face, customize their hair color, select the exact shade of their skin tone and determine much more to make lifelike Sims.  It’s never been easier to make Sims that are thin, full-figured or muscular and everything in between! In true The Sims fashion, you can customize everything. The Sims 3 allows for infinite possibilities to design the interior and exterior of your Sims surroundings.

Additionally, you can enjoy the challenge of short-term and long-term goals and then reap the rewards! Based on personality traits, skills and career choices, your Sims have short and long term Wishes that provide constant fun challenges, things to do and achieve. You have the ultimate freedom to choose whether to fulfill their destiny, giving them lifetime happiness and rewards or not! Will your Sim skyrocket from latrine cleaner to an astronaut, go from being a rabid fan to a sports legend or will you choose an alternate destiny? In The Sims 3, life is what you make it!

The Sims 3 Collector’s Edition will include:

• The Sims 3 Game for PC
• The Sims Plumbob USB Drive with matching Green Carabiner
• Exclusive In-Game European-Styled Sports Car
• Tips and hints guide
• The Sims 3 Plumbob Stickers

For more information about The Sims 3, please go to www.TheSims3.com.

* Restrictions apply. See specific offers for details."

PC Games:

• Combat Wings: Battle of Britain
• FIFA Soccer 2009
• Guitar Hero: Aerosmith
• Shaun White Snowboarding

Movies Opening This Week:

• Max Payne
• Morning Light (limited)
• Sex Drive
• The Secret Life of Bees
• W.
• What Just Happened (limited)

DVD Releases:

• 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days
• Adventures of Robin Hood: The Complete Second Season
• American Gangster [Blu-ray]
• Casino [Blu-ray]
• Center Stage 
• Christmas with the Whispers
• Constantine [Blu-ray]
•  Coral Reef Adventure [Blu-ray]
• CSI: Crime Scene Investigation – The Eighth Season
• Eastern Promises [Blu-ray]
• Edge of Heaven
• Elmo’s Christmas Countdown
• Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag [Blu-ray]
• HYPE The Obama Effect
• Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull [Blu-ray]
• Jon & Kate Plus 8 The Complete 3rd Season
• Liberty‘s Kids: Complete Series
• Lil’ Bush: Resident of – Season Two
• Little Einsteins: The Christmas Wish
• Love Comes Softly Series, Vol. 1
• Lovejoy: Christmas Specialss
• Mongol: The Rise of Genghis Khan 
• Nash Bridges – The First Season
• Night Before Christmas: The Movie
• Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything: A Veggie Tales Movie
• Poltergeist [Blu-ray]
• Radiohead: Logical Emotions
• Romancing the Stone [Blu-ray]
• Space Station/Mission to Mir Imax [Blu-ray]
• Spellbound
• SpongeBob SquarePants – Who Bob What Pants
• Standard Operating Procedure
• Stuck
• Survivorman: Collection 2
• That 70’s Show: Complete Giftset
• The Gangster Gift Set [Blu-ray]
• The Jewel of the Nile [Blu-ray]
• The Partridge Family: The Complete Third Season
• The Sarah Silverman Program: Season Two, Vol. One
• The Unit – The Complete Third Season
• The Universe – The Complete Season Two
• Thomas and Friends: Rusty to the Rescue
• War, Inc.
• XXy
• Yo Gabba Gabba!: The Dancey Dance Bunch

G4 sent word that they will be running a "Fallout 3" special tonight at 8:30PM ET.

"Don’t miss X-Play’s Fallout 3 Special, Tonight at 8:30PM ET, immediately following X-Play at Tokyo Game Show ’08: Day 2. For a sneak peek of what you’ll be seeing tonight, check out the following X-Play video: Fallout 3: Weapons and Combat. Todd Howard and Pete Hines of Bethesda Softworks take Adam Sessler and Morgan Webb through the V.A.T.S. Combat system, and show off an awesome new gun that uses railroad spikes to nail your enemies’ heads to the wall."

Preview Video:

Ubisoft has announced that "Far Cry 2" has gone gold. The game is scheduled to ship next week.

"Developed by Ubisoft Montreal, Far Cry 2 will be the newest innovation from Ubisoft in the world of next-gen first-person shooters. More than just a visual and technological achievement, Far Cry 2 immerses players in an entirely new kind of gaming experience. Running on a tailor-made new gaming engine, Far Cry 2 features non-scripted enemy Artificial Intelligence, entirely destructible environments, dynamic fire and storm effects, and multiplayer gameplay, all in a completely open world 50km2 environment. Players will find themselves immersed in a war-torn, African state, where they will be forced to make deals with corrupt warlords on both sides of the conflict in order to survive and move ever-closer to their primary objective – the Jackal. Players must identify and exploit their enemies’ weaknesses, neutralizing their superior numbers and firepower with surprise, subversion, cunning, and of course brute force."

Paradox Interactive has announced that "Europa Universalis III: Complete" has been shipped to North American retail stores.

"The collection contains the award-winning Europa Universalis III grand strategy game along with the Napoleon’s Ambition and In Nomine expansion packs.

The collection, available for the first time as a retail package, features customizable nation building, co-operative multiplayer capabilities, and highly detailed and interactive cities that are unique to each of the hundreds of cultures in the game. The game is set to take over European shelves on October 17th.

Europa Universalis III: Complete includes expansion pack content that extends the playable timeline to encompass historical periods ranging from the Byzantine Empire, The Hundred Years’ War, and the French Revolution, as well as advanced mission options and trading systems.  New gameplay features like rebel uprisings, influential religious figures, and the ability to conquer Europe and overthrow the Holy Roman Empire add new layers of strategy to the game.

For more information, please visit www.europauniversalis3.com."

Cryptic’s "Champtions Online" website has been updated with the announcement that closed-beta sign-ups are now underway.

This PC specific beta begins in mid-November 2008 and players sign up by visiting https://www.champions-online.com/preview_application.

“This closed beta is an exciting step in the evolution of Champions Online,” said Jack Emmert, chief creative officer for Cryptic Studios. “All of us here in the Cryptic offices have been playing the game for a while now, and we’re excited to invite others in to have as much fun with Champions Online as we’ve been having internally.”

Champions Online gives players the power of total customization for their hero experience while they explore a vast comic book universe. Gamers create their hero’s name, back story, costume, powers and abilities as well as design their own personal nemesis and his or her back story, which will guarantee a truly unique experience.

Champions Online is being developed by Cryptic Studios as a cross-platform project including PC and current gen console systems, and is published by 2K Games, the publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ:TTWO).

For more information, log onto www.champions-online.com.

Activision has announced "Secret Service," an upcoming first-person action game that puts the President’s life in gamers’ hands.

"Secret Service takes place on Inauguration Day in Washington D.C. An extremist assault has been launched against the capitol – security has been compromised and it is unclear who is friend or foe. There is no time for negotiation as you are thrust out of the shadows and into the line of fire in order to protect the nation’s leaders. The action takes place among famous landmarks and everywhere in between, including both Marine One and Air Force One.

A tactical first person action game full of plot twists and revelations, Secret Service features story and level design contributions by Daniel Arey, who previously worked on Uncharted, the Jak series and the Crash Bandicoot series.

“This game is a unique addition to the first person action genre, with a rich storyline set across famous locations and the need to use both lethal and non-lethal force to achieve your objectives,” said Dave Oxford, Activision Publishing. “Secret Service brings a nice refreshing spin to fans of run-and-gun games.”

Secret Service will be available for $39.99 on Xbox 360, $29.99 for Playstation®2 computer entertainment system, and $19.99 for PC. The Secret Service videogame is not approved, endorsed or authorized by the U.S. Secret Service."

Have you heard about the how StarCraft II’s campaign is now a trilogy? StarCraft II has been divided into three separate games, making it three times more expensive.

Yeah, it sucks.

Well, here are a couple gameplay trailers to reduce the pain and anger of Blizzard making such a decision. Admittedly, the multi-player is the game’s biggest draw, but I loved the original campaign of the first one and Brood War and just thinking about having to pay for each campaign leaves an awful, offensive taste in my mouth.

With Blizzon ’08 fully underway, Blizzard doesn’t have anymore surprise sequels or franchise revivals. It’s all about their trifecta of money-making machines. StarCraft II. Lich King. And, of course, Diablo III. Blizzard’s revealed the newest class for the third game in this mega-popular franchise, the wizard. Weidling some sort of energy orb, the wizard unleashes all kinds of magical pain. Another thing to note is that the female rendition of the wizard is asian, which is a first for the series, right?