When I'm not busy traveling the world and exploring ancient tombs, you can usually find me in front of the PC playing games or just surfing the web for fun stuff, so here I will post stories, links or other bits of info I find interesting.
EA games to release something for everyone in the next few months.
The Sims 3 for console
The head of EA Play label, Rob Humble, said he hopes that the upcoming high definition release of the popular Sims 3 for console will take it “out of the study, and into the living room”. He went on to say that this would be the first full life simulator for console with integrated online exchange that will allow players to upload and download creations to share with other players around the world. As an added bonus the new Karma Powers will allow players to not only change the fate of a single Sim but also that of the entire town. With the click of a button you can change the path their lives are taking or even shake things up with an earthquake. Humble said he wants Sims 3 for console to be like the best reality show or drama on television with everyone getting involved and watching or playing the game.
The Sims 3 expansion pack
Humble also announced the release of the next expansion pack for The Sims 3 PC franchise; Late Night. Now your Sims will have better things to do than just sleeping once the sun goes down. This expansion pack includes new late night jobs, activities and hangout spots. For all the builders in the Sims community there are new building tools, including roof top lofts, which will give your Sims a great view over the city. Sim fans who love the supernatural touches in Sims 2 will be happy to hear that there is a full Vampire Simulator in Late Night with family bloodlines and special hangout spots for your Vampires to explore. Humble also said that there would be hot tubs and a few new ways for your Sim to woohoo all over town. No word yet on when this expansion will be available but while we wait there is still the Fast Lane stuff pack that will be released later this year to keep up busy.
Sims 3 - Official Late Nite announcement
Darkspore
Maxis General Manager, Lucy Bradshaw, surprised everyone with the first peak at their new PC action RPG game; Darkspore due for release early in 2011. Bradshaw said that this new game was partly inspired by the original Spore and uses some of the same technology and game play but it is not an extension of Spore rather a whole new experience. Executive Producer, Mike Perry explained that although you can play Darkspore on your own it is really designed to be a co-op game that comes to life when played online as part of a community. You get to use the award winning Creature Editor to create your own genetic heroes, each of which has its own unique abilities to use in combat and battle. You can collect parts and DNA to upgrade and enhance your heroes and even switch between any of the heroes in your squad on the fly while playing a level.
Darkspore - Official announcement preview
Dead Space Ignition
At E3 there was a lot of talk about Dead Space 2 now EA has announced a fully downloadable prelude to Dead Space 2 for the Playstation Network and Xbox Live. Dead Space Ignition will combine interactive comic story telling with arcade game play, and is set to take this well known franchise to the next level. During the game you can chose your own adventure as there are four different paths each with its own ending which will reward you with a unique unlockable for Dead Space 2, including a new suit for Isaac Clark, which promises to give you the edge once you get your hands on the full game.
Alice, Madness Returns
American McGee, co-founder of Spicy House Games and creator of the original American McGee’s Alice has partnered up with EA to create the new Alice, Madness Returns. McGee said the new game would once again focus heavily on amazing artwork and a captivating story line, with interesting puzzle and action game play. As with the original game this new version of Alice will be available for the PC but also now for the PS3 and X-Box 360. The new Alice promises to be a dark and intriguing game that not only takes place in Wonderland but also in London with plenty of twists and some of the most sinister baddies around.
Alice, Madness Returns - Official trailer
Rock Band 3
Another of EA’s partners, Harmonics, will be releasing Rock Band 3 later this year complete with new songs, modes and instruments. You can now have up to 6 friends joining you in your band using all the instruments from the previous games as well as the new keyboard peripheral. The game will feature an improved Music Library that will allow you to create and save setlists that can be shared online with friends.
MMA (Mixed Martial Arts)
EA Sports unveiled the new MMA Career Mode, where you can create a fighter in your own image. Set him up with the basic skills and compete in amateur fights to win money that you can then use to travel to well known gyms around the world to train with legendary MMA trainers, like Bas Rutten. Once you feel you have the necessary skills and experience go online and fight against other players in online leagues complete with live commentary and spectators.
MMA Career Mode - Official video
EA Sports will also be releasing Fight Night Champion next year for all the boxing fans out there, with full spectrum punch control it promises to bring a greater sense of realism and emotion to the game.
Not forgetting those American Football fans, Madden NFL 11 will be out soon for PS3, X-Box 360, iPad and Nintendo 3DS, with new locomotion and dual stick controls to deliver a more authentic feel to the way the players turn, swerve, accelerate and decelerate in the game.
Madden NFL 11 - Official video
If you want to get even more hands on, EA Sport Active has the answer with the new NFL Training Camp game for Nintendo Wii. Put on your training shoes, strap on the heart monitor and join the fun as you go through all the actions of a real training camp, this game is sure to get you off the couch and jumping around in no time.
