Kotaku: southpeak games

X-Blades Publisher Clarifies "Next Generation Consoles"

Mike Fahey — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 12:00:00 MDT

Apparently I jumped the gun a bit last February when I announced that SouthPeak Games was brining Gaijin Entertainment's Oniblade to the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC as X-Blades in late 2008. Turns out what the company really said was that they were brining it to the PC and next generation consoles, without mentioning any specifics, and I had just assumed they meant the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Now the company has sent out an official press release, clarifying exactly what they meant by next generation consoles.

Look for X-Blades this fall on the PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360. Enjoy the new screens!

X-BLADES TO SLASH ITS WAY ONTO MULTIPLE VIDEO GAME PLATFORMS THIS AUTUMN

Fearless Treasure Hunting Beauty To Fight Darkness On PLAYSTATION®3 Computer Entertainment System, Xbox 360 and Windows-Based PC

London, UK – August 14, 2008 – SouthPeak Games today announced that X-Blades will be available on the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft® and Windows-based PC when it releases later this year. Developed by Gaijin Entertainment in conjunction with TopWare Interactive, the anime-inspired X-Blades follows Ayumi, a brave and beautiful thrill seeker, whose obsession with hunting lost treasures lands her in a fight for her life.

"One of the greatest challenges we face with multi-platform games is how to deliver an equally fantastic experience across each platform," said John F. Kaiser, III, Producer at SouthPeak Games. "With X-Blades, we've taken time to ensure the same intense hack-and-slash gameplay is delivered seamlessly on all platforms."

Ayumi, a stunningly seductive yet tenacious heroine, travels the world hunting highly coveted artifacts. After finding an ancient treasure map she sets off on the most dangerous adventure she's ever faced and quickly finds herself outmanned and outgunned. Armed with only her fighting skill, magic spells, guns and blades, Ayumi must fend off rival treasure seekers, hordes of evil creatures and powerful dark forces in order to survive.

For more information on X-Blades check out www.x-blades.com.

SouthPeak Announces Two Worlds: Epic Edition

Owen Good — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 08:00:00 MDT

PC Gamers can get the original Two Worlds in one package with the "Tainted Blood" and "Curse of Souls" add ons next month, in the Two Worlds: Epic Edition just announced by SouthPeak Games.

The release will add eight new multiplayer maps, more than 70 online quests, plus a new town where characters can train themselves in gladiator combat. GamersHell has eight screenshots, one is above.

The full press release from SouthPeak is after the jump.

Southpeak Games to Re-Release Coveted Role-Playing Game in Ultimate PC Package: Two Worlds: Epic Edition

LONDON – United Kingdom - July 11th, 2008 – SouthPeak Games today announced its open-world role-playing hit game will get a new release on PC with the upcoming Two Worlds: Epic Edition. The expanded game will be available in August 2008.

"Two Worlds has seen unprecedented popularity, not only upon its original release, but in the months since it has gained even more fans," said Melanie Mroz, CEO of SouthPeak Games. "Epic Edition collects everything available for the world of Antaloor into one package so those who have yet to explore its rich and vibrant lands can now do so in its entirety."

Two Worlds: Epic Edition will contain the original game and the add-ons "Tainted Blood" and "Curse of Souls", putting the massive world of Antaloor and countless hours of adventuring into one tremendous package. The original Two Worlds gave players a huge world and hundreds of adventures to undertake. The expanded content of Epic Edition adds over 70 online quests, eight new multiplayer maps, an innovative player-versus-player challenge where opponents battle to control magical orbs within a variety of arenas, and introduces the town of Tharnburg where players can train their warriors in various skills and challenge other players to combat in the Gladiator District's huge arena.

Two Worlds: Epic Edition is rated PEGI 16+. For more information about Two Worlds or SouthPeak Games, please visit www.2-worlds.com or www.southpeakgames.eu.

Two Worlds: Epic Edition Announced and Screens [GamersHell]

RTS And FPS Merge In Raven Squad

Mike Fahey — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 10:00:00 MDT

It's a real-time strategy game. It's a first-person shooter. It's both! SouthPeak Games has just announced Raven Squad, an RTS/FPS hybrid under development by Atomic Motion for the PC and Xbox 360. Unlike S2's Savage series, which allows players to chose which role they want to take, Raven Squad requires players to master both FPS and RTS gameplay in order to guide their two mercenary squads through enemy lines in the Amazonian jungles.

“Raven Squad combines two extremely popular genres into a single robust experience where either gameplay mode could stand on its own merits,” said Melanie Mroz, CEO of SouthPeak Games. “Atomic Motion is creating something that’s visually compelling and building new boundaries in what a military title can accomplish. Fans of both RTS and FPS games are going to love it, as will anyone who enjoys intense, action titles.”

I don't know. I generally have to be in the mood for one genre or the other. I'll have to see how things pan out as Raven Squad gets closer to its planned fall release.

RAVEN SQUAD TO BREAK THE RTS MOLD ON XBOX 360 AND WINDOWS PC THIS FALL

Real-Time Strategy Melded with First-Person Shooter to Create Completely Unique Gaming Experience

MIDLOTHIAN, VA – July 03, 2008 – SouthPeak Games today announced that it will distribute Raven Squad: Operation Hidden Dagger for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft® and Windows PC this fall. Published by Evolved Games, Raven Squad is set in the near future. The game is a unique blending of real-time strategy and first-person shooter genres.

Developed by Atomic Motion, Raven Squad puts players in control of two groups of mercenary squads who crash land behind enemy lines in the Amazonian jungles. It will require tactical planning and a liberal amount of brute force to escape to safety. Each of the eight squad members possesses distinctive skills and weaponry that the player will have to use wisely to progress through the game’s story driven objectives. Raven Squad sets itself apart by allowing players to switch freely between real-time strategy and first-person shooter gameplay. Only by mastering both of these modes of play, and becoming adept at switching between the two, will players make it out of the jungle alive.

“Raven Squad combines two extremely popular genres into a single robust experience where either gameplay mode could stand on its own merits,” said Melanie Mroz, CEO of SouthPeak Games. “Atomic Motion is creating something that’s visually compelling and building new boundaries in what a military title can accomplish. Fans of both RTS and FPS games are going to love it, as will anyone who enjoys intense, action titles.”

To find out more about Raven Squad please visit www.southpeakgames.com.

Roogoo Now In Delicious PC Flavor

Mike Fahey — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 11:20:00 MDT

SouthPeak's Xbox Live Arcade adorable bear-creature puzzler Roogoo is now available for the PC wherever fine PC games are sold. Released earlier this month via Xbox Live, Roogoo is addictive as it is cute. Just ask SouthPeak CRO Melanie Mroz.

"Roogoo is a fun, family friendly puzzle game that is as addictive as it is cute," said Melanie Mroz, CEO of SouthPeak Games. "Not only does the game get progressively more challenging to play, but it also gets harder and harder to put down."

The PC version, which retails for $19.95 (boxes aren't free!), and features all 45 levels of the XBLA version, as well as split-screen multiplayer. Awww, remember back when we used to play multiplayer games together on the PC? We were such dorks back then.

ROOGOO NOW SHIPPING FOR PC

SouthPeak's Critically Acclaimed Xbox LIVE® Arcade Puzzle Game is Available Now Wherever PC Games are Sold

MIDLOTHIAN, VA - June 25, 2008 - SouthPeak Games today announced that its puzzle game Roogoo is now available for Windows PC. Roogoo, which was previously released on Xbox LIVE® Arcade for the Xbox 360 videogame and entertainment system from Microsoft, features 45 levels as well as two-player split screen.

"Roogoo is a fun, family friendly puzzle game that is as addictive as it is cute," said Melanie Mroz, CEO of SouthPeak Games. "Not only does the game get progressively more challenging to play, but it also gets harder and harder to put down."

Taking place in the fantasyland of Planet Roo, you star as one of the last Roogoo’s still uncorrupted by the evil King Goo. King Goo can think of nothing but power and uses his influence to make other Roogoos believe that greed is the way of life. He starts to steal joyful meteors from the sky and uses their powers to build bigger and more powerful cities. After a fair amount of stealing, many of the kingdom’s once cute and innocent Roogoos have turned into wicked Meemoos. It is your job to stop King Goo from collecting the remaining meteors and to turn the Meemoos back into Roogoos before it’s too late.

In order to accomplish your quest and save Planet Roo, you must guide falling meteors, in the form of different shape blocks, through rotating platforms. When matched correctly, the blocks are allowed to reach their intended destination. Each meteor you guide correctly gets you one step closer to your goal.

Roogoo is available now for $19.99 at retailers everywhere. It is rated E for Everyone.

Two Worlds: Temptation Add-On Now A Sequel

Mike Fahey — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 08:40:06 MDT

First announced back in November of last year as an Add-On for their Xbox 360 and PC RPG Two Worlds, Southpeak Games has promoted Two Worlds: The Temptation to full sequel status. The Temptation, which takes place in Eastern Antaloor where the graphics are better, simply expanded beyond expansion.

"We first envisioned The Temptation as an expansion to the original," said Miroslaw Dymek, Chief Developer with Reality Pump explained. "However, as we started creating the story and reworking almost every aspect of the game, we realized that we were well on our way to crafting a fully-fledged sequel. Our entire development team is now putting their all into making Two Worlds: The Temptation a game that is far and away better than the original."

Talk about aiming low. With completely revamped combat, new graphics, improved animation and voice-overs and completely redone horseback riding, perhaps The Temptation is exactly what we need to help put the sad mess that was the original game behind us. Look for it on Xbox 360 and PC this fall.

SouthPeak Brings Temptation To The RPG Genre Sequel Announced for epic RPG; Two Worlds: The Temptation Arrives This Autumn
Thursday 20th March/... SouthPeak Games has announced that it will be releasing a sequel to Two Worlds, its popular open-world role-playing game. Entitled Two Worlds: The Temptation, this second episode from the world of Antaloor is set for release on PC and the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft®. Due on the shelves in autumn 2008, Two Worlds: The Temptation will build on its prequel by including a host of improvements and new features, including a completely overhauled graphics engine.

Taking place shortly after the events portrayed in the first Two Worlds, The Temptation takes place in Eastern Antaloor, mostly in the regions surrounding Oswaroh and the Drak'ar Desert. Two Worlds: The Temptation will also include a host of improvements and all-new game content on the same scale as the original Two Worlds' epic game world. From more intricate missions, improved voice-overs and animations to re-tooled horseback riding, completely revamped combat and a new graphics engine that delivers visuals that have to be seen to be believed, Two Worlds: The Temptation is set to build on the success of the original and take the fantasy kingdom of Antaloor to new heights of complexity and player freedom.

"We first envisioned The Temptation as an expansion to the original," said Miroslaw Dymek, Chief Developer with Reality Pump explained. "However, as we started creating the story and reworking almost every aspect of the game, we realised that we were well on our way to crafting a fully-fledged sequel. Our entire development team is now putting their all into making Two Worlds: The Temptation a game that is far and away better than the original."

"Two Worlds has a huge fan base across the world, and all will be happy to hear that The Temptation will be exactly what they've been hoping for in a sequel." Said Melanie Mroz, CEO of SouthPeak Games. "The team at Reality Pump has taken to heart all the comments made by the players and will incorporate massive improvements that are sure to please and surprise everyone."

For more information about Two Worlds, or to sign up for the Antaloor Post, please visit www.2-worlds.com.

Two Worlds Spills Tainted Blood On Xbox Live

Mike Fahey — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 10:40:50 MDT

SouthPeak's epic RPG Two Worlds gets a little bit bigger today, as the company releases the first of two planned expansion packs onto Xbox Live. This pack, titled Tainted Blood, focuses on expanding the multiplayer gameplay of the game, adding four new maps to explore with friends, over 35 new quests, and a new PVP mode in which players vie for control of magical orbs of some sort.

"This pack of downloadable content is a fantastic expansion for players who love playing Two Worlds with friends and are ready for some new and exhilarating features," said Melanie Mroz, CEO of SouthPeak Games. "Tainted Blood's excellent new multiplayer mode is the key thing to note. The introduction of a completely new multiplayer mode lives up to our commitment to making sure Two Worlds is the best RPG experience we can create."

I particularly love the line about it being the best game they can create. It might not be the best RPG, but it's the best you'll get from us! Tainted Blood is available for download now for 600 Microsoft points.

Two Worlds Gets Tainted Blood The Massive Online World of Antaloor Gets Bigger as SouthPeak Games Release first Downloadable Content Pack
Thursday 13th March/... SouthPeak Games has announced that the first of two downloadable content expansions for their epic role-playing game, Two Worlds, is now available via Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft®. Titled Tainted Blood, the pack significantly expands the online multiplayer portion of SouthPeak's vast RPG and is available now for 600 Microsoft points.

Tainted Blood boasts four new online multiplayer maps that allow players the chance to explore completely new locales and face unprecedented challenges with friends. Over 35 new quests await those who download the expansion, as well as an innovative player-versus-player challenge mode where opponents battle to control magical orbs within a variety of arenas.

"This pack of downloadable content is a fantastic expansion for players who love playing Two Worlds with friends and are ready for some new and exhilarating features," said Melanie Mroz, CEO of SouthPeak Games. "Tainted Blood's excellent new multiplayer mode is the key thing to note. The introduction of a completely new multiplayer mode lives up to our commitment to making sure Two Worlds is the best RPG experience we can create."

Tainted Blood is available for download via Xbox LIVE Marketplace now, costing 600 Microsoft points.

Mister Slime (DS) Coming In April

Mark Wilson — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 11:40:13 MST

While it's been rumored for a US release next month, SouthPeak Games' Mr. Slime has been officially announced to hit Nintendo DSs all over America in April. A rehash of the 2D sidescroller, players use the stylus to pull a very elastic Mr. Slime around levels. While it's not the most monstrous, AAA release to hit the platform to date, the game seems to take advantage of some of the DS's more trademarked moves. Looks like fun despite its distinct lack of headshots or pantsu.

Two Expansions For Two Worlds

Mike Fahey — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 15:40:30 MST

Well you certainly can't call the folks at SouthPeak Games quitters. Despite low opinions from gamers and critics alike, they stand behind their persistent online RPG Two Worlds for all they're worth, announcing two new downloadable expansions for the Xbox 360 version of the game that look to greatly enhance the multiplayer experience. Highlights include an entirely new PVP mode that centers around land control, additional maps, co-op missions, and an arsenal of new weapons to play with. The new content will be spread out between two expansions, one in March and the next coming a month later in April, both costing 600 points.

Two Worlds To Get Bigger And Better Online Downloadable Content Packs To Add All-New Multiplayer Mode And Expand Online World Of Antaloor
Tuesday 26th February/... SouthPeak Games has announced two downloadable content expansions for its open-world role-playing hit, Two Worlds. Both packs will be made available through Xbox LIVE® for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft®, expanding and improving the game's online multiplayer experience.

The two expansions will add a host of new content to the vibrant and populous multiplayer universe of Two Worlds, featuring first and foremost an entirely new player-versus-player mode based around controlling key areas of a multiplayer map. Along with this new strategic play mode, additional maps, co-operative missions and a suite of new weapons are also included, adding a considerable amount of play time to the already content-packed world of Antaloor.

"Two Worlds has been a huge success for SouthPeak and much of its appeal can be credited to having a huge game-world to explore," said Melanie Mroz, CEO of SouthPeak Games. "Reality Pump has worked tirelessly to improve the multiplayer experience and this new downloadable content is geared towards expanding upon it, offering lots of new missions and areas to explore with friends."

The first expansion pack for Two Worlds will be available for download in March, with the second becoming available in April. Both will cost 600 MS points.

SouthPeak Brings Springtime Pinball Dreams

Mike Fahey — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 10:20:53 MST

As a rabid fan of both pinball and sitting down, I tend to keep a sharp eye out for new and exciting combinations of both. SouthPeak Games have just announced Dream Pinball 3D, coming this Spring to the PC, Wii, and Nintendo DS. Promising "most intense visuals and ball physics a pinball game has ever seen", the game will feature six non-licensed table themes and distinctive controls for each of the three versions that you can pretty much figure out for yourself.

"Everyone loves pinball. It is an unusual kind of entertainment in that it bridges hardcore and casual gamers, while translating very well to videogames," said Melanie Mroz, CEO of SouthPeak Games. "We are going to give the medium the respect it deserves."

The respect the medium of pinball deserves involves acts falling outside of the M for mature ratings limit Mel. Why not start by giving the game a less generic name. Sounds like an early 90's shareware title for crying out loud.

Southpeak Games Announces Dream Pinball 3D Cutting Edge Pinball Videogame to Make North American Debut on PC, WiiTM and Nintendo DSTM in Spring 2008
GRAPEVINE, TEXAS - January 9, 2008 - SouthPeak Games today announced Dream Pinball 3D is coming to PC, Wii™ and the Nintendo DS™ in Spring 2008. Developed by veteran studio Topware, this superb pinball simulator creates an authentic pinball experience with refined controls that capitalize on the unique qualities each platform.

"Everyone loves pinball. It is an unusual kind of entertainment in that it bridges hardcore and casual gamers, while translating very well to videogames," said Melanie Mroz, CEO of SouthPeak Games. "We are going to give the medium the respect it deserves."

Dream Pinball 3D boasts six table themes, several different ball options, multi-ball power-ups and the most intense visuals and ball physics a pinball game has ever seen. The Wii™ version utilizes the Wii Remote™ and motion sensor capability to enhance gameplay. The Nintendo DS™ version includes intuitive touch screen control options and clear 3D graphics. The PC version offers pristine visuals and precise flipper controls with the mouse. With this many options to choose from, Dream Pinball 3D will bring out the pinball wizard in everyone!

SouthPeak To Enjoy Unreal Engine 3 License

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 19:20:35 MST

It would appear at this point the number of developers who license Epic Games' Unreal Engine 3.0 should start issuing us press releases to let us know they're not using it. But I suppose we're still fascinated enough by the penetration of the Unreal Engine these days to find it notable that yet another publisher has signed on. Today, it's SouthPeak Games who announced that the software will be used in its upcoming Monster Madness EX: Battle for Suburbia for the PlayStation 3. It's the port of the Xbox 360 and PC game of nearly the same name, just with an added E and X.

It may sound like very dry stuff, but SouthPeak and Epic both agree that the license is very important for independent studios who, according to Mark Rein "would typically have to wait a long time to work with our award-winning game engine." While Monster Madness was generally given a "meh" by reviewers, we hope that it will be put to good use by whomever SouthPeak signs on next.

SouthPeak Games Signs UE3 Studio License with Epic Games

License Agreement Opens More Opportunities for Independent Developers

GRAPEVINE, Texas - November 7, 2007 - SouthPeak Games, emerging publisher and distributor of entertainment software, today announced a studio license agreement with Epic Games for use of the Unreal Engine 3 (UE3) in the development of its upcoming PC and video game titles worldwide. The agreement is in effect throughout the life of the UE3 technology application across all major platforms including downloadable content. SouthPeak's latest release planned under the new studio license is Monster Madness EX: Battle for Suburbia, currently under development by Psyonix Studios for PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system.

"Independent developers need more opportunities to bring their games to market with next-generation technology," said Katie Morgan, executive vice president at SouthPeak Games. "UE3 provides developers all the tools and resources necessary to build great games and SouthPeak is giving talented developers a chance to focus on creating their games without spending the resources to create an engine to support it."

"We see this as a landmark agreement for Epic and the UE3 technology because of SouthPeak's focus on independent developers," said Mark Rein, vice president of Epic Games. "They are going to bring UE3 to a group of developers that have fantastic games but would typically have to wait a long time to work with our award-winning game engine."

"Our focus on UE3 technology has been key to our success as an independent studio. This is an ideal opportunity for us to work with SouthPeak on our projects," said Dave Hagewood, president of Psyonix Studios. "We're excited to be working with SouthPeak to bring our upcoming game to market in 2008."

About SouthPeak Games
SouthPeak Games has been publishing and distributing entertainment software since 1996. Recognizing the market need for an independent publisher, SouthPeak is focusing on marketing games from top-notch developers for all popular game platforms. Leveraging its outstanding distribution experience and retail strength, SouthPeak is currently launching new game titles worldwide. Recent titles released include the popular role-playing game (RPG) Two Worlds and Monster Madness: Battle for Suburbia. For more information about SouthPeak Games, please visit www.southpeakgames.com.

About Unreal Engine 3
The award-winning Unreal Engine is known for cutting-edge graphics and a best-of-breed toolset. Unreal Engine 3 is expected to maintain those features while adding massive world support, multi-processor support, next-generation console optimizations, and one of the most mature tool pipelines in the industry. Unreal Engine 3's new toolset is designed specifically to accelerate developers' productivity for ultra-complex, next-generation content. Additional information on Unreal Engine can be obtained at www.unrealtechnology.com.

About Epic Games
Epic Games, Inc., based in Cary, NC and established in 1991, develops cutting-edge games and game engine technology for PC and console. The company has created multiple million-selling, award-winning titles in their Unreal series and their latest game, Gears of War, broke sales records on Xbox 360 selling more than 3 million copies worldwide in the first ten weeks and awarded overall Game of the Year for 2006 by the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences, Game Developers Choice Awards, GameSpot, GamePro and many others. Epic is also responsible for the Unreal Engine, which is the underlying technology for a wide range of games including Console Game of the Year winner "Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell" by Ubisoft; PC Gamer's Game of the Year "Deus Ex" from Ion Storm/Eidos; "America's Army: Special Forces" by the United States Army; and "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" (PC) by Electronic Arts. Epic's Unreal Engine 3 is the current holder, and three-time consecutive winner, of Game Developer magazine's Front Line award for Best Game Engine. Epic Games was also awarded Studio of the Year at the 2006 Spike TV Video Game Awards and Developer of the Year by Official Xbox Magazine. Additional information about Epic can be obtained through Epic's Web site at www.epicgames.com