EA gives up on Take-Two acquisition

After months of missed deadlines and private talks, EA has finally given up on trying to acquire Take-Two. Today EA issued a press release stating:

"Electronic Arts... today announced that while EA continues to have a high regard for Take-Two's creative teams and products, after careful consideration, including a management presentation and review of other due diligence materials provided by Take-Two... EA has decided not to make a proposal to acquire Take-Two and has terminated discussions with Take-Two."

Meanwhile, Take-Two has made a press release of it's own saying:

We remain focused on creating value for our stockholders and our consumers. This has been our goal since EA launched its conditional and unsolicited bid six months ago, a bid which was repeatedly rejected by our stockholders. As part of that commitment, we remain actively engaged in discussions with other parties in the context of our formal process to consider strategic alternatives. We're especially proud of the success we've enjoyed over the past eighteen months and we remain confident in our ability to generate value for stockholders.

Full press releases for both companies after the break.

Electronic Arts Terminates Discussions with Take-Two

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Electronic Arts Inc. (“EA”) (NASDAQ:ERTS) today announced that while EA continues to have a high regard for Take-Two’s creative teams and products, after careful consideration, including a management presentation and review of other due diligence materials provided by Take-Two Interactive Software Inc. (“Take-Two”) (NASDAQ:TTWO), EA has decided not to make a proposal to acquire Take-Two and has terminated discussions with Take-Two.

John Riccitiello, Chief Executive Officer of EA, said: “EA is tracking toward a record breaking year. We’re launching 15 new games including award-winners like SPORE, Dead Space and Mirror’s Edge, great new titles from the Sims, new family titles with Hasbro, and the highest quality slate of EA SPORTS titles on this generation of consoles. We’re also expanding beyond our core business with a series of direct-to-consumer launches including Warhammer Online.”

About Electronic Arts

Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is the world's leading interactive entertainment software company.

Founded in 1982, the Company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive software worldwide for video game systems, personal computers, cellular handsets and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EA SPORTS(TM), EA(TM), EA SPORTS Freestyle(TM) and POGO(TM). In fiscal 2008, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $3.67 billion and had 27 titles that sold more than one million copies. EA's homepage and online game site is www.ea.com. More information about EA's products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at http://info.ea.com.

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. Comments on EA Announcement

NEW YORK—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ:TTWO) today responded to Electronic Arts Inc.’s (NASDAQ:ERTS) announcement that it does not intend to pursue an acquisition of Take-Two at this time.

Strauss Zelnick, Chairman of the Board of Take-Two, commented, “We remain focused on creating value for our stockholders and our consumers. This has been our goal since EA launched its conditional and unsolicited bid six months ago, a bid which was repeatedly rejected by our stockholders. As part of that commitment, we remain actively engaged in discussions with other parties in the context of our formal process to consider strategic alternatives. We’re especially proud of the success we’ve enjoyed over the past eighteen months and we remain confident in our ability to generate value for stockholders.”

“Take-Two’s business has continued to strengthen since the time EA first made its offer. We have delivered terrific products to our consumers and we’ve been rewarded with very strong financial performance. We have an exciting future ahead of us, powered by our profitability, a significant cash position, the absence of debt, an undrawn credit facility and a terrific lineup of games. We are confident in the unique value of our business given our strong position in what is a growing and dynamic industry,” said Ben Feder, Chief Executive Officer of Take-Two.

About Take-Two Interactive Software

Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. is a global developer, marketer, distributor and publisher of interactive entertainment software games for the PC, PLAYSTATION®3 and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment systems, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Xbox 360® and Xbox® video game and entertainment systems from Microsoft, Wii™, Nintendo GameCube™, Nintendo DS™ and Game Boy® Advance. The Company publishes and develops products through its wholly owned labels Rockstar Games, 2K Games, 2K Sports and 2K Play, and distributes software, hardware and accessories in North America through its Jack of All Games subsidiary. Take-Two's common stock is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol TTWO. For more corporate and product information please visit our website at www.take2games.com. All trademarks and copyrights contained herein are the property of their respective holders.

All trademarks and copyrights contained herein are the property of their respective holders.

-Ryizzel

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Anti-spore Blog is the work of a Troll

This past week I've been hearing a lot about a blog called antispore that claims spore is teaching our children very, unchristian values. Now normally, I would have writen about this site the second I heard of it, but something seemed...very off about it.

Heh, I'm glad I waited.

Well, it turns out anti-spore is just the work of the most epic troll in internet history. Seriously, never have I seen that many people get trolled so easily.

I guess this proves us gamers are a very touchy group of people after all.



-Ryizzel

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Ghastly, Spooky, Freaky, and Early?

In the spirit of Halloween, EA has decided to be ever so merciful and ship out Dead Space for the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 a full week early, October 14th! Their reason being? So it doesn't cut in on your trick-or-treating time.

From that excuse I'm pretty sure we can all assume that EA employees treat Halloween like I did when I would go trick-or-treating, plan out the neighborhood a few weekends before hand and hit all the major houses first. Clusters of houses are best, while the rich people would fall next in line.

Sometimes though, the rich people would give out a piece of laffy taffy when poor retired Mrs. Johnson just shoved a full sized Snickers bar in your pillowcase.

Now thanks to Dead Space's early release you'll have plenty of sleepless nights to plan out your attack on the town. Thanks EA!

PC version isn't being released till the 20th of October though, so bummer there.

Dead Space Set to Ship Early – Oct. 14, 2008

Get Your Halloween Treat Earlier This Year! Originally scheduled to ship on October 21st, the award-winning action/adventure game, Dead Space will ship for the Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 on October 14, 2008 giving players a full 17 days before Halloween to step out into space for the fright of their lives. The development team at EA Redwood Shores is getting into the Halloween spirit early this year so fans can celebrate with Dead Space without cutting into their trick or treat time.

The Dead Space experience is all about surviving in its sci-fi world through strategic dismemberment, so experience the horror before the Necromorphs dismember you. After all, you are never truly safe in Dead Space. When an immense mining ship, the USG Ishimura, comes into contact with a mysterious alien artifact in a remote star system, its communications with Earth are mysteriously cut off. Engineer Isaac Clarke is sent to repair the Ishimura’s communications array, but he arrives to find a living nightmare—the ship is a floating bloodbath, the crew unspeakably mutilated and infected by an ancient alien scourge. Clarke’s repair mission becomes one of survival as he fights not just to save himself, but to return the artifact to the planet … at any cost.

The PC version of the game will be shipping on October 20, 2008.

-Undrallio

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Spore Cracked Already!?!??!?!?!

As if you didn't expect it to happen sooner, spore has been cracked by a group called "RELOADED" and is now being downloaded by pirates all over the interblag.

Apparently some Australian stores have been sellings copies of the game before it's scheduled release date.

Seems kinda pointless to download it though, as the online most likely won't be available until after the official release date.

[Source]




-Ryizzel

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New Disturbingly Awesome Battlefield Heroes Trailer

Ever dream of running through a war zone wearing nothing but a kilt? Well Battlefield Heroes might just be the game to fulfill those weird fantasies.

EA has released a new trailer for Battlefield Heroes showing off the player's ability to play dress up with their character.

You can view the video here, or you can just click read more to see the video right on B&W thanks to Gametrailers.







-Ryizzel

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MySims Kingdom Announced

The next installment in the cutesy Nintendonized world of MySims is slated for release, and even has a title to go along with that announcement; MySims Kingdom.

Launching exclusively on the Wii™ and Nintendo DS™ platforms, MySims Kingdom sets you on a story of adventure, discovery and exploration to help King Roland and his subjects revitalize the Kingdom.

There's going to be a lot more to do, build, see, and interact with in MySims Kingdom, and you'll be able to do it all sometime in the Fall of 2008. Get your God powers ready to control another weird little world.

EA announces MySims Kingdom, the next experience in the popular MySims franchise, coming in Fall 2008

Guildford, UK — May 14, 2008 — The Sims™, an Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) Label, today announced first details for MySims™ Kingdom, the next experience from the creators of MySims™. Launching exclusively on the Wii™ and Nintendo DS™ platforms, MySims Kingdom sets you on a story of adventure, discovery and exploration to help King Roland and his subjects revitalize the Kingdom. Launching globally in autumn 2008, MySims Kingdom for the Wii and Nintendo DS puts the creativity in your hands to make the Kingdom something to behold!

MySims Kingdom for the Wii
King Roland needs your help to make the Kingdom a better place. Throughout this tale to bring the Kingdom back to its former glory, you must help new and old friends alike, discover new lands and build to the limit of your imagination.

Your MySims Kingdom experience begins in The Capital, the majestic land at the center of your story-telling. Check out the Castle, explore this first land and begin to meet your first set of new friends, including King Roland, Princess Butter, and the Wizard Marlon. Find out more of what awaits you here and then get in your boat to sail to many more lands on the horizon!

Throughout your journey new characters, lands, and clever new contraptions will be revealed. Construct and do everything from tending your pigs to finding treasure chests. Newly-added building options will help you accomplish the tasks you're challenged with along the way, including building broken bridges. In true MySims fashion, everything is customizable, allowing every creation within your world to have a signature look.

There is a lot more to discover in regions beyond The Capital, so stay tuned for more characters, contraptions and lands that are yet to be revealed!

MySims Kingdom for Nintendo DS
Take the Kingdom with you! MySims Kingdom on Nintendo DS adds a new chapter to the saga, challenging you to help the King thwart the plans of evil in a far flung corner of the Kingdom. Many new activities and mini-games are included to help you persuade the King that your island is the ultimate royal destination.

"MySims has been met with such enthusiasm by players and families everywhere, we are excited to make MySims its own franchise within The Sims Label," said Rod Humble, Head of Studio for The Sims Label. "MySims Kingdom has players helping King Roland and his subjects make the MySims world a better place by completing rewarding quests, building houses, bridges or even making contraptions powered by electricity or water. And MySims Kingdom on Nintendo DS, adds many new activities such as kayaking, ski jumping, populating the town zoo and many others!"

Since its launch in September 2007, MySims quickly rose to global success and is loved by players everywhere, having sold 2.8 million copies worldwide to date. The second installment in the franchise, MySims Kingdom, will hit retail shelves across North America, Europe and Asia in Fall of 2008. For more information on MySims, please visit www.mysims.com.

-Undrallio

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Deadline Passes Silently

In case you're still keeping track, the deadline for EA's deal to the stockholders of Take-Two has passed...rather silently. Last Friday Take-Two released this statement about the deal, "It is in (EA's) court." There has been no word from EA regarding the deal.







-Ryizzel

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EA Takes Out 1 Billion Dollar Loan

Preparing for it's possible acquisition of Take-Two, Electronic Arts has borrowed 1 billion dollars from Morgan Stanely and other financial institutions.

With the deadline of EA's proposal drawing near, only time will tell if Take-Two's Shareholders will agree to a mass sell out.







-Ryizzel

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Bioware Decides To Not Use SecuROM for PC Mass Effect

Yesterday gamers anticipating Mass Effect's PC port literally shat bricks when they learned Mass Effect would be using SecuROM's copy protection program.

Not only would gamers be limited to 3 installs per CD key, SecuROM would require "that it re-check with the server within ten days in order to revalidate the CD key."
In other words, if you installed ME on a PC that isn't able to connect to the internet, you would be screwed.

Fortunately, Bioware has had a change of heart, announcing today it will be dropping the 10 day periodic check in favor of a less overprotective anti piracy program.

The new system will only require you to authenticate the game once after installation and will also allow gamers to play the game without the DVD in the drive. However, EA still has the right to impose additional authorizations if warranted.

Source





-Ryizzel

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EA Responds to Activision's Criticisms

Recently Activision CEO Bobby Kotick has been making alot of remarks about EA, most notably claiming that EA sucks the soul out of the studios it acquires. While many gamers would agree with Kotick, EA seems to find his comments hilarious.

In an interview with N'Gai Croal on his Level Up blog, EA's Vice President of Corporate Communications had this to say in EA's defense:

The truth is, everyone laughed. In the past year EA has made radical changes to decentralize the company and put creative control back in the hands of development teams. It's too early to declare victory but if you talk to people like Patrick Soderlund at dice in Stockholm, Mark Jacobs at Mythic in Virginia or Josh Resnick at Pandemic--they'll probably tell you that it's working. They get a lot of resources and creative freedom. That freedom has already contributed new start-ups like Dead Space, Mirror's Edge and Boom Blox and there's a lot of others to be announced soon.

So EA has finally started to change their evil ways...internally atleast, but it will take more than that to assuage gamers fears of EA screwing up Take-Two's franchises once the inevitable takeover happens.


Source





-Ryizzel

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Sims Online; Goes Offline

After a 6 year running period of constant online support, EA-Land's The Sims Online will be shutting down. Not right away, subscribers have till August 1st to continue playing, but now for free.

EA is canceling the billing of all subscribers and allowing them free play until the ultimate demise of The Sims Online.

If you are a paying subscriber as of April 29th 2008, EA would like to offer you one of the following two gifts as a token of our appreciation:

* $15 off any game at the EA Store at www.eastore.ea.com, or

* Three months of Club POGO(tm) Subscription Time

Read the whole announcement after the jump.

It is with mixed emotions that today we are announcing the EA-Land experiment will soon draw to a close. Since 2002, EA-Land / TSO has attracted a very special group of players (of which you are one) and we certainly appreciate your participation in the EA-Land community. The lifetime of the game has drawn to an end, and now we will be focusing on new ideas and other innovative concepts in the games arena. We’d like to thank everyone who has taken part in this online community as a unique experience in the virtual world.

Below are some facts about how the site and service will be closed. Please see also a special message from the team that maintained EA-Land, to the community that played it.

Key Facts:

* On August 1, 2008, the game EA-Land / TSO will no longer be in service and EA will focus these resources on future games

* Your subscription billing will end now, so that at least 60 days of your EA-Land experience will be at no cost to you

* You may cancel your account and subscription at any time by contacting customer service or by managing your EA account online. To do this, you must log on to EA-Land / TSO to cancel within the game

* Starting immediately PayPal cash-in will not be available anymore

* EA Customer Support at support.ea.com is available to help answer any questions you might have regarding your account

If you are a paying subscriber as of April 29th 2008, EA would like to offer you one of the following two gifts as a token of our appreciation:

* $15 off any game at the EA Store at www.eastore.ea.com, or

* Three months of Club POGO(tm) Subscription Time

Paying subscribers please insure your email contact information is up to date as details of this offer will be sent out to you within 30 days.

Again, thanks you to all of you.

Electronic Arts

-Undrallio

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Battlefield: Bad Company Conquests

Beta players of Battlefield: Bad Company were having a rootin' tootin' helluva time with the game, but some were pretty disappointed with the lack of a Conquest mode that veteran players were oh so fond of.

The gaming community spoke out again, and once more EA has pulled through. Senior Producer of DICE studios, Karl-Magnus Troedsson announced that a free add-on for Conquest mode will have a simultaneous release with the full game in June.

Something has changed with EA, they listen to their gamers...could it be the beginning of a world where developers actually give two licks? Let us hope so fellow gamers...let us hope.





-Undrallio

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EA's Monopoly Comes Forth

In a collaboration between EA's casual division and Hasbro Entertainment Xbox 360, Wii, PS2, mobile phones and Pogo.com all will be receiving Mr. Monopoly as their gracious guest. EA is developing a Monopoly game with "a fresh take on the timeless classic with accessible gameplay for players of all ages and skill levels."

It sounds like the game will be marketed as a party game with new things like mini-games based off of getting out of jail.

Chance! Your mother bakes you a cake while you're in jail, there's a file in it. Get out of jail free during someone else's turn so no one pays attention.

EA's Casual Vice President had this to say “EA is taking Monopoly's core gameplay and bringing it to life in a way never before imagined. With this dynamic take on Hasbro’s classic board game, we’ve accelerated the pace of play, added new interactive mini-game sequences and integrated multi-player moments designed to make Monopoly a non-stop party for the whole family.”

No longer shall Monopoly be a game marketed at PC users or as a board game for when the power goes out.





-Undrallio

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EA Confirms Next Harry Potter Game

Fans of the Harry Potter series who are hoping to keep the magic alive will be happy to hear EA has announced it's game adaptation of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

The game, set to be released alongside the movie coming out later this year, follows Harry's 6th year at Hogwarts, as he brews potions, participates in wizard duels, plays Quidditch...and finds love.

Half-Blood Prince will be released on the Wii, Playstation 3, Xbox 360 and just about every other electronic device you can play video games on.

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little excited for this game. With the steady rising in quality of the Harry Potter games, maybe this one might actually be playable. Hit the jump for the press release.

EA AND WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCE HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE VIDEO GAME
Fans will relive the thrills, action and excitement of the movie this holiday season

Guildford, U.K. – April 22nd, 2008 – EA’s Casual Entertainment Label and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment today announced that the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince™ video game will be released later this year to coincide with the Warner Bros. Pictures film based on J.K. Rowling’s sixth Harry Potter book.

“We believe that the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince video game represents a milestone in the movie tie-in genre,” said Harvey Elliott, Head of EA Bright Light studio in the UK where the Harry Potter franchise has its home. “Building on the technological advancements of previous games in the series and with a particular focus on the unique control system of Nintendo’s WiiTM, the team here is working closely with the filmmakers to create an immersive interactive experience that captures the story, the action, the excitement and, above all, the fun of the film. ”

“Working with EA, we look forward to offering fans a compelling Harry Potter video game, one which captures the thrilling storyline and high visual quality of the movie,” said Scott Johnson, Vice President, Business Development for Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “The adherence to the rich fiction is a trademark of this franchise and with Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince fans will experience the most authentic and enjoyable game in the series to date.”

In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Voldemort is tightening his grip on both the Muggle and wizarding worlds and Hogwarts is no longer the safe haven it once was. Harry suspects that dangers may even lie within the castle, but Dumbledore is more intent upon preparing him for the final battle that he knows is fast approaching. Together they work to find the key to unlock Voldemort’s defenses and, to this end, Dumbledore recruits his old friend and colleague, the well-connected and unsuspecting bon vivant Professor Horace Slughorn, whom he believes holds crucial information. Meanwhile, the students are under attack from a very different adversary as teenage hormones rage across the ramparts. Harry finds himself more and more drawn to Ginny, but so is Dean Thomas. And Lavender Brown has decided that Ron is the one for her, only she hadn't counted on Romilda Vane’s chocolates! And then there’s Hermione, simmering with jealously but determined not to show her feelings. As romance blossoms, one student remains aloof. He is determined to make his mark, albeit a dark one. Love is in the air, but tragedy lies ahead and Hogwarts may never be the same again.

In the game of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, players will return to Hogwarts to help Harry survive a fraught sixth year. They will also have a chance to engage in exciting wizard duels, mix and brew magical ingredients in Potions class and take to the air to lead the Gryffindor Quidditch team to victory. Players may even get sidetracked by Ron’s romantic entanglements as they journey towards a dramatic climax and discover the identity of the Half-Blood Prince.

Under development by EA Bright Light Studio, the team behind the worldwide success of the Harry Potter library of games, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is scheduled for release in time for the movie launch this fall for the Wii, PLAYSTATION®3, Xbox 360™, PlayStation®2, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable), Nintendo DS, Windows PC, Macintosh and mobile devices.



-Ryizzel

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Battlefield: Bad Company guns are free

If you've been on the internet this past week, you've probably heard the collective bitching gamers have been doing over EA charging people to buy guns in their latest Battlefield game. Hearing their cries, DICE senior producer Karl-Magnus Troedsson sat down with IGN and announced that none of the guns for Battlefield: Bad Company will be exclusive to anyone.

No, there's no charge for any of the guns in the game. All of the guns in the game can be achieved without purchasing them. All guns are available to everyone. However, we want to give some exclusivity to those who buy the Gold Edition. They will get the five Gold Edition weapons from Day One when they put the disc in. People that don't buy the Gold Edition can get the five additional weapons by getting to the final rank in the game. There will be a golden, shiny five-weapon unlock when they hit level 25 in the game.

As for the weapons the participants in beta saw posted on Xbox Box Live, gamers will be able to acquire those via "marketing programs" ran by EA. The reason they were posted on XBL was due to "big bug in the Beta, an internal miscommunication" about the gold weapons.

There ya have it guys, if someone or something on the internet bothers you, whine, bitch, moan and complain. Eventually, the combined bitching of you and the billions of inhabitants of the internet will be enough to change anything!






-Ryizzel

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Army of Two Demo?

I use a question mark in the possibility of an Army of Two demo coming to the Xbox Live Marketplace, even though EA announced it in a press release (which is after the jump), it was set for a date of April 1st.

April Fool's Day, I find myself being hesitant to believe anything I hear set on that day. It could just me being paranoid though, and if so, enjoy your demo people.

People all over the world have already joined the army of two…now is your chance to get in on the action.

On April 1st anyone who has not yet played ARMY OF TWO(tm) can team up to create the deadliest two-man military outfit a government can buy. In this free online demo, two people can play exciting co-op missions exclusively on Xbox LIVE(tm) Marketplace. In the demo, two players complete an intensive co-op training session before they are dropped into Somalia where they must work together to take out the local warlord.

Players engage in two-man tactics and boost their Aggro level to become the ultimate combat force that no enemy can withstand. ARMY OF TWO gameplay focuses on two-man missions, two-man strategies, two-man tactics and a two-man advantage to bring a new and groundbreaking gaming experience to players worldwide, online and offline. It captivates gamers with a politically charged storyline, centering on the impact and ethical issues of Private Military Corporations.

-Undrallio

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EA Speaks Some Words About Bad Company Beta

The Battlefield: Bad Company Beta (Previous Articles: 1 2) starts today and with it comes EA addressing the rumors, which apparently are true, about them including pay-to-play content in the Beta. In specific 5 guns that non-payers will not be able to get and thusly get their royal booties epically owned.

What EA said doesn't so much explain their reasoning or beliefs behind the paid weapons, but just gives more 'valuable' information about it. Read it after the jump.

"...Battlefield: Bad Company features numerous weapons in the core game. In addition to the core set of weapons, Battlefield: Bad Company will release five unique weapons free of charge through five different promotional programs prior to launch. EA will again make these weapons available to players free of charge after launch, in case anyone missed the pre-launch promotions.

"At launch, EA will release a Gold Edition of Battlefield: Bad Company which will feature an additional five new weapons. For players who do not purchase the Gold Edition of the game, they can still buy the five weapons at a small individualized price per item. All weapons are balanced for gameplay. More weapons offer players more choices but do not create an advantage/disadvantage for players who do not opt to buy new items.

"Currently, the menu in the Battlefield: Bad Company beta notes all ten weapons; the five available free of charge pre-launch as well as the additional five available in the Gold Edition."

Is enabling players whom are more willing to pay for extras really that good of an idea?

The way I see it one of two things will happen with a third option for the weirdos, free players will get discouraged by the repeated butt whompings and quit, free players will get inspired to purchase the weapons after seeing how damned cool they are, or finally (the weirdos) will just have to get better at using their free weapons and administer a harsh dose of ass stomping to the pompous paying players.



-Undrallio

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Gibson files Lawsuits Against......Everyone....

It seems anyone who is even vaguely associated with the Guitar Hero franchise is unsafe from Gibson's fierce lawyers; Gibson is filing lawsuits against Harmonix, Viacom, and EA for violating their patent for a device on which "a musician can simulate participation in a concert by playing a musical instrument and wearing a head-mounted 3D display that includes stereo speakers."

In addition, Gibson is also suing any major retailers selling Guitar Hero games, which includes Gamestop, Kmart, Target and Walmart. However, in the heat of all this legal action, Gibson has neglected to file a lawsuit against Activision, the developer of Guitar Hero III.

I have one question for Gibson however, why not sue konami? I mean...they made GuitarFreaks. Its not like GuitarFreaks has been out since the days of the PSX or anything, right?





-Ryizzel

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Bad Company Beta Charges

In a quick follow-up to ryizzel's post yesterday about the Bad Company Beta, the word on the street is EA is going to be charging extra money over xbox live for 10 locked guns which, one can only assume, would destroy the multiplayer with certain people having extra (and possibly better) guns.




-Undrallio

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Week 1 of the March Game Releases

Here we go, the first week of March and all the great (or not so great) games that you'll be spending all your hard earned money on. We've got some good ones this week including God of War: Chains of Olympus for the PSP and Army of Two for Ps3 and 360.

To read up on all of the releases this week simply click on "Read More" and let your heart flutter with the gaming glory, and remember our pick of the week is found at the bottom of each list.

Nintendo DS

Out of all of the systems, the Nintendo DS is tied with the PC for getting the most additions to the family, they've each got 9 new titles to add to their library. Here's the list of DS games and the days they're coming out on, looks like the blunt of them will be rushing in on the 4th.

Let's Ride: Friends Forever - March 3rd, 2008. A nice little horse care-taking sim from THQ. Now you can obsess over that pony that your parents never got you.

Chicken Hunter - March 4th, 2008. The title makes it seem so non-child friendly, but I swear it is. Your mission in this game from Mumbo Jumbo is to stop all the chickens during their crazy antics. Sounds like an Ape Escape mimic to me.

Imagine Figure Skater - March 4th, 2008. One of the "games for girls" that Ubisoft is trying out. In this one you take management of a figure skater and divvy up her time between schooling, training, and leisure time to hopefully become the best figure skater in the world.

Petz Bunny - March 4th, 2008. Yes, it's another adorable animal sim game from Ubisoft from it's Petz series. This time bunny rabbits. Shhhh, I'm wabbit hunting. *note, you do not hunt the rabbits*

Pet Store - March 4th, 2008. First Petz Bunny, now this one also from Ubisoft. One more animal sim this week, just getting flooded with them aren't we? Well, this one isn't species specific as you can "care for a variety of pets" in Pet Store.

Ninja Reflex - March 4th, 2008. Take on a series of martial arts challenges in this reflex-testing game by competing against your sensei or in multiplayer sessions in this one from EA that's also coming out for the Wii.

Anno 1701: Dawn of Discovery - March 4th, 2008. Explore the world in this 18th century sim from Ubisoft. Essentially it's Civilization, without the fun.

Eco Creatures: Save the Forest - March 4th, 2008. Control the cutesy animal filled ecology in this adventure-management game from Majesco Games.

B&W PICK OF THE WEEK FOR NINTENDO DS:

Mysterious Dungeon: Shiren the Wanderer - March 4th, 2008. Coming to us straight from Japan, Sega's re-hashed this game that was originally released on the Super Nintendo. It's a classic turn-based, role-playing game and came with plenty of screen shots throughout it's media lifespan. We picked this one because we are always glad to see a remake of a classic game, especially an RPG one.

PC

The PC game release slate for this week tied with the mighty Nintendo DS at 9 games each, and here's the PC line-up, there's actually a few good ones in there this week.

Galactic Command: Echo Squad - March 3rd, 2008. A space combat sim from GamersGate, pilot your spaceship as you explore levels and blow crap up.

Tom Clancy's Chronicles - March 3rd, 2008. Joining in on the "sell more of the same game by putting them in convenient cost-efficient box sets" Ubisoft presents us with Tom Clancy's Chronicles which includes Splinter Cell, Ghost Recon, and Rainbow Six 3: Raven's Shield.

Field Ops - March 3rd, 2008. This one's definitely interesting. It's a war game from Atari that brags up the player's ability to switch between RTS and FPS play modes any time they want.

Stranger - March 3rd, 2008. Your basic fantasy RTS coming to you from Fireglow, take control of a variety of fantasy characters and fight through the light and dark sides of the realms.

Mysteryville 2 - March 3rd, 2008. Return to Mysteryville in the sequel to the original puzzle game from Activision. Now with more mysteries and clues to find in this hidden object game.

Arctic Stud Poker Run - March 3rd, 2008. When I think Poker, I think hectic races and devious tricks. What, you don't? Well now you will, in this game from Got Game Entertainment you have to race around and screw your enemies up as you attempt to assemble the best poker hand you can.

Imperium Romanum - March 4th, 2008. Take on the role of a Roman emperor and lead your country to wealth in this historic RTS from SouthPeak Interactive.

Legends of Norrath: Inquisitor - March 7th, 2008. The third installment in the online card battling game based on the Everquest world. Sony thought this one up, have fun losing your social life.

B&W PICK OF THE WEEK FOR PC

Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War: Soulstorm - March 4th, 2008.

The third standalone expansion to Warhammer 40k published by THQ and developed by Iron Lore Entertainment up until a few days ago when they shut down, it was finished up by Relic. This one got our pick simply because standalone expansions to awesome games are cool as hell, and this is one hell of a game, we highly suggest this one.

Xbox 360

Hitting 3rd place in game releases with only 4 games, and only one of them being 360 exclusive.

Though of the 4 that are being released, three of them are good and definitely worth a play-through.

Major League Baseball 2K8 - March 3rd, 2008. Baseball game from 2K Sports. My prediction? MLB '08: The Show will destroy it on all consoles, but since MLB '08: The Show isn't coming for the 360, MLB 2K8 found a safe home on the 360.

Bully: Scholarship Edition - March 4th, 2008. Rockstar Games brings you the same game that you've played before in Bully, and with added content. If you didn't play Bully before, now might be a good chance to try it out.

Rocketmen: Axis of Evil - March 5th, 2008. In complete cell-shaded joy Capcom brings us the only 360 exclusive coming out this week. It's a Sci-Fi FPS and looks to be a little cartoony and zany, fun for the family. If dealing out death is fun for the family.

B&W PICK OF THE WEEK FOR XBOX 360:

Army of Two - March 4th, 2008. EA is giving us what looks to be one of the best co-op shooters coming for the next-gen (now current gen) systems. This game is pretty much meant to be played with a friend, as all the cool things come from utilizing all the co-op abilities. Stopping up bullet holes with a tampon For the Win.

Nintendo Wii

Unlike Nintendo's DS, the Wii only has 3 games this week. I guess they were focusing too hard on the portable simulation games (holy crap there's a lot of them).

Ninja Reflex - March 4th, 2008. Take on a series of martial arts challenges in this reflex-testing game by competing against your sensei or in multiplayer sessions in this one from EA that's also coming out for the DS.

Major League Baseball 2K8 - March 3rd, 2008. Pretty much the best MLB game the Wii will see, unless you count WiiSports' baseball game, which is damned fun. What can I say? 2K Sports knows what they're doing. Though MLB 2K8 will be great for all of you baseball enthusiasts out there.

B&W PICK OF THE WEEK FOR NINTENDO WII:

Bully: Scholarship Edition - March 4th, 2008. Like I mentioned before in the 360 section, this version of Bully brings the original back with all new content. So all you big fans of Bully, you'll love it. Also, this version should bring in a bunch of new fans who didn't get to play the original.

Playstation Portable (PSP)

It's a good week for PSP, even if two of the three games are multi-platform baseball games. The third one is what makes up for it all, not surprisingly it's also our pick of the week.

MLB '08: The Show - March 4th, 2008. Sony's bringing you this one personally to all of their current systems (PSP, Ps2, Ps3), and if you're looking for a baseball game this is going to be your best bet. Go for it on any of the Sony consoles. You wont be disappointed.

Major League Baseball 2K8 - March 3rd, 2008. One of the two baseball games being released this week, and really if you're given the choice between this one and MLB '08: The Show they're both great games. Go for The Show if you can though, I have a feeling that one is the better of the two, even if 2K Sports has more experience.

B&W PICK OF THE WEEK FOR PLAYSTATION PORTABLE:

God of War: Chains of Olympus - March 4th, 2008. This one was a no-brainer. Not that we don't like sports games, just we like Kratos and his deliciously demented God murdering more. A hack and slash in it's finest, if the Ps2's God of War one and two show anything, Ready At Dawn know what they're doing when it comes to a great and fulfilling action/adventure game.

Playstation 3

Not much to show here on the Ps3 this week, the two baseball games that are being circulated virtually everywhere else and Army of Two that was also for the 360. Hmm, I wonder what our pick will be?

MLB '08: The Show - March 4th, 2008. Sony's bringing you this one personally to all of their current systems (PSP, Ps2, Ps3), and if you're looking for a baseball game this is going to be your best bet. Go for it on any of the Sony consoles. You wont be disappointed.

Major League Baseball 2K8 - March 3rd, 2008. One of the two baseball games being released this week, and really if you're given the choice between this one and MLB '08: The Show they're both great games. Go for The Show if you can though, I have a feeling that one is the better of the two, even if 2K Sports has more experience.

B&W PICK OF THE WEEK FOR PLAYSTATION 3:

Army of Two - March 4th, 2008. EA is giving us what looks to be one of the best co-op shooters coming for the next-gen (now current gen) systems. This game is pretty much meant to be played with a friend, as all the cool things come from utilizing all the co-op abilities. Stopping up bullet holes with a tampon For the Win. (Yeah I know I just copied the text from the 360 part, but it's essentially the same. Shoosh, I'm tired.)

Playstation 2

Playstation 2, the same two MLB games and one other. Simple, and brilliant. I think the Ps2 has got to be one of my favorite consoles of all time, but that will never make me biased (damn you haters for not letting me say that without getting thrashed). Anyways, here's this week's line-up.

MLB '08: The Show - March 4th, 2008. Sony's bringing you this one personally to all of their current systems (PSP, Ps2, Ps3), and if you're looking for a baseball game this is going to be your best bet. Go for it on any of the Sony consoles. You wont be disappointed.

Major League Baseball 2K8 - March 3rd, 2008. One of the two baseball games being released this week, and really if you're given the choice between this one and MLB '08: The Show they're both great games. Go for The Show if you can though, I have a feeling that one is the better of the two, even if 2K Sports has more experience.

B&W PICK OF THE WEEK FOR PLAYSTATION 2:

Silent Hill: Origins - March 4th, 2008. I love the Silent Hill series, they've always scared the crap out of me. Haha, I remember this one time I was playing Silent Hill 4: The Room with the lights out. Well, I wont tell the story but let me tell you what, if you're already afraid of the dark....don't do what I did. At any rate this is a great way to extend the life of the Ps2, bring in a PSP port and put it on a home console.




At last I've reached the end of the releases for this week. It looks to be a fairly eventful week with a good amount of flow of games coming in. Of course it would be optimized if you had aaallll of the systems, but we know how hard that is. Still, I'm digressing, I complain, but I'm glad that Army of Two is finally out, not to mention Silent Hill: Origins. Haha, and who can forget God of War: Chains of Olympus. Yes sir, I've got even more games on my to-get-list now.

Happy gaming guys.



-Undrallio

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