Archives by Day

About Rainier

PC gamer, WorthPlaying EIC, globe-trotting couch potato, patriot, '80s headbanger, movie watcher, music lover, foodie and man in black -- squirrel!

Advertising

As an Amazon Associate, we earn commission from qualifying purchases.





Tuesday, September 4, 2007 Shipping Announcements

by Rainier on Sept. 4, 2007 @ 4:21 a.m. PDT

Another day, another batch of games shipped to stores. Instead of giving them all their own posts, we grouped them, and so far there are announcements for:

Medal of Honor Airborne (X360/PC)

Medal of Honor Airborne is set to redefine the series and will change the way shooters are played. Medal of Honor Airborne offers a dramatically different approach to FPS games with its unprecedented non-linear gameplay.

"In recreating the largest airdrops in history, Medal of Honor Airborne brings a dramatic change and opens up the FPS genre with the innovative airdrop experience," explained Patrick Gilmore, VP and Executive Producer at EALA. "Players have the ability to land anywhere on the battlefield, and choose their own tactics to achieve victory, delivering unprecedented variety and freedom to the combat experience."

For the first time in a FPS game, players airdrop into combat from a C-47 and land anywhere in an open battlefield. The first step is everything and the player's landing spot can dramatically change the course of battle. Conflict on the ground offers unprecedented tactical choice in vertical, open battle spaces with a wealth of attack routes and flanking opportunities.

The Medal of Honor Airborne development team continues to ensure that the ideals and integrity of the prestigious Congressional Medal of Honor are accurately reflected in the game. The producers sought counsel from numerous expert sources to make certain the game is historically accurate and as true to the WWII Airborne experience as possible.

Award-winning composer Michael Giacchino has scored the music for Medal of Honor Airborne. An esteemed composer for numerous film and TV projects such as "Lost," "Alias," M:i:III (2007), The Incredibles (2004), and most recently Ratatouille (2007), Giacchino has been repeatedly recognized for his contributions to theatrical composition and score. As the original composer and creator of the memorable theme music for the Medal of Honor series, he helped set the bar for using music to bring emotion into gaming. Giacchino's extraordinary talents and musical sensibility have been utilized once again to bring a new dimension to the WWII FPS experience of Medal of Honor Airborne.

Medal of Honor Airborne is rated 'T' for Teen by the ESRB, 16+ by PEGI, and 18+ by USK. The Xbox 360 version has a US MSRP of $59.99 and the PC version has a US MSRP of $49.99. The game will ship to retailers throughout Europe on September 7. Medal of Honor Airborne for the PS3 will ship in November.

Lair (PS3)

Developed by Factor 5, Lair engages players to fight alongside a voracious dragon and to save a world from the brink of extinction by scorching, clawing and smashing through thousands of ravenous enemies and their war-trained beasts. Lair harnesses the power of PS3 system to deliver high-definition graphics in 1080p, immersive 7.1 surround sound, and interactive, motion-based control utilizing the SIXAXIS wireless controller.

"Lair showcases the advanced power and technology of PS3 through a combination of next-generation elements, including stunningly realistic graphics, a moving soundtrack, and full support of SIXAXIS," said Jeff Reese, director, software marketing, SCEA. "When you pair all of these features with an epic storyline, action-packed gameplay, and beautifully rendered cinematics, Lair delivers a unique experience that will appeal to users of all types, from hardcore to more casual players. Lair is truly raising the bar to unlock PS3's full potential."

Set in a world ravaged by endless conflict and natural disaster, a call for peace turns into a bloodbath of betrayal and deceit in Lair. Users play as a warrior named Rohn, who rides a powerful dragon as part of the Asylian army's elite Sky Guard. Rohn engages in a battle to stop the war-hungry Mokai and save the Asylian civilization, facing legions of soldiers and massive creatures in intense boss battles. Users engage in seamless air-to-ground combat to influence large-scale battles taking place in the skies, on land, and out at sea. As you take the reins of the dragon, you'll soar through the air utilizing the SIXAXIS motion sensitive controller for intuitive tilt control and gesture recognition, allowing for 180-degree turns, dives, and attacks.

Lair is one of the first 1080p native resolution games on the market, delivering jaw-dropping visuals at 30-frames-per-second. To complement the gorgeous environments and highly detailed characters, Lair is presented in true uncompressed 7.1 surround sound. Players are inevitably immersed into the action as they experience the cries of battle, the roaring of dragons, the crackle of fire and flames, and the sheer intensity of an all-out war.

Accompanied by a sweeping, emotive score by Academy Award-nominated composer, John Debney (Sin City, The Passion of the Christ), Lair offers an epic next-generation experience, unlike any other game currently available. "Creating new, original themes for this primal world has been one of the most stimulating experiences of my career, something I will look back on and cherish," said John Debney, Lair composer. "The score for this game is unique also in that it truly presents a large scale symphony in three acts; the music alone in this game would fill three complete movies. In the end we created a work richly melodic, deeply passionate, and savagely primal, all of which fits in with the theme, tone and dramatic elements of Lair."

As the game heats up and battles intensify, players can unlock new combos, upgrades and other gameplay elements, along with a vast array of extras including exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and developer commentary on this fully-packed Blu-Ray Disc. Lair offers deep replayability with sandbox-style gameplay that allows for varied strategies and a multi-tiered medal scoring system that constantly offers up new challenges as players advance. Players are then able to compare their statistics against other users via the online leaderboards and exchange tips on how to achieve even higher medals on the online forums -- all from within the game itself.

Lair is rated "T" for "Teen" (Descriptors: Blood and Gore, Violence) by the ESRB.

NARUTO: Uzumaki Chronicles 2 (PS2)

Unleashing hours of knockout ninja combat, NARUTO: Uzumaki Chronicles 2 surpasses its predecessor by offering multiplayer co-op and versus battles, more challenging missions, increased number of playable characters, as well as a new graphical art style.

“Since the runaway success of the manga and animated series from VIZ Media, the adventures of Naruto Uzumaki have become an international sensation,” said Makoto Iwai, Executive Vice President and COO, NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. “The fast-paced fury of NARUTO: Uzumaki Chronicles 2 captures the spirit of the iconic dynamo and will not leave fans of the series disappointed.”

In NARUTO: Uzumaki Chronicles 2, an ancient organization which was long thought disbanded is alive and well and in search of several orbs to resurrect a mechanical horror that will ravage the land. It’s now up to Naruto and all the Hidden Leaf Genin to join forces with those of the Hidden Sand Village to stop this menace. Unravel the mystery of the Shirogane Clan and their nefarious army of puppet walkers while mastering lethal attacks and moves straight from the anime series.

Players can live the life of their favorite Leaf Ninja including Naruto, Rock Lee, Kakashi, Guy, and more, as they complete story-driven missions or join forces with a friend for a simultaneous two-player adventure. The 3-D anime-style world of NARUTO waits to be explored as players take on challenges with multiple gameplay modes, an intriguing original storyline and bountiful character customization possibilities. With powerful moves to master and over 30 attack items at hand, the gripping gameplay is sure to thrill players on their journey to be the ultimate warrior.

Features:

  • New Original Adventure - Explore the Naruto world with a brand new story line that can only be experienced through NARUTO: Uzumaki Chronicles 2
  • Multiplayer Co-op and Vs Battles - During the game, a second player is able to join in on the action for a simultaneous two-player adventure! Or, fight head-to-head with a friend and battle it out for the title of Hokage.
  • Multiple Modes of Play - Additional gameplay modes further enhance the Naruto experience:
    • Story Mode - Play alone or with a friend and traverse a lush, 3-D anime-style world in which Naruto and his friends work together to unravel the mystery of the Shirogane Clan and their nefarious army of “puppet walkers.” Hone your skills to become the ultimate warrior and unlock a secret chapter of the story.
    • Mission Mode - Take on a series of challenging side missions.
    • Survival Mode - Test your skills to become the ultimate warrior and unlock hidden items.
  • Multiple Playable Characters - Choose your favorite from over 10 playable and customizable ninja, including Naruto, Shikamaru, Rock Lee, Kakashi, Guy, Gaara, or Choji
  • Character Customization - Prove yourself in battle and earn money to create the ultimate warrior using Chips and Plates that can customize your character’s speed, strength, stamina and even special moves.
  • Lethal Attacks and Weapons - Harness the power of Rasengan, Lightning Blade, Sand Coffin, and other moves, straight from the series!

NARUTO: Uzumaki Chronicles 2 is rated T for Teen by the ESRB and is now available for a suggested price of $39.99.

The Sims 2 Bon Voyage (PC)

Fans of the The Sims 2 can now experience all-new exotic destinations as they travel with their Sims! The Sims 2 Bon Voyage, which ships to store shelves today, is available as a PC expansion pack building on the celebrated The Sims 2 experience. Fans can now whisk their Sims away on a variety of exciting trips to three exotic locations including the Far East, Mountain Getaway, and even a Tropical Paradise!

Whether your Sims are meditating in a pristine Zen garden in the Far East, enjoying an adventurous helicopter tour through the mountains, or relaxing in a luxury suite in the Tropics, they'll enjoy a myriad of all-new activities to unwind and rejuvenate. From exploring ancient ruins and building sand castles to catching some rays after a boardwalk shopping spree, players can quickly transform their Sims from bumbling tourists to savvy international travelers. Sims will also learn new customs including local greetings and dances to take home and teach to their friends. With The Sims 2 Bon Voyage, players can send their Sims packing for the trip of a lifetime!

As your Sims travel, they'll interact and learn from a variety of real and mythical locals including the wise old hermit, fire dancers -- even Big Foot! Like all true tourists, your Sims will be able to decorate their homes with unique souvenirs from their trips that are available only at destinations within The Sims 2 Bon Voyage. They can even buy unique jewelry to wear or take home as gifts! Fall in love with the hula dance lei from your Sims' tropical beach vacation? Bring it back and flaunt to the neighbors! Love the moves your Sim mastered doing the Slap Dance at the rustic lodge? Teach fellow Sims the tricks of the trade back at home. What your Sims learn and collect is up to you!

"The Sims 2 players will be amazed by the amount of environments and activities that are offered in Bon Voyage. We have opened up a world of opportunity for your Sims to travel and expand their cultural horizons as well as relax and escape from their hectic everyday routines," Studio Head of The Sims Label, Rod Humble, states. "Whether your Sims are enjoying local treats on white sandy beaches, learning Tai Chi from experts in the Far East or honing their log-rolling skills at a rustic mountain camp -- there's always a new fun way to stay entertained in The Sims 2 Bon Voyage!"

The Sims 2 Bon Voyage will ship under the EA brand and is rated "T" for Teen by the ESRB. The game will ship August 31st in Europe and across the US as a PC expansion pack(1) that builds on the original The Sims 2 PC game experience.

Features :

  • Travel to Three Exotic Destinations: Each location offers unique landscapes and local residents, such as the Fire Dancer and Ninja, for your Sims to meet and learn from. Try local cuisine and admire cultural landmarks as your Sims explore these new locales.
  • Send Your Sims on Tours: Glass bottom boat rides, adventurous van tours, and other excursions are fun new activities for your Sims, but there may be some surprises in store!
  • Buy or Find Unique Items: Shop for rare items found only on your Sims' travels, including unique jewelry they can wear or take home as gifts. Stumble upon hidden locations, collect shells on the beach, or dig up treasure.
  • Stay at New Travel Accommodations: Splurge on a luxury suite for your Sims or choose a cozy cabin. Your Sims will enjoy the comfort of room service, get pampered at the spa, and more.

Requires The Sims 2, The Sims 2 Special DVD Edition, The Sims 2 Holiday Edition or The Sims 2 Deluxe for PC to play.

Worms: Open Warfare 2 (NDS/PSP)

Worms: Open Warfare 2 features classic Worms humor, unprecedented customization options, as well as online multiplayer mode, pitting Worms fiends from around the world against each other.

In Worms: Open Warfare 2, players can look forward to classic modes such as Deathmatch, as well as several new single and multiplayer modes such as Rope Race, Forts, Puzzle and Campaign modes that challenge players to use new strategies and teamwork to defeat their enemies. The game’s vast arsenal of weaponry features 11 brand new weapons including the Bunker Buster and Buffalo of Lies, as well as tried and true weapons such as the Super Sheep, Concrete Donkey and Holy Hand Grenade. Players will command their troops across six new war-themed environments based on famous battles throughout history, in addition to a fictional battle set in the future. Worms: Open Warfare 2 also takes the battle online via Wi-Fi, allowing gamers to post their Worms expertise with daily updated stats and leaderboards on the official Worms: Open Warfare 2 website. Players will also experience new, in-depth customization options including landscape and team flag editors, as well as modified hats, tombstones and victory dances for their worm teams.

An additional Worms title, Worms 2007, is also now available for wireless handsets across all major mobile carriers worldwide. Worms: Open Warfare 2 and Worms 2007 were developed by Team17 Software Ltd out of West Yorkshire, UK. The studio is currently working on THQ’s recently announced Worms: A Space Oddity, which is expected to be available in spring 2008. Worms: A Space Oddity will mark the franchise debut on the Wii™ home video game system and will feature a control scheme designed specifically for this system.

Worms: Open Warfare 2 is rated E10+ and is now available for a suggested retail price of $29.99.

Undercover: Operation Wintersun (PC)

This third person perspective game with beautifully created 2D environments is no commonplace Adventure. It is best described as an enthralling point & click Adventure requiring stealth, cunning and puzzle solving skills, all set in Hitler's Germany. Undercover features a powerful spy-thriller theme with suspenseful situations. Although the story is purely fictitious, historical World War 2 facts remain highly authentic, establishing a compelling gameplay experience.

Lighthouse CEO Erik Schreuder said, "We are extremely proud to announce that Undercover: Operation Wintersun will soon be hitting store shelves. This is the first time players will have the opportunity to experience an Adventure game entirely set in World War 2, a theme popular in other video game genres, but yet to be explored so deeply in an Adventure game." Schreuder went on to say, "This is a great game that allows players to go undercover to prevent the Nazi regime from building the World's first nuclear bomb. We are sure gamers around the World will enjoy the experience."

In 1943, Hitler's Germany is performing scientific research on nuclear fission intending to produce nuclear energy, as well as devastating nuclear weaponry. Slip into the role of Dr. John Russell, a renowned British nuclear physicist who is hired by Britain's Secret Service MI6 to become an undercover agent. Your mission: prevent the Third Reich from building the World's first nuclear bomb. Embark on a dangerous and enthralling adventure that will have you looking over your shoulder and questioning who you can trust. Explore the heart of historic war-torn locations including: London, Berlin and Stalingrad, as you work with other Allied operatives to serve your country, the Crown, and defend the World from destruction.

Features :

  • Explore incredible vistas populated with ambient animations, dynamic weather effects, plus advanced lighting and shadows
  • A variety of mini-games requiring quick wit and stealth adds depth to your gameplay experience
  • Interact with plenty of characters integral to the elaborate character-driven plot
  • Use your sharp observation skills to solve a multitude of challenging puzzles
  • Highly realistic graphics combine with astonishing cinematics to create an immersive experience
  • Mouse driven 3D real-time characters makes it simple to navigate

blog comments powered by Disqus