And Best Power Point Presentation goes to....

Microsoft and Nintendo can keep their charts and graphs, because Sony had the best presentation of them all with their Little Big Planet Level Press Conference Presentation.

Instead of having a boring power point presentation, they had the developers behind Little Big Planet create an entire level in the game that would show the current sales numbers for Sony as well as their projected numbers for the future.

I don't think I've ever seen such a creative use of a videogame. I actually didn't nod off during all these boring facts and numbers. Congratulations Sony! You rock.

Into the Pixel 2008 Winners

The 2008 Into the Pixel Art Exhibition is an exploration and celebration of the art of the videogame, curated by interactive industry veterans and experts from the art establishment.

It features sixteen works of video game art, selected by a panel of jurors from a field of submissions gleaned from artists around the world. The exhibition offers an opportunity for published video and computer game artists to be reviewed and recognized by the public and by their peers in both the fine art and video game worlds.

The 2008 Into the Pixel Art Collection premiered digitally in June on their website, but the exhibition opens to the public at the E for All Expo at the Los Angeles Convention Center, October 3 - 5, 2008. The media got a private viewing at this year's E3 2008 convention as well.


Video Games are an influential aspect of pop-culture and entertainment whose impact goes beyond the digital arts to influence perspectives in art, cinematography, literature, and even fashion. Behind every game character and dynamic environment are artists whose talents birthed the image seen in the 3-D world.

Featured here from top to bottom: Advisor from Half Life EP.3, Rock Venue Poster: Moscow from Aerosmith: Guitar Hero,Puzzle World Twilight from Untitled, Rapunzel from American McGee's Grimm and Capitol from Fallout 3.

OMG! SHEEP & UFOS = BEST GAME EVAR

Capcom Entertainment announced Flock! for PLAYSTATION Network, Xbox LIVE Arcade for the Xbox 360, and Windows PC. Developed by Proper Games, whose talented team members are known for their previous work on Lemmings, Crackdown, and Battlefield 2: Modern Combat, Flock! is currently scheduled for a downloadable release this Holiday season.

In Flock!, players take control of a UFO that has been given the challenge of herding farm animals to its mothership through a variety of puzzle-filled interactive levels, including corn fields, pastures and other “plushie”-like environments. In order to succeed, players will have to manage the quirkiness of the animal’s distinct behaviors, as well as solve a series of environmental puzzles using Flock’s! physics-based gameplay. The animals that populate these islands – sheep, chickens, pigs, cows and more – respond to the UFO in all kinds of eccentric ways based on their nature. By finding or creating a passable route across a level, players can herd the animals safely toward their ship. Solving the puzzles within the suggested time limit yields exciting rewards, but players can also take their time in order to find more hidden bonuses.



Flock! uses a physics engine that drives the challenging puzzle elements of the game. Whether using the Tractor Beam to move obstacles out of the way or the Depressor Beam to stamp out crop circles to guide your herds, being an extraterrestrial has never been this fun! Friends will also be able to join in on the animal herding adventures through co-op play. And when all the levels have been completed, users will be able to make their own customized puzzle-filled levels using the level editor.

I am Alive E3 2008 Debut Trailer

Ubisoft announced an new survival-adventure title, I Am Alive, will be released on current generation video game consoles in spring 2009.

When Chicago is left in ruins and the cause of the devastation is unknown, players will be challenged to think, react and take risks that will directly affect themselves and those around them.

“Ubisoft continues to create new experiences for players and I Am Alive will appeal to anyone that enjoys a thrilling journey,” said Yves Guillemot, chief executive officer, at Ubisoft. “The game will offer a rich palette of emotions while challenging players to make life-changing decisions.”

A trailer of the game debuted at Ubisoft’s E3 press conference, showcasing the game’s sense of scale and the fearful urgency of emotions which players will experience firsthand in the game.

Sony launched New Video Download Service for US Customers

There better be a Canadian video download store announcement in the future too.

Sony Computer Entertainment America launched the new video delivery service on Playstation Network for Playstation 3 and PSP systems in the United States on July 15th. Gamers now have the ability to download full-length movies, television shows, and original programming accessible through the PSN Store.

With nearly 300 full length movies and more than 1,200 TV episodes, many available in both SD & HD, PSN’s video system will finally allow them to compete with Xbox's marketplace downloads.

Content for rental and electronic purchase will be available from 20th Century Fox, Lionsgate Entertainment, MGM Studios, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Warner Bros. Entertainment, Walt Disney Studios and a variety of television partners.

“PLAYSTATION Network’s video delivery service capitalizes on the superior value and entertainment potential of PS3 and PSP – not only for gaming enthusiasts, but for the millions of consumers looking to buy the best, most versatile solution for their home entertainment system,” said Jack Tretton, president and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment America. “The collaboration of Sony’s film, TV and entertainment business units coupled with our hardware and content offerings provide consumers with entertainment experiences unlike any on the market.”

The video delivery service will have full integration in the PSN, utilizing the same login, wallet management, and user interface of the newly revamped PSN Store. Video will be categorized, for example, by top rating, alphabetical order, television shows, and movies and content is also fully searchable, for example, by title, producer, studio and cast. In addition, PS3’s progressive downloading means users can view content shortly after the downloading process begins. Background downloading is also a feature of PS3, allowing users to access other platform features such as gaming and other XMB content while a video is downloading to their consoles.

20th Century Fox’s “Alvin and the Chipmunks”, Disney’s “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest”, Lionsgate’s “3:10 to Yuma”, MGM’s “Rocky”, Paramount Pictures’ “Cloverfield”, Sony Pictures’ “Spider-Man”, and Warner Bros. Entertainment’s “10,000 B.C.” are a few of the titles available for download on the video service now. Sony will also be introducing original exclusive content such as Xam’d: Lost Memories, an anime series developed by Sony Computer Entertainment Japan, delivered in SD and HD.

Gamers who rent a movie from the video delivery service have 14 days to watch the content. Once content playback is started, consumers have a full 24 hours to enjoy their rental. Pricing for rental movies at launch ranges from $2.99 to $5.99, and pricing for purchased movies ranges from $9.99 to $14.99. Sony has also adopted Marlin Digital Rights Management technology, an open industry standard for protecting and managing digital content, to provide consumers with flexible access to their content while ensuring digital rights are protected. Usage rules of the video download service will allow content for purchase to be shared on multiple activated devices including PS3 and PSP systems per PSN account, depending on the type of content purchased by the user.

In fact, one of the biggest value propositions of PSN’s video delivery service is the ability to transfer digital content onto the PSP from the PS3. For the initial electronic sell-through or rental price, consumers can also transfer content onto multiple devices. The connectivity between PS3 and PSP platforms provides a seamless solution for those looking for entertainment experiences on their own terms – on the go or in their living room – all with a new-found freedom of not having to worry about TV schedules, movie listings or viewing on a desktop PC.

God of War 3 E3 2008 Debut Trailer

In the end, there will be only chaos.

Fallout 3 E3 2008 Gameplay Walkthrough Video

From the Microsoft conference yesterday, a developer walkthrough for Fallout 3. View the first video of game play footage for the game. The video shows off some of the game's weapons, the targeting system, a couple of the enemies, a devastated Washington D.C., some tools, and finally a selection of music from the game.

Looks good so far, but nothing is jumping out as spectatular. The music is terrible.

Fallout 3 E3 2008 Teaser Trailer

The Fallout 3 E3 2008 teaser trailer has been released and it looks tasty.

For some reason, every time I see the main character I can't shake this feeling that I've seen him in some movie before. Like the developers were somehow inspired by a famous B Movie character.

What do you think?

Square Enix Announces E3 2008 Game Lineup

Square Enix announced their extensive lineup for the E3 Media & Business Summit today.

“With simultaneous global releases for several platforms on their way, gamers around the world will be able to experience the full grandeur of our games as never before,” said John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix, Inc. and Square Enix, Ltd. “Additionally, Square Enix has offerings at this year’s E3 for every gamer, from fan favorites newly available on portable platforms to casual games accessible to a wide range of users.”

On display at the Los Angeles Convention Center at Concourse 401 from July 15 – 17, the following titles will have playable kiosks: CHRONO TRIGGER, DRAGON QUEST IV: Chapters of the Chosen, FINAL FANTASY IV, INFINITE UNDISCOVERY and SONG SUMMONER: The Unsung Heroes.


Multiplatform

THE LAST REMNANT
Ship Date: (Xbox 360) This Winter / (PLAYSTATION 3 system) TBA

The Last Remnant is a brand-new RPG crafted using the finest artistry and technology Square Enix has to offer. Set in a fantasy world, war-torn and scarred by years of conflict, gameplay revolves around mysterious artifacts – Remnants – that possess magic powers. Groundbreaking graphics only possible on Xbox 360 bring the intensity to a whole new level. The Last Remnant will only be available on Xbox 360 this winter.

The official website can be found at http://na.square-enix.com/remnant/.


iPod

SONG SUMMONER: The Unsung Heroes
Now Available (NA, JP, EU)

Now at the iTunes Store in 22 countries around the world, SONG SUMMONER: The Unsung Heroes is a Role-Playing Game that transforms tracks on your iPod® into powerful "Tune Troopers" that you can control in battle! As the protagonist Ziggy, you will embark on an epic journey to rescue your brother from the clutches of the Mechanical Militia! Intriguing characters, an epic story and a tactics-based battle system combine for a rich RPG experience previously only available on home consoles.

The official website can be found at http://www.square-enix.co.jp/songsummoner/.


Nintendo DS

CHRONO TRIGGER
Ship Date: Holiday 2008

Remastered exclusively for Nintendo DS, CHRONO TRIGGER is a true classic that has set the benchmark for the RPG genre. This all-new edition of the game contains all the classic essence of the original release while introducing the portability, dual-screen presentation and Touch-Screen functionality of Nintendo DS, taking players back in time to re-experience the epic RPG that started it all.

The official website can be found at http://na.square-enix.com/ctds/.


DRAGON QUEST IV: Chapters of the Chosen
Ship Date: September 16, 2008

For the first time, a full-fledged DRAGON QUEST adventure arrives on Nintendo DS with DRAGON QUEST IV: Chapters of the Chosen. Experience an adventure of epic proportions, presented through multiple character perspectives. While retaining the classic look and feel of the original release, this remake breathes new life into a much-loved entry in the DRAGON QUEST series with 3D graphics, dual screen presentation and newly animated monsters.

The official website can be found at http://na.square-enix.com/zenithia/.


FINAL FANTASY IV
Ship Date: July 22, 2008

The latest entry in the franchise that has shipped 85 million copies worldwide*, FINAL FANTASY IV for Nintendo DS features beautiful, fully 3D cutscenes with voiceovers, capturing the emotional drama that first touched the hearts of fans over fifteen years ago. The new ability system and added DS functionality introduce a fresh experience to both new and returning FINAL FANTASY IV fans. With a storyline that sets the stage for all subsequent FINAL FANTASY titles, FINAL FANTASY IV is a must-play for those looking to jump into the best-selling RPG franchise in the world.

The official website can be found at http://na.square-enix.com/ff4/.


EXIT DS
Ship Date: October 7, 2008

The stylish and inventive action puzzle game comes to Nintendo DS! As professional escape artist Mr.Esc, players must maneuver through burning buildings and sinking ships as they dodge disaster and save survivors along the way. EXIT DS makes a smooth return to the portable scene with all-new Touch-Screen functionality and over 100 stages to solve.


The Legend of Kage 2
Ship Date: October 7, 2008

The hit arcade game is back! The thrilling ninja action of The Legend of Kage 2 takes over both Nintendo DS screens, fully utilizing the dual-screen presentation and scrolling to draw players into a dynamic world filled with exhilarating midair combat. With rich, elaborate stages and a compelling story that follows the tale of two protagonists, The Legend of Kage 2 breathes renewed excitement into the classic action adventure experience.


PSP system

STAR OCEAN: First Departure
Ship Date: October 21, 2008

Space Date 346: The crew of a Terran Federation ship arrives on the planet Roak. With the help of a stalwart band of local heroes, the crew must work together to unravel a mystery and halt a galactic war. STAR OCEAN: First Departure marks the first time that the initial installment in the popular STAR OCEAN franchise is available in North America.

The official website can be found at http://na.square-enix.com/starocean/.

STAR OCEAN: Second Evolution
Ship Date: January 6, 2009

Space Date 366: A young Federation officer finds himself transported to a mystical planet, where he is suddenly anointed as the Hero of Light. He begins a journey to fulfill a prophecy and save a newfound race. STAR OCEAN: Second Evolution continues the STAR OCEAN saga!

The official website can be found at http://na.square-enix.com/starocean/.


Xbox 360

INFINITE UNDISCOVERY (Xbox 360 Exclusive)
Ship Date: September 2, 2008

Infinite Undiscovery is the newest fantasy role-playing console game from Square Enix, drawing gamers into a real-time world woven of countless threads where player choices spin untold discoveries. Players will be confronted with a variety of dramatic situational battles such as executing a daring escape while a gigantic ogre follows in hot pursuit, or waging battle amidst towering tidal waves. Dynamic environments change and respond in real time, creating an entirely new experience never before seen in the genre. The title is scheduled to release exclusively on Xbox 360 in September 2, 2008.

The official website can be found at http://infiniteundiscovery.com/.


STAR OCEAN: THE LAST HOPE
Ship Date: 2009

STAR OCEAN: THE LAST HOPE is the long-awaited continuation of the celebrated science fiction and fantasy RPG series. Slated for release on Xbox 360 in 2009 and published by Square Enix, this prequel set during the aftermath of World War III combines sci-fi and fantasy elements spanning multiple planets and the vastness of space itself to recount the origins of the STAR OCEAN universe. Exhilarating combat expands upon the franchise's famous real-time battle system, introducing the amazing graphics and visual effects only possible on Xbox 360.

The official website can be found at http://na.square-enix.com/starocean/.

Too Human E3 2008 Trailer

The new Too Human E3 2008 Trailer
"He who fights monsters should take care not to become one."
Look for the demo for Too Human on Xbox Live next week. I personally excited to get my hands on a playable demo of this game.

Midway Releases Lineup for E3 2008

Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe
(PLAYSTATION 3, Xbox 360, Fall 2008) -- For the first time ever
Scorpion, Sub-Zero and the Mortal Kombat warriors battle with Batman, Superman
and other popular DC Universe super heroes. Choose your side and challenge your
opponents with a new fighting system including Freefall Kombat and Klose Kombat along with dynamic multi-tiered environments. Plus, pick your favorite character from MK or DCU and pursue a fighting adventure in the new single player mode with an intertwined storyline and two unique perspectives.

Wheelman
(PLAYSTATION 3, Xbox 360, PC Fall 2008) - Combining spectacular Hollywood-style stunts with a gripping storyline, Wheelman provides an adrenaline-fueled, cinematic thrill ride guaranteed to leave you breathless. Vin Diesel stars as an undercover agent and highly skilled driver who must infiltrate the Barcelona underworld to gather intelligence surrounding a covert heist. Posing as a driver-for-hire, he ends up caught in a crossfire of corruption and chaos while trying to stay one step ahead of local law enforcement and rival gangs.

TNA iMPACT!
(PLAYSTATION 3, Xbox 360, Wii, PlayStation 2; September 2008) - TNA iMPACT! is the exclusive Total Nonstop Action wrestling game based on the top-rated weekly television show, "TNA Impact!" Choose the wrestling style, custom move set and clothing to construct the ultimate champion. TNA drenches the player in moves and match types that allow amazing acrobatic and aerial feats along with the bone-jarring crush of hard-hitting impacts. The game also features top wrestling talent such as Kurt Angle,Jeff Jarrett™, Rhino™, Samoa Joe, AJ Styles,
Sting, Christian Cage, Abyss and more to deliver all of the excitement and action of thetelevision show!

Blitz the League II
(PLAYSTATION 3, Xbox 360 Fall 2008) - As the sequel to the more than one million unit selling and award-winning football experience, BLITZ: THE LEAGUE II, continues the franchise legacy as the ultimate alternative to the watered-down, licensed competition. In addition to an all-new story mode penned by Peter Egan (ESPN's Playmakers), BLITZ: THE LEAGUE II features include: Precision-Aim Tackles, player-controlled touchdown celebrations, an enhanced on-the-field Clash Mode, online multiplayer capabilities, expanded rosters with all-new personalities, and the return of a cornerstone of the Blitz franchise...Late Hits! Football legend Lawrence
Taylor returns as the game's cover-athlete and star linebacker for the New York Nightmare, Quentin Sands, along with a star-studded supporting cast.

This is Vegas
(PLAYSTATION 3, Xbox 360, 2009) -- When a ruthless businessman begins turning Vegas into a family-friendly tourist trap, you must start your own powerful empire and resurrect the famous adult playground. Party hard at the hottest clubs to make VIP connections. Grow your bankroll by hitting high stakes tables. Race the fastest cars on the underground circuit to raise your reputation. Fight off enemies with fists and firearms to prove your strength. Where you go and what you do is your call. Whether counting cards, seducing dangerous women, cruising the strip or starting bar brawls, there's lots of excitement on the way to the top.

Unreal Tournament 3
(Xbox 360 July 2008) - Unreal Tournament 3, the world's premier PC first-person shooter makes its debut on the Xbox 360. Unreal Tournament 3 unleashes the full power of Unreal® Engine 3, taking graphics, gameplay, and challenge to a whole new level. Players engage in intense battles with other human players online, or against Unreal artificial intelligence that sets the industry standard. With the most powerful futuristic weapons and vehicles available, this is FPS action at its best!

Game Party 2
(Wii, November 2008) -- With 11 games in all, Game Party 2 for the Nintendo Wii
includes fun to play games that will provide hours of enjoyment with friends and family. Game Party 2 features new games like Bean Bag Toss, Horseshoes, Lawn Darts, Puck Bowling and more. Each game, including classics like Skill Ball, Darts and Hoop Shoot has exciting new features like four player mode, customizable characters and tournament play, making Game Party 2 the ultimate party game for all ages and skill levels.

Touchmaster 2
(Nintendo DS, September 2008) -- TouchMaster 2 returns with a collection of 20
new exciting card, action, strategy and puzzle games with some of your favorite classic games from back in the day. For the gamer and non-gamer alike, TouchMaster 2 offers pick up and play, addictively fun, mini-games that everyone will enjoy. Kill some time by playing a quick round to beat your high-score or find some real competition against other players. TouchMaster 2, the personal arcade that fits snug in the palm of your hands.

Mechanic Master
(Nintendo DS, September 2008) -- With over 100 levels! Mechanic Master uses the
stylus as a weapon to rid the Earth of alien invaders that have scattered across the planet. Become the ultimate Master of Mechanics by creating crazy contraptions to free humans, keep the mechanics in motion and defeat those pesky foes. Test your skills. Creative-thinking is key to clearing the level.

MidwayArcade.com
(Online, Available Now) -- Fans of Midway's classic arcade and Touchmaster casual
games will now be able to download their all-time favorites and play them on their PC. More than 25 classic titles, such as Defender, Joust, Spy Hunter, Root Beer Tapper and Mahki, are now available at www.midwayarcade.com, starting for as little as 3 games for US $5. Compete for bragging rights against players from around the world and battle for the high score in each game