Source: videogamesblogger.com

id software released the Quake3 engine in 2005 under the terms of the General Public License. Even though the engine is eight years old, just recently two independent projects have released fully featured multiplayers games. All three games mentioned below use an improved Quake 3 engine, with OpenAL, Vorbis and SDL support, to run under Windows, Linux, and MacOSX.

Slashdot describes them as follows: “Urban Terror and World of Padman, formerly modifications that required you to have the original Quake III Arena game, can now be played independently as stand-alone versions. Urban Terror combines realistic environments and weaponry with movement similar to Quake3. World of Padman on the other hand is a colorful shooter in comic style giving you fun weapons like water balloons and water pistols to shoot with. Last but not least there is Tremulous, a first person shooter with added real time strategy elements which has been out for quite some time now.” Videos of all games below.

My favorite has to be World of Padman Standalone, see how crazy colorful the action is in the 2007 trailer:

Take a look at the awesome Tremulous promo:

Someone made a frags movie of Urban Terror:

Source: videogamesblogger.com

This week Sony added a fun update and demo to their online PS3 Network service. Below are the details of the new demo, update, and trailers for the PlayStation Store.

Gran Turismo HD Concept v. 1.2 (free update): Developed by Polyphony Digital, Gran Turismo HD Concept delivers an unparalleled racing experience in full HD 1080p resolution with next-generation graphics and physics. Race ten cars from worldwide manufacturers, including the Gran Turismo debut of Ferrari. This updated version enables you to view the Top 10 worldwide rankings for each car and mode. Also, Gran Turismo HD Concept now is fully compatible with force feedback via Logitech’s Driving Force, Driving Force Pro, and Driving Force EX steering wheels.

Armored Core 4 Demo (free): The mech action series is back with Armored Core 4. Now you can check out a playable demo featuring three exciting single-player missions from the full version of the game in addition to a sneak-peek of the game’s deep customization mode.

The Grand Theft Auto IV PS3 game teaser and movie trailers for Are We Done Yet?, Perfect Stranger, and Stardust.

Source: videogamesblogger.com

Microsoft’s Xbox 360 Spring 2007 Dashboard Update will be released on May 7th, 2007. You can watch a video that highlights the many new features below. But first, here’s a list that details all the new features:

* Add up to 600 Windows Live Messenger contacts to your Friends List.
* Contact list will integrate Windows Live Messenger and show joinable session status, what game you’re playing, and your gamertag.
* Text chat with up to 6 Live Messenger contacts at once during games or movies.
* The Marketplace will be getting its own Dashboard Blade that is skinned independently of the Dashboard theme, for special events.
* The Marketplace will be getting a new, easier-to-navigate remake.
* Achievement Pop-ups will now display details such as how many points and which Achievement you have unlocked.
* Low-power downloading (fans off) and automatic shutdown after finishing queued downloads.
* View partially downloaded video files.

The Xbox 360 Spring 2007 Dashboard Update video:
Whereas the Xbox 360 Fall Dashboard update really made the multimedia features great, this Spring Dashboard update goes a long way in making social activities, multiplayer gaming, and downloading that much better. — From Mygamercard, via Joystiq, thanks to Gamespot for leaking this so early on (even if it was an accident).

Source: seganerds.com

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Source: seganerds.com

Last week we reported how Sega are to stop repairs for the Dreamcast and Saturn later this year, which, ultimately, will mean the end for the Dreamcast has finally come.  From this news, CVG have recenty published a lovely article, as a sort of ode to the Dreamcast.

They speak of how innovovative the console was;

The possibilities for innovative gameplay using the VMU were vast, and Sega was the first to demonstrate with Sonic Adventure, which allowed you to transfer in-game virtual pets (dubbed Chaos) to the VMU where they became a virtual pet you could look after. Although, except for the odd radar in some action games the VMU was seldom used as Sega probably intended.

How it was (possibly) released before it’s time;

Although the Dreamcast died before its time, having been discontinued in 2001 - just three years after its original 1998 release(1999 in US and UK), its many innovations, vast selection of peripherals and huge library of arcade games earned it a huge cult following. Some say that the console was launched too soon.

Some errors on Segas part;

While Sony was wowing the kids, Sega went and spunked a hell of a lot of money sponsoring Arsenal football club. The inevitable was fast approaching.

Plus they speak of some of the games that made the system what it was, and also some problems with the library;

Dreamcast had a cracking library of games but there was the striking omission of anything EA Sports related, which Sony probably paid an arm and a leg for to keep from the platform. And the fact that EA Sports didn’t support the platform… well, we know what happened

 While you may not agree totally with what they say in the article, it is a pretty good read and it’s not that long.  So I suggest you check it out.

[Source: CVG.com]

Source: seganerds.com

You may remember back in early March when we revealed the first details of Phantasy Star Universe’s expansion - Ambition of Illuminus. Well, it’s all moving pretty quickly as the Japanese beta test began April 5 and will continue until April 26.

According to PSO-World, to be able to participate in the beta, you have to have a valid Japanese online account with the new ISAO account system and a Japanese game key. The download weighs in at around 825MB, and you can find the download here.

In other PSU news, the Xbox Live Marketplace has three new PSU themes and picture packs available for download. Here’s a preview of the three PSU themes - first, second and third. The picture packs feature Ethan and Hyuga; Lou, Maya and Mirei; and Renvolt, Leo and Tonnio.

[Thanks fruitsofherwomb]

Source: infendo.com

Come May 31st (the day after my birthday!) Capcom will release their Wii port of Biohazard 4 (Resident Evil 4 in the US) in Japan. The control system has been remade for the Wii so that all aiming, reloading, knifing, and sprinting will be done using the wiimote in adition to using the nunchuck for basic movement.
Also, Capcom has unveiled their next Wii title “Umbrella Chronicles,” with a trailer on its new site, but release and game details are still scarce.
Let’s hope for US release dates soon, and a chainsaw shaped wiimote anyone?

Source: infendo.com

Very slick commercial, particularly the 2-D to 3-D perspective.

Source: thexboxdomain.net

Source: thexboxdomain.net