GAME DEVELOPERS CONFERENCE, San Francisco, March 10, 2010 – Intel Corporation today previewed platforms featuring the latest Intel® Core™ i7 Extreme Edition processor and announced the latest release of Intel® Graphics Performance Analyzers (Intel® GPA) that will aid developers in optimizing game performance. In addition, Intel introduced a number of initiatives designed to spur innovation in the PC game developer community, and in support of the company’s Visual Adrenaline and Intel® Atom™ Developer programs.

Intel® Core™ i7 980X Processor Extreme Edition Preview
Intel is previewing its latest PC platform the Intel® Core™ i7-980X Extreme Edition processor, codenamed “Gulftown,” the first 32nm, six-core processor with 12 computing threads. In addition, Game Developers Conference (GDC) attendees can see and experience applications enhanced for this new platform – including newly released Sega Napoleon Total War, the soon-to-be-released Ubisoft RUSE, Geomerics Enlighten and Cakewalk Sonar – all by visiting the Intel booth and Intel lounge area during the event.

Intel® GPA v3.0
Intel® GPA helps PC game developers analyze and optimize game performance on Intel® Architecture-based platforms. Intel GPA provides in-depth application analysis and customization that allows developers to easily pinpoint performance bottlenecks and optimize games for desktop PCs and laptops using Intel processors, chipsets and Intel® HD Graphics.

With Intel GPA v3.0, developers can ensure their titles run on the full spectrum of Intel® Core™ processors (e.g., Intel® Core™ i3, Intel® CoreTM i5 with Intel® HD Graphics, Intel® CoreTM i7, and Intel® Core™ i7 Extreme Edition) and chipsets with a new platform-focused toolset. The platform view for task-based multi-core optimizations and a simplified automated game launch workflow help developers save valuable time. The updated toolkit now includes support for DirectX 10.1 and 64-bit game executables.

Attendees can see and experience games enhanced using Intel® GPA and running on Intel® HD Graphics, including such titles as Atari Star Trek Online, Electronic Arts Tiger Woods Golf, and more in the Intel booth at GDC. Developers can download the new Intel GPA suite of software tools at www.intel.com/software/gpa.

Game Developer Contests and Initiatives
Level Up 2010
In its fifth year, the Level Up 2010 game demo contest is a worldwide competition focusing on the major areas of game development with prizes worth thousands of dollars. As part of the competition, developers have access to development resources that take advantage of Intel processing power and a chance to gain recognition in the industry.

All game entries will be judged in one of three categories: “Best Game for a Desktop,” “Best Game for a Laptop,” and “Best Game for a Netbook.” Finalists are also eligible to win prizes for “Best Sound Design,” “Best Art Design,” “Best Character Design” and “Best Graphics Performance.” Participants will have access to development kits and software tools to help them along the way. Judges for this year’s contest include industry notables Rick Raymo, Vic Davis, American McGee and Ralph Koster. Entries for the contest will be accepted through June 15, and developers can enter to win at www.intel.com/software/levelup2010.

Intel® Atom™ Developer Challenge Winners, Next Round Announced
Launched at the Consumer Electronics Show in January, Intel AppUp Center beta, an application storefront for netbooks, has been met with excitement by developers. More than 5,000 developers have already joined the Intel® Atom™ Developer Program. Intel AppUp Center offers game developers access to the growing market opportunity for innovation on mobile devices, which has sparked the trend of “light gaming.” In line with this trend, about half of the applications submitted to Intel AppUp Center are games. The Intel Atom Developer Challenge was created to further engage with and recognize developers who submit the most innovative and elegant apps.

The first Intel Atom Developer Challenge has come to a close, and the grand prize winners have been named. Music app GURU won “Most Innovative App” and puzzle game SMILES took “Most Elegant Application Design.” Application developers Angus Hewlett and Michael Kasprzak each were awarded an all-expense-paid VIP trip to GDC 2010. The next round of the Intel Atom Developer Challenge has more categories with such prizes as tens of thousands of dollars, a 2011 Chevy Volt and a complete application marketing campaign. To participate, developers can download the Intel Atom Developer Program software development kit at appdeveloper.intel.com and enter the contest at appdeveloper.intel.com/challenge through Aug. 16, 2010.

StarCraft II Open Game Play
Intel will showcase Blizzard Entertainment’s StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty at its booth, giving conference attendees a chance to play the game on a wide variety of Intel-based systems, from high-end Intel® Core™ i7 to mainstream Intel® Core™ i5 platforms, before it launches later this year.

Source: Intel Press Division

The title, which is also coming to Playstation 2, PSP, Nintendo Wii and DS is set to include ‘full support at the controller’s launch’ for its family friendly experience, revolving around the adventures of Aragorn across the entirety of the Lord Of The Rings trilogy. So expect fully realised sword play and archery utilising the new Playstation Move tech.

This, plus slightly enhanced graphics and controls, minus Wii D-pad = LOTR:AQ PS3

So why are we excited? Well as opposed to much of what we’ve seen so far from game title announcements, this is a fully fledged, original title as rather than a collection of glorified tech demos; with multiple and exceptionally complex uses for the same device. The game itself, as you’ll see on the title’s official website, looks like pretty standard action adventure license fare, but the desire to fend off a pack of marauding Orcs with a virtual blade that you have direct control over, is pretty strong, and as the game comes from the teams behind House Of The Dead Overkill, Battalion Wars 2 and a stream of successful LEGO ports, Headstrong Games and TT Fusion, our money’s on this being a solid experience all round.

The Lord Of The Rings: Aragorn’s Quest (as well as Playstation Move) is released this Autumn.

GamesMaster could be back on TV in time for Q4, with a new series on a terrestrial channel.

The brand is in the process of being re-invigorated, having been acquired by Future late last year. Previously the firm simply published a magazine under licence from Double Act Films (the company owned by GamesMaster’s original producer, Jane Hewland) and was prevented from doing anything online or on-screen.

In the last few months, however, with the shackles off, Future has been talking to production companies, TV networks, publishers and even potential presenters. It is understood that one terrestrial channel has shown considerable interest and is already looking at an early evening slot.

The original GamesMaster was last on Channel 4 in February, 1998. There have been some half-hearted re-runs on Challenge TV, but with little publicity, relevance or, inevitably, viewers.

New GamesMaster would retain some of the elements of the original format, but will be a different proposition, focusing on big new releases, upping the production values, and benefiting from cross-promotion across the Future network.

In a neat dovetailing of skills and opportunity, GamesMaster looks like returning as Future unveils its own video reviewing capabilities as part of First Play (its interactive PSN-distributed show) and the plan is for that element of GamesMaster to be created in-house.

From a marketing point of view the industry is bound to be salivating. Don’t be surprised to see the series sponsored by one of the biggest retailers, while publishers will be clamouring to have their products featured and as a targeted advertising slot it’s a bullseye.

Future Publishing’s James Binns told MCV:

“GamesMaster was fun and inclusive. No games show before or since has come close to what it achieved. It’d be great to bring it back.”

The presenter slot is the subject of fevered discussion within Future (and elsewhere). MCV understands that a few approaches have been made, but a replacement for Dominik Diamond is yet to be appointed. If anyone’s wondering, yes, Diamond himself has been ruled out.

Although he remains a more likely option than Dexter Fletcher.

GamesMaster magazine will relaunch in May. Future won’t create a website for the brand as it doesn’t wish to complicate a strategy that includes CVG, GamesRadar and Edge Online, but it will look at podcasts and utilising social networking sites.

Taken from MVC

If you’ve played a Way Of The Samurai title before, which is admittedly unlikely as the titles have never done particularly well on western shores, you’ll know what to expect; a pre-industrial revolution Japan (this time set during the Sengoku period), a mysterious Samurai who happens upon a turbulent township, warring factions and a branching storyline that makes most games that claim to have multiple endings look positively narrow pathed by comparison. If you liked either of the first two Way Of The Samurai titles then stop reading now, get down to your retailer of choice, and pick this up without hesitation. Oh but before you head off, check out our interview with Yen Hau of Rising Star, publishers of the title in Europe.

For the vast majority that haven’t experienced the WOTS series you should know that this isn’t a mindless high action adventure, it is instead a role playing game in the truest sense of the word. You are playing a role in WOTS3 and the title is at its very best when you understand and adhere to the notion that you are becoming a Samurai, albeit a Samurai in which you mould through your decisions and actions. Opening with a battle in which a nameless Samurai falls and is thought dead by his aggressors, the nameless Ronin is found by two wandering villagers and brought back to a small village named Takatane. From there on in the story truly is what you want to make of it, though there are plot lines that permeate throughout, namely the seeming oppression of the region by the Fujimori clan, the rebellions of the Ouka clan and the desire for peace the battle scarred Takatane village so desperately desires. It is the journey through the story that is the most exciting part of the narrative; how your Samurai conducts himself within the society he is a part of. Unsheathing a weapon for example is a clear sign of aggression, and will quickly get you into trouble with the long sword of the law. This mechanic is key to WOTS3, you can draw your blade at any moment, a kind of feudal renegade interrupt if you will and it’s also the clearest reinforcement the game gives you that you must be mindful of how you conduct yourself in this world.

Weapon forging becomes a way to further personalise your experience, including naming your own sword.

I decided very early on with my playthrough of the game that I would only draw my sword when absolutely necessary, and always choose to knock out opponents rather than kill them, though I could have easily have gone through the entire title as a blood thirsty killer. It’s this self enforced verisimilitude that is the greatest draw of Way Of The Samurai 3, deciding to truly live in this digital world, rather than simply exist within it.

But games are products that live and die by how they look, how they sound and how they feel to play, and unfortunately Way Of The Samurai 3 is by no means without criticism. Visually the game sits awkwardly between the very best PS2 and early current generation era quality graphics. There are moments of staggering beauty to be found, the sunlight dappling between the trees on what is obviously a scorchingly hot day in the Amana region for example, but flat textures are abound, lip syncing is poor and animation can be ropey at times. The English language voice acting is laughable in areas, though there is the option to turn on the Japanese audio instead, which is a nice touch and most likely important to the kind of market Acquire is going for here.

Combat can get brutal, but NPCs never fail to lighten the mood with their odd quips...

Combat this time round is better than previous releases though still feels stiff and not as deep as one might wish; it’s easy to mash the light attack button through most of the game, using life restoring items to tank through the title’s harder challenges. Speaking of challenges, there are plenty of mini-games, side missions, trophies, weapon upgrades and other knick knacks to keep things interesting. Instant travel also returns from the previous outing, which picks the pace of the title up somewhat, and small icons on the map known as ‘inklings’, areas that will continue the current story, help give WOTS3 a little more impetus and guidance in a title that can, at times, feel overwhelming in its lack of direction.

By far the most accessible of the series so far, Way Of The Samurai 3 is a unique and deeply ambitious title that is unfortunately marred by a number of technical shortcomings stopping it from being truly exceptional. It should be praised for its high level of player involvement and is a big step forward for the series as a whole, but for all of its progression, as an actual game it feels antiquated. However, those that can look past the flaws will find one of the most compelling and wholly engrossing gameplay experiences this generation has to offer.

MLG Rating: 7/10

Platform: Playstation 3 / Xbox 360 Release Date: 12/03/2010

Disclosure: Midlife Gamer were provided a copy of Way Of The Samurai 3 for review purposes by the promoter. The title was reviewed over the course of one week on a Playstation 3.

First up with have an excuse for you to watch porn, well kind off, as 2K games have signed a deal with Playboy magazine to use over 50 of their classic covers and centrefolds for use in their upcoming Mafia II game. Now I don’t know about you, but the idea of looking at 50’s muff doesn’t sound too appealing, there was no such thing as a bikini line then, so you’ll be looking at women’s hairy sporins, not to mention that these women would be older than your mother by now!

CodeMasters have just released info on a game called Bodycount (no it’s not based on Ice T’s band ) it’s being developed by the creator Stuart Black of the classic shoot em up Black that came out on the PS2/Xbox in 2006, now they are saying that this is set to change the way that FPS games will play forever, quite how this is I have no idea, maybe you play as a killer donkey with attitude! I do know that it’ll feature totally destructible environments, but that’s nothing new any more, you can find further details and follow it’s development @bodycountgame on Twitter (www.twitter.com/bodycountgame)

SEGA have announced that they are releasing some new map packs for Aliens vs Predator, for 360, PS3 and PC. These maps was included in the special edition that was released, so are totally pointless if you’ve already got that, but for those who bought the bog standard edition, you can treat yourself to 4 new maps, these include two new Multiplayer maps for six different online modes (Deathmatch, Predator Hunt, Infestation, Species Deathmatch, Mixed Species Deathmatch and Domination, these maps are called Docks and Machine, and two new Survivor maps in which up to four Marines battle to stay alive against increasing swarms of Aliens, these are called Outpost and Hive, you should be able to buy the ‘Swarm Map Pack’ on March 18th if you really want to stretch out this average game.

Microsoft are set to release a new Lips game later this year, this one is more for the oldies with no dress sense as it’s all 80’s music, it’s going to be released as a stand alone game or a bundle set including one mic, new to this version as well is the ability to use mics from Guitar Hero or Rock Band, if you prefer those. So get out your leg warmers, slap in the shoulder pads and kill the O-zone with the hairspray and sing along to 40 classics that include

The Look Of Love – ABC, Forever Young – Alphaville, Cruel Summer – Bananarama,  Dreaming – Blondie, Video Killed The Radio Star – The Buggles,  You’re The Inspiration – Chicago,  Don’t Leave Me This Way – The Communards,  Do You Really Want To Hurt Me – Culture Club,  Boys Don’t Cry – The Cure,  Let’s Dance – David Bowie,  Whip It – Devo,  Come On Eileen – Dexys Midnight Runners,  Rio – Duran Duran,  Mirror In The Bathroom – The Beat,  A Little Respect – Erasure,  A Good Heart – Feargal Sharkey,  Relax – Frankie Goes To Hollywood,  The Power Of Love – Huey Lewis & The News,  Don’t You Want Me – Human League,  Centerfold – J. Geils Band,  Bad Reputation – Joan Jett and The Blackhearts,  Too Shy – Kajagoogoo,  Walking On Sunshine – Katrina & The Waves,  Bette Davis Eyes – Kim Carnes,  Kids In America – Kim Wilde,  Celebration – Kool & The Gang,  Our House – Madness,  Blue Monday ’88 – New Order,  The Riddle – Nik Kershaw,  Love Is A Battlefield – Pat Benatar,  Roxanne – The Police,  Don’t Get Me Wrong – The Pretenders,  Super Freak – Rick James,  Alive And Kicking – Simple Minds,  Tainted Love – Soft Cell,  Gold – Spandau Ballet,  Shout – Tears for Fears,  Mickey – Toni Basil,  Vienna – Ultravox, Don’t Go – Yazoo.

PC Portal players last week received an update via steam, and may have got more than they know, as it seems that Valve have included a totally new ending to the game and some hidden code pointing to the release of Portal 2, Valve have gone on to say that Portal was only a test of the games mechanics and Portal 2 will be a fully fledge game, based hundreds of years after the original.

Tecmo Koei Europe have announced that the free roaming spin off of the Dynasty Warriors series Fist of The North Star will get a European release later this year. Based on the Manga of the same name you’ll get to control Kenshiro who has the power to destroy buildings, wipe out entire gangs in one punch and make peoples head explode, I’m guessing it may get an 18 rating! The game is also going to include numerous other bonus characters that you can play, each with their own story mode.

LucasArts are looking to release an updated version of Monkey Island 2: Lechucks Revenge, they released Monkey Island 1 last year on 360,PC and iPhone and part 2 is also set to get a PS3 release.

Microsoft may force Sony to rename it’s PS3 motion wand currently being referred to as The Ark, as Microsoft currently has a range of PC accessories with the same name, Sony have not actually confirmed the motions wands name as of yet, but the Ark is one that has been thrown around, other names include the Gem and the Dildo, but I doubt it’ll end up being called that, dunno why I think it would sell more, and get more women into gaming!

Ubisoft have apologised to PC owners who was unable to play Assassin’s Creed II or Silent Hunter 5 last weekend, this was due to Ubisoft’s servers being attacked by hackers (or legit game owners who are pissed off with Ubisofts DRM) Ubisofts digital rights management or DRM demands that PC owners must have internet connection to enable them to be able to play the games and is designed as a anti piracy tool, all well and good unless the servers go down, it hasn’t gone down well with PC gamers, as of yet there is no crack available to bypass the DRM.

New DLC for Bioshock 2 is due later this week on the 11th, this is set to include 20 new trials, 2 new characters and 5 new masks, and also allow you to increase your level to 50, expect it to cost 400 MS point for 360 and PC owners PS3 owners will pay £3.19, a single player update is due soon that will provide a new insight into the world of Rapture.

Well that’s about it for this week my fellow game addicts, until next time.

Speaking about the title, executive Producer Tom Gillo reports that  ‘Our core focus for Bodycount is to deliver best-in-class gun play that places the gamer at the heart of the experience. From the jaw-dropping devastation caused by firing into enemies or shredding the world around you in a hail of bullets, Bodycount will crystallise that moment of pulling the trigger into an exhilarating sensory overload of action.’

If you’re not in the know, one of Stuart Black’s previous titles was Black, a gem of a game released back in 2006 for PS2 and the original Xbox that entirely focused on destructive environments, massive explosions and all guns blazing action. Black’s aesthetic and permeating motif was bullets. Lots and lots of bullets, a theme that looks set to continue.

The creative director, now working at Codemasters (the team behind Race Driver: Grid) said of his new title ‘If Race Driver: GRID was all about the purity of racing, then everything in Bodycount is absolutely centred on the bullet and its impact on the world. Our shredding tech enables us to create a different kind of gameplay, where players and AI can’t hide behind indestructible cover and rely on whack-a-mole mechanics. Here the environment is constantly changing as the game world is shot to hell; it’s going to be a huge amount of fun.”

Complete with online multiplayer and co-operative game modes, and with the knowledge that Mr. Black is no stranger to excellent FPS’s we’d be inclined to agree. Check out the official website for more info on this forthcoming release.

“While most mob-inspired games’ emphasis is solely on action, Mafia II features a deep and compelling narrative that is embellished with a sophisticated, era-evoking atmosphere,” says Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K. “In partnering with Playboy, we are able to add a unique element of authenticity to the game by using vintage images from the magazine that illustrate the power of Playboy’s influence on the attitudes and culture of that generation.”

What, like you've never sat around in your crackers, with a jazz mag on the table, while a male friend tries to look unaffected by the homo-erotic situation...

A cynic might say that this could just be one big publicity stunt on both parties, what with print media dwindling and with this Mafia title needing to distinguish itself in a dominated market, but we think this could be an interesting addition to the Q3 scheduled title that could help further embellish a richly detailed world.

And… you know… ladies in the buff are quite nice too.

You can find out more about Mafia II here: www.mafia2game.com

Introducing unique worlds, memorable characters and extraordinary stories with every new instalment, the Final Fantasy series has continuously reinvented itself over the last two decades, shipping over 85 million copies worldwide in the process. The series is defined by constant evolution, with each release delivering nothing less than the finest creative vision, graphical quality and gameplay system of its generation. Needless to say, Final Fantasy XIII is no exception.

In Final Fantasy XIII, players will embark on an awe-inspiring journey through the floating cityworld of Cocoon and the savage lowerworld of Pulse, encountering a diverse band of would-be allies along the way. With seamless transitions between real-time gameplay and in-game cinematics, and an evolved Active Time Battle system offering a perfect harmony of spectacular action and strategy, this is an adventure unlike any other. Do you have the courage to face your destiny?

Here’s a selection of reviews, including a notably low score by comparison from Edge Magazine.

Game Informer (9.25/10): “A good story is of paramount importance in a role-playing game, but the fact that FF XIII’s other elements compensate for its disappointing narrative is a testament to the overall quality of the experience. For years, gamers have had visions of this title as an industry-transforming epiphany, but no game could possibly live up to such astronomical expectations. That’s no reason to lose faith; though reality doesn’t match the myth, Final Fantasy XIII is a phenomenal RPG destined to be remembered as a technical milestone for the series.”

1UP (A-): “I can’t say that this is the direction I want the genre as a whole to go — or even the Final Fantasy series, for that matter — but Square should be commended for embarking on an interesting journey down a daring road when so many of their competitors are content to stand, directionless, back at the crossroads.”

Game Trailers (8.6/10): “Final Fantasy XIII embraces a feeling of immediacy that ultimately serves it well. Yeah, there aren’t any towns, at least not in the classic sense. But once you’re fully invested in the deep, demanding combat, you probably won’t miss them. If you’ve been waiting years for Final Fantasy XIII, don’t let its streamlined approach scare you away.”

IGN UK (8.3/10): “As a technical feat the game is a triumph, but it seems a slave to its own spectacle, manacling the gameplay to serve its own bombastic vision and ultimately while the excellent combat and stunning visuals are enough to recommend it, they’re not enough to earn it a place amongst the series’ top rank.”

Edge Magazine (5/10): “FFXIII takes brave risks with the series’ foundations, but they ultimately create trembling fractures throughout the entire edifice, that robust battle system unable to support the weight of an entire world. Final Fantasy games are always an investment. This time, the returns are questionable.”

Trailer

Platform: PS3, Xbox 360 Release Date: 9th March 2010

Daren completes his current-gen console collection with a spanky new PSP and gushes over the Digital Comics service.

What have we been playing?

Heavy Rain, Just Cause 2 Demo and Heavenly Sword

This weeks news topics

The PS3 leap-year meltdown, High level firings at Infinity Ward by Activision and the events that followed, Valve reveal Portal 2 in a creative way, Rock Band Network launches on Xbox 360, Batman Arkham Asylum goes 3D and Rare’s plans to open a development facility in the heart of Birmingham….Bostin’!

The usual suspects: Retail Roundup, New Releases, DLC, the quiz and more great community contribution for the Twitter Section.

Subscribe to the show on iTunes & leave us a sexy review… or listen here.

A bit of a quiet week on the game releases front, apart from one of the most anticipated games of this year, Final Fantasy XIII. I probably don’t have to explain what type of game this is. Having been in development for years, it is finally getting released. If you are into your JRPG’s, this is a must own.

All you Warhammer fans will be rejoicing to hear that the new Dawn of War 2 expansion, Chaos Rising is arriving. The expansion offers new campaign missions in both single player and multiplayer, a raise in level cap (from 20 to 30) and new weapons.

If you are not into clicking away on a keyboard, Yakuza 3 is also arriving this week. The PS3 exclusive is the latest installment in the action-adventures series that is Yakuza. The game is set in a fictional version of Tokyo’s red light district. The game also boasts real life landmarks within the game. If you are undecided, you could always grab the demo from the PSN store.

If you are not keen on keyboard and mouse or PS3, don’t worry. The multi platform game, Ben Ten: Alien Force: Vilgax Attacks is hitting shelves this week. Available on Xbox 360, Wii, PS2, DS and PSP, you play Ben traveling back in time to help save the earth from Vilgax and his gigantic Null Void Projector.

A Wii exclusive concludes this weeks games of interest. Dancing on Ice is a game based on the popular TV show of the same name. The game involves you training and being judged by the panel. With the Wii control scheme its hard to see if you will be immersed within the game but having not played it yet, I will reserve judgment. If you are a fan of the show, this may be the game for you.

Click play on the video below to check these games out and leave a comment if you have any opinions.

Final Fantasy XIII
Formats: PS3, Xbox 360

Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 2 -- Chaos Rising
Formats: PC

Yakuza 3
Formats: PS3

Ben Ten: Alien Force: Vilgax Attacks
Formats: Xbox 360, Wii, PS2, DS, PSP

Dancing on Ice
Formats: Wii

Release dates sourced from MCV and are accurate at time of writing