Rainbow Six Vegas Wii?

t all started a few days ago when Dutch game and toy retailer, Bart Smit (equivalent to a Toys R Us or KB Toys here in N.America - so fairly reputable), put up a listing for Rainbow Six Las Vegas preorders.



Months back, the game was "mistakenly" listed on one of Ubi's foreign sites as being in development for Wii, only to be taken down shortly after. Here's a shot of the listing:



Since then, everyone seems to have forgotten the mixup, but this recent listing sparked more interest in our community... leading us to search out more Wii RSV preorder pages (even if they aren't the biggest name sites): test.factotus.it, www.1a-dvdshop.ch, www.2xgames.com, www.games.ine.ch, www.toppreise.ch, www.bestelspel.nl, www.dvd.it



The last of those is an Italian site with probably the best credibility, but more than that, it lists "Available: from 30-03-2007". Following this, a few of our members have contacted Bart Smit, garnering two responses to the situation... in Dutch (sorry for the poor babbelfish translations):

Dear lord/Ms,

We have received your e-mail and thank you for this.

The wii have been announced by our supplier, one expects the product January.



Kind regards,

Department customer service

and

Dear lord/Ms,



We have received your e-mail and thank you for this. The release date of the game has been postponed to March. You can reserve these by means of the web hops.



Kind regards,

Department customer service



P.S: Our ' many have already seen asked questions '? There you find the answers on much of your questions

So, if Bart Smit and the rest of these foreign retailers have anything to say on the matter, not to mention a potential slip up from Ubisoft themselves, Rainbow Six Vegas has a good shot of making it to the Wii by the end of this quarter. You can hold off on setting the money aside until the official announcement, but after looking into the matter, it's hard to not be at least a little curious as to why there are so many listings for a Wii version of the game.

Left 4 Dead - Coop Zombie killing

Let's talk about great game conventions. Let's see, there's guns. Everyone likes those. Zombies, gotta love zombies. What else? Ooh, co-op. There's nothing like good co-op. Turtle Rock Studios, the team behind Counter-Strike, looks to combine all of these things in one glorious package with their latest offering, Left 4 Dead. Left 4 Dead puts players in the middle of a contemporary setting in which an incredibly virulent strain of rabies has overtaken the general populace. So, we're not dealing with zombies per se, but definitely crazed people with a penchant for biting their neighbors. Players will create a group of four different survivors, each with different personalities and backgrounds, and fight for survival. Players will cooperate in a survival horror setting, blasting their way through several different "campaigns" which are essentially a series of connected maps that end in a final standoff as players wait for rescue.

But here's the twist: the enemies (the "infected") are playable as well. Whereas the human survivors have the same basic weapons and skills, the infected are divided into classes. Some enemies can vomit blood to attract other infected, others can reel in survivors with a long tongue, and the "tank" class can even power through concrete walls. Finally, Turtle Rock claims that their next gen AI technology will allow human players to drop in and out of the game without affecting the overall experience or restarting the scenario.

The idea of playing an online enabled, co-op survival horror game with playable enemies is positively dreamy (though not exactly original). If all that wasn't enough, the game is expected to hit the 360 by the end of 2007. Looks like we might have one more to put up on the big board.

51GB HD-DVD...1 more GB than Blu-Ray

Toshiba has announced a new 51GB HD-DVD Rom disc at this year's CES.



Beating Blu-ray by 1GB, Toshiba today said that they had successfully created a triple layer HD-DVD disc that could contain 51GB worth of data with 17GB on each layer.



"Continued improvement in disc mastering technology has achieved further minimization in the recording pit, supporting a further boost in capacity to 17GB in single layer and a full 51GB on a single-sided triple-layer disc. Toshiba has confirmed the disc structure and its successful operation." said the press release. "This time-tested physical structure offers proven volume manufacturing at little cost increment."



Toshiba has now closed the storage gab with Blu-ray, which can store 50GB on a dual-layered disc. It will be exciting to see if this has any effect on the raging format war. Stay tuned.

Ubisoft announces Enchanted Arms for the PS3

Ubisoft announced today that Enchanted Arms is being developed for the PlayStation 3 and will be available in stores this March. Enchanted Arms is being created by development studio FromSoftware in Japan and is one of the first next-generation Japanese RPG to be appearing on the PS3.

In Enchanted Arms, players will embark on an epic RPG adventure and escape to a fantasy world filled with unique and bizarre creatures. Taking the role of Atsuma, enchanter-in-training, players will transform from a naïve student into the most powerful savior in a war 1,000 years in the making. In an immersive, deep storyline filled with increasingly difficult challenges, players will meet new allies and master Atsuma’s special fighting and magic abilities.

Key Features Include:

· SIXAXIS™ Wireless Controller Integration Provides an Immersive Experience: Use the motion-sensitive controller to harness weapons, recover your EX power meter, unlock more powerful attacks and solve puzzles.

· Master the SpeedTactics Battle System: Easy-to-navigate interface, the ability to move characters in-battle and distance-dependent attacks combine to create fast-paced, hands-on gameplay.

· More Than 500 Characters, Including 130 Unlockable Creatures You Control: Find and unlock 130 controllable creatures to use in battle as part of your team. Customize your party and learn to harness their unique abilities. Includes 30 all new creatures exclusive to the PLAYSTATION 3 system.

· Includes Both the Original Japanese and an All-New English Language Track: Choose to play the game with either Japanese or English dialogue.

· More Than 50 Hours of Epic Gameplay: Delve deeper as you meet new characters and explore over 75 environments with multiple objectives and branching missions.

· Includes More Than an Hour of Anime Cinematics and Video: Including ten minutes of all-new exclusive video.

It's great to see another Xbox 360 title making it's way to the PS3.

Heavenly Sword release date revealed

The official US PlayStation 3 site has revealed the release date for one of the most anticipated games of the year.

Heavenly Sword will be exclusively available for PlayStation 3 on March 6th 2007.

The third person action title has amazed gamers ever since E3 with its slick gameplay and fantastic visuals.

Along with games such as MotorStorm and Lair, Heavenly Sword is tipped to be one of the top titles of the year for Sony's PS3.

It's developed by Ninja Theory and published by Sony Computer Entertainment.

A release date for Japan is unannounced, but we hope the game will be available when the PS3 is launched in Europe this March.

The Godfather coming to PS3

The Godfather was released on the PC, PS2, Xbox, Xbox 360 and other platforms last year. Many people hoped it would be released for the PS3 but EA didn’t make an official announcement, until now.


The Godfather The Don's Edition, offer brand new ways to go from Soldier to Don as you gain control of the streets of New York. Follow the path of an Enforcer or Operator; each with its own unique perks and abilities to earn. Now you can chat up specific characters to get the skinny on dirty cops, take down two additional revised compounds of rival Families, execute five new contract hits, and call in larger Corleone Hit Squads when the going gets tough. With The Godfather The Don's Edition also having the new Shipyard and Rail yard transportation hubs to explore and exploit; your path to the head of La Cosa Nostra is wrought with all new perils and excitement.

The Godfather The Don's Edition takes full advantage of the SIXAXIS controller for PS3; manhandle your controller to manhandle your opponent.

We’ll be looking forwarding to finding out more about The Godfather The Don's Edition in the near future.

-James

Gran Turismo HD updated to version 1.1

It appears Sony has released an update for Gran Turismo HD Concept which brings the game to version 1.1. Details are very scarce on what this update does but it comes at a size of 700MB.

The only information that PSU could find within the patch was a fix for the bug that would sometimes cause time to stop before the race was completed. We’ll continue to test it out until we’ve got more details for you.

Downloaders should be warned that this patch will remove your old lap times so proceed with caution.

-James

Two Worlds: The Temptation coming to the PS3?

South Peak Interactive is currently working on Two Worlds, an upcoming RPG game for the PC and Xbox 360. Gamestop has a product page which reveals that Two Worlds could be coming for the PS3, but this has yet to be confirmed.

Two Worlds combines the extremely dynamic and sophisticated combat system with the meaning and freedom of exploration exceeding the accomplishments of other games of the genre. A top quality Role Playing experience - the ultimate goal of the Two Worlds project is to deliver a superior Role Playing Game to the PC and Xbox 360 market where players have a real chance to shape the game world with their actions - to an extent that has yet to be seen in other productions. This premise will be supported with a strong, non-linear storyline, mind blowing graphics, and stunning combat sequences. To attract the mass audience, the complexity of the game will be achieved mainly through a variety of meaningful choices while the User Interface will be simplified.

If this information is correct, it’ll be nice to see the PS3 gaining some of the Xbox 360’s titles since the console has been capturing a lot of the PS3’s exclusives as of late. In the mean time, we’ll try to contact South Peak Interactive and get a confirmation about this story.

-James

Warcraft TD...Flash Game

I just had to throw this up. Most of us with computers fell victom to the warcraft 3 and the drug like addiction that comes with it. It's such a simple...almost stupid concept but you just can't stop playing. Well here is a little something to feed the addiction. I would venture to say the best flash game I have ever played by far! Props to David Scott!

http://novelconcepts.co.uk/FlashElementTD/

New Final Fantasy XIII details!

New details about Final Fantasy XIII have emerged from Jump magazine, via fansite Final-Fantasy-13.com.

According to the magazine the following details were confirmed:

- "Lightning" will be the official codename for the female heroine.
- The name of the ship in which you travel in will be called "Cocoon."
- Shiva has been confirmed as a summon.

Hopefully Square Enix will release the "behind closed doors" trailers seen only at Jump Festa and we can all catch a glimpse at what’s cooking for the PS3.

-James

Gundam Musou coming March 1 2007

The KOEI/Namco Bandai Group recently announced a new third person shooter for the PS3 called Gundam Musou, a title which features Gundams and has a Dynasty Warriors feel to it.

The release date for this title has now been announced: March 1st 2007 is when you should expect to see it in stores.

There is a shortage of details on Gundam Musou but we do know it’ll feature online modes and large-scale battles that will take place in both land and space. More details will be revealed to you once we’ve learned more about this title.


-James

Blu-ray Decent only watchable on PS3

There have been reports spreading around the internet that suggest the Blu-ray copy of The Descent is only working on the PS3’s Blu-ray player due to Java based technology.

Viewers are shown a blank screen when trying to run the film on a non-PS3 Blu-ray player.

Lions Gate Entertainment used BD-Java technology for some of the Extras, technology that is currently incompatible with BDP-S1 or Pioneer Elite Sony Blu-ray players. Sony knows about the problems and hopes to offer a fix to consumers early this year.

-James

I'm speachless...

In perhaps the strangest promotion ever, Roto Rooter is running a contest to win the ultimate toilet. Yeah, you read that right. Like something Tim Taylor would build on Home Improvement, the toilet includes an Xbox 360, flat screen HDTV, iPod with dock, TiVo, DVD player (no HD-DVD?), laptop, bull horn, bike pedals (?), beer tap, and a fridge. As Roto Rooter calls it, it really is a "seat of power." As an added bonus, the crapper comes with a Roto Rooter emergency button, which is kind of like OnStar for plumbing, apparently. Oh, and the toilet itself is a Kohler with a 1.4 gallon flush which is "not weak" according to Roto Rooter.

The promotion is an attempt to bring the Roto Rooter brand to a new generation. Well, it's working guys, because Roto Rooter was the last thing we ever thought we'd mention on the pages of Xbox 360 Fanboy. Congratulations.

The contest begins January 24th on the Roto Rooter website.

New CoD3 Map

Gears of War is generally the drug of choice for us at Gamerz Corner (well, that and snorting mustard), but for those of you who prefer war games about real wars, a new map is available* for Call of Duty 3. The map is called "Champs" and takes place in Port Royal de Champs, France. The map is well suited for small to medium sized games. The map is free and available now. Go grab it while it's hot.

Sony & Midway Announce PS Store Collaboration

Sony Online Entertainment announced today that it has licensed the rights from Miday to develop and release six classic Midway games for the PS3. These games will be made available for download from the PlayStation Network.

The six titles which you will be able to download are: Gauntlet II, Mortal Kombat II, Joust, Rampage World Tour, Rampart and Championship Sprint. All of these titles where chosen by Sony because of their multiplayer capability, allowing players to experience each of these classics with their friends in the comfort of their own living room, or anywhere else through an internet connection.

“We knew these titles would be a perfect fit for the PLAYSTATION Network, and based on Sony Online Entertainment’s legacy in the online space as well as their intimate knowledge of the PLAYSTATION Network, it was an obvious decision they would be a top company to work with to bring this project to fruition,” said Steve Allison, chief marketing officer, Midway.

In addition to its work on the development of the PLAYSTATION Network, SOE released a PLAYSTATION 3 launch title, Untold Legends™ Dark Kingdom™, in November of 2006.

The first of these titles will be released in early 2007. We’ll let you know which one that is and when it’s made available for download on the PS3 network at a later date.

-James

Sony ships one Million PS3 in US

At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2007 held in Las Vegas, Sony Computer Entertainment America [SCEA] announced today that they have shipped one million PS3 units across North America since launch – breaking the release record previously held by the PS2.

“The fact that we were able to reach the one-million mark faster than our top-selling platform, PS2, further validates the strength of the PlayStation brand and our belief that consumers are ready to experience true high-definition gaming.” said Jack Tretton, president and CEO, SCEA.

Due to high consumer demand, the PS3 reached the one-million mark even faster than its predecessors the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and the original PlayStation game console, which together have shipped more than 200 million hardware units and over two billion software units worldwide.

“SCEA went to great lengths to help meet demand for PS3, including airlifting systems into North America on a weekly basis to ensure a steady stream of units were available to consumers throughout the holiday season,” said Tretton.

“With three PlayStation platforms now available to users, 2007 will be about software and delivering innovative, new experiences and award-winning franchises to consumers, both through retail and through our online PLAYSTATION®Network.”

Sony have announced the following games to be on show at the Sony booth at CES 2007:



FORMULA ONE™ CHAMPIONSHIP EDITION – PS3
Gran Turismo™ HD Concept – PS3 Downloadable
Heavenly Sword™ – PS3
Killzone™: Liberation – PSP
Lair – PS3
MLB 07 The Show™ – PS3, PSP
MotorStorm™ – PS3
Ratchet & Clank®: Size Matters – PSP
SOCOM: U.S Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo 2 – PSP
Other features on display will include “Remote Play” for PS3, which allows the consumer to utilize their PSP to access content on their PS3 hard drive, including movies, television shows, videos and music.

-James

Sony: European launch still on track

In a recent statement Sony Computer Entertainment Chief Executive, Jack Tretton, has again reiterated Sony's commitment to sticking to the European release date of March 2007.

Recent speculation around the possibility of Sony missing the proposed date has caused concern amongst many gamers. Tretton’s comments should allow European gamers to breathe a sigh of relief; however, it is worth reminding readers that similar statements were made prior to the North American delay being announced.

Despite concern, PlayStation 3 unit production is in full swing and PSU expects Sony to meet its European launch commitments.

-James

Konami to scrap two more titles

Konami to cut more PS3 titles

Konami is to scrap two more titles for the PlayStation 3 according to Japanese magazine Famitsu

Gradius, a new title planned for the PS3, and Powerful Pro Baseball, a title set to be release exclusively in the Japan are the two titles allegedly being dropped from the game developers PS3 line up.

PlayStation enthusiasts can take some comfort in knowing they are not the only ones to miss out – two unannounced titles for the Nintendo Wii are also being dropped.

We have contacted Konami to get official confirmation but haven’t heard back as of yet. We will keep you posted with further developments.

-James