Alpha Protocol to be released this summer

OBSIDIAN Entertainment’s much-anticipated Alpha Protocol is hitting store shelves in the summer.

The espionage game, an original take on the role playing game genre, will launch in Europe on May 28 and June 1 in the US for the PS3, Xbox 360 and PC Games For Windows.

“Alpha Protocol offers a new take on the RPG genre giving players the chance to immerse themselves in the world of modern day espionage,” said Gary Knight, European Marketing Director of SEGA Europe.

“Being the first ever RPG in this setting, Obsidian have written a truly immersive storyline with a cast of characters everyone will remember.”

With a plot torn from today’s headlines and more twists than a blockbuster movie, Alpha Protocol brings a new level of modern day realism to the world of RPGs. Tasked with uncovering the perpetrators behind a tragic missile attack on a passenger jetliner, players dive into a story rich with characters and locations to discover an international arms-dealing conspiracy. Through their actions and choices, players direct the outcome of the game as they ultimately decide who to befriend, trust or kill.

In Alpha Protocol, players assume the role of rookie spy Michael Thorton and are given unprecedented control over the development of his abilities and interactions with other characters. Customizable character skill-sets, attributes and weapons all play an important role in allowing gamers to tailor Thorton to their play-style.

NO hard drive install for God of War III

GOD Of War III, Sony’s next big blockbuster, will require no HDD install despite the games storage capacity of up to 40GB on a dual-layer blu-ray.

GamingUnion writes: "Recently, PlayStation 3 gamers have been inundated with mandatory installs for games like Heavy Rain and BioShock 2, but God of War 3, which releases next month, promises to offer some good news on this front.

When posting on his personal Twitter account, Christer Ericson, who is the Director of Technology at Sony Santa Monica, said “God of War 3 does NOT do a HD install. The 5MB listed on box back is for save game only.”

That's great news - and should show other developers that it can be done, even with such an impressive game!

Heavy Rain banned in United Arab Emirates

ACCORDING to Kotaku, Sony this morning has confirmed the banning of Heavy Rain in the United Arab Emirates.

In a statement released by Sony, it says: "The UAE’s National Media Council (NMC) has banned Heavy Rain on PlayStation3. Heavy Rain has an 18+ PEGI rating and has been conceived from the earliest stages as a genuinely adult experience.

"This means that it deals with strong content including blood and nudity, but treats this content in a mature and sensitive manner.

"The game is not intentionally controversial or sensationalist, and all the themes and content are consistent with what consumers would expect to see in a mainstream Hollywood thriller."

Currently there has been no detailed explanation from the UAE.

Xbox Live user banned - video

HERE'S an interesting video - it shows an Xbox Live moderator taking a tough stance on a Live user.
It's good to see 'abusers' facing a crackdown - but do you agree, or do you think it is too harsh?
Watch and learn....

Battle of the motion controllers

THE battle of the motion controllers is set to commence - and analysts are predicting the Xbox 360 will come out on top.

Wedbush Morgan Securities analyst Michael Pachter is predicting the Xbox 360's Natal add-on will outsell the PS3's Arc motion control camera by 5 to 1.

He said: "I think that the Sony motion controller will have some problems gaining traction, since it is not an "in the box" solution. That will probably limit adoption to one or two million at the outset. Natal is different... It's only one piece (the camera), is likely to be cheaper, and I think it will come in the Xbox 360 package with new consoles once launched, meaning far deeper penetration."

Pachter thinks the games will be key to the success of both peripherals.

He said: "Sony's internal development is top notch, so I expect the launch titles to be fun, and likely on par with Wii Sports for quality, but ultimately, I think that the motion controller will only sell to 20% or less of the PS3 audience, limiting it's appeal to third party publishers. A year or so after launch, there will be 10 million Project Natal units out there, which will probably attract more third party support. Also, I think Microsoft will subsidize third party development to make it a success."

New Aliens vs Predator launch video

HERE is the latest Aliens vs Predator video to appear on YouTube - the graphics looks stunning, lets hope the gameplay is just as good!

New interactive gaming show coming to the PS3

A NEW interactive gaming show will soon be winging its way to the PS3.

FirstPlay is being launched on PS3, which will take the form of an on-console episodic gaming show which will bring together reviews, trailers, video previews, galleries, downloads and demos.

And it won't be limited to that alone; it will also be in high-definition and managed by the editorial team behind Official PlayStation Magazine at Future Publishing.

Weekly episodes will cost 99p each, while three-month subscriptions will be going for £8.99.

User-created content will also be available, as well as downloads exclusive to those buying the service.

New Aliens vs Predators demo released

A NEW updated version of the Aliens Vs Predator demo is available now on PlayStation Network.

The first iteration of the Aliens Vs Predator multiplayer demo has now been taken down from PlayStation Network and replaced with this new version.

The first iteration of the demo suffered matchmaking problems resulting in some players experiencing difficulties getting into matches. SEGA and Rebellion have worked closely with Sony to investigate and resolve the issue with this new demo.

The new demo also features additional functionality to allow PlayStation 3 users to create their own matches and browse for any available ones to join.

Download TV shows to your iPhone

NOT strictly a gaming post, this one - but here's a great new app on its way for iPhone and iPod Touch users.
Rewatch is effectively, the iPlayer on the move, letting you download BBC TV programmes to watch on the go.
It is still being assessed by Apple at the moment, but hopefully it will be approved and with us very soon!

Aliens vs Predator demo is live

SEGA will today (Thursday) simultaneously release a multiplayer demo of Aliens vs Predator, for the PS3 (via PSN), Xbox 360 (via Xbox LIVE) and PC (via Steam).

The first-person shooter demo is set on the map "Refinery" in the standard deathmatch mode. Aliens vs. Predator features seven multiplayer maps, and three race classes for players to choose from.

“With the demo now gamers can get to grips with each of the three iconic species so they can hone their skills and be ready for when the game launches and battle commences,” said Jason Kingsley, CEO and Creative Director of Rebellion.

The colonial marine, the Predator and the Alien, your three species to select from, will also have intertwining single-player campaigns. Aliens vs Predator is set to be released on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC on February 19 in Europe.

For more details on Aliens Vs. Predator, visit sega.com.

Lego Harry Potter is on its way

WARNER Bros has announced that Lego: Harry Potter Years 1-4 will be released in May for Xbox 360, Wii, PS3, DS, PSP and PC.

Developed by TT Games, the title focuses on Potter's first four years at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry - encompassing events in The Philosopher's Stone, The Chamber Of Secrets, The Prisoner Of Azkaban and The Goblet of Fire.

According to a Warner Bros statement, the game will enable players to "experience the magic and adventure of Harry Potter in a uniquely Lego way".

It added: "Playing as Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, as well as more than 100 other favourite characters, gamers will have the opportunity to attend lessons, cast spells, mix potions, fly on broomsticks and complete tasks to earn rewards."

Lego: Harry Potter will also feature famous locations from the book and film series, including Hogwarts Castle, the Forbidden Forest and the village of Hogsmeade.