Dead Space Developer Diary

EA has released the first behind-the-scenes developer diary for their upcoming sci-fi survival horror game.

It looks like another strong day for survival horror games at MediaZEALOT. Yesterday we posted a preview of Atari's upcoming Alone in the Dark and mentioned how it was leading the way for some upcoming horror releases. One of those games is the EA developed Dead Space. Today the Redwood Shores EA studio released the game's first developer diary, check it out below.



This game is looking very promising. As I mentioned yesterday I'm a huge fan of survival horror games and Dead Space looks like it could be a real treat. Outer Space is the ultimate prison and, similar to the sea in BioShock, it looks like it will set the perfect tone for this game. From what I've seen in these videos the atmospheric effects look to be spot on and the eerie score used throughout is killer. The game has a very Alien inspired feel with a pinch of The Thing thrown into the mix. Hopefully Dead Space can capture what made both of those films so great.



In an attempt to create some buzz for Dead Space's release EA has partnered with Image Comics. Image has begun releasing a six-issue comic mini-series based on the game. Anthony Jonston has stepped in to write while each book will be illustrated by superstar artist Ben Templesmith. The first issue hit shelves last Wednesday but I unfortunately missed out. Hopefully I can find it on eBay or get Pow Comics to re-order it for me.

Dead Space hits shelves on Halloween. It will be released for the Xbox 360, PS3, and PC. Click HERE to pre-order Dead Space over at Amazon.

Cheers.

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BioShock 2 Announced

Take-Two has announced the sequel to 2007's PC Game of the Year.

Take-Two Interactive have officially announced the development of BioShock 2. Although no details have been announced the company did mention that developer Irrational Games would not be responsible for the sequel. Developer 2K Marin will instead step in to handle the second installment of the underwater shooter. However, Ken Levine, the producer of the first game, will oversee the sequel's development.



Many are speculating that Take-Two have made this announcement simply to boost their value in their potentially pending sale to Electronic Arts. Confirmation of the development of a hit video game sequel will only increase the company's financial value.

I'm fairly unsure about this announcement. I loved BioShock and have been anticipating a sequel since I beat the original back in August. However, I'm disappointed by Irrational Games' choice not to handle the sequel. I'm sure 2K Marin is more than capable, and Ken Levine's involvement is a good sign, but why mess with a good thing? Hopefully Take-Two is making the right choice here and not just rushing out a sequel in an attempt to cash in.

While an official release date for BioShock 2 has not yet been announced one could speculate a summer 2009 release.

Cheers.

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Alone in the Dark: Tech Demos

Atari and Eden Games have released two videos showcasing the next-gen Alone in the Dark.

As a huge fan of survival horror games the upcoming Alone in the Dark has been on my radar for quite some time. I've been a fan of the series since Jack is Back on the Playstation and have been dying to play a next-gen release of the series.



Recently Eden Games and publisher Atari have been releasing what they are calling "Real World Rules" tech demos for Alone in the Dark. The videos showcase the game engine as well as some of the title's key features. Check them out below.


Alone in the Dark: Real World Rules Episode 1


Alone in the Dark: Real World Rules Episode 2


These tech demos looks absolutely amazing and have really gotten me excited for this June release. I love how the game's focus is on object combinations and strategy rather than the size of your arsenal. It looks like the title will be very open to different play styles and it will be interesting to see what possibilities arise in different scenarios. The jacket equip menu looks very cool and moving objects with the right stick looks very intuitive. I am, however, a bit skeptical about the overuse of sticky-tape.



As cool as these videos are they don't delve into mentioning the feature that will put this game on the map; episodic play. Alone in the Dark is structured around quite a few 30-40 minute episodes that allow you play the game as if you're watching a TV show. Whenever you load a save file the game will play a video summarizing previous accomplishments and plot points. Also, to stay true to the television feel, each episode will end with a teaser for the next adventure. It's a cool idea and could potentially lead the way to downloadable episodes as bonus content.

Alone in the Dark looks to be leading the way for a few interesting survival horror video games. The Atari release will be followed by EA's Dead Space in October and Capcom's Resident Evil 5 sometime in 2009.

Alone in the Dark will be released for the Xbox 360, PC, Playstation 2, and Nintendo Wii on June 3rd. It will not be released on the PS3 until 2008. Click HERE to pre-order the game at Amazon.

Cheers.

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New LEGO Batman Trailer

A new trailer for LEGO Batman: The Video Game has hit the web.

If you haven't yet played any of the LEGO Star Wars games make it a priority to go out and pick one up. The series may look like it's aimed at children but it's surprisingly fun and addicting. I always have a good time playing LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Trilogy and it's arguably one of the best Star Wars games ever made.



It's because of my love for LEGO Star Wars that I was so excited when Warner Bros Interactive and game developer Traveller's Tales announced LEGO Batman last year. The game has a ton of potential and if it can provide a similar experience to that of LEGO Star Wars gamers will be in for a treat. Warner Interactive has released a new trailer for the game, check it out below:



LEGO Batman: The Video Game will feature 18 levels and 36 different characters, how many of which are playable is still unknown. Apparently the game will focus on the Batman seen in the comics and animated series rather than following storylines found in Batman Begins or The Dark Knight.

Traveller's Tales has also been hard at work on another LEGO video game. LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures will allow gamers to play out moments from the first three Indiana Jones films. It will be released on June 8th, two and a half weeks after the release of Indiana Jones and Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

LEGO Batman: The Video Game will be released in September 2008 for the Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, PC, PS2, PSP, and DS. MediaZEALOT will continue to keep you posted on the game leading up to it's launch.

Cheers.

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Champions Online Announced

Cryptic Studios, makers of City of Heroes, has plans for another superhero MMORPG.

The game is called Champions Online and is based on the 1981 table-top RPG Champions by Hero Games. The premise is similar to City of Heroes where you play a hero in a superhero-laden universe as you try and make a name for yourself. Cryptic is boasting an insane amount of character customization and what they are calling quick and tactical real-time combat engine. The game won't just be released for the PC as the Xbox 360 will also be getting some of the action.



Cryptic has also released a teaser trailer for the MMORPG. Check it out below.



This looks really cool. If Cryptic can build on what made City of Heroes great this will be an excellent game. Also, how cool would it be for gamers on the PC and Xbox 360 to play in the same online world. Nothing has been confirmed but one can speculate there will be cross-platform online play.

Champions Online will hit PCs and 360s in the spring of 2009. Check back to MediaZEALOT as we'll keep you up to date on the game leading up to its release.

Cheers.

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Full Gears of War Action Figure Line-Up Revealed

Images of the fourth figure in NECA's Gears of War Series 1 line are finally released.

Today NECA Toys released images of the fourth figure in their first series of Gears of War figures. The previously unseen figure is a Locust Sniper and should go along well with the already unveiled Marcus Fenix, Augustus Cole, and Locust Drone figures. The action-figure line hits stores in April.

These figures look superb and NECA continues to snap up many of the great available film and video game licenses available. I'm more of a McFarlane fan myself but if NECA keeps getting all the good toy lines I may have to switch over.



NECA isn't stopping with just figures with their Gears of War license, the toy company is also planning to release messenger bags, zippos, hats, and keychains based on the top-selling Xbox 360 game.

Click HERE to visit the official NECA Gears of War site to see more detailed views of the figures and merchandise in the line.

Cheers.

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