Literary Illusions

Ok, I admit it. I’ve been dying to get my hands on a copy of Brutal Legend, ever since I saw the game preview at E3 09. This game looks hella sweet. It even features the voice of the hilariously talented Jack Black. Honestly, you really can’t go wrong with a game like this.

Well, here it is, the release day for Brutal Legend. It has finally arrived and to celebrate, I’ve been sent not one but two Brutal Legend videos. These “Brutal Thoughts” are sure to get you pumped up for the game release.

Are you ready to get Brutal? Feel free to let me know by leaving a comment on your thoughts on these videos and the game itself.

Technorati Tags: Brutal Legend, Video Game, Jack Black, Brutal Thoughts, Video, Game Release, Music Game, Rock

I just received the following information about a sweepstakes that Gamestop is working on, in honor of the upcoming release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. There are over 2,000 different prizes that fans of the game can win.

Here is a look at the Gamestop Teaser Trailer and the press release I received:

Sweepstakes Offers Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Fans a Shot at Prizes Fit for a Soldier

GRAPEVINE, Texas–Oct. 6, 2009– For the next 5 weeks, fans of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 need to stay on their toes. GameStop Corp. (NYSE:GME), the world’s largest video game and entertainment software retailer, today kicks off its “Surprize Attack” sweepstakes to help launch Modern Warfare 2, the sixth installment in the iconic Call of Duty series. More than 2,600 killer prizes are available through Nov. 10 in this sweepstakes created exclusively for GameStop pre-order customers.

Entering the “Surprize Attack” sweepstakes is simple. Fans can pre-order the game at any local GameStop or online at www.gamestop.com and use their receipt code or online order confirmation number to enter. The code can be entered up to twice a day before 11:10:09 a.m. and 11:10:09 p.m. CT on the “Surprize Attack” website, www.surprizeattack.com, for a chance to win prizes in 80 random drawings. Consumers can also opt-in to the Task Force 141 mobile game for impromptu missions and more chances to win.

GameStop is offering several levels of prizes during the sweepstakes including:

* Tricked-out Hummer H2
* Ducati Hypermotard 1100 motorcycle
* Zodiac inflatable boat
* 100,000 rubles (approximately $3,300 USD)
* Polaris snowmobile
* Night vision goggles
* Laser range finders
* Smart phones
* Autographed artwork
* Binoculars
* Exclusive Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 branded wearables

The top prizes, including the Hummer H2, Ducati motorcycle, Polaris snowmobile, and 100,000 rubles will be interspersed throughout the sweepstakes. The entry pool resets every 12 hours, so fans can enter twice a day during the sweepstakes period. There is a limit of one prize per person, family or household.

For complete rules and additional details, visit a local GameStop retail location or www.surprizeattack.com. No purchase necessary to participate. Purchase does not improve chances of winning. Void where prohibited.

Note: Customers who pre-ordered the game prior to Oct. 1 can go to www.surprizeattack.com to register.

Technorati Tags: Call of Duty 2: Modern Warfare, Surprize Attack Sweepstakes, Gamestop, Video Game, Win Prizes, Giveaway, Contest, Gaming, Call of Duty

I just received an email about a HUGE gaming announcement that ZEN Studios is going to be making. I’m not exactly sure what the announcement is going to be about. In fact, all I know is that gamers are supposed to be excited by this announcement. Here are a few of the hints I have been given.

#1 – Obviously, it involves Zen Studios.

#2 – The announcement will be made tomorrow on the Playstation Official Blog.

#3 – The following picture holds the key to it all!

So, do you have any idea about the new game announcement? I won’t give any more hints than I already have. Feel free to post in the comment section with your ideas.

Technorati Tags: ZEN Studios, Playstation, Video Game, Announcement, Gaming, Secret Image, Guess, Hint, Mystery

Here are some Screenshots, Renderings and Concept Art for James Cameron’s Avatar: The Game. I don’t know about you, but these screenshots look absolutely amazing. After seeing a preview of the game at E3 I knew I wanted to have a chance to play this game, but now I’m certain I’d like to add this to my gaming collection.

Technorati Tags: Avatar: The Game, Avatar, James Cameron, Concept Art, Rendered Images, Video Game, Gaming

I don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to both the movie and game release of James Cameron’s Avatar. I still don’t know a huge amount about it (though I did learn something about the story at E3 09). This is part of why I decided to post this Q&A with the scriptwriter, Kevin Shortt.

This interview answers questions explaining the differences between the movie and the game storyline wise, the characters and a whole lot more!

1. Does the storyline follow that of the movie?

The game story and the film story are two completely different adventures. The game timeline is two years before the movie covering a story that happens on a different part of the moon, Pandora. Our goal was to expand on the universe that James Cameron has created. We didn’t want a repeat of the movie adventure in a game format. Instead, we wanted an opportunity for fans to learn more about this beautiful world and the growing conflict between the RDA and the Na’vi.

2. What is the storyline of the Next-Gen game?

In the NG story, you play a character named Able Ryder, a signals specialist brought from Earth to help the RDA track down a sacred site on Pandora. If the RDA can find it, they can take control of the planet away from the Na’vi. This will allow the RDA to continue their mining of the planet’s resources that are desperately needed back on Earth. The Na’vi learn of the plan and start their own race to find the sacred site. You’re soon faced with a choice: do you want to help the Na’vi preserve their way of life? Or do you want to join the RDA and help to restore order to a mission quickly falling out of control?

3. Who are the main characters?

You play as Able Ryder, a Signals Specialist brought from Earth to join the Avatar Program, and to track down a sacred site on Pandora.

Kendra Midori is your main contact for the RDA. She believes in the RDA cause and reluctantly understands that war may be unavoidable between the Na’vi and the RDA.

Commander Falco is the Head of Security for the RDA. He sees the Na’vi as nothing more than a virus. A virus that has to be wiped clean if the RDA objectives are to be preserved.

Dr. Harper is Head of the RDA’s Avatar Program. Through all his years on Pandora, Harper has formed a close bond with many of the Na’vi. He understands their way of life and he sees the destructive nature of the RDA mining operations.

Tan Jala is a Na’vi warrior who wants peace with the RDA. He believes in dialogue with an open palm, not a fist.

Beyda’amo is a Na’vi warrior who believes there is no room for peace with the RDA. They must be eliminated – simple as that.

Tsahik Sänume is the matriarch of the Na’vi Tipani Clan. She believes Able Ryder can help the Na’vi to stop the RDA assault.

4. Are some of the characters from the movie also in the game?

Grace Augustine (Sigourney Weaver) is the very first person you meet in the game. Grace is part of the Avatar Program. She assigns you to Dr. Harper. You meet her throughout the game.

Trudy Chacon (Michele Rodriguez) is your chopper pilot throughout much of the game when fighting for the RDA.

Commander Quaritch (Steven Lang) is an RDA commander who sets you on some critical missions during the game.

5. Anything else we should know?

The game asks players to do the right thing. The question for the player becomes ‘what is the right thing?’ We don’t give the player that answer. Instead the decision comes down to the type of person you are. How do you like to play the game, and what is your approach to this type of conflict? Philosophically and emotionally, you decide what is right.

ABOUT: James Cameron’s Avatar: The Game is the official video game based on the highly anticipated film James Cameron’s Avatar. The video game will take you deep into the heart of Pandora, an alien planet that is beyond imagination. Gamers will encounter the Na’vi, Pandora’s indigenous people and discover other life forms the likes of which have never been seen in the world of video games before. When conflict erupts between the RDA Corporation, a space-faring consortium in search of valuable resources, and the Na’vi, gamers will find themselves thrust into a fight for the heart of a planet and the fate of a civilization.

James Cameron’s Avatar: The Game will be released this Holiday on PS3, X360, PC, Wii, DS/DSi, and PSP.

Technorati Tags: Avatar, Video Game, James Cameron, Avatar: The Game, RDA Corporation, Kevin Shortt, Question and Answer, Q&A

SAN FRANCISCO – September 24, 2009 -– Today Ubisoft announced that Assassin’s Creed II: Discovery(TM) for the Nintendo DSi(TM) and Nintendo DS(TM) systems will launch on November 17 for the manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $29.99. The game is rated “T for Teen” by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB).

Assassin’s Creed II: Discovery takes players through an untold chapter from the Assassin’s Creed® II console storyline utilizing the unique strengths of the Nintendo DS platform. In this new adventure, Ezio travels to Spain to rescue fellow assassins being held under the guise of the Inquisition, only to uncover a Templar plot to sail west and discover the New World.

The game takes platforming into the next generation with an emphasis on exhilarating speed and breathtaking acrobatics. The in-game animations provide players with a true visceral experience and the intuitive controls enable players to easily execute assassinations and nimbly navigate obstacles reaching daredevil speeds. Nintendo DSi owners will be able to take pictures of themselves and put them directly into the game as “WANTED!” posters.

“Assassin’s Creed II: Discovery is a great way for fans to experience a new chapter of the Assassin’s Creed II storyline,” shared Tony Key, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Ubisoft. “We think Nintendo fans will be impressed with all the unique features in the game designed specifically for Nintendo DSi and Nintendo DS.”

Assassin’s Creed II: Discovery is being developed by Griptonite Games.

More details on Assassin’s Creed II: Discovery can be found at www.assassinscreed.com.

Technorati Tags: Nintendo DS, Assassin’s Creed II: Discovery, Ubisoft, Release, November, Video Games, Press Release

Scribblenauts is a completely original gameplay experience that anyone can play, offering fun for all ages with two styles of gameplay and more than 200 levels. In Scribblenauts, players use the Nintendo DS™ touch-screen to help their character Maxwell acquire the Starite in each level by solving a series of puzzles armed with their stylus, notepad and imagination. Players jot down the word for any object that comes to mind in order to reach the goal. Every object behaves as it would in the real world, and players can combine countless objects to create completely new scenarios. Every level has more than one written object to use as a solution, opening up the game to endless replay.

[See post to watch Flash video]

In Scribblenauts, players advance through ten worlds, each with eleven puzzle and eleven action levels for a total of 220 challenges to complete. Each level has a “par” for the number of objects suggested to finish the level. Beating a level with under par, earns “Ollars”, the in-game currency, which players can use to purchase new levels and music.

PRODUCT FEATURES:
• Create Your Own Interactive Experience: Objects you write down in the game are only limited by your imagination.
• Everyone Can Play: Pick-up-and-play fun for everyone.
• Touch-screen Controls: Easy to pick up and play on Nintendo DS™. If you can tap, you can play!
• Unlimited Replay Value: Use less objects to increase your score, or experiment with different objects for endless replay value. Write anything; solve everything!
• Playground Mode: Play the entire game in a sandbox style right on the title screen.
• Create and Share Levels Online: Share levels you create with the Level Editor via Nintendo DS™ Wi-Fi Connection.
• Innovative New Title from Leading Developer: 5TH Cell, the creator of the Drawn to Life franchise and Lock’s Quest, has experience creating high-quality, innovative DS games.

Scribblenauts will be available from Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment, for Nintendo DS, on September 15, 2009.

Technorati Tags: Scribblenauts, Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment, Video Game, TV Spot, Nintendo DS

The greatest Super Hero action/RPG of all time is back with the world’s largest army of heroes and villains in Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2, the highly anticipated sequel to 2006’s award-winning Marvel: Ultimate Alliance. Incorporating elements of the acclaimed Marvel Civil War storyline, players must choose their side and team up to battle or interact with returning favorites and all-new characters, including Spider-Man, Wolverine, Hulk, Iron Man, Deadpool, Venom, Green Goblin, Iron Fist and Captain America, whose powers can be combined to unleash astonishing new attacks.

Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2 engages players in co-operative multiplayer through graphically rich and destructive real-world environments, and allows players to strengthen their ultimate Super Hero dream teams by teaming up to unleash astonishing fusions of super-powers.

[See post to watch Flash video]

Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2 ships to stores on September 15th for Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, PS2, PSP and DS.

Technorati Tags: Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2, Video Game, Video, Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, PS2, PSP, DS

Time-traveling first-person shooter takes players on a wild ride through history

Cedar Falls, Iowa – September 8, 2009 – It’s here! Phantom EFX, the world’s leading developer and publisher of PC-based casual game titles, and independent game development studio 8monkey Labs announced today that their highly anticipated historically-based first person shooter, Darkest of Days, launches today for both Windows-based PC and the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.

Beginning today, Darkest of Days is available for purchase for $49.99 on the Xbox 360 and $39.99 on PC at most major retailers, including Wal-Mart, Best Buy and Gamestop. Darkest of Days will also be available for purchase online from www.phantomefx.com as well as larger online retailers such as Amazon.com. Digitally distributed copies will be available as well from Steam, Direct2Drive, Digital River and other outlets.

“For me and everyone else here at Phantom EFX and 8monkey Labs that have been working on Darkest of Days for the past three years, it’s almost hard to believe that launch day is already upon us,” said Aaron Schurman, CEO of Phantom EFX and lead writer for Darkest of Days. “We’ve put our blood, sweat and tears into this game, and we’re extremely proud of what we have accomplished. We feel that Darkest of Days is not only a fantastic game on its own merits, but that it will serve as a breath of fresh air into the somewhat crowded FPS genre and give players across the world a truly memorable, exciting gaming experience.”

Have you ever wondered what could happen if time travel was a reality? Have you ever thought about the possibility of going back in time to rewrite history for the better? That possibility is a reality in Darkest of Days, where players will travel back and forth through the annals of time to relive some of mankind’s most dire hours. By fighting through terrible events such as The Battle of Antietam, the bloodiest conflict of the Civil War, and both World War I and II, the player will attempt to save certain key individuals who were never meant to become involved in these truly monstrous events and save history from those who would attempt to change it.

Key features of Darkest of Days include:

· Wreak Havoc with Future Weapons in Antiquity: Something nearly every gamer that’s ever played a shooter based in the past has always wanted is the ability to bring a futuristic weapon back through history and kick some major butt. How differently would Custer’s last stand have turned out if the General was equipped with an M-16 assault rifle? You’ll be able to answer questions like this in Darkest of Days. While not every battle and situation will allow you to wield weapons from the future, there will be plenty of opportunities for you to unleash futuristic fury on your unsuspecting foes.

· Brand New Engine: The dedicated team at 8monkey Labs has created an all-new, groundbreaking game engine known as Marmoset. The Marmoset Engine not only breaks from the all-too present Unreal engine FPS clones flooding the market, but also allows for some amazing graphical capabilities. You’ll fight through epic battles filled with literally hundreds of NPCs on the screen at the same time, all with an advanced AI and all without a hint of graphical slowdown and all set against wide-open environments that are lushly detailed and dynamically lighted.

· Compelling Storyline: Darkest of Days is a compelling, action-packed first-person shooter to be sure, but it’s not just mindless run-and-gun, blow ‘em up gameplay. You’ll have to not only think about how to approach certain key battles and situations, but you’ll also have to take care when fighting – certain key people that were never meant to die will be marked with a special blue aura. If you kill them, you’ll face dire consequences…

Darkest of Days is rated M for Mature by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) for blood, strong language and violence. For more information about Darkest of Days, please visit www.darkestofdays.com.

Technorati Tags: Darkest of Days, Phantom EFX, 8monkey Labs, Xbox 360, PC, Video Game, Release, Time Travel, Future

Halo ODST is coming and GameStop has a great pre-order special. To preorder the game, check out GameStop for the preorder bonus of playing at Sgt. Johnson in the new co-op mode – firefight. After watching the newest Red vs. Blue video head on over to GameStop to order your new copy of Halo today!

Technorati Tags: Red vs Blue, Halo ODST, Youtube Video, GameStop, Pre-order, Game, Gamer, XBox 360, Sgt. Johnson, Firefight, Co-Op mode