Mature Gaming » wars

Kinect Star Wars app goes live on Windows, Android and iOS phones

gazzara — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 11:46:41 +0000

Yesterday saw the launch of a new mobile app from Microsoft taking social networking on smartphones into a new stratosphere, by allowing fans of the world’s most iconic film franchise to view their Facebook and Twitter feeds in the style of ‘the crawl’, the iconic Star Wars opening title sequence.

Free to download on Windows Phones, and launching on iOS and Android mobile operating systems from today, the new app helps mark the recent release of “Kinect Star Wars”, the latest blockbuster game from Xbox 360 that harnesses the Kinect’s revolutionary controller-free, motion-tracking technology to enable players to truly fight like a Jedi.

Synching seamlessly with Facebook and Twitter accounts, the app transforms smartphones into the ultimate social media dashboards by aggregating social media streams into one place. Fans can discover more about the full “Kinect Star Wars” game and even purchase a copy direct from the app, all wrapped up in an experience that gives a taste of the fun the game offers.

Stephen McGill, Director of Xbox and Entertainment for Microsoft UK, comments, “We are literally putting ‘the Force’ directly into people’s phones to help launch “Kinect Star Wars”. Fans will be able to carry a piece of the STAR WARS universe in their pockets and, like the new game for Xbox 360, immerse themselves in the incredible world of one of the most enduring entertainment franchises like never before.”

“Kinect Star Wars” is available now and offers fans of all ages the ability to experience the STAR WARS franchise like never before. Five dynamic modes include Jedi Destiny: Dark Side Rising, Podracing, Rancor Rampage, Galactic Dance Off and Duels of Fate. The game retails for £39.99, while the Xbox 360 Limited Edition “Kinect Star Wars” console bundle is available for £349.99 (ERP). The bundle features an R2-D2 branded console, C-3PO controller, white Kinect Sensor, the “Kinect Star Wars” game and an exclusive C-3PO unlockable for Dance Mode.

The app is available in the UK, Republic of Ireland, Germany, Spain, Italy, Netherlands and Sweden. Visit www.xbox.com for more details.

Kinect Star Wars releases today

gazzara — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 15:02:52 +0000

Microsoft and LucasArts are happy to announce that “Kinect Star Wars” is now available at retailers in the UK!

Experience Star Wars in exciting new ways – controller free – as you wield a Lightsaber, use the Force, take on the role of a destructive Rancor, Podrace to victory, and even show off your dance moves in this highly anticipated game for Kinect for Xbox 360.

Also available today is the Xbox 360 Limited Edition “Kinect Star Wars” console bundle, featuring an R2-D2 branded console, C-3PO controller, white Kinect Sensor and the “Kinect Star Wars” game. “Kinect Star Wars” is available for £39.99, while the console is available for £349.99.

Additionally, the Xbox 360 Limited Edition “Kinect Star Wars” console bundle will feature an exclusive C-3PO unlockable for Dance Mode. With these new reveals and the ability to play in 3D, “Kinect Star Wars” adds to the growing popularity of the family-friendly gaming portfolio for Kinect for Xbox 360.

May the Force be with you!

Guild Wars 2 closed beta gains respect

gazzara — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 12:39:57 +0000

NCsoft and ArenaNet are proud to announce that signups for the next closed beta test for Guild Wars 2 reached one-million signups in just over 48 hours.

This impressive response from the gaming community, recording more than 4,000 signups a minute during peak periods, is testament to players’ demand for something new. The innovative RPG and online world design philosophies of Guild Wars 2 are proving to be just what they want.

It is no surprise that the most anticipated game launching this year, an accolade awarded to Guild Wars 2 from top gaming outlets from around the world, attracted players wanting to experience the game from 224 countries spanning all seven continents.

“We built Guild Wars 2 with the notion to bring players together to experience what a true online world experience should be, and we couldn’t be more excited with the reception we’re receiving from gamers wanting to get in and play our game,” said Mike O’Brien, president of ArenaNet and executive producer of Guild Wars 2.

Guild Wars 2’s next closed beta test is scheduled for late-March and will provide players with an opportunity to experience its deep RPG game elements, epic World vs. World battles and inviting social gameplay while helping the team load test the servers.

Kinect Star Wars bundle revealed

gazzara — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:37:12 +0000

Today, Xbox 360 and LucasArts are excited to announce “Kinect Star Wars” and the Xbox 360 Limited Edition “Kinect Star Wars” console bundle will both be available on 3^rd April, 2012 in the UK for £39.99 and £349.99 respectively.

Star Wars fans of all ages will soon be able to bring the Star Wars universe home and become part of the films like never before with the power of Kinect for Xbox 360.

With five dynamic modes – Jedi Destiny: Dark Side Rising, Podracing, Rancor Rampage, Galactic Dance Off and Duels of Fate – “Kinect Star Wars” makes it possible for Star Wars fans of all ages to delve into immersive Star Wars experiences. In addition to the previously announced Jedi, Podracing and Rancor modes, Xbox 360 and LucasArts have today unveiled new additions to the game, including:

· New experiences within Jedi Destiny Mode, including:
- o Space battles: As you travel the Galaxy to face an evil that threatens to undermine the fabric of the Republic, you’ll engage with forces of the Empire in intense space battles
- o Speeder Bikes and Landspeeders: Pilot iconic Speeder Bikes and Landspeeders on your epic journey
- o New duels: Battle opponents like Count Dooku and Darth Vader on your journey to become a Jedi
- · New Duels of Fate mode, a battle-by-battle experience to sharpen your Jedi skills against the Dark Side.
- · New Galactic Dance Off mode loaded with Star Wars-themed pop tunes where those still honing their Jedi skills can take a break to battle Darth Vader on the dance floor or bust a move “Solo style.”

Be sure to also check out Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace 3D, which releases in theatres on (9^th February 2012). For more information on the film, visit: http://3d.starwars.com.

Star Wars: The Old Republic updates incoming

gazzara — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:59:18 +0000

Just one month after launching the fastest growing subscription MMO in history, EA, BioWare and LucasArts are prepared to release the first game update for the critically-acclaimed Star Wars: The Old Republic.

Launching next week on Tuesday, January 17, Rise of the Rakghouls will introduce new, higher level group content, game feature additions and continued balancing and bug fixes. As part of the commitment to the community, BioWare will continue to release game updates to subscribers throughout the year on a regular cadence. The next update is planned for March 2012 and will include new Flashpoints, Operations, WarZones and new game systems.

“A month ago when we launched the Early Game Access program for Star Wars: The Old Republic, we promised our fans that this would just be the beginning of our journey together,” said Dr. Greg Zeschuk, General Manager of the BioWare Label’s MMO Business Unit and Co-Founder of BioWare. “Rise of the Rakghouls adds a lot of the things our community has been asking for – additional higher level group content, features like anti-aliasing, PvP bracketing and more. In the future, game updates will be even more substantial, as we promise to continue to not only add to The Old Republic, but to also improve and refine the experience with the full Legacy System and new Guild features.”

Rise of the Rakghouls features a new Flashpoint and a new Operation as well as a number of changes made throughout the entire game, including level 50 bracketing for PvP WarZones, the addition of anti-aliasing and changes to Open World PvP on Ilum.

Flashpoint: Kaon Under Siege is a completely new and unique group combat experience located on Kaon, a planet in the Tion Hegemony, a strategically important sector of the galaxy that has remained neutral, groups of up to four Republic or Imperial players must race to Kaon to eliminate the Rakghouls outbreak, securing the allegiance of the Tion Hegemony for their respective sides. This Flashpoint will be available for level 50 characters only and will feature Normal and Heroic modes.
Operation: Karagga’s Palace, is a continuation of the game’s second launch Operation. In the Operation, teams of 8 or 16 players will face off against Karagga and the Hutt Cartel after the Hutts abandon their famous neutrality and breach agreements with both the Republic and Empire. Concerned by the threat of another combatant in the war for galactic control, both factions send teams of their most powerful heroes to confront Karagga and determine his intentions. This Operation will feature Normal, Heroic and Nightmare difficulty modes.

For more information on Game Update 1.1: Rise of the Rakghouls, please visit www.StarWarsTheOldRepublic.com for the full details.

The wait is finally over as Star Wars: The Old Republic goes live

gazzara — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 23:08:18 +0000

A stunning Star Wars universe. Thousands of hours of gameplay. Gripping stories. Engrossing dialogue performed by hundreds of talented voice actors. BioWare, a label of EA is proud to turn on the servers for one of the most anticipated games of all time, Star Wars: The Old Republic, winner of over 100 awards from critics around the world.

Last night, fans lined up around the block on the eve of launch at retail outlets in New York, Paris, London, Austin and other cities across the world, celebrating the debut of the game with gatherings complete with costumed characters and memorabilia giveaways. This morning, EA, BioWare and LucasArts continue the launch celebration by hosting the opening ceremony and ringing the bell at the NASDAQ stock exchange. As the servers go live and fans flood into the game, BioWare customer support teams are managing the network infrastructure to ensure every player has a smooth, easy and fun experience getting into the game.

“Today represents an amazing milestone for BioWare, EA and Star Wars fans everywhere and we are confident it has been worth the wait,” said Dr. Ray Muzyka, Co-Founder, BioWare and General Manager, EA’s BioWare Label. “The support and resources going intoStar Wars: The Old Republic are not ending today. The innovations we’re bringing to the category are just the start of a journey and ongoing investment in our players that will grow, evolve and transform based on player feedback over the weeks, months and years ahead.”

Dr. Greg Zeschuk, Co-Founder, BioWare and General Manager of the BioWare Label’s MMO Business Unit, added: “The addition of story and personal choice to the MMO genre is going to fundamentally change the way people perceive MMOs moving forward, especially when it is experienced at its fullest potential with high-quality writing and voice acting. We are extremely happy with where The Old Republic stands at launch and we can’t wait to grow the game with our community to make it even better in the future.”

Star Wars: The Old Republic is a story-driven, massively multiplayer online (MMO) game from BioWare and LucasArts, breaking new ground in online gaming by delivering high quality, fully voiced storylines with personal choice and consequences. Set thousands of years before the classic Star Wars movies, players will be immersed as they team up with friends online to fight in heroic battles reminiscent of the films, exploring a galaxy of vibrant planets and experiencing visceral Star Wars combat. Players will be asked to join forces with either the Galactic Republic or Sith Empire and choose one of eight iconic Star Wars characters, including the Jedi Knight, Jedi Consular, Smuggler, Trooper, Sith Warrior, Sith Inquisitor, Bounty Hunter and Imperial Agent. Set against a sweeping musical score, Star Wars: The Old Republic will be the most emotionally engaging online gaming experience ever.

Included with the purchase of every copy of Star Wars: The Old Republic is 30 days of access to the game, after which players can continue to play through subscribing at either £8.99 per month, £25.17 for 3 months (£8.39 per month), or £46.14 for six months (£7.69 per month).

Star Wars: The Old Republic gets December release

gazzara — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 09:31:49 +0000

Today during their keynote address at the Eurogamer Expo, Dr. Ray Muzyka and Dr. Greg Zeschuk, co-founders of BioWare, a label of Electronic Arts announced that Star Wars : The Old Republic will launch in North America on December 20, 2011 and in Europe on December 22, 2011.

Set thousands of years before the rise of Darth Vader, Star Wars: The Old Republic is a massively multiplayer online game challenging players with epic quests, featuring dynamic combat across iconic worlds in the Star Wars galaxy such as Tatooine, Alderaan, Hoth and more. Each of the game’s eight primary classes will enjoy their own unique trilogy of storylines, all of which are fully voiced with a sweeping musical score. Anticipation for the award-winning MMO is at an all-time high as Star Wars: The Old Republic has broken EA pre-order records and won over 95 industry awards and accolades from game critics worldwide.

“In 1977, Lucasfilm created magic with the release of Star Wars. Our goal is to capture some of that magic when we go live with Star Wars: The Old Republic on December 20,” said Dr. Ray Muzyka, Co-Founder, BioWare and General Manager, BioWare Label. “This is an incredible moment for everyone at BioWare and our partners at Lucas Arts who have dedicated so much of their lives to building this extraordinary game.”

Added Dr. Greg Zeschuk, Co-Founder, BioWare and General Manager of the MMO Business Unit of BioWare, “We appreciate the patience of the millions of fans who have been waiting for the game’s release. When we launch this groundbreaking MMO with world class storytelling this holiday season, we hope you will agree that it was worth the wait.”

Star Wars: The Old Republic is available for pre-order now at participating retailers while supplies last. All players who pre-order will receive a redemption code that will unlock Early Game Access, granting them access to the game before December 20, 2011 in North America and before December 22, 2011 in Europe. Pre-order quantities are limited and Early Game Access will only be available to those who pre-order the game and redeem their code before the game’s official release. Included with the purchase of every copy of Star Wars: The Old Republic is 30 days of access to the game, after which players can continue to play through subscribing at either $14.99 per month, $41.97 for 3 months ($13.99 per month), or $77.94 for six months ($12.99 per month).

Star Wars: The Old Republic has been lauded for breaking new ground in the genre by building on traditional MMO gameplay pillars of combat, exploration, character customization and progression, and adding a powerful fourth dimension to the experience – story with personal choice and consequence. The Old Republic is set thousands of years before the rise of Darth Vader, when the Star Wars galaxy is in the midst of a cold war. Players will be asked to join forces with either the Galactic Republic or Sith Empire and choose one of eight iconic Star Wars characters: Jedi Knight, Jedi Consular, Smuggler, Trooper, Bounty Hunter, Imperial Agent, Sith Inquisitor and Sith Warrior. Every player’s story will unfold based on meaningful choices made throughout the game, enabling them to become the hero of their own personal Star Wars saga. Along their journey, players will encounter companion characters with whom they can build and break meaningful relationships as they fight by their side. Players will explore a vibrant galaxy, engage in heroic battles, and experience visceral Star Warscombat.

Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars voice trailer

gazzara — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 20:31:50 +0000

As the launch date of LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars creeps closer, get a behind the scenes peek at all your favourite LEGO Clone Wars characters as you’ve never seen them before.

Download the trailer and watch as voice over artists from the Clone Wars TV show grunt and squeak their way through the voice recordings of LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars.

This tongue in cheek video is introduced by Clone Wars Voice Director David Collins and features interviews with some of the game’s cast members, as well as behind the scenes footage and gameplay.

LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars is released on 25^th March 2011.

Lego Star Wars: The Clone Wars producer walkthrough trailer

gazzara — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 11:59:35 +0000

Activision have released a new trailer for their soon to be released game, Lego Star Wars: The Clone Wars, due to be released in 2011.

The new walkthrough gives tips and tricks on the game from the producers of LEGO Star Wars III, including how to build a cannon and use it to destroy enemy bases, practice your Jedi slam technique to flawlessly take out Droids, and how you can call in your friends to help you out.

The trailer also provides a taster of how you can play in either single player or co-op mode in the game’s giant ground battles.

So charge those Lightsabers and get ready for LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars!

Lego Star Wars III: Clone Wars dated

gazzara — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 15:50:34 +0000

LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars is landing in the UK combining the magic and imagination of LEGO with the epic storylines of the Clone Wars universe and has been dated for 18th February 2011.

Known for its signature tongue-in-cheek humour, this brand new adventure will put fans of both LEGO and Star Wars in the Clone Wars era, challenging them with over 20 brand new story-based missions and 40 bonus levels. If this wasn’t enough, there are also a whole host of numerous exciting additions, such as the ability to take control of battalions of clone troopers against the relentless droid army in RTS action ‘LEGO style’, space exploration through 16 star systems in the best ships to be made from blocks, and mega boss battles never seen before in a LEGO game!