Square Enix' E3 Lineup: From Assassins to Zombies, You're Covered Quite Well...

With a determined focus toward publishing more varied games developed around the world as well as keeping its core JRPG franchises alive and well, Square Enix is really pushing "content" this year. In other words, they have more than enough content to keep core gamers VERY content, indeed. Their E3 2011 lineup is pretty amazing overall, featuring a few types of RPG's, sequels that mean something (thanks to a reboot or two) as well as an all-new IP that's been on everyone's radar from its first mind-blowing backward spooling trailer. Full press release below the jump.

Portal 2 Suffers Time Warp Delay, But This Is Actually Good News...

According to Valve and this nicely hilarious press release that pokes fun at the company's track record for its games slipping into the infamous release date triangle, Portal 2 is special for yet another reason:

VALVE ANNOUNCES SHORTEST DELAY IN VALVE HISTORY

Valve today announced that Portal 2 -- the sequel to the ground-breaking title that won over 30 game of the year awards, despite missing its original ship date -- will now be available the week of April 18th, 2011. This two month slip not only marks the shortest delay in Valve's proud tradition of delays, it represents the approaching convergence of Valve Time and Real Time. Though this convergence spells doom for humanity, it will not affect the new Portal 2 release date.

Capcom Announces Mega Man Legends 3 Project, New Resident Evil For 3DS

In one of the best "IT'S ABOUT FREAKIN" TIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIME!" sequel announcements this year, Capcom has made me and a whole bunch of gamers pretty happy clams (well, mostly). A new Mega Man Legends game is on the way (yay!) for the 3DS (er, Yay?). While a new cross-platform game would have been even more fantastic (especially with HD remakes of the previous MML/Tron Bonne games), it looks as if Nintendo's upcoming must-have bank-breaking handheld wonder will be the lucky recipient of this latest installment.

Anyway, press release, logos and RE 3D screens below the jump. I'm going to go dance around the room a bit before crying as I check my bank account (and cry some more afterward).

TopWare Introduces Battle vs Chess

Well, color me pleasantly surprised. You'd figure that since every strategy game is based in one way or another on Chess, we'd have seen something like this hitting consoles sooner. I can still remember playing Archon on the NES and Battle Chess on the 3DO back in the day, so this should be as much addictive fun from a gameplay perspective. Of course, those lovely new graphics are nothing to sneeze at.

Here you go - two screens from TopWare Interactive's upcoming Battle vs. Chess, set for a May 2010 release across "multiple platforms". Hmm... as if the publisher's upcoming epic RPG Two Worlds II isn't going to be keeping folks like me too busy to breathe already! I guess BvC will be a "downtime" game for when I'm not exploring Antaloor's expansive over world and deadly dungeons.

Also below is the official press release. The teaser site lists Xbox 360/Xbox Live, Wii, PC and Mac versions, but I'm hoping this makes it to the PS3 and or PSP at some point. I guess sales will dictate that, right? If anything, the fantasy theme combined with the Fritz Chess-powered gameplay will certainly make Chess a lot more accessible to those who can't quite grasp the board version, that's for sure.

Chess, the unrivalled champion of strategy games has been attracting players of all ages for countless centuries. Battle vs. Chess takes up the mission of adapting the time honoured classic for the 21st century, seeking to breathe new life into the beloved game without abandoning the essential concepts that have made it so enduring. However simply digitalizing it is not nearly enough, as the progressive title aims at developing a unique fusion between vivid 3D environments & characters, professional chess software and upbeat combat visuals & mechanics.

Employing the framework of ChessBase’s world renowned Fritz! chess algorithm software, widely regarded as one of the most sophisticated chess engines in the world, even the most experienced chess experts will be presented with a daunting challenge. All these features paired with an atmospheric soundtrack, several distinct game board environments, special game modes, and a plethora of unlockable bonuses guarantee players long lasting fun with the timeless game of kings!

Battle vs Chess is currently being developed across multiple platforms, and is scheduled for release in May 2010.

Mass Effect 2 Cover Art, New Screens, Story Info Revealed

Hmph. Maybe I should'a gone to Cologne after all. Anyway, here's the cover art to Mass Effect 2 (fantastic), along with five new screenshots (even more fantastic) and plot points (presented in press release format because I love that yellow type I'm now using for PR stuff). The first thing that sprung to mind when seeing the newly revealed cover art was of any number of dynamic movie posters and comic covers I've seen over the years. It's definitely striking, and gets the sense of wonder flowing, that's for damn sure. "Attention alien scum - Commander Shepard and company are coming to kick your asses back to where you came from!"

...or something like that. Anyway, here's the press release:

Cologne, Germany – August 18th, 2009 – Leading video game developer BioWare™, a division of Electronic Arts Inc. today revealed new plot points in the epic sci-fi fantasy Mass Effect 2™. Once again stepping into the role of the heroic Commander Shepard, gamers will command their crew on a suicide mission in space. Players will strategically select each member of their squad, all of whom have a direct impact on the direction of the story and the squad’s chances for survival. Players will select from a motley cast of characters including the newly revealed ‘Grunt’ – a blood-hungry Krogan.

Once players have assembled their squad from amongst the galaxy’s most powerful mystics, geniuses, and convicts, they must lead them on a suicide mission to discover why humans are vanishing from the galaxy. The success of the mission hinges on the squad recruited and their loyalty to the mission. Shepard’s future depends on it.

“The Mass Effect trilogy is an epic saga with consequences that will carry through from chapter to chapter” said Dr. Ray Muzyka, GM and CEO BioWare, VP EA. “Building out a diverse and loyal party is one of the features that makes the Mass Effect series unique. “The characters Commander Shepard recruits are not only pivotal to the storyline but essential to the players overall success.”

The new character revealed in the Mass Effect 2 squad is ‘Grunt’. A violent and unpredictable Krogan fighter, Grunt has never faced true defeat. His unsurpassed physical strength makes him a strong asset to Commander Shepard’s team, if he can be tamed, and if he can be trusted. Grunt is the second party member to be revealed in the Mass Effect 2 universe following ‘Thane’ a deadly assassin who was first introduced in June.

More details about the rest of Shepard’s crew will be revealed in the coming months. The Mass Effect trilogy is a masterful science fiction adventure set in a vast universe filled with dangerous alien life and mysterious uncharted planets.

Mass Effect 2 is scheduled for release on Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system and PC in early 2010.

There's also a spectacular-looking game trailer to ogle, but I'm too swamped with news and previews to post it. Feh - go Google or bing! "Mass Effect 2 Omega Video" and leave me to toil away in peace, you whippersnappers.

In any event, "Early 2010" can't come quickly enough. I should be done with Dragon Age: Origins by then (or maybe not). Now that I think about it, has BioWare really made a bad game? I certainly can't think of any...

Speaking of Dragon Age, stick around (or look up at the next post) - those new screens are terrifyingly grand.

Update: Where the Wild Things Are

Warner Bros. Interactive has finally let a bit more info out (as well as two screenshots) for its upcoming video game based on the film version of Where The Wild Things Are. The game is currently in development for the Playstation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii by Griptonite and for the Nintendo DS by WayForward. Here's a bit of press release intel with the new images following.

PRODUCT OVERVIEW:

Inspired by the highly-anticipated Warner Bros. theatrical release based on the best-selling children’s book by Maurice Sendak, Where the Wild Things Are lets players take on the role of Max as he journeys across the land of the Wild Things, which is on the brink of destruction. Max must join forces with the Wilds Things to find a way to escape to safety before it’s too late.

Where the Wild Things Are is a fun-filled adventure that takes players on a journey through the mysterious island of the Wild Things. Players assume the role of Max, “King of All Wild Things,” as they team up with the fearsome but loveable creatures. While journeying across their island, players learn amazing new skills and abilities. Solve action puzzles, overcome challenging obstacles, and play through a unique story narrative to uncover the mystery behind the hostile island and save the Wild Things before it’s too late!

At any time during the game players have the opportunity to explore the Wild Things’ Village and play through a variety of mini-games, interact with the creatures, and let their imaginations run wild! Where the Wild Things Are takes players on a unique and exciting journey beyond the movie, and brings to life one of the most beloved picture books of all time.

PS3/360/Wii PRODUCT FEATURES:

Rule the Island - Play as the mischievous Max, become King of All Wild Things, and join The Wild Things in their quest to find a way to safety before it’s too late!

Frolic in the Wild Things Village – Explore the Wild Things’ Village to meet all of the different creatures, play through mini-games, and acquire power-ups from each character.

Make ‘Wild’ Friends - Befriend and team-up with these fearsome but lovable mythical creatures – discover their unique personalities and learn new skills and abilities from them.

Discover the Undiscovered – Run, jump, climb, glide, fly and swing your way across the island’s dangerous terrain while battling fierce creatures with your trusty scepter.

Wander through Wild Worlds – Adventure across the mysterious island while tackling exciting unique worlds filled with fierce insects, shadow creatures and hazardous obstacles around every turn!

Experience Extended Adventures – Go beyond the movie to play through a unique story narrative– exploring never-before-seen environments.
Collectible Crusade – Search for more than 400 collectibles each associated with a Wild Thing. Collect enough and unlock special rewards inside the Wild Things Village!

As for the DS version:

PRODUCT OVERVIEW:

Inspired by the highly-anticipated Warner Bros. theatrical release based on the best-selling children’s book by Maurice Sendak, Where the Wild Things Are lets players take on the role of Max as he journeys across the land of the Wild Things, which is on the brink of destruction. Max must join forces with the Wilds Things to help save their island from impending destruction.

Where the Wild Things Are is a fun-filled adventure that takes players on a journey through the mysterious island of the Wild Things. Players assume the role of Max, “King of All Wild Things,” as they team up with the fearsome but loveable creatures. While journeying across their island, players learn amazing new skills and abilities. Solve action puzzles, overcome challenging obstacles, and play through a unique story narrative to uncover the mystery behind the hostile island and save the Wild Things before it’s too late!

Where the Wild Things Are takes players on a unique and exciting journey beyond the movie, and brings to life one of the most beloved picture books of all time.

DS PRODUCT FEATURES:

Rule the Island - Play as the mischievous Max, become King of All Wild Things, and join The Wild Things in their quest to save the island from destruction!

Frolic with the Wild Things – Explore the island to meet all of the different Wild Things, play through mini-games, and acquire unique “wild” abilities and power-ups from each character.

Discover the Undiscovered – Journey across the dangerous and foreboding island of the Wild Things, overcoming fierce enemies and hazardous obstacles around every turn.

Calm the Creatures – Before gaining new abilities from them, you must first calm each of the seven Wild Things through individual battles. Win and the Wild Thing becomes your companion for the rest of the game!

Wander through Wild Worlds – Adventure across the mysterious island while tackling 7 exciting and unique worlds, including 18 different levels and countless exhilarating challenges!

Unlock an Alternative Ending – Collect scepter achievements to unlock an alternate “rumpus” ending!

As to When The Wild Things Are stomping into stores, the console version has a "Fall" release date, while the DS game's info sheet says October 2009. Poking around the Internets shows that that date may be October 13 for both console and handheld versions, but I'll need to confirm this of course. We'll have updates on Where the Wild Things Are - The Video Game as they come in - stay tuned...

Spores Growing Soon On Wii, DS

EA and Maxis are expanding the hugely popular and expansive Spore universe with two all-new games, one each for the Nintendo Wii and DS/DSi. Titled Spore Hero and Spore Hero Arena, both games will ship this October. In addition, the official website has unique Spore-based content including mini-games, a Spore Hero widget and a newsletter users can sign up for to get more details on both titles. Speaking of more details, how about two screenshots and a little official press release action?

We do aim to please, y'know...


Get ready for heroic battles, vibrant worlds and boundless creativity! Maxis™, an Electronic Arts Inc. studio, today announced that Spore™ Hero and Spore™ Hero Arena will be available at North American retailers on Oct. 6 2009 and internationally on Oct. 9, 2009. Built from the ground up exclusively for the Wii™ and Nintendo DS™ platforms, Spore Hero and Spore Hero Arena introduce a new level of action-packed adventure and combat to the critically acclaimed Spore franchise.

“Spore Hero and Spore Hero Arena give Spore and Nintendo fans a new, dynamic and engaging way to interact with their customized creature heroes,” said Lucy Bradshaw, VP and General Manager at Maxis. “Players’ heroes take center stage as both games, distinctly tailor-made for its Nintendo platform, infuse creativity, combat and adventure to create a unique gameplay experience on the Wii and Nintendo DS.”

Spore Hero delivers the unparalleled creative freedom of Spore in an action-adventure game created exclusively for the Wii. Set in a rich and vibrant 3D world, Spore Hero empowers the player to become the hero as they embark on an epic quest to save their creature’s home planet from destruction. Along this journey, players engage in fun battles, and solve puzzles to collect and unlock more than 250 new creature parts, all with unique abilities. These parts, which can be used to customize creatures in the revolutionary Spore Creature Creator, can change the way creatures will play and fight in the world. Players can also utilize their brawling skills in a dynamic multiplayer mode, where they battle their friends with their own customized creature to become the ‘baddest’ Spore hero around!



Spore Hero Arena catapults players into a galaxy filled with fun and intense arena-based combat. Featuring an all-new story set in the same universe as Spore Hero, Spore Hero Arena takes players on a quest to save planets in their galaxy from an evil force. Throughout the game, players create their own unique gladiator hero creature and guide it from planet to planet as they fight enemy creatures, collect new parts, gain upgrades and unlock special abilities that will benefit their hero. Developed with multiplayer capabilities in mind, Spore Hero Arena also allows players to battle with up to three friends locally or play with a friend over Wi-Fi, taking the Spore gameplay experience to an entirely new and interactive level.

Available for $49.99 MSRP, Spore Hero is rated E10+ by the ESRB. Spore Hero Arena is available for $29.99 MSRP and is rated E by the ESRB.

We'll have more Spore Hero and Spore Hero Arena updates as they become available.

Stride Gum Says: Play a Game, Save an Arcade!

Stride Gum has had a few interesting promotions based around classic video games in the past, but this one is something anyone who considers him or herself "hardcore" should tackle as soon as they can. Hell, any one who considers themselves a gamer, period should click away and have a blast for the sake of arcades, period! I'll just shut up and run the entire press release, as it's pretty damn cool. Go Stride!

STRIDE^® GUM KICKS OFF “SAVE THE ARCADES” PROGRAM BY

RESCUING CLASSIC VIDEO GAME ARCADE

Company salutes long lasting tradition of arcade gaming by giving
$10,000 to arcade on the brink of closure

Gamers to choose next arcade to be saved with $25,000 prize at www.SavetheArcades.com

Parsippany, NJ (August 11, 2009) – With classic video game arcades facing the ultimate “game over”, the makers of STRIDE, The Ridiculously Long Lasting Gum^®, want to do everything they can to help keep the elbows bumping and quarters flowing. Enter Save the Arcades – a nationwide campaign to stop the disappearance of this beloved and endangered form of gaming.

Last week, STRIDE discovered that a Philadelphia-area arcade called Challenge Arcade was within days of closing down, so they decided to help. By providing $10,000, STRIDE ensured that Challenge will stay in business and continue to offer gaming goodness, world record events and tournaments to the community.

“What a wonderful gesture!” said Joe LeVan, Owner, Challenge Arcade. “I can't say enough good things about the folks at STRIDE who helped me stay afloat during this difficult time.”

“Well, we couldn’t launch ‘Save the Arcades’ without actually saving an arcade!” said Gary Osifchin, Marketing Director, STRIDE. “Now that Challenge Arcade is safe, we’ve identified four other arcades that deserve a long lasting existence, and we’re asking everyone who cares about gaming to help preserve this long lasting tradition and keep those quarters rolling in.”

STRIDE is inviting gaming enthusiasts everywhere to join the movement to save the arcades by choosing the next arcade to receive some financial support. Here’s how gamers can decide which iconic arcade receives a $25,000 award:

Here’s how gamers can decide which iconic arcade receives a $25,000 award:

1. Go to www.SaveTheArcades.com
2. Play the most highly anticipated game in the history of time for arcade gaming enthusiasts – Zapataur
3. Allocate your gaming points to one of four iconic video game arcades
4. Arcade that receives the most points will be awarded $25,000
5. ????
6. Profit.

STRIDE is proud to announce that the following independent-operator arcades will be participating in the Save the Arcades program and are eligible to score $25,000:

Arcade UFO in Austin, Texas – A unique blend of classic arcade games and rare Japanese titles

Arcade UFO owners Ryan & Crissy

Game Galaxy in Nashville, Tennessee – Proud owners of the most coin-operated pinball machines in Tennessee


Starbase Arcade in San Rafael, CA – Marin County’s first video arcade, operating for more than 25 years


Star Worlds Arcade in DeKalb, IL – A “living time capsule of video games,” operating for nearly 25 years

The Wizard of Oz: Beyond the Yellow Brick Road Press Release

OK folks, NOW it's official! Here's the press release in its entirety (so go pre-order the game already!):

Torrance, Calif., (July 20, 2009) – XSEED Games today announced that THE WIZARD OF OZ: Beyond the Yellow Brick Road, licensed by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, for the Nintendo DS is currently in development and scheduled for release in North America in Fall 2009. Released as RIZ-ZOAWD by D3Publisher in Japan, THE WIZARD OF OZ: Beyond the Yellow Brick Road is an RPG inspired by the beloved tale of Dorothy and her magical journey through the Land of Oz, showing a unique new perspective on what happened after reaching the end of the Yellow Brick Road.

THE WIZARD OF OZ: Beyond the Yellow Brick Road takes gamers through the endearing adventure of protagonist Dorothy and her lovely dog, Toto, turning these charming characters into classic RPG heroes. A tornado suddenly strikes a small farm in Kansas, savagely uprooting Dorothy and Toto with just one gust. After hours of dancing around in the bushel of wind, the pair eventually settles in an unfamiliar countryside. It is here Dorothy learns that the only way to return home is by following the ominous voice calling out to her to the end of the Yellow Brick Road. On her journey, Dorothy encounters some unlikely characters who eventually decide to join her on her quest.

Dorothy and Toto, together with their newfound companions – the Scarecrow, Lion and Tin Man— embark on an enchanting voyage filled with many obstacles. Upon reaching the castle at the end of the Yellow Brick Road, the group learns from a mysterious wizard that the magical land has been taken over by four evil witches that are running amuck. Dorothy and her friends are tasked with defeating the witches with a return trip to Kansas as the reward, but is this new mission beyond the Yellow Brick Road everything it appears to be?

"XSEED is extremely happy to be taking part in bringing this beloved tale to life in an interactive format,” said Jun Iwasaki, President of XSEED Games. “Everyone knows the story of how Dorothy arrived in Oz, but this is a unique interpretation on what happened afterwards."

THE WIZARD OF OZ: Beyond the Yellow Brick Road presents an unorthodox yet accessible method of gameplay in a beautifully realized 3-dimensional Land of Oz with an original soundtrack. Utilizing the touch screen capabilities of the DS, all actions are completely controlled by the stylus, including Dorothy’s movement and speed which respond to the rotation of a large trackball on the bottom screen that is spun using the stylus. THE WIZARD OF OZ: Beyond the Yellow Brick Road also features turn-based battles from a first-person viewpoint, with multiple customization options allowing the game to recommend the best actions per turn for expedited play, or manual entry for more involved gameplay.

XSEED Games partnered with D3Publisher to secure the North American rights to publish and distribute THE WIZARD OF OZ: Beyond the Yellow Brick Road. This title is being developed by Media.Vision and will be available during Fall 2009 exclusively for the Nintendo DS.

I'll have my hands-on impressions of the game (which is really beautiful, by the way) posted later this week - stay tuned.