Shacknews - Your source for the latest video game news http://www.shacknews.com/ 10 In a conference call Q&A after their earnings report, Electronic Arts executives waxed about recent successes and strategies with downloadable content.<p> EA CEO John Riccitiello shared the motivation behind their inclusion of paid DLC in all their titles this year. "We sort of initiated our approach here originally with NBA Live with Dynamic DNA almost a year-and-a-half ago. In every case, what we've seen is a very positive response from the consumer and in each case, particularly with Dragon Age, a strong pickup in revenue per user. By and large, they like the extra content and we think it's a strong positive move...we've got similar strong PDLC programs with all of our titles this year."<p> COO John Schappert embellished on the success of Dragon Age DLC. "We had downloadable content in addition to the pack-in content, if you will, available for purchase on day one. The first week, we did over a million dollars in sales on that title<SPAN class="viewmore"></SPAN> - that's just ... http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/62281 2010-02-08T21:00-06:00 Watching the credits to Mass Effect 2 all I could think about was the continuing struggle it seems to be for video games to nail an ending. It's one of the clearer examples of the hurdles designers face in uniting the narrative of a game with the playing of it. While an uneasy balance can often be struck during most of the game, climactic moments expose that fractured relationship between the two. </p><p> After the ongoing internal push-pull between the action and the narrative for dominance throughout the game, this particularly held true in Mass Effect 2. I appreciate the dilemma facing the team at the end. With so much invested in improving the combat for the sequel there had to be this tremendous sense of need for a big payoff. From there it must have been a very short road to the cliched ending sequence that resulted. </p><p> Giving in to that -- taking the easy way in a sense by falling back on formulaic design -- took the wind out of my sails at the worst possible point in t... http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/62282 2010-02-08T20:00-06:00 A slew of Ferraris are coming to Need for Speed SHIFT this month -- but for the next eight days exclusively to Xbox LIVE -- via a 'Ferrari Racing Series' downloadable content pack from publisher Electronic Arts. The new DLC packs in ten different Ferraris and eight new racing events containing forty-six challenges designed specifically for the new cars.<p> <div class="focalbox"><a href="/screenshots.x?gallery=13768&game_id=6981&id=148390"><img src="/images/sshots/Screenshot/13768/13768_4b709fdace9e5_thumbnail.jpg"></a><a href="/screenshots.x?gallery=13768&game_id=6981&id=148391"><img src="/images/sshots/Screenshot/13768/13768_4b709fdcf2b58_thumbnail.jpg"></a></div><p> The new cars can be used in online races and the pack includes one hundred twenty-five new gamerpoints worth of achievements to be unlocked.<p> Here's a complete list of what's included: <blockquote> <ul><b>Ten New Cars</b> <li>1996 Ferrari F50 GT <li>2005 Ferrari F430 Spider <li>2005 Ferrari FXX <li>200... http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/62280 2010-02-08T18:40-06:00 In anticipation of the European and North American releases of Final Fantasy 13 this March, producer Yoshinori Kitase and director Motomu Toriyama recently responded to fan-submitted questions about the RPG on <a href="http://blog.eu.playstation.com/2010/02/08/an-interview-with-final-fantasy-xiiis-kitase-and-toriyama/">PlayStation.Blog.Europe</a>.<p> <div class="focalbox"><a href="/screenshots.x?gallery=13767&game_id=4878&id=148387"><img src="/images/sshots/Screenshot/13767/13767_4b7089f5b2b1a_thumbnail.jpg"></a><a href="/screenshots.x?gallery=13767&game_id=4878&id=148388"><img src="/images/sshots/Screenshot/13767/13767_4b7089f6b982f_thumbnail.jpg"></a></div><p> Toriyama and Kitase discussed topics such as the game's 50-60 hour length -- about ten hours of which they said are cinematics -- and the optional side-missions that can effectively <em>double</em> the play-time. The possibility of a CG movie adaptation along the lines of Advent Children was also mentioned.<p> In addit... http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/62279 2010-02-08T17:50-06:00 Taking a few stabs at competitor Madden NFL, developer NaturalMotion uses this developer diary to detail how its physics-driven PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 footballer Backbreaker differs from other games. For example, a lower camera view. </p><p>"You're not this kind of, god over the football field who can see everything," explains tester Mike O'Neill. Another example? The use of pink character outlines to highlight the procedural animations--though sadly, that particular aspect seems like the sort of development tool that won't be accessible to the end users come Spring 2010. [video]17077[/video] <a href="http://www.shackvideo.com/" target="_blank">Shackvideo users</a> can use the <a href="http://www.shackvideo.com/?id=17077" target="_blank">HD Stream</a>. http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/62277 2010-02-08T16:50-06:00 <span class="inlinewidget leftflush"><a href="http://www.shacknews.com/screenshots.x?gallery=13746&game_id=5335#img148270"><img src="http://www.shacknews.com/extras/spotart/lanoire.jpg"></a></span> Team Bondi's <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/62248">former PlayStation 3 exclusive</a> L.A. Noire is "apparently coming in September," according to games journalist and GameTrailers TV host Geoff Keighley. </p><p>The release window reveal came in the form of a <a href="http://twitter.com/geoffkeighley/status/8747783637">tweet</a> Keighley made after reading the new issue of Game Informer, which features the old-fashioned game on its cover. "It definitely sounds interesting," he added. </p><p>While L.A. Noire was originally announced as a PlayStation 3 exclusive, an Xbox 360 edition of the long-coming project--originally due by September 2009--was recently confirmed, with Keighley noting that both versions are due at the same time. http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/62276 2010-02-08T16:10-06:00 Curious as to what mega-publisher Electronic Arts has up its sleeve for the next year? </p><p> Wonder no more, as the company today issued a breakdown of its major titles through March 2011, including release windows for Crysis 2, Dead Space 2, Medal of Honor, the new shooter <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/54189">coming out of Epic and People Can Fly</a>, "something far-reaching from Mass Effect," another Dragon Age, a new Spore entry, and much much more. </p><p>Also, don't fret that BioWare's MMO Star Wars: The Old Republic isn't on the list. The company has previously stated that it is <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/tag.x/Star+Wars%3A+The+Old+Republic">aiming for a Spring 2011 launch</a>--a timeframe that conveniently extends a bit beyond the below list's end date of March 31, 2011. <ul>Key EA Titles - Fiscal Year 2011 <ul><li>Q1 FY2011 - April 1 through June 30, 2010 <ul> <li>Skate 3 (Console) <li>Need for Speed World (PC) <li>2010 FIFA World Cup... http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/62278 2010-02-08T15:33-06:00 <span class="inlinewidget leftflush"><a href="/screenshots.x?gallery=13384&game_id=4635&id=145385"><img src="/images/sshots/Screenshot/13384/13384_4b1e7c48eae6e_thumbnail.jpg"></a></a></span>With <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/reviews/master.x/8509">Napoleon: Total War</a> slated to arrive February 23, digital distribution outlet Steam has instituted a <a href="http://store.steampowered.com/news/3425/">week-long sale</a> that sees previous entries in Creative Assembly's PC historical strategy series marked down by 66%. </p><p>In addition, all of the downloadable content for Empire: Total War, including the new Elite Units of the East DLC and all-encompassing Downloadable Content Pack, are 10% off. </p><p>A breakdown of the available bundles and discounts can be found just below: </p><p><ul>Total War Mega Pack - <a href="http://store.steampowered.com/sub/1348/">$20.39 (66% Off)</a> <ul><li>Empire: Total War - <a href="http://store.steampowered.com/app/10500/">$13.59 (66% O... http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/62275 2010-02-08T15:10-06:00 If you missed the new Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time trailer that aired during the Super Bowl last night, or just want to see it again, good news! We've got it below: </p><p> <object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6PmtHI9fAeY&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/6PmtHI9fAeY&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object> </p><p>Starring perpetual time traveler <s>Donnie Darko</s> Jake Gyllenhaal, directed by Mike Newell (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire) and made with the input of series creator Jordan Mechner, the film hits theaters May 28--around the same time publisher Ubisoft plans to release the next game in the series, <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/reviews/master.x/8878">Prince of Persia... http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/62274 2010-02-08T14:30-06:00 <span class="inlinewidget leftflush"><a href="http://www.shacknews.com/screenshots.x?gallery=13480&game_id=7542#img146061"><img src="http://www.shacknews.com/images/sshots/Screenshot/13480/13480_4b2fa78ed37a4_thumbnail.jpg"></a></span> A downloadble demo of Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing is now available to Xbox Live Gold members via the <a href="http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/games/offers/0ddf0001-0000-4000-8000-00005345883e?cid=SLink ">Xbox Live Marketplace</a>. </p><p>The 1GB download packs two playable racers--Sonic plus <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/61692">Xbox 360-exclusive team</a> Banjo and Kazooie</a>--along with one track and, as expected, a variety of rival mascots. </p><p>Developed by SEGA Superstars Tennis developer and OutRun 2 porters Sumo Digital, the game hits North American retail in PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii and Nintendo DS form February 23, with the <a href="http://www.sega.com/games/sonicracing">official site</a> also listing a download... http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/62273 2010-02-08T13:50-06:00 As it continues to test the upcoming "Moonrise" add-on for Shattered Horizon (PC), developer Futuremark has issued screenshots of the zero-G shooter's new maps. <div class="focalbox"><a href="/screenshots.x?gallery=13761&game_id=6103&id=148367"><img src="/images/sshots/Screenshot/13761/13761_4b7032ef18127_thumbnail.jpg"></a><a href="http://www.shacknews.com/screenshots.x?gallery=13761&game_id=6103&id=148368#img148369"><img src="http://www.shacknews.com/images/sshots/Screenshot/13761/13761_4b7032ff12c76_thumbnail.jpg"></a></div> </p><p>Of course, we still don't know exactly when the four new maps will be released--"the work is almost complete and we will have more details for you soon," said Futuremark--but we do know that <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/61262">they'll be free</a>, with those that pre-ordered the game <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/61011">able to help test</a>. http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/62272 2010-02-08T13:10-06:00 <span class="inlinewidget leftflush"><a href="http://www.shacknews.com/screenshots.x?gallery=12629&game_id=7188&id=139323#img139323"><img src="http://www.shacknews.com/images/sshots/Screenshot/12629/12629_4a8c13717474e_thumbnail.jpg"></a></span> Lionhead Studios head Peter Molyneux has made another one of his famous <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/51472">bold claims</a>, teasing that an upcoming revelation about Fable III will "really upset people." </p><p>The tease emerged as part of a <a href="http://www.gamereactor.eu/grtv/?id=6692">Gamereactor International</a> video, with Molyneux stating: <blockquote>We're making a big announcement about Fable III in the next couple of weeks [at X10]...I hope I haven't spoiled some horrible PR surprise. Gulp. We'll be making some announcements about Fable III and there's some, wow, there's some very, very big things happening in Fable. Bigger than you think, and it's going to really upset people. I'm really scared when I go o... http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/62271 2010-02-08T12:30-06:00 A revamp of NES classic Blaster Master is the star of this week's batch of North American Wii and DSi downloadable releases, joined by a port of popular tower defense Field Runners and games with such fabulous names as Princess Tomato in the Salad Kingdom, Hubert The Teddy Bear Winter Games and Extreme Hangman. </p><p> <ul> <strong>DSiWare</strong> <ul> <li>Oscar in Movieland - $8 <li>Link 'n' Launch - $5 <li>Fieldrunners - $5 <li>Sudoku 4Pockets - $5 <li>Extreme Hangman - $2 </ul> </ul> </p><p> <div class="focalbox"><a href="http://www.shacknews.com/screenshots.x?gallery=13764&game_id=8739&id=148376#img148379"><img src="http://www.shacknews.com/images/sshots/Screenshot/13764/13764_4b7040d0121c2_thumbnail.jpg"></a><a href="http://www.shacknews.com/screenshots.x?gallery=13765&game_id=8740#img148382"><img src="http://www.shacknews.com/extras/spotart/thumb_fieldrunners.jpg"></a><br /><em>Blaster Master Overdrive and Fieldrunners.</em></div> </p><p> <ul> <strong>WiiWare</st... http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/62270 2010-02-08T11:50-06:00 <span class="inlinewidget leftflush"><a href="http://www.shacknews.com/screenshots.x?gallery=13763&game_id=8738#img148374"><img src="http://www.shacknews.com/images/sshots/Art/13763/13763_4b7037260cef9_thumbnail.jpg"></a></span> Unpaid volunteer-staffed studio Grimoire Assembly Forge today announced the development of its top-down shooter "Dudebro&trade; - My Shit Is Fucked Up So I Got to Shoot/Slice You II: It's Straight-Up Dawg Time." </p><p>The absurdly named free shooter is tentatively slated to hit PC and Mac over the summer, with Jon St. John--best known as the voice of Duke Nukem--contributing his vocal talents. </p><p>Grimoire Assembly Forge itself "is predominantly comprised of members of <a href="http://www.neogaf.com/forum/">NeoGAF</a>, the preeminent video game industry discussion community," according to today's announcement, with the team sporting over 100 unpaid volunteers worldwide. </p><p>More details on the ridiculous title, straight from the developer, follo... http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/62269 2010-02-08T11:10-06:00 <span class="inlinewidget leftflush"><a href="http://www.shacknews.com/screenshots.x?gallery=13754&game_id=360#img148332"><img src="http://www.shacknews.com/images/sshots/Screenshot/13754/13754_4b6ff523b734c_thumbnail.jpg"></a></span> An iPhone and iPod touch port of Apogee's mid-nineties shooter Rise of the Triad will "soon be available," Apogee Software LTD <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/featuredarticle.x?id=932">off-shoot</a> Apogee Software LLC confirmed today. </p><p>Super Methane Brothers developer Mobilia Interactive is behind the port, which promises "a number of customizable control schemes" in addition to "four full game episodes" and the expected five playable characters. </p><p>Of course, given that Apple's <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/62120">upcoming iPad</a> is compatible with all iPhone applications, owners of the tablet will also be able to play Rise of the Triad after its debut. </p><p>Previously, the various incarnations of Apogee had wor... http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/62268 2010-02-08T10:30-06:00 New Red Dead Redemption screenshots give a look at the many uses of the lasso in Rockstar San Diego's open-world wild western, from roping wild horses when you need a ride to hog-tieing hoodlums so you can safely cash in lucrative live bounties. </p><p> <div class="focalbox"><a href="http://www.shacknews.com/screenshots.x?gallery=13760&game_id=7009&id=148363#img148366"><img src="http://www.shacknews.com/images/sshots/Screenshot/13760/13760_4b702d828a11a_thumbnail.jpg"></a><a href="http://www.shacknews.com/screenshots.x?gallery=13760&game_id=7009&id=148363#img148364"><img src="http://www.shacknews.com/images/sshots/Screenshot/13760/13760_4b702988a0c21_thumbnail.jpg"></a></div> </p><p> Red Dead Redemption arrives on April 27 for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Rockstar San Diego recently faced <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/61894">accusations</a> of working staff ridiculously hard, though a <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/62047">response</a> from the develo... http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/62267 2010-02-08T09:50-06:00 Traveller's Tales and LucasArts today announced the latest fruit of their long-running plastic platonic relationship, the cartoon-inspired LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars. </p><p> Clone Wars features "fan-favourite characters" from Star Wars movies as well as the animated series, plus "brand new battle modes, giving players unique, head-to-head combat and an upgraded level builder" as well as abilities such as "Squad command, Lightsaber slicing, Lightsaber jumps, long distance Jedi attacks and Grapple Tie-Ups." </p><p> Players can also choose whether they will be a Jedi or Seperatist, for those who you really take a deep interest in the riveting political and economic intrigue behind it all. </p><p> LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars is slated for release on PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PSP, Nintendo DS and Wii this fall. http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/62266 2010-02-08T09:04-06:00 Indie developer Unknown Worlds has released a little Natural Selection 2 pre-alpha gameplay footage, giving a look at the current state of its PC sci-fi RTS-FPS hybrid. </p><p> The pre-alpha footage--and do remember that it is pre-alpha--comes in celebration of being voted 'Indie Game of the Year' at modding and indie hub <a href="http://www.moddb.com/events/2009-mod-of-the-year-awards/features/players-choice-indie-game-of-the-year-2009">ModDB</a> and follows a <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/62088">successful</a> discount <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/61834">bundle promotion</a> with Wolfire Games' rabbity 'Overgrowth.' </p><p> Last November, UW founder Charlie Cleveland <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/featuredarticle.x?id=1217">told us</a> that NS2 was tentatively slated for "early next year" though a date has still be to given. $20 <a href="http://www.naturalselection2.com/buy">pre-orders</a> grant access to the editor and a spot in the beta, wh... http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/62265 2010-02-08T07:50-06:00 Missed the Team Liquid Starleague StarCraft competition games this weekend? Catch up with the downloadable <a href="http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=111470">VODs</a>, there were some great games. </p><p> Are you a schoolteacher? Give your students the education they deserve with the aid of the fantastic initiative <a href="http://gilly.stanford.edu/outreach.html">Squid4Kids</a>. </p><p> Curious what EVE Online GoonSwarm Intelligence Agency head <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/featuredarticle.x?id=527">The Mittani</a> has to say GoonSwarm's recent self-induced explosion? He did some <a href="http://www.tentonhammer.com/node/80680">words about that</a>. </p><p> Why do girls wear makeup and perfume? Because they're ugly and smell bad. http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/62264 2010-02-08T07:00-06:00 The <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/62211">Super Bowl</a> isn't the only big game this week, what with BioShock 2 and Dante's Inferno arriving alongside the likes of Scene It? Twilight DS and Percy Jackson. </p><p> <center><Strong>Highlights</strong></center> <div class="focalbox"> <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/62263#pc"><img src="http://www.shacknews.com/images/boxart/5/0f2bc21fffc078a85359fb8b8610c717_release.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/62263#ps3"><img src="http://www.shacknews.com/images/boxart/6/641d74669963fdeccd656656172893a7_release.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/62263#x360"><img src="http://www.shacknews.com/extras/spotart/bios2se360.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/62263#wii"><img src="http://www.shacknews.com/images/boxart/8/0ee9f1b2d23012b64a3726ed68057d21_release.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/62263#ds"><img src="ht... http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/62263 2010-02-06T12:00-06:00