Gears of War Movie Set

UK, March 31, 2008 - Further details have emerged around the forthcoming Gears of War movie, with producer Wyck Godfrey recently stating that the film is on course for a summer 2010 release.

Speaking to ComingSoon.net, Godfrey said, "We've got our script on and a director we're about to attach. We'll hopefully make that early next year for the summer of 2010."

It's already been confirmed that Pirates of the Caribbean scribe Stuart Beattie will be behind the script, working with the game's lead designer Cliff Bleszinski on the adaptation of the bestselling Xbox 360 title that is to receive a sequel later this year

source : www.ign.com

New GT5 Prologue Details

At a recent PSN event, we were able to talk to the producers of Gran Turismo 5 Prologue about their upcoming title and get a few more details on the anticipated racer. While we've known for a while that the Blu-ray version of the game would exclusively have the Beyond the Apex feature, we were told that the disc version of the game would also have a lot more cinematics included, such as video course guides of the real-life tracks, as well as the opening and ending movie. Many of these elements won't be included within the initial download of the game from the PSN, although we were told that some of these items would eventually find their way onto Gran Turismo TV, the racing specific channel that will be included within the game.

Much more than a simple news feed updating players on races that are online, GT TV will host lots of licensed television footage, such as episodes of Top Gear and Best Motoring (a popular Japanese drift series). It may also be a showcase for car manufacturers to highlight their upcoming product lines, highlighting a specific vehicle from its R&D phase to its release. GT TV could even potentially become a place for car fans to upload video of their own tuned and modified cars, highlighting their vehicles for other racing fans to see. Since much of it is still up for discussion, much of the online space for the game is still being decided by Polyphony Digital.

In fact, we were told that GT5 Prologue will initially launch with a rather basic online service that will allow up to 16 players to get on and play, but not much more than that. As time goes on, however, players will receive updates that could include new features, racetracks and even gameplay modes. While there is no specific schedule planned for the updates, Polyphony Digital is planning on making sure that all regions will receive practically all of the same content at the same time. There will be some minor elements that will be regionally exclusive (such as music tracks), but for the most part, Europe and Japan will receive an update to match the most recent version of the game that will be released in North America on April 15th.

We were also told that Polyphony is still looking at GT5 Prologue as an experimental testbed for features that will eventually make their way into Gran Turismo 5, which we were told would probably be released in Summer 2009. While they don't know exactly how they plan on using the game to experiment in this manner, they are definitely planning on transferring a player's progress and hard work in Prologue to GT5 when it's eventually released. However, at this time, they're not sure if it will be a save file, credit or car transfer to the final title. We'll have more on Gran Turismo 5 and GT5 Prologue as soon as it becomes available.

source : www.ign.com

PlayStation Networked Hacked

On the official PlayStation site, Sony has warned PS3 owners with PlayStation Network accounts that there has been "a possibility of unauthorized access to personal information on the PLAYSTATION Store through PCs, a content download service of the PLAYSTATION Network." In other words, some folks hacked the PC PlayStation Store and may have had access to users' account information.

It's said that while they may have been able to use gamers' accounts to download software or change their password, they should not have ever had access to credit card information.

Sony claims to have taken immediate measures and patched the security hole as soon as it was discovered. If you can still sign into your PlayStation Network account, you appear to be in the clear.

source : www.ign.com

Xbox Live Downtime ?

This morning at 8 AM the overlords of Xbox Live sent out a message to all members saying that the service will undergo a scheduled upgrade on Tuesday, April 1. The process will begin at 2 AM PST and will take approximately 3 hours to complete. Could this be a nasty April Fools' Day joke or is it the real thing? Our money's on the latter.

source : www.ign.com

STALKER Clear Sky

Publishers Koch Media and GSC Game World have announced that FPS S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky will be releasing worldwide August 29, 2008.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky is the prequel to last years S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl, which put players into the brooding future of yet another Chernobyl disaster. Clear Sky will be set in 2011, and players will be placed into the events prior to the third campaign of Strelok.

For more information on the game, visit our S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky page, here.

source : www.ign.com

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009

It's been about four months since we had any substantial grappling news from THQ, but the Los Angeles County-based publisher put an end to that today: WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 is coming.

Although it won't be formally announced until tomorrow, THQ has confirmed with IGN that the latest installment in the storied wrestling franchise will be making its way to the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, Nintendo DS, PSP, PlayStation 2 and mobile devices this fall while boasting a bevy of bells and whistles.

On the Xbox 360, PS3, PSP and PS2, the biggest change in the action will come with a strong focus on tag teams. For the first time ever, players will be able to team up for co-op storylines in the Road to WrestleMania mode and take advantage of an overhauled tag structure to earn attributes on their way to the top. Tag teams -- both in and out of Road to WrestleMania -- will utilize the same momentum meter, break opponents with double team finishers and make "hot tags" for the win. Also making its debut will be Create-A-Finisher, which allows fans to choose from more than 500 animations in their quest to build the ultimate move. Specifically on the 360 and PS3, fans can look for the debut of SVR downloadable content, although THQ is mum about what it might be.

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 marks the franchise's second title on the Wii, and THQ looks to be building on the motion controls and interactivity of the first outing. The game promises more match types, more weapons and the debut of online gameplay, which will feature matches and rankings. Although the title will pack Road to WrestleMania like the aforementioned versions, the Wii copy of SVR '09 will be the only place to find interactive entrances and victory celebrations that range from posing on the ramp to slapping the taste out of a beaten opponent. Successfully get the crowd hyped on your way to the ring and you'll get an in-match bonus.

Seasoned players who pick up SVR '09 on the Nintendo DS will probably be in for more than a few surprises. Gone are the stylus-heavy controls of last year and in their place is a more traditional d-pad/grapple system gamers that have grown up with, although the stylus will still play some part in the action. Being developed by Tose, the folks behind Dragon Quest Heroes: Rocket Slime, the DS version of SVR '09 will pack a season mode with an RPG approach. Players will interact with Superstars, upgrade their abilities and complete missions to become the champion. Create-A-Superstar will make its Nintendo handheld debut, there will be a larger roster of Superstars, and the title will pack a wealth of new match types.

"The ambitious cross-platform launch of WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 last year yielded tremendous growth for the franchise, as we delivered multiple gameplay experiences across seven platforms and greatly expanded our audience of WWE videogame fans," said Bob Aniello, senior vice president, worldwide marketing, THQ. "With dynamic new features and the extension of our gameplay experience through downloadable content, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 will bring more console, handheld and wireless gamers together to enjoy the virtual world of WWE."

source : www.ign.com

The Valve Store's New Gear

Commemorating an enthusiasm for videogames or a particular franchise by collecting related memorabilia is a temptation few of us can resist. Back in the day we were pretty stoked to find anything game related, and were totally proud to rock rather overt t-shirts with nothing but company logos or pictures of recognizable game characters. Taste and sensibilities mature with age, and ours now favor the subtle side of gaming reverence.

Fortunately for us, the industry is beginning to cater to a broader and in some cases, older demographic. Valve Software has a number of rather beloved franchises in its stable, including the well established Half Life series and the new cult hit Portal. The studio's online store have recently been restocked and packed with some new products, some of which are really quite cool.

For many, the store's big draw is a new supply of plush Weighted Companion Cubes. The iconic inanimate companion from Portal was an interesting story device, and the plush cube is a cool mechanism for fostering some physical attachment of your own. The $29.95 plush is cool enough to get people's attention even if they don't know what it's from, but not so overtly campy as to look inappropriate on a desk or in the living room. We'd take care of it.

Another subtle Portal reference that caught our eye in the Valve store is the Aperture Laboratories Parking Permit. It's sold with a pair of bumper stickers that we aren't really big fans of for $9.95, which makes it kind of a rip. On the other hand, we'd give serious credit to anyone we saw rocking the parking permit on their windshield, and are kinda tempted to do so ourselves.

Valve is also pimping a variety of t-shirts, most of which we're not really crazy about. We do kinda dig The Cake long-sleeved shirt. Portal players know well that the cake is a lie, and the shirt plays on the lore pretty well. It's $24.95, and we're disappointed to see that the pictures in the store are just a drawing of the design, which makes it hard to decide if the shirt is really cool or not. This one might be worth the risk.

source : www.ign.com

Unlock Niko's Box Contest

GameStop today announced that they'll be running a text-to-win contest from now until April 15 that will give participants the chance to be flown to Liberty City (aka New York City) on April 28 to participate in the launch of Grand Theft Auto IV the following day. National winners will meet regional winners at the launch event and will have the chance to compete for $30,000 in prizes. RockStar has posed the question, "Where did Niko Bellic hide his lock box?" and you'll need to text one of five answers in order to have a chance at winning.

A total of four (4) national winners will be selected at random from all correct mobile and online entries, and will each be awarded:

• Roundtrip airfare and ground transportation to "Liberty City" for themselves and a guest
• One hotel room for two nights
• Two gift bags courtesy of GameStop and Grand Theft Auto IV
• Two hundred and fifty dollars ($250) in spending money
• One key to open a lock box at the April 28th launch event

On April 28 the lucky national and regional winners will get the chance to find out if their key is the one that will open Niko's lock box which contains 38 envelopes valued from $100 to $10,000. The event will take place at GameStop's flagship store at 1282 Broadway. Head on over to the official contest website for more details.

We'll have more coverage of the GTA IV launch as April 29 ever so slowly approaches.

source : www.ign.com

Hellgate London 1.2 Patch

Yesterday we reported that Flagship Studios was intent on fixing bugs while making Hellgate: London a better overall game; today's released patch is evident of that. Taken from the official Hellgate: London website:

"This patch [1.2] has some major skill changes, a few vital balance tweaks, some pesky bug fixes, and a highly-requested new feature.

First and foremost is the introduction of our in-game mail system. This is something that we know is of vital interest to our community, and is the foundation for our consignment / auction house system. Players can not only send and receive messages with anyone in the game, but they can also attach Palladium and items to their mail. This makes getting items from one character to another – even your own – much simpler and more convenient. And while you need to be in a Station to attach or receive items and Palladium, you can read your messages anywhere, anytime.

We're also rolling out the second of our major character class balance passes. In this patch, we've done a comprehensive balance pass on the Marksman. We focused on addressing a number of issues that have made the class vastly over-powered in comparison to the rest of the classes and the desired difficulty of the game. There are also numerous areas where we have increased the effectiveness of, or altered skills to give Marksman players a wider variety of builds and tactics.

Chief amongst these changes is addressing the notorious skill/weapon combinations involving Ricochet, Reflecting Shot, Multishot, Rapid Fire, Heightened Senses, Beacon, Dead Eye, and Hollow Points, while using a high rate of fire weapon, such as an Arclight Rifle. While we realize that making choices on skill, item, and mod combinations which complement each other is a fundamental design element most emphasized with the Marksman in particular, there should never be one combination of skills which completely outshines the rest.

We didn't want to entirely remove the most overpowered Marksman skill combinations altogether, however, and we also didn't want to leave other Marksman skill issues unaddressed. This would have been largely unfair to the Marksman players. As a result, you'll see a large number of changes to the skills - such as synergies to the Ballistics, Grenade, and Precision Strike skill groups - that should promote an increased variety of specialized builds and create a more diversified play experience overall. We've been doing a lot of balance and tweaking over the past few weeks in Test Center with these changes, and we're excited to roll them out to all of our players. Big thanks to everyone for all the great feedback!

We're also introducing our first "pets with abilities" in this patch. These pets can be found out in the Wild and offer more for brave adventurers than mere companionship. Keep an eye out for those Mysterious Eggs!

Finally, there are a MASSIVE amount of other fixes and additions in this patch, including adjusting the difficulty of the Nightmare end-game, making the big Moloch battle more interesting and challenging, adding a slew of new Unique items and challenges in the Wild, and much, MUCH more."

The patch is now released to live servers, so we'll see you in Hell.

source : www.ign.com

Condemned 2 : Bloodshot

SEGA of America, Inc. has announced that a playable demo for Condemned 2: Bloodshot, the next chapter in the terrifying series, is now available for download on the PlayStation Network.

The demo is taken from mid-way through the first level and gives players an opportunity to get to grips with Ethan Thomas, the former Serial Crimes Unit investigator, in his crusade to discover just what is going on in the sinister world around him.

Condemned 2: Bloodshot follows Ethan Thomas, and his inner demons, in a string of gruesome murders where players must use their deductive skills and brute force to track down sadistic serial killers. The game features all-new fighting mechanics and high-tech forensics tools, giving players the resources they need to unravel the mysteries and cope with every disturbing event. Developed by the renowned Monolith Productions, creators of the original Condemned game, Condemned 2: Bloodshot also introduces a variety of thrilling online multiplayer modes, delivering the most brutal hand-to-hand combat experience the first-person genre has ever seen.

Now available on Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system, Condemned 2: Bloodshot carries a suggested retail price of $59.95 and is rated "M" for "Mature." For more information, please visit: www.condemnedgame.com.

source : www.ign.com

Flatout Comes To PSP (Demo Available)

Gear up with today's release of the official PSP demo for FlatOut: Head On, published by Empire Interactive and distributed by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment.

Based on the best-selling FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage, the official PSP demo of FlatOut: Head On (developed by Six by Nine) features three distinct game modes: 'Carnage Race,' 'Deathmatch Derby' and one of the classic Ragdoll stunts.

In 'Carnage Race' players fight against the clock to score points within the given time period by causing as much damage as possible to their environment and opponents. 'Deathmatch Derby' is an arena-based derby with one simple objective – destroy or be destroyed. And finally, Ragdoll stunts take center stage in 'High Jump,' where players must drive their car down the ramp as fast as possible to launch the driver through the windscreen high into the sky to slam into the metal net.

The FlatOut: Head On PSP demo is now available for download at the PlayStation Store from http://store.playstation.com/store/index.vm

FlatOut: Head On is now available and features some of the most destructive hi-octane motorized anarchy handheld racing has ever seen.

source : www.ign.com

Japanese MGS4 Package

Following up on our report on the Japanese Metal Gear Solid 4 packaging from earlier in the week, we now have images of the game's three packages, along with a first look at the "steel" PlayStation 3 system that will come bundled with the game's premium package.

As reported earlier, MGS4 will be released in Japan in three packages: a standard edition that includes a Metal Gear Online starter disc, a special edition that adds a bonus Blu-ray video disc, and a premium pack that includes all the goodies from the other versions, but adds a PlayStation 3 unit. These versions will be priced at, respectively, 8,800, 9,800, and 51,800 yen.

Since our original story, we've managed to get confirmation that the system included in the Japanese premium package is a 40 gigabyte model. Different from other Japanese 40 gigabyte packages, though, the Metal Gear Solid bundle will include a Dual Shock 3 controller rather than a standard SIXAXIS.

MGS4 hits Japan on 6/12, simultaneously with the rest of the world.

source : www.ign.com

Alonso optimistic for season

Fernando Alonso believes Renault have the potential to once again fight for victories this season, but admitted it will be difficult to replicate his fourth-place finish in Melbourne at the Malaysian Grand Prix on Sunday.

The Spaniard rejoined his former team in December last year after an ill-fated spell with McLaren ended in acrimonious circumstances.

But whereas Alonso left Renault as a double world champion having led them to the constructors' title in both 2005 and 2006, the French outfit are now languishing amongst the midfield runners after only picking up 51 points last term.

The 26-year-old did secure an unexpected five points in the opening race of the season at Albert Park but that owed more to the fact only seven cars finished the 58-lap contest rather than a true measure of his car's pace.

But while conceding there is still some way to go for Renault before they can even think about challenging McLaren, Ferrari and even BMW Sauber, Alonso was cautiously upbeat they will become more competitive as the season wears on.

"Melbourne was good but obviously we were lucky with that situation," he said.

"I would like to have wheel-to-wheel racing with McLaren or Ferrari in a normal race so that's the target for the season and in Australia, we didn't have that. We were too far behind.

"But I'm optimistic, it's only the first race of a championship so at the start of the year you are always optimistic, there are a lot of races to come, a lot of time.

"I really think we will close that gap and improve the car quite a lot. In Formula One, nothing is 100% certain. We will improve but other people will improve as well. It's up to us to do a better job."

The situation in which Alonso now finds himself is similar to his first two seasons at Renault, where his unquestionable talent helped lay the foundations for subsequent success.

And the Spaniard insisted he is relishing the challenge of once again restoring the team to the pinnacle of Formula One.

"It is the same as in 2003 and 2004 - we need to fight and close the gap," he added.

"The races are a little bit more interesting for me because you are racing in the middle of the group and there are a lot of things to do, to fight for from lap one, and many things that are going on.

"For me, I guess the whole season will be like this. I'm enjoying this new challenge and feel good.

"Of course there is a lot of work to do as soon as possible, the team, me, we all need to improve and close the gap and I'm part of that team.

"So that's the first thing we have to do. We need to improve the car, we need to work better and we will be closer to the top three."

source : www.sportinglife.com

Cristiano Ronaldo

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has launched a tirade against rival players who insinuate Cristiano Ronaldo is a diver.

Ferguson claims the winger is one of the most fouled players in the top-flight - and that is backed up by official Premier League statistics - but that the 23-year-old will not allow himself to be kicked out of the game.

The United manager said: "(Arsenal manager) Arsene Wenger recently complained that his team are on the receiving end of more fouls than any other.

"I'm not sure about that but what I do know is that Cristiano Ronaldo must be one of the most fouled players in the league.

"The fouls are frustrating, especially for Ronaldo, and I have nothing but admiration for the way he picks himself up and keeps running at people.

"Time after time he is tackled unfairly and often opponents try to indicate that he has dived.

"Of course, when Ronaldo is running at full speed sometimes it doesn't take much to knock him over but the truth is that too many opponents don't know how to tackle properly. And to disguise their shortcomings they accuse him of falling deliberately.

"I am pleased for him with the punishment he has taken lately. I have been making the point about his courage and the fact he is clearly determined that he is not to be kicked out of the game."

According to the Premier League's statistics, the Portuguese winger is in the top five most-fouled players with 61 offences against him so far this season.

But he has not won as many free-kicks as Everton's Mikel Arteta (78), Ashley Young of Aston Villa (77) or Blackburn's David Bentley (72).

Ferguson added: "I will continue to hammer away at the need for protection for football's most skilful players."

Ronaldo was once again United's match-winner with two goals against Bolton to take him to 33 goals for the season, 24 of them coming in the league.

Assistant manager Carlos Queiroz has described the win as "crucial" going into Sunday's match against Liverpool.

Queiroz said: "It was crucial to win and be in this position with eight games left.

"It gives us the right confidence and motivation. It is very positive that from now to the end our it is in our hands."

Ferguson rates Rio Ferdinand as doubtful for Liverpool's visit to Old Trafford with a back problem, but the central defender has been included in Fabio Capello's provisional England squad named today to face France next week.

source : www.sportinglife.com

Hamilton Braced for Ferrari Backlash

Lewis Hamilton insists he fully expects Ferrari to bounce back at this weekend's Malaysian Grand Prix after their disastrous start to the 2008 Formula One season in Melbourne.

Both Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa retired from the Australian Grand Prix with engine failures, though the former did at least have the consolation of a world championship point after Rubens Barrichello's Honda was disqualified.

While the Italian team were left to reflect on their misfortune, Hamilton was cruising to victory at Albert Park to strike the first blow in this season's championship race.

But with Ferrari confident they have got to the root of their mechanical woes - a broken valve in the engine was apparently to blame - Hamilton is under no illusions he will be in for a much harder time in Sepang from the team expected to once again prove McLaren's main rivals as the season unfolds.

"I expect them to be as strong as they were last weekend but perhaps without the problems that they had," he said.

"They can't really have a much worse weekend than they did last weekend. I'm sure they'll recover and do a better job than last weekend but they were quite strong here last year as well, especially during the race.

"So we'll have to look out for them."

Hamilton finished second behind team-mate Fernando Alonso last year in only the Briton's second Formula One race, enticing pole-sitter Massa into a mistake along the way that effectively ruined the Brazilian's race.

It was the second of what turned out to be nine consecutive podium appearances for the 23-year-old as his debut season ended with him missing out on becoming the first rookie champion in the sport's history by a single point to Raikkonen.

But Hamilton believes last year's tumultuous campaign - that featured as much action off the track as on it - helped him mature as a driver regardless of the outcome.

"I think after a long season, it takes some time to come down and also then to rebuild," he said. "To start building on the foundations you've made, and there were a few of them last season.

"I had a very good season last year, perhaps with not the best ending, but I learnt so much that going into this season I start at a much higher point than I did last year.

"Confidence and training has been much better going into the first race than it was last year just because of the experience.

"We know what to do, so I think overall I'm in much better shape."

That claim was borne out by the manner of last Sunday's victory, when Hamilton insisted he was driving within himself even though he had to negotiate three safety car periods.

"Being in front you're able to pace yourself and to just stay on top of things," he added.

"I'm not going to say by how much I could have gone faster, you don't really know, but I was still pushing. It wasn't the case that I was short-shifting everywhere.

"There were a lot of variants last year. I came in, everything was new to me, so I was on the limit everywhere. I was on the limit on the pit lane, I was on the limit on the exit of the pits.

"I was on the limit from the first lap to the end of the race and perhaps I consumed more energy mentally and physically than I needed to.

"This year, I have it a lot more under control, I can control it a lot better."

Hamilton also reiterated he would not be joining the Grand Prix Drivers' Association despite being urged to sign up to the body that liaises with the FIA on safety issues.

"I'm quite comfortable with the way I am. I shouldn't be pressured into doing anything, at any time," he said.

source : www.sportinglife.com

Super Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton believes his Australian Grand Prix triumph is the best of his five Formula One wins so far.

The McLaren driver cruised to victory at Albert Park on Sunday, claiming the opening race of the season by 5.4 seconds from BMW Sauber's Nick Heidfeld - with Nico Rosberg securing a maiden podium by finishing third in his Williams.

A frenetic season-opening contest saw only seven cars eventually cross the line after 58 laps of racing during another scorching Melbourne afternoon.

But Hamilton was coolness personified as he led from the front for the vast majority of the race, despite twice seeing his advantage reduced to nothing by the deployment of the safety car.

His performance was in stark contrast to that of 'Iceman' Kimi Raikkonen, who had begun the day aiming for points after a fuel pump problem had relegated the Finn to 15th on the grid.

That he managed to claim even one was the only piece of good fortune the current world champion experienced all weekend, after sixth-placed driver Rubens Barrichello was disqualified for exiting the pit lane with the red light on.

That came after his Ferrari had once again come to a halt in the pit lane, this time because of engine failure four laps from the end of the race, to bring an unhappy conclusion to an erratic afternoon.

The 28-year-old made up seven places at the start, was even running as high as third at one point but found himself at the back of the field when he ended up in the gravel, over-shooting on a bend passing Heikki Kovalainen's McLaren after the second safety car re-start.

A subsequent spin compounded Raikkonen's misery, but at least he was promoted from ninth to eight after Barrichello's blunder.

There were no such problems for Hamilton, the 23-year-old effortlessly easing away from the field three times after safety car periods - producing a faultless display, driving within himself.

After his maiden victory in Montreal last year, also highlighted by numerous interruptions, Hamilton went on to taste success three more times.

But he rates his Australian triumph even higher than the stunning victory in near-monsoon conditions at the Fuji Speedway in Japan last year.

"It's probably the best race I've had so far - in terms of managing tyres, controlling my pace and confidence, and being comfortable in the car." he said.

"It's quite different to my first win in Montreal, just because it was not really expected.

"Coming into your second season, this is a sort of target I set myself - and so I guess I've put more pressure on myself this year.

"This perhaps feels better than any, because I feel I've improved in so many areas. But I wouldn't say it's the perfect win. I would say there are a lot of areas I can improve."

With Heikki Kovalainen finishing fifth on his McLaren debut, it was a pleasing start for the Woking-based team as they opened up a 13-point gap over their Italian rivals - Felipe Massa also failing to finish because of engine failure, having already put David Coulthard out of the race.

After the trials and tribulations of last season, Hamilton was delighted to start the 2008 campaign on a positive note.

"I wouldn't say it draws a line under it [last season]," he added.

"But for sure, coming into a new season, turning over a new leaf, we really wanted to get off on the right foot.

"Ron's [Dennis] been through a lot - so have the team - but we pulled through, and it really shows in the results.

"I'm glad he's happy. It's an emotional feeling to win the first grand prix of the season - especially with all the winter testing, the whole build-up, not really knowing whether you had the pace of everyone else, whether you would be able to win, whether the cars could be reliable.

"But when you come out on top it's a real relief and great satisfaction."

Despite Ferrari's disastrous start, Hamilton is far too shrewd to start writing off the Italian marque just yet.

"I think a lot of hype was put on them," he said.

"They've obviously had a tough weekend. But we can't forget that they are a great team and they have a very good car and two great drivers as well.

"One bad weekend - I'm sure everyone could have a bad weekend at some point during the season. There are still 17 races to go."

source : www.sportinglife.com

Bad day for Raikkonen and Ferrari

Ferrari
Kimi Raikkonen: "It's really disappointing not to finish the race, but at least the point is better than nothing. I had an engine problem, the reason for which now needs to be analysed. The car was good and I had a good pace when I found a free track ahead of me.

"I spun a couple of times trying to pass those ahead of me, but the first time, with Glock, I put a wheel on the grass and the second time, with Kovalainen, I was a bit too optimistic. This result is obviously not the best start to the season but it is a very long one and we are well aware that we are capable of recovering from far worse situations than this. We have to put everything in place and then we will be really competitive."

Felipe Massa: "A horrible start to the season. We had engine problems which is unusual for a team like ours. We have to understand what happened and react immediately. I was fighting my way up the order all race long. At the first corner I lost control of the car while battling with Kovalainen and ended up off the track. Then I moved up the order and could have finished in the points.

"The incident with Coulthard? I was on the inside and he closed the door on me, probably because he hadn't seen me. Our championship will have to start again in Malaysia. We know we have a good car we have to work to be able to use it as intended."

Toyota:
Timo Glock: That was a hard way to return to racing in F1. Given our starting position this was always going to be a difficult afternoon's work. I had contact with two other cars at the start but despite our heavy fuel load we were able to make up some ground in the early part of the race. Still, the car felt a bit strange in terms of understeer and that's what we have to work on to improve the car. After the pit stop it was hard work to drive and my race ended with the crash. I feel fine but I'm disappointed and we will hope for better fortunes next week."

Jarno Trulli: From early on in the race the battery was too hot. Then when I stopped in the pits it just gave up. That is a pity because the car felt good and I was doing pretty well. I was running comfortably in the points so it is unfortunate to lose out on a scoring start to the year. Still, the car is better than last year's and there is performance to come. Here we didn't look too strong because we didn't work the tyres perfectly but even so we could have had a good result. So I'm sure we can fight well this year and I hope to be stronger in Malaysia."

Super Aguri:
Takuma Sato: It was a difficult race for us. I did not get off the start well, but after that I fought back for position and gained a few places in the first lap, and that was an exciting moment battling in the first stint. After the first pitstop and a few laps we had a problem and I had to stop, which is a shame as everyone has done such a good job to get us here and make it happen. But I think that we collected very valuable information and data today, so I cannot wait to get started again in Malaysia."

Anthony Davidson: It is disappointing to have an early retirement from the Australian Grand Prix. I am really frustrated that I couldn't do the laps that I wanted to today and finish the race, as that was my main aim. We haven't had much time in the car this weekend or in testing and it was really important to get that done today, so it is gutting not to have done that. I feel that through no fault of my own I was sandwiched between two cars, trying to avoid the inevitable. I tried to brake to get away from it and the cars right and left just rode over my front wheels, so there was no where for me to go."

Gentlemen Start Your Engine !

The time for talking and sandbagging is finally over.

On Sunday, the Formula One fraternity will discover who will be the major players, the wannabes and the tail-enders for 2008 as the red lights disappear to signal the start of what is certain to be another frenzied campaign.

As always, throughout the winter there are plenty of words of hope and optimism spoken by various drivers and team personnel that in turn are invariably devoured by a hungry press pack.

And as always, there are plenty of testing kilometres racked up - unless you happened to be at Super Aguri the past few months - in an effort to iron out any gremlins from the latest multi-million-pound machines.

But the words are often hollow and the testing times irrelevant because the wheat is only ever separated from the chaff once the chequered flag drops on the curtain-raising grand prix.

Invariably, once the result has been classified, there are few surprises that spring out over the remainder of the season.

The teams at the front come the conclusion of the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne will likely continue to slug it out for both the drivers' and constructors' titles.

In this instance, expect Ferrari and McLaren to again go toe-to-toe, and reigning world champion Kimi Raikkonen and Lewis Hamilton to fight to the finish as they did last year.

The remaining points positions will involve those teams aiming to become the best of the rest, desperately searching for reliability and respectability.

BMW Sauber edged that duel in 2007, but Williams are the team on the rise, which could leave Fernando Alonso simply collecting the scraps on his return to Renault, unless he truly has been pulling the wool over people's eyes of late.

Then there are the remaining waifs and strays who have it within themselves to pose the odd shock result now and again, but who are primarily anxious to avoid the dreaded 'nul points' come the end of the year.

The previous text would lend itself to suggest Formula One is boring and predictable, but in truth, and as 2007 proved, that is far from the case.

When it comes to Formula One, expect the unexpected could not be more apt.

************

The organisers of the Australian Grand Prix are hoping to reach a compromise with Bernie Ecclestone relating to the start time of future races.

Ecclestone has long called for the season-opening event to be run at night to satisfy the demand of a hungry European audience, and the burgeoning Middle East market.

The Australian Grand Prix Corporation, who run the Melbourne race, are unwilling to jump to Ecclestone's call as they claim it is not possible from a logistical and financial standpoint.

In a bid to appease Ecclestone, Sunday's grand prix will start at 3.30pm (4.30am GMT), 90 minutes later than in previous years.

If there is an increase in viewing figures, there is the prospect of next year's race commencing at the twilight time of 5pm (6am GMT).

AGPC chairman Ron Walker is hoping that will satisfy Ecclestone, and so safeguard the event's future beyond the expiry of their current contract in 2010.

But as Ecclestone this week asserted: "It needs to be a night race. It (Walker's plan) doesn't help a lot. That's not really what we're looking for."

As Indianapolis Motor Speedway owner Tony George found to his cost last year when it came to the United States Grand Prix, you either do as Bernie says, or you fall by the wayside.

The USGP ultimately had to bite the bullet, and so will Australia unless Walker agrees to Ecclestone's demands because when it comes to this kind of situation, there is only ever one winner.

************

Ron Dennis roused his troops this week with a Churchillian speech before defiantly departing for Melbourne.

Dennis had become the subject of feverish speculation relating to his future in recent weeks as the fall-out from the spy scandal continued.

The visit by Italian police to his home and those of other senior McLaren personnel had raised the question as to whether Dennis was the right man to continue leading the team.

At the age of 60, given the painful separation from his wife only recently and the fact he is a multi-millionaire, there were those who felt Dennis would opt to slip away quietly into the background.

The gossip was he would relinquish his roles as chairman and CEO of the McLaren Group, and team principal of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team, while the German manufacturers would buy the 15% stake he still owns in the company.

But not a bit of it.

As far as Dennis is concerned, he is not prepared to bow out on the back of the most ignominious of seasons in McLaren's history.

To that end, on Monday he gathered together the hundreds of staff who work at the team's Woking headquarters and informed them he is no quitter and he would be continuing.

Dennis is either brave or foolhardy. As always, time will tell on that one.

source : www.sportinglife.com

Lampard concerned over contract

Frank Lampard has told Chelsea he wants his future sorted out as the club continue to stall over a new contract.

The England midfielder is running out of patience over his contract situation, which could remain in limbo until the summer.

Lampard, who scored four goals in Chelsea's 6-1 demolition of Derby last night, insists he wants to stay at Stamford Bridge but is perplexed by the fact no offer has been made.

"I've been approached a few times by the club saying they are going to come to me with something and they haven't," declared Lampard.

"That means they're saying they will have to wait until the summer and I don't really know what that means. I said at the beginning of the season I didn't want to talk about my contract because I wanted to concentrate on my football.

"They have made contact but it hasn't been with any news. They've been saying that something is going to happen but if we wait until the summer and nothing happens, then I've got a year left, which is not a position I want to be in.

"I've made it clear I want to stay here and I want to know what's going on. I love playing for this club, I'm enjoying the greatest days of my career.

"Every time I run out for the club I don't think about the contract but when I am at home I would like it to be sorted out.

"It's dragged on this season and that's not ideal for me."

Lampard's change of emphasis on his contract situation will throw the spotlight back on the club's plans.

Coach Avram Grant refuses to talk about his contract negotiations, saying it is not his area.

Grant believes Lampard will stay but Chelsea are in danger of losing one of their biggest assets if they do not open negotiations before the end of the season.

Lampard took his goal tally for the club to an amazing 107 in almost seven years with his four-goal haul as Chelsea's victory over Derby put them right back in the title race.

They are now just five points behind leaders Arsenal with a game in hand.

Both Arsenal and second-placed Manchester United are still to visit Stamford Bridge and those games are likely to have a major bearing on the destination of the Premier League crown.

Lampard became the first Chelsea player to score four goals in a game since Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink eight years ago.

The player's goal return from midfield has been phenomenal but he admits he found it hard to hit the net when he first arrived from West Ham as a replacement for crowd favourite Gus Poyet.

"It was a difficult first season when I arrived but there were a few goals that were important to me," said Lampard.

"Looking back it was a great building block to get me where I am now.

"When I signed I knew I needed to score goals for the club and it was a nice pressure to have as I think it spurred me on a little bit.

"My first couple of seasons were a bit quiet on the goal front but the last few have been very prolific.

"I was out in Wimbledon with some friends shortly after joining the club when some Chelsea supporters recognised me. They started asking me how many goals I was going to score for the club and if I thought I could do well at Stamford Bridge.

"Of course I was confident and told the fans they wouldn't be disappointed but I never expected to get 100 goals during my time here.

"I think it has been made easier because I have had the fans behind me from day one.

"They have always supported me and it's been excellent. We have a special relationship and it is something I appreciate.

"It's the first time I've scored four at the top level and it feels very nice to do it - especially from midfield."

Lampard has won back-to-back Premier League titles, two Carling Cups and an FA Cup during his time at the club but out of all his goals there are two that stand out - the double that earned Chelsea the title with a 2-0 win at Bolton in 2005.

"Other than the birth of my two children, that day was the best day of my life," said Lampard.

"Just hearing the commentary gives me goosebumps let alone watching them. It was just a special day all round, for the club, for the fans, everything was meant to be that day. It is something that will live with me forever, it was amazing."

source : www.sportinglife.com

Karim Benzema extends Lyon contract

Lyon striker Karim Benzema has signed a new contract at the club until 2013, with an option for a further one-year extension.

The France international has been attracting the attention of a host of leading European teams after a string of superb performances for Les Gones this campaign, but he has committed his future to the club he joined when he was eight years old.

An statement on the club's website said: "Karim Benzema and the Lyon president agree that this extension is an important moment both for the player and for the club."

The 20-year-old admitted last week he wanted to stay with the French champions, despite speculation linking him with a move to Manchester United.

"I want to be at Lyon next year," he told Spanish daily El Mundo deportivo. "There's still so much to do and I want to win titles with Lyon."


(reopens) At the official announcement on Thursday, the 20-year-old Benzema reiterated that he never had any other desire than to win trophies with Lyon.

He said: "In my head it was clear that I wanted to continue my progression here and not exile myself in Spain, England or Italy.

"I'm happy in Lyon, I was born here, I live here, I want to continue learning at Olympique Lyonnais.

"Everyone has faith in me, my team-mates are behind me. I really want to win lots of titles, starting with a cup-league double this season and I'd love to one day win the Champions League with Lyon. There's still so much to do."

Although the five-year contract is the maximum length that can be offered, Benzema did not say that he would stay in France for its duration.

"I can't say how long I'll be here, maybe another two or three years," he added.

"The moment will come, we'll decide it together with the president."

Club president Jean-Michel Aulas, meanwhile, admitted that the club had had to put its hands in its pockets to ensure that their star player was not attracted by lucrative offers from abroad.

"With sporting ambition comes financial ambition," he explained.

"We've done what we thought was necessary so Karim wouldn't be embarrassed to compare what he gets with what he would have got abroad.

"We've done the most possible, he completely deserves it. It was necessary that he not only felt good here but that he had the salary he deserves with his talent, which is immense. We're staking a lot on him."

source : www.sportinglife.com

Starcraft 2 Update Center

Just about 10 years have passed since Blizzard released StarCraft, a science-fiction themed real-time strategy game that even today manages to maintain a wild degree of popularity. Last year at the company's Worldwide Invitational (WWI) event in Seoul, South Korea, the long-awaited sequel was finally announced, and there was much rejoicing.

Blizzard has kept its thumb on the information hose so far, loosening its grip periodically to give its loyal fans and the gaming media an idea of how development is going. At WWI we saw bits and pieces of the Protoss race, then later on last year at Blizzcon 2007 the Terrans were displayed for all to see. What's remained a mystery so far are Blizzard's plans for the monstrous Zerg, something which we'll finally get a chance to check out tomorrow at Blizzard's headquarters.

source : www.ign.com

Microsoft cuts Xbox 360 Prices in UK

Microsoft has slashed the price of Xbox 360, cutting the estimated retail price for the Arcade pack by £40, to £159.99 – officially making it the cheapest next-gen console on the market. The Premium pack, which includes a 20GB hard drive and a wireless controller, has had its price cut by £50 to £199, while the Xbox 360 Elite will retail for £259.99 - a saving of £40.

The prices are effective as of this Friday, March 14, and Microsoft is hoping the move will push Xbox 360 even further into the mainstream. "We continue to offer intense, immersive gaming experiences for gamers – but now we're priced in a way that will allow new consumers to find out for themselves why Xbox 360 is the ultimate in high-definition entertainment," said Chris Lewis, Vice President for Microsoft Interactive Entertainment Business Europe. "History shows that £159.99 is the price point where a console's audience begins to expand, and with these new ERPs in place we're ready to bring more consumers into the Xbox 360 world."

Will Sony follow suit and cut the price of PlayStation 3 anytime soon? We doubt it, but let us know what you think of the price cut in the comments below.

source : www.ign.com

Race Starts could be moved

Australian Grand Prix organisers could move the start time of the 2009 race to late afternoon as they seek a compromise with Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone.

It has been decided Sunday's event at Melbourne's Albert Park will start at 3.30pm, rather than 2pm, to attract a larger television audience across Europe and Asia.

If that proves a success, organisers may then start next year's grand prix at 5pm in the hope that will appease Ecclestone, who has long called for the race to become a night-time event, or run the risk of losing their contract beyond 2010.

Australian Grand Prix Corporation chairman Ron Walker said: "If starting the race later this year increases the television audience around the world, as we believe it will, we'll seek a 5pm start for the 2009 race.

"That will mean a 7am start time for the television coverage in Europe, finishing at about 8.40am; a 6am start time in the UK, finishing at about 7.40am; and an afternoon start and finish across the Asian continent where there are potentially hundreds of millions of extra viewers.

"All this can be achieved without any additional infrastructure costs."

source : www.sportinglife.com

Raikkonen ready to defend his Champ's Title

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone once noted of Kimi Raikkonen that "he barely talks to anyone and has done little for the sport".

As promoter of the most expensive sports production in the world, Ecclestone expects the drivers to also be entertainers, to offer more to 'the show' than merely driving fast at the numerous circuits around the world.

Yet as far as Raikkonen is concerned, if Ferrari are willing to spend £25million per annum on his services, his job is simply to win grands prix and championships.

It is not, as he found to his unhappy cost during his five years with McLaren, to suck up to the corporate suits at fancy dinners and sponsorship soirees.

In many respects, when Raikkonen switched from McLaren to Ferrari last winter, there was a sense of relief he had left behind the all-too-businesslike efficiency demanded by Ron Dennis.

Of course, there was a certain trepidation too, as Raikkonen had been hired to fill the shoes of incomparable seven-times champion Michael Schumacher.

If ever two drivers embody the antithesis of one another then it is Raikkonen and Schumacher, although with one unerring natural ability in common - to drive brilliantly.

Raikkonen did that last year, and deservedly - although some may disagree - he finally won his first world title at the age of 28.

Yet although the Finn has now achieved his ambition, and there are many commentators who perhaps felt that would be enough to satisfy him, his thirst for success has been far from quenched.

Unfortunately for Ecclestone, Raikkonen seems set to remain in the sport for a while yet as he said: "Anyone who thinks I'm now happy and satisfied is mistaken.

"It has never been fun for me to drive for a fifth or sixth-place finish. I'm here to win."

And that will be with Ferrari and no other team, adding: "I can well imagine that Ferrari will be the last team in my career. Why should I consider leaving?

"I have a contract for two more years, and as I've said before, I am not in a hurry to sign any new contracts.

"If I wanted I could sign a new contract tomorrow, but I will see what it feels like.

"Before I finish this contract I will make a new plan, but so far I enjoy Formula One and I'm very happy with the team.

"I like working with the people, but we will see what happens in the future."

The fact Raikkonen won the title in his debut season with Ferrari when a year ago he was in unfamiliar surroundings with a new car, new team-mate and new engineers merely strengthens his hand for this year.

In testing these past couple of months he has shown blistering pace, invariably overshadowing his team-mate Felipe Massa, and it is no wonder he starts favourite to retain his crown.

Raikkonen certainly feels more at home with the Maranello marque, adding: "It's much nicer and easier now than a year ago when I didn't know the people and I didn't know the team.

"Coming into this new season, I just hope we have a slightly stronger start to the year and then we will go from there."

But as an ominous word of warning to his rivals, he remarked: "We want to improve everywhere.

"We know where we have a difficult time in certain areas in races and on certain circuits.

"But I improve my driving every time I go in the car, so as a team we are pushing forward and hopefully we can improve in those areas where we want."

That is Raikkonen in the car, but away from it, he insists winning the world title has not impacted on his life, which is not wholly unsurprising given the laid-back nature of his character.

"Sure, I have achieved what I wanted in my life, so it's a nice thing," reflected Raikkonen.

"But I wouldn't say that it has changed me as a person."

There are few, if any sportsmen in the world who would describe becoming world champion as "nice", but then that merely sums up Raikkonen.

source : www.sportinglife.com

GT 5 Prologue Features

Racing fans have been looking forward to the upcoming release of Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, the latest installment in the franchise. Today, SCEA announced the full vehicle roster, track list and features for the upcoming game, which will be released on April 17th for $39.99 from the PlayStation Store and on Blu-ray. The Blu-ray version will include a behind the scenes video called "Beyond the Apex." More than sixty vehicles and 14 tuned cars will be included in the game, with the Ferrari 599, Nissan GT-R and Dodge Viper GTS as standouts amongst the large roster. These vehicles can be raced around the six tracks in the game, including Daytona International Speedway, Fuji Speedway, and Suzuka Circuit. Each track will have two different track layouts as well.

The North American release of Gran Turismo 5 Prologue will also receive additional features, such as a Drift Mode that will evaluate a player's technique in specific zones around a course and car tuning adjustments to tweak a vehicle's performance. North American owners will also be able to race head to head with a two player split screen offline, and experience new race events offline and online.

The title supports up to 16 players online in races, which will add to the gameplay, and will be supplemented by Gran Turismo TV, a dedicated online channel from the PlayStation Network focused on racing programming and manufacturing content. Gran Turismo 5 Prologue will also include a new cockpit racing view, dynamic AI, as well as a new physics engine, user homepage and DualShock 3 support.

"This impressive vehicle lineup and the additional features that cater to North American racing fans are great compliments to Gran Turismo 5 Prologue's stunning 1080p graphics and revolutionary online features," said Scott A. Steinberg, the vice president of product marketing at SCEA. "Fans are sure to be pleased with the first Gran Turismo product for sale on PlayStation 3."

Here's the full list of cars and tracks that will be available in Gran Turismo 5 Prologue:
Acura NSX '91

Alfa Romeo 147 TI 2.0 TWIN SPARK '06

Alfa Romeo Brera Sky Window 3.2 JTS Q4 '06

Amuse S2000 GT1 Turbo

Amuse/Opera Performance Gran Turismo 350Z RS

Art Morrison Corvette'60

Aston Martin DB9 Coupe '06

Audi R8 4.2 FSI R tronic '07

Audi TT Coupe 3.2 quattro '07

Blitz Dunlop ER34 '07

BMW 135i Coupe '07

BMW 135tii '08

BMW M3 Coupe '07

BMW Z4 '03

Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (C6) Tuned Car

Chevrolet Corvette Z06 '06

Citroen C4 Coupe 2.0VTS '06

Clio Renault Sport V6 24V Tuned Car

Daihatsu Copen Active Top '02

Daihatsu OFC-1 '07

Dodge Viper GTS

Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe

Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe Tuned Car

Ferrari 512BB '76

Ferrari 599 '06

Ferrari F40 '92

Ferrari F430 '06

Ford Focus ST '06

Ford GT '05

Ford GT Tuned Car

Ford Mustang V8 GT Coupe Premium '07

Honda Integra TYPE R '04

Honda NSX Type R '02

Jaguar XK Coupe '06

Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evoluzione '91

Lexus IS F '07

Lexus IS F Tuned Car

Lotus Elise 111R '04

Lotus Elise 111R Tuned Car

Lotus Elise '96

Lotus Elise Tuned Car

Mazda Atenza Sport (2007 Tokyo Motor Show reference exhibit)

Mazda RX-7 (FD) Special Tuned Car

Mazda RX-7 Spirit R Type A (FD) '02

Mazda RX-7 Spirit R Type A (FD) Tuned Car

Mazda RX-8 Type S '03

Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG '02

Mine's BNR34 Skyline GT-R N1 base '06

Mini Cooper-S '06

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX GSR '05

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X GSR Premium Package '07

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X GSR Tuned Car

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX GSR Tuned Car

Nissan Fairlady Z Version S '07

Nissan GT-R '07

Nissan GT-R Proto '05

Nissan Skyline Coupe (V36) Tuned Car

Nissan Skyline Coupe 370GT Type SP '07

Nissan Skyline Coupe Concept '07

Nissan Skyline GT-R V-spec II Nur '02

Nissan Skyline Sedan 350GT Type SP '06

Peugeot 207GTI '07

Peugeot 307cc Premium AVN '04

RE Amemiya FD3S RX-7

Renault Clio Renault Sport V6 24V '00

Subaru Impreza Sedan WRX STI spec C Type RA '05

Subaru Impreza WRX STI (18inch BBS Wheel Option) '07

Suzuki Cappuccino '95

Suzuki Cappuccino Tuned Car

Suzuki Cervo SR '07

Suzuki Swift Sport '07

Suzuki Swift Sport Tuned Car

TVR Tamora '02

TVR Tuscan Speed 6 '00

Volkswagen Golf GTI '01

Volkswagen Golf V GTI '05


Track List
Suzuka Circuit

Fuji Speedway

Daytona International Speedway

Eiger Nordwand

London City Track

High Speed Ring


We'll have more on Gran Turismo 5 Prologue soon.

source : www.ign.com

Prince of Persia Goes to Morroco

Jerry Bruckheimer's live-action adaptation of the Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time videogame is finally gearing up for production, with Variety announcing the film's start date and shooting locations.

Production was delayed due to the WGA strike but now director Mike Newell, who also lensed Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, is free to begin filming in Morocco in June, with things then switching to Britain's Pinewood Studios.

Disney and Bruckheimer have high hopes for the film, with the producer eager to turn this tale of magic, swashbuckling and baggy pants into a mega-franchise - like his Pirates of the Caribbean.

The movie is set for a June 16 2009 release. The only spanner in the works might be more industrial action, this time courtesy of the SAG, who are still considering a strike of their own.

At present, no cast has been announced, but with the movie now up-and-running, who would you like to see play the titular middle-eastern royal?

source : www.ign.com

Burnout Paradise Patch Fixes

Criterion Games has released a trunk-load of information about the fixes included in its upcoming Burnout Paradise patch. No definitive date has been set for the update's release yet, possibly because Criterion seems to be fixing each and every part of the game.

The patch is planned for both PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 and tweaks everything from audio performance to server communication. Here's a full list of everything Criterion plans to address with Burnout Paradise V 1.2, starting with the top 10 problems most mentioned by Burnout players:

- PS3 game can crash when a player is taken down and the player that has performed the Takedown leaves the game.
- The game indefinitely displays "Connecting to Paradise City Servers" if it's having problems pinging the rebroadcast server.
- Disconnecting the controller before a race begines can mean that race timings can be manipulated with players who didn't cross the line first being awarded the win
- Repeatedly joining and leaving a game with 8 players can cause the game to hang.
- Hammering the A (360) or X (PS3) after unlocking a car can cause the game to hang.
- East Crawford and Watt St achievements can not be achieved if the player goes online and sets road rules before attempting them.
- Audio distortion when using 5.1 / DTS and looking rearwards.
- Enhanced 360 streaming performance stops instances where the game seems to pause for a second or so.
- Total time driven in player stats would stick at 145 hours :)
- VoIP connection problems with 8 player games.

Game experience enhancements

- We're going to be running road rule timers in all events and online challenges.
- Tuning Online Takedown logic & physical behaviour to iron out instances where it doesn't feel fair.
- Increase online race timer timeout so players have a greater chance of finishing the race.
- Fix drifting bug when drifting and boosting there wasn't any real control on the brake so players would grind around the walls of the corners. Getting better control.
- Boost fix, stabbing the boost has too much of a jerky behaviour in the car handling.
- Surround sound fix - Centre speaker was 4dB louder, ruining the mix and the speech has now been positioned correctly.
- Tweak Marked Man gameplay AI, was easy to exploit by driving in reverse.
- Increase the # of search results returned for online games.
- Increase Picture Paradise timer so it doesn't kick in so quickly.

Other high priority issues being fixed

- Some online race start points face the players in the wrong direction
- Instances where Barrel rolls were not registering correctly in Stunt Run
- Instances in Stunt Run where players would crash but not wreck & score multipliers by driving away
- Fixed instances where the counting of Boost Chains would drop out
- Some instances where Revenge Rivalries desync & don't get fixed until players are updated online.
- Some instance where the Host couldn't change the game access if the game was created through an invite.
- Achievements, Awards and Challenges numbers sometimes not updated if the player didn't leave the game cleanly
- Online challenge issues where the challenge couldn't be completed if it was started at the exact time that a player left the game.
- Incorrect rivalry updates when European players played against English or Japanese players. Online connection issues
- Force timeout if the 360 gets stuck on "Connecting to Paradise City Servers" - NAT error
- Rich presence on 360 didn't change correctly when there is a change in the game parameters.
- Instances where Friends were not being displayed on the mini map.

source : www.ign.com

Insecticide the game

Crackpot Entertainment is currently busy as a bee working on the company's new adventure title Insecticide. The game takes players into a world where insects are at the top of the food chain. It is a noir story of mystery, intrigue and adventure. Players will have to stop a wave of crime and corruption that is slowly devouring the entire city.

Gamers will play as Detective Chrys Liszt, and her partner Roachy Caruthers as they try to untangle a web of crimes. You will be armed with a wide assortment of insect abilities as well as your wits.

source : www.ign.com

Milan finally lose

An air of disappointment hangs over AC Milan this morning after the holders were eliminated from the UEFA Champions League by two late Arsenal FC goals at San Siro last night.

'They dominated'
Cesc Fabregas and Emmanuel Adebayor struck in the final six minutes as Milan failed to build on a 0-0 draw in the first leg in London, and Brazilian star Kaká was left to concede that his side had been well beaten. "Arsenal deserved to qualify," said the 25-year-old. "They played very well and they were more dangerous than us. We only played well in the first 20 minutes then they took control of the match. They dominated us. It is the first time that I have been eliminated from the Champions League so early, but it happens - that's football."

'Glorious cycle'
Milan have been on a sensational run in the competition since Carlo Ancelotti took over as coach in November 2001. His predecessor Alberto Zaccheroni saw his side eliminated in the second group stage of the 2000/01 campaign and Milan did not compete in the 2001/02 edition, but since then Ancelotti has led his side to at least the last eight in the last five UEFA Champions League campaigns – a run which included European titles in both 2003 and 2007 and a losing final in 2005. Gazzetto dello Sport reflected on this run in a piece entitled 'The end of a glorious cycle.'

Maldini bows out
It was also the end of a glorious period for Paolo Maldini who played in what will be his final UEFA Champions League match last night. The 39-year-old defender has said that he will retire at the end of the season, and he will do so having been a European champion five times in the red and black of Milan. With Ancelotti's side having proved in recent years that they are more than capable of raising themselves to the challenge of European competition despite inconsistent results at home, many thought Maldini would win a sixth winners' medal before retiring.

Learning experience
Yet it was not to be, and the pain of defeat was beginning to dawn for Kaká, whose side are fifth in Serie A, four points adrift of ACF Fiorentina who occupy the fourth and final Italian berth for next season's UEFA Champions League. "Difficult days lie ahead," he said. "However, this team has great experience and we are sure to find the strength to get back on to our feet again and finish fourth in the league. These are important moments which help you to grow and I must also thank the fans who were behind us until the end."

New beginning
Massimo Oddo agreed. "After so many years of success inevitably you have to bow out of a competition, but we have a real will to get back [into the UEFA Champions League]," said the former S.S. Lazio right-back. "Now let's concentrate on the fourth place which we need to get back in." Gazzetta dello Sport concluded matter-of-factly of last night's match: "Ancelotti's side had no chance. The English team were too strong." The paper's front-page headline read 'Milan – The End'. Ancelotti and his team can only hope it was in fact another new beginning.

source : www.uefa.com

Blu ray too small for MGS4

It seems that the tech companies will never be able to keep up with the demands of a Metal Gear Solid game, with Hideo Kojima stating in a Famitsu interview that Guns of the Patriots suffered cuts in order to fit onto to a Blu-ray disc.

At 50GB, the Blu-ray offers nearly six times the storage capacity of a DVD – but it's still not enough for the demands of Metal Gear Solid 4. Earlier last week the game's assistant producer Ryan Payton confessed that the American and European versions would not carry the Japanese voice track due to storage limitations. Hideo Kojima further elaborated on the issue and stated in a Famitsu interview, kindly translated by Kotaku, that, "There's not enough space. We always talked about where to cut and what to compress."

It's already known that Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots will be dialogue-heavy – to an extent that could well outstrip its quite comically verbose predecessors. But the possibility of the amount of chattering outstripping even a Blu-ray disc is quite terrifying. Brace yourself for an earful come June 12.

source : www.ign.com