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Posts with tag electronic-arts

Dead Space gets box'arted

You've gotta hand it to Electronic Arts. For all the flak they get in the industry they certainly try their hand at a ton of new IPs. OK, enough with the hand gag. Back on topic. Army of Two, Spore, Dead Space are a few new titles from the mega-publisher trying to shy away from being known as the annual release factory.

As for Dead Space, the survival-horror space action-shooter, EA released an image of the box art a few days ago and boy is it grim. A severed hand floats in cold space searching for a body to call home. It makes sense when you think about it. The owner is probably dead and it is floating in space. Creative. Creepy, but creative.

Gallery: Dead Space

Rumor: Rock Band 2 setlist leak, part two


While we were already impressed by the originally leaked list of Rock Band 2 tracks, the latest leak has blown our collective minds. A thread on the Score Hero forums -- which has been locked and wiped by moderators for apparent NDA violations -- listed a new set of tracks for Rock Band 2. The listing comes from a user who claimed to have taken part in a play test of the game. It is plausable that the listing is legit due to the NDA violation discussion and subsequent moderation as well as the fact that the game is expected to be front and center at E3.

As for the list? It includes such heavy hitters as "Testify" by Rage Against the Machine, "Peace Sells" by Megadeth, "Bad Reputation" by Joan Jett and so much more. Jump in for the full listing, but make sure you're sitting down ... this one could knock you off your feet!

Continue reading Rumor: Rock Band 2 setlist leak, part two

No create-a-track mode in Rock Band 2


With player created music tracks playing a pivotal role in Guitar Hero: World Tour, many may be wondering whether or not Rock Band 2 will also be incorporating such a feature. The answer, sadly, is no. In an interview with the Associated Press (the same interview that confirmed RB2 would have more than 80 tracks), Harmonix head Alex Rigopulos made it known that Rock Band 2 will not have any sort of player controlled track creation. Rigopulos noted that Harmonix wants to "do it right" when it comes to player created music. "We're taking a radically different approach to that problem. It's something we wanted to take more time to do it right. It's actually something we're not focused on in Rock Band 2," said Rigopulos, adding, "We're really focused on other areas related to the music and bringing the community together."

So, no create-a-track and community togetherness. You know what would really bring the community together? Online Band World Tour mode. Think about it.

[Via Eurogamer]

Rumor: Rock Band 2 setlist partially leaked


If a segment on X-Play is to be believed a partial list of Rock Band 2 tracks have been revealed. One tipster snapped a photo from the popular G4TV show that listed several tracks, identified as Rock Band 2 songs by a small "2" icon to the left of the track listing. The rumored tracks for Rock Band 2 include:
  • "Panic Attack" - Dream Theater (or Finger Eleven)
  • "Chop Suey" - System of a Down
  • "Give It Away" - Red Hot Chili Peppers
  • "Everlong" - Foo Fighters
  • "Kids in America" - Kim Wilde
  • "Ace of Spades" - Motorhead
  • "Hello There" - Cheap Trick
  • "Anyway You Want It" - Journey
  • "Pinball Wizard" - The Who
It's notable that "More Than a Feeling" from Boston and "All the Small Things" from Blink 182 are listed and appear to have a different identifying icon. Considering both were downloadable Rock Band content the icon could signify DLC or an originally released track. For now throw it in the rumor mill but were sure hope these tracks are final. Also, Pinball Wizard? What a great idea!

[Thanks, StLouisRibs7734. Image via ScoreHero]

UK Rock Band 2 release comment, "a misunderstanding"


UK gamers, you might want to take a seat for this one. Speaking with Eurogamer, EA has stated that there has been a misunderstanding regarding the UK release of Rock Band 2.

"There was a misunderstanding and there is no confirmed date for Europe," an unnamed spokesperson from EA told Eurogamer. Yesterday we reported an unnamed EA rep hinted at a possible simultaneous release for the upcoming title.

Currently the only confirmed release information for the recently announced sequel is the title's Xbox 360 timed-exclusivity for a Stateside launch sometime in September. Could Rock Band 2 also suffer from a late release throughout North America much like the original which launched in December 2007 in Canada? Only time will tell. More information regarding the title is expected at E3 which kicks off on July 14.

[Thanks for crushing UK dreams, Boff]

Rock Band 2 expected to hit the UK this September


Looks like UK gamers aren't getting the short end of the stick when the band gets back together this September. Speaking with CVG a representative for Electronic Arts said Rock Band 2 is expected to hit shelves in the UK at the same time as its North American release. "We are expecting to see Rock Band 2 ship in September for the Xbox 360, with other platforms to follow," said the unnamed EA rep.

If it were to happen a simultaneous release for Rock Band 2 would be a stark contrast to the original schedule that saw the first title take nearly 8 months to reach UK shores.

Announced earlier today, Rock Band 2 promises to offer a wealth of gameplay enhancements, as well as the ability to play all previously purchased downloadable content from the popular original.
Interestingly enough, the first Rock Band is still scheduled to release in the UK this August for the PS3, PS2 and Wii -- an Xbox 360 version was released on May 23.

[Thanks,
Webster1990]

Wake Up! Rock Band 2 hitting this September [Update]


Update: Apologizes, the early hours seem to have hit us. Rock Band 2 is scheduled to release on the Xbox 360 this September with a PS3 release later in the year. Other platforms have not been confirmed at the time of the press release.

Are you sitting down? Today MTV, Harmonix and EA surprised no one by confirming suspicion that Rock Band 2 was in the works. Yes, the worst-kept secret of sequels since Microsoft announced Halo 3 is scheduled to hit this September on the Xbox 360 PS3 and other yet-to-be named platforms.

In an interview with IGN, Harmonix lead designer Dan Teasdale spilled some carefully worded beans on the sequel. Most importantly Harmonix confirmed all Rock Band downloadable content will also work in Rock Band 2 and Teasdale also teased that new features are planned "that let you play your DLC in different ways." Teasdale also states that new downloadable content will be released for the Rock Band platform when Rock Band 2 is released, meaning you can download all DLC and play on either version. Also, the dreaded profile switching issue in the original is being examined and corrected for a more streamlined experience.

While Teasdale also confirms new instruments are in development for Rock Band 2 they are only receiving more reliable and cosmetic changes, meaning your old Rock Band sets will still work as well. While Teasdale doesn't confirm some of the questions posed to him, he does tease at the possibility of and online World Tour and multiple users on vocals instruments.

Jump in for a look at the new Stratocaster guitar as well as the top ten bands Teasdale hinted might make it onto the Rock Band 2 retail disc.

Continue reading Wake Up! Rock Band 2 hitting this September [Update]

Fanswag: Win Battlefield: Bad Company


And the Fanswag train just keeps a'rollin'! Today we have two copies of Battlefield: Bad Company to give away. You may have heard that Bad Company is landing some very decent review scores, and now you can nab a copy for free. What are we asking of you, dear readers, so that you might secure one of our two copies? Why, hardly anything at all! The only thing you have to do is this:
  • Bad Company is a game with a sense of humor. Leave a comment on this post that's funny. Don't be afraid to steal a joke. Comedians steal all the time!
  • Only one comment per person will be accepted. Posters of multiple comments will be disqualified. We'll accept entries until 6:00PM Eastern time today, June 24, 2008. You must be at least 18 years old to enter. This giveaway is open only to residents of the U.S. and Canada (excluding Quebec).
  • Later today, we'll pick 2 winners via a random drawing
  • Two grand prize winners will each receive a copy of Battlefield: Bad Company, worth $60 each.
  • Complete giveaway rules can be found here

Fanswag: Kane's Wrath bobbleheads and more


Fanswag returns this week with something pretty unique. In honor of Command & Conquer: Kane's Wrath, EA hooked us up with three prize packs, each including a talking Kane bobblehead. That's right, you could have C&C's perennial villain sitting on your desk, being all evil and bouncing like a school girl. We've got three of 'em along with some additional swag for three prize packs total. If you'd like to get your hands on a bobblin' Kane, simply do the following.
  • The game is called Command & Conquer: Kane's Wrath. Leave a comment on this post telling us what Kane is so angry about.
  • Only one comment per person will be accepted. Posters of multiple comments will be disqualified. We'll accept entries until 6:00PM Eastern time today, June 23, 2008. You must be at least 18 years old to enter. This giveaway is open only to residents of the U.S. and Canada (excluding Quebec).
  • Later today, we'll pick 3 winners via a random drawing
  • Three winners will each receive a Kane bobblehead and two randomly chosen pieces of Kane's Wrath merchandise (hat, keychain, mug, etc)
  • Complete giveaway rules can be found here.

Lord of the Rings: Conquest teases epic


There are few existing licenses that can pull large scale, arena-style, battles off and it looks like Lord of the Rings has just joined the ranks -- so far. In the teaser trailer for the upcoming title Lord of the Rings: Conquest, Pandemic showcases the epic battle of good versus evil from both perspectives. Pulling inspiration from Battlefield and its own Star Wars: Battlefront franchise, Lord of the Rings: Conquest has shown great potential. Working closely with Peter Jackson's Weta Digital to capture the look of the award-winning films, LotR: Conquest looks to impress gamers when it ships this fall.

First Mad Catz Rock Band instruments next week (probably)


According to RockBandMods.net, the officially licensed Mad Catz Rock Band instruments -- announced ages ago -- will finally release next week. Apparently, the instruments were listed on Amazon at one point, but the listings have since been removed. The instruments listed are/were:
  • Wired bass guitar -- Officially licensed Fender Precision bass replica with 'split strum bar' that allows for simultaneous up and down strumming. (June 22 - $69.99)
  • Wired guitar -- Officially licensed Fender Telecaster guitar replica with programmable strum bar (programmable, as in 'cheating'?), 'quick response' fret buttons (release date not listed -- $79.99)
  • Wired microphone -- Integrated d-pad and face buttons (!), lock/unlock button, 'high profile' pop stopper (supposedly out now, though not in stores yet -- $59.99)
  • Portable drum kit -- Small, portable drum kit with quiet pads and foam tipped drumsticks. Custom drum pad covers available. It's not clear if this set is actually freestanding or it has to be set on top of something (July 15 - $49.99)
  • Premium wired drums -- Full drum set designed after real electric drum sets. Features high hat (with foot pedal), crash cymbal and 'fully adjustable' drum heads with 'two axis motion' and the ability to reposition each drum head (August 1 - $149.99)
We expect that most gamers will be most interested in the portable and premium drum kits. Unfortunately, there isn't an actual photograph of either product, so we're still in the dark about how exactly the portable drum set will work. Still, we can't help but be intrigued. It's also worth noting that all of the peripherals seem to be wired (although the portable drum kit doesn't specify wired or wireless). A wireless version of the bass is expected in September. Wireless versions of the other instruments remain in the dark (though we imagine there will eventually be a wireless version of the guitar).

Anyone ready to open their wallets for one of these?

[Thanks, eric e]

Dead Space: In space no one can hear you release new screens


The newest action title to be added to Electronic Arts' catalog is the space thriller (sp'riller?), Dead Space. In the third-person action shooter gamers play as Issac, a miner who is decked out in the depressurized space suit dubbed 'The Rig.' Aboard an infested mining ship, Issac battles for survival against an alien species known as the 'Xenomorphs' 'Necromorphs'. The game also features weightless and decompressed environments for all your space Spider-Man, wall-walking desires. Dead Space is expected to release this fall.

Gallery: Dead Space

Bad Company makes fun of Solid Snake


Whether or not you own a PS3, there's a pretty good chance you caught wind of the Metal Gear Solid 4 release last week. There's also a pretty good chance that you are at least familiar with the series. Perhaps you even know that Solid Snake, protagonist of the series, has a habit of hiding in barrels and boxes. There's one thing we know for sure though, and that is that Battlefield: Bad Company developer DICE definitely knows about the series. In a new video the soldiers of Bad Company poke fun at the longstanding Metal Gear convention. In short, it's pretty damned funny. Find the video after the break.

Continue reading Bad Company makes fun of Solid Snake

Gamers sue EA over football exclusivity


Football gamers will remember 2004 as a dark year in video game football history. 2004, you see, was the year that EA acquired the exclusive rights to publish NFL licensed football games. Gamers will also remember that the reason why EA acquired the license is because Sega's ESPN NFL 2K5 released that year for a paltry $19.99, which resulted in a huge sales boost and in EA lowering the price of Madden 2005 to $29.95 in response. Once EA acquired the NFL license and effectively eliminated all football competition, it released Madden 2006 for the price of $49.95 the following year.

It seems some have taken exception to Electronic Arts' actions, as Gamespot reports that a pair of gamers in Washington, DC and California have filed suit against the company for "blatantly anticompetitive conduct." The suit mentions the company's acquisition of the NFL license as well as the price hike of Madden 2006 the year following the acquisition. Furthermore, the suit notes EA's ongoing attempt to acquire of Take Two, which would "remove one of the few companies with the ability and expertise to compete in the market for interactive football software." That's assuming EA ever lost its hold on the NFL license, of course.

The plaintiffs seek "restitution and damages" for anyone that purchased an EA football game since August 2005 and "disgorgement of all profits made as a result of anticompetitive actions, and that the infringing agreements be declared null and void."

Update: The suit also makes note of EA's licensing agreements with NCAA Football and the Arena Football League. Along with the NFL, this gives EA the exclusive rights to "the only viable sports football associations in the United States."

[Via Joystiq]

Phaneuf body checks his way onto NHL 09


According to an article in The Calgary Sun, Calgary Flames defenceman Dion Phaneuf will be gracing the cover of EA's NHL 09. Focusing on more defensive gameplay and hard-hitting checks, EA Sports decided to give the cover nod to one of the hardest-htting, and high-scoring, defensive players in the league.

"There are always a lot of options for who we want on our cover, and Phaneuf was a perfect choice for us this year," said David Littman, lead producer of NHL 09.

Currently in development at EA Vancouver, NHL 09 is scheduled to hit retail before the puck drops on the new season.

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