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Kingdom Under Fire: Circle of Doom Goes Gold

Microsoft has announced that the Xbox 360 exclusive action-RPG Kingdom Under Fire: Circle of Doom has gone gold. The latest game in the Kingdom Under Fire series from developer Blueside will ship to stores in the US on Jan. 8. Here is a snip:

A departure from the action real-time strategy formula seen in previous ‘Kingdom Under Fire’ games, Kingdom Under Fire: Circle of Doom is an action-packed role playing game (RPG) that makes full use of the Xbox 360 processing power to create a revolutionary gaming experience. Players will explore vast and randomly generated maps while battling bloodthirsty monsters attacking from all directions. As the game progresses, the six heroes will find increasingly advanced and spectacular ways to defeat enemies using new weapons and abilities as they progress through six varied acts. Players will also be able to interact with one another with a full multiplayer experience and up to four-player co-op on Xbox LIVE Gold.

TimeShift Multiplayer Demo Download

A new demo is now available for TimeShift, focusing on the multiplayer side of Saber Interactive’s 4D shooter. This is the first sample of the game’s multiplayer support.

The 1010 MB download is available on:

• ActionTrip
• ComputerGames.ro
• FileFront
• Fileshack
• Gamer’s Hell

TimeShift Xbox 360 Multiplayer Demo Details

Sierra Entertainment announced today that a multiplayer demo for TimeShift will be available via Xbox Live download available On Marketplace On November 14.

Developed by Saber Interactive and published by Sierra Entertainment, TimeShift is a first-person shooter (FPS) video game that allows players to master the flow of time, to become the ultimate weapon in war-torn environments. Armed with the experimental time-manipulating Beta Suit and a huge arsenal of weaponry and vehicles, players have the ability to slow, stop and reverse the flow of time, allowing them to control several aspects of each battle sequence. Intuitive time controls give the player the ultimate advantage in avoiding attacks, correcting mistakes and outsmarting the enemy.

With a comprehensive online 16-player multiplayer mode, featuring time grenades, 14 different maps and over 40 different features, TimeShift gears itself to the players’ unique style of gameplay by allowing matches to be completely customizable. Players can battle it out in a tight, well-balanced multiplayer experience that implements several aspects of the time-manipulating gameplay element found in the single-player campaign.

PC Gears Of War Goes Gold

Microsoft Game Studios announces the Games for Windows edition of Gears of War is gold, and the PC variant of Epic’s futuristic third-person shooter will be on North American shelves on November 6:

The Windows iteration of the massively popular and critically- acclaimed Xbox 360 blockbuster draws nigh; set to hit store shelves November 6th in North America.

Microsoft Game Studios announced today that the eagerly-awaited “Gears of War” for Windows has gone gold and will hit retailers throughout North America on November 6th.

With the Xbox 360 version of the game selling more than 4 million copies to date, “Gears of War” has been lauded by critics for its gripping campaign and fast-paced multiplayer action. Windows gamers can look forward to the “Gears of War” experience for the very first time, and will get to choose between doing battle via mouse and keyboard, or using the Windows-enabled Xbox 360 controller. From renowned developer Epic Games, “Gears of War” for Windows will engage gamers in hyper-realistic combat, allowing players to fight for survival against the Locust Horde, a nightmarish race of creatures that surface from the bowels of the planet.

In addition to retaining all of the content from its Xbox 360 counterpart and all previously released downloadable content (seven multiplayer maps and the Annex game mode), “Gears of War” for Windows will feature exciting original content, all-new Achievements to unlock, and ultra-high resolution visuals. Five new campaign chapters expand upon the riveting story (including an epic battle with the fearsome Brumak), and the action-packed multiplayer offering is bolstered with three exclusive multiplayer maps, a “King of the Hill” game type, and Games for Windows – LIVE support to deliver online matchmaking for Gold members. A new game editor will allow users to develop an unlimited number of user-created levels with complete access to the Unreal Editor.

Players can get their hands on “Gears of War” for Windows for the estimated retail price of $49.99 “Gears of War” for Windows is rated M for Mature.

Painkiller: Overdose Demo Download And Trailer

DreamCatcher / JoWooD have released a playable demo for Painkiller: Overdose, allowing you to try out the upcoming Painkiller prequel by Mindware Studios.

The demo includes two single-player and two multiplayer levels. Originally a Painkiller mod, the game now in the works at Mindware Studios is featuring 6 new demonic weapons, 16 new levels, over 40 monsters from Hell and multiplayer compatibility with original Painkiller multiplayer maps and game modes.

The 750MB demo can also be found on 3D Downloads, CGo.ro, 3DGamers, FanGaming, FileFront, FileShack, GH, GameSpot and Internode Games Network.

TimeShift Has Gone Gold

Sierra announces that TimeShift is gold, and that Saber Interactive’s “M”-rated 4D shooter will ship on October 30. A PC demo was released last week, and there’s also demo on Xbox LIVE. Here’s word:

Sierra Entertainment is pleased to announce that TimeShift for the XBOX 360® and Windows PC have gone gold, with a planned retail ship date of October 30, 2007. Developed by Saber Interactive, the highly-anticipated shooter allows players to master time to become the ultimate weapon. Armed with the experimental time-manipulating Beta Suit and a huge arsenal of weaponry, players have the ability to slow, stop and reverse the flow of time, allowing them to control several aspects of each battle sequence and puzzle situation. Intuitive time controls give the player the ultimate advantage in strategic attacks used to outsmart the enemy.

With a comprehensive online 16-player multiplayer mode, featuring time-controlling “chrono” grenades, 14 different maps and over 40 different customizable options, TimeShift is a truly unique multiplayer experience for every level of gamer, whether a novice or an expert.

Only the Facts: Donkey Kong Barrel Blast

Format: Wii
Launch Date: 10/08/07
ESRB: E (Everyone): Mild Cartoon Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes
Game Type: Racing
Players: 1-4
Developer: Paon

Game Information

KEY INFORMATION
Race to victory with the DK Crew! Donkey Kong and friends have located high-powered barrel rockets, and now the battle for king of the jungle is on.

• Donkey Kong is Back! One of Nintendo’s most popular characters, Donkey Kong, is back with all of his friends … and a few enemies as well. Diddy Kong, Dixie Kong, King K. Rool and the whole gang appear as playable characters in this fast-paced racing adventure.
• Shake, Rattle, and Roll! Simple Wii controls make racing a snap. Shake the Wii Remote and Nunchuk to accelerate, then shake one or the other to turn. Press a single button or shake the controller to jump, attack or use items.
• Rocket to Victory! Target enemies with a Pineapple Cannon, skillfully chain together Wild Moves or use the Wii Remote to blast out of a Style Barrel. Multiple game-play modes, 16 awesome courses and a rollicking four-player multiplayer game will keep players coming back for more.

How to progress through the game:

• Grand Prix: Race solo in 12 different cups across a variety of courses and difficulty levels.
• Time Trial: Pick the course and try to set a new record. Players can even save their best times in the form of ghost data.
• Practice: Race across any track without the pressure of time limits or other racers.
• Candy’s Challenges: Help out Candy Kong by taking on 32 unique challenges, such as grabbing 1,000 bananas, beating a course in a certain time or staying in first place wire-to-wire.
• Cranky’s Flight School: Learn how to play from Cranky Kong himself.
• Multiplayer: Players take on up to three friends in a high-flying free-for-all as they bash, smash and rocket their way to victory. Multiplayer is not a separate mode; players can simply choose to play the other modes with additional people.

Characters: Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, Dixie Kong, Lanky Kong, Tiny Kong, Funky Kong, Wrinkly Kong, Cranky Kong, Kritter, Kopter, Klump, King K. Rool, Kludge, Kalypso, Kip and Kass.

Special powers/weapons/moves/features:

• Wild Moves: Each course is littered with bananas. If players grab 50 of them, they can perform a Wild Move by pushing down on the control stick and then releasing it. Wild Moves propel racers forward at an insane rate of speed for a short period of time – they also allow them to run over enemies, other racers and most obstacles. Skilled players can extend the lives of their Wild Moves by hitting objects to create combos.
• Style Barrels: If players fly into a red Style Barrel, it will fire them high over the course. While in flight, an animation of the Wii Remote will appear on-screen and ask players to shake it in a certain direction. Each time players do so successfully, the rider will pose and get showered with bananas!
• Items: There are 15 crazy items that players can use – everything from offensive weapons like Backward Barrels and Pineapple Launchers to helpful power-ups like Banana Fairies and Crystal Coconuts. Using items effectively can turn the tide of a race.

The Gears of War Facts and Only The Facts

Here are the Facts and only the facts for the upcoming title Gears of War for the PC.

“Gears of War,” a Games for Windows title, features the amazing tactical action and multiplayer excitement found in the critically acclaimed “Gears of War” for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system that sold more than 3.5 million units, and a variety of all-new content, including three new multiplayer maps, a new multiplayer game type, Game Editor, five new campaign chapters and DirectX 10 support.
“Gears of War” thrusts gamers into a deep and harrowing story of humankind’s epic battle for survival against the Locust Horde, a nightmarish race of creatures that surface from the bowels of the planet.

With “Gears of War,” Epic Games returns gamers to the massively scoped worlds, memorable characters, cooperative gameplay and hyper-realistic combat that gamers have come to expect from the franchise, plus a few new surprises.

*Frag-filled new content. “Gears of War” will feature locations that are unique to the franchise and the genre. Players will encounter all their favorite foes from the Xbox 360 version; however, these intense encounters will take place in some new environments and allow players to manipulate the new game modes and technology found only in the Games for Windows title. Boasting three new multiplayer maps, a new multiplayer game type, Game Editor, five new campaign chapters and DirectX 10 support, “Gears of War,” will challenge and push the limits of the PC gaming experience and provide an unparalleled visual presentation. *Engaging and disturbing cinematic story. Movie-like cut scenes, cinematic camera moves and in-game storytelling bring the brutal, emotionally charged narrative to life. Gamers control Marcus Fenix and his fire team as they pit advanced technology against the overwhelming and horrific Locust Horde.*Unmatched online gaming. “Gears of War” will tap into the power of Games for Windows — LIVE to deliver online matchmaking for its Gold account members. The service will enable gamers around the world to connect via their PCs, allowing players to experience individualized matchmaking, view player statistics, earn player Achievements, customize games and create personalized profiles.*New Game Editor. The game will also feature the all-new Game Editor, guaranteeing new user-generated content in the future. The “Gears of War” community will be able to tap its endless creative potential to develop an unlimited number of user-created levels through complete access to the Unreal Editor. Using the new engine, players can now import custom artwork into the engine, create particle systems, scripted encounters, cinematics and more.*Astounding visuals in next-generation gaming. “Gears of War” ushers in the next generation with incredible visuals, pushing DirectX 10 visual designs and bringing out the smallest details in the largest battle. Gamers experience a rich, dynamic world with a supreme level of detail. Characters come to life with unbelievable model quality and a physics-integrated animation system that has them truly reacting intelligently to events unfolding around them.

*Hyper-realistic and intense combat. In “Gears of War” the battlefield is a lethal place — to foolishly stand out in the open is to invite an untimely demise. To survive, gamers must employ strategy, take cover using the interactive and dynamic environments, and suppress the enemy with blind fire, using their weapons and teammates to outwit and outfight their terrifying enemies.

Warhammer 40,000: Darn of War – Soulstorm Standalone Expansion

New Warhammer 40,000: Darn of War – Soulstorm Standalone Expansion announced today.

THQ Inc. today announced Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Soulstorm, the next standalone chapter in internal studio Relic Entertainment’s award-winning Real-Time Strategy (RTS) franchise, is scheduled for release on Windows PC in spring 2008. Featuring an extensive interplanetary campaign spanning an entire star system in the Warhammer 40,000 universe, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Soulstorm introduces two all-new factions for an unprecedented total of nine playable races.

“Relic Entertainment has set the standard for technical excellence and innovation in the RTS genre,” said Bob Aniello, senior vice president of worldwide marketing, THQ. “Dawn of War - Soulstorm continues that tradition as a standalone title featuring all-new, brutally addictive single and multiplayer game-play that will hook newcomers and skilled Dawn of War veterans alike.”

“In Dawn of War - Soulstorm, we’ve taken Games Workshop’s epic war from one planet to an entire star system,” said Tarrnie Williams, general manager, Relic Entertainment. “Allowing gamers to play nine unique races, introducing air units and providing multiplayer achievements for the first time creates a tremendous amount of new and challenging strategic gameplay for all players.”

Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Soulstorm is set in Games Workshop’s Warhammer 40,000 universe - a dark, futuristic, fantasy setting where armies of technologically advanced warriors, fighting machines and hordes of implacable aliens wage constant war - and is played by millions worldwide. Executive produced and co-developed by Relic Entertainment in association with Iron Lore Entertainment, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Soulstorm is a complete standalone title and will feature two all-new armies, including the malicious Dark Eldar, for an unprecedented total of nine playable races. In addition to new units across each of the seven existing races, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Soulstorm will incorporate air units for the first time and introduce multiplayer medals, adding a whole new level of depth to online battles. The revolutionary meta-game introduced in Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Dark Crusade is further expanded to an interplanetary scale in Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Soulstorm, allowing players to battle across an entire star system.

World in Conflict Available Now

Sierra announces that World in Conflict is now available in North American stores.

Sierra Entertainment, a division of Vivendi Games, has delivered World in Conflict(TM) — the game unanimously chosen as the Best Strategy Game of E3 2007 — to retail stores across North America today for the personal computer. The highly anticipated action-strategy game was created by Massive Entertainment, a Sierra Entertainment internal studio, and is available in both Standard and Collector’s Edition versions for a suggested retail price of $49.99 and $59.99 respectively.

“Sierra Entertainment is extremely proud to have delivered World in Conflict, one of the premier PC games of 2007, the best strategy game of the year and a title that will appeal to fans of all genres,” said Martin Tremblay, president of worldwide studios, Sierra Entertainment. “World in Conflict represents the next-generation of PC gaming, effectively blurring the lines between strategy, action and first-person-shooter with amazing DX10 graphics, groundbreaking multiplayer, and a deep, emotional single player game.”

World in Conflict emerged from E3 2007 as the clear choice of industry insiders and media as the Best Strategy Game of the show, claiming victory in the category from all major outlets hosting E3 awards. In addition, the game was recognized as one of the top PC games of 2007, earning additional nominations in several “Best PC Game,” “Best Graphics,” and “Best Multiplayer” categories.

Early reviews from around the world are hailing the game’s intense action-packed gameplay and cross-genre appeal. IGN PC called the game “An RTS for the shooter generation” and ” … an action junky’s dream,” awarding World in Conflict a 9.3 out of 10. Eurogamer.de’s 9 out of 10 highlighted the game as “strategy at its finest.”

“World in Conflict reaches out to fans of all genres — from action to strategy to shooter — with content that represents the absolute best of what PC gaming has to offer. As a result, our retail partners worldwide are offering amazing support to help launch this important and highly anticipated product,” said Pascal Brochier, president of Global Retail, Vivendi Games. “We expect World in Conflict to emerge as one of the most successful PC games of 2007.”