Fat Princess game angers feminists

Fat Princess for the PSN is causing a stir all over the place what with the 'Fat Princess' premise. Apparently the fact she's fat is a major put down and obviously therefore carries with it a whole conspiratorial background about how that perpetuates fat hate in the real world.

Female gamers have to put up with a lot of crap in gaming, there's little doubt, but the political correctness surrounding this title seems a little over the top. It's okay to slag off commenters and call them trolls, even when they're being polite, but it's not OK to hear out both sides of the argument. Feminism is a dangerous ball game. You can read a whole heap more at Lesbian Gamers who have a more well rounded view of things.

Mean Girls, Clueless & Pretty in Pink games

Paramount and Legacy Interactive announced today that they are developing titles based on the popular Paramount Pictures’ films, Clueless, Mean Girls and Pretty in Pink.

In Clueless: The Game, the player takes on the part of Cher trying to find the perfect boyfriends for all her pals. Players will need to figure out what kind of guy their friends want by noticing what clothes these potential suitors wear and what sort of interests they have. Once Cher knows what they want, she will have to pick out the right elements to make the perfect man for them. Players will have to be quick! Love waits for no one!

Mean Girls: High School Showdown, allows players to take on the role of a student trying to restore balance to the many cliques in their high school and to end the reign of the terrible “Plastic clique,” the prettiest girls and the meanest of the mean. To do this, players will need to unite the cliques by using a few tricks of their own. Players can choose to take the high road by using kind words and revealing important truths at the right time, or use the Plastic’s own evil tricks against them, by using rumors, pranks and put downs. A mix of both might go a long way, too!

The classic 80’s hit movie, Pretty in Pink, is known as a movie that defined a generation, and now players will have the chance to relive the story in an all-new entertaining game format. Through a series of beautifully rendered scenes, players will need to solve a variety of fun and challenging visual puzzles in order to experience the memorable story about love, friendship, the clash of social cliques and how to rise above them. Andie, Duckie, Blane, and the rest of the unforgettable characters from both “the wrong side of the tracks” and not, return to play out the romantic fairytale love story, but this time with a dramatic difference…their fate will be put in the hands of the player.

GirlGamers prediction... cool films... crap games.

Tomb Raider Underworld trailer

Tomb Raider Underworld is going to bring down the house if this trailer is anything to go by. Watch and be amazed. Tomb Raider: Underworld sees Lara undertake her riskiest mission yet, descending to the depths of the underworlds. For generations, stories have been told of the fearsome weapon of the Norse god, Thor. Legend has it that he who wields the hammer has the power to smash mountains into valleys and the strength to destroy even the gods. For more than a thousand years it has existed only as a myth…until now. It's out November 18.

Cammie Dunaway is NOT fake!

Poor Cammie Dunaway, she's the Nintendo rep that got up at E3 and kicked some sword swinging ass with Reggie. Thing is some gamers are on her back this week for being too cheery... what the hell? It's prompted her to tell tech blog Wired that she's not fake.

"Tell your blog that I'm really a genuinely smiley, nice person. Because people think I'm fake, smiling up there,"

How sad that she'd feel the need to explain herself. Why is it a guy can be as cheesy as a triple cheese stuffed crust, but a woman looks smiley and she's the devil. If Cammie had got on stage non happy and serious, she'd have been a bitch. Go figure.

Wanted gets game - Angelina Jolie?

Universal Pictures Digital Platforms Group (UPDPG) is creating a video game based on Universal Pictures’ blockbuster action-thriller Wanted, starring James McAvoy, Morgan Freeman and Angelina Jolie. The game will be published worldwide by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and is being developed by renowned game developer GRIN, best known for its work on the Tom Clancy: Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter series and the upcoming Bionic Commando. The film, which was released on June 27, 2008, has earned $192 million in worldwide box office to date.

Based upon Mark Millar’s graphic novel series and helmed by stunning visualist director Timur Bekmambetov — creator of the most successful Russian film franchise in history — Wanted tells the tale of one apathetic nobody’s transformation as he is introduced to a new life and new powers that he never knew existed. With the film’s successful release, the world has been introduced to a hero for a new generation: Wesley Gibson.

“Wanted is a film with a fantastic visual style, an in-your-face attitude and edge-of-your-seat action sequences, and moviegoers around the world have resoundingly embraced it,” said Bill Kispert, Vice President and General Manager, Interactive, Universal Pictures Digital Platforms Group. “From the time we read the script and saw the film’s pre-visual material, it was clear that Wanted was a powerful property – one that was well poised to deliver an engaging gaming experience. We look forward to working closely with the film’s creative team to extend Wanted’s mythology and to expand the story behind the Fraternity of Assassins.”

The Wanted video game will feature intense third-person action, taking combat to a new level with iconic moves — such as “curving bullets” and “Assassin Time” — drawn directly from the film, as well as an innovative, multi-layered cover mechanic. The storyline of the game will pick up where the movie leaves off, providing fans with another chapter to explore both Wesley’s journey into becoming an überassassin and the epic fiction of the Fraternity.

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment will publish the Wanted video game, utilizing its premiere sales, marketing and distribution capabilities to deliver the title to gamers worldwide.

“Wanted is a striking property with gripping action, which presents strong gaming possibilities,” said Martin Tremblay, President, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “Publishing the Wanted game is an excellent opportunity for Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment to team with Universal on a global property with terrific cross-platform potential. Players will get to immerse themselves in the Wanted universe with a stunning visual experience and engaging gameplay.”

The project also re-teams UPDPG with executive game producer Pete Wanat, who has previously collaborated with the film studio on critically acclaimed movie-based games The Thing, The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay, and Scarface: The World is Yours.

Disney Sing It - Disney Karaoke comes to console

Disney Interactive Studios today announced Disney Sing It, the only karaoke video game that challenges players to out-sing friends with songs and authentic videos from favorite Hollywood Records artists, Disney Channel Original Series and Disney Channel Original Movies. Fans of all ages can discover their inner performer by belting out hits from Camp Rock, High School Musical, Hannah Montana, Miley Cyrus, Jesse McCartney, Aly & AJ and more. Disney Sing It will be available for all major video game consoles this holiday season.

“Disney Sing It is the only karaoke game on the market that enables friends to compete and sing to current hits from today’s top Disney artists,” said Craig Relyea, senior vice president of global marketing, Disney Interactive Studios. “Families are demanding quality games for their home consoles, and Disney Sing It delivers a great karaoke experience paired with genuine music videos from today’s favorite Disney properties and artists in a fun, social game for playing with friends, at parties or on family game nights.”

Sounds like this will be one of those cringeworthy titles I'd despise, but hey, lord knows it will sell by the bucketload, so it's here for those interested in this sort of thing.

GTA DS - China Town Wars

Rockstar Games has announced Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars. Developed by Rockstar Leeds in conjunction with series creators Rockstar North, Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars will be available on the Nintendo DS in North America and Europe this winter [Yes that did say DS].

"This is a game that will deliver a rich, fast-paced and intense 'Grand Theft Auto' experience that will be truly unique to Nintendo's handheld platform," said Sam Houser, Founder of Rockstar Games. "Rockstar Leeds, along with the team at Rockstar North, has built upon a decade of progressive design on Grand Theft Auto, and has created something fundamentally fresh and immersive."

Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars is an entirely original entry into the critically acclaimed Grand Theft Auto series, and brings a new level of interactivity to its sprawling open environments. With the use of the DS touch screen, players will navigate their way through the streets as they uncover the truth behind an epic tale of crime and corruption within the Triad crime syndicate, delivering the unprecedented amount of depth that has become a true trademark of the franchise.

Rock Revolution by Konami

Konami blew it at E3 with a shambolic Rock Revolution intro. The game is a music-based party game – for PLAYSTATION 3, Xbox 360, Wii and Nintendo DS.

Konami is arguably the originator of the ‘rhythm action’ genre, with ground-breaking titles such as the ever-popular Dancing Stage series, plus classic music-themed titles as Karaoke Stage, Beatmania and Guitar Freaks. The publisher has now returned to the genre it pioneered- to cash in - with the most advanced music title for any format, with Rock Revolution boasting the most authentic drum kit imaginable, while bass and lead guitar accessories are also supported. The game has been designed and honed by real musicians, and features a wealth of innovative single-player and multi-player modes.

Xbox Lips - Singstar on Xbox 360

OK so it's not exactly Singstar, but it is the first clone on the Xbox 360 and some gamers have been gagging for it. “Lips,” is an all-new music franchise exclusively for Xbox 360. “Lips” is the only singing game that offers wireless motion-sensitive microphones and the ability to sing from your own music collection of DRM-free songs. Start channeling your favorite pop star because it’s you, your friends and most important your music that turns “Lips,” the new singing game for Xbox 360, into the world’s ultimate party experience this holiday season.

Xbox Live Primetime - XBLA E3

Xbox Live Primetime is a groundbreaking channel on the new Xbox experience, a new generation of games and entertainment experiences that will be available this fall for Xbox 360. The world’s biggest virtual game show stage, Xbox LIVE Primetime is a place where content is always fresh; play is global, live and massively multiplayer; and prizes are plentiful. A first-of-its-kind phenomenon, this new generation of interactive game shows lets Xbox LIVE members challenge friends and choose to compete against people from across the globe in real time. Xbox LIVE Primetime launches in the fall with the following interactive game:

Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts

Famed game developer Rare Ltd. is reviving one of its most beloved and successful franchises exclusively on Xbox 360 with the third installment of the “Banjo-Kazooie” series. “Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts” embraces new and old fans alike, as the famous bear and bird duo return in stunning high definition for a unique adventure of epic proportions. The Lord of the Games (aka LOG) is tired of the petty squabbling between Banjo and the evil witch Gruntilda (aka Grunty), and has arranged a showdown to decide the rightful owner of Spiral Mountain. Claiming to have created every video game ever made, LOG has built the game worlds in which the contest’s challenges take place. Banjo must complete LOG’s challenges to win, while Grunty tries to stop him using every method her devious mind can muster.

EA's E3 2008 Line-Up

EA will kick off its E3 presence with a press conference hosted by CEO John Riccitiello, and spotlighting many of the creative leaders as well as featuring new titles from EA including but not restricted to:

Dead Space, FaceBreaker, HASBRO FAMILY GAME NIGHT, LITTLEST PET SHOP, Mercenaries 2: World in Flames, Mirror’s Edge, Command & Conquer Red Alert 3, Crysis Warhead, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, The Lord of the Rings: Conquest, SimCity™ Creator for the Wii, MADDEN NFL 09, NBA LIVE 09, Skate It, TIGER WOODS PGA TOUR 09, Rock Band 2, Left 4 Dead.

Rhianna Pratchett has Faith

Electronic Arts Inc. has announced that writer and story designer Rhianna Pratchett is responsible for crafting the intricate script for Mirror’s Edge - a unique first-person action adventure WITH a female lead no less!! Pratchett 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.

On a side note Rhianna Pratchett is daughter of fantastic writer Terry Pratchett and she also penned the story in Heavenly Sword, another female character that rocked!

Bikini Zombie Slayers Onechanbara

Zombies across the world will meet their match when D3Publisher (D3P) brings the popular bikini-clad samurai sisters Aya and Saki to our shores in Onechanbara™: Bikini Zombie Slayers on the Wii™ console. Bikini Zombie Slayers will ship to retail stores in early 2009, giving gamers their long-awaited taste of the series famous for its iconic characters and heart-pounding third-person hack-and-slash action.

In Onechanbara: Bikini Zombie Slayers, Aya is out to find the meaning of her IMICHI ancestors, even if it leads to the answer she does not wish for. Players can master the sword to take full advantage of the Wii RemoteTM motion controls by slashing, swinging and thrusting into zombie enemy hordes. Play as either sister Aya or Saki in single player or with a friend in Co-Op Mode and utilize each of their unique fighting styles and set of moves. Get too much blood on either sister and be driven into Rage Mode and gain more power and agility to destroy enemies faster and deadlier. Every person met and enemy battled brings the sisters closer to understanding who or what is behind the zombie outbreak and putting an end to it.

Oh and being in bikini's was TRULY NEEDED for the games storyline.. honestly it was.. it wouldn't have been the same were they wearing, oh I don't know.. kevlar and leather jeans for protection.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Sacrifice on DS

Currently under development by Romanian studio Beast, Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Sacrifice combines third-person and first-person gameplay to create an experience like nothing else on Nintendo DS. The stakes are high for players as they take on the role of Buffy to seal the re-opened Hellmouth in an original story penned by Rob Deshotel, a writer from the TV series.

This action-packed 3D survival horror game sees Buffy using a range of special weapons, powerful spells and martial arts to take out vicious vampires and demons. In addition to these enemies, players also come across recognisable characters from the show, including Spike, Angel, the Master, the First Evil, Caleb and, of course, the Scooby Gang.

Natsume's Princess Debut

Natsume, a worldwide developer and publisher of family-oriented video games, announced a new original IP, Princess Debut, a rhythm and adventure game for girls.

The game is coming to the Nintendo DS system this fall. Published and developed by Natsume, Princess Debut offers gamers the chance to step through a portal into a magical world where they become a princess.

Girls will have to master their dance moves and woo one of the six charming princes in time for the big ball!

"What young girl doesn't dream of becoming a princess? Princess Debut transports girls into that magical fairytale world while introducing elements of dance and music," said Hiro Maekawa, President and CEO at Natsume. "Princess Debut is a fun rhythm and adventure game with some of the most beautiful and fluid dancing ever seen in a DS title."

It's a shame developers don't spend more time adding female characters to the IP's they already have than coming up with new / sub par games aimed specifically at the young girl gamer market.

Midways E3 Lineup announced

Mortal Kombat® vs. DC Universe (PLAYSTATION®3, Xbox 360®, Fall 2008) - For the first time ever Scorpion, Sub-Zero and the Mortal Kombat warriors battle with Batman, Superman and other popular DC Universe super heroes. Choose your side and challenge your opponents with a new fighting system including Freefall Kombat and Klose Kombat along with dynamic multi-tiered environments. Plus, pick your favorite character from MK or DCU and pursue a fighting adventure in the new single player mode with an intertwined storyline and two unique perspectives.

Wheelman™ (PLAYSTATION®3, Xbox 360®, PC; Fall 2008) - Combining spectacular Hollywood-style stunts with a gripping storyline, Wheelman provides an adrenaline-fueled, cinematic thrill ride guaranteed to leave you breathless. Vin Diesel stars as an undercover agent and highly skilled driver who must infiltrate the Barcelona underworld to gather intelligence surrounding a covert heist. Posing as a driver-for-hire, he ends up caught in a crossfire of corruption and chaos while trying to stay one step ahead of local law enforcement and rival gangs.

TNA iMPACT!™ (PLAYSTATION®3, Xbox 360®, Wii, PlayStation 2; September 2008) - TNA iMPACT!™ is the exclusive Total Nonstop Action wrestling game based on the top-rated weekly television show, "TNA Impact!" Choose the wrestling style, custom move set and clothing to construct the ultimate champion. TNA drenches the player in moves and match types that allow amazing acrobatic and aerial feats along with the bone-jarring crush of hard-hitting impacts. The game also features top wrestling talent such as Kurt Angle™, Jeff Jarrett™, Rhino™, Samoa Joe™, AJ Styles™, Sting™, Christian Cage™, Abyss™ and more to deliver all of the excitement and action of the television show!

Blitz the League® II (PLAYSTATION®3, Xbox 360®; Fall 2008) - As the sequel to the more than one million unit selling and award-winning football experience, BLITZ: THE LEAGUE II, continues the franchise legacy as the ultimate alternative to the watered-down, licensed competition. In addition to an all-new story mode penned by Peter Egan (ESPN's Playmakers), BLITZ: THE LEAGUE II features include: Precision-Aim Tackles, player-controlled touchdown celebrations, an enhanced on-the-field Clash Mode, online multiplayer capabilities, expanded rosters with all-new personalities, and the return of a cornerstone of the Blitz franchise...Late Hits! Football legend Lawrence Taylor returns as the game's cover-athlete and star linebacker for the New York Nightmare, Quentin Sands, along with a star-studded supporting cast.

This is Vegas™ (PLAYSTATION®3, Xbox 360®, 2009) - When a ruthless businessman begins turning Vegas into a family-friendly tourist trap, you must start your own powerful empire and resurrect the famous adult playground. Party hard at the hottest clubs to make VIP connections. Grow your bankroll by hitting high stakes tables. Race the fastest cars on the underground circuit to raise your reputation. Fight off enemies with fists and firearms to prove your strength. Where you go and what you do is your call. Whether counting cards, seducing dangerous women, cruising the strip or starting bar brawls, there's lots of excitement on the way to the top.

Unreal Tournament 3 - (Xbox 360®; July 2008) - Unreal Tournament 3, the world's premier PC first-person shooter makes its debut on the Xbox 360®. Unreal Tournament 3 unleashes the full power of Unreal® Engine 3, taking graphics, gameplay, and challenge to a whole new level. Players engage in intense battles with other human players online, or against Unreal artificial intelligence that sets the industry standard. With the most powerful futuristic weapons and vehicles available, this is FPS action at its best!

Game Party™ 2 (Wii, November 2008) -- With 11 games in all, Game Party 2 for the Nintendo Wii includes fun to play games that will provide hours of enjoyment with friends and family. Game Party 2 features new games like Bean Bag Toss, Horseshoes, Lawn Darts, Puck Bowling and more. Each game, including classics like Skill Ball, Darts and Hoop Shoot has exciting new features like four player mode, customizable characters and tournament play, making Game Party 2 the ultimate party game for all ages and skill levels.

Touchmaster® 2 (Nintendo DS, September 2008) - TouchMaster 2 returns with a collection of 20 new exciting card, action, strategy and puzzle games with some of your favorite classic games from back in the day. For the gamer and non-gamer alike, TouchMaster 2 offers pick up and play, addictively fun, mini-games that everyone will enjoy. Kill some time by playing a quick round to beat your high-score or find some real competition against other players. TouchMaster 2, the personal arcade that fits snug in the palm of your hands.

Mechanic Master™ (Nintendo DS, September 2008) - With over 100 levels! Mechanic Master uses the stylus as a weapon to rid the Earth of alien invaders that have scattered across the planet. Become the ultimate Master of Mechanics by creating crazy contraptions to free humans, keep the mechanics in motion and defeat those pesky foes. Test your skills. Creative-thinking is key to clearing the level.

MidwayArcade.com (Online, Available Now) - Fans of Midway's classic arcade and Touchmaster casual games will now be able to download their all-time favorites and play them on their PC. More than 25 classic titles, such as Defender, Joust, Spy Hunter, Root Beer Tapper and Mahki, are now available at www.midwayarcade.com, starting for as little as 3 games for US $5. Compete for bragging rights against players from around the world and battle for the high score in each game.

Free PS3 from Sony with Bravia purchase

Heads up Australian technophiles. Sony are running a PS3 giveaway in conjunction with their Sony Bravia TV models. This means if you buy a particular model of Sony Bravia you could get a free PS3.

There are 35 thousand PS3's up for grabs, but they need to be redeemed before they run out obviously. We'd be sticking the countdown on here so people know if there are any left, but the code spits the dummy when we try and embed it, so you'll just have to check the Sony site for updates.

Sony Site