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EA Sports MMA signs Strikeforce league, additional fighters
by Randy Nelson 
{ Nov 6th 2009 at 7:30PM }
EA has announced a deal to feature the Strikeforce MMA league in its upcoming EA Sports MMA. The publisher also finalized contracts with two pro mixed martial artists currently fighting in Strikeforce, Jake shields (pictured, left) and Brett Rogers, to appear on the game's roster. Don't expect the signings to throw any fuel on the UFC vs. EA fire, however, as neither fighter has ever been on the payroll of UFC prez Dana White.
Frank Shamrock and Mauro Ranallo, Strikeforce's commentary team, will also be recording voiceover for the game. It has yet to be revealed which, if any other leagues will be featured in the game, and if their own commentary teams will be included. Currently, we know that MMA referee "Big John" McCarthy and Strikeforce ring announcer Jimmy Lennon, Jr. will also lend their voices and likenesses to the title.
While locking up more pro talent and the Strikeforce license lends credibility to EA Sports MMA, we've still yet to see any hint of an actual video game apart from a lone screenshot released late last month. Hey, EA: You do know that, at this pace and given the nature of MMA, these guys could be retired by the time the game actually ships ... right?
Hands-on: Battlefield: Bad Company 2 multiplayer beta
by Randy Nelson { Nov 6th 2009 at 12:00PM }
Last week, we took part in a 24-player stress test for the beta (the version coming Nov. 19 will support 24 players, as will the final game) and came away rattled but ready for more. You can read about how it all went down after the break.
Team up and watch this new Skate 3 trailer
by Randy Nelson { Nov 6th 2009 at 9:45AM }
EA's new Skate 3 trailer touts team-play as the stand-out addition to the franchise. The new element allows players to tackle challenges and compete against other teams online for popularity within the Skate.Feed community. Of course, it's just as easy to become unpopular, too -- just ask the guy in the short shorts.
EA Black Box is once again handling the development of the game, building on the, um, building features of Skate 2. The studio is working to greatly improve the film maker and skate park editor, as well as adding new features such as an in-game and web-based "social network," plus the ability to seamlessly share parks, board designs and other user-created content a la Forza 3's storefront.
Skate 3 is due in May 2010 for PS3 and Xbox 360.
EA Black Box is once again handling the development of the game, building on the, um, building features of Skate 2. The studio is working to greatly improve the film maker and skate park editor, as well as adding new features such as an in-game and web-based "social network," plus the ability to seamlessly share parks, board designs and other user-created content a la Forza 3's storefront.
Skate 3 is due in May 2010 for PS3 and Xbox 360.
Gallery: Skate 3
Nine straight minutes of Mass Effect 2 gameplay
by Randy Nelson { Nov 6th 2009 at 4:15AM }
You'll get a sense of the sequel's leap in environmental detail, character modeling and dialog scene camerawork in this clip, along with loads of intense combat. There's even an appearance by returning character (and total badass) Garrus from the first Mass Effect, plus a joke that manages to poke fun at rumors of Commander Shepard's death and the fact players can make him/her look like anyone they choose. Again -- nine minutes.
Hands-on: Mass Effect 2
by Randy Nelson { Nov 6th 2009 at 4:00AM }
click to make more MASSive
You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy than Mass Effect 2's newly revealed world, Omega. (Well, apart from the Mos Eisley spaceport, that is.) This is where our latest grubby-mitts-on-the-gamepad outing with BioWare's upcoming RPG shooter role-playing shooter took place -- or, rather, inside its favorite hangout for galactic riffraff, the Inferno nightclub.
It turns out there was a purpose in showcasing this location beyond the throbbing music and exotic alien dancers -- it happens to be the same sort of locale that one of the original Mass Effect's earliest combat encounters played out in, and we got this point before our tour guide even had to make it: The environments in Mass Effect 2 are leaps and bounds better the first game's. In fact, this place seemed alive. Oh yeah -- and there just so happened to be a firefight waiting for us as we ventured further into this seedy sin palace.
It turns out there was a purpose in showcasing this location beyond the throbbing music and exotic alien dancers -- it happens to be the same sort of locale that one of the original Mass Effect's earliest combat encounters played out in, and we got this point before our tour guide even had to make it: The environments in Mass Effect 2 are leaps and bounds better the first game's. In fact, this place seemed alive. Oh yeah -- and there just so happened to be a firefight waiting for us as we ventured further into this seedy sin palace.
Gallery: Mass Effect 2 (11-06-09)
Battlefield: Bad Company 2 multiplayer beta hits Nov. 19, exclusive to PS3
by Randy Nelson { Nov 5th 2009 at 12:00PM }
The beta will focus on one of Bad Company 2's new multiplayer game types: Rush. This multi-stage battle takes place on a map called Arica Harbor, which is broken into unique areas for each round. American forces push forward on foot and in vehicles to scrap with Russian troops outside a military base, in an urban environment and eventually at the harbor itself in a "last stand" scenario.
EA plans to begin a PC round of the beta in December, followed up by an all-new multiplayer demo for PS3, Xbox 360 and PC early next year. The finished game hits shelves on March 2, 2010. We recently had the opportunity to play in the multiplayer beta and will bring you our hands-on impressions tomorrow morning, November 6 at 9:00 a.m. PT / noon ET.
New Left 4 Dead 2 TV spot, Scavenge mode walkthrough
by Richard Mitchell { Nov 4th 2009 at 4:20PM }
Come to think of it, it sounds like Joystiq Publishing just found its next game. No one has the rights to Undead Bar Fight, right? While we go do a little research, watch the trailer above and, after the break, watch G4's walkthroughs of the Scavenge and Survival modes.
The Sims transformed into a horror movie
by Alexander Sliwinski { Nov 4th 2009 at 6:00AM }
"They won't let me pee, they won't let me sleep, they won't let me eat." – doomed Sim citizen
Ah yes, the life of a Sim. Not so funny when one sees what life would be like if our actions were controlled by the unholy Plumbob (which is itself controlled by little Damian Van Horne of 999 Wisteria Lane). We understand that CollegeHumor was trying to be funny in its The Sims movie clip, but it actually encapsulates the pain and suffering of every Sim murdered by sadistic teenage girls around the world. Watch the full clip after the break. Save a Sim.
Deal to see EA music licensed for TV commercials, movie trailers
by Alexander Sliwinski { Nov 4th 2009 at 4:00AM }
EA has obtained original pieces of music over the years from many A-list Hollywood composers, as the publisher has sought to blend the realms of film and games. So, if you happen to hear a theme from The Sims playing in the background of a pool insurance ad, or that armed forces ad suddenly makes you want to play Battlefield, you'll know why.
[Via Big Download]
Review: Dragon Age: Origins
by Randy Nelson { Nov 3rd 2009 at 10:20AM }
The long wait for a true successor to the fantasy throne ends today with the arrival of Dragon Age: Origins. The latest title from Mass Effect and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic developer BioWare is a testament to the company's mastery of the art of building the worlds, characters and stories that constitute a "classic" -- and that's exactly what this excellent experience is.
Gallery: Dragon Age: Origins
Video: Left 4 Dead 2's Realism Mode
by Richard Mitchell { Oct 29th 2009 at 5:20PM }
X-Play's Abbie Heppe explains there are a few major differences. One, dead players will stay dead unless revived with a defibrillator -- keep in mind that each player can carry a defibrillator or a med kit, not both. Second, zombies must be killed with headshots, though it's hard to tell how strict this rule is in the video. Third, players have to be much closer to items in order to pick them up. Finally, there are many, many more witches. See it for yourself after the break.
[Via Evil Avatar]
EA details Battlefield: Bad Company 2 Limited Edition, same price as normal
by Alexander Sliwinski { Oct 29th 2009 at 12:34PM }
The four BFBC2 unlocks are:
- Improved Vehicle Armor - Pretty self explanatory.
- Supreme Vehicle Firepower - Additional weapon mounts for the driver.
- Vehicle Motion Sensor - Locate enemy units in proximity to vehicle.
- Tracer Dart Pistol - Attaches to any vehicle "to track, lock on, and fire rockets onto moving targets even beyond line of sight"
EA's Rich Hilleman answers 10 Questions from the Academy
by Christopher Grant { Oct 23rd 2009 at 9:00PM }
Introducing 10 Questions from the Academy: A weekly feature from the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences wherein significant figures in the video game industry provide their input on past trends, current events, and future challenges and goals for the entertainment software community.
Rich Hilleman is a member of the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences where he serves as one of its board directors. He's worked for Electronic Arts since 1982 where he was one of the first twenty employees, and was one of the creators of the original Madden football game. He currently holds the title of Chief Creative Officer.
AIAS: What's your favorite part of game development?
Rich Hilleman: Discovery of Fun. I think you can understand how elements combine to be successful, in the same way that you can create a recipe by chemistry. There are many elements, and as a result nearly infinite possibilities. The Art is in anticipating the results of a new combination and understanding what that means for feedback systems, game mechanics and marketing concepts. Those second order effects are where the magic is...
How do you measure success?
Impact = change x the number of people impacted.
PlayStation UK Blog brings BioWare doctors in for Dragon Age live chat
by Xav de Matos { Oct 22nd 2009 at 9:00PM }
Beginning at 7PM BST (2PM EDT), BioWare co-founders Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuck will be on hand taking questions about its latest role-playing game. The hour-long event will give fans a chance to ask about upcoming content, exclusive bonuses and what it's like working with
Here comes the trailer for Abbey Road from The Beatles: Rock Band (do do do)
by Ben Gilbert { Oct 20th 2009 at 2:00PM }
The trailer above offers a medley sampling of the whole album, should you not be acquainted with it. But then, we must ask, what planet are you from where "Abbey Road" is an unfamiliar album?
