BioShock (story)
14 years ago
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Saturday, January 23, 2010
red dead redemption
from the creaters of grand thief auto series comes red dead redemption hopefully the best game about the wild west till now the art work is amazing and from what they are saying this game will have a varied missions which will make the game more organic the game engine will have physics simulation for example if you fall down a horse you will roll and move the same way in real life
now enjoy these screenshots
Mass Effect 2 Launch Trailer
i remember playing mass effect 1 and it was amazing and they say this one is better
Mass Effect 2's Strange Disc Swapping Explained via ign
January 23, 2010 - Last month, BioWare Community Manager Chris Priestly noted players had to do one required disc swap for the Xbox 360 version ofMass Effect 2.
But that is no longer the case.
The game will make players re-insert disc 1 as they make their way towards the end levels. BioWare producer Jessie Houston explained to IGN just what happens.
"Players will start with Disc 1 for the introduction and early level choices, then go through a funnel level of sorts, where they will need to switch to Disc 2," Houston said. "From there they will play the middle portion of the game, which is mostly on Disc 2. Then after another funnel point in the story they'll go back to Disc 1."
Houston noted this decision had nothing to do with combating potential piracy, and was done to help alleviate breaking up the gameplay during the middle portions of Mass Effect 2.
"The decision was made due to the nature of having to go to two discs for what is a non-linear game and fitting the right amount of content onto each of the discs," he added. "This way players won't have to swap their discs multiple times during the middle of the game."
But that is no longer the case.
The game will make players re-insert disc 1 as they make their way towards the end levels. BioWare producer Jessie Houston explained to IGN just what happens.
"Players will start with Disc 1 for the introduction and early level choices, then go through a funnel level of sorts, where they will need to switch to Disc 2," Houston said. "From there they will play the middle portion of the game, which is mostly on Disc 2. Then after another funnel point in the story they'll go back to Disc 1."
Houston noted this decision had nothing to do with combating potential piracy, and was done to help alleviate breaking up the gameplay during the middle portions of Mass Effect 2.
"The decision was made due to the nature of having to go to two discs for what is a non-linear game and fitting the right amount of content onto each of the discs," he added. "This way players won't have to swap their discs multiple times during the middle of the game."
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
halo reach screenshots
latest screenshots love the new armor and new convenet cant wait for e3 to see more
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Monday, January 18, 2010
lost plant 2
lost plant 1 was one of the best 3rd person action shooter i ever played hopefully this will be better
Alan Wake first impression
it is a psychological action thriller made by remedy the same people who made max Payne Alan wake is a writer he wrote best selling books but he now he have problems so his wife took him to a small town so that he could get his creative flow.
the wife get lost , he tries to find her ,and in the process he find himself living or trapped in a nightmare which is an a thriller of his latest work that he cant even remember.
the wife get lost , he tries to find her ,and in the process he find himself living or trapped in a nightmare which is an a thriller of his latest work that he cant even remember.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Friday, January 15, 2010
App Store Piracy Tops $450 Million via ign
January 15, 2010 - According to a report on Wall Street 24/7, piracy has cost the App Store over $450 million since its inception in the summer of 2008. That is a crippling number considering the vast number of apps and games on the App Store that are not created by mega-teams, but small operations and hobbyists encouraged by the ease of development and low cost barrier. But even with iPhone games costing far less than traditional console and handheld games – the average is around $3 – the temptation to pirate games on jailbroken handsets is just too strong for many.
The report places the average piracy rate at 75-percent, which is how Wall Street 24/7 came up with the $450 million figure after factoring in the number of total paid apps and the rate of download. The actual figure could be less – but it could also be far worse. Consider the reports of piracy from a handful of developers in the article:
Developers Neptune Interactive Inc and Smells Like Donkey Inc have reported piracy rates has high as 90% for their game $1.99 Tap-Fu, and claim that it was available in a pirated version within 40 minutes of its release on the App Store. Web Scout Inc. reports a 75% piracy rate for its $0.99 iCombat game. The developer of the $4.99 art program, Layers, reports a piracy rate of 75%, and Fish Labs reports 95% for its $7 Rally Master Pro 3D.
A pirated 99-cent game? Is that what we've come to?
And how do developers determine the piracy rate of their games? Some have placed a small hidden feature in their games that reports when it is played on a jailbroken device. With the rate of jailbroken iPhones on the rise thanks to much easier steps than originally required when the device debuted in 2007, the scourge of piracy only stands to grow. Which, in turn, threatens the incredible outpouring of creativity that makes the App Store such a vital outlet for games.
The report places the average piracy rate at 75-percent, which is how Wall Street 24/7 came up with the $450 million figure after factoring in the number of total paid apps and the rate of download. The actual figure could be less – but it could also be far worse. Consider the reports of piracy from a handful of developers in the article:
Developers Neptune Interactive Inc and Smells Like Donkey Inc have reported piracy rates has high as 90% for their game $1.99 Tap-Fu, and claim that it was available in a pirated version within 40 minutes of its release on the App Store. Web Scout Inc. reports a 75% piracy rate for its $0.99 iCombat game. The developer of the $4.99 art program, Layers, reports a piracy rate of 75%, and Fish Labs reports 95% for its $7 Rally Master Pro 3D.
A pirated 99-cent game? Is that what we've come to?
And how do developers determine the piracy rate of their games? Some have placed a small hidden feature in their games that reports when it is played on a jailbroken device. With the rate of jailbroken iPhones on the rise thanks to much easier steps than originally required when the device debuted in 2007, the scourge of piracy only stands to grow. Which, in turn, threatens the incredible outpouring of creativity that makes the App Store such a vital outlet for games.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
halo reach details via ign
january 13, 2010 - If there's one thing to know about Halo: Reach, it's that it sucks to be a Spartan III – at least according to February's Game Informer. In a 10-page feature about Bungie's latest, the magazine introduces us to Noble Team – a six-person squad made up of mostly Spartan IIIs – and the fact that their lives are completely expendable in the day-to-day operations of the UNSC.
Good thing the planet's about to fall to the Covenant anyway.
Halo: Reach is the prequel to Halo: Combat Evolved. Here, the 100-year-old colony of Reach will fall to its alien attackers, and you'll be there as Noble 6, the newest member of Noble Team. Carter-259 is the leader, the female Spartan Kat-320 is second in command, Jorge-052 is heavy weapons specialist and the only Spartan II on the team, Emile-239 has a skull painted on his helmet, and Jun-266 rounds out the squad.
However, according to Game Informer, the planet of Reach is going to be just as pivotal to the story as Noble Team. There will be a darker color palette to this outing to reflect the somber feel, the environments will be detailed, you'll meet the cultures inhabiting the planet, and so on.
When the demo described in the article starts, Noble Team goes to check out a tinkered with communications array and finds no rebels, a whole bunch of abandoned houses, and walls and ceilings covered in plasma burns. Soon, the Covenant is upon the troops and there's a massive battle. Bungie says that it's making the Covenant scarier this time (the game's being framed in a more cinematic style) and that they'll be talking in their native tongue in deep, creepy voices. On the tech side, look for Halo: Reach to support battles packing 40 AI characters and 20 vehicles (Halo 3 only supported 20 AI).
Fans of the original Halo will see a number of throwbacks in Reach. The health bar will take damage and not replenish over time like your shield, and the sniper rifle, assault rifle, magnum, plasma pistol, sword, and needler are all back. It's not all old news, though. Spike and flame grenades are out, and frag and plasma grenades are in.
Meanwhile, the designated marksman rifle (a mix between a sniper and a battle rifle) and the needle rifle (a medium range gun that will cause three people to explode if they're hit in succession) are joining the fray for the first time alongside melee assassinations, which are described as being performed by holding down a button near an unaware enemy for a context-sensitive takedown. Still, one of the coolest additions in Halo: Reach seems like it'll be armor abilities. Here, a Spartan can choose a super-up ability (sprint or camouflage) and be able to use them until a rechargeable meter runs out. You can swap the abilities whenever you like.
Game Informer touches on multiplayer briefly, confirming that Halo: Reach will at least feature all of the multiplayer features of Halo 3 (including four-player online co-op, split screen co-op for two players, 16 player online matches and saved films). It also will feature a few new treats that haven't been unveiled yet and will make use of the aforementioned armor abilities.
The article also showcased the new enemies known as Skirmishers (Jackal cousins that travel in packs and have dino-like faces while moving on two feet), announced that the game will use 20 to 40 dynamic lights at one time, and that Reach will use motion capture for the majority of its cinematic scenes. Basically, it made Halo: Reach sound awesome and made the wait until the game's fall release all the more annoying.
Good thing the planet's about to fall to the Covenant anyway.
Halo: Reach is the prequel to Halo: Combat Evolved. Here, the 100-year-old colony of Reach will fall to its alien attackers, and you'll be there as Noble 6, the newest member of Noble Team. Carter-259 is the leader, the female Spartan Kat-320 is second in command, Jorge-052 is heavy weapons specialist and the only Spartan II on the team, Emile-239 has a skull painted on his helmet, and Jun-266 rounds out the squad.
However, according to Game Informer, the planet of Reach is going to be just as pivotal to the story as Noble Team. There will be a darker color palette to this outing to reflect the somber feel, the environments will be detailed, you'll meet the cultures inhabiting the planet, and so on.
When the demo described in the article starts, Noble Team goes to check out a tinkered with communications array and finds no rebels, a whole bunch of abandoned houses, and walls and ceilings covered in plasma burns. Soon, the Covenant is upon the troops and there's a massive battle. Bungie says that it's making the Covenant scarier this time (the game's being framed in a more cinematic style) and that they'll be talking in their native tongue in deep, creepy voices. On the tech side, look for Halo: Reach to support battles packing 40 AI characters and 20 vehicles (Halo 3 only supported 20 AI).
Fans of the original Halo will see a number of throwbacks in Reach. The health bar will take damage and not replenish over time like your shield, and the sniper rifle, assault rifle, magnum, plasma pistol, sword, and needler are all back. It's not all old news, though. Spike and flame grenades are out, and frag and plasma grenades are in.
Game Informer touches on multiplayer briefly, confirming that Halo: Reach will at least feature all of the multiplayer features of Halo 3 (including four-player online co-op, split screen co-op for two players, 16 player online matches and saved films). It also will feature a few new treats that haven't been unveiled yet and will make use of the aforementioned armor abilities.
The article also showcased the new enemies known as Skirmishers (Jackal cousins that travel in packs and have dino-like faces while moving on two feet), announced that the game will use 20 to 40 dynamic lights at one time, and that Reach will use motion capture for the majority of its cinematic scenes. Basically, it made Halo: Reach sound awesome and made the wait until the game's fall release all the more annoying.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
spiderman 4
January 11, 2010 - Damn, Sam Raimi, you've made us proud. As much as we're sorry to see you go, we respect the fact that you've stuck to your guns and told Sony to stick their webs where the sun don't shine.
That's right, folks. Sam Raimi has left the Spider-Man franchise, which essentially means that Spider-Man 4 is no more and the wallcrawler is now getting a from-scratch reboot from the studio instead. Tobey Maguire is also done with the red and blue suit, and in fact Sony is saying (via Twitter) that the reboot will go back to high school with the character and be released in 2012.
Deadline Hollywood's Nikki Finke had the story first, saying that "Mike Fleming and I have just confirmed that Sony Pictures decided today to reboot the Spider-Man franchise after franchise director Sam Raimi pulled out of Spider-Man 4because he felt he couldn't make its summer release date and keep the film's creative integrity. This means that Raimi and the cast including star Tobey Maguire are out. There will be no Spider-Man 4. Instead, Mike Fleming is told, the studio will focus on a reboot script by Jamie Vanderbilt with a new director and a new cast. All this took place ... at [a] meeting on the lot today."
DH goes on to say that Raimi insisted he couldn't make Sony's date or "go forward creatively. And, so, once he said 'That's it,' Sony Pictures co-chairman [Amy] Pascal and Columbia Pictures' Matt Tolmach decided they didn't want to replace him and instead chose to reboot the franchise." Points to Sony for making the smart choice here.
We've got a call in to Sony right now and we'll update here as soon as we hear back from them! But, dang, this is a big one.
That's right, folks. Sam Raimi has left the Spider-Man franchise, which essentially means that Spider-Man 4 is no more and the wallcrawler is now getting a from-scratch reboot from the studio instead. Tobey Maguire is also done with the red and blue suit, and in fact Sony is saying (via Twitter) that the reboot will go back to high school with the character and be released in 2012.
Deadline Hollywood's Nikki Finke had the story first, saying that "Mike Fleming and I have just confirmed that Sony Pictures decided today to reboot the Spider-Man franchise after franchise director Sam Raimi pulled out of Spider-Man 4because he felt he couldn't make its summer release date and keep the film's creative integrity. This means that Raimi and the cast including star Tobey Maguire are out. There will be no Spider-Man 4. Instead, Mike Fleming is told, the studio will focus on a reboot script by Jamie Vanderbilt with a new director and a new cast. All this took place ... at [a] meeting on the lot today."
DH goes on to say that Raimi insisted he couldn't make Sony's date or "go forward creatively. And, so, once he said 'That's it,' Sony Pictures co-chairman [Amy] Pascal and Columbia Pictures' Matt Tolmach decided they didn't want to replace him and instead chose to reboot the franchise." Points to Sony for making the smart choice here.
We've got a call in to Sony right now and we'll update here as soon as we hear back from them! But, dang, this is a big one.
UPDATED: Here is Sony's official statement on the reboot: "Peter Parker is going back to high school when the next Spider-Man hits theaters in the summer of 2012. Columbia Pictures and Marvel Studios announced today they are moving forward with a film based on a script by James Vanderbilt that focuses on a teenager dealing with both contemporary human problems and amazing super-human crises. The new chapter in the Spider-Man franchise produced by Columbia, Marvel Studios and Avi Arad and Laura Ziskin, will have a new cast and filmmaking team. Spider-Man 4 was to have been released in 2011, but had not yet gone into production.
"A decade ago we set out on this journey with Sam Raimi and Tobey Maguire and together we made three Spider-Man films that set a new bar for the genre. When we began, no one ever imagined that we would make history at the box-office and now we have a rare opportunity to make history once again with this franchise. Peter Parker as an ordinary young adult grappling with extraordinary powers has always been the foundation that has made this character so timeless and compelling for generations of fans. We're very excited about the creative possibilities that come from returning to Peter's roots and we look forward to working once again with Marvel Studios, Avi Arad and Laura Ziskin on this new beginning," said Amy Pascal, co-chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment.
"Working on the Spider-Man movies was the experience of a lifetime for me. While we were looking forward to doing a fourth one together, the studio and Marvel have a unique opportunity to take the franchise in a new direction, and I know they will do a terrific job," said Sam Raimi.
"We have had a once-in-a-lifetime collaboration and friendship with Sam and Tobey and they have given us their best for the better part of the last decade.This is a bittersweet moment for us because while it is hard to imagine Spider-Man in anyone else's hands, I know that this was a day that was inevitable," said Matt Tolmach, president of Columbia Pictures, who has served as the studio's chief production executive since the beginning of the franchise. "Now everything begins anew, and that's got us all tremendously excited about what comes next. Under the continuing supervision of Avi and Laura, we have a clear vision for the future ofSpider-Man and can't wait to share this exciting new direction with audiences in 2012."
"Spider-Man will always be an important franchise for Sony Pictures and a fresh start like this is a responsibility that we all take very seriously," said Michael Lynton, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures. "We have always believed that story comes first and story guides the direction of these films. As we move onto the next chapter, we will stay true to that principle and will do so with the highest respect for the source material and the fans and moviegoers who deserve nothing but the best when it comes to bringing these stories and characters to life on the big screen."
The studio will have more news about Spider-Man in 2012 in the coming weeks as it prepares for production of the film.
Monday, January 11, 2010
no metal gear movie but may be for agood reason
UK, January 11, 2010 - The Metal Gear Solid movie won't be happening, at least in the foreseeable future, according to producer Michael De Luca.
He told Collider: "I don't think it's going to move forward because I got the sense that there may not be enough of a coordinated will at this point on the side of certain parties to see a movie get made."
He explained that Konami are concerned about a duff movie hurting the image of the game series. "The franchise being as big as it is kind of helps the movie. I'm not sure the movie does the same thing for the game."
De Luca added: "The videogame companies are very protective of their property and there are certain things a studio requires freedom-wise to market and distribute a movie effectively in a global marketplace and sometimes getting those two things to match up is really hard - it was just kind of impossible to get the agendas to match up."
So that seems to be that for a MGS film for the time-being, but if Prince of Persia or another game adaptation makes money this year, then perhaps Konami might have a change of heart.
He told Collider: "I don't think it's going to move forward because I got the sense that there may not be enough of a coordinated will at this point on the side of certain parties to see a movie get made."
He explained that Konami are concerned about a duff movie hurting the image of the game series. "The franchise being as big as it is kind of helps the movie. I'm not sure the movie does the same thing for the game."
De Luca added: "The videogame companies are very protective of their property and there are certain things a studio requires freedom-wise to market and distribute a movie effectively in a global marketplace and sometimes getting those two things to match up is really hard - it was just kind of impossible to get the agendas to match up."
So that seems to be that for a MGS film for the time-being, but if Prince of Persia or another game adaptation makes money this year, then perhaps Konami might have a change of heart.
halo 3 tops xbox live 2009
UK, January 11, 2010 - Halo 3 maintained its stranglehold on Xbox Live as a list of the top online games on Xbox 360 in 2009 placed the 2007 shooter on top of the pile.
It saw off Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare in a list compiled by Xbox Live's Major Nelson and based on connectivity. Modern Warfare 2 came in third despite only releasing towards the tail-end of the year and was followed by Call of Duty: World at War, with Gears of War 2, GTA IV and Left 4 Dead filling out the middle order.
EA's Battlefield 1943 was the most successful of last year's Xbox Live Arcade titles as Castle Crashers and Trials HD taking second and third place respectively.
Of the Indie Games it was I MAED A GAME W1TH Z0MB1ES!!!1 that claimed the top spot, beating out Avatar Drop and RC – AirSim.
Xbox 360 Top Live Titles
1 Halo 3
2 Call of Duty 4
3 Modern Warfare 2
4 Call of Duty: WaW
5 Gears of War 2
6 GTA IV
7 Left 4 Dead
8 Halo 3: ODST
9 FABLE II Episode 1
10 Resident Evil 5
Top Arcade Titles
1 Battlefield 1943
2 Castle Crashers
3 Trials HD
4 Hasbro Family Game Night
5 Shadow Complex
6 Marvel vs. Capcom 2
7 Magic: The Gathering
8 UNO
9 Worms
10 Peggle
Top Indie Games
1 I MAED A GAM3 W1TH Z0MB1ES!!!1
2 Avatar Drop
3 RC-AirSim
4 Headshot
5 Miner Dig Deep
6 Rumble Massage
7 Who Did I Date Last Night
8 Kodu Game Lab
9 Avatar Golf
10 Aquarium HD
It saw off Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare in a list compiled by Xbox Live's Major Nelson and based on connectivity. Modern Warfare 2 came in third despite only releasing towards the tail-end of the year and was followed by Call of Duty: World at War, with Gears of War 2, GTA IV and Left 4 Dead filling out the middle order.
EA's Battlefield 1943 was the most successful of last year's Xbox Live Arcade titles as Castle Crashers and Trials HD taking second and third place respectively.
Of the Indie Games it was I MAED A GAME W1TH Z0MB1ES!!!1 that claimed the top spot, beating out Avatar Drop and RC – AirSim.
Xbox 360 Top Live Titles
1 Halo 3
2 Call of Duty 4
3 Modern Warfare 2
4 Call of Duty: WaW
5 Gears of War 2
6 GTA IV
7 Left 4 Dead
8 Halo 3: ODST
9 FABLE II Episode 1
10 Resident Evil 5
Top Arcade Titles
1 Battlefield 1943
2 Castle Crashers
3 Trials HD
4 Hasbro Family Game Night
5 Shadow Complex
6 Marvel vs. Capcom 2
7 Magic: The Gathering
8 UNO
9 Worms
10 Peggle
Top Indie Games
1 I MAED A GAM3 W1TH Z0MB1ES!!!1
2 Avatar Drop
3 RC-AirSim
4 Headshot
5 Miner Dig Deep
6 Rumble Massage
7 Who Did I Date Last Night
8 Kodu Game Lab
9 Avatar Golf
10 Aquarium HD
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Army of Two: The 40th Day story
Background & story
Tyson Rios and Elliot Salem begin Army of Two: The 40th Day a few years after the story of the original game ends as self-employed private military contractors who run, with the aid of Alice Murray, their own private company called TransWorld Operations (TWO). They are engaged in a routine mission in Shanghai when things go very bad. A competing PMC attacks the city, causing mayhem and destruction and threatening Rios and Salem’s survival.[13] As executive producer Reid Schneider explains, “It's really more of a survival story, and about what happens to you when you're there. Salem and Rios are on a routine mission in Shanghai and all hell breaks loose. We want to tell a story about what happens while you're there."[13] The idea is compared to the movie Cloverfield, where a series of events (disasters) occur and the characters must then overcome them. Amidst their efforts to survive, Rios and Salem will also have the opportunity to take up missions in order to earn money
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Assassin creed 2 STORY
The game continues shortly after the events of Assassin's Creed, where, in 2012, Desmond Miles (Nolan North) is still a prisoner at Abstergo Industries after searching the memories of his ancestor, the Assassin, Altaïr, in the Animus. Abstergo, the modern-day equivalent of the Knights Templar, had been using Desmond to locate powerful out-of-place artifacts called "Pieces of Eden". Using the "Eagle Vision" ability he gained as a result of the "bleeding effect" (from overexposure to the Animus), Desmond is able to see messages and symbols written in blood on his bedroom wall, written by the former test subject, named "Subject 16". Lucy Stillman (Kristen Bell), a former researcher for Abstergo and a member of the modern-day Assassins, frees Desmond and brings him to a secret hideout for herself and two other Assassins, Shaun Hastings (Danny Wallace) and Rebecca Crane (Eliza Schneider). With their own version of the Animus, dubbed the 'Animus 2.0', they invite Desmond to help them discover the memories of his ancestor, Ezio Auditore da Firenze, for two reasons: to train Desmond in Assassin skills through the bleeding effect, and to find other Pieces of Eden.
Ezio, residing in Italy during the Renaissance in the late 15th century, finds his family in Florence the victims of a political plot, and is unable to prevent the hanging of his father and two brothers. His father's final instructions lead Ezio to a chest containing Assassin garments and tools. Ezio's uncle Mario allows Ezio and his mother and sister to shelter in his countryside villa, and trains Ezio in the art of combat. Mario further provides leads to those in on his family's betrayal, and Ezio follows the trail of clues, leading from Florence to San Gimignano, Forlì, Venice and eventually to Rome. Along the way, he encounters several allies that assist in his pursuit, including Leonardo da Vinci, who is able to help decode pages from Altaïr's Codex, creating new equipment. After assassinating many people involved in the plot, Ezio is able to identify Rodrigo Borgia as the leader of the conspiracy, aimed to bring down the Medici family. Borgia later arrives in Venice with the "Apple," the Piece of Eden that Altaïr originally had found. Borgia believes himself to be the "Prophet" that would lead to the discovery of "The Vault", supposedly containing more Pieces of Eden and other knowledge the Templars seek. Ezio, joined by his allies, stop Borgia, who flees without the Apple. His allies, including Niccolò Machiavelli, reveal they are all members of the Assassins, and bring Ezio into their ranks, telling him that they believe him to be the Prophet that will lead them to the Vault.
During one break from using the Animus, Desmond suffers a hallucination that returns him to the body of Altaïr in Acre, and makes love with Maria, a Templar he had earlier spared (a decoy for Robert de Sable inAssassin's Creed who Altaïr formed a relationship with in another adventure); when Altaïr departs, Desmond finds the memory staying with Maria, and leaves him confused when he recovers. He also learns of the case of Subject 16, one of several previous test subjects used by Abstergo, and the person responsible for writing the images he saw in his room at Abstergo. Subject 16 has managed to hack the Animus and place twenty glyphs that can only be seen and decoded by the Animus user, revealing a video of a man and a woman, claiming to be Adam and Eve, carrying the "Apple of Eden", running through a futuristic setting identified, by a flash of binary code, as Eden.When Desmond returns to Ezio's memory after he fought off Borgia, they find several corrupted memories, and are only able to return Desmond to Ezio's memories in the year 1499, where Borgia has since become Pope Alexander VI at Vatican City. Ezio's memories reveal that he and his allies have completed the Codex and discovered that "The Vault" lies in Rome, and realize that the Papal Staff is another Piece of Eden; Borgia's plan, upon deposition of the Medici family, would allow him to become Pope and gain access to the staff and the Vault.
Ezio and his allies travel to Rome; while his allies distract the rest of the city, Ezio discretely enters the Vatican and attempts to assassinate Borgia. Borgia manages to escape with both the Apple and the Staff, and attempts to use them to open the Vault, but Ezio catches up and defeats him but does not kill Borgia. In Ezio's hands, the Apple and Staff open the Vault; inside, he finds a holographic figure that identifies him as The Prophet that has brought Desmond and the 21st century observers to the Vault to listen to her words. The figure, calling herself "Minerva", reveals that she and others were part of a more advanced society that settled on Earth. Soon after, a celestial catastrophe resulted in most life on Earth diminished. The remaining people rebuilt society and created a new race of humans in their own image. They lived alongside humans, though they eventually came to war. Those of the advanced race that remained had constructed several other temples around the world that will help them prevent the same disaster from reoccurring. As the hologram vanishes, Minerva calls Desmond by name and says the "rest is up to you". As the memory ends, Desmond wakes to find that Abstergo has discovered their hideout and, with his assimilated skills from Ezio and Altaïr, assists Lucy in dispatching their forces, led by Vidic, the man who kidnapped him, while Shaun and Rebecca pack away their equipment. As the four escape, Lucy postulates that Minerva may have been talking about the Earth's geomagnetic reversal, Desmond realizes that the writing on his wall left by Subject 16 at the beginning of the game were actually warnings, and with time short, Desmond prepares to re-enter the Animus and continue searching his memories for more clues to the location of the remaining temples.
CES 2010: Avatar 3D vs. Avatar 3D
January 8, 2010 - First things first, it should be noted that the Avatar comparison alluded to in the headline above is actually of the film's second trailer -- the three minute 30 second spot which played up the heavy action angle. But while visiting the Panasonic booth at this year's CES convention in Las Vegas, Nevada, I happened to catch a presentation where the company was showing off its new 3D Blu-ray player and television by screening the trailer in its native format. Having seen the film itself in 3D, this exercise in promotion got me thinking: In a shot for shot comparison, which 3D version of Avatar looks better -- the in-theater or in-home experience? I pushed my way through the gathered crowd, slipped on the crazy looking glasses and was surprised by what I saw.
Upon exiting the film, I immediately became one of those evangelizers singing the praises of James Cameron's use of 3D. "It's not so much about the cheap pop out moments," I would tell anyone who was listening. "It's about creating depth." And I still stand by that description as high praise for the technology. However, the 3D experience I had with Panasonic's home theater equipment was far superior to what I witnessed in theater.
Perhaps it was the smaller screen or the fact that I was standing much closer to it, but I truly did feel immersed in the film's setting -- almost getting dizzy at times because of fast cuts and movements. What follows is a breakdown of some of the more memorable 3D moments in the trailer (time code from the IGN video is included for your reference).
Upon exiting the film, I immediately became one of those evangelizers singing the praises of James Cameron's use of 3D. "It's not so much about the cheap pop out moments," I would tell anyone who was listening. "It's about creating depth." And I still stand by that description as high praise for the technology. However, the 3D experience I had with Panasonic's home theater equipment was far superior to what I witnessed in theater.
Perhaps it was the smaller screen or the fact that I was standing much closer to it, but I truly did feel immersed in the film's setting -- almost getting dizzy at times because of fast cuts and movements. What follows is a breakdown of some of the more memorable 3D moments in the trailer (time code from the IGN video is included for your reference).
00:26: The wheelchair bound Jake Sully exits the troop transport and sees the planet Pandora for the first time. The soldiers exiting behind him and the mech-suits patrolling on security detail are displayed with varying degrees of depth within the frame.
00:32: Colonel Miles Quaritch is conducting his "welcome to Pandora" briefing for the new arrivals. Again, as the camera pans around the room, the various groups of soldiers/scientists are clearly staggered within the visual framework.
00:34: As the Scorpion Gunship flies through the Hallelujah Mountains... well, you get it.
00:45: As Neytiri pulls back on her bow, I found myself ducking to dodge the arrow that looked as if it were pointed right at me.
01:40: Ever watch one of those IMAX movies shot from the perspective of a passenger on a rollercoaster? The ones that make you feel as if you yourself were actually on the ride? That's the feeling I got while watching this human to avatar body transition scene in 3D.
00:32: Colonel Miles Quaritch is conducting his "welcome to Pandora" briefing for the new arrivals. Again, as the camera pans around the room, the various groups of soldiers/scientists are clearly staggered within the visual framework.
00:34: As the Scorpion Gunship flies through the Hallelujah Mountains... well, you get it.
00:45: As Neytiri pulls back on her bow, I found myself ducking to dodge the arrow that looked as if it were pointed right at me.
01:40: Ever watch one of those IMAX movies shot from the perspective of a passenger on a rollercoaster? The ones that make you feel as if you yourself were actually on the ride? That's the feeling I got while watching this human to avatar body transition scene in 3D.
01:55: As the camera panned through the foliage to reveal Neytiri crouched on the tree branch, I again found myself ducking and dodging as if those leaves were really going to hit me.
02:27: Another great example of the varying depth levels in the 3D field of vision -- both swimmers as well as the lily pads floating atop the water looked incredible.
03:18: While all of the quick cuts of battle footage looked great, what really popped were the shots of rapid gunfire -- like this clip of a Dragon Gunship firing various weapons at the flying dragons around it.
Hands down the home theater 3D experience was much more immersive than what I saw in-theater. PerhapsAvatar's eventual Blu-ray release will be reason enough to invest in the new technology?
02:27: Another great example of the varying depth levels in the 3D field of vision -- both swimmers as well as the lily pads floating atop the water looked incredible.
03:18: While all of the quick cuts of battle footage looked great, what really popped were the shots of rapid gunfire -- like this clip of a Dragon Gunship firing various weapons at the flying dragons around it.
Hands down the home theater 3D experience was much more immersive than what I saw in-theater. PerhapsAvatar's eventual Blu-ray release will be reason enough to invest in the new technology?
Ghost Rider 2's New Title?
UK, January 8, 2010 - The guys over at Collider have dug up some interesting news about the Ghost Ridersequel from producer Michael De Luca, who is eager not to repeat the mistakes from the first movie it seems.
He explained that director Mark Steven Johnson won't return to direct the follow-up, and that Eva Mendeswill also not reprise her role as Roxanne Simpson. Instead De Luca would like David Goyer - who wrote the script - to direct, but that depends on Goyer's schedule.
The film will apparently be called either Ghost Rider Spirit of Vengence, or simply Ghost Rider 2, and it will be a "hard" PG-13.
Del Luca intends for the sequel to "push the reset button" on the franchise. One of the ways they might do this is by shooting in 3D. Either way, the producer hopes to get the cameras rolling sometime this year.
Excited about how the sequel is shaping up? Or was the first installment so bad you'd rather set yourself on fire than watch another Ghost Rider movie? Post your thoughts below.
He explained that director Mark Steven Johnson won't return to direct the follow-up, and that Eva Mendeswill also not reprise her role as Roxanne Simpson. Instead De Luca would like David Goyer - who wrote the script - to direct, but that depends on Goyer's schedule.
The film will apparently be called either Ghost Rider Spirit of Vengence, or simply Ghost Rider 2, and it will be a "hard" PG-13.
Del Luca intends for the sequel to "push the reset button" on the franchise. One of the ways they might do this is by shooting in 3D. Either way, the producer hopes to get the cameras rolling sometime this year.
Excited about how the sequel is shaping up? Or was the first installment so bad you'd rather set yourself on fire than watch another Ghost Rider movie? Post your thoughts below.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Microsoft details Game Room titles, pricingYesterday, Microsoft held its 2009 Consumer Electronics Show press conference, an event that was largely do
Yesterday, Microsoft held its 2009 Consumer Electronics Show press conference, an event that was largely dominated by updates for the software company's latest operating system, Windows 7. However, Microsoft also offered a handful of headline announcements for its gaming arm, namely confirming that its camera-based motion-sensing add-on Project Natal would be available for the Xbox 360 this holiday. And as had been leaked first in October and then again hours before the press event, Microsoft also announced its new retro Game Room hub.
Microsoft has now offered additional details on the Game Room, which was developed by Krome Studios and will be available through Xbox Live and the Games for Windows - Live PC client this spring. As part of an announcement trailer, below, the publisher rattled off some 30 games that will initially be available. Games on the docket include such Atari and Intellivision classics as Centipede, Crystal Castles, Red Baron, Yars' Revenge, and Tempest. A full list can be found below. With plans to expand the Game Room to more than 1,000 titles, Microsoft intends to release additional offerings on a weekly basis.
The publisher also announced a pricing structure for the downloadable classics. Games can be purchased for play on both the Xbox 360 and PC for MSP 400 ($5), or for an individual platform at MSP 240 ($3) apiece. Alternatively, gamers can carry on in the coin-op tradition by purchasing single rounds of any individual game for MSP 40 ($.50). Players can also sample games purchased by their friends for free by visiting their game rooms.
Up to two players can compete in online or local multiplayer in games that support competitive or cooperative action. The Game Room will also support Xbox Live Avatars, as well as voice chat, 1080p graphics, cross-platform leaderboards, and achievements.
Confirmed Microsoft Game Room titles
Adventure
Armor Battle
Asteroids Deluxe
Astrosmash
Battlantis
Centipede
Combat
Crystal Castles
Finalizer
Football
Jungler
Lunar Lander
Millipede
Mountain Madness: Super Pro Skiing
Outlaw
RealSports Tennis
Red Baron
Road Fighter
Scramble
Sea Battle
Shao-Lin's Road
Space Armada
Space Hawk
Star Raiders
Sub Hunt
Super Cobra
Tempest
Tutankham
Yars' Revenge
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