Archive for January, 2010

Mass Effect 2 hailed as 1st Blockbuster of 2010

January 31st, 2010 Console Digest

Game Earns Rave Reviews, Sells 2 Million Units in Week One

40 perfect scores. 2 million units. One pop culture phenomenon. BioWare™, a division of Electronic Arts Inc., announced that Mass Effect™ 2 has sold-in over two million units worldwide in its first week of release*. Lauded for its intense shooter gameplay and deep, hand-crafted story, Mass Effect 2 has earned an average review score of 96** — making it the second highest rated game of all time on the Xbox 360® platform***. Mass Effect 2 has earned 40 perfect scores, amassed over 30 editor’s choice awards and has donned the covers of 45 magazines worldwide. On launch day, the term “Mass Effect” was in the top 10 trending topics on Twitter and most searched on Google News. MSNBC.com said, “Mass Effect will go down as one of the most influential video game series of all-time.”

Dr. Ray Muzyka, co-founder, BioWare and Group General Manager of the RPG/MMO Group of EA said, “Mass Effect 2 is poised to be one of the biggest games of 2010. We could not be more proud of the game’s universal acclaim and early commercial success.”

Mass Effect 2 launched this week hot on the heels of BioWare’s Dragon Age: Origins, the studio’s dark fantasy RPG which shipped in fall 2009. Dragon Age: Origins has earned an average review score of 91****, making it the highest rated original intellectual property from EA in the last year. Mass Effect 2 follows in BioWare’s tradition of delivering excellence on every front: gameplay, story, character development and visuals. Mass Effect 2 is an epic shooter/RPG set in a vast universe filled with dangerous alien life and mysterious, uncharted planets. In Mass Effect 2, players step into the role of the heroic Commander Shepard, leading a crew of some of the most dangerous operatives from across the galaxy on a mission so challenging that it’s potentially suicidal. Featuring intense action, a rich storyline, space exploration and engaging character interaction, Mass Effect 2 delivers an unparalleled gaming experience.

Mass Effect 2 is available for the Xbox 360 videogame and entertainment system and the PC and is rated ‘M’ for Mature by the ESRB and ‘18+’ by PEGI.

* According to internal EA data.
** On Xbox 360 platform according to Metacritic.com.
*** Mass Effect 2 is tied for second place according to Metacritic.com.
**** On PC according to Metacritic.com.

Posted in Microsoft, News, Xbox 360 Tags: , , , , , No Comments »

Nintendo Europe downloads 29 January 2010

January 29th, 2010 Console Digest

Hoards of evil aliens are attacking Earth and it’s up to you to defend the planet in the eagerly awaited 530 Eco Shooter™ available to download on WiiWare this week.

And that’s not all! Two new editions of the hypnotic Electroplankton, ELECTROPLANKTON™ Sun-Animalcule and ELECTROPLANKTON™ Luminarrow, are also both available on Nintendo DSiWare this week. Explore the magical world of Exidia as you discover the source of an evil plague in Legends of Exidia on Nintendo DSiWare and use all your street fighting skills in Street Fighter™ Alpha 2 on Virtual Console.

WiiWare – 530 Eco Shooter™
(Nintendo, 1,000 Wii Points)
Evil aliens called Cannoids have seized control of Earth’s empty cans, and are using them to destroy the planet. As Mack, Plant 530’s top technician, only you can save the world from an ecological emergency with the help of your trusty recycling cannon.

In this guided first-person shooter every shot counts because ammo also acts as your health. Every enemy you destroy leaves behind Can Energy that you must vacuum up and carefully conserve to continue your battle.

Simple Wii Remote controls (including the option to use the Wii Zapper) allow anyone to play the role of Eco Shooter, while advanced players will enjoy racking up huge scores using the combo system, linking consecutive hits for more points. Put all your skills to the test to preserve the planet once and for all in the unforgiving Challenge Mode.

Do you have what it takes to put a dent in the Cannoids’ plans?

NINTENDO DSiWare – ELECTROPLANKTON™ Sun-Animalcule*
(Nintendo, 200 Nintendo DSi points)
Dive into a unique audio-visual experience where technology meets art. Created by multimedia musician Toshio Iwai, Electroplankton are living aquatic ‘instruments’ that you interact with to produce a variety of sounds and images limited only by your imagination.

Sun-Animalcule start life as eggs, emitting lights and sounds as they progress through their brief life cycle. Their pitch changes depending on where they grow. Experience their rapid growth from morning to night; when they are replaced by moon-shaped Falcato.

Use Performance mode to create your own unique compositions, or relax with Audience mode and let the Electroplankton run wild.

NINTENDO DSiWare – ELECTROPLANKTON™ Luminarrow*
(Nintendo, 200 Nintendo DSi points)
Dive into a unique audio-visual experience where technology meets art. Created by multimedia musician Toshio Iwai, Electroplankton are living aquatic ‘instruments’ that you interact with to produce a variety of sounds and images limited only by your imagination.

Luminarrow have the unique habit of following arrow-shaped formations, emitting sounds that change in pitch depending on their direction. The four types of Luminarrow – red, yellow, green and blue – each make a distinctive tone. Simply construct a network of arrows to create beautiful melodies.

Use Performance mode to create your own unique compositions, or relax with Audience mode and let the Electroplankton run wild.

NINTENDO DSiWare – Legends of Exidia
(Gameloft, 800 Nintendo DSi points)
An army of demons has invaded Exidia. As a fearless warrior, fight the devil creatures and get closer to discovering the source of the plague.

A true action RPG: use your sword or your magic, and make your attacks more powerful thanks to the level-up system.

An epic adventure: seven chapters and 25 side quests through 22 environments to explore, from the Elf forest to the city of Minasdril.

Tons of weapons and armour that will change your appearance and your abilities

VIRTUAL CONSOLE – Street Fighter™ Alpha 2
(CAPCOM, Super Nintendo, 800 Wii Points)
Street Fighter Alpha 2 explodes on-screen with lightning-fast gameplay and amazing innovations. Alpha Counters and the incredible Custom Combo System create a new standard for all fighting games.

Push your talents to the limit as you discover new moves and counters for every character. Neutralise opponents’ attacks with high and low Alpha Counters and execute incredible Custom Combos to create your own rapid-fire assault of attacks.

All your favourite warriors are back for more. Previously hidden characters Dan, Akuma, and Bison are joined by five new fighters: Rolento, Gen, Sakura, and classic favourites Dhalsim and Zangief.

As the Wii Shop Channel and Nintendo DSi Shop are continually updated with exciting and refreshing games and applications, make sure you keep checking the Nintendo Channel, Wii Shop Channel and Nintendo DSi Shop for all the latest news and releases on already available and upcoming Virtual Console, WiiWare and Nintendo DSiWare titles.

Be sure to also check out Nintendo of Europe’s WiiWare portal, which functions as the main hub for the latest WiiWare news and game sites, while at the same time providing the perfect entry point for newcomers to the service. Weekly and all-time Top 10 lists show which WiiWare titles the UK’s Club Nintendo members are currently downloading most, and which are the most popular of all time.

The portal also provides step-by-step tutorials explaining how to connect the Wii console to the Internet and how to download WiiWare games, as well as a video showing how to use Nintendo Points. Visit www.wiiware.co.uk for all the details. Downloaded games can be saved to Wii’s internal memory or SD card and added to the console’s Wii Menu or SD Card Menu for anytime easy access.

Posted in DS, News, Nintendo, Wii Tags: , , , , , , No Comments »

Battlefield: Bad Company 2

January 28th, 2010 Console Digest

Experience This Year’s Best Online Multiplayer Game before it Hits Stores on March 2

DICE announced that first-person shooter fans will get early access to the best-in-class online war experience in Battlefield: Bad Company™ 2. Players can now download a free* console demo worldwide on Xbox LIVE™ Marketplace. A PC beta is also now available to players that pre-order** the game at participating retailers in North America, Europe and Asia, and through select community channels. On February 4th, the demo will be accessible on the PlayStation®Network in Europe and on February 11th in North America. Defined by its increasingly intense vehicular warfare, destruction, variety of weapons and huge sandbox environments, Battlefield Bad Company 2 promises to be one of the finest online FPS games of 2010.

“After the success of the PS3 beta, we’re excited to provide gamers — especially our long-supporting, rabidly passionate PC fans — with another opportunity to get into the game before release,” says Patrick Bach, Senior Producer on Battlefield: Bad Company 2. “Our fans have been a huge part of the franchise’s success and we can’t wait for everyone to experience the amazing gameplay and unforgettable Battlefield moments in Battlefield: Bad Company 2.”

The Battlefield: Bad Company 2 console demo and PC beta will feature Port Valdez, a new vehicle focused map where up to 24 players (32 on PC) will compete against each other as either the US or Russian armies in the game’s Rush multiplayer mode. Players will have access to five land and three air vehicles where the Russian side can use everything in their arsenal including Main Battle Tanks as well as the fast-moving Quad Bikes and Mobile Armored AA. The fight will also be packed with plenty of infantry combat fought alongside the waterline towards a great oil industrial landscape in the Alaskan mountains.

Battlefield: Bad Company 2 will be in stores on March 2, 2010 in North America and March 4, 2010 in Europe for the Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and the PC. The Limited Edition can be pre-ordered now on all platforms at no extra cost, with participating retailers worldwide (while supplies last).

  • Internet connection and Xbox LIVE Gold membership required. Demo will end on February 25, 2010.

** Available at participating retailers in North America, Europe and Asia. Offer and codes expires February 25, 2010.

Posted in Microsoft, News, PlayStation 3, Sony, Xbox 360 Tags: , , , , , , No Comments »

Half-Minute Hero PSN demo announced

January 27th, 2010 Console Digest

Clock-challenging RPG to hit shelves bang on time as anticipation hots up for Rising Star Games’ bright new addition

Still not sure Half-Minute Hero‘s for you? Then fill your boots with some free RPG action as Rising Star Games has announced you’ll be able to download a playable ‘Hero Mode’ demo of the game on 4th February, via the PlayStation Network.

A cut-down version of the full game, this downloadable demo will allow players to enjoy a several seconds of Half-Minute Hero action. Oh, we’re joking: the demo boasts a selection of missions from the final game, each showcasing a different type of challenge from this innovative quick-fire RPG.

The full game is on track to hit retail on 12th February 2010, exclusively on PSP.

“We’re really excited about the release of Half-Minute Hero, truly the most innovative game on the PSP today,” says Martin Defries, managing director, Rising Star Games. “Those who can’t wait until launch day should head to the PlayStation Network to download a demo of Half-Minute Hero, which contains three exciting levels from the game.

“It has an unrivalled sense of humour, while managing to seriously suck you in with its old-school visuals and absorbing gameplay – as soon as you put it down you’ll be thinking about the next opportunity to level up and be ‘You > Evil’.”

Half-Minute Hero, from respected developer Marvelous Entertainment, takes the RPG genre to another level, challenging you to save the world in just 30 seconds. The game has already generated quite a buzz, with people clamouring to get their hands on it ahead of launch.

Half-Minute Hero is perfect for a society used to consuming information in bite-sized chunks, but completing each level is so satisfying, you won’t want to put it down. With over 100 missions – not to mention multiplayer options – and over 20 hours of gameplay, there’s plenty to keep you occupied.

At the start of each level a Dark Lord places a new obstacle in the way of our Hero’s progress, while puzzles are solved, you must also level up to ‘You > Evil’ status to stand a chance of defeating their nemesis.

Currency in the game is earned by slaying enemies and used to upgrade weapons, outfits and accessories, hire assistance and replenish the clock by ‘praying’ to the Time Goddess. But beware; the more you ‘buy back’ time, the higher the price – it certainly pays to complete its level in the shortest time possible.

Consistently praised by critics around the world, Half-Minute Hero has generated average review scores of 84% on Metacritic and 85% on GameRankings, and the European release is destined to further swell these ratings.

The Half-Minute Hero Hero Mode demo will be available for download from the PlayStation Network on 4th February. The full version of the games launches a week later on 12th February.

Posted in News, PSP, Sony Tags: , , , , , , No Comments »

Dead or Alive: Paradise

January 26th, 2010 Console Digest

DEAD OR ALIVE: Paradise coming exclusively to Sony PSP.

Tecmo Koei Europe Ltd proudly reveal the next installment of the hugely popular DEAD OR ALIVE series – DEAD OR ALIVE: Paradise.

Featuring all the DEAD OR ALIVE lovelies, basking in the tropical sun of ‘New Zack Island’ you will be able to mingle, flirt, play, take snapshots, and challenge the girls in various mini-games found throughout your private island in the best looking PSP game yet.

Boasting the most beautiful 3D female characters even seen in any PSP title, you will be able to indulge in beach volleyball, pool hopping, as well as visiting the revamped casino resort run by the enigmatic ‘Rio’. With an exhaustive shopping option as well, spend your hard-earned ZACK currency on hundreds of cool items, from clothes to gadgets then keep them for yourself or give them as gifts to your new girlfriends. The more gifts you give, the stronger your bond with them will grow.

You’ll also be able to snap candid photos of your giggling beauties in their beachwear which you can store in your very own private photo album and collect ‘Venus Clips’ to enjoy later. It’s all on-the-go, and all in the palm of your hand. Take your girls anywhere. Play with them any time.

DEAD OR ALIVE: Paradise is released exclusively for the Sony PSP this Spring.

Posted in News, PSP, Sony Tags: , , No Comments »
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