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AUGUST 2006 NEWS

August 31, 2006

PS3 News
Ubisoft has confirmed to IGN that Assassins Creed will also be heading to the PC thereby ending the PS3 exclusive news. The game could still appear on the PS3 several months before other systems.

Electronic Arts has finally announced that Fight Night Round 3 is coming to Playstation 3 - surprising no one along the way given that it has appeared on release lists for months. The game is essentially the same as the well received XBox 360 game, although it will include an PS3 exclusive "Get in the Ring" mode.

PS2 News
Sega has announced they are developing Ryuga Gotoku 2, or Yakuza 2, for release on the Playstation 2. The sequel takes place one year after the events of the first game. The original Yakuza has been heavily hyped prior to its release in America and Europe with the company expecting some big things from the title (and probably deservedly so from what we've seen of it). Now word yet if the sequel will be released outside Japan.

Sega has confirmed that they will ship some 200,000 copies of their online RPG Phantasy Star Universe in Japan for its release this week. The game has received a very impressive 35/40 in its review in Famitsu and is due out here later this year.

PS2 Previews
Made Man isn't a title many have heard of, but it's shaping up as one to keep an eye on - if only because the mafia are involved (literally). We bring you some of the first screens and info about the game. It's certainly an interesting looking title due out in time for Christmas...

August 30, 2006

PS3 News
Electronic Arts have announced that Burnout 5 is currently in development for the Playstation 3. According to the press release the game is being built from the ground up and gives players license to wreak havoc in Paradise City, the ultimate seamless racing battleground, with a massive infrastructure of traffic-heavy roads to abuse. Gone is the need to jump in and out of menus and aimlessly search for fun; in Burnout 5, every inch of the world is built to deliver heart-stopping Burnout-style gameplay. Every intersection is apotential crash junction and every alleyway is an opportunity to rack up moving violations. The game will ship in 2007.

PS2 Previews
Lemmings is one of those games that even if you rarely play games would probably be familiar. I mean, how can you not loved the green haired critters? After a very successful PSP version Sony are about to roll out a PS2 game including some new additions - including Eye Toy support for some modes. This looks impressive, and should play just as well. Here's a preview.

August 29, 2006

PS2 Previews
B-Boy is a new original title from Sony and FreeStyleGames. This is a cross between dancing and first person fighter with hundreds of moves, dozens of characters and some fantastic music. This September looks pretty sharp but should play fantastically. Here's a preview with the latest screens.

August 28, 2006

Industry News
One bit of news we posted yesterday was in relation to the re-classification of Tomb Raider Legend. Well Atari respond to our query today and stated the following:

That's for the upcoming DS and GBA versions, the violence in which is far milder than the previously released PS2, Xbox and 360 formats.

PS3 News
Soccer fans can rest a bit easier. Despite Microsoft announcing that FIFA and PES would be XBox 360 exclusives for the next 12 months Konami's Shingo"Seabass" Takatsuka who produces the PES series has told 1Up that "The presentation was misleading, we never said exclusive for one year on the next-gen platforms. We said this year. We were agreed that it was this year." The article also states that a PS3 PES is in development and could be ready by Q'2 2007. Red card to Microsoft then!

Sega has reconfirmed that Full Auto 2: Battlelines will be a Playstation 3 exclusive. Confusion arose last week when Sega's European Press Site listed the game for XBox 360 as well. Apparently it was a "small error".

PSP Previews
Earthworm Jim is a name which 16-bit gamers will probably be very familiar with - and hopefully have fond memories of too. It's been a long time between drinks for one of the greatest video game characters of all time. Creators Shiny are developing a new game for the PSP, and it looks great!

PS2 News
Do you like SingStar well the next game in the series SingStar Legends is coming out towards the end of the year - and we have the track listing. It's probably, on paper at least, the most solid track listing in the entire series to date and certainly looks like making up for the disappointment that was SingStar Anthems - including a return to 30 songs in the package. As yet no other details or screens have been released. Here's the list:

Aretha Franklin - Respect
Black Sabbath - Paranoid
David Bowie - Life on Mars?
Dusty Springfield - Son Of A Preacher Man
Elton John - Rocket Man
Elvis Presley - Blue Suede Shoes
Jackie Wilson - Reet Petite (The Finest Girl You Ever Want To Meet)
John Lennon - Imagine
Johnny Cash - Ring of Fire
Lynyrd Skynyrd - Sweet Home Alabama
Madonna - Papa Don't Preach
Marvin Gaye - I Heard it Through the Grapevine
Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit
Pet Shop Boys - Always On My Mind
Sam Cooke - Wonderful World
The Jackson 5 - I Want You Back
The Monkees - Daydream Believer
The Police - Roxanne
The Righteous Brothers - Unchained Melody
Tina Turner - What's Love Got To Do With It?
U2 - Vertigo
Whitney Houston - The Greatest Love Of All
Jimmy Barnes - No Second Prize
Jimmy Barnes - Working Class Man
John Farnham - You're The Voice
John Paul Young - Love Is In The Air
Midnight Oil - Beds Are Burning
Silverchair - Tomorrow
The Angels - No Secrets
The Easybeats - Friday On My Mind

August 27, 2006

Industry News
Well here's one which we didn't expect, nor see coming. The OFLC has just listed a new game from Ubisoft titled Prince of Persia: Rival Blades and given the title an M rating. The game is listed as multiple platforms however most games are submitted this way to cover future ports. As far as we can tell the title has never been announced nor even hinted at. Could this be the second next-generation title to use the Scimitar Engine as hinted yesterday and the first next-generation Prince of Persia title? Could it simply be a compilation of the current-gen games? You can read the OFLC article here. Ubisoft were not available for comment being the weekend but we hope to hear more soon.

Another interesting article which we picked up at the OFLC is that a revised version of Tomb Raider: Legend has been submitted and awarded a PG rating. The original release was given an M rating on all platforms, while this resubmission of a revised version doesn't specify which platform(s) is affected. You can click here to see the original M classification decision and here to see the revised game with PG classification put up this week. One thing to note is that the violence has been revised from moderate to mild. Why the change? We're not sure but we're awaiting comment back from Atari on the matter.

PS2 News
Take Two have submitted Bully to the OFLC where it has been awarded an M rating. The game is already causing controversy due to the nature - it's more or less about bullies in a school setting - but should hit the shelves this October as planned.

August 26, 2006

PS3 Previews
F.E.A.R. stormed the PC game scene last Christmas and has just been confirmed for next-generation consoles. While Vivendi will only confirm a November release this is almost certainly a launch title - and should leap to the top of most gamers most wanted lists. New weapons, new levels and some new features makes this game hot. We have details, and some of the first PS3 screens. Hot, hot, hot!

PS3 News
Ubisoft's Claude Langlais, technical director of a certain game called Assassin's Creed has confirmed there will be a demo released before the game hits the shelves next March. There was no mention if the demo would be downloadable (likely) or released on a demo disc. As has been the company line since the games unveiling earlier in the year the game has "only been announced for Playstation 3".

While speaking of Assassin's Creed Ubisoft has confirmed with 1Up that the game engine, which they're dubbing Scimitar Engine, will be used in another upcoming, and unannounced, next-generation title.

Industry News
Japanese brokerage Mitsubishi UFJ Securities has reduced Sony's shares from a three star to two star rating citing concerns about the companies ability to manufacture even half the number of Playstation 3's originally announced. As a result shares in Sony have tumbled a further 3.2% to 5,080 yen - a worrying trend for the company.

August 25, 2006

PS3 News
Getting a PS3? Want to help cure cancer and other diseases when you're not using the system to play some kick-ass games? Well Sony has just announced that the Playstation 3 will be able to run the Folding@Home project which, much like the SETI project, basically uses your system as one of thousands of nodes to do massive calculations. What's more the system will also allow you to view the molecules and rotate them with the PS3's controller. You can read more about the project and see some videos here.

Epic's Jeff Moris has confirmed that the PC version of Unreal Tournament 2007 will definitely be released before the PS3 game. Both versions are due in 2007.

One of Sony's last opportunites to show off the Playstation 3 before launch is the upcoming Tokyo Game Show, and unlike Leipzig the company will have playable units on the show floor - with 27 titles confirmed to be playable at this stage. This list includes:
Armored Core 4 (From Software)
Blade Storm Hyakunen Sensou (Koei)
Coded Arms Assault (Konami)
Devil May Cry 4 (Capcom)
The Eye of Judgment (Sony Computer Entertainment)
Fatal Inertia (Koei)
Formula One World Championship (working title) (Sony Computer Entertainment)
Genji (working title) (Sony Computer Entertainment)
"Gran Turismo" Series (Sony Computer Entertainment)
Heavenly Sword (Sony Computer Entertainment)
Lair (working title) (Sony Computer Entertainment)
Mahjong Taikai IV (Koei)
Minna no Golf 5 (working title) (Sony Computer Entertainment)
Mobile Suit Gundam: Target in Sight (Namco Bandai Games)
MotorStorm (Sony Computer Entertainment)
Railfan (Ongakukan)
Resistance: Fall of Man (Sony Computer Entertainment)
Ridge Racer 7 (Namco Bandai Games)
Warhawk (Sony Computer Entertainment)

August 24, 2006

PS3 News
LucasArts have announced an agreement with Free Radical Design to develop a new video game for next-generation console platforms. The title, and release details, have not been announced.

Electronic Arts has confirmed that there will be no FIFA '07 on the Playstation 3 this year, but they are preparing a version for release next year. Don't expect it early either as Electronic Arts have announced that FIFA will be a next-gen exclusive on XBox 360 for the next 12 months following a new deal announced at Leipzig!

Think the news about FIFA is bad enough. Well Microsoft has also announced that Pro Evolution Soccer 6 will be a XBox 360 exclusive for 12 months as well. Thats the two biggest franchises staying off next-gen Sony's system for the next year at least - no wonder the company is ramping up development of a World Tour Soccer game for PS3 - although that's also a long way off.

PSP News
Something we neglected to mention yesterday is that Sega have also announced that Virtua Tennis 3 will be coming to the PSP as well as the PS3. Still no word on a PS2 version strangely.

According to a press release on Digital Illusions web site the recently announced Battlefield Bad Company won't be restricted to next-gen systems with a PSP version also in the works. No other details are known as yet.

August 23, 2006

PS2 Reviews
G1 Jockey 4 is a game with a very select audience. If you're into horse racing then this may well be the perfect game for you. With a deep story mode, plenty of races and tonnes of stats to keep you thinkgin this is one massive game, but is it good? Michael give us the full lowdown.

PS3 News
Insomniac are a company which Sony will be pinning a lot of the PS3's successful launch plans on due to their game Resistance: Fall of Man. Now the company has spilled some interesting details most notably the fact that the game uses a whopping 22GB on the Blu-Ray Disc! Blu-Ray is one of the PS3's big selling points and information such as this make the XBox 360's 9GB capacity DVD's look rather lame in comparison. Oh before you ask music, speech and effects are only about 1GB with the other 21GB being for graphics, level data and programming code. The second interesting news was that the developers will be using the tilt sensitivity in the controller for melee attacks. It will be possibly to move the controller to beat off enemies. Resistance: Fall of Man will be a PS3 launch title this November.

Well Electronic Arts announced they were using Unreal Engine 3 for some of their next-gen games and now it looks like two games titles have been revealed. PJ McNealy of American Technology Research told CNN Money that the first game changed over is Medal of Honor Airborne while the second is an unannounced title called Dead Space. Interestingly this switch raises doubts about the next-generation version of Criterion's Renderware (with Electronic Arts devouring that company in recent years).

Sega has confirmed several more details about their upcoming, and very impressive looking, Virtua Tennis 3 on the PS3. Firstly the game will now include 5-set matches, there will be a new "Court Games" Mode to be unveiled later, 10 mini-game and a roster of players including Amelie Mauresmo, Maria Sharapova, Venus Williams, Martina Hingis, Nicole Vaidisova, Lindsay Davenport, Daniela Hantuchova, Roger Federer, Andy Roddick, Lleyton Hewitt, Tim Henman, James Blake, Mario Ancic, Gael Monfils, Taylor Dent, David Nalbandian, Sebastien Grosjean, Juan Carlos Ferrero and Tommy Haas.

PS2 News
Sony Australia has confirmed that they have no plans to release the Pink PS2 here in Australia. When asked Adrian Christie had the following to say: "Currently no plans for release of the pink units here." Naturally this could change in the course of time, but don't hold your breath. The Pink PS2 was announced for Europe on Monday and is set for release on November 8th. By using the term 'units' we also believe the Pink PSP isn't in Sony Australia's current plans - although they can always change.

August 22, 2006

PS2 News
Sony Europe has confirmed that the Playstation 2's price will drop to €129.99 (£94.99) with immediate effect. The price of Memory Card (8MB) (for PlayStation 2) will also fall to €19.99. As yet there has been no confirmation of a price drop in Australia.

PSP News
Well Sony unveiled the pink PS2 yesterday, but they also made a mistake and released details of a matching pink PSP to be released on October 27th before the news was pulled off their official site. The systems price remains unknown at this stage with Sony still not confirming a price drop from the current €229, or £169.

PS3 News
One we missed last week but Sony has officially announced that Genji 2 will in fact be called Genji: Days of the Blade. Adjust your thought patterns accordingly.

Developers 4A Games have confirmed they are developing a game for the Playstation 3 called Metro 2033: The Last Refuge. The game is inspired by the book Metro 2033 by Dmitriy Glukhovskiy and will be a FPS set in Moscow where the lands have become infected with radiation. As yet there is no distributer confirmed for Australia, but early impressions are positive with the game to be shown off in Lipzieg this week. Metro 2033: The Last Refuge is due out in Q'4 2008.

August 21, 2006

PS2 News
Sony Europe have surprised everyone with a new Playsatation 2 colour. No it's not an ultra slick Blue, nor Metallic, but rather a pink - and a very girly one at that! Technically the system is identical to the other Slimline PS2 units.

Sony Europe's press release states "The new, limited edition Pink PlayStation 2 will be available from selected retailers throughout Europe from 8th November 2006 and will come complete with two Pink Analog Controller (DUALSHOCK 2) and a Pink Memory Card (8MB) (for PlayStation 2)."

Unfortunately with the annoumcement being made at about 8pm Australian time we have not yet been able to confirm if the system is coming out here - but we can't see why it won't. Expect confirmation in the coming days.

PS2 Reviews
Forbidden Siren 2 probably isn't a game which many gamers were particularly shouting out to play, but Sony's survival horror game is here for a second outing (and soon a third on the PS3). If you're starved for survival horror games with Resident Evil and Silent Hill games a long way off then Sony's effort may be worth a look. Michael gives us his full verdict.

PS3 News
Sony America's Kaz Hirai has confirmed that production of the PS3's has not commenced as yet. In an interview with Gamespot he stated the following:

We haven't started manufacturing yet. Some of our ops guys were actually just in China, and also in Japan just reviewing the [production] lines and everything else. But they are, again, preparing as we speak to get the manufacturing going. We've not announced and we haven't set really a specific date to say, "As of this day we're going to start manufacturing."

Sony UK has confirmed they are still at least a month away from announcing their launch plans for the Playstation 3 in Europe. According to this article on Gamesindustry.biz "official UK distributor CentreSoft confirms it has been testing the water on controversial pre-release initiatives with the retail community in preparation for the November 17th launch."

German publication Gamefront has listed the news that Digital Illusion are working on Battlefield: Bad Company for the Playstation 3 with a targeted release date of 2007.

According to reports the American Playstation Magazine will unveil three new Playstation 3 titles in it's next edition. What these games are remains to be seen, but we'll be able to find out in about a months time (we're putting money on Rez 2, Killzone 2 (even though it technically won't be new) and Siren 3).

Midway has apparently let slip, through a recent job advertisment, that they are currently developing Area 52, a sequel to the recent hit FPS, Area 51 on the PS2/PC. The first game was based around aliens taking control of the top-secret military base. It is believed the sequel will hit the PS3 - just don't expect Midway to confirm anything yet.

Electronic Arts has announced they have licensed Unreal Engine 3 for use in some of the companies upcoming next-generation titles. The company will combine Epic's engine with their own tools to use in the unnamed projects. Stay tuned for more soon.

PSP News
According to the latest American Playstation Magazine David Jaffe is currently working on a PSP title. It is unclear if this will be an all-new series, port of either of the God of War titles on PS2, or a new game in the God of War universe.

August 20, 2006

PSP News
Ubisoft had announced that their Montreal studio is currently developing an all-new action adventure game called Star Wars: Lethal Alliance. The game, which is due out this December, is being developed under an agreement between LucasArts and Ubisoft. The game takes place between Episode III Revenge of the Sith and Episode IV A New Hope. Gamers will engage in collaborative gameplay as they embody both Twi’lek Rianna Saren and her security droid Zeeo. Hired by the Rebel Alliance, this deadly duo must work together to infiltrate Imperial planets and fight legions of evil fiends. Our heroes' ultimate goal: Uncover the Empire’s most deadly secret – the Death Star.

PS3 News
Vivendi Australia has announced that F.E.A.R. is coming to the Playstation 3, and will hit the shelves this November (although the company hasn't called it a launch title). The PlayStation 3 version will include exclusive single player content designed to immerse the player deeper in the world of the F.E.A.R. team. The game is in development at Day 1 Studios in conjunction with Monolith Productions.

Ubisoft has announced that Blazing Angels Squadrons of WWII will be a Playstation 3 launch title. The game, which is already available on PC and XBox 360 will take advantage of the PlayStation 3 system’s unique and powerful capabilities, including innovative use of the PlayStation 3 controller. (While nothing specific is mentioned you can put your money on the tilt sensor control being utilised.) New missions will be introduced to the PS3 game will feature a heart-pounding 16-player multiplayer mode.

August 17, 2006

Web Site News
Well I'm off for a couple of days to Melbourne on Work, Pleasure and possibly some Web Site business as well. I'll be back on Sunday afternoon when you can expect some news updates, reviews and more. Until then...

PS3 News
Vivendi has announced that they will be publishing a new title from Sierra Entertainment and developers Spark Unlimited. The game is due out in 2007 with more details to be announced later this year. Spark Unlimited were the developers of the very enjoyable Call of Duty: Finest Hour on PS2 a couple of years ago.

August 15, 2006

Industry News
Taiwanese publication Digitimes has commented that the XBox 360's HD-DVD drive will release in America for $US200 late this year. Interestingly when you add in the cost of the Pro system (which includes wireless controller etc) for $399, that puts the cost of the XBox 360 with HD-DVD playback the same as the high-end Playstation 3 - which includes HDMI 1.3 (required in a couple of years for high-def movie playback) and a larger HDD then the XBox 360. Seems like Sony's system isn't that unfair in terms of price - but of course only Sony's system will use the next-generation media for games as well as movies, a massive bonus.

PSP News
According to American retail sources Electronic Arts are preparing to release a retro compilation on the PSP later this year. Called EA Replay title title, which EB Games are listing for release on October 3rd, will include games such as BOB, Budokan, Desert Strike (yay!), Jungle Strike (yay!), Haunting Starring Polterguy, Road Rash, Road Rash II, Road Rash III (possibly trying to re-generate interest before a next-gen version?), Syndicate (double yay!), Ultima, Virtual Pinball, Wing Commander and Wing Commander Secret Missions. That's one hell of a pack so let's just hope it turns out to be true!

PS2 Previews
Lego Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy is only four weeks away from release now. The first game was a surprise hit and now LucasArts are about to unleash the sequel, which is based on the original movies. This looks even more impressive then the first game with improved graphics, more gameplay options and, well, just more.

August 14, 2006

PSP News
Sony Europe has mentioned to Gameindustry.biz that despite rumours the company currently has no plans to drop the price of the PSP. This is pretty much expected as an early hint at a price drop could impact on sales in the coming months. We here at Futuregamez.net would be surprised if something doesn't happen to combat the Nintendo DS's strong showing over the last year.

PS2 Previews
Dance Factory is a title certain to get dance mat fans very excited. What's good about it? Well how about a dance mat game with thousands of your favourite songs! Confused? Read our preview to find out just how it all works... and it's brilliant.

August 13, 2006

Release Schedule Pages
We've taken a few moments today to update the PS2 Release Schedule and Preview Page as well as the PSP Release Schedule and Preview Page with all the latest releases. Each of the pages has had around 30 additions or date changes, with most titles up until Christmas now listed.

PSP Previews
Every Extend Extra is certain to generate a lot of interest. Why? Well, did Lumines or Rez float your boat? Of course they did. Those two titles are almost always on the 'best of PS2' or 'best of PSP' lists. This game is the latest game from the same creative genius and looks every bit as impressive. Check out this preview...

August 12, 2006

PS2 Reviews
Dynasty Warriors 5 Empires is yet another title in Koei's long running historical action series. Indeed the entire Dynasty Warriors series of games has been a massive seller for the company, and now we have another title. The question remains; is the series really progressing or just stagnating and racking up more sales?

August 10, 2006

PS3 News
LucasArts has confirmed that they will be publishing an all-new next generation property currently in development at Day 1 Studios. That development studio is most well known for the MechAssault titles on Xbox. As yet no details have been announced about the game except it will include 'groundbreaking gameplay' apparently.

According to reports on C&VG Vivendi are developing FEAR for the Playstation 3. As yet there's no details and Vivendi refused to comment however this would be welcome news for potential PS3 owners. No word on a release date though.

Atari has confirmed that Alone in the Dark on the PS3 won't be available until the companies next financial year (between April 2007 and March 2008). Our bet is that the game will be a big Christmas title next year.

August 9, 2006

PS3 News
According to reports Electronic Arts are currently working on Burnout 5 for next generation systems - no surprise given the success of the series in recent years. More surprising however is the news that the company is also working on a new Road Rash title for next-generation system. This motorbike series was much loved during the 16-bit era and would certainly be well received by fans.

According to rumours from Ecgeo in Japan Capcom's Resident Evil 5 may be a PS3 exclusive - in that territory at least. As yet Capcom haven't commented officially, but expect to hear something at the Tokyo game show in a few weeks, if there's anything to be said about the matter!

PS2 Reviews
Disney Pixar Cars has been another smash hit movie for both Pixar and re-acquainted distributers Disney - and THQ are providing the required game tie-in. Fortunately this game is quite impressive, especially for younger gamers. Here's our full and exclusive review of this PS2 game.

August 8, 2006

PS2 News
Atari Australia and Konami have announced that the Socceroos will officially appear in the upcoming Pro Evolution Soccer 6 game on PS2 and PSP. The deal means that the Socceroos will be added to Pro Evolution Soccer 6’s impressive roster of International sides, with the license allowing Konami to reproduce the team’s first and second strips and the proper player names and attributes of the squad members. Expect a release in November.

August 7, 2006

PSP Reviews
Field Commander is a fantastic title, and one of the few original titles on the system that not only pushes it to its limits, but is a game you can really show off to your friends. If you have a remote interest in strategy games then this PSP title is one worth looking at. We give you our full impressions of this great title in our exclusive review.

Fucked Up News
Electronic Arts really suck hairy dogs balls sometimes, and this is one of those occasions. Rather then allow gamers to slowly lose interest in games and stop their online services a few years down the track the company has today announce the shutdown of servers for several games well under two years after release. No, it's not one or two but rather fourteen games in total - or 34 different versions across multiple platforms. This is complete BULLSHIT and just shows that EA are not only screwing us with free ~~spam~~ targeted marketing, but now also force gamers to effectively pay full price every single year in order to play their games online. The complete list (which we must point out is from EA America as many titles haven't been released here!) includes:

August 1, 2006 Online Service Shutdown

October 1, 2006 Online Service Shutdown
Madden NFL 2005 for PS2
Madden NFL 2005 for Xbox
Madden NFL 2005 for PC
NFL Street 2: Unleashed for PS2
NFL Street 2: Unleashed for Xbox

Previously Shut Down Online Service
MVP Baseball 2005 for PC
MVP Baseball 2005 for PS2
MVP Baseball 2005 for Xbox

August 5, 2006

PSP News
Electronic Arts has announced that they are developing Medal of Honor Heroes for the PSP. The game is due out by the end of the year and as well as including a single player mode will include six different multi-player modes with 15 maps and up to 32 players!

PS3 News
Many people have been questioning just how your Playstation 2 and PSOne save files will be transferred to the Playstation 3 with Sony's new system having full backwards compatibility. Well Sony's American web site has shed some light by confirming that an adapter will be available for you to transfer your saves to the Hard Drive. There's no mention of cost but we expect it certainly won't be free!

August 4, 2006

PS3 News
Midway has confirmed that John Woo's Stranglehold will not be a PS3 launch title as earlier announced, but has been pushed back into Q'1 2007.

Activision's chairman and CEO Bobby Kotick has confirmed that the companies first James Bond game is currently being targeted at May 2008 which is when the second movie starring Daniel Craig is set to hit cinemas. We can only applaud Activision's decision not to rush a product out with the release of Casino Royal in cinemas later this year. It is believed the game is being worked on by Call of Duty developers Treyarch.

Industry News
Electronic Arts has announced FIFA '07 for all current generation systems - which means that a PS3 version is extremely unlikely. While it may be announced at a later date, given yesterdays news of four or five PS3 titles this year it's unlikely that it will be a last minute addition. Interestingly Electronic Arts will allow you to connect your PSP and PS2 together to continue a game in much the same way as Sega did with Outrun: Coast 2 Coast.

August 3, 2006

PSP News
Accoring to Justin Halliday from IR Gurus the company is currently developing Heroes of the Pacific for the PSP. The game will be a port of the superb World War II flight sim on the PS2.

PS3 News
Electronic Arts America has confirmed they expect to have four or five titles available for the Playstation 3 between launch and the end of the year - with three titles confirmed to date. Those titles include Tiger Woods PGA Tour 07, Madden NFL 07, and Need for Speed Carbon. As for the other games? Well speculation includes NBA Live '07 (likely) and Fight Night Round 3 (less likely).

PS2 News
One of the biggest upcoming games on PS2, Sega's Yakuza, which is based on the Japanese underworld, has scraped past the OFLC with an MA15+ rating. The game is due out in September through THQ.

Industry News
Electronic Arts has announced that they have secured a license to develop PGA based games until 2012 - with the company set to release Tiger Woods PGA Tour 07 late this year.

August 2, 2006

PS2 Reviews
SingStar Anthems is the sixth title in Sony's extremely popular karaoke series. For most people this should be an easy purchase for fans of the series - but Sony did something very silly. We tell you about it in our full and exclusive review.

PS3 News
SNK, who develop series' such as Metal Slug and King of Fighters, have confirmed that they will not be rushing to develop games for the Playstation 3 and indeed may wait as long as four years before releasing a title due to a low user base. Stragely though the company has announced support for the Nintendo Wii.

Industry News
Konami has announced that they will be closing their Hawaiian studios from late this year. The studios brought us titles such as Jurassic Park III: The DNA Factor, Todd McFarlane's Evil Prophecy and all those crappy Frogger games.

PS3 Previews
Tony Hawk's Project 8 is coming to Playstation 3 this November. What would a new system launch be without a new Tony Hawk title following close behind. This game is being built from the ground up for next-gen and looks spectacular. This preview contains plenty of info and juicy screens for you to enjoy. What are you waiting for then?

August 1, 2006

Industry News
Well the E3 show as we know it is gone. Fortunately all is not lost with the show being reworked into a smaller more intimate event. Their press release stated the following:

"To better address the needs of today’s global computer and video game industry, the 2007 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3Expo) is evolving into a more intimate event focused on targeted, personalized meetings and activities, the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) announced today.

The new E3Expo will take shape over the next several months. As currently envisioned, it will still take place in Los Angeles, described by ESA as a “great and supportive partner helping to build E3.” It will focus on press events and small meetings with media, retail, development, and other key sectors. While there will be opportunities for game demonstrations, E3Expo 2007 will not feature the large trade show environment of previous years."

PS3 News
PC gamers should be quite familiar with developers Crytek. The company released Far Cry on the PC last year and then stunned at E3 2006 with Crysis - a new FPS being published by Electronic Arts. While that game has only been confirmed as PC only an interesting job is being advertised on their web site - a PS3 programmer (click here to check it out). At the moment the job is for a "Work on various aspects of porting to PS3 and creating solutions to get the utmost out of the PS3". Could we be seeing a port of Crysis on PS3? It now seems slightly more likely - but don't expect to hear anything for quite some time - if at all.

Midway has announced that Unreal Tournament 2007 will not be released on the PC until the first half of 2007 - meaning as late as June 2007. Sadly this likely means that the PS3 version will also be delayed until next year - although Midway would only state that "The next gen version(s) have yet to be tagged with an exact ship date yet." Could the plural also indicate that a XBox 360 version is in the works? Perhaps but nothing has been confirmed.

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Previews & Release Schedule

AUGUST 2006 NEWS