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Zombified Londoners take to the streets for Resident Evil
by Ben Gilbert 
{ Nov 4th 2009 at 1:00AM } 
As you can see in the image above captured by The Tanooki, the event erred on the side of Shaun of the Dead rather than 28 Days Later. Though now that we think about it, we're not sure if it's more or less terrifying if zombies are smiling. We're thinking more.
Soccer reigns supreme once again in UK sales chart; DJ Hero breaks in at 20
by Griffin McElroy { Nov 2nd 2009 at 1:00PM }
Episodes From Liberty City and Tekken 6 also made a splash during their launch week, garnering sixth and eighth place finishes, respectively. However, DJ Hero seems to be following its expected, slow-starting sales trajectory, debuting at twentieth place in last week's chart. We've got a small suggestion for FreeStyle Games to improve the rhythm title's performance in the UK: Needs moar Dizzee Rascal.
Source -- Sega's FM 2010 Kicks Off at No1 [Chart Track]
Source -- All formats chart [Chart Track]
New movie-themed Elite bundles for the UK
by Richard Mitchell { Oct 29th 2009 at 6:00AM }
VideoGamer.com is reporting that a supplement in this week's issue of MCV is advertising two new Xbox 360 Elite bundles. Both bundles are themed around recent movie releases, specifically Star Trek and Transformers 2. The Star Trek bundle comes with an extra controller, a copy of J.J. Abrams' Star Trek stored on a USB drive -- shaped like the Star Fleet logo -- as well as 800
with which to buy "Star Trek PDLC." Let's just hope you don't have to waste those points on Star Trek D-A-C. A Transformers 2 bundle is in the works as well, featuring an extra controller, a copy of the movie on a Bumblebee-shaped USB drive and the Transformers 2 game.
Release date, pricing, and the size of the included hard drive (120GB or "Super Elite" 250GB) are not specified in the ad. However, as MCV is a UK magazine, it's possible these are only destined for that region. We'd be hard-pressed to tell potential buyers which one bundle is the better but, but we will say that only one of them goes where no one has gone before. And the other one is Transformers.
with which to buy "Star Trek PDLC." Let's just hope you don't have to waste those points on Star Trek D-A-C. A Transformers 2 bundle is in the works as well, featuring an extra controller, a copy of the movie on a Bumblebee-shaped USB drive and the Transformers 2 game.Release date, pricing, and the size of the included hard drive (120GB or "Super Elite" 250GB) are not specified in the ad. However, as MCV is a UK magazine, it's possible these are only destined for that region. We'd be hard-pressed to tell potential buyers which one bundle is the better but, but we will say that only one of them goes where no one has gone before. And the other one is Transformers.
Xbox 360 Sky Player down, relaunching 'in phases' today
by JC Fletcher { Oct 28th 2009 at 12:00PM }
"Unfortunately due to the unprecedented levels of simultaneous demand," a statement on Xbox.com reads, "we did not have the capacity to satisfy all service requests and therefore temporarily suspended all access to the service." The service is being reinstated in phases today, presumably with some upgrades in place to deal with the demand. An earlier statement (reproduced on Engadget) specified tomorrow as the target date for the relaunch -- it seems likely that all users will be returned to their regularly scheduled programming then.
Shadow Culture Minister upset over lack of UK support for video game industry
by Alexander Sliwinski { Oct 28th 2009 at 3:01AM }
Vaizey quotes research that finds the UK video game sector could shrink 16.5 percent over the next five years, resulting in a potential loss of "£180 million in external investment and nearly 1,700 jobs" – the same words of warning that UK trade association Tiga has been going on about. Vaizey concluded his speech at the London Games Conference saying, "Politicians need to take this industry seriously and promote [it] consistently. ... The industry needs a voice at the national level, and we will explore how best to effect this. There needs to be a renewed focus on the skills you need to continue to grow."
Then he warned the audience that the ability to destroy a planet was insignificant next to the power of the Shadow Lords -- kidding. Ah, good fun, but here's an explanation of the "Shadow Cabinet."
PAL PSA: Black Wii bundle now available for pre-order, discounted in UK
by JC Fletcher { Oct 27th 2009 at 12:02PM }
The UK pre-order price is even discounted a bit to £164.99 (roughly $270) -- the same bundle in boring old white normally retails for £179.99. (The black and white bundles are priced the same, at €209.99, elsewhere in Europe.) The white bundle, however, includes your choice of two additional games -- a small sacrifice for that spooky black coating, we say.
As for you importers, we suppose this could be the ideal time to pursue a PAL model, if you simply can't wait for the black system to be announced for North America. Then again, in doing so, you'll also have to import all of your games. Patience.
[Via Engadget]
Change 4 Life campaign endorsing Wii Fit Plus
by JC Fletcher { Oct 26th 2009 at 9:00PM }
"We are thrilled that active videogames are finally being recognised by the Government for contributing to a healthy, balanced lifestyle," ELSPA's Mike Rawlinson said. Rawlinson revealed that ELSPA has been working with the UK government since the first Change 4 Life ad to get some fairer recognition for games, and apparently the Change 4 Life folks finally
Rumor: Eight minutes of footage of the Xbox's Sky Player
by JC Fletcher { Oct 23rd 2009 at 3:30PM } 
The demo shows the channel selection displayed not only in the familiar NXE interface, but also in a "guide" format like those used by cable and satellite boxes. Another NXE-type menu allows for choosing TV shows and movies by category. And yes, you are treated to an ad for Batman: The Brave and the Bold, along with other footage of the actual watching TV part in action.
Muramasa publisher: UK retailers avoiding original IP
by JC Fletcher { Oct 22nd 2009 at 12:30PM }
He claims that the issue is not with the game itself, but retailers' over-reliance on safer, existing intellectual property. "If it is not first-party, a sequel or supported by a multi-million pound advertising spend, they are just not interested." Defries lamented that Muramasa could find its way into stores -- when it's traded in.
Defries pondered in his letter whether the seemingly growing emphasis on franchises represents a "dumbing-down of the medium" that results in consumers having "little or no exposure to a rich and different gaming experience." Of course, retailers (and publishers) have preferred the sure thing for as long as there have been sequels, but actually not being able to market your game, especially one as interesting as Muramasa, seems especially frustrating.
Beatles: Rock Band bests Guitar Hero 5 in U.S. Sept. sales
by James Ransom-Wiley { Oct 20th 2009 at 12:30PM }
The makers of B:RB have also rubbed in a few seemingly noteworthy facts; namely, (1) U.S. purchases of GH5 in September were eligible for a free mail-away copy of Guitar Hero: Van Halen, and (2) GH5 is available on one additional platform, PS2. Of course, Van Halen isn't exactly the American equivalent of The Beatles, and the PS2 is no longer the dominant platform to stage one's acts upon. Still, despite the staggering odds stacked against its success, B:RB managed to capture the mindshare of U.S. gamers. (And we all know that Americans like to speak their minds with their monies.)
The sales de-feat must feel good for MTV Games and Harmonix -- what with B:RB being burned in the sales competition with GH5 by the kingdom that birthed the band (see: Chart-Track UK September sales rankings posted after the break). What was it? Right: Guitar Hero 5 supposedly outsold The Beatles: Rock Band "2-to-1 in the UK."
So, score a victory for B:RB in the battle of the bands fought in U.S. retail last month. But let's not forget there's a bigger, "World War of Rock" being waged, as well. And our wallets are the oft-unreported collateral damage.
Black Wii system going to Europe as part of Wii Sports Resort bundle
by JC Fletcher { Oct 20th 2009 at 9:32AM }
Along with the black bundle, Nintendo is releasing the black Classic Controller Pro accessory. No price has been announced for any of these items. Nintendo of America has yet to announce any plans to release any of these items -- in fact, it has announced that there are no plans. But, really, it's waiting until every holdout gets impatient and buys a white system.
UK retailer offers Zelda: Spirit Tracks collector's tin
by JC Fletcher { Oct 19th 2009 at 5:40PM } 
Retailer Gamestation is taking pre-orders on the Spirit Tracks: Limited Tin Edition for £39.99. However, Nintendo told CVG that the box is actually a pre-order bonus, and will be available from Gamestation's parent company, GAME, with early purchases of the regular £29.99 game. So, basically, don't buy this thing from Gamestation just yet!
While the box doesn't seem to be designed to hold coins like the Mario one, it is designed to hold the two figurines that will be included. We're really hoping (and almost certain) this is a mockup, and that it doesn't come with oddly flat figurines and a game box that tells you to "Pre-order your copy today!"
[Via CVG, Coplanet]
FIFA 10 won't relinquish top UK sales spot to Uncharted 2
by Alexander Sliwinski { Oct 19th 2009 at 12:29PM }
FIFA 10 may have seen a 54 percent sales drop in the UK last week, but it still maintained its place in the top sales spot for the region. The soccer football title has now surpassed the million sales mark and has done so three weeks faster than FIFA 09 did last year.
Last week's PS3 mega-release, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, entered the "All Formats" chart in second place, but was top (naughty) dog on the PS3 sales chart. The franchise wasn't in uncharted territory, though, as the original also reached the top spot on the PS3 chart during its second week at retail. Brütal Legend's assault of the charts was less savage. The Tim Schafer creation premiered in the seventh position behind -- really?! -- Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games.
Last week's PS3 mega-release, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, entered the "All Formats" chart in second place, but was top (naughty) dog on the PS3 sales chart. The franchise wasn't in uncharted territory, though, as the original also reached the top spot on the PS3 chart during its second week at retail. Brütal Legend's assault of the charts was less savage. The Tim Schafer creation premiered in the seventh position behind -- really?! -- Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games.
Source -- All formats chart [Chart Track]
Hand From Above: Augmented reality for pedestrians
by JC Fletcher { Oct 16th 2009 at 4:00PM }
At first, the hand appeared to be tickling people walking by, but then it began plucking them off the screen as if they'd gotten too close to a dungeon wall -- no doubt causing a brief, involuntary flinch by those who saw themselves lifted into the air by an illusory hand. Check out the video after the break, but watch out for ... the Hand From Above!
UK retailer offering Limited Tin Edition of New Super Mario Bros. Wii
by JC Fletcher { Oct 15th 2009 at 10:00PM }
Well, there ain't no shame in UK retailer GAME, who is taking preorders on a Limited Tin Edition of the game. The Tin Edition comes in a rather fetching tin case, with a slot at the top that makes it suitable for use as a bank. It'll be out in Europe on the same November 20 date as the normal edition, for 49.99. The regular, non-tin version is currently on the site for 34.99.
