 You've seen his videos on Youtube and on Singstar. But now Gaming Console Network's Editor-in-Chief Sean A. Foster sits down with the Singstar legend Han-Beom, aka Netcasty.
To give you all a little back-story, Netcasty has over 200 Singstar videos featured on his youtube website. I stumbled upon his Singstar videos while looking for Erasure videos on youtube. Netcasty is originally from Korea. He moved to Germany about 15 years ago and he started singing on Singstar since the PS2 debut. Over the past few months Netcasty has somewhat shot to stardom and also landed an official Singstar commercial in Europe. His German youtube website is also very popular, making his official youtube page listed in the top 20 for views per day. Netcasty is also featured at the top of many categories on the Singstar PS3 game. I had a chance to chat with him about Singstar, videoames and life in general... |
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 05 July 2008 19:32 )
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I hope everybody has a good holiday... stay safe! 
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Last Updated ( Friday, 04 July 2008 16:31 )
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Fri 04 Jul 2008 |
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Written by Sean A. Foster
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Indie-publisher Gamecock Media Group announced today the release of part one (of two) of Crackpot Entertainment’s Insecticide for the PC. Insecticide is a noir thriller set in an insect world that plays out through a wide variety of offbeat action and adventure levels.
“Seeing Insecticide’s stylized noir visuals and quirky, oddball humor on the PC really bring the gameplay to life,” said Rick Stults, Console Chief for Gamecock Media Group. “The first episode is big enough to really keep gamers glued to the story, having fun, and really getting absorbed into the bug world.”
In a city overtaken by a sudden crime wave, rookie detective Chrys Liszt is on a crusade to rid the city of lowlifes. However, she immediately discovers that to reach her goal she will have to face the city of Troi’s most powerful criminal entities. Using only high tech pollen-based weapons, innate bug abilities, and hand-to-hand combat skills, Chrys must clean up Troi as well as learn more about her own past, which remains shrouded in mystery.
Insecticide fuses elements from different videogame genres to create a seamless, engrossing story-driven gameplay experience. Lighting fast shootouts, a cityscape brimming with life and high production value voice-overs and cut-scenes result in entertainment on par with Hollywood’s best.
Insecticide Part 1 is rated Teen and available now for $14.99. For downloading information, please visit www.insecticidethegame.com. |
Midway Games Ltd., a subsidiary of Midway Games Inc. (NYSE: MWY), a leading interactive entertainment publisher and developer, and world-renowned developer Epic Games, today announced Unreal Tournament 3, for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, is now available in Europe, with several new features including split screen, five exclusive maps and two all-new characters, as well as all previously released downloadable content. Rated +18 by PEGI, Unreal Tournament 3 is available for a suggested retail price of £39.99 / €59.95 in Europe. Unreal Tournament 3, the award-winning first-person-shooter, has already shipped more than 1 million units for Windows PC and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system.
Xbox 360 owners will get an exclusive video preview of Gears of War 2, the eagerly anticipated sequel to the 4.7 million unit-selling blockbuster third-person action game, included on the Unreal Tournament 3 disc. The exclusive video content will include never-before-seen footage of the game’s multiplayer modes featuring new maps, new modes, new weapons and new gameplay elements. The video is narrated by Epic Games’ design director, Cliff Bleszinski, and Gears of War senior producer, Rod Fergusson.
“We are extremely excited to put the fast-paced, frenetic gameplay of Unreal Tournament 3 in the hands of Xbox 360 owners,” said Leonie Manshanden, European Marketing Director, Midway Games Ltd. “The exclusive maps, new characters, two-player split screen support and exclusive Gears of War 2 multiplayer video make Unreal Tournament 3 the must-have video game for Xbox 360 this summer.”
“Searing-hot first-person shooter action comes to Xbox 360 this summer with Unreal Tournament 3,” said Mark Rein, vice president of Epic Games. “With a bevy of new and exclusive content, Xbox 360 owners can now get their frag on by choosing to play online with friends over Xbox LIVE or against our amazing AI ‘bots.’”
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X-OOM Media Centre for Wii XE enables users to enjoy their music, videos and photos on a Nintendo Wii. This innovative software turns the popular gaming console into an interactive media centre, by digitally streaming media files such as MP3s and Windows Media Player files from a PC to a Wii.
Share and enjoy your favourite digital media
No longer just for gaming, X-OOM Media Centre for Wii XE significantly enhances the Wii’s capabilities. Favourite video files, photos and music normally found on a PC in a bedroom or study can now be easily shared and enjoyed on a TV in any room via a Nintendo Wii. Once installed, the software allows the PC to wirelessly interact with the Wii. Chosen files can then be streamed to the console, eliminating the hassle of transferring content via memory cards, USB devices or CDs.
Access web TV, radio and podcasts
X-OOM Media Centre for Wii XE also makes it possible to browse the internet, providing access to over 1,000 digital radio and TV channels. New options include podcast support, RSS feeds and access to popular video sharing sites such as YouTube™ and Google Video™.
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Last Updated ( Friday, 04 July 2008 15:15 )
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After the start of the successful cooperation with kids- and casual game publisher Tivola, JoWooD enlarges its product portfolio with lifestyle games for Nintendo’s Wii console. The first product of the series in development is Yoga Wii. The well-known and favoured doctrine for mind, body and soul guarantees a unique gaming experience for young and young at heart gamers. The game will support the Wii Balance Board, as it plays a central role for the exercising (gaming) experience.
Release of the title is scheduled for the second quarter of 2009.
Release: Q2 2009
Platform: Nintendo Wii
About JoWooD Productions:
JoWooD Productions Software AG (ATXPrime: JWD) is listed in the Prime Market segment of the Vienna stock exchange. JoWooD is a leading publisher of computer and videogames, releasing international acclaimed, high-qua lity titles for all existing and future gaming systems. JoWooD games are distributed worldwide by an efficient net of distribution partners. Visit http://corporate.jowood.com for more information. |
GlobalFun, a Publisher and Developer of premium mobile games has today announced that GlobalFun will be one of two main official content acquisition partners for the Play Now Arena and Fun & Downloads services run by Sony Ericsson.
The deal follows 5 years of close cooperation between the companies.
“We have since the beginning of our business aimed to provide our customers, of which Sony Ericsson is a highly valued one, with high quality premium content. This appointment serves for us as a proof that our strategy on content acquisition and account management has been and still is the correct one” commented Bertil Krumnack, EVP Sales & Business Development GlobalFun.
Marcus Johansson, CEO of GlobalFun added “The trust that Sony Ericsson is showing us by appointing us as one of two content acquisition partners is very flattering. We will do our very best to exceed the expectations in this area and to continue to grow our mutual business”. |
Fri 04 Jul 2008 |
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Written by Sean A. Foster
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The new great historical strategy video game about the Wars in America
Birth of America II: Wars in America 1750-1815 follows the successful historical strategy videogame Birth of America, AGEOD's American Civil War and Napoleon's Campaigns. It is the long-awaited well-expanded sequel of the acclaimed first game that made AGEOD. You can now fight all the big wars that made America between 1750 and 1815.
Wars in America 1750-1815 is a stand-alone game not compatible with the previous one. It includes:
New Rules
• New cohesion system (based on the American Civil War/Napoleon’s Campaigns model) and its impacton combat
• Brand new concept of Engagement Points, allowing options for armaments purchases, political,economic and diplomatic options.
In addition, a challenging Foreign Entry competitive engine will allow player to struggle in the race forthe French Intervention.
• New orders (e.g. spiking the guns, surrender with the Honour of War, remove leader, distant unloadfrom ships).
• New abilities (adapted from those of American Civil War/Napoleon’s Campaigns and new rules here)
• Different updates and other rules (e.g. combat, Indians, minutemen, blockade, privateers, navaltransport, optional limited activation rules, German mercenaries, etc...)
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Last Updated ( Friday, 04 July 2008 15:09 )
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July 7, or 7/7, has long been heralded as “Bungie Day” among “Halo” players and fans of the renowned developer. This year, Bungie is celebrating this day with the release of new multiplayer map Cold Storage, as well as new gamer pics and a Bungie Day Xbox 360 dashboard theme, all for free on Xbox LIVE Marketplace. The “Halo 3” Legendary Map Pack will also drop in price to 600 Microsoft points in honor of the occasion.
The tradition of Bungie Day was born in part due to the significance the number 7 has played in all of Bungie’s games over the years, including the “Halo” series (7 Halo rings, Master Chief is Spartan 117, etc.), and each year the developer makes a point to use this date to treat fans to something special – usually new content, a free download or other surprise.
This year marks the best “Bungie Day” yet, as eight million plus “Halo 3” players can now download Cold Storage, a free new multiplayer map inspired by the original map Chill Out found in “Halo: Combat Evolved.” The Cold Storage facility was once a vibrant, active research center on Installation 05. An accidental contamination resulted in an unforeseen outbreak, which compromised the Forerunner center. Now, emptied and silent, watched only by a local caretaker, the abandoned structure serves as a reminder of how something as powerful as science is ultimately beholden to nature.
In addition to the new map, players will be able to download 7 exclusive new gamerpics and a Bungie Day dashboard theme for free on Xbox LIVE Marketplace. Fans will need to be sure they download these on 7/7, because they will be available for one day only.
For additional details on Bungie day, be sure to visit www.bungie.net. New screenshots of Cold Storage can also be downloaded on the site: http://www.bungie.net/projects/halo3/asset_popup_viewer.aspx?at=59&cc=21&item=0, http://www.bungie.net/projects/halo3/asset_popup_viewer.aspx?at=59&cc=21&item=1 |
Check out these new Gears of War 2 images. |
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 05 July 2008 11:38 )
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| Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3 is the latest Xbox Live/PSN download from Capcom. This review is for the Xbox Live Arcade version, though I am pretty sure the version on the Playstation 3's PSN is the same. Backbone Entertainment has put together a very enjoyable game. I was actually a huge fan of the original Commando on the NES, which was released in 1986. This time around the developers have blended old-school gameplay with new, spruced-up graphics that fit the look and the feel of the Commando series. What does this mean for Xbox 360 owners? It means we have yet another great Xbox Live Arcade title on our hands… Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3 features three characters of play. The first is Wolf. He is a bulky blonde character that specializes in Infantry Anti-armor. The second character is a woman named Fox. She is pretty much the speedy, stealthy character of the game. Last but not least is my personal favorite in the game. And that is Coyote, who pretty much resembles John Rambo with sunglasses. Coyote is a Ammunitions Specialist and when the going gets though he starts to blurb out what appears to be cursing in funny text (“#%&*%#”). You have a nice, well balanced choice of characters. But as I said, Coyote is the dude to use when you want to kick some ass. The controls for Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3 is very well set up on the Xbox 360 controller. You move by using the left analog stick. Shooting your weapon is done by moving around the right analog stick. The left trigger button unleashes an onslaught onto your enemies while the right trigger is pretty much for things like grenades and such. You can blow up pretty much anything in your path. You can also hop into armored vehicles and jump on turret guns to shell out more abuse on your enemies. Weapons like Rocket Launchers and Flame Throwers will also come into play and you will have the ability to upgrade with “POW” pickups. |
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 03 July 2008 13:03 )
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Rockstar Games, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. today announced a new release date for the fourth installment of its critically-acclaimed and genre-defining Midnight Club franchise, Midnight Club: Los Angeles. Set for release on October 7th in North America and October 10th in Europe and developed by series creator Rockstar San Diego, Midnight Club: Los Angeles will give gamers the unprecedented freedom to race through a hyper-realistic LA.
Rockstar San Diego has created a beautiful rendition of Los Angeles to race through at break neck speeds and explore at your own pace. With no tracks and no load times, Midnight Club: Los Angeles offers the ultimate freedom to play however you choose.
Also scheduled for release simultaneously, Midnight Club: LA Remix for the PSP system will provide another incredible portable racing experience. Developed by Rockstar London, the game will take full advantage of the hardware to deliver the unrivaled sense of speed and style that the best-selling Midnight Club series is known for. |
Activision, Inc. today announced Guitar Hero: On Tour has sold in excess of 300,000 units in North America in the first seven days since its launch, making it the largest North American launch for the Nintendo DS in the company's history by more than a factor of eight. In addition, Guitar Hero: On Tour's performance ranks it as one of Activision's top 5 best-selling launches of any title on any platform in the company's history.
Guitar Hero: On Tour brings the popular Guitar Hero franchise to the handheld platforms for the first time delivering a unique gaming experience and challenging handheld gamers to prove their skills on the most diverse set list of master tracks ever offered in a Guitar Hero game.
"Guitar Hero is one of the most successful entertainment properties and continues to push the boundaries of innovation with Guitar Hero: On Tour," said Mike Griffith, President and Chief Executive Officer, Activision Publishing, Inc. "The game's breakthrough peripheral brings the Guitar Hero experience to the 41 million DS users in North America and Europe, where they can play anywhere, anytime."
Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products. Founded in 1979, Activision posted net revenues of $2.9 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008.
Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, the Netherlands, Australia, Japan and South Korea. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company's website, www.activision.com. |
GC Developers Conference (GCDC) announced today that Intel will be platinum sponsor of this year's event, sharing a main sponsorship with Nokia. Intel will deliver several sessions as part of the conference agenda, and will have a presence in the exhibition area. The company has supported GCDC, Europe's leading developer conference, since its start in 2003. The conference takes place in Leipzig, Germany, on August 18-20, 2008.
"GCDC 2008 is a remarkable opportunity to highlight Intel's resources and technologies for developers", said Elliot Garbus, Vice President and General Manager of the Visual Computing Software Division at Intel. "Intel is committed to supporting innovation in the worldwide game developer community."
"Intel has continued its commitment to our superb program for the sixth year in a row, helping to make GCDC a must-attend event for the games industry in Europe and around the world," said Frank Sliwka, project director of GCDC.
GCDC 2008 will offer opportunities to interact with industry leaders like Intel Corporation and Nokia. GCDC is Europe's leading international conference for game development and the business of games. The conference is expected to attract even more professionals from the field than last year. For more information about GCDC please visit: http://www.gcdc.eu.
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Thu 03 Jul 2008 |
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Written by Sean A. Foster
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JoWooD Productions expands its branded product portfolio of adventure game titles with the addition of „The lost Files of Sherlock Holmes“ to their lineup. Made famous by a legacy of popular movies, television shows and novels, the Sherlock Holmes name is synonomous with delivering exceptional investigative storytelling and thrilling adventures.
JoWood‘s „The Adventure Company“ publishing label, aims to acquire and publish strong licences and brands for their lineup of quality adventure games. Current and top selling licenses include Sam & Max, Agatha Christie, Hardy Boys and now Sherlock Holmes.
Another top brand coming later this year is „Hardy Boys“. Based upon the top-selling children books series (with more than 100 millions copies sold), The Adventure Company will bring a series of adaptions to the PC and Wii over the next few years, providing great entertainment to all fans of Frank and Joe Hardy. Featuring celebrity voice talent Jesse McCartney and Cody Linley who lend their voices and likenesses to Frank and Joe Hardy, respectively.
In addition to these titles, adaptions for console systems are already in the product pipeline. The successful release of Agatha Christie Wii and the coming releases in Fall 2008 are proving the professional and successful implementation of announced strategic measures.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 03 July 2008 09:14 )
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Thu 03 Jul 2008 |
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Written by Sean A. Foster
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Leading worldwide Games Publisher Lighthouse Interactive announced today that it named Hans José (37) as Director of Operations as of July 1st 2008.
In his position within Lighthouse Interactive, José will perform a multitude of tasks: European marketing, sales and distribution in the Benelux, supervising contacts with foreign distributors, console submissions, project management of games in development and the daily operations at Lighthouse’s headquarters in Haarlem. Hans will report directly to the Lighthouse board.
Hans José has a strong games industry background with more than 10 years experience in marketing working for publishers such as Ubisoft Entertainment, Microsoft, Electronic Arts and Playlogic International. Erik Schreuder, CEO of Lighthouse Interactive, said: “Hans has a wealth of experience as a marketeer in the games industry and beyond. We are thrilled to have a well connected veteran like Hans joining our organization, which is at the brink of a break out.” |
Mastiff, a San Francisco based developer and publisher of videogames, announced today that Nihon Falcom’s action-RPG, Gurumin: A Monstrous Adventure has become the first third-party PSP (PlayStation Portable) system title available for online purchase and download to the PSP system through the PLAYSTATION Store and is available now.
Upon its release last year, Gurumin immediately won over the hearts of countless reviewers.
Gamespy, for example, said “Gurumin: A Monstrous Adventure delivers the classic Japanese RPG experience and is simultaneously adorable and hilarious. If you're only planning to get a single RPG for your PSP this year, this could well be the one to play.”
The Associated Press said "Gurumin" is filled with a uniquely Japanese sense of whimsy that translates well into English, and it's one of the nicest surprises of the year so far.” Review site Deeko said “Gurumin is one of those rare games that should be in every PSP owners collection.” Console Gameworld, echoed the sentiment, writing “Gurumin is definitely one of those titles you have to pick up, period.”
“Charming, full of personality, and with a gentle sense of humor, Gurumin is a bright and catchy portable game,” said Heather Campbell of Play magazine. And Geoff Haynes of leading gaming website IGN.com, called Gurumin “… an excellent title that should appeal to action fans.” Gurumin’s strong reviews earned it a place in the top 50 of almost 1100 PSP titles ranked on IGN.com.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 03 July 2008 09:12 )
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