PC Game News

As Stargate Worlds nears its October 15th launch, FireSky needs you to fill out a couple of empty ranks for the closed beta. Registration is, of course, limited, so head on over and get drafted now.

"The wait is almost over for the legions of Stargate and MMO fans waiting to experience the Stargate Worlds Closed Beta test. The gate opens Oct. 15 for the first group of testers.

Stargate fans can pick up their assault rifles and join Op-CORE as they take their first steps in Stargate Worlds. Beta sign ups are live at register.stargateworlds.com/Registration/. More testers will be invited to sign up over time, so it’s not too late to put your name in the selection pool.

“From now until launch, everything we do is about polish and fun,” said Stargate Worlds Studio Head Dan Elggren. “We’ve laid a great foundation for the beta testers and their feedback is a vital part of the game development process.”

DreamCatcher has released a new trailer for "Gothic 3: Forsaken Gods," giving viewers more of a look at the upcoming role-playing game expansion by JoWood.

"The trailer features in-game scenes to provide a sneak preview into the upcoming Gothic 3 stand-alone Add-on, Forsaken Gods.  Forsaken Gods includes more than 125 all-new quests to explore, dozens of new monsters to slay, 20 new weapons and armour sets and many old friends to revisit.

Gothic 3: Forsaken Gods will answer all the questions which have risen in the past, while introducing you to an exciting new chapter…"

Focus Home Interactive and Frogwares have announced "Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened Remastered Edition," which will feature a new new 3rd-person mode and will also include other various gameplay updates.

"Since its release in 2007, Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened has attracted a huge worldwide audience, earning high marks from reviewers and consumers alike. Regarded by many as one of the best uses of a license (earning GameSpot’s "Best Use of a License" award in 2007) – The Awakened is one of the key titles in the adventure genre is the past several years.

In the original game, players were immersed in the world of Sherlock Holmes through a first-person style of gameplay. While this was a seen by many as a fresh and new take on the genre, many fans felt the game could be improved by adding a more traditional and familiar third-person perspective. To better serve these fans of "classic" adventure games, Frogwares is now pleased to announce an updated version of The Awakened, offering a third-person gameplay mode.

To showcase this new version of Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened, Focus and Frogwares have today released a new video walkthrough of the game’s features. Narrated by Wael Amr, Director of Frogwares, this new video focuses on the game’s updates and changes, along with discussing the reasoning behind the gameplay changes.

Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened Remastered Edition will be released on PC DVD on October 23 2008."

A new trailer showcasing the updated version of the game can be viewed on the Sherlock Holmes game website.

Something strange is brewing in the world of the more recently formed Activision Blizzard, which has many gamers scratching their heads. One of the first stories on the topic broke at Edge Online and GamePolitics, which stated that Activision has been suing people RIAA style… but over "Call of Duty 3" copyright violations. If that isn’t odd enough, it appears that these aren’t cases against file sharers, the damage amounts seem to vary quite a bit, and the alleged violators were possibly threatened by lawyers according to GameCyte.

Ars Technica posted an interesting article on the topic today:

"…Activision must have had the defendants dead to rights, since almost everyone settled for $100,000, except for one who woman settled for $1,000. Only one defendant had representation. After looking at the court documents, it’s clear that the story is the same in almost every case: the papers are filed, the defendant agrees to pay, and it’s all over.

The gaming site cleverly named GameCyte claims to have spoken to two of the defendants, and the details provided are even odder. "Audibly shaken, our contact explained how he was scared into a costly settlement by attorneys who determined how much to sue based not on the actual material infringed, but on his purchase history, the equity on his home, and the number of cars in his driveway," the site reported. "If he were to get an attorney, he was informed, he would have to pay even more."

Both this source and a second anonymous source who was reported to be one of the defendants claimed that the settlement amounts listed above were exaggerated, although those were the numbers on file in the court documents. The sources also claimed Activision Blizzard never detailed its evidence and that Call of Duty 3 was not one of the copied games."

Read the full article at Ars Technica.

Blizzard has won a case against MDY Industries, which sold "World of Warcraft" automation software to its customers.

"The damages award comes after Blizzard won the first round of its legal battle against MDY Industries in July 2008.

Blizzard embarked on the case against MDY claiming that the World of Warcraft Glider software produced by the small company infringed its copyright.

The Glider software lets Warcraft players automate many of the repetitive steps the game involves.

Cash call

In July US District Court Judge David Campbell ruled that the MMOGlider, as the software is now known, broke the terms of the license that players agree to when they play World of Warcraft (WoW).

The Glider software is the creation of MDY founder Michael Donnelly who is thought to have sold more than 100,000 copies of the $25 (£14) program.

It proved popular with many WoW players as it helped them automate the many repetitive tasks, such as killing monsters and scavenging loot, required to turn low level characters into more powerful ones.

Although sizeable the damages award could have been bigger, say experts, if MDY had not won some of its arguments about damages in court. "

Read the full article at the BBC.

Electronic Arts has announced that "Dead Space" has gone gold and is scheduled to ship to North American retail stores on October 20th for the PC and on the 24th in Europe.

"The bold and often bloody Dead Space promises to deliver the ultimate in psychological terror and gruesome cinematic action. Set in the cold blackness of deep space, the atmosphere in Dead Space is soaked with a feeling of tension, dread and sheer terror. In Dead Space, players step into the role of mining engineer Isaac Clarke, an ordinary man on a seemingly routine mission to fix the communications systems aboard a deep space mining ship. It’s not long before Isaac awakes to a living nightmare filled with vicious genetic mutations inside a dead, claustrophobic silence. Now Isaac is cut off, trapped, and engaged in a desperate fight for survival.

Under development at EA Redwood Shores, Dead Space has been rated M for Mature with descriptors of Blood and Gore, Intense Violence and Strong Language by the ESRB and 18+ for PEGI. Dead Space will be available for MSRP $59.99 on the Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 system and MSRP $49.99 for the PC. The Dead Space Ultra Limited Edition will be available on the Xbox 360 for MSRP $149.95. For more information about the game, go to the website at https://www.deadspacegame.com"

The list of new PC game releases, DVD releases, and movies opening the week of September 29th, 2008.

PC Games:

• Dark Horizon
• SAS: Secure Tomorrow
• Sniper: Art of Victory
• The Hardy Boys: The Hidden Theft

Movies Opening This Week:

• An American Carol
• Ballast
• Beverly Hills Chihuahua
• Blindness
• Flash of Genius
• How to Lose Friends & Alienate People
• Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist
• Rachel Getting Married (limited NYC)
• Religulous
• The Express

DVD Releases:

• 2008 Olympics: Beijing 2008 Complete Opening Ceremony
• 2008 Olympics: Michael Phelps – Inside Story of the Beijing Games
• 2008 U.S. Open: A Duel for the Ages
• A Haunting in Connecticut
• A Haunting in Georgia
• Adam-12: Season Two
• Adams: Doctor Atomic
• Andre Rieu: Live in Vienna
• Banacek: The Complete Series Box Set
• Beauty and the Beast – The Complete Series
• Can’t Hardly Wait [Blu-ray]
• Case Closed: Season 2 Set
• Claudio Abbado: Mahler – Symphony No. 3
• Daredevil – The Director’s Cut [Blu-ray]
• Dora the Explorer: Dora Saves the Snow Princess
• Finding Your life’s Purpose
• Forgetting Sarah Marshall 
• Halloween Starter Pack
• Iron Man
• Jewel: The Essential Live Songbook
• Kenny
• La La Traviata at La Scala
• Legends: Live at Montreux 1997 [Blu-ray]
• Lewis Black’s Root of All Evil.
• Live at Montreux 1991-1992
• Live at Red Rocks [Remastered]
• Path of Enthusiasm!: The Law of Attraction In Action, Episode VI
• Rest Stop – Don’t Look Back [Blu-ray]
• Rest Stop: Dead Ahead [Blu-ray]
• Ronin [Blu-ray]
• Salem Witch Trials [Blu-ray]
• Soccer Mom
• Sports Night: The Complete Series 10th Anniversary Edition
• Taxi To the Dark Side
• The Mindscape of Alan Moore
• The Thing [Blu-ray]
• Ultimate Fighting Championship, Vol. 85
• When We Left Earth – The NASA Missions

The Escapist has reported that Jeff Freeman, the lead gameplay designer of Star Wars Galaxies, has committed suicide. Freeman was the main target of angered fans when the extremely unpopular gameplay overhauls SWG rolled in. The insults and hatred towards him weren’t the catalysts to his suicide, says his brother:

"Freeman’s brother clarified that his suicide had nothing to do with the game. "I want everyone to know that it was not SWG that led him to take his life," he said. "He has been troubled for some time. There were a lot of personal issues that tore at him."

There’s not much to say, really.

Source: The Escapist

EA attempts to persuade future Red Alert 3 owners to buy the premiere edition by displaying the game’s line of attractive actresses, before it cuts off and shows off the old men of Red Alert 3. Very clever there with the teasing, EA. There’s nothing here in terms of gameplay footage, but you do get a look at the all the stars who will be in Red Alert 3’s cheesy full-motion video sequences.

Eidos Interactive has announced "Shellshock 2: Blood Trails," a new sequel in the first-person shooter series that takes place during the Vietnam War.

"At the height of the Vietnam War, a covert ops cargo plane carrying a top-secret consignment known only as ‘Whiteknight’ is lost over the deepest, uncharted jungles. Special Ops soldiers are immediately dispatched to the scene to retrieve the top secret shipment and one-by-one they disappear without a trace… until one month later, one of them suddenly walks out of the jungle.

Crazed and deranged, something in the jungle had ripped out his humanity, poisoning his soul. Something in the darkness had driven him mad….and followed him out.

Taking the first-person war game and turning it on its head, Shellshock 2: Blood Trails places you in a war where fear takes on a whole new meaning.

“Shellshock 2 is very different to any first person shooter you’ve seen before; at times it feels more like you’re in a horror movie than a game,” said Lee Singleton, General Manager of Eidos Game Studios. “Survival takes on a new meaning as you fight against all sides of the conflict: your enemy, your allies and the victims… the casualties of Whiteknight, an enemy that ultimately has no side.”

Shellshock 2: Blood Trails will be released for Christmas 2008 on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft®, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Games for Windows®."

CDV Software has released a "Sacred 2: Fallen Angel" demo, giving players a chance to try out the upcoming role-playing game by Ascaron.

"This exciting new demo immerses gamers in the mystical world of Ancaria, as they experience a small sampling of the quests, environments and monsters that will be part of the grand adventure of the full game. Playing as the beautiful and deadly Seraphim, a powerful guardian of the world of Ancaria and its T-Energy, gamers will explore the lush lands of the High Elves, encountering a variety of creatures and environments."

The demo, available at the mirror links listed below, features:

• The mighty Seraphim, one of the six playable and powerful characters featured in the full game.
• Explore the expansive and beautiful High Elf region, one of twelve regions that will be available in the full game and comprise the more than 22 square miles of Ancaria’s lush environment.
• Play through several quests in the Light campaign and encounter amazing mythical beasts, while the full game features parallel Light and Shadow campaigns encompassing hundreds of hours of gameplay and over 500 quests.
• Level up the Seraphim and customize her combat arts to unleash furious attacks on her enemies (the demo will allow leveling to 10, while the full game allows characters to over level 200).

The 1.71GB demo can be downloaded from AtomicGamer, FileFront, FileShack, Gamer’s Hell, or Worthplaying.

Slitherine has announced the release of "Commander: Napoleon at War," the turn-based strategy sequel by Firepower Entertainment and The Lordz Games Studio.

"The game follows the success of Commander: Europe at War and is the second game in the Commander series. It is also the second release under the umbrella of the Kameleon Project, created to assist other independent developers bring their games to market."
 
Main Game Features

• 8 campaigns including the Grand campaign and a number of small campaigns including France’s assault on Austria in 1805 up to the 100 days campaign ending at Waterloo in 1815.
• Take control of Napoleon’s forces or the Allied Coalition who opposed him, including Britain, Prussia, Austria and Russia.
• Huge map covering all of Europe in amazing detail
• Research many new technologies and control the focus of your nations research.
• Dynamic weather system including mud, snow, storms and more
• Trade routes and pirate raids
• Fortresses and siege warfare
• 12 different units types including Militia, Line Infantry, Light & Heavy Cavalry, Foot & Horse Artillery, Frigates, Ships of the Line and Pirates and Privateers.
• Recruit historic commanders such as Ney, Blucher, Wellington & many more.
• Multiplayer via LAN, hot seat, PBEM and Internet

The game is available to purchase via the Slitherine website or Matrix Games website,

Battlefront.com has announced the release of "Combat Mission Shock Force: Marines," which is only available to purchase via the Battlefront.com website.

"The game is available immediately for download from www.battlefront.com for $25, and can also be purchased as "download&mail" or "mail only" option. CMSF:Marines works with all versions of Combat Mission Shock Force and is available ONLY from www.battlefront.com directly. A Bundle of both the base game and the Marines Module is available as well (for $45)!

CMSF:Marines is the first Module to the Combat Mission Shock Force modern tactical ground combat simulation from Battlefront. It introduces new weapons, equipment and formations of the United States Marine Corps, Syrian Ariborne Special Forces units, as well as many game engine enhancements, dozens of new scenario and quick battle maps and a completely new "Semper Fi, Syria!" campaign."

Doug Lombardi, of Valve, sent word that all Rockstar games on Steam will be 50% off this weekend. The sale includes top rated games such as the "Grand Theft Auto" series and the "Max Payne" series. You can view all of the Rockstar games that are on Steam at https://store.steampowered.com/publisher/Rockstar%20Games/

Electronic Arts has released a new trailer for "Mirror’s Edge," which focuses on the choices Faith has had to make throughout her life.

"In a city where information is heavily monitored, agile couriers called Runners transport sensitive data away from prying eyes. In this seemingly utopian paradise, a crime has been committed, your sister has been framed and now you are being hunted.
You are a Runner called Faith – and this innovative first-person action-adventure is your story.

Mirror’s Edge™ delivers you straight into the shoes of this unique heroine as she traverses the vertigo-inducing cityscape, engaging in intense combat and fast paced chases. With a never before seen sense of movement and perspective, you will be drawn into Faith’s world. A world that is visceral, immediate, and very dangerous.

Live or die? Soar or plummet? One thing is certain, in this city you will learn how to run.

From the makers of the groundbreaking Battlefield franchise, Mirror’s Edge is an action-adventure experience unlike any other."