Bookmaker puts EA's arcade racing game at evens for festive top spot
This year's UK Christmas videogames chart is set to be spearheaded by EA, Microsoft and Konami titles, if the odds on Paddy Power are accurate.
It places the latest Need for Speed title - ProStreet - as the favourite to claim the top spot on evens, with FIFA 08 at 2-1, Halo 3 at 6-1 and Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 at 10-1.
While most people are unlikely to bet against those games hitting the Christmas number one spot, there are a few games that might raise an eyebrow.
Manhunt 2 is listed as 25-1, despite the game being effectively banned by the BBFC in the UK, although an appeal is pending.
Additionally the main contenders are dominated by titles that will appeal to the traditional gaming market, including Super Mario Galaxy, despite many predictions that the Wii will continue to be the market-leading console for some time yet.
At the other end of the betting list, the longest odds available are for Balloon Pop, which weighs in at a hefty 250-1.
Despite the ESRB's decision to change Manhunt 2's initial rating from AO to M, Target stores apparently will not be selling the game in North America.
Calls to Target's corporate offices were not immediately returned, but several branches confirmed that they will not be carrying Rockstar's title.
According to Game Politics, an internal Target memo told every branch to stop selling the game and to refuse all future deliveries of the title for all systems.
Interestingly enough, the PSP version of Manhunt 2 is still available for sale on Target's website, which states: "This item is available online, but is not available in stores."
Manhunt 2, released last week, is still being sold at other US retailers including Best Buy, Circuit City, and Wal-Mart.
A Best Buy spokesperson told GamesIndustry.biz that they abide by the ESRB ratings, selling M-rated games to those who produce valid IDs, and currently had no plans to pull the game from their shelves.
UPDATE: A representative from Target's corporate office confirmed that the company made a decision to no longer sell Manhunt 2. She refused to elaborate further, and the company has not issued a formal statement.
The greatest year in the history of games continues this week with the release of Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga, and Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games. Also making a splash this week is the PC arrival of Gears of War and Aqua Teen Hunger Force: Zombie Ninja Pro-Am. Are you grabbing any of these this week, or are you holding out for something more grand? Let us know what your plans are below.
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare - 360, PS3, PC, DS
Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga - 360, PS3, Wii, DS
Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games - Wii
Gears of War - PC
Aqua Teen Hunger Force Zombie Ninja Pro-Am - PS2 Read more for the entire listing.
War games trivialize the plight of soldiers? Not so, says Hank Keirsey, military vet and advisor for the Call of Duty franchise.
Some may suggest that putting gamers in the middle of virtual battle against Nazis and other unsavory types cheapens the idea of self-sacrifice that goes along with serving in the real-life military. But in a phone interview with Next-Gen, Keirsey, whose military experience includes Panama and the Gulf War, argues that well-made realistic war games actually help the gaming pubic understand the hardships as well as the positives of being in the service.
“I think it draws some awareness to the issue, and in the case of World War II games, I think it taught history,” Keirsey believes. “There are kids who would never have any interest in what their great-grandfathers did before they died, but they’re compelled to get on the phone and say, ‘Dad or granddad or great-granddad, I just played this game. I’ve talked to my mom and she said you were in that fight somewhere. What weapon did you carry? A Thompson?'”
Keirsey has offered his experience to Call of Duty publisher Activision as a military advisor since the first entry in the series, which released in 2003 on PC. Other sequels and console spin-offs have helped propel the franchise to major success, and with this week’s Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, developed by Infinity Ward, the franchise will move from its original World War II setting into modern times.
“I actually was reluctant to shift from [the WWII setting] just because I like talking to those [old vets],” admits Keirsey. “But when I went back and saw what we’ve done with [COD4], I think it transfers some of that respect to the kids, the girls, guys—mostly guys—that are out there [in the service] today. So I feel good about it.”
X Games, basketball and football all available for digital download
Microsoft has signed with ESPN to offer sports content over its Xbox Live digital delivery service.
NCAA basketball and football games, X Games competitions and programs such as Madden Nation will all be available to Xbox 360 users, according to an Associated Press report.
"Delivering content through Xbox 360 is another way that we can connect fans with the sports they have such passion for," offered Matt Murphy, SVP of digital distribution for ESPN.
Standard definition, commercial free NCAA games will sell for USD 3, with hi-def versions at USD 4.50.
ESPN TV shows will be priced the same as other Xbox Live TV content – USD 2 for standard definition and USD 3 for hi-definition.
Professional Bull Riders Game Delivers All the Action of the Toughest Sport on Dirt
LAS VEGAS (PBR World Finals)- Crave Entertainment, a leading publisher of console videogames, and Professional Bull Riders, Inc. (PBR) in partnership with D2C Games, Inc. today revealed details of the Professional Bull Riders videogame. Capturing all the adrenaline and challenge of the Toughest Sport on Dirt(tm), the game lets you play as a pro bull rider or as a bull in multiple events leading up to the World Finals. Available for the Wii(tm) home video game console, the Xbox 360®video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and PlayStation(r)2 computer entertainment system, with downloadable versions on the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system and PC, the PBR games are scheduled for release in time for the World Finals beginning in October 2008.
"PBR has a dedicated fan base and the sport is poised to become the next NASCAR," said Rob Dyer, President of Crave Entertainment. "Capturing the intricacies, adrenaline rushes and excitement of professional bull riding is paramount to the success of the games."
"PBR is the fastest growing sport in the U.S. with nearly 20 million fans watching or attending PBR events in 2006,' said Sean Gleason, CMO of PBR. "We are thrilled to partner with Crave Entertainment and D2C Games to bring the sport of professional bull riding to our millions of loyal fans." Players may create their own character and compete as a professional rider or a tenacious bull throughout 10 three-round events in multiple locations, including New York, Anaheim, and Atlanta. Challenge or play as top riders, including Guilherme Marchi, Justin McBride, and Chris Shivers, or play as one of the tour's ferocious bulls!
Unlimited play modes test players' skills in either staying on for at least eight seconds or bucking off the rider before his time is up and Season Mode features unlockable riders and bulls. Become the best rider or bull in multiplayer by having the most "wins," or become part of the Millionaire's Club by beating some of the meanest, toughest bulls in the history of the PBR. Intuitive controls and multiple difficulty levels allow anyone to pick up and play and realistic sounds from screaming crowds to bone-crunching falls max out the realism.
"D2C Games is focused on capturing the essence of the sport while delivering a video game that is easy to pick up and very fun to play," said Scott Orr, CEO and Founder of D2C Games, Inc. "PBR fans for the first time will be able to experience the most exciting eight seconds in sports."
HQ Network: 8,585 | 
Guests: 4622 |
Members: 1
According to Game Politics, an internal Target memo told every branch to stop selling the game and to refuse all future deliveries of the title for all systems.
“I think it draws some awareness to the issue, and in the case of World War II games, I think it taught history,” Keirsey believes. “There are kids who would never have any interest in what their great-grandfathers did before they died, but they’re compelled to get on the phone and say, ‘Dad or granddad or great-granddad, I just played this game. I’ve talked to my mom and she said you were in that fight somewhere. What weapon did you carry? A Thompson?'”
"Delivering content through Xbox 360 is another way that we can connect fans with the sports they have such passion for," offered Matt Murphy, SVP of digital distribution for ESPN.
"PBR has a dedicated fan base and the sport is poised to become the next NASCAR," said Rob Dyer, President of Crave Entertainment. "Capturing the intricacies, adrenaline rushes and excitement of professional bull riding is paramount to the success of the games." 
