Sims 3 Ambitions
Get even closer to your virtual self this week, as the second expansion pack for the Sims 3 is released, “The Sims 3 Ambitions.” The expansion should be available on June 1 and makes the days of watching your Sim disappear to work, only to return hungry and tired eight hours later, simply a memory.
“The Sims 3 Ambitions” will let you follow your Sim through their usual, but unique, workday. In an interview with Gamespot, assistant producer Grant Rodiek describes how game play is tied to the new professions of Ambitions.
“Firefighters need to develop relationships and maintain their equipment while at the firehouse,” Rodiek said. “But as soon as that alarm rings, they need to get to the fire, clear rubble piles, carry out children, stop gas leaks, put out the flames, and be the hero. Your town may fall victim to small fires, huge infernos, and even earthquakes.”
Alpha Protocol
“Alpha Protocol” is the next title coming from Obsidian Entertainment – the creative minds behind “Baldur’s Gate,” “Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II” and “Neverwinter Nights 2.”
Looking to mesh RPG-style interaction and multiple storyline paths with third-person shooter game play, “Alpha Protocol” throws gamers into a world of deep customization and interaction.
Whether players want to hone their spy skills using stealth and gadgets, or choose to complete their missions with guns blazing, “Alpha Protocol” lets players choose their own path, improving and tweaking their character as they see fit.
Call Of Duty: The War Collection
First-person shooter fans will be happy to see the release of the “Call of Duty: The War Collection” this week. The package includes “Call of Duty 2”, “Call of Duty 3” and “Call of Duty: World at War.” The Xbox 360 exclusive retails for around $60.
The bundle features historical background and battles from World War II and the Normandy Breakout – and overall, gamers get to see what the “Call of Duty” franchise was all about before today’s modern hit, “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.”
Backbreaker
“Backbreaker” is this week’s sleeper. The football title puts players in the helmet, making game play as close to the real thing as possible.
Using Dynamic Motion Synthesis, physical interactions such as tackles are determined on the fly, instead of relying on canned and static animations: “DMS is instead based on a full simulation of the 3D character, including body, muscles and motor nervous system,” the NaturalMotion website states. “This creates fully interactive animations that act and react differently every time.”
“Backbreaker” features more than 60 original teams that are fully customizable, along with an in-depth logo creator.
Notable games that have also used the Euphoria engine include “Grand Theft Auto IV,” “Star Wars: The Force Unleashed” and “Red Dead Redemption.”
Don’t Forget
If you’re scanning this article before the release date of the games below, make sure to check out Amazon’s and Gamestop’s websites. The sites frequently offer competing bonuses, goodies and free gift cards or coupons for pre-ordering games.
The full list of releases is listed below for the Playstation 3, Xbox 360, PC, Nintendo Wii, PSP, Playstation 2 and Nintendo DS, although releases are still subject to change at any time. Check back next week for more promotional offers and game releases.
Week of May 31, 2010
The Sims 3 Ambitions – PC
Alpha Protocol – Playstation 3, Xbox 360 and PC
* $10 credit at Amazon.com
* A coupon code for $10 off a future order at Gamestop, as well as an Gamestop Exclusive Assault Pack
Call of Duty: The War Collection – Xbox 360
Backbreaker Football – Playstation 3, Xbox 360
Line Attack Heroes – Nintendo Wii
Pure Futbol – Playstation 3 and Xbox 360
Tetris Party Deluxe – Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS
Record of Agarest War – Xbox 360
Syphon Filter: Logan’s Shadow – Playstation 2
Deadtime Stories – PC
Jumpstart Get Moving Family Fitness Wii – Nintendo Wii
Bicycle Solitaire (Jewel Case) – PC
Bicycle Blackjack (Jewel Case) – PC
Bicycle Totally Cool Card Games (Jewel Case) – PC
Bicycle Family Card Games – PC
Prince of Persia (Jewel Case) – PC
America’s Next Top Model – Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS
Farm Frenzy: Animal Country – Nintendo DS
Bass Pro Shops: The Hunt with Precision Pointer – Nintendo Wii
Bass Pro Shops: The Hunt – Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii
Wizardology – Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS and PC
Dragonology – Nintendo DS and PC
PSP Tilt FX – PSP