Blade Kitten screenshot

Major videogame producer Atari have announced the upcoming European launch of Blade Kitten, the game based on the  comic book series by creator Steve Stamatiadis.

Developed by Krome Studios, Blade Kitten brings the world of bounty hunter Kit Ballard to life and will launch this September on Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation Network, and Windows PC Download.

Blade Kitten marks the latest creation by Mr. Stamatiadis, the force behind the multi-million selling TY the Tasmanian Tiger series. In Blade Kitten, a prequel to the comics set three years prior; players are invited into the world of Hollow Wish where they take on the role of Kit Ballard, one of the best bounty hunters in the business.

With her pink hair and tail, Kit is part cat, part girl – and fully lethal.  As one of the last of her species, Kit commands her unique ‘Darque Blade’ hovering sword to defeat enemies.  Also along for the ride is Skiffy, Kit’s laid-back sidekick who lends a hand in collecting items, solving puzzles, and when needed, serves as Kit’s protector.

Blade Kitten goes beyond most downloadable titles to deliver a strong narrative, with high-quality cinematics, and a colourful, frenetic visual style, that lends to the pick-up-and-play arcade action.  Players will jump right in and easily begin exploring and fighting their way through 19 levels, including three exploration levels with Noot (a rideable alien mount).  Blade Kitten also features innovative gameplay mechanics, intuitive ’scramble style’ exploration, fully voiced dialogue, dramatic narrative and a powerful distinct anime-inspired visual direction.

John Burns, Vice President and General Manager for Atari Europe, said;

“We are pleased to announce the upcoming launch of Blade Kitten for Xbox LIVE Arcade, Playstation®Network and PC Download. With its colourful anime inspired universe, simple pick up and play arcade action and intuitive scramble style exploration Blade Kitten is destined to become one of the hot digital releases of 2010.”

For further information visit the Blade Kitten website.

Tehra is a hybrid creature who is part human and part devil, a female warrior who must take on the monstrous Orcs, the undead and a horde of beasts, trying to confront Bacdar, the King of Demons.

Tehra: Dark Warrior is a  classic action hack’n’slash and adventure based in a fantasy world. Our heroine, Tehra will progress through the game increasing her combat skills, magical power and become brutally evil with extraordinary power.

Sistar is a world inhabited by three races: Humans, Demons and Dragons. The Humans and Demons, antagonistic races by nature, fought for control of the territory, enslaving the dragon race because of its great destructive power in battle. Finally realizing that the fight would never end, the factions of both opposing sides signed the Tarkhubal Treaty, according to which the territory would be divided into six kingdoms: three would be bestowed on the three human kings and the other three on the Devil Lords of the war. To watch over the implementation of this Treaty agreed by opposing sides, a hybrid creature, human and devil, was created: Tehra, whose mission is maintaining peace in Sistar. Her directive is straightforward, if a king breaks the Treaty, he will be eliminated.

Tehra is the only hybrid both human and devil in the game, and was created specifically to protect the fulfillment of the Treaty of Tarkhubal. She may change her physical appearance to take a more human or devil aspect although in order to do this, she needs some demon blood. When in demon mode, her attacks are stronger and more deadly, although she cannot keep this momentum for long.

The PSP version of the game includes several improvements that really convert this game into one of the most interesting titles you could find at any Playstation Store. There are new levels; more detailed scenarios; new movements and attack combos; new monsters; and better playability.

Key Features
• Tehra has two sides to her character: both human and devil.
• Easy to play. The player will understand the controls in a few minutes.
• Player magic and combat skills evolution.
• Great history mode and challenging minigames including a survival style game for fast-playing.
• Defeat enemies and complete levels to unlock Challenges.
• Hours of gameplay.
• 3D graphics with full use of PSP hardware for special effects as Bloom and smooth gameplay.

Tehra:Dark Warrior

Objects & Spells
The following list details the potions, spells and objects that the player will find across the world of Sistar, and a brief description of their effect:

Electricity: Transform demon blood into electricity, creating a lighting ray that damages the enemies.

Shockwave: Creates a powerful shockwave that can damage all the enemies on the screen.

Combustion: Creates an explosion around the player, causing damage to all the enemies near the player.
Some creatures are not damaged by this spell.

Fireballs: Results in the creation of one or various fire spheres, than cause serious damage to all the enemies currently on the screen. The numbers of spheres may change.

Power Attack: Powerful attack that hits multiple enemies in front of Tehra.

Gold: Found on chests, hidden places, or dropped by some enemies, allow Tehra to learn new spells and combat skills.

Demon Wrath: Allows Tehra transform into a Dark Warrior.

Rings of Eir: Magical body protection. Tehra will be more resistant to enemy attacks.

Dragon Claw: Provides a better assimilation of demon blood.
The consumption of blood to cast spells will be less.

Tehra: Dark Warrior is released today, June 2nd, through the Sony Playstation Store as a PSP MINI videogame suitable for PSP and Playstation 3, priced at €4.99.

As well as experiencing the Superbike championship, players can also participate in the Supersport series, testing the improvements of the Portimao circuit.

You can try out your riding skills in different weather conditions as well as riding against 15 other riders in the new Online Multiplayer Mode and you can also play both in Arcade or Simulation mode.

As well as the regular Regular SBK®X edition, there is to be a Limited Special Edition which features a list of 17 riders from the history of Superbikes plus a DVD documentary showing highlights of an exclusive interview with the 2009 Superbike World Champion Ben Spies.

Both versions of the game will be available for purchase from the 4th June.

You may have the original Sony Playstation stashed away safely in your room somewhere, but gaming on the go is the newer way to play, and if you haven’t yet caught on to the Sony PSP (PlayStation Portable), where have you been?!

The stylish portable games console lets you access games, music, videos and photos at any time of day. The PSP also features a TV-out socket for displaying content on a television.  As far as Sony PSP games and accessories go, there’s a mountain to choose from.  If you like a good grapple, you can’t beat Sony PSP’s Tekken: Dark Resurrection.

If you’re not familiar with the Tekken series, it’s about time you looked them up. The arcade style games let you select from an impressive list of diverse characters each with their own fighting style, before you pick your opponent and try to knock their block off.  What better way to pass the time on an otherwise dull train journey, or the miserable morning bus ride to work?

Delivering everything that makes the Tekken series so popular, Sony PSP’s Tekken: Dark Resurrection is an impressive graphical game.   One for the lads, it’s a staple PSP game that ticks all the right boxes.

Fans of spiky-headed favourite Sonic the Hedgehog will no doubt love Sony PSP’s Sonic Rivals.  With high speed thrills, this simple yet staple PSP game combines the old school feel of the Sonic classics with modern graphics and updated features.  Bright, colourful levels with plenty of jumps and loops ensure a rollercoaster ride from start to finish. Providing an interesting twist to the original Sonic game, Sonic Rivals sees Sonic save his friends from classic rival Eggman in a series of one-on-one races.

You’ll be hooked almost as soon as you switch on your PSP.

A game made exclusively for the Sony Playstation portable, Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines, part of the popular Assassin’s Creed franchise, is a real hit with the boys.  The action-adventure game allows players to free-roam an island at will, all while keeping out of sight of deadly enemies on the way.

Fantasy fans can get a load of Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children, based on the film of the same name. Set in the world of Square Enix’s Final Fantasy VII, the game sees Cloud tackle the mystery of the ‘geostigma’, which has become infected by being exposed to the planet’s life stream energy. Cloud and the remaining Final Fantasy VII characters are to lash back at the planet, while saving themselves from destruction. Gripping and addictive, Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children is already storming the gaming charts.

Little Big Planet is the latest Sony PlayStation craze to take the gaming market by storm. Widely regarded as one of the top 10 Sony PSP games, Little Big Planet gives you the chance to step into a world of endless possibilities, where your imagination is key.  You can enhance whatever you see, using your own creativity, while the graphics behind Little Big Planet provide the rest.  Set out with Sackboy and explore a wealth of environments, while overcoming frustrating obstacles in order to build your own creations. The power is firmly in your hands!

Everyone loves a good virtual car chase, so why not check out Grand Theft Auto? Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars is a favourite in the Grand Theft Auto series, where players navigate their way through the streets as they uncover the truth behind a tale of crime and corruption. Gran Turismo, the real driving simulator, also recently made its debut on the Sony PSP. Featuring over 800 car models and 35 tracks, there’s mission and arcade modes to choose from as well as a multiplayer racing mode.

Footy fans will love Sony PSP’s FIFA 10, with its improved graphics and enhancements. Featuring refinements based on responsiveness and intelligence, plus a new ‘Manager Mode’ including a whopping 50 major improvements, the game includes the 360° dribbling system, which provides finer dribbling control, as well as more accurate passing and authentic shooting.

But the Sony PSP is not just about games: there’s also plenty of films to be downloaded too, as well as a wealth of gaming accessories. Ensure you get a decent durable case and screen protector, first off. PSP accessories packs come in a variety of combinations, with carry cases and screen protectors often included. Save on batteries and get yourself a Sony PSP adaptor, ensuring you can play without the worry that your game will cut out half way through.

For games, movies and accessories, you’ll certainly be spoilt for choice with your PSP. Happy gaming!

blacklight skull

Ignition Entertainment has revealed the first insight into the back story, setting and weapons of their upcoming multiplayer-focused first-person-shooter Blacklight: Tango Down, currently in development at Zombie Studios.

We are sure that there are many who would like to share this background information, so here it is:

Blacklight Tango Down is a fully featured Unreal Engine 3.0-powered game set to release this summer exclusively through Xbox LIVE® Arcade, PlayStation®Store, and through digital distribution channels on PC, making it one of the most advanced games ever released solely through downloadable channels.

WHAT IS BLACKLIGHT?
Blacklight: Tango Down is set in the near future and revolves around a special operations military group called “Blacklight.” Blacklight is the SECDEF’s (Secretary of Defense’s) personal direct action team comprised entirely of “Tier One Assets.”  These elite soldiers are extraordinary operators recruited from all branches of special operations, including Combat Applications Group (Delta), SF, DEVGRU (SEAL), RANGER, and CIA MSP.  All combatants are hand-selected and trained specifically to be equipped to deal with fast-moving, ambiguous and unstructured situations.  This is the player’s role in the game.

THE WORLD OF BLACKLIGHT: TANGO DOWN
Blacklight: Tango Down’s near-future setting is not that different from our own time and will appear hauntingly familiar to gamers but also distant enough to be surprising and unsettling.  It is a universe that has been overtaken by the exploding speed of technological progress and is left suffering from the unbridled failures that those advances create.
The technological overbuild has created a bleak environment which has transformed once vibrant and familiar cityscapes into dark and endless virtual billboards and danger zones.  An ongoing viral epidemic ravages society and the military’s drive to control and use the virus as a weapon has only created more devastating strains.  Civilians and governments struggle through ongoing unrest.  Order can only be imposed through force and fear.
The military’s attempts to weaponise the virus has lead to what some call “Q-Fever” or SIV (Sentient Insanity Virus) and the people it infects are known as SIVs.  The virus destroys a person’s humanity, transforming them into frightening creatures that are less capable of utilizing tools but are far more aggressive and impervious to pain.

SCIENCE FACT, NOT FICTION
Blacklight: Tango Down is set in a universe that is based in Science Fact, not Science Fiction.  The future combat technologies and weapons featured in the game are based on the bleeding-edge military developments and breakthroughs of today.  Whereas currently, in our real world, these items may exist only in the laboratory or in conceptual designs, in Blacklight: Tango Down, these advanced military tools are deployed mainstream and make up the military reality of the game.
This “science fact” equipment includes exciting new future weapons and support systems, like EMP grenades that disable opponents’ electronic visors, Digi-Grenades that distort the optics of enemies, reactive body armor and widely customizable weapons.  The most iconic piece of Blacklight technology is the “Hyper Reality Visor,” a head piece that uses its own electronic pulse and nearby electro-magnetic fields to render the world in a new way, allowing soldiers to see what is otherwise invisible.

nexuiz

Independent developer and publisher, Illfonic, debuted the first-person arena shooter at GDC 2010 last week. The fast, fun addictive gameplay impressed editors and fellow video game designers. Nexuiz was redesigned and ported over on PS3 in two and a half months with a six person team using the Quake engine.

Nexuiz is an Arena First Person shooter coming soon to consoles. It is fast paced with extremely competitive game play. IllFonic brings Alientrap Softwares Nexuiz to next-gen gaming consoles around the world while staying true to the game play refined over the years through open source development.

IllFonic introduces a new Victorian influenced art style that is simultaneously futuristic and sophisticated. Nexuiz uses the latest version of the Dark Places engine ported for the next generation of gaming consoles.

The game will feature a mutator system that allows players to change the rules of the match; as players rank, new mutators become available for them to use. Leader boards are designed for social networking, letting players feel more engaged with the community.

Nexuiz features a heavyweight soundtrack from artists including Flying Lotus, Dam Funk and Trisector. On launch Nexuiz will feature multiplayer modes including Team Deathmatch and Capture the Flag. New games modes, models, and maps will be available as downloadable content post release.

For more information and updates visit the Nezuiz website.

Blacklight: Tango Down screenshot

Ignition Entertainment and Zombie Studios are developing Blacklight: Tango Down, a near-future first person shooter that will offer AAA-quality military shooter action in a downloadable package.  Blacklight: Tango Down will be available Summer 2010 through Xbox LIVE® Arcade for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®Network for PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, and for personal computer.

Blacklight: Tango Down is a fast-paced first person shooter based in a new fictional universe called Blacklight.  Utilizing the cutting-edge graphical power of Unreal Engine 3, Blacklight: Tango Down’s near-future setting is brought to life with disturbingly detailed and old-world architecture dripping with modern sci-fi lighting and brightly lit advertisements, an effect that causes each environment to appear both futuristically alien as well as hauntingly familiar.

The new development will deliver some of the most exciting multiplayer gameplay available in the shooter category and features numerous gameplay styles and functionality.  These modes include traditional formats like Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch & Control Point, with other modes being announced in the build up to launch.

Blacklight: Tango Down will set itself apart from other games by virtue of its incredibly deep customization features.  Players will be able to alter and upgrade not only their character through experience gained on the battlefield, but also their weapons.  Weapon customizations will unlock as the player gains skill and experience points and will include more basic add-ons like sniper scopes as well as more complex enhancements, such as improved accuracy.

Ajay Chadha of Ignition Entertainment says;

“We are excited to be working on a gripping new franchise that will deliver the intense action, thoughtful tactics and in-depth strategies of today’s best multiplayer shooters immersed in an all new universe that gamers will really sink their teeth into.”

Watch the trailer and keep up to date with the development on the Blacklight: Tango Down website.

Superbike World Championship Racing Game

The new edition of the Superbike World Championship racing game is due for release in May 2010 for Xbox360, PlayStation 3 and PC.

SBK®09 offers the ultimate experience of the championship with every feature of the game improved-on from the previous year.

There has been a complete track overhaul, new teams, a new 3D environment, new gameplay structure and new game modes, even the pits have been revamped to look as real as possible.

Each player can now fine-tune his chosen race bike by changing the settings just like a real race engineer, using data collected from the real teams.

In addition, for the first time in a motorcycle racing game, damage caused to the riders leather or bike will also show up in the game, giving that extra feel of reality to the player.

The game features five single player game modes; Quick Race, Training, Race Weekend, Championship and Challenges and three online multiplayer game modes; Quick Race, Championship and Team Championship.

There are many Superbike and Motor Racing download games already available and it is worth checking around while you eagerly await the release of Superbike World Championship 2010.

MotoGP 09/10 Game

Capcom recently presented their new MotoGP 09/10 game in Valencia and challenged the two MotoGP riders Mika Kallio and Aleix Espargaro to partake.

Gamers can select from all the official riders, teams and circuits from the 2009 season with players given access to free downloads as the 2010 season develops.

MotoGP 09/10 will be available on the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 and featuring the complete MotoGP series with the 125cc, 250cc and the MotoGP classes.

The new game has been developed by Monumental Games and is to be published by Capcom, available for purchase in March 2010.

Xbox 360

From today all Xbox 360 owners will find new entries on their game consoles as they will have Facebook, Twitter and Last.FM added to them automatically.

There is also to a brand new Zune-branded download portal and what’s more not one of them will need to be downloaded.

It is now expected that the same will also be appearing on the PS3 in the very near future, offering much of what is available via a regular web browser.

As well as being able to update your status, photo sharing and emails, there is also an option to save screen shots from the Xbox 360 games to show on Facebook, with the Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10, being the first of the games to support this application.