Nexuiz 2.4.2 released

The opensource deathmatch game Nexuiz has been updated to version 2.4.2 !

New features include:

* New gamemode Onslaught new available in the menu
* Added map for the onslaught gamemode (ons-reborn)
* Completely new announcer sounds/voices
* Fixed several problems with lagging gameplay/crashes/wrong display of effects
* The teammessage binds are available in the menu (if you do not see them delete or rename your config.cfg)
* New server tools for rcon and an irc gateway, updated server documentation
* Fixed the rotating textures/hud bug on Mac OSX with r_glsl 1
* New crylink primary attack and tweaked some other weapons
* Implemented uint16 element array support, this hopefully improves performance on Radeon 9500-X300 cards and GeForce1/2 cards

Nexuiz is a 3d deathmatch game that has been in development since the summer of 2002. The goal of the project is to create a high quality first person shooter that can be played freely across all platforms in one package: PC, Mac, and can be even included in Linux distributions. The game is entirely open source, with the sources of the engine, gamecode, map files, and compiling tools, all included with the download, all under the GPL license.

The gameplay is deathmatch with the most excessive possible speeds and weapons, giving incredibly intense fast paced action. Along with deathmatch, there are muitple gamemodes such as team deathmatch, capture the flag, domination, and many mutators and weapon options like rocket arena and instagib. The user can fight through the single player campaign, going through over 20 levels, or play online with our server browser.

Nexuiz is based on the Darkplaces engine, built on OpenGL technology. The darkplaces engine is an advanced Quake1 based engine developed mainly by Forest "LordHavoc" Hale, who has been working with the Quake1 engine for many years. A few of Darkplaces main features are Quake3bsp support, realtime lighting and shadowing, new particle effects, advanced menu system, and Md3 model support.

Nexuiz website

Microsoft Launches UltimatePC.com...

Microsoft has provided an update for its Vista Ultimate plans. UltimatePC.com is a new website where Microsoft is hosting "blueprints" of the best PCs available and exactly what you can achieve with them. Although the domain name was transferred last October, Microsoft has only decided to make use of it now.

A small section of the site is "ultimate exclusives". According to Microsoft these are not replacing Ultimate Extras. The reason given for the poor amount of extras is the high amount of testing and quality required for them to ship. I would love to see Microsoft simply release powertoys like they did with XP. In Vista you are not even able to right click a picture and resize it quickly without using 3rd party software. Extras like the XP powertoys are similar to what people expect.

Windowsultimate.com will be directed to ultimatepc.com. Microsoft is teaming up with various partners to offer discounts to ultimate customers. It's not clear how they will ensure only ultimate customers have access to the discounts. One of the interesting discounts available is Stardock's Multiplicity Pro for only $29.95 .

Until Microsoft start providing a time line about Ultimate Extras this is little more than a marketing site with little benefit to those who have paid a premium price for a poker game and to play videos as desktop wallpapers. Hopefully the new site will provide a place for the ultimate team to communicate to the community its current and future plans.

Leave your comments about the site...

UltimatePC.com

Apple will Step Into The Gaming World Again?

One of the things people forgot or simply didn't heard about is Apple's Pippin, selected in May 2006 as one of PC World's "25 Worst Tech Products of all Time". To make a longer story short, it's enough to say that the Pippin was a small step made by Apple between 1995 and 1997 into the multimedia platforms world, trying to create a cheap computer aimed especially at playing CD-based titles, but not limited to that. Unfortunately, that step ended up with a broken leg, but now Apple may have the courage (and enough resources, to make things right this time, I guess) to try their luck again, by extending their trademark into the gaming realm...

The story is simple - Apple filed for a trademark extension on the 5th of February, and while there's no examining attorney assigned to it yet, it's interesting to think about why Apple seeks to cover "Toys, games and playthings, namely, hand-held units for playing electronic games; hand-held units for playing video games; stand alone video game machines; electronic games other than those adapted for use with television receivers only; LCD game machines; electronic educational game machines; toys, namely battery-powered computer games." with their notorious name.

Read full @ BindApple.com

GTA "Wanted" Posters!

The viral marketing has begun. Apparently, several “Wanted” posters have been spotted in New York bearing the face of GTA IV protagonist, Niko Bellic. The poster, issued by the Liberty City Police Department, warns that Bellic is wanted for assault with a deadly weapon and suggests that he be shot on sight. Something tells me this won’t be the last of the game’s viral marketing before it sees release.

GTA IV Release Date: April 25th in UK

Senior industry sources reveal massive title will miss Easter release period. MCV understands that Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto IV will NOT be released in March as expected – and will in fact be held back until the last week in April.

Sources close to the game’s publisher have told MCV that the title’s UK release will miss the Easter period entirely, and will instead go on sale in the final week of Rockstar parent Take 2’s second financial quarter. That would be in keeping with the company's latest financial statement, which revealed the title would be released in its Q2 period – which runs from February to the end of April.

Mcvuk.com

Ubisoft Reveals Rainbow Six Vegas 2

Ubisoft has revealed a sequel to last year's Rainbow Six outing in Sin City, Rainbow Six Vegas 2. The sequel (yes, it's still set in Las Vegas) will be hitting PS3, Xbox 360 and PC in March 2008, with a new single-player campaign and "some surprises" left over for versus and co-op modes. Other than that, Ubisoft is reluctant to reveal any more about the sequel. "Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas has been the effect of a bomb in the world of video gaming in 2006, by introducing in one fell swoop technological advance and innovation in terms gameplay," said Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot, in a French press release we translated on Google.

ComputerandVideogames.com

WoW may go free-to-play in China

According to a news story on RedlineChina, The9 -- publisher of Blizzard Entertainment's World of Warcraft in China -- is currently in talks with Blizzard to offer WoW as a free-to-play game in China. This is rather surprising news to hear, especially after The9's Q3 sales report where the company had net revenue of $42.2m -- due almost entirely to World of Warcraft. That said, the company is also barely scraping by on profits because of increasing operating costs for the game. The increased costs are primarily due to the use of high-quality HP server farms to support its popularity in China.

curse.com

AMD Introduces Gaming Site

AMD joined 1UP, Steam and a dozen of other services and sites as it introduced a new gaming website intended as a hub for PC gamers to hang out, communicate, check out the latest in PC gaming. The release states, in part, that the "cool features worth mentioning" include: Gaming:

Dedicated news, reviews, and other syndicated content such as trailers, screenshots, tips, and tricks. Gamers are able to get a "behind-the-scenes" look at AMD, while accessing exclusive game content. A system check is available on the site to ensure that every user currently has the minimum requirements to enable certain games. New drivers and utilities will be updated on an ongoing basis as well.

Community: Section will feature forums and articles on gaming, and hardware by partners, game developers, press, and gamers themselves. An editorial focused feel provides users with a comfortable gaming community, enabling ongoing discussion and opinionated conversations.

Contests & Prizes: Monthly contests provide users with the opportunity to win exclusive prizes. For the month of September, gamers that register to the site will be entered into a draw to win two extreme gaming systems powered by AMD, the iBuyPower Gamers Fire 1950 and the CyberPower Gamer Ultra 8800 PRO.

Events: Event page showcases AMD at LAN and gaming-focused tradeshows. Information will be provided on sponsorship opportunities and upcoming LAN support for gamers.

Toolbar Feature: Each registered user will receive access to the "toolbar" feature, giving them customized news based on user preferences (such as game genres), IM chat feature, video player, and many other features.

[ via: ExtremeTech ]

Ideazon Merc Stealth Keyboard Review

Specifications:

Astounding three color illumination in RED, BLUE and PURPLE
Choose your level of brightness (Subtle, Ambient, Intense, Off)
Illuminated characters on every key
Rubberized movement keys for superior response
Tilted 11 degrees to match natural wrist position
34 gaming keys labeled and positioned for ultimate precision and control
Simultaneous key stroke response — no need to worry about phantom keys in the heat of the battle
Programmable with easy-to-use drag-and-drop macro editing
Over 125 pre-defined key mapping layouts
Two USB 2.0 ports to plug in mice and other peripherals
Gold plated audio jacks for headsets and microphones
Multimedia controls for in and out of game use

Read Full Review...

C&C Gold offered as Free Download

In order to give back to the fans for over 12 years of devotion we are putting together a 12th Anniversary celebration during the month of September. However, as any Command & Conquer fan knows, the true party starts today, August 31st, which marks 12 years since Command & Conquer Gold launched way back in 1995.

To kick the celebration off, today we have a special surprise which we are certain new and old Command & Conquer fans will enjoy. We are providing the original Command & Conquer Gold as a free download, compatible for Windows XP! This is the same version included with the collectors pack Command & Conquer: The First Decade, and is now available for you to download for free!

Full Story

MG-ac97 True 5.1 Surround Sound Headset

The first thing about this headset that really caught my eye was the fact that it supports 5.1 surround. I was a bit skeptical on how well they'd work in this area but I've been very happy with them so far.

To achieve the surround effect, each ear cup has three speakers, front audio and subwoofer, center, and rear. It's not as clear to distinguish as a traditional surround setup with speakers around the room, but you can still tell the difference of things in front and behind you. This headset also comes equipped with a microphone so they really are excellent for gaming.

To achieve the true 5.1 of course you need a sound card that supports this. But if your soundcard is only a 2.0 there's still no need to worry because these can work both ways. I remember taking the headset out of the packaging and thinking, "wow that’s a lot of wires" and I'll be honest, it still feels like a lot. But you need them for the 5.1 surround. This headset also uses enough power then it needs to be powered with the USB.

Full Review...

WolfKing Timberwolf FPS Gaming Keyboard

When you hear about someone that put together a killer gaming computer to play all the latest games on, you think about components like the CPU, memory, and the video card. As important as they are, to make it all worthwhile, you need to have the right input devices to give you that gaming edge. Response time is crucial when you are head-to-head with your enemy and that millisecond can make the difference between you or him taking the fall. A great keyboard gives you quick access to the things you need and nothing makes that happen like the WolfKing Timberwolf FPS Gaming Keyboard. For those of you who don't know what a FPS game is, it stands for First Person Shooter, which include games such as Counter Strike, F.E.A.R, and the Battlefield series.

The Wolf King Keyboard was designed to make FPS games easier to play by arranging keys for faster access that traditional keyboards do not offer. According to WolfKing Inc, its products are "Engineered to give you the ultimate experience, its one palm size fits all keys concept makes your movement even more professional and precise as opposed to a standard keyboard. Experts can now play more professionally and beginners will be able to adapt to FPS games much faster and easier."

The Timberwolf takes WolfKing's original product, the WolfKing Warrior (a circular type keyboard to have beside your regular keyboard), and merges it with a compact version of a full QWERTY keyboard to give you the best of both worlds in one complete package.

More...

New Galatctic Civilizations II Expansion - Nov 2007

Galatcitc Civilizations II is getting a new expansion, set for Nov 2007.

The galaxy is being consumed by the fires of war as we enter the final act of the Dread Lord saga. Galactic Civilizations II: Twilight of the Arnor is the second expansion pack to the award-winning PC strategy game, Galactic Civilizations II.

With a November 2007 release date, Galactic Civilizations II: Twilight of the Arnor expands the gameplay of Galactic Civilizations in all new ways. Below is a partial list of some of the new features in the new expansion pack.

• New campaign detailing the final chapter in the Dread Lord wars
• The star destroying new unit, the Terror Star arrives
• Unique technology trees for all 12 civilizations
• Unique planetary improvements for each civilization
• New 3D engine powered map editor
• New Scenario Editor for creating highly detailed custom games
• New Campaign Editor for players who want to create their own custom epic campaigns for themselves or to share with others
• New Metaverse Tournaments: Specific Map & Scenarios recorded to the Metaverse with prizes for top players
• New Ship Component: Atlas. Makes ships in a fleet more lethal
• New Ship Component: Fortitude. Gives ships in a fleet have more hit points
• New Ship Component: Driver. Makes ships in a fleet move faster
• Unique weapons per civilization
• Updated Planetary Invasions
• New Enhanced textures and graphics for planets and ships
• New Galaxy Size: Immense (vastly bigger than current galaxy sizes)
• Extra alien portraits and logos
• Legacy of the Telenanth: Detailed back story of Galactic Civilizations
• And more!

Galatctic Civilizations II: Twilight of the Arnor Home Page

Microsoft cuts Xbox 360 prices in Europe

Microsoft is cutting the European price for its Xbox 360 games console by 50 euros to 349.99 euros ($470), following a similar cut in the United States.

The company said in a statement on Monday that the lower price would be effective from August 24. It also plans to launch a new model, Xbox 360 Elite, that will ship with a 120 gigabyte hard disk and cost 449.99 euros.

The price of the entry-level model Xbox 360 Core will be cut by 20 euros to 279.99 euros, Microsoft said.

Source: Yahoo!

Microsoft Extends Xbox 360 Warranty

Great news for all you Xbox 360 owners. Microsoft has decided to extend the general hardware failure coverage for all X360 consoles to 3 years:

"As of today, all Xbox 360 consoles are covered by an enhanced warranty program to address specifically the general hardware failures indicated by the three flashing red lights on the console. This applies to new and previously-sold consoles. While we will still have a general one year console warranty (two years in some countries), we are announcing today a three-year warranty that covers any console that displays a three flashing red lights error message. If a customer has an issue indicated by the three flashing red lights, Microsoft will repair the console free of charge—including shipping—for three years from the console’s purchase date.

We will also retroactively reimburse any of you who paid for repairs related to problems indicated by this error message in the past. In doing so, Microsoft stands behind its products and takes responsibility to ensure that every Xbox 360 console owner continues to have a fantastic gaming experience."

New Warranty FAQ <--> Letter to Xbox 360 Owners

Samsung 940UX USB LCD Monitor

With many manufacturers coming up with innovative new ways to make everything they can USB (even surround sound speakers are coming in USB now!), there are some things like our monitors that we may not have thought about in this fashion yet. Samsung isn't leaving this stone unturned for much longer, with the new 940UX monitor finding it's way onto the market. What makes this monitor different? Alongside the D-Sub and DVI connectors there's also a USB connector, giving the monitor full 2D USB functionality, eliminating the need to have a video card to power one of these displays. These displays are far more practical than you may think off hand, so it's time to read on to see just what this new product is all about!

More @ Here

Icemat Siberia In:Ear Headset Review

With the VOIP market, online gaming, and MP3 players becoming all the rage, aftermarket headsets are becoming more and more popular. ICEMAT is a company based out of Denmark that is know for making some kick ass headsets with their ever popular Icemat Siberia Headset. Today we are going to look at another one of ICEMATS headset, the Icemat Siberia In:Ear Headset. Will the Icemat Siberia In:Ear Headset be as good as their Icemat Siberia Headset or will they be just another ho-hum headset on the market. Stick around and find out how they pair out.

MODFRENZY

The Lord of the Rings Online first free content expansion...

Turbine's The Lord of the Rings Online which only launched about two months ago has just gotten one of its first free "expansions" today. Launching around 2PM EST today, Book 9: Shores of Evendim greeted everyone as they happily patched the game up. Though the patch was quite large (about 600 megs or so), considering the amount of content included I doubt anyone complained much. Just taking a look at the three page long changelog and you can see how much stuff is here. Over 100 new quests, an entire new zone to explore (Evendim, with around 70 of the new quests) new armor sets, new deeds, monster play additions, character class changes (hear that Champions??), you name it - it'll probably be here.

Of course there are the usual bug fixes and game changes, way to many to list. Normally I would list some of the changes/additions etc, but not this time. There are just way, way to many. Turbine, known for giving lots of content away for free, did not waste much time with its newest MMORPG hit. Turbine has four (4) major content updates planned, Shores of Evendim being the first obviously. Just to compare, the new Evendim area is roughly the size of The Shire in the game.

Multiplayer Online Games Directory also has a nice interview up with Turbine, explaining what the update includes, the new raids available and monster play changes among other topics.

Multiplayer Online Games Directory Turbine Interview

SOE announces online action game 'The Agency'

Sony Online Entertainment, (SOE) a global leader in the online gaming industry, announced it is developing The Agency™, a fast-paced online action shooter filled with espionage, intrigue and betrayal. The Agency is being developed at SOE’s Seattle studio for both the PC and the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system.

The Agency is a pick-up-and-play experience where players assume the role of elite agents in a modern-day world. Both solo players and groups will enjoy a wide variety of cooperative and competitive story-driven missions set in exotic locales across the globe.

“The inspiration for The Agency came from the spy and espionage genre. We want to put players in the heart of the action to experience what it’s really like to live the life of an elite agent,” said Hal Milton, Lead Designer, Sony Online Entertainment. “Players will jet set around this virtual world to exotic locales, infiltrate enemy organizations to steal secrets and perpetrate sabotage, all the while building their own agency with an eye towards global domination.”

Persistent character development allows players to supplement their gear with exotic and powerful skills that make them feel like the elite agents they’ve always dreamt of becoming. Additionally, in lieu of the typical class systems in many other games, The Agency’s approach is simply, “You Are What You Wear.” Players will customize their character’s attire based on the mission at hand, emphasizing combat, support, stealth, or even cover identities.

Players begin their experience by choosing to be a slick UNITE spy or a gritty ParaGON mercenary. Both factions will have players tangling in illicit activities such as drug smuggling, assassinations, espionage and counter intelligence. As they gain ranks within their chosen agency, players will increase their influence over the world while experiencing a deep story of action and intrigue. Along the way players will be able to build their own agencies, team with others to create joint agencies, and recruit a roster of useful Operatives.

GamesIndustry

id Software Shows Off New Game Engine

At Apple’s worldwide developer conference (WWDC) in San Francisco, California, John Carmack, the chief technology officer of id Software, a well-known game developer, has demonstrated the company’s new game engine, which, it claims already works on numerous platforms including game consoles. “In the last couple of years we’ve been working, pretty much in secrecy, on a next-generation technology and a next-generation game core. This is actually going to be the fist time that we show what we’ve been doing publicly,” Mr. Carmack said during his two minute keynote at WWDC.

The new game engine, which id calls id Tech 5 supports Microsoft Windows-based PCs, Apple Macintosh computers running Mac OS as well as popular game consoles – Microsoft Xbox 360 and Sony PlayStation 3. No information was released about the game engine itself, though, it was implied that it also features MegaTexturing, a feature in id’s Enemy Territory: Quake Wars game due out this year.

XbitLabs