A Look At What NXE Could Have Been...

So you think NXE looks good eh? Quick and simple design? Apparently not as Design studio Gridplane reveals one of the many knocked back mock-ups for Microsoft's great new interface, more screenshots at the source. Gridplane also mentioned they're thought up an "immersive 3D environment" for users to socialise and interact him, but of course we know it didn't materialize... hmm reminds me of something else...

That's us for the weekend folks, we'll be back on Monday with a mega-tonne of delicious gaming news.

Source: Joystiq

Playstation 4 Not Even Been Mentioned

Easy to accept following Sony's plans for their consoles, we wouldn't think they'd terminate the PS3 prematurely and Sony’s David Reeves comments he hasn't heard anyone talk about a PS4 yet:

“I have never even heard it mentioned. I think people are concentrating so much on what’s happening now that they’re not even thinking about it.”

Source: EG

Killzone 2 Marketing Push Begins Mid February

Following the news of their big £2 million marketing strategy for Killzone 2, Sony has revealed the strategy will be launching mid-February along with that interesting web game they mentioned:

“We’re targeting mid Feb to pre-promote Killzone 2."

Killzone 2 launches on February 27th, as if you didn't know it off by heart. Tell me this, when is your gran's birthday? I thought as much...

Source: VG247

SouthPeak Games Announce Demo For Big Bang Mini

SouthPeak Games has announced a demo of Arkedo Studio’s Big Bang Mini for Nintendo DS is now available as a free download via the Nintendo Channel on Wii. The explosive demo gives players a first taste of the unique shoot-‘em-up before it launches in Europe.

The demo of Big Bang Mini includes a selection of levels from three of the game’s worlds, including Hong Kong, Aurora and Luxor. These are just a handful of the full version’s nine uniquely themed locations, which see players travelling all over the globe blasting waves of enemies using spectacular firework displays. Featuring 90 challenging levels of play, tough boss battles and seven different modes, Big Bang Mini is the perfect game for Nintendo DS owners looking for their next action fix.

Source: Internal

Sony Buzz! Brain Of The UK For Release In March

Sony has announced Buzz! Brain of the UK, the latest edition of the widely enjoyed quiz game, this time centred around the UK with over 4,000 questions. The release states:

“It’s not just kings and queens, though. You’ll find questions on diverse aspects of UK life: there’ll be questions on bands, cities, sports personalities, television favourites, wildlife, food and more.”

Sounds good, as always it's coming out on Sony's platforms, PS3, PS2 and PSP and is scheduled to release in March.

Source: VG247

Sony Launching Killzone 2 Web Game As Part Of Marketing Push

Killzone 2’s UK product manager Phil Lynch has talked of the £2 million marketing strategy to push Killzone 2 and commented on plans for a web game for Internet users to check out:

“We’re very excited about our online campaign. What we’re attempting has never - to my knowledge - been done before, certainly as a piece of communication."

“In essence, we’re creating a web game based on a Firefox and IE app that consumers can download to their computer, and where they can then create their squad consisting of up to three additional friends."

“Once running and activated, and when the user is browsing the internet, their screen will be ‘attacked’ by Helghast as they browse pages. They can alert their squad members to come and help them and if the team can collaboratively vanquish the Helghast threat, they’ll get their score posted onto the leaderboard and be in with a chance to win some prizes and unlock additional content."

“It’s very innovative and something that I believe will resonate with our consumers.”

Sounds like fun but no date has been announced for when we can play it.

Source: CG

Atari Reveal The Mini Cooper In Race Pro

Atari has revealed a new class inclusion for their upcoming racing title, Race Pro, the Mini Cooper.

A front wheel drive icon named Mini was launched back in 1959 and was in production all the way up to the year 2000. Since its launch the Mini been a constant fixture on the international racing scene both on and off road. In 2001, BMW, current owner of the Mini brand and a key player on the racing circuit, re-launched the car under the name of The New Mini and also created the Mini Cooper Challenge backed by BMW.

For the Mini Cooper Challenge, it was decided that a 180 horsepower, supercharged Mini Cooper S would be the vehicle of choice. The street legal version of this car is already a formidable track car, and in RACE Pro, players can experience the real race car from bumper to bumper and all the close racing action that comes with it. The Mini Cooper Challenge is one of the most exciting one-car classes.

Source: Internal

Need For Speed Isn't Going Anywhere

In fact, quite the opposite as EA revealed their plans to shove more of the franchise down your throat than ever before with three new titles coming this year.

First up is Need for Speed: Shift which will launch on PC, Xbox 360, PS3 and PSP in Autumn.

Then there's Need for Speed: Nitro which will launch on Nintendo Wii and DS. EA marketing boss Keith Munro commented on Nitro:

“The urban underground was a manifestation of style in some past Need for Speed games for sure, but Shift focuses less on these style cues and more on mirroring the driver experience, that athleticism of being in a wickedly-intense race, and what it really feels like to be behind the wheel."

“Need for Speed Nitro on the Wii and DS will not be a Mario Kart clone - Nintendo already does an excellent job with that."

“Instead, we are evolving the arcade racer with a fresh and unique visual style that is very Need for Speed. The game will be rich and deep and will appeal to experienced arcade racers as well as casual players.”

“What you’ll see is that Nitro in no way resembles any other previous Need for Speed title."

Last but not least is Need for Speed: World Online which will launch in the Asian online PC market this summer and make its way to the west in Winter. The titles are being worked on by EA developer studio, Black Box, or what's left of it.

Source: EG

Japan Gets Killzone 2 Release Date

Japan finally has a release date for Killzone 2, released with some new screens from a Sony Japan press release Sony announced the title should be arriving on April 23rd in Japan. Bit of a wait but hey, makes a change right?

Source: AndriaSang

Don King Boxing Coming To Wii And DS March 27th

2K Sports, the sports publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software has announced that Don King Boxing will be available in the UK on March 27th 2009 for the Wii and Nintendo DS. Don King Boxing hopes to provide a revolutionary boxing experience for Wii via accurate controls, a unique story mode, an exhilarating multiplayer system, and implementation of the Wii Balance Board. Christoph Hartmann, 2K president commented:

“Don King Boxing has been specifically designed to take advantage of everything the Wii and DS have to offer. We worked closely with Nintendo to make Don King Boxing a unique experience, especially using the Wii Balance Board. It is great for those who love boxing or those who just want a fun way to get some exercise.”

Developed by 2K China, Don King Boxing allows players to fight with or against over 20 licensed boxers in real venues like Madison Square Garden, Boardwalk Hall, and Trump Taj Majal. Players will experience what it’s like to be a real boxer as they throw jabs, hooks, and uppercuts with both hands all while ducking and dodging blows on the Wii Balance Board.

Source: Internal

Nintendo DSi Coming To Europe In Spring/Summer

Nintendo has confirmed the DSi should be launching in Europe around Spring/Summer, the firm previously stated a 'Spring' release but this has been updated to 'Summer' so expect it in Summer.

Source: CVG

Faith and a .45 Shooter On Hold Following Lack Of A Publisher

Upcoming shooter title, 'Faith and a .45' has been put on hold following the lack of a publisher due to their existing publisher, Deadline Games dropping out. Takers anyone?

Source: PS3Attitude

LittleBigPlanet DLC Most Downloaded Content On PSN In January

The latest episode of Pulse on Playstation Network has revealed the top ten most downloaded content from Playstation Network in January. Taking the top two spots and five spots in total is LittleBigPlanet's content packs. See what else sold what in the top ten at the source.

Source: Joystiq

Video - Terminator Salvation New Trailer

The latest UK trailer released by Warner Bros. informs us we'll be able to see the movie and play the game in May this year. Epic.

Source: TrailerCast

F.E.A.R 2: Project Origin Live Event In London February 12th

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment are pushing F.E.A.R fans to the max with their European F.E.A.R 2: Project Origin Live event.

The F.E.A.R 2: Project Origin Live event will be taking part on February 12th 2009 in London and tests fans fears and gaming prowess against selected members of the community. Eight fans will be escorted to a secret location where they will go head to head in an intense gaming battle of skills, strength and spine chilling F.E.A.R.

For those that don’t make the grade or are too afraid, you can experience the event live online to witness and control the fate of the chosen players.

But for the rest of you that are brave enough click through to www.whatisfearlive.com and enter for your chance to face your fears and be the first people in Europe to play the new F.E.A.R 2: Project Origin game in a gaming session like no other.

Source: Internal

Koei Announce Release Of Nobunaga's Ambition: Iron Triangle

KOEI has announced that Nobunaga's Ambition: Iron Triangle has shipped to North American retailers. The historical simulation game set during Japan's Feudal era and is available in stores now. Consumers can order the game now at Amazon, GameStop and GameFly.

Nobunaga's Ambition: Iron Triangle is produced by Kou Shibusawa, and is exclusive to the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system.

Source: Internal

New Halo 3 Mythic Pack DLC Screenshots Revealed

After the Official Austrian Xbox Blog posted up some screenshots of the new Mythic downloadable content on the way to Halo 3, Bungie has not released some official screenshots for the pack which you can see more of at the source. No release date has been announced just yet.

Source: Bungie

SBK Superbike World Championship Screenshots And Details

Check out these new screenshots from “SBK Superbike World Championship” the upcoming racing game from Conspiracy Entertainment. “SBK Superbike World Championship” is set for a Q1 2009 release on PC, PSP and next-generation consoles, and will drop players onto real-world tracks and superbikes from the sport's world championship tour. In the game, players can choose from a fully-detailed simulation mode, or enjoy quick races in arcade mode. Either way, the game is sure to please fans of high-speed racing!

In development by the Milestone, makers of renowned motorcycle racing titles, “SBK Superbike World Championship” offers something for both arcade and simulation-focused players. SBK's fast-paced arcade mode allows casual players to jump straight in and challenge the WSBK official teams and riders in a range of weather conditions and on some of the most famous tracks around the world - including Phillip Island (Australia), Monza (Italy), Silverstone (UK) and for the first time in the series, Miller Motorsports Park (Salt Lake City, USA). Players may also jump online to enjoy eight-player races on all the game's professional circuits and tracks.

For the true motorsports enthusiast, the SBK official videogame offers unparalleled realism in the modeling and the handling of the bikes. Players will be able to tune and set up their bike in a myriad of ways, including suspension, gearing, tires and braking. All these tuning settings will need to be optimized as the player progresses through each race event and as the conditions change from race-to-race throughout the championship series.

Source: Internal