<![CDATA[Kotaku: Release Dates]]> http://cache.gawker.com/assets/base/img/thumbs140x140/kotaku.com.png <![CDATA[Kotaku: Release Dates]]> http://kotaku.com/tag/release dates http://kotaku.com/tag/release dates <![CDATA[ Fable II Coming In October ]]>

Looks like those obsessive folks who paused Lionhead's latest Fable II developer diary to see what Peter Molyneux was writing on his notepad were on to something, as Peter Molyneux announces the release month for the game at Microsoft's E3 2008 press conference, and surprise - it's October! Ah, the lovely fall season, when a boy's thoughts go to spending time with his dog and choosing between good and evil paths.

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Mon, 14 Jul 2008 11:55:00 MDT Mike Fahey http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5024983&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ The Witcher Enhanced Edition Dated ]]> As fans probably noticed, the ultimate version of CD Projekt Red's PC RPG didn't quite make it's original May release window. The developers needed more time to make this version of the game as complete and as bug free as possible while making sure each different language version of the game featured the same high level of polish as the Polish. According to a news post on the official website for The Witcher, the The Witcher Enhanced Edition is now slated for a worldwide release this September. I'd say it's definitely worth the wait, but by now I've proven myself one of the game's biggest fanboys and it wouldn't hold all that much weight anyway.

The Witcher Enhanced Edition Release Date [Official Website]

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Fri, 20 Jun 2008 12:00:00 MDT Mike Fahey http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5018379&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Burnout Paradise Cagney Update Dated ]]> Criterion continues to roll out their giant content patches for Burnout Paradise. Hot on the heels of the Bogart patch, which mainly consisted of bug fixes and a few minor features, the company has announced the official release date for the more ambitious Cagney update. On July 10th at 9AM UK time, Burnout Paradise owners will gain access to three new Freeburn modes, over 70 new Freeburn challenges, two new vehicles, 3 new liveries, and the long-awaited ability to create custom soundtracks on your PlayStation 3. Hit the link below to see a full rundown of the changes coming with Cagney.

I finally bought the game this weekend ($40 at Walmart) and I must say I am not disappointed with my purchase. A whole lot of game for a rather nice price, and with August bringing the addition of motorcycles to the game it only gets better.

Criterion Games Announces Date for Cagney Software Update [The Criterion Games Blog]

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Mon, 09 Jun 2008 08:40:00 MDT Mike Fahey http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5014546&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Too Human Arrives In August, Officially ]]> Silicon Knights' epically developed third person action game Too Human finally has an official date. A fact sheet released by Microsoft this morning pegs the Xbox 360 game, a "modern take on classical Norse mythology", for an August 19 release. We have new media, including video and screen shots of Too Human's co-op multiplayer mode, coming right up.

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Tue, 13 May 2008 10:00:00 MDT Michael McWhertor http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5008861&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Secret Agent Clank Dated ]]> secretclank.jpg The Official PlayStation Blog takes us behind the scenes at the gala casino night event held last week in honor of the impending release of Ratchet's robot buddy's first solo adventure, Secret Agent Clank for the PSP. Members of the San Francisco-based media were shown a brief presentation on the game and allowed to get their paws on it before retring to the gambling tables for some good old-fashioned James Bond style blackjack action. While looking at photos of the gaming press get drunk and play cards is fascinating and all, the big news here is the release date for the game. Clank strikes out on his own on June 17th, and judging by the series' first foray onto the PSP, we're more than likely in for a hell of a good time, even if it is mostly Lombax free.

Clank gets a Date [Official PlayStation Blog]

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Mon, 05 May 2008 20:00:00 MDT Mike Fahey http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=387432&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Assault Heroes 2 Coming In May ]]> Assault Heroes remains one of the best arcade shooter experiences on Xbox Live Arcade today - exactly the sort of game I used to play in arcades with my friends back in the day. Now Wanako Studios is readying Assault Heroes 2 for release next month, promising all of the action of the original and more. The new game adds hijackable enemy vehicles entering the mix, as well as taking the firefight into outer space for the first time. The game is due out on XBLA May 14th for the standard fee of 800 Microsoft points. In honor of the release date announcement, here's enough screens to create your own little Assault Heroes 2 flipbook.

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Wed, 30 Apr 2008 18:00:00 MDT Mike Fahey http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=385576&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Silent Hill 5 Named And Dated ]]> No longer will we have to anxiously await Silent Hill 5 at some unknown date in the future! Now we can anxiously await Silent Hill: Homecoming, due out at the end of September for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, to help usher in the hectic fall gaming season. The latest installment of the now venerable series features shiny new graphics, an enchanced combat system, an all new protagonist in one Alex Shepard, returning home to solve the mystery of his missing brother, and not a bloodbath at the Homecoming Dance as I had hoped for. Oh well, there's always Prom Night.

The Homecoming of Silent Hill

Konami's first Silent Hill® title for Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION®3

Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH has announced the official title of its first Silent Hill game for PLAYSTATION®3 and Xbox 360. Entitled Silent Hill: Homecoming, the game will be released end of September this year across Europe.

The sixth installment in the classic video games series, Silent Hill: Homecoming introduces another protagonist to the mythos. The story follows Alex Shepherd, returning to his hometown of Shepherd's Glen to investigate the sudden disappearance of his brother. From Shepherd's Glen to Silent Hill, Alex must face the darkest of horrors in order to find his brother. Struggling with his own grip on reality, Alex must unravel the mystery behind his nightmares, discover the truth behind his brother's disappearance, and confront the evil lurks in the seemingly empty streets of Silent Hill.

Homecoming is the first Silent Hill title for the new wave of 'next generation' consoles, featuring all-new graphics that bring the fear and terror of Silent Hill alive like never before. Alex must survive attacks from the misshapen denizens of the town using an all-new enhanced combat system that provides a wide array of attacks and counters. Along the way, Alex will encounter a variety of weapons to battle these horrific monsters and must also solve deadly puzzles as he uncovers the darkest secrets of Silent Hill.

Silent Hill: Homecoming also features an all-new soundtrack by acclaimed series composer Akira Yamaoka.


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Mon, 21 Apr 2008 08:40:00 MDT Mike Fahey http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=382044&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Midnight Club: Los Angeles Speeds Towards September ]]> Another game joins the Rockstar Games Social Club this September as Rockstar announces the release dates for Midnight Club: Los Angeles and its baby PSP brother, Midnight Club: LA Remix. September 9th is the date that North American players will be blazing down the streets of a fully recreated Los Angeles, with our European friends receiving the game three days later.

"People are going to be blown away when they see how true-to-life Los Angeles looks in this game," said Jay Panek, Midnight Club Producer Rockstar San Diego. "We've added some great twists and turns that let players experience the authentic vibe and feel of the city at blistering speeds that you simply couldn't get away with in real life."
They had me at the third-rate recreation of Atlanta in the last game. I can't wait to see what they've done with the Los Angeles, though of course I will never be satisfied until they add realistic pedestrians to the mix. I wanna see unrealized script pages exploding upon impact. Then we'll have a faithfully recreated LA.
Rockstar Games Announces Release Date for Midnight Club: Los Angeles on the Xbox 360® Video Game and Entertainment System from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION®3 Computer Entertainment System and Midnight Club: LA Remix for the PSP®

Open-world street racing series debuts on next generation consoles September 9th and 12th for North America and Europe respectively

NEW YORK—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Rockstar Games is proud to announce the fourth installment of its critically-acclaimed and genre-defining Midnight Club franchise, Midnight Club: Los Angeles, is set for release on September 9th in North America and September 12th in Europe. Developed by series creator Rockstar San Diego, Midnight Club: Los Angeles will give gamers the unprecedented freedom to race through a hyper-realistic LA.

"From the beginning, Midnight Club has been about street racing in a open-world," said Sam Houser, Founder of Rockstar Games. "With our team at Rockstar San Diego we have developed a game that we feel once again pushes the boundaries and expectations of what a racing game can be."

Whether driving by the beach or beating the competition by cutting through a parking garage at 200 mph, Midnight Club: Los Angeles provides a seamless, breathtaking environment for everyone who loves to compete. With no load times, no tracks, and no rules, the game allows players to race who they want, when they want, and where they want in an unbelievable recreation of Los Angeles.

"People are going to be blown away when they see how true-to-life Los Angeles looks in this game," said Jay Panek, Midnight Club Producer Rockstar San Diego. "We've added some great twists and turns that let players experience the authentic vibe and feel of the city at blistering speeds that you simply couldn't get away with in real life."

A racing game is nothing without the great cars and Midnight Club: Los Angeles allows extensive customization of vehicles for both performance and appearance. Players can now fully personalize their officially licensed imports, tuners, classic muscle cars and motorcycles both inside and out with a dizzying array of licensed rims, spoilers, interior gauges, tires and more.

Also scheduled for release on September 9th, Midnight Club: LA Remix for the PSP® system will provide another incredible portable racing experience. Developed by Rockstar London, the game will take full advantage of the hardware to deliver the unrivaled sense of speed and style that the best-selling Midnight Club series is known for.

For more information about Midnight Club, please visit our website at http://www.rockstargames.com/midnightclubla.

Rockstar Games is a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

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Mon, 21 Apr 2008 07:40:00 MDT Mike Fahey http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=382001&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Trauma Center 2 Coming In July ]]> Trauma Center: Under the Knife delivered big time on its promise of all the fun of cutting into human flesh with none of the mess. Now Atlus has announced that the DS sequel, recently announced in Japan, is heading to North American shores July 1st! The game is a direct follow up to the original, with Dr. Derek Stiles and Nurse Angie Thompson returning to deal with the aftermath of the GUILT epidemic. The game features an all-new easy mode for Scrubs-level play, new tools, new procedures, and more than just a little satanic medical magic. Check out the gallery below for unnecessary breast shots, and in case you need something a bit more animated, you'll find the launch trailer tucked away after the jump!

ATLUS TO INJECT NINTENDO DS WITH TRAUMA CENTER: UNDER THE KNIFE 2

The Operating Room is Portable Again this July

IRVINE, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 7th, 2008 - Atlus U.S.A., Inc. today announced Trauma Center(R): Under the Knife 2 for Nintendo DS(TM), a direct sequel to the 2005 smash hit. The fast-paced medical action that made the handheld original a classic is back, along with all of your favorite Trauma Center characters. Rejoin Derek and Angie as they deal with the unpredictable aftereffects of GUILT. With numerous enhancements, including new difficulty modes and new operations, handheld surgeons have a lot to be excited about.

Trauma Center: Under the Knife 2 is currently scheduled to release on July 1.

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Mon, 07 Apr 2008 19:00:00 MDT Mike Fahey http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=377049&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Dungeon Siege DVD Dated ]]> innamekingdvd.jpg For those of you who decided that the theater just wasn't the right place to thoroughly enjoy Uwe Boll's In The Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale, Fox Home Entertainment has some great news for you. While normally you'd expect to have to wait a good six months before a quality film such as this made it to DVD, Fox is rushing it into the hands of eager fans on April 15th, complete with deleted scenes (he DELETED some?), a behind the scenes featurette, and trailers. All of this for a suggested retail price of $27.98, which translated into Wal-Mart money is roughly $14.99. Rejoice, movie fans! Our long, nightmarish wait is soon over!

In The Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale (R1) in April [DVD Times]

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Fri, 21 Mar 2008 20:00:18 MDT Mike Fahey http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=370988&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Too Human Now Unofficially Dated For August ]]> True, Too Human for Xbox 360 hasn't yet been given an official release date by Silicon Knights or Microsoft Game Studios. However, when we last heard from the GameStop shipping department, May was said to be the month. But head Knight Denis Dyack isn't afraid of delays, so we wouldn't be surprised if it was pushed back a bit more.

In fact, that's what retailer GameStop just did, putting a new ETA on Too Human for August. It's yet another placeholder date, but generally these things are moved around for a reason, so the game may just need extra, extra polish. They're most likely just making sure that sound effect they used in the last level fits in here. *Pyew!* That one.

Too Human [GameStop - thanks, Travis]

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Tue, 18 Mar 2008 15:20:00 MDT Michael McWhertor http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=369390&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Line Rider Wii And DS This Summer ]]> lineriderbleh.jpg Way back in December of 2006, InXile announced that they had picked up the rights to the popular internet toy Line Rider and were working on versions for the Nintendo Wii and DS - and then everything got quiet, at least until January, when we posted a clip of commercial version of the game in action. Now we finally have word of an impending release, courtesy of Genius Products LLC, which plans on making its debut in the video game publishing market with Line Rider this summer. The game features a story mode concerning a sledder named Bosh who has to navigate over 40 puzzles created by Line Rider star TechDawg in order to save his girlfriend from some guy named Chaz. Luckily players will also be able to create their own levels, which is the very reason the 'game' was so popular in the first place. Hit the completely hand-drawn jump for the full press release.

Genius Products LLC Expands Its Offering with Publishing and Distribution of Video Games

The First Release, LINE RIDER™, Expected to Hit Shelves Summer 2008

Entry into Video Games Leverages Existing Distribution Channels and Management Expertise

College & University Pressroom

SANTA MONICA, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Genius Products, Inc. (OTCBB:GNPI) "The Company" announced today its expansion into the publishing and distribution of video games. Genius' management team has extensive experience in the video game industry and this growth opportunity is an example of how the company is increasing revenue and earnings growth through new and expanding brand and content partnerships as well as co-productions.

"Our management expertise in the development, marketing and distribution of video games creates a tremendous growth opportunity for Genius," said Trevor Drinkwater, President and CEO of Genius Products. "As planned, this marks the beginning of our entrance into the fast growing and exciting interactive software category and the expansion of our distribution expertise in multiple entertainment based product categories."

Stephen K. Bannon, Chairman of Genius Products said, "In 2008, we enter phase two of our aggressive growth strategy which will focus on revenue growth and improvements in margin through brand and content partnerships, content production, intellectual property ownership, and the acquisition of additional revenue streams. Our planned entry into video games is a great example of value creating, higher margin opportunities we will continue to aggressively pursue in 2008 and beyond."

The Company plans to offer a number of new game titles in 2008 across a variety of gaming genres. The initial product, anticipated to hit shelves in the summer of 2008, is Line Rider™. Based on the Internet phenomenon and developed by InXile, Line Rider is built upon the simple premise of what happens when a boy and his sled are sent traveling along in a world drawn by the player. With a fan base for the original Internet game numbering over twenty million, the new Line Rider games from Genius Products for Wii™, Nintendo DS™ and PC will take players far beyond the original game with new game modes, new riders, new community features and new creative tools. Offering the ability to create and share gameplay like no game before it, the only limits of Line Rider are the laws of physics and the player's own imagination.

In Line Rider, the sled-stealing scumbag Chaz is up to no good and only you, as the clever and cunning Bosh, can defeat him. For Bosh to save his true love Bailey, players must solve over 40 mind-bending puzzles created by the #1 Line Rider player in the world, TechDawg. Players can also create their own puzzles and story-telling masterpieces and share them on the Internet by posting on sites such as YouTube, Facebook or the official Line Rider Web site www.linerider.com.

"Over the past few years, we have built one of the preeminent distribution platforms and assembled one of the leading teams in the home entertainment industry. We are well positioned to deliver record revenue, operating cash flow and earnings by fully exploiting our platform," stated Mr. Stephen K. Bannon.

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Tue, 11 Mar 2008 16:20:58 MDT Mike Fahey http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=366436&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Doodle Hex Casts Its Spell In June ]]> I've been keeping my eye on Spanish development team Tragnarion's Doodle Hex ever since the art style caught my eye back in August of last year. It's basically a puzzle game where players use the DS stylus to draw various runes on the screen, casting spells to disrupt their enemy, restore their health, or transform their opponents into something a bit less threatening. With over 200 runes to collect and trade, 14 different characters each with their own magical specialties, and Wi-Fi capability for two player battles, Doodle Hex sounds to me like a win, and now we know when it's coming out. Pinnacle Software has announced the game will be hitting store shelves in June, when we'll finally be able to tell if the gameplay is anywhere near as pretty as the pictures. Hit the jump for more screens and gameplay info!


Pinnacle Software casts a spell with Doodle Hex

Pinnacle unveils magical first Nintendo DS title for worldwide distribution

Pinnacle Software, a division of Pinnacle Entertainment Ltd, has announced its first Nintendo DS title for worldwide distribution. Entitled Doodle Hex, the game is a magic themed mixture of spell-casting, battle elements and unique Japanese styled anime characters. Doodle Hex will be released in June 2008.

Developed by renowned Spanish team Tragnarion, Doodle Hex has been created specifically for the DS format, and makes innovative use of the handheld's touch screen abilities within a clever spell-casting scenario. Players - nicknamed 'Doodlers' - are enrolled within a special College of Runes, wherein they are charged with learning the intricacies of rune-casting and their use within elemental magic. However, the tedium of college life is regularly interrupted by the school ghost, Kalamazoo, who organizes battles between the students as a way to further test their rune knowledge and casting skills.

Doodle Hex thus takes the form of a competitive spell-casting game where players use the DS stylus to draw their chosen runes in the centre of the touch screen, summoning spells that will transform, attack and weaken their opponent. The ultimate idea of the game is to deplete your rival's energy bar before they can do the same to you.

Using a stunning comic book-effect interface, Doodle Hex works as either a single player or two-player head-to-head experience. In single player mode you will encounter an increasingly tough roster of challengers, where as two player head to head mode will allow you to cast your wits and spells against your friends with exhilarating conflicts and effects. 14 characters are available to select, each of whom has a specialist field in rune use. Having selected a character, the game begins and 'Doodlers' can send as many runes as they are able during the course of a battle, which creates a more open and unpredictable challenge than in turn-based games.

The runes in Doodle Hex can be used to attack, restore health or be unleashed as devastating combination attacks, incapacitating your opponent or even their ability to cast their own spells. As each player gains enough energy, spells available to cast are highlighted; the more powerful runes will deplete more energy from the Doodler's who is casting than the less powerful attacks will. It is possible for both players to block incoming spells by activating a shield icon, however specific combination attacks can counter this, adding an extra element of skill and lateral thinking to the gameplay.

With over 250 available challenges, Wi-Fi compatibility for exciting two-player head-to-head action, and a wide range of unlockable bonuses, Doodle Hex is one of the most innovative and playable puzzle games to hit Nintendo DS to date. Its simple interface and huge number of runes to master combine to create a stunning and truly spell-binding challenge.

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Thu, 06 Mar 2008 20:00:14 MST Mike Fahey http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=364638&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Haze Gets A Hazy Release Date ]]> Free Radical's Haze for the PlayStation 3 has been delayed and delayed again, but they promise us that they've finally gotten the whole releasing the game thing under control. How confident are they? Confident enough to release this new video, complete with May 2008 stamped at the end of it. That's pretty damn sure right there, while still leaving them a period of 30 days to shuffle it around in case they haven't gotten all the delaying out of their system and need a quick fix. ]]> Tue, 26 Feb 2008 14:40:56 MST Mike Fahey http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=360917&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[ Dead Space Gets Obvious October Release Date ]]> EA has finally given their take on survival-horror in space a release date, aiming for that oh-so-obvious of fall horror game release dates, October 31st. The spooktacular launch date covers both the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions of Dead Space, with the recently confirmed PC version still awaiting an official date. In honor of this Halloween treat, EA has let slip a new trailer for the game, which is pretty much the same stuff we've seen before, remixed with a date at the end. Hopefully they'll release a trailer between now and the release that shows us something new. ]]> Tue, 26 Feb 2008 08:20:00 MST Mike Fahey http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=360787&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[ Odin Sphere Dated For Europe ]]> While we've known since November that Square Enix was bringing the best thing to hit 2D since the steamroller to Europe this spring, but that was far too vague for those of you across the pond eagerly awaiting your first taste of the Atlus PS2 masterpiece Odin Sphere. The ultimate hand made fantasy is less than a month away, getting released across PAL territories on March 14th. Mark the date down on your calendar, maybe take a day off work, and be sure to have a couple tissues on hand as you find out why Odin Sphere was number one in our list of the top five gaming love stories of all time.

Experience The Ultimate 'Hand Made' Fantasy With Odin Sphere

London (20th February 2007) - Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of Square Enix® interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, today announces that Odin Sphere™ will be released across all PAL territories from 14th March 2008 exclusively on the PlayStation® 2 computer entertainment system.

Odin Sphere brings a lavishly illustrated world to a home console, experienced through an intuitive, high quality control system. Odin Sphere's fantasy world interlaces five individual tales to tell an epic story of amazing power, inevitable loss and irresistible love to enchant users.

Fully optimized for Europe, Odin Sphere delivers unique action-combat gameplay that rewards speed and style, revamping the action RPG genre. An alchemy system that lets you combine the spoils of combat for added bonuses and rare items adds further depth to this epic experience.

John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Ltd. comments, "Odin Sphere embodies the commitment of Square Enix in bringing new experiences to European gamers. This is especially reflected in our partnership with Atlus, allowing Square Enix Ltd. to publish the first non Square Enix title in PAL territories. The wonderfully crafted Odin Sphere is the best possible start to an exciting new period for the company."

For more information about Odin Sphere please visit the official website at www.odinsphere.co.uk

About ODIN SPHERE

Story
The nations of Erion had always held an uneasy peace, as the various kings and queens watched each other for any signs of weakness. When the country of Valentine is obliterated by the power of an ancient artefact, it sparks a bloody war between the fairies of Ringford and the warriors of Ragnanival. Little do they know that they are acting out an almost-forgotten prophecy: one that, if fulfilled, will lead to the destruction of the entire world. Take control of the warrior princess Gwendolyn, daughter of Odin, and follow the threads of an intricately woven story as you uncover the truth behind the prophecy - and how to bring it to an end.

Features

* Gorgeous hand-drawn artwork and animations
* Intense side-scrolling action with astonishing attacks and magic effects
* Fully-voiced dialogue that heightens the drama
* Five playable characters in all; each one's fate is intertwined with the others
* Powerful orchestral score from Hitoshi Sakimoto, composer of FINAL FANTASY® XII
* A robust cooking and alchemy system that can be used to create powerful attack and recovery items
* PAL version includes 60Hz display mode to deliver the experience that the creators intended, and an optimised 50Hz display mode too
* In-game text is fully localised into English, French, German, Spanish and Italian
* Option to select either English or the original Japanese vocal track

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Wed, 20 Feb 2008 09:20:12 MST Mike Fahey http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=358575&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Spore Launches In September ]]> sporereleasedate.jpgAfter years of eager anticipation, EA has finally announced a concrete release date for Will Wright's latest potential masterpiece. A link of the front page of Spore.com takes you to a video that proudly proclaims, "Earthlings, get ready to leave your galaxy...September 7th, 2008." The video was heralded by a message from Will Wright himself, sent out with the first official Spore newsletter.
While we finish up the game over the next few months, we'll be sharing more information with you and other fans. As a newsletter subscriber, you'll be among the first to get new Spore information, screenshots, videos and other cool features from the Spore team. Check out our launch date teaser, and of course you can visit Spore.com for updates anytime.
Now that the long period of waiting is finally over, the next long period of waiting can officially begin!

The Spore Launch Date Annoucement Trailer [Spore.Com - Thanks Deadeyereborn!]

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Tue, 12 Feb 2008 11:00:40 MST Mike Fahey http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=355539&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ The Answer To Guitar Hero IV This Year ]]> thenasweralbum.jpgWhile we never really had any doubts that Activision's next installment of the Guitar Hero franchise would reach us this year, we've yet to hear anything concrete from the company outside of the Blizzard merger fact sheet issued in early December. Now one giddy British band may have unofficially spilled the beans. The band is called The Answer, and in a recently issue press release they proudly announce that their song "Never Too Late" was one of twenty picked by Activision last month out of over two-hundred submissions at the Marché international de l'édition musicale industry trade show to appear in Guitar Hero IV at the end of 2008. Eurogamer contacted Activision for their response but received only the standard "No comment." It's almost non-news, really. We knew it was coming out, and I guess now we know one of the songs. Hooray!

Guitar Hero IV this year [Eurogamer.net]

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Wed, 06 Feb 2008 09:40:16 MST Mike Fahey http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=353291&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Grand Theft Auto IV Dated For April ]]> As has now been proven time and time again, retailers lie, but official press releases from game developers seldom do. It is with these facts firmly established that I give you the official release date for Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto IV - April 29th, 2008 - just in time for a certain Kotaku writer's May 1st birthday. The closeness to said date has Rockstar's Sam Houser extremely excited.

"We are so excited to be releasing Grand Theft Auto IV," said Sam Houser, Founder and Executive Producer of Rockstar Games. "We've pushed ourselves very hard to make something incredible and hope the game sets a new benchmark for interactive entertainment."
Sam does completely forget to mention my birthday in the press release, but we'll just chalk this down as sheer giddiness at the prospect of huge amounts of GTA money coming his way this Spring.
Rockstar Games Announces Release Date for Grand Theft Auto IV

Next-generation Console Debut of the Grand Theft Auto Franchise Set for April 29, 2008

New York, NY - January 24, 2008 - Rockstar Games, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), is proud to announce the release date for Grand Theft Auto IV, the new title in the genre-defining Grand Theft Auto franchise. Developed by Rockstar North, Grand Theft Auto IV will be simultaneously available for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and will be in stores worldwide on April 29, 2008.

"We are so excited to be releasing Grand Theft Auto IV," said Sam Houser, Founder and Executive Producer of Rockstar Games. "We've pushed ourselves very hard to make something incredible and hope the game sets a new benchmark for interactive entertainment."

For more information, log onto http://www.rockstargames.com/IV

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Thu, 24 Jan 2008 08:00:25 MST Mike Fahey http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=348426&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Crisis Core Vaguely Dated For Europe ]]> The game that sold hundreds of thousands of PSP systems in Japan and is poised to do the same when it hits U.S. soil in late March has been officially, if somewhat vaguely, dated for Europe! Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII has been officially granted a Spring 2008 release by Square Enix, which means anywhere between March 21st and June 21st, giving them a nice little three-month window to cram all of those extra languages into that tiny little UMD. Here's hoping it's closer to the beginning of that window, so all of the world can share in the magical adventures of Zack Fair and the little dead flower girl.

Square Enix Announces Prequel To The Most Famous Final Fantasy Of All Time

CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII-

London (16th January 2008) - Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of Square Enix® interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, today announces that CRISIS CORE® -FINAL FANTASY® VII- will be released across all PAL territories in Spring 2008, exclusively on the PSP® (PlayStation® Portable) system.

CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- is the highly anticipated prequel to the biggest selling FINAL FANTASY of all time, taking players on an exhilarating adventure filled with grandeur, excitement, characters that captured the hearts of a generation and many new secrets to discover hidden within the world of FINAL FANTASY VII.

With awe-inspiring visuals, full 16:9 widescreen presentation, an engaging battle system, and additional gameplay challenges not included in the original Japanese version, fans and newcomers alike can experience the world of FINAL FANTASY VII from an all-new perspective.

John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Ltd. comments, "CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- is one of the most anticipated FINAL FANTASY releases of all times. The game pushes the boundaries of the PSP hardware and will offer a truly fantastic gameplay experience for new fans and fans of the original instalment."

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Wed, 16 Jan 2008 08:40:49 MST Mike Fahey http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=345493&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Gamecock's Release Schedule Hits ]]>

Earlier today Gamecock announced that their annual mini-con, EIEIO, was moving from California to Texas to coincide with South By Southwest. While the company only has only brought two titles to market so far, they have a ton in the wings. Here's how things official stand with their upcoming games, from Mushrooms to Insects:

Pirates Vs Ninjas Dodgeball XBLA - Feb
Insecticide DS - 2/26
Insecticide Episodes 1 & 2 (Downloadable PC Episodic) - March and April
Hail to the Chimp - May
Mushroom Men:Rise of the Fungi DS - June
Legendary PC Next Gen Consoles - Summer
Mushroom Men:The Spore Wars Wii - Fall
Sabotage 360/PC - Fall
Dungeon Hero 360/PC - Spring 09
Section 8 Next Gen Console/PC - Summer 09

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Tue, 15 Jan 2008 10:00:50 MST Brian Crecente http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=344967&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ No Objections To Apollo Justice In February ]]> Capcom has announced that they'll be doling out the hot Apollo Justice in North America on February 12th. Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney is the first game in the Ace Attorney series created specifically for the Nintendo DS, fully utilizing the system's various features to enhance your experience as Phoenix Wright's spiritual successor. Play CSI in the all new Crime Recreation Mode, or simply have fun terrifying the people on the bus by shouting :OBJECTION!: and "HOLD IT!" at the top of your lungs into the DS microphone. I love this series, if anything for the awesome attorney names. Phoenix Wright? Apollo Justice? It's enough to make a guy want to legally change his name. This is Manticore Steel for Kotaku, signing off. Oh yeah, that's the stuff.

CAPCOM'S APOLLO JUSTICE: ACE ATTORNEY COMING TO NORTH AMERICA ON FEBRUARY 12

Test the Compelling Court Room Adventure Yourself with Free Online Demo
SAN MATEO, Calif. — January 9, 2008 - Capcom® Entertainment, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced that the latest installment of its highly popular courtroom drama series, Apollo Justice™: Ace Attorney™ is scheduled for release in North America on February 12, 2008. The first Ace Attorney game developed specifically for Nintendo DS™, this is the fourth title in the series and will feature all new characters, including new defense attorney Apollo Justice. Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney has been rated T for Teen by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB).

This new chapter to the Ace Attorney series will drop players into the shoes of Apollo Justice, where they'll make use of his uncanny ability to uncover witnesses' lies by studying their body language. But as talented as our hero is, he wouldn't get far without the support of his assistant Trucy, a mysterious female magician. Apollo also receives invaluable advice from Kristoph Gavin, his ultra-cool mentor whose perfect logic and natural instincts have won him numerous cases and the respect of his colleagues.

Fans and newcomers alike will get a chance to experience the game early by way of a flash demo that will be found on both www.Capcom-Unity.com and www.Ace-Attorney.com in January. Similarly, Nintendo DS™ owners will have the opportunity to download via wi-fi a demo of the game from Nintendo Stations which can be found in various retail locations. By sampling the unique puzzles, characters and storyline of Apollo Justice, gamers will see for themselves what the hysteria surrounding Ace Attorney series is all about - unrelenting fun!

Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Features:
• All-new courtroom adventure from the creators of Phoenix Wright™: Ace Attorney™
• 1st fully new title to be developed specifically for the Nintendo DS.
• Classic Ace Attorney gameplay with new modes that let you survey crime scenes, interview witnesses and gather evidence before defending your client in court!
• Microphone can be used to yell "Objection!" and "Hold it!" as you cross examine witnesses
• All new "Crime Recreation Mode" that allows players to reveal hidden clues by re-creating the scene of the crime
• Two distinct gameplay segments:
o Investigation phase - survey crime scenes, interview witnesses and gather evidence that will be used in court
o Court phase - present findings from the investigation to support your case, listen to testimonies and examine witnesses
• Diverse cast of characters:
Apollo Justice: the new defense attorney who leads the series.
Klavier Gavin: in addition to being a top prosecutor, Klavier is also the lead singer in a highly successful rock band who brings his star qualities into the courtroom.
Kristoph Gavin: the coolest character on the judicial circuit, and Apollo's mentor. His cool headed thinking means he always provides his clients with the best defense.
Trucy : The mysterious magician Trucy started working with Apollo after a chance encounter.

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Fri, 11 Jan 2008 10:40:28 MST Mike Fahey http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=343828&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Crisis Core Comes To North America This Spring ]]> The next Final Fantasy VII spin-off game milked from the teat of Square Enix, Crisis Core, finally has a North American date—March 25, 2008. Square Enix nailed down specific (and non-specific) ship dates for a handful of 2008 releases, including the next title in the Compilation of Final Fantasy VII series to follow Dirge of Cerberus and Advent Children. Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII was a massive success for the PSP in Japan and I suspect it'll do okay over here, too.

The RPG experts also pinned down dates for Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates for the Nintendo DS (March 11, 2008) and Dragon Quest Swords: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors (February 26, 2008) for the Wii. Slightly hazier is the spring 2008 release window for The World Ends With You, previously known as It's a Wonderful World. Hundreds of hours of text-reading, level building fun awaits you.

Press release with more in the way of details is post jump.

Square Enix Jump-Starts the Year with an Action-Packed Lineup for 2008

Fans Advised to Warm Up this Holiday Season in Preparation for an Assortment of Exciting New Adventures

Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of Square Enix interactive entertainment products in North America, revealed today its first offerings for 2008, with entries that will launch fans into a fast-paced, action-packed new year. This latest announcement brings forth four new titles for the coming year, including releases for the Nintendo DS, PSP (PlayStation Portable) system, and the Wii.
DRAGON QUEST SWORDS: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors sets the action in motion as the newest entry in the franchise that has captivated more than 43 million fans worldwide. The premiere RPG franchise makes its debut on the Wii as an immersive action-adventure accessible by players of all ages.

Following suit are powerful, engaging adventures in the handheld arena. FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: Ring of Fates for the Nintendo DS offers endless entertainment with its fun-for-all multiplay feature, while CRISIS CORE(TM) -FINAL FANTASY VII- for the PSP system reunites fans with the most recognized RPG characters created by world-renowned character designer Tetsuya Nomura. Nomura's latest designs lend a hip, urban edge to THE WORLD ENDS WITH YOU, a stylish new RPG title for the Nintendo DS.

Warm ups are recommended for fans who intend to take on these exciting new challenges that are headed their way!

DRAGON QUEST SWORDS: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors
Developer: Eighting Co., Ltd.
Planning: Genius Sonority, Inc.
Scenario & Game Design / General Director: Yuji Horii
Character Design: Akira Toriyama
Music: Koichi Sugiyama
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platform: Wii
Genre: Action-Adventure
ESRB: T (Teen)
Ship Date: February 26, 2008


Developed from the ground up to take advantage of the Nintendo Wii and its motion-sensing technology, DRAGON QUEST SWORDS: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors is set to slice its way onto Nintendo's next-generation platform. Use the Wii Remote to slash, parry and blast your way through a land filled with trademark DRAGON QUEST foes! Developed with both long-time fans and casual players in mind, DRAGON QUEST SWORDS: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors is poised to take video gaming to an entirely new level of fun and interaction.

The official website can be found at http://na.square-enix.com/dqswords.


FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: Ring of Fates
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platform: Nintendo DS
Genre: Action-RPG
ESRB: E10+ (Everyone 10 and older)
Ship Date: March 11, 2008


Few titles epitomize the essence of multiplayer camaraderie like the FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES series. Released in 2004 as an innovative title that took advantage of the Nintendo GameCube-to-Game Boy Advance connectivity, FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES pioneered an entirely new gameplay experience that expanded the horizons of conventional RPG gaming. Primed for a release on the Nintendo DS, FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: Ring of Fates is poised to continue this tradition by providing fans with two distinctly unique games: a fully fleshed single-player RPG experience and an addictive multiplayer element for up to four players.

The official website can be found at http://na.square-enix.com/ffccnews/.


CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII-
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platform: PSP system
Genre: Action-RPG
ESRB: T (Teen)
Ship Date: March 25, 2008


CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII-, the highly anticipated entry in the COMPILATION of FINAL FANTASY VII, takes fans on an exciting journey through the origin of the internationally acclaimed FINAL FANTASY VII saga in an all- new action-packed experience. Developed exclusively for the PSP system, CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- marks the return of the celebrated characters and game world that mesmerized more than 9.8 million gamers around the globe. With inspiring visuals, full 16:9 widescreen presentation and an engaging battle system, fans and newcomers alike can experience the world of FINAL FANTASY VII from an all-new perspective.

The official website can be found at http://na.square-enix.com/crisiscore.

THE WORLD ENDS WITH YOU
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd./ Jupiter
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platform: Nintendo DS
Genre: Action-RPG
ESRB:TBD
Ship Date: Spring 2008

THE WORLD ENDS WITH YOU, is an exciting new title developed exclusively for the Nintendo DS handheld system. Previously known as Subarashiki Kono Sekai on its release in Japan, THE WORLD ENDS WITH YOU is an innovative new title from Square Enix that fully utilizes the capabilities of the Nintendo DS, and takes major influence from Japan's modern day culture including its people, music, clothes, food and design.

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Mon, 17 Dec 2007 16:40:00 MST Michael McWhertor http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=334848&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Nintendo Vaguely Clarifies Euro SSBB Date ]]> Yesterday we reported that Nintendo had confirmed a Q3 release date for Super Smash Bros. Brawl in Europe, and fans across the continent got more than a little upset. As the torch and pitchfork wielding mob bore down on Nintendo's European castle, a new spokesperson appeared high atop the ramparts to deliver a slightly more acceptable explanation for SSBB's absence from the list of releases distributed Thursday.

"The Nintendo 1st & 3rd party Software lineup release schedule which was distributed by Nintendo on Thursday 6th December confirmed launch dates for Nintendo titles launching in Q1 2008...Nintendo also included some titles which were fixed for release beyond Q1 2008 such as Mario Kart Wii. All Nintendo software titles launching in Q2 2008 have not been finalised or confirmed to date."

Does this mean the game isn't shipping after June? Well no, technically it doesn't say that at all. It simply means that they don't know exactly when it is coming out yet, and it could very well drop sometime in the April to June Q2 window. Or later. Glad we got that all cleared up.

Nintendo clears up Q2 '08 schedule [CVG - Thanks Serebii!]

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Fri, 07 Dec 2007 08:20:13 MST Mike Fahey http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=331176&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Edge Of Twilight Gets Publisher, 2009 Release ]]> SouthPeak Games has announced that it will be publishing Fuzzyeyes' steampunk action-adventure fantasy Edge of Twilight for 'next-gen' consoles and the PC in North America and Europe in 2009. The game features an art direction that I have described in the past as "vaguely reminiscent of something out of the Planescape D&D universe." And while the brief teaser trailer they released back in October didn't exactly knock me off my feet, the screenshots and concept art coming from Fuzzyeyes continues to impress me, as does the official game website. They got another year to make this game spectacular. Here's hoping they use it wisely!

SOUTHPEAK GAMES TO PUBLISH FUZZYEYES' EDGE OF TWILIGHT

Steampunk Action-Adventure Fantasy Game To Debut In 2009

GRAPEVINE, TX - December 6, 2007 - SouthPeak Games, a leading publisher and distributor of entertainment software, today announced it will be publishing FUZZYEYES' upcoming colossus Edge of Twilight in North America and Europe. Scheduled for release in 2009 on next-gen consoles and PC, Edge of Twilight is a fast paced cinematic combat and action game set in a steampunk inspired fantasy world.

"Edge of Twilight appealed to us because of its exquisitely original vision," said Katie Morgan, Executive Vice President at SouthPeak Games. "We look forward to working with the talented team at FUZZYEYES on this incredibly ambitious title."

Edge of Twilight promises a look into a post-apocalyptic landscape where day and night no longer coexist. As the only living half-breed, Lex, the player travels between the two parallel realms engaging in over-the-top battles and exploring a living and breathing, yet desperate, landscape.

"Edge of Twilight has been our labor of love for some time now and we could not be more excited to partner with SouthPeak to bring it to market," said Wei-Yao Lu, CEO of FUZZYEYES. "There is still so much to reveal about the game we can't wait to share more."

Visit www.edge-of-twilight.com for more.

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Thu, 06 Dec 2007 11:20:44 MST Mike Fahey http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=330802&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ European Super Smash Bros. Brawl This Summer? ]]> Well this certainly explains why the highly anticipated Super Smash Bros. Brawl didn't show up on the European release list we told you about earlier. Videogamer.com contacted Nintendo upon noticing the omission, and was told that SSBB wasn't due out in Europe until after the second quarter of 2008. That means post June, for a game coming out in January in Japan and February in the US. Ouch. I would suggest that Europeans start shopping for a North American Wii, but apparently we don't have any. I really feel for you folks across the pond right now. The comment section is here for you. Let it all out.


SSBB won't be out in Europe till after June 2008
[Videogamer.com]

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Thu, 06 Dec 2007 08:30:02 MST Mike Fahey http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=330738&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ PS3 Shivering Isles Retail Disc Coming ]]> Finally I can continue my Oblivion adventures! Bethesda has announced that the retail version of the Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion expansion for the PlayStation 3 will be hitting stores November 21st. Similar to the Xbox 360 retail disc that showed up last week, the disc will contain the expansion by itself, unlike the Game of the Year Edition which includes the original game plus expansion for $59.99. No retail price was included in the press release, but I assume it will be comparable to the 360 version which runs $29.99. Words cannot express how excited I am to finally get a chance to play the expansion without having to play through the whole game all over again on another system. On behalf of all PS3 Oblivion early purchasers, it's about damn time Bethesda, and thank you. <3

Bethesda Softworks Announces The Elder Scrolls® IV: Shivering Isles™ PLAYSTATION®3 Retail Disc

Official Expansion Disc to Award-Winning Role Playing Game to be Available Next Month

October 24, 2007 (Rockville, MD) - Bethesda Softworks®, a ZeniMax Media company, announced today that it will release The Elder Scrolls® IV: Shivering Isles™ for PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system from SCEA at retail. This standalone disc will allow gamers who already own The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion to experience the award-winning expansion.

This new retail product follows the October release of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion® Game of the Year Edition (GotY) for PLAYSTATION®3 system, which includes the Shivering Isles expansion. Originally released in March 2006 for Windows and Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and in March 2007 for PLAYSTATION®3 system, Oblivion has already earned countless awards from publications around the world and won numerous Game of the Year and RPG of the Year awards.

Oblivion features a powerful combination of free-form gameplay, unprecedented graphics, cutting edge AI, character voices by acting legends Patrick Stewart, Sean Bean, Terrance Stamp, and Lynda Carter, and an award-winning soundtrack. Gamers can choose to unravel Oblivion's epic narrative at their own pace or explore the vast world in search of their own unique challenges.

With more than 30 hours of new gameplay, Shivering Isles allows you to explore an entirely new plane of Oblivion - the realm of Sheogorath, the Daedric Prince of Madness. Shivering Isles features a bizarre landscape split between the two sides - Mania and Dementia -filled with vast, twisting dungeons mirroring the roots of the trees they are buried within. Sheogorath himself looks to you to be his champion and defend his realm and its inhabitants from destruction as you discover all new items, ingredients, spells, and much more.

Shivering Isles for PLAYSTATION®3 system is scheduled to ship on November 20, 2007 and is rated M for Mature by the ESRB. For more information on Oblivion, Shivering Isles, or The Elder Scrolls, visit www.elderscrolls.com.

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Thu, 25 Oct 2007 13:00:59 MDT Mike Fahey http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=315151&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Six Months To Spore ]]> SPORE! Good god y'all...when is it due for? Approximately six months from now. Say it again?

No, I will not say it again. It's already been said by creator and all-around gaming legend Will Wright during an interview with the BBC's Radio 5 Live yesterday. According to Wright, the game is fully playable from start to finish at this point, and has entered final testing. The six months would put it right on target with EA's tentative Spring 2008 release date for the title, first unveiled at GDC 2005 and in development since 2000. Why the long wait?

"We've had to do a lot of testing to make sure that the game is accessible by a wide group of people", Wright went on to explain."I want the people who have played The Sims to be able to play Spore - I don't want it to be some thing just hardcore gamers play."
I'd suggest renaming it to "The Sims: Spore" for maximum market penetration.

Will Wright: Spore "roughly" six months away [CVG]

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Wed, 24 Oct 2007 07:59:37 MDT Mike Fahey http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=314414&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Mario & Sonic Sprint To Early Release Date ]]> We posted earlier today of a handful of new events that had been added to Sega's Mario & Sonic At The Olympic Games, but missed out on some North American specific details. Good news for those looking for an answer to the burning questions "Who's faster, Mario or Sonic?" and "Who's a better fencer, Luigi or Tails?" as Sega has bumped up the release date to November 6 for the American release. After being jostled around, from November 13 to November 20, it seems they've settled on the sixth, also noting the Wii game's new "gold" status.

If you missed out on my hands-on impressions while wearing a casual v-neck t-shirt, don't pass them up again. And turn up those speakers for maximum Princess Peach punishment!

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Wed, 10 Oct 2007 19:20:00 MDT Michael McWhertor http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=309537&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Kane & Lynch Come Home For Thanksgiving ]]> IO Interactive's anti-buddy flick turned video game will be hitting your consoles and computers just in time for you to lose yourself in it after your family gathers for Thanksgiving and then realizes after dinner that they really don't like each other all that much -just like Kane & Lynch! According to GameSpot, the game should be shipping on the 20th of November, incidentally the same day as Drake's Fortune, Mass Effect, and possibly Rock Band, making for one very pricey week. Gotta love those holiday releases, don't you? I figure between the three titles (going full out on Rock Band) that's what, $320? I'm getting too broke for this shit.
Kane & Lynch breaking and entering Nov. 20 [GameSpot]

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Wed, 26 Sep 2007 19:00:59 MDT Mike Fahey http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=304142&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Gods & Heroes: Rome Rising Delayed (Again) ]]> g%26hscreen.jpg Gamasutra reports that Perpetual Entertainment has announced God & Heroes: Rome Rising is being delayed again, this time citing the need for more beta testing. In the same interview, Perpetual CEO Chris McKibbin said that Perpetual will be laying off 30-40 employees (the last delay of Rome Rising coincided with more layoffs) and clarified the company's relationship with SOE. As reported back in August, sources cited a changing relationship with SOE (with SOE moving from a co-publisher to a purely marketing role), but McKibbin clarified what he termed a 'non-story':

Asked about reports that Sony Online had shifted from co-publisher to solely a marketing role with Gods and Heroes, representing a backing-off the project by Sony, McKibbin called it a "non-story that people spun a little." He clarified: "There was no change in our relationship with Sony... part of the confusion comes from the difference between online games and packaged goods games. Perpetual has always been the financer and creator of Gods and Heroes. What [Sony was] doing initially versus what they are doing now is the same; marketing and distribution, and that's it. We have a great relationship with them, and there hasn't been any change with that."

McKibbin didn't put a date on Rome Rising's ship date, saying only they are aiming for an early 2008 release.

Perpetual Announces Gods and Heroes Delay, Layoffs [Gamasutra via Worlds In Motion]

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Sun, 23 Sep 2007 21:40:55 MDT Maggie Greene http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=302799&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[ Uncharted Sets Course For November ]]> The hunt for El Dorado, the lost city of gold, begins this November as Sony officially confirms that PS3 exclusive Uncharted: Drake's Fortune with be hitting the US on the 20th of that month. According to GameStop's website, his puts it either on the same day or within a day of heavy hitting titles like Haze, Rock Band, Mass Effect, and History Channel: Battle for the Pacific, the latter of which deals with similar island themes, only likely in more realistic and therefor boring fashion. I know I have said it before, but this holiday gaming season is going to see me living penniless in the streets by January.

Uncharted gets firm US date [Eurogamer]

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Tue, 11 Sep 2007 20:00:39 MDT Mike Fahey http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=298858&view=rss&microfeed=true