New Screenshots

New screenshots from "Cities XL" have been released, giving viewers more of a look at the upcoming city-building simulation game by Monte Cristo.

"CITIES XL allows gamers to develop cities on realistic 3D maps using an incredible collection of unique structures and monuments based on American, Asian and European-influenced architectural styles. The maps feature a variety of environments: mountains, hills, canyons, beaches and islands, all set in different climates from tropical to desert, Mediterranean to temperate. Players must create the right combinations of social services, leisure activities, special events and other job opportunities within their cities in order to feed, clothe, employ and entertain their citizens. Be it planning and building a new zoo, public park, residential neighborhood or transit system – there’s always a fresh and exciting challenge for would-be city managers and mayors in CITIES XL."

       
 

Deep silver released new screenshots for "Risen", the upcoming role-playing game by Piranha Bytes.

"With Risen, Piranha Bytes introduces a fresh, new setting. The game’s protagonist is shipwrecked after a storm and finds himself on a mysterious island. An active volcano dominates the scene. Ancient temple ruins have recently risen from the ground, and bizarre creatures infest the island."

       
       
 

New "BioShock 2" screenshots were released at E3 last week, giving viewers more of a look at the highly anticipated sequel by Irrational Games.

"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.

       
       

New "Mount & Blade: Warband" screenshots and a trailer were released at E3, giving viewers more of a look at the upcoming expansion.

"The expansion to the critically acclaimed Mount&Blade introduces a number of features that players have specifically requested and which will vastly improve the overall gameplay experience of this revolutionary title.

Key features revealed for the first time at E3:

• Overhauled graphics; HDR, FSAA, Depth of Field, Soft particles, Tone Mapping and many other effects are all now implemented.
• Majority of Models are being redone.
• Multiplayer battles can now handle up to 64 players with Mods including ‘Team Death Match’ and ‘Search & Destroy’.
• Ability to become the ruler of a faction and convince lords to become your vassals in the Single Player Campaign.
• Ability to upgrade your companions to vassalage by granting them land.
• Improved Mechanics for Soldier Morale: Soldiers will break and run away if their morale gets too low.

A summary of additional features previously revealed at GDC are Multiplayer for up to 32 players, improved strategic AI, improved graphics and optimization including customizable quick battles, extended diplomatic options and new weapons, armor and animations, a new faction with unique troops and equipment.

Other aspects introduced in Mount&Blade: Warband are improvements to the combat system with more physically accurate horse archery, a variation in horse sizes, and more options when embarking on sieges."

       
       

More new screenshots can be found in the game’s gallery.

Frogster has announced that chapter II of Runes of Magic, titled "The Elven Prophecy", will launch in September.

"As the name already suggests, the core element of ‘Chapter II – The Elven Prophecy’ is the integration of the elven folk as a playable race. A widely branching background story entwines about the elves with lots of new challenges with the new pieces of lore being told by means of a multitude of new quests and epic quest series. Continuing ‘Chapter I – Rise of the Demon Lord’ the second chapter leads players into new game regions, steeped in elven history. It’s the eponymous elves who stand by mankind in their epic conflict against the demon’s menace.

According to the legends, demons of human origin – having degenerated into underworld beings under the influence of the runes – forged an alliance with the nagas in ancient times. Together, these evil forces brought war and devastation to the world of Taborea. An alliance of elves and humans succeeded in banishing the demons into the void and drove back the nagas behind a magical wall. However, when elven prince Sig’aylas removed the holy sword ‘Arclight’ from the wall to defend his human truelove, the wall perished and the naga threat flared up once again.

Together with the elves, ‘Chapter II – The Elven Prophecy’ introduces two new character classes into the world of Runes of Magic. They complement the palette of selection possibilities within the tactically interesting dual class system, creating further combinations to choose from. Advanced players will look forward to new challenges in the form of new demanding dungeons, raid instances and new PvP modes. As a consequence of the copious new game content, ‘Chapter II – the Elven Prophecy’ raises the level cap for all characters in Runes of Magic to 55.

Along with the expansion Frogster is also integrating a new pet system in the Taborea game world. Players will then have the opportunity to actively train their companions, so that they can mature and fulfil valuable supporting roles in combat situations. On top of all this, the game atmosphere in Runes of Magic will receive a thorough general overhaul. The new game regions will really shine, thanks to improved graphics with new effects and hand-drawn textures. Moreover, the renowned sound-studio Dynamedion is recording a completely new soundtrack for the launch of Chapter II. Just as with the base version of Runes of Magic and all of the subsequent updates, Frogster will offer ‘Chapter II – The Elven Prophecy’ as a free download.

Already in August, Frogster is going to integrate first content packages of ‘The Elven Prophecy’ like the new region “Weeping Coast” and raise the level cap to 52. The climax of Chapter II will follow with the official launch in September. “With the comprehensive Chapter II we will seamlessly linking in with our previous policy of regular content expansions for the Runes of Magic game world. And we will still be implementing regular content updates right up until we launch The Elven Prophecy,” Daniel Ullrich, Frogster’s Director Product Management, commented discussing the expansion plans."

       
       

THQ has announced "Homefront", an upcoming FPS by Kaos Studios set in the US ten years after an economic collapse.

"Homefront is set ten years after the economic collapse of the United States and follows the American Civilian Resistance as they fight to reclaim their homeland from an oppressive North Korean occupation. Featuring a personal, story-driven single player campaign and a full suite of multiplayer options, Homefront is scheduled for release on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC. Homefront will be unveiled at E3 2009 in THQ’s booth – number 5300 in the West Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center.

“Homefront isn’t about going to war on the other side of the world or battling aliens from another planet; it’s about fighting foreign invaders in your own backyard and defending your right to live,” said David Votypka, design director, Kaos Studios. “Homefront combines the unsettling notion of an occupied America with interactive, player-driven narratives to create a deeply engaging single and multiplayer experience.”

“Kaos Studios is using powerful narrative and environmental storytelling to create a plausible, near-futuristic setting where the people of a once mighty nation must fight to maintain their existence,” said Kevin Kraff, vice president of global brand management, THQ. “This harsh backdrop will be the foundation for an emotionally-charged single-player campaign and an intense multiplayer experience.”

About Homefront

The year is 2027. The world has suffered a decade-long energy crisis, and economies have crumbled. Reduced to a mere shadow of the super power it once was, the United States became the target of a North Korean takeover. American malls, suburbs and city streets are now battlegrounds as the civilian resistance fights for freedom. Featuring a compelling single player story crafted by John Milius (Apocalypse Now, Red Dawn), Homefront immerses gamers in an interactive and cinematic FPS experience where they will assume an infantry role or take command of a wide variety of aerial and ground vehicles. In addition to the single-player experience, Homefront will deliver a robust multiplayer experience. In a land stripped of freedom, the brave will fight for their home."

       

Southpeak released new screenshots and a trailer for "Section 8" from E3, giving viewers more of a look at the upcoming sci-fi FPS by TimeGate.

"Section 8 is a large-scale, sci-fi first person shooter where fast-paced action meets military strategy in the far reaches of the galaxy. Join the epic battle between the 8th Armored Infantry and the Arm of Orion by taking part in fierce squad-based combat across majestic alien worlds.

Choose the experience you want to play by customizing your own equipment Loadouts, and dynamically manipulate the flow of combat with on-demand vehicle requisitions, strategic asset deliveries, and Dynamic Combat Missions.

On a completely player-driven and dynamic battlefield, no two games of Section 8 will ever play the same."

You can find additional new screenshots in the game’s gallery.

New screenshots from "Black Mirror 2" were released at E3, giving viewers more of a look at the upcoming adventure game by Future Games.

"Twelve years after the events of Black Mirror: The coast village of Biddeford/Maine is gleaming in the colours of Indian Summer. Here works the main character of Black Mirror 2, Darren, as a temp in a photo studio. He, a withdrawn young lad in his 20ies, is studying physics. If photography hadn’t been his only passion, he would have left his poorly paid job and his sleazy boss Fuller ages ago.

One day, a stunning English girl named Angelina steps into the shop to have her picture taken. Darren is instantly captivated by her beauty – he has never felt like this. But suddenly, Fuller is bursting in. He insists on serving the pretty customer himself while Darren is sent out to town. When he comes back, it’s only by chance that he can fix an appointment with Angelina for a photo shooting.

Shortly after Angelina has left the shop, Darren notices a man following her secretly. Soon, something horrible is happening. In Darren’s opinion, Fuller has to do with it and he wants him to pay for it.

During the next weeks, the student is plagued by nightmares. He starts a journey leading him to Willow Creek in England. This is the village of Black Mirror Castle where the tragedy of part one took place."

       
       

New E3 screenshots from "Lord of the Rings Online: Mines of Moria – Volume II: Book 8: Scourge of Khazad-dum" have been released.

"Turbine has just released the first batch of screenshots for the upcoming Volume II: Book 8: Scourge of Khazad-dum, the next upcoming free content update for The Lord of the Rings Online: Mines of Moria which will go live in June. The new screenshots illustrate the Water Wheels, which will be added with Book 8."

       

Paradox has released two new developer diary videos and new E3 screenshots for "Majesty 2: The Fantasy Kingdom Sim", the upcoming real-time strategy sequel by Ino-co.

"Majesty 2 – The Fantasy Kingdom Sim will follow closely in the footsteps of the original game as well as bringing all key elements up to date. The charm and humor that made fans out millions of gamers worldwide will remain at the core of the title along with the indirect control aspect of the game."

       

More new screenshots can be found in the game’s gallery.

They might be small but new screenshots from "Global Agenda", the upcoming MMORPG by Hi-Rez Studios, have been released from E3.

"Global Agenda, built using Unreal Engine 3, is set in a near future world of advanced technology and player-driven conflict. It features fast-paced ranged and close combat, RPG-style character progression, solo or cooperative team missions, and epic, competitive campaigns between player-created agencies."

     

Capcom has released new screenshots and a trailer from "Dead Rising 2", giving viewers more of a look at the upcoming action adventure survival game.

"Dead Rising 2 is set several years after the infamous zombie invasion of Willamette. Unfortunately, the zombie virus was not contained at the conclusion of Dead Rising, spreading unchecked throughout the United States and Dead Rising 2 depicts a country where zombie outbreaks continue to strike."

   

Ubisoft has released new screenshots and a a trailer for "Splinter Cell: Conviction", the upcoming next installment in the third-person action series.

"An investigation into his daughter’s death unwittingly leads former agent Sam Fisher to discover he’s been betrayed by his prior agency, the Third Echelon. Now a renegade, Fisher finds himself in a race against time to thwart a deadly terrorist plot that threatens millions.

Uniting revolutionary gameplay enhancements with a high-octane, no-holds-barred storyline, Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Conviction arms you to the teeth with all the high-tech weaponry and lethal skills of an elite operative and invites you to enter a dangerous world where justice means making your own rules."

   

Microsoft and Remedy have released new screenshots and a trailer for "Alan Wake", the anticipated upcoming action adventure game. In addition, it was revealed that the game would be released in the Spring of 2010 – probably better to wait for Windows 7 then be a Vista exclusive – heh

"Bringing a new style of storytelling to Xbox 360 and PC, "Alan Wake" is a psychological action thriller from Remedy, the renowned developers of the successful "Max Payne" series. In this dynamic new title exclusively for Xbox 360, players assume the role of Alan Wake, a best-selling suspense author suffering from writer’s block, who escapes to a small town only to experience the mysterious disappearance of his fiancée.

Set in the deceptively idyllic town of Bright Falls, Wash., "Alan Wake" immerses players in an intense and expansive cinematic world that enables players to explore the hyper-realistic and interactive environments. "Alan Wake" is mission-based with a deeply engaging and suspenseful storyline unveiling new twists and profound character revelations at every turn.

Players will unravel the riveting plot through multilayered character interactions, unique problem-solving and intense combat against terrifying enemies. In this nightmarish world, where fantasy and reality collide, Alan Wake must use a variety of weapons to survive, including his most powerful ally against the darkness — light itself."

       

Electronic Arts and Realtime Worlds have announced that "All Points Bulletin" will be released in early 2010.

"Founded by industry veteran David Jones, creator of Lemming's, Grand Theft Auto 1&2 and Crackdown, Realtime Worlds' latest project takes the universal theme of Criminals and Enforcement and brings it to a persistent, open world multiplayer setting in a modern, crime-ridden city.

“After a few years of quietly working on APB I’m extremely excited to be able to show it publically for the first time” said David Jones, Founder and Creative Director of Realtime Worlds. “To also be able to announce our marketing and distribution agreement with EA Partners at the same time is the cream on top. It’s very evident that EA Partners are clearly in-sync with our vision for APB and between us we aim to ensure gamers understand why it’s unique, and share our excitement”

“Throughout his career David Jones has continually forged new creative paths in interactive entertainment,” said David DeMartini, Senior Vice President and General Manager, EA Partners. “David and the team at Realtime Worlds are set to do it once again with APB. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with them in introducing online persistence to third-person, open-world action games and defining a new category within the genre.”

APB is a new breed of online game. Set in a persistent living, breathing open-world urban environment where fame and fortune awaits all players. Some players will achieve this by feeding on the city, its people and its businesses…the Criminals. Some will live by a higher code and instead feed on the criminals and their organisations…the Enforcers. This dynamic where players become the core content for other players is one of the many unique features of APB. Its deep, rich customisation system provides players with the ability to completely personalise their identity. Looks, clothing, vehicles and even music, all to astonishing detail and quality.

For more information on APB please visit https://www.apb.com/"