Mirror’s Edge is an upcoming first person action-adventure video game being developed by EA Digital Illusions CE (DICE) for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Windows-based PCs. Mirror’s Edge introduces players to Faith, a “runner” in a world where communication channels are highly monitored and the movement of human traffic is closely watched. When Faith’s sister gets framed for a murder she did not commit, Faith finds herself on the edge of the city, on the wrong side of the law. The cool thing about the game is that the developer introduces an entirely new concept of physicality that defies intuition, almost matrix like. In the game you get to see “true” first person view on hand to hand combat. You also get to perform string of movement combos, like running and jumping through obstacles and buildings in a sequence. Expect never-before-seen sense of movement and perspective, you will be drawn into Faith’s world. To be released in November 2008. [IGN]
Anno 1404 takes the long-running strategy series to the Far East. As with previous installments in the series, gamers will be tasked with establishing a civilization and then solidifying its position in history. The game will feature an improvement in the game’s graphics engine that is shown in intricate building details. In the beginning of your journey, you’ll start off with a ship and a few resources at your disposal. Once you land, you begin to build marketplace, allowing us to attract new inhabitants. We were also able to add churches and farms to attract more citizens. As your civilization grows, so will the demands and needs of your people, hence you get to grow more sophisticated building, farms and plantations, and also interact with other culture. For those who hate history and geography classes, after you play this game, you’ll gain an entirely new perspective. [GameSpot]
Razer(TM), the world’s leading manufacturer of high-end gaming peripherals, has unveiled the Razer Maelstrom Audio Engine(TM) at Games Convention. The Razer Maelstrom is a highly upgraded virtual surround sound system found in the Razer Megalodon™, Razer’s latest 7.1 surround sound gaming headset. It uses military grade audio technology that was originally developed for fighter pilots to let them hear cockpit warnings. The new headset will launched late August, and cost around 139.99 Euro. [RazerZone]
The latest installment of City Life series has been under development for awhile, and this time the PC standalone game is migrating into the realm of MMOs. The rules hasn’t been changed much: Plop down a few industrial, commercial and residential zones, sit around (or hit the fast-forward button) till they matriculate, collect taxes to buy a few roads, and zone more areas until you have the funds to keep the expansion process going. Eventually you’ll establish a brimming metropolis, and maybe toss in a disaster or two to see how well your city-planning skills hold. Cities XL hopes to perfect the boring city-builder genre, pushing the art of micromanagement to extremes. So kids, if you want to become a mayor, a governor, or a president some day. You may want to test your skills here first. TBA 2009. [Wired]
Tomb Raider: Underworld, , is the eighth game in the Tomb Raider series and the third game in the series to be developed by Crystal Dynamics. This time around Lara can perform a swift melee attack that knocks enemy back when enemies like get too close. You also get to perform all manner of acrobatics to avoid enemies without the moves affecting Lara’s shooting aim. The game will take Lara to The coast of Thailand, frozen islands of the Arctic Sea, the jungles of Mexico, and beneath the Mediterranean Sea. It was announced that Tomb Raider: Underworld will be be released in October 2008. [TombRaiderChronicles]
Rather than focus exclusively on racing, the game would sport a stronger mission structure and narrative storytelling. This time, the gorgeous Maggie Q, plays Federal Agent Chase Linh, a seductive handler who recruits and guides players as they go undercover. Players will take on dangerous jobs and compete in races in order to infiltrate and takedown a ruthless international crime syndicate. Undercover will feature gameplay that resembles 2005’s NFS: Most Wanted, emphasizing car chases, underground racing, and highway battles. Need for Speed Undercover is expected to drift onto retail shelves in North America on November 18, with a European release following on November 21. Trailer after the break. [GameSpot and IGN] More
