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NCsoft has given gamers a preview of details from the next update for City of Heroes. With Issue 13: “Architect” City of Heroes takes a flying leap forward by giving players access to an editor which will allow them to create their own episodes from the ground up.

There are other significant changes to CoH including two new power sets; the classic Shield and for all those villains out there, Pain Domination which is the evil opposite of “empathy”. Heroes will now also have Day Jobs. You’ll get perks dependent on where you log out.

A character’s day job is determined by the actual in-game location from which he or she logs out. If players log out from a University their day job is considered to be a Scholar. If they log out from City Hall they’re a City Official. The benefits are thematically appropriate to the location. For example, a City Official earns extra Influence, a Scholar is granted Salvage, a Caregiver is granted Health Regeneration Buffs, etc.

For more on day jobs, the adventure creation system, the merit reward system and other new content read the full preview on the City of Heroes Community Site.

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According to a recent GameSpot post, Transmission Games is not going to be developing the new Sin City game after all.

Still expected sometime in 2009, the Frank Miller game will instead be handled by a development house which has yet to be revealed. This change apparently happened quite a while ago so that Transmission could focus more on Red Mile’s upcoming flight combat sim Heroes Over Europe.

While not much has been divulged about the game adaption of Miller’s highly acclaimed work, it is known that Sin CIty will be built using the Unreal Engine 3 and will be made available for the PS3, Wii and Xbox 360 around Christmas next year.

Gaming Today has been following the progress of the Sin City game since May 2007. If you would like to read up on what little we do know, click here.

In the meantime, feel confident in the fact that if we hear anything else, we will be sure to post it.

There are a number of things DICE has to do with the free-to-play Battlefield Heroes in order for it to become the mainstream, anyone-can-play shooter that they and EA are hoping for. Not requiring a high-end machine PC is among their parameters, but the drawback of that is the impact on what they’re capable of DICE can do in the game.

Ben Cousins, DICE’s executive producer of the Battlefield series, revealed in an interview with GamesIndustry.biz that Heroes’ low set of specs has forced them to scale back the number of players you can have in a game. He explained, “We have really good 16-player matches [but] the engine supports up to 64 players and we reduced that because we want to have a sensible minimum spectrum of player and also for the servers - the servers are slightly less costly to run than previous Battlefield games.”

Thankfully there’s still hope that they could be later implemented. “Really we’d like to have huge 64-player crazy Battlefield Heroes matches but that’s not possible at the moment - that’s something that we’d look at maybe in the future, maybe we would have special access to 64-player games potentially,” he added.

There are already more than 10,000 players in the closed beta at this point, with plans to continue expanding it “to the point where every hardcore gamer in the world will probably be able to get a key if they want to.” The game won’t have a grand opening like your average retail game does — as far as Cousins and the team at DICE is concerned, the game is “already out,” despite EA’s announcement that the game has been delayed.

It’s very much a new style of releasing something in the games space. Cousins drew comparisons to the way Wikipedia and Facebook have grown over time without a huge initial release, claiming the “network effect” would be what they relied on to see the game’s community grow.

Many will be watching, as the success or failure of Heroes will be setting a major precedent going forward. This Korean MMO-style game has yet to really catch on in the West, so it’ll be interesting to see how the public reacts as the closed beta continues to expand.

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away… no longer ago actually. Before the Rebellion against the Empire, before the emo Darth Vader years, before the Clone Wars and even before George Lucas destroyed the Force with Midi-chlorians there was an age of bold knights and heroes. An age filled with warfare against the honorable yet ruthless Mandalorians and the misguided second Sith empire.

The era that brought Star Wars back to its core fantasy roots in Bioware’s excellent Knights of the Old Republic and the promising (but incomplete) tale of The Sith Lords on the PC and Xbox finally gets the pen and paper treatment in the latest edition of the Star Wars RPG.

The Knights of the Old Republic Campaign Guide sets the bar high for continued products in Wizards of the Coast’s Star Wars SAGA line by providing an excellent and well constructed overview of the mid-republic era.

Read the full article

Sony Online Entertainment is spilling more details on Fan Faire 2008. For the second year running, SOE president John Smedley will kick off the event with the Community Address. There will be a simultaneous streaming video broadcast online as well as a live audio broadcast in EverQuest, EverQuest II and Star Wars Galaxies through Station Voice by Vivox.

WHEN
Friday, August 15th at 6:00pm PST.

WHERE
To view the live webcast, please go to:
http://www.videonewswire.com/event.asp?id=50659

To listen to audio broadcast in-game, please go to:
www.station.sony.com/stationvoice

According to the SOE press release, SOE will be featuring all its MMOs including a lineup including the hit titles EverQuest, EverQuest II, EverQuest Online Adventures, PlanetSide, Star Wars Galaxies and Vanguard: Saga of Heroes as well as upcoming titles Free Realms, The Agency and more. SOE’s Fan Faire runs from August 15-17th in Las Vegas. For further details on events check out the official Fan Faire 2008 website. Although online registration is officially closed, on-site registration is now open at the Hilton Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

If the music from the recent trailers for Rise of the Argonauts sounds like a style you’ve heard before, that’s probably because it’s from acclaimed composer, Tyler Bates. He’s known for some of his work on feature films, including 300, Dawn of the Dead, and the upcoming The Watchmen. This upcoming action RPG set in ancient Greece will mark his first foray into the world of video games, according to Bates:

“The mythical nature of Rise of the Argonauts encouraged me to go beyond TV and movies and compose the score for my first video game,” said Tyler Bates. “Rise of the Argonauts is an epic game with some of the biggest Greek heroes like Jason, Hercules and Achilles, which inspired me to compose dramatic, sweeping music to create the proper setting for this exciting adventure.”

If the man can put together soundtracks for such an epic and memorable film as 300, then he’s certainly more than qualified to lend his talents to a video game.

Via Codemasters

It’s time for me to be reminded about how badly I was ripped off with an annual subscription — that’s right, it’s time for the third episode of Qore! This month’s is special in that it’ll guarantee you access to the Resistance 2 beta. Annual subscribers will get in on the “premiere” status beta, which is just a fancy way of saying you’ll get in earlier than those who opt to purchase this single episode of Qore.

In the world of downloadable content, there’s a new track ($3.99) and several skin packs ($2.49 each) for NASCAR 09, a team mode add-on for Snakeball ($1.99), and new tracks for both Rock Band and Guitar Hero III.

One other noteworthy release is the PlayStation Home theme which, as we informed you earlier, will automatically enter you for a slot in the Home beta. You’re not guaranteed a spot, but this is currently the only way to get into the beta as it expands in late August.

Hit the full break for the full list of content.

Read the full article

Flower, Sun, and Rain is a DS port of a PS2 mystery game. The trailer shows off how the gameplay works basically like an interactive novel with a few puzzles and such involving the stylus and touch screen. So why should you care? Because the game was made by Suda 51, the visionary mind behind bizarre cult faves Killer 7 and No More Heroes. Sure, the video may look a little strange and quirky, but knowing Suda 51’s past work, I’m guessing that’s just scratching the surface.

I realize its been a few weeks since the last installment of The Analog Gamer but E3 and this little thing called a vacation got in the way, so this week instead of continuing our analysis of Super heroes since I figure many readers have even forgotten that was the plan I thought I’d do a quick geek out session and talk about the recently released book of trouble for the Star Wars SAGA system – Threats of the Galaxy.

While every RPG seemingly requires a book of monsters and enemies for game runners to use as opponents in their homespun adventures, Threats of the Galaxy has a slightly different approach than what we’ve seen in the past. I credit this difference to the approach players and storytellers have to take with a game like Star Wars. Despite the setting’s fantastic elements it is not quite the “Monty Haul” game that its cousin Dungeons & Dragons is, or at least I don’t think it should be anyway.

D&D seemingly was built to be a kill the monster, save the princess, get “Phat loot” sort of system. Taking the lead of George Lucas’ films and the expanded universe content surrounding them, Star Wars can cover the same ground but when was the last time anyone thought Luke or Han was in it for the +4 Lightsaber or the Biker Scout’s Stomrtooper armor?

Read the full article

For anyone interested in getting to know more about The Witcher’s, protagonist there’s an article available profiling of Geralt of Rivia from one gamer’s perspective. Meet Geralt introduces the “White Wolf” letting readers get to know more about this “hero”.

Geralt is definitely not a knight in shining armor, although he does seem to get all the girls. You can even collect cards of those you tumble in the game. He’s a coarse, somewhat feral looking guy who enjoys brawling, betting on dice and drinking people under the table when he’s not out hunting down monsters.

Although the author doesn’t care to play in Geralt’s shoes, this flawed hero may appeal to many gamers who are tired of the perfect, pretty-boy heroes so common to other role-playing and RPGs. Read the full profile on Twenty Sided and decide for yourself.

This autumn, the long-awaited release of Flower, Sun and Rain for the Nintendo DS will be making its way to North America and Europe.

Written and directed by the infamous games creator Suda51, this Nintendo DS exclusive is the first chance western gamers have had to experience one of their earliest creations and offers an insight into the evolution of his unique style reminiscent of Killer7 and No More Heroes.

Flower, Sun and Rain is a mystery adventure very much in the vein of Groundhog Day. You play a detective charged with locating and defusing a bomb by solving thought-provoking puzzles with a wealth of bizarre outcomes. Solving the mystery of what is happening to him and his surroundings is necessary before he eventually goes insane.

Originally released on the PS2, Flower, Sun and Rain was never available outside of Japan and has been high on wish lists of every Suda51 fan since Killer7 was unleashed on the western market in 2005. This updated Nintendo DS version features all the quirks that made the original a hit and uniquely utilizes the touch screen to solve mysteries, offering players a more intimate experience.

No set release date has been given at this point, other than it is coming in the Fall, so check back with us often. A trailer for the game is expected to hit on Monday, August 3rd, and you can bet we will have it here on Gaming Today.

For screens of the DS version, click here.

Via: Press Release

NCsoft has announced an agreement with some of North America’s largest retail chains to offer pre-paid NCsoft Game Cards for use with its MMOs. The game cards are for City of Heroes, Tabula Rasa and Exsteel and come with bonus in-game items.

City of Heroes and Tabula Rasa game cards will allow gamers that don’t have credit cards get in on these subscription games. Exsteel cards are good for micro transactions for the free-to-play MMO, similar to cards offered for Gaia and Maple Story.

Gamers can now find NCsoft Game Cards for City of Heroes and Exteel at Target stores City of Heroes, Exteel and Tabula Rasa cards hit Best Buy August 3 and Rite Aid will begin offering City of Heroes cards on September 3. NCsoft will be adding more retail stores to its program in the near future.

A full description of cards benefits for each MMO follows after the break.
Read the full article

Straight out of this year’s Comic-Con, PlayStation.Blog has a live video demonstration of Sony Online Entertainment’s upcoming superhero MMO, DC Universe Online. People are actually getting to go hands-on with the game at the event, so what you see in the video above will give you a look at some actual gameplay. It’ll certainly give you a better feel for the game than the debut trailer Stephany posted last week.

It’s difficult to look at the game and not feel like you’re watching City of Heroes with DC characters sprinkled in — which, for the most part, would be perfectly fine by me. SOE is emphasizing fewer instances and grinding, and more action. But why do I feel like the game will without a doubt be filled with quests like “Take out 10 bad guys” and “Collect 15 trash cans?”

I really hope they figure out a way around that, because that’s really what I usually find to be the thing that kills MMOs for me.

XBLA Hors D’oeurvres are a weekly feature where I play the latest Xbox Live Arcade game – in trial form – for no more than 10 minutes, and then summarize my impressions of the game based upon only that.

The 194X games hold a special place in my heart, as they were among the first shooters I ever played — certainly the first vertically scrolling shooter. Naturally, an updated version of 1942 seemed like it was right up my alley, particularly considering the number of games similar to this that I play, I’d be glad to get the nostlagia factor in there.

Capcom wasn’t promising the world with Joint Strike, but basically just what you think when you hear “updated version.” I thought that’s all I wanted, but as it turns out, I was very wrong.

Read the full article

You just can’t go to Comic Con without either being dressed as your favorite fictional character, or seeing people dressed as their favorite fictional character. With the rise in popularity of videogames, more and more people are starting to dress-up as gaming chartacters instead of (originally) comic heroes and heronies.

So far, in just one day alone, the FF crowd has come out, along with the Ghostbusters, Halo fans and the usual suspects. Unfortunatley sometimes, which is the funniest part in my opinion, people do not make the wisest of choices when it comes to their outfits. While I am all for equality in all shapes and sizes, have some taste and respect for both Yuna and your fellow Comic Con attendees.

Thanks: MTV Multiplayer

Codemasters has announced the EU release of Book 14: The Ring Forges, the latest free content update for LotRO Shadows of Angmar.

Book 14: The Ring-forges of Eregion brings a wide array of changes to LotRO, including the addition of Eregion, the continuation of the epic questline, and preparations for Moria.  Codematsers has also been hard at work adding even more player-requested features to the game.

Highlights:

• Eregion: Journey to where the Elven Rings were forged
• Epic Quest: The epic quest continues with world events that open up the adventure to every player across all servers
• Moria Prelude Quests: Aid the Fellowship of the Ring as they prepare to leave Rivendell and make their way toward Mordor.
• Dungeons: The loot dropped in all instances and raids is being upgraded, and bosses and mobs are being adjusted to make for even better play experiences! Now is the time to prepare for the dangers that dwell in Moria
• Animation Improvements: LOTRO continues to polish the experience
• Animations and sounds for each Minstrel skill using their equipped instrument (no longer just the Lute!)
• Monster play emote animations for Orc, Uruk, Spider and Warg
• New animations for 12 emotes – plus three new animated emotes

You can get the EU Patch by hitting the badge below. Full release notes are listed after the jump.

Read the full article

The San Diego Comic Con is underway as we speak, and with it comes a new trailer for Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2: Fusion. The “Fusion” in the title refers to how you can use certain superheroes’ powers together for more devastating attacks. Like its predecessor, this game will have you taking control of some of Marvel’s most well-known characters, as well as a few others. The game is slated to hit the Xbox 360, PS2, PS3, Wii, and DS in early 2009.

Comic-Book Legend and all around cool customer Stan Lee will be leading a behind-the-scenes look at bringing famed characters to next-gen games which will be the highlight of Activision’s Comic-Con activities. Highlight.. I’ll say it is! Stan Lee is one of my heroes.

If you plan on attending the event, here is what you have to look forward to:

WHO: Stan Lee; Marvel comic book writer, Brian Reed; and Activision developers Vicarious Visions and Shaba Games

WHAT: Moderated panel at San Diego Comic-Con followed by audience questions.

Stan Lee joins former game designer and current comic writer Brian Reed, along with members from Activision’s development studios behind Spider-Man™: Web of Shadows and Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2: Fusion, for a behind-the-scenes discussion of the creative process, story development and technology used to bring comic book heroes to life in the most advanced Super Hero games ever.

Additional Activision Comic-Con booth activities include:

• Voiceover sessions for Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2: Fusion
• Scheduled viewings of new Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2: Fusion trailer
• Unveiling of consumer-selected trailer for Spider-Man: Web of Shadows

MEDIA / CONSUMER OPPORTUNITY:

• Photo opportunity with Stan Lee, Chairman Emeritus of Marvel Entertainment and Chief Creative Officer of POW! Entertainment
• Interview with Brian Reed, Marvel Comic Book Writer
• Interview with Brian Shutt, Vicarious Visions, Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2: Fusion
• Interview with Chris Scholz, Shaba Games, Spider-Man: Web of Shadows

If any of our readers out there do decide to attend Comic Con, let us know what you thought of the festivities. Details like dates and times are posted after the jump. In the meantime, I just had to post my favorite Stan Lee apperance in cartoon form from one of my favorite Simpson’s episodes, “Angry Dad”.

Enjoy.

Read the full article

Whoa there, GameTap; I think I need a minute. You’re telling me that you’ve partnered up with THQ to bring some of their games to your subscription service? And what’s more, these are actually some of their best titles? I need to sit down…preferably in front of my gaming rig. Yes, GameTap has indeed confirmed a number of cool titles will be making their way to their service this summer, games such as:

• Warhammer 40k: Dawn of War
• Company of Heroes
• Red Faction
• Supreme Commander
• Saints Row 2
• Titan Quest
• Puzzle Quest
• S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl

There’s enough games there to keep you occupied for quite awhile (Puzzle Quest alone may steal a couple weeks off your life). The only out-of-place one on the list seems to be Saints Row 2, since that makes me wonder if the game will hit GameTap the same day it hits retail — like Codemasters did with Jericho.

Via Press Release

Namco Bandai has released five trailers and quite a few screens from their upcoming Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World.

For those who are unfamiliar with Tales of Symphonia for the Nintendo GameCube, the newest installment Dawn of the New World follows the journey of two new young heroes, Emil Castagnier and Marta Lualdi, as they seek to uncover the mystery of why their world has fallen into ruin. In their quest, their paths will cross with the original cast of Tales of Symphonia including Lloyd and Colette, as well as a summon spirit known as Ratatosk who claims to be the lord of all monsters.

Dawn of the New World will introduce a new monster recruitment feature in which players can capture more than 200 unique enemies and train them to actively participate in battle. Players can then feed these monsters to make them more effective, and even evolve them into several new fearsome forms. The game also features an updated real-time battle system that lets players move freely in all directions around the battlefield, execute unison attacks and take advantage of a new elemental alignment system for more strategic depth. Dawn of the New World will give players complete control over a full roster of Tales of Symphonia characters and ally monsters, letting them customize their adventure party into hundreds of unique combinations.

Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World is a Wii exclusive and a release date for North America and Europe is to be announced soon. You can view more E3 screens for the game here.

• Classic Tales – Return to the world of Tales of Symphonia and discover the aftermath of the merging of the two worlds
• Over 200 unique monsters – Capture, collect, and feed monsters as they grow, gain experience and even evolve into completely new, more powerful beasts
• Enhanced for the Wii™ Console – Environments, characters and effects look better than ever
• Evolved Battle System – The Tales RPG trademark real-time battle system returns with an all new free run system, dynamic unison attacks and a strategic elemental system
• It’s your Party – Customize the party with unlimited combinations of monsters and characters throughout the adventure
• A decade of Tales – Celebrating the Tales 10 year anniversary in North America

Trailer 2

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Trailer 5