| Shockstar Games
Public perception generally equates the life of a true (stereotypical) rock star as being something akin to a roller coaster ride of fame and fortune, an envied existence largely consisting of negative press and focused criticism, all of it surrounding an incessant stream of profit-lined controversy that often exists separately from any marketable product said 'star' happens to create. Moreover, the tired cliches of music industry profiling decree that copious amounts of Class-A drugs, meaningless sex, foul-mouthed conduct, wanton property destruction, and the occasional death and/or suicide in suspicious circumstances, is an all-but guaranteed blueprint for blazing glory and eventual self-destruction. Scant few music industry rock stars are able to survive and prosper amid such an abusive professional and personal lifestyle (read: Keith Richards), with most buckling pathetically beneath the resultant pressures of their own attention-seeking actions.
Gaming Round Up for 2/8/07
D3Publisher of America has inked another deal with Cartoon Network in order to bring the action cartoon Ben 10 to video game format. Launching a little more than a year ago, the animated series debuted Ben Tennyson, who is not just a superhero, but 10 superheroes in one. Through an alien "wristwatch" device, Ben is able to transform into one of 10 alien being, each featuring their own distinctive superpowers. The series recently got a go-ahead from Cartoon Network to continue on to a fourth season on air. "Cartoon Network's Ben 10 has all the right ingredients for a successful game," said Careen Yapp, vice president of licensing and business development at D3PA. "Working with this strong franchise will give D3PA the opportunity to translate the smart and edgy action of the series into a fantastic game play experience for its large fanbase." The deal grants worldwide publishing rights to develop and publish console, handheld and PC games based on the series.
Grand Theft Auto IV to Arrive on PS3, Xbox 360 in October
Financially strapped gamers limited to one console have made the decision in recent years to purchase a unit based on a single game. For some, Halo was reason enough to buy an Xbox. And for others, Grand Theft Auto, the Rockstar game infamous for its unprecedented level of violence, influenced the purchase of a Playstation. But beginning in October, Xbox loyalists will finally get to celebrate the beginning of their relationship with Grand Theft Auto, excellent news for Microsoft. The fourth release, untitled and announced without a trailer or jpegs, will feature planned episodic content to be released online in 2008. It signals a huge advantage for Microsoft in the ceaseless console wars. Xbox, with Halo, and Nintendo’s Wii, with the Legend of Zelda, will be the sole owners of "must-have" games unique to their systems, which is certain to negatively affect PS3 sales come Christmas. What does Sony have up its sleeve now that its bread-and-butter is an equal opportunity developer? The clock is ticking.
Manhunt 2 confirmed. Horror is coming to Wii
Yep, Rockstar has officially confirmed that Manhunt 2 is in development for PS2, PSP and Wii - Nintendo has apparently been courting Rockstar for months and until now it's been assumed that the manufacturer was after GTA. Now it seems they had darker ambitions. For those who've lived in an Amish commune for the last five years, Manhunt put the player in the role of an ex-con who is baited into murdering a series of gang members and riff-raff for the pleasure of a sadistic voyeur. It is just about as far from Wario Ware as you could possibly get. The Playstation versions are being developed by Rockstar's new London studio (although Leeds might have bagged the PSP port) - both under the watchful eye of Rockstar North. The Wii translation is in the hands of Rockstar Toronto, previously responsible for Warriors.
|
