Source: videogamesblogger.com

PlayStation Home, the long awaited online social networking service for PlayStation 3 users, will launch today, December 11th, in the United States and Europe.

The service has been a long time coming and was first announced at the Game Developers Conference 2007 by Phil Harrison and was supposed to launch that year but suffered several delays and setbacks. But now the service is officially ready to go.

Home will be available as a free download to all PlayStation 3 owners once they connect to the PlayStation Network. If you connect or are already connected the service will automatically download and install. Once that is done, you will see a new PlayStation Home logo in your CrossMedia Bar (XMB) menu.

The service lets users interact and chat with each other through a 3D space via avatars that they create to represent themselves. The looks is similar to The Sims and the avatars work much like the Wii’s Mii system but closer to the Xbox 360 avatars in that they look more realistic and like actual people.

When you are inside Home, you can walk around the various environments as your avatar and chat with others via both text and voice. There is a variety of activities you can do with others as well, including playing mini-games, watching videos (on actual TV screens), listening to music (on actual stereos), visiting clubs and more. Clubs are unique areas created by users with similar interests, where they can come and mingle about whatever subject. So expect there to be clubs for every anime under the sun, for example.

Home is highly customizable, everything from your avatars themselves to your own personal room, or apartment, that you can purchased directly from the PlayStation Store, to your clothes and furnishings for your place. As far clubhouses go, they will be available for anyone who wants to create a club, although you will have to pay a price. Sony did not say how much. They simply stated that “to be a Clubhouse owner, user will need to buy the entitlement to run the club.” So it sounds like it will be a small fee to simply set the club up.

You will also find “regional game-related content” in Home. These are areas that are set-up to advertise certain games. You will find areas, or “spaces” devoted to hit PlayStation 3 titles including Far Cry 2, Motorstorm 2: Pacific Rift, Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune, SOCOM, Resistance and Guitar Hero among many others that will eventually become available. Initially the Far Cry 2 space will only be available for European users but will be available in North American territories “soon” and it shouldn’t be too long before a whole bunch of them become available. Sony stated that they are actively

Naturally, any company can use Home as a marketing tool by creating their own advertising space within Sony’s Home. Sony already has plans with Sony Pictures and Paramount Pictures which involve “dedicated spaces, sponsorship of in-world events, virtual items and exclusive media viewings in the PlayStation Home Theatre.”

The first movie-tie-in event will involve the upcoming film The Watchmen, which will have it’s own space with a selection of virtual Watchmen merchandise. You’ll even have the chance to virtually meet members of the film’s cast and crew in a Watchmen-themed environment in 2009.

The Watchmen promotion follows the previously announced sponsorships with fashion label Diesel and energy drink Red Bull. The latter will offer the opportunity to take part in a virtual version of the Red Bull Air Race, a stunt-flying championship around Red Bull Island. Ligne Roset will provide contemporary furniture, and users will be able to customize items before they buy them.

Source: videogamesblogger.com

The fifth expansion pack for EverQuest II, entitled EverQuest II: The Shadow Odyssey, released for the PC yesterday and thus is out now. The newest expansion follows in the success of the award-winning, best-selling previous expansion, EverQuest II: Rise of the Kunark.

The new pack will take players both new and veteran alike on a journey through a substantial amount of exquisite content with more than 20 new zones, including the Moors of Ykesha, a massive outdoor zone once known as Innothule Swamp, and the legendary dungeon Guk.

Check out the launch trailer for the game.

In an age long passed, a band of extraordinary heroes embarked on a journey to free Norrath from the clutches of a shrouded threat.

Key features of EverQuest II: The Shadow Odyssey include:

* New Zones: Journey through more than 20 new zones, including the new overland zone, Innothule Swamp
* Dungeon Adventures: Experience nostalgic EverQuest dungeon themes, such as Najena, Mistmoore and The Sebilisian Empire, and adventure through more than 18 goal-based dungeons, such as Ruins of Guk and Befallen
* Achievement Point: An achievement level cap increase to 200 that offers new achievements for class-specific lines
* Dungeon Delving: A new mission system for players to replay content with new and different experiences.
* Heritage Quests: Five new quests with unique rewards being added
* Shard Reward System: A new, mysterious group of erudites with powerful new armor and equipment will barter for void shards earned during players’ encounters
* Epic Tales: Stories told through battles with dozens of new creatures and hundreds of new quests.
* New Deities: Rodcet Nife and Anashti Sul are introduced into Norrath
* Access to All Previous Content: Includes all previous expansion packs and adventure packs.
* Legends of Norrath: Includes strategic online trading card game, digital starter deck and booster pack

Source: videogamesblogger.com

Sonic Unleashed has been released (hey that rhymes) today for the Wii and the PlayStation 2. The other versions of the game will come later, with the Xbox 360 version scheduled for release on November 24th with the PS3 version hitting on December 12th.
The Wii version will include motion controls support with the Wii and Nunchuck (such as shaking the Wii Remote to activate boost and homing attacks) and will also include support for the GameCube and Classic Controllers. Both the PS2 and Wii versions will include modified versions of the levels in the PS3 and Xbox 360 version with lower-end graphics based on an existing Sonic engine, instead of the all-new engine used in the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions of the game for next-gen visuals.

In Sonic Unleashed, everyone’s favorite hedgehog breaks new ground yet maintains his roots in a game that combines amazing next gen capabilities with classic Sonic 2D gameplay! Developed by renowned studio Sonic Team, Sonic Unleashed utilizes the powerful “Hedgehog Engine” to mesh seamless 3D and classic 2D camera transitions, whilst delivering a rich and expansive world with multiple paths to choose from.

Having been broken apart by the evil Dr Eggman, it’s down to Sonic to put the pieces of the world back together again by retrieving the power of the chaos emeralds. In doing so, Sonic will find himself in a race against time and faced with an unusual situation that will challenge him in ways never before seen. By completing a wide variety of action-packed stages, spanning the seven broken continents of the world, gamers will need to unleash Sonic’s amazing abilities to save the world, and himself!

Features of Sonic Unleashed include:

* Sonic can engage in different ways during the day and night time levels, bringing a completely original way of playing the beloved series
* Sonic the Werehog makes his debut!
* Nine beautiful stages based on real-life locations
* In addition to running at high speeds in classic Sonic style, combat fighting will become possible
* Includes classic Sonic elements such as loops and corkscrews
* Super quick Sonic’s speed skills is highlighted by four new modes, whilst the all new combat, movement and functional abilities offer depth and variety to the game

Source: videogamesblogger.com

The Lord of the Rings Online: Mines of Moria is the first expansion pack for The Lord of the Rings Online, the MMORPG game based on the writings of J.R.R. Tolkien (i.e., NOT based on the flims). Like all expansions packs, the game will add a bunch of new content for players of the subscription based MMO. The game was released today for PC.

The game is available in a normal as well as Collector’s Edition. The Collector’s Edition includes:

*Unique premium book packaging
* 3 in-game item tokens
* Exclusive 22” x 22” premium cloth map of the Mines of Moria
* Exclusive special gold plated replica of The One Ring complete with chain and pouch
* Mines of Moria poster
* Middle-Earth map
* Exclusive The Lord of the Rings Online Art and Music Collection with the official Mines of Moria Soundtrack
* Full color Collector’s Edition Starter Guide
* Exclusive Online Community Badge for The Lord of the Rings Online forums

The Lord of the Rings Online: Mines of Moria expands the online world of Middle-earth to let players explore the ancient underground cities of the dwarves, battle epic characters in the depths, face off with the Watcher, be a part of the fateful release of Durin’s Bane, and more.

Here is a list of features in the expansion:

* Speak Friend, and Enter – Moria, called Khazad-dum by the dwarves, was their capital and the grandest of cities. This enormous underground cavern in north-western Middle-earth, comprises an immense network of tunnels, chambers, mines and huge halls that run beneath and ultimately through the Misty Mountains. For the first time, players of The Lord of the Rings Online will enter this ancient city which has served as the foundation for the modern-day dungeon-crawling adventures to battle the hordes of goblins and the Nameless of the Deep and journey through hundreds of new quests within six new kinds of stunning environments
* The Epic Continues — The Mines of Moria represents the beginning of Volume II of The Lord of the Rings Online. Players can experience six new books as part of this update and participate in the release of Durin’s Bane, battle the Watcher, aid Galadriel and more
* Increased Level Cap — Players will be able advance their characters up to level 60, gaining access to new traits, virtues, skills and class quests. The crafting system will also expand, giving players the ability to craft even more powerful items
* Discover Two New Classes — The Rune-keeper and the Warden, the first new classes to be introduced since the launch of the game, allow players to build exciting and powerful new characters in The Lord of the Rings Online in diverse new ways
* Forge Legendary Items – The Mines of Moria will introduce Turbine’s new item advancement system to The Lord of the Rings Online. Players will be able to forge weapons and class-related equipment and evolve them to build a legacy the likes of Bilbo’s Sting and Gandalf’s Glamdring. These legendary weapons will level-up along with the player, allowing customization by advancing the item’s virtues, adding runic legacies, modifying its titles and forming fables

Source: videogamesblogger.com

Castlevania Judgment releases exclusively for the Nintendo Wii today, November 18th, and is the first bona-fide fighting game in the Castelvania franchise.

Although the game is a fighter, it looks to play more like a hybrid, similar to Power Stone, Super Smash Bros. Brawl or the upcoming Final Fantasy Dissidia, with a liberal does of Soul Calibur IV thrown in for good measure.

You are able to run around the game’s environments in 3D and there are hazards aplenty to both help or hinder you as you beat down your opponent with special moves and powerful magic attacks, some that are so insane looking that they wouldn’t be out of place in a Final Fantasy title.

Take a look at this 5 minutes launch trailer for Castlevania Judgment, which gives you a good look at all the game’s main characters as well as extensive cut-scene and gameplay footage.

Source: videogamesblogger.com

Shaun White Snowboarding is out now on Xbox 360, PS3, PS2, PSP, Wii, DS and PC. Like Tony Hawk before him, Shaun White (the most successful snowboarder in the history of the sport) hopes to carve out a niche in the snowboarding genre by offering a game in which you have complete freedom to choose when, where, how and with whom you want to play with. And for the Wii the game was built from the ground up and includes support for the Wii Balance Board.

Key features of Shuan White Snowboarding include:
* Open World Mountains: Choose how you ride in open-world mountains across the world. Conquer extreme peak conditions, create your own paths in the back country, or compete with fellow riders in the terrain parks
* Your Friends Are Always Around: Play in a world where your friends are always around. Do your own runs on mountains populated by real gamers, or join your friends for a quick session from any mountain
* More than Just Snowboarding: Have fun with your friends on and off the board! Throw snowballs, hike to access secret spots, film your friends doing ripping tricks. You can also upload your videos online to share with the world
* Ride Your Way: Express yourself through tricks, riding styles, and highly customizable avatars – both in single-player and in the online world. Use the intuitive dual analog control to pull off a huge variety of tricks that express your style
* Next-Gen Technology: Built on the Assassin’s Creed engine, this game creates a massive world with gorgeous visuals and realistic NPC interactions. This is also the first time a snowboarding game is completely driven by physics instead of animation
* Authentic Snowboarding: Ubisoft has worked closely with Shaun White to infuse the gaming experience with authenticity, personality and humor. Shaun is a friend and mentor in the game, and will help you with your skills. And, if you are deemed worthy, you may even be able to play as Shaun in the game.

Source: videogamesblogger.com

Naruto: The Broken Bond releases tomorrow, November 18th, exclusively for Xbox 360, developed by Ubisoft Montreal (Splinter Cell, Prince of Persia).

Building on the success of Naruto: Rise of a Ninja, this new action adventure takes the story to a deeper level within the Naruto Universe. Now a respected ninja, Naruto evolves into a mature and strong hero. However, with his new status comes responsibility, and Naruto will soon find himself surrounded by conflict. Forced to relive bitter memories, Naruto’s best friend Sasuke strikes out on a self-destructive quest for power. Now with the help of his friends, Naruto must confront Sasuke and save him before it’s too late. Team up with multiple characters, explore open 3D environments and challenge some of the fiercest enemies from the Naruto Universe.

Key features of Naturo: The Broken Bond include:

* Play as a respected and heroic ninja: Enjoy being a hero and benefit from the newly acquired status gained from saving the village.
* Discover the importance of teamwork: An all-new feature to the series, use the abilities of your ninja teammates to overcome bigger obstacles and join forces in tag battles. Players can now team-up with multiple characters from the Naruto universe when in combat and throughout their heroic adventure.
* Explore rich open environments: Following the attack of the Sound and Sand ninja, participate in the reconstruction of the Hidden Leaf Village: enjoy its depth from a new perspective, adding a new level of detail never reached before in a NARUTO game. Outside of the village, discover remote locations and enjoy making your journey through vibrant and imaginatively detailed settings.
* Witness and be a part of the series’ most epic battles: Engage in battle with some of the fiercest characters from the NARUTO Universe, and use new techniques and jutsu to defeat your enemies.
* Take your teamwork skills online: With the only NARUTO game to feature online multiplayer, you can now choose among 25 characters and play alongside friends and defeat other teams online via Xbox LIVE. Take your skills a step further and compete in online tournament mode.
* Live in an authentic Naruto world: Relive the best moments of the anime, adventure through the open village of Konoha, and enjoy voice-acting and music from the original series.

Source: videogamesblogger.com

Tomb Raider: Underworld releases in 3 days on November 18th, 2008. It releases for virtually every system, including: Wii, Xbox 360, PS3, PS2, PC, DC and mobile phones.

The game is the latest title in the Tomb Raider series and stars Lara Croft uncovers proof of the Norse underworld in her search for the mythical hammer of the god of thunder, Thor. Believing that it isn’t just a myth, she attempts to unravel the secrets behind the legend, leading Lara on a perilous journey towards a forgotten power that, if unleashed, could lay waste to all of civilization!

Key features of Tomb Raider: Underworld include:

* Master your surroundings: Reach new heights with the broadest range of acrobatic abilities and utilize objects within the environment to uncover new paths to explore
* Explore epic and unknown worlds: Discover ancient mysteries of the underworld hidden within the coast of Thailand, frozen islands of the Arctic Sea, the jungles of Mexico, and more
* Treacherous and unpredictable challenges: Each level is an elaborate multi-stage puzzle masked within an interactive environmental playground offering more flexibility over how the area is solved.
* New range of combat options: Choose to pacify or kill, target multiple enemies at once with the new dual-target system, and shoot with one hand while suspended with the other
* New state-of-the-art gear: Utilize the latest technology in Lara’s upgraded inventory to navigate the world

Source: videogamesblogger.com

Animal Crossing: City Folk releases tomorrow for Wii in North America. It will be released in Japan on November 20th, in Europe on December 5th and in Australia on December 13th.

City Folk is the first game in the series, as well as the first Wii game, to include voice chat via the new Wii Speak Microphone accessory that you can either buy separately or bundled with Animal Crossing: City Folk.

So what are the differences between City Folk and Animal Crossing: Wild World for the DS or the original Animal Crossing game for the GameCube?

Find out in this preview what some of the differences are and what new things you can expect in the first next-gen entry in the Animal Crossing series, Animal Crossing: City Folk.

Source: videogamesblogger.com

Prince of Persia’s December 2nd release on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC inches ever closer as the holidays approach. The game is easily one of the most anticipated of the year with it’s beautiful illustrated art-style, smooth acrobatic gameplay, and the re-introduction of The Prince along with all new characters, villains and a new storyline.

There isn’t much else to say regarding the game given how much we have covered it already, but Ubisoft has ratcheted up it’s marketing campaign to help fuel the flames of interest for people, and thus we have four new videos for you to check out today.

Included among them is the official launch trailer, a new story trailer, a new gameplay trailer and last, but not least, a second trailer from the Tokyo Game Show 2008. Enjoy!

Prince of Persia Launch Trailer – With the help of an unexpected ally, a mysterious warrior must discover his path to destiny.

Prince of Persia Story Trailer - The last princess of a once great warrior tribe tells the tale of events that have forced her to plead for help.


TGS 08 Trailer - An inseparable pair of warriors battle to an alternative climatic ending.

Gameplay Trailer - Face your fears.