<![CDATA[Kotaku: official]]> http://tags.kotaku.com/assets/base/img/thumbs140x140/kotaku.com.png <![CDATA[Kotaku: official]]> http://kotaku.com/tag/official http://kotaku.com/tag/official <![CDATA[BioShock PS3 Super Official Now]]> In case one magazine's cover and another magazine's innards weren't enough for you, 2K Games have just dropped the official press release for BioShock for the PlayStation 3, which promises to be all that the Xbox 360 version was plus a bag of chips so tempting that multiplatform owners will buy it again. Really now>

"Since BioShock for Xbox 360 and Games for Windows won countless 2007 Game of the Year awards, we are excited to see the impact of this stellar title for the PLAYSTATION 3 system when it debuts this fall," said Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K. "Over the coming months we look forward to revealing the new features and content that will make this a must-have game for its new audience, as well as for those who enjoyed it on the other platforms."

Expect a slow, sexy, BioShock strip tease leading up to the game's October release. What additions could 2K Marin implement that would make you come back for more BioShock? I'm keeping my fingers crossed for multiplayer Little Sister slap fights.

2K Games Injects PLAYSTATION®3 System Owners with Genetically Enhanced Version of BioShock®

New York, NY – May 28, 2008 – 2K Games, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), announced today that BioShock®, the "genetically enhanced" story-driven action game, is in development for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system at 2K Marin. The PLAYSTATION 3 system title will be released in October 2008 with new features and content that heighten the award-winning experience.

BioShock for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Games for Windows® was released in 2007 and received numerous Game of the Year honors from prestigious organizations including Associated Press, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), Game Informer, Spike TV's VGAs and Paste Magazine. BioShock's extension to the PLAYSTATION 3 system will bring exciting new content to this amazing title and reach many new players, while giving the title the opportunity to once again be named Game of the Year.

"Since BioShock for Xbox 360 and Games for Windows won countless 2007 Game of the Year awards, we are excited to see the impact of this stellar title for the PLAYSTATION 3 system when it debuts this fall," said Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K. "Over the coming months we look forward to revealing the new features and content that will make this a must-have game for its new audience, as well as for those who enjoyed it on the other platforms."

BioShock is a narrative-driven action experience that allows players to do the impossible as they journey through an amazing, immersive and terrifying world. Caught between powerful forces and hunted down by genetically mutated citizens, the player will come to grips with the mysterious and fascinating world of Rapture, a distinct Art Deco underwater utopia gone mad. BioShock not only challenges the players' capacity to adapt and survive, but brings to question their values and commitment to the inhabitants of Rapture. With smart and adaptive AI, no encounter ever plays out the same, while numerous customization options provide gamers with an experience that adapts to their playing style.

As one of the highest-rated titles of 2007, BioShock was unanimously praised by the editorial industry's top critics:

"While delivering a level of intrigue you rarely see in games, its most captivating element is its gameplay – which I can easily say delivers the most rewarding and adrenaline-filled experience I have ever had with an FPS." – Game Informer Magazine, 10 out of 10, Game of the Year

"There's ample flexibility in the game's linear storyline that makes a second run through Rapture's unique brand of madness an exciting prospect." – Associated Press, 4 stars out of 4

"Why settle for watching the hero in a film have a thrilling adventure when you can all but live a narrative this masterfully woven." – Paste Magazine, Game of the Year

"BioShock stands as a monolithic example of the convergence of entertaining gameplay and an irresistibly sinister, engrossing storyline that encompasses a host of multifaceted characters. This is an essential gaming experience." – IGN.com, 9.7 out of 10, Editor's Choice Award

"More so than any other game in recent memory, BioShock is dripping with atmosphere and intrigue, and it's one of those rare titles where story, dialogue and character development are just as important as the action sequences." – USA Today, 9 stars out of 10

BioShock for the PLAYSTATION 3 system will be available in October 2008 and is not yet rated by the ESRB. For more information on BioShock, visit www.bioshockgame.com.

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<![CDATA[Microsoft Not Worried About HD DVD]]> Sure, HD DVD is pretty much dead, but that doesn't bother Microsoft one bit. Their official statement:

"We do not believe the recent reports about HD DVD will have any material impact on the Xbox 360 platform or our position in the marketplace. As we've long stated, we believe it is games that sell consoles and Xbox 360 continues to have the largest next-gen games library with the most exclusives and best selling games in the industry. We will wait until we hear from Toshiba before announcing any specific plans around the Xbox 360 HD DVD player. HD DVD is one of the several ways we offer a high definition experience to consumers and we will continue to give consumers the choice to enjoy digital distribution of high definition movies and TV shows directly to their living room along with playback of the DVD movies they already own."
I suppose they are right. Not like the failure of HD DVD will suddenly drop them below last place.]]>
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<![CDATA[Harrison Has Left The Nintendo Building]]> After months of chatter, Nintendo of America's marketing chief George Harrison has confirmed that he will be leaving the company. Nintendo has decided to relocate its sales and marketing sales from Redmond to San Francisco and New York. Many top employees are apparently unhappy with this decision and have decided to resign rather than relocate. According to Harrison:


I have confirmed to all employees that I will be leaving at the end of December and not making the move to California.

Harrison has been with Nintendo since 1992. No word on what his future plans entail. So, wonder who's next...
Harrison is gone [Reuters via eXophase Games Network, Thanks shadow!]

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<![CDATA[SEGA Reminds The Dreamcast Is Soon Dead]]> As we previously posted, the last Friday of this month marks the end of official SEGA Dreamcast console and peripherals repairs. After that, SEGA of Japan officially (and humbly) disowns the product and you'll be forced to get your machine in some back alley by some dude who doesn't wash his hands. The horror! Over on its official site, SEGA just posted a friendly reminder online of this impending doom. Wait, this isn't very friendly, this isn't very friendly at all.

A moment of silence, please — those are the last breaths of the SEGA Dreamcast support you hear.
DC's Time is Up Soon [SEGA]

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<![CDATA[World of Warcraft Comic Now Official]]> Blizzplanet is reporting that the World of Warcraft comic, previously only discussed in excited whispers, is now official and on the DC Comics website. The new series will be written by Walter Simonson with art by Ludo Lullabi and Sandra Hope, a Cover by Jim Lee and a first issue variant cover by Samwise Didier. Subscriptions are already available for purchase on the DC Comics Website with the first issue set to hit shelves Nov. 14 of this year. The subscription will run you $23.99 for 12 months of World of Warcraft comic goodness. You can check out the variant cover, a description of the plot and some concept art on BlizzPlanet now.

Wow Comic Book @ DC Comics Official Site [Blizzplanet]

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<![CDATA[Transformers Game Site: Not Much More Than Meets the Eye]]>

I suppose it's a bit of a stretch to call this Transformers Game site a "website" at this point. The main page offers you the choice between an Autobot or Decepticon's icon which then takes you to a newsletter sign up page. There's really no difference between the two pages except for the graphic at the bottom, but who knows, maybe the newsletters you receive will be branded with the icon of whatever faction you decide to go with. I clicked around hoping I would find some hidden video or screenshots, but to no avail, it's pretty much just those three pages. However, if you are interested in receiving information when the page gets updates and "game reveals" you can head over there now and sign up.

And while we're on the subject, which side would you choose in a giant robot throwdown, Autobots or Decepticons? My money's on the Autobots because there's just no out awesome-ing Optimus Prime.

Transformers: The Game Official Website
[via YouNEWB]

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<![CDATA[Sony Happy With PS3 Pre-Order Results]]> Yesterday GameStop's Chris Olivera told me that between eight and 16 Playstation 3s were pre-ordered at each of their 3,600 stores. If I apply math that means somewhere between 28,800 and 57,600 Playstation 3s were pre-ordered.

I had a chance to speak with Sony Computer Entertainment of America spokesman Dave Karraker last night about the sales. (He said he called because he felt sorry for me and my gimpy broken hand. ) Karraker said they heard within minutes of the nationwide GameStop sell-outs and that they were very happy with the news.

"It reconfirms the excitement and anticipation that we've known since we first discuss the PlayStation 3," he said. "We're just pleased to see that the reaction from the consumer is as strong as we anticipated it would be. It helps to validate everything we have been saying up to this point."

While he wouldn't tell me the break-down of which chains were getting what in the way of Playstation 3s, simple math shows that if Sony comes through on their 400,000 console promise to North America, that there are still more than 340,000 left to buy.

So far, so smooth.


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<![CDATA[Official Rule of Rose Site]]>

Destructoid points us to the official Rule of Rose site, which officially went live back on the 18th. Seems like everyone missed it, as everyone has missed most of their pre-release milestones. They are sneaky, those spooky schoolgirls.

The site includes a story synopsis, some brief words about the dev company, a trailer, links to a preview played by AceGamez, a wallpaper based on the blackboard-themed inventory menu from the game, and accompanying icons.

My biggest objection at this point is the hairdo of the main character. It's just a big blonde blob. More suited for Patsy Stone than an adorable del.

Rule of Rose Official Site [thanks Destructoid]

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<![CDATA[Friend Codes Hit Nintendo Wii?]]> When the official Nintendo Wii site was first discovered way back in the a.m., it apparently sported both WiFi and Virtual Console links, but someone at team Nintendo offloaded them from the Interweb before too many people got actual new information out of the site.

Reader Seanspace got a quick look and said the site promises that Nintendo's horrid Friend Code system will be making a big appearance on the Wii.

From the site:

"Nintendo has your online safety in mind. Thanks to our unique Friend Code system, you can control whom you play with online. Playing online is a great way to connect and reconnect people you want to play games with!"

Say it ain't so!

Wii

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<![CDATA[Nintendo Wii Site Launches and then Bits Disappear]]> It may not be officially launched, but Nintendo's official Wii site is definitely browseable. The site is broken down into four sections: philosophy, controller, software and hardware. It sounds like there were also WiFi and Virtual Console links but someone at team Nintendo offloaded them from the Interweb before too many people got actual new information out of the site.

Reader Seanspace got a quick look and said the site promises that Nintendo's horrid Friend Code system will be making a big appearance on the Wii.

From the site:

"Nintendo has your online safety in mind. Thanks to our unique Friend Code system, you can control whom you play with online. Playing online is a great way to connect and reconnect people you want to play games with!"

Say it ain't so!

Hit the site to check out scant details on six Wii games you already know about and to read up on the console and controller. Also, all already known data.

Wii

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<![CDATA[PS3's Official Ins and Outs]]> There's been a lot of talk in the days following E3 abot the Playstation 3's final specs. Rumors have buzed about a drop in the number of outputs, the lack of Bluetooth or wireless in the low-end PS3 and the forms of output available on Sony's next-gen console.

So here's the list, according to the official press release, to clear matters up.

Both the 20 GB and 60 GB versions of the PS3 will include four USB 2.0 plugs, Bluetooth 2.0 support and wireless controller support.

Only the 60 GB version will have a built in MemoryStick/SD/Compact Flash Reader, though a rep told me that you can just plug a regual reader into the PS3 using a USB plug.

The 20GB will support ethernet, while the 60 GB will come with 802.11 b/g support.

Both versions will support 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i and 1080p output, though only the 60 GB version will have HDMI out. Both will also have AV multi-out and digital audio optical out.

Both versions will come with a read-only BD/DVD/CD Drive that can read Bluray at 2x, DVD at 8x and CD at 24x.

And for those wondering the device is 325 mm wide, 98 mm tall, 274 mm deep and weighs 5 kg.

The original spec sheet said the PS3 would have two HDMIs out and two ethernet ports, so not that much has been lost.

Hope that clears up at least a few things.

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<![CDATA[Revolution Is Officially Wii]]>

Here it is boys and girls, the official name for the Nintendo Revolution: Wii. As in Weeeeeeeeeeeee!

From the Nintendo:

Introducing ... Wii.

As in "we."

While the code-name "Revolution" expressed our direction, Wii represents the answer.

Wii will break down that wall that separates video game players from everybody else.

Wii will put people more in touch with their games ... and each other. But you're probably asking: What does the name mean?

Wii sounds like "we," which emphasizes this console is for everyone.

Wii can easily be remembered by people around the world, no matter what language they speak. No confusion. No need to abbreviate. Just Wii.

Wii has a distinctive "ii" spelling that symbolizes both the unique controllers and the image of people gathering to play.

And Wii, as a name and a console, brings something revolutionary to the world of video games that sets it apart from the crowd.

So that's Wii. But now Nintendo needs you.

Because, it's really not about you or me.

It's about Wii.

And together, Wii will change everything.

So what do you think?

wiilogo.jpg

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