Alienware unveils new gaming notebook

Area-51 m17x, the latest in the world of gaming notebooks, has just been released by Alienware. Area-51 m17x houses an Intel Core 2 Extreme processor, with speed of up to 2.8GHz and NVIDIA GeForce 8800M GTX in Dual SLI configuration which is the world’s fastest mobile GPU, and up to 4GB of DDR2 RAM. Weighing 5.2kg, this notepad has a 17” LCD Wide Screen WUXGA with a resolution of 1920 x 1200. The x17m includes output for TV tuner and HDMI, gives up to 1TB of hard disk space plus high-speed Draft-N wireless networking and can be fitted with a Blu-ray drive. Priced at 1378pounds, the x17m also has a smart-bay drive and the Alienware Command Centre software.

Via: T3

Mystery Case Files: MillionHeir for DS launched by Big Fish Games

A new DS interactive detective game called Mystery Case Files: MillionHeir has been launched by Big Fish Games and mystery lovers around the world are certainly in for a treat this time around. The game allows players to investigate a set of characters in order to find the heir to the fortune of eccentric millionaire Phil T. Rich. The story line pretty much mimics those bestselling thrillers of the 70s and in order to solve the mystery, you must spot hidden clues and solve mini-games. For anyone who has ever played other Big Fish favs like Haunted Hotel, the game should pack in no real surprises.

Source: Computer and Video Games

Sony PlayTV digital tuner for PS3 coming Sept 10th

Good news PS3 loyalists! Sony’s European leg has confirmed that the PlayTV free-to-air digital TV tuner and PVR add-on for the PS3 will be made available the in the UK come September 10th. The European launch would run “from September to December” and in a change to the earlier specifications, PlayTV will now allow users to record programmes while simultaneously gaming. Included in the firmware 2.4 upgrade, the new functionality will allow users with up-to-date consoles to simply plug in the new peripheral in order to begin recording Freeview. Retailing at €99, PlayTV will also be launched in Australia and New Zealand by January or February 2009.

Source: Slash Gear

Guitar Hero Mobile Game is a huge success

In case you’re one of those time-challenged gamers who just cant find the time to fit a full-on gaming session in between earning the family’s daily bread, going to church and spending time with the family, then the following bit of trivia should interest you a great deal. Apparently Guitar Hero, the game that turned millions of people into rock stars with plastic guitars, is being lapped up by eager mobile gamers all too quickly. Almost the most successful console-to-cellphone crossover game in history, Guitar Hero’s mobile version ranked in at No.9 recently having climbed up from No.85 in just three months. What’s even better is that Hands-On Mobile, the company which adapted the game on behalf of Activision, said it would soon introduce Guitar Hero III Backstage Pass, a new version of the game for Sprint and AT&T customers with other carriers to follow. So if you aint got your cellie pepped up with the smashing rock mobile game, you got every reason to do it now!

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Source: Dvorak

GTA: Chinatown Wars Possible Release

The DS edition of Grand Theft Auto is looking cooler by the day. Though set in the similar environments of Liberty City, it is a completely new game. It is expected to be a nerve-wracking and fast paced game that is also intense, which is quite unique and special to Nintendo’s handheld platform. Rockstar, which has made the game possible, has successively and continuously tried to build and progressively design the game. However, the end result has been even more surprising and pleasant. The new game called the Chinatown Wars also carries Nintendo Wi-Fi logo and might have a virtual thug life in store as well. With the release date set for Winter in North America and Europe, this portable game has kept players waiting for a longtime.

Via: IGN

Sony slashes PS3 80 GB price

Sony has followed Microsoft in slashing prices of its game consoles. Sony reduced the price of PS3 ($500 and 80 GB) by $100 and now costs $400. Also, the previous 40GB version, which cost $400, will be taken off shelves. The $400 80GB version will compete directly with Microsoft’s 60 GB Xbox model, which costs $349. Both the companies hope to increase sales by offering larger hard drives and lower prices. Wii may not be far behind which offers the cheapest console at $249. Sony also offers video downloads while Xbox offers high-speed connections. Wii has stayed away from the direct video streaming services offered by the other two gaming giants. The gaming war might take a new turn with reduced prices and increased storage.

Via: CrunchGear

2K Games bringing Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization this fall

Bringing back Sid Meier’s 1994 strategy classic, 2K Games have announced the launch of Civilization IV: Colonization. Currently in development at Firaxis Studios, the “reimagining” will allows players to take control of one of four European powers as they compete to conquer and colonize the New World. Using strategies like negotiations, trading and warfare, players will maneuver for power and struggle to gain their freedom and independence. The new game hope to take advantage of the power of the Civilization IV engine and is expected to bring added depth to the game via a new interface, improved diplomacy options and a suite of modding tools. Sid Meier’s Civilization IV: Colonization is being designed exclusively for the PC, and should be launched sometime in fall 2008.

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Source: TG Daily

New online videogame lets you invent your own superhero

DC Universe Online is a brand new initiative from Sony Online Entertainment that will allow comic book fans to “invent” their own superheroes that could potentially defeat even Superman. Set to premiere at a major US comic convention next week, the videogame will enable players to play as any DC super characters or design a supernaturally powerful character of their own that can pursue paths of both good and evil. Superhero looks or skills will be subjected to copyrights and trademarks of established comic book characters with each unique player’s journey being shaped by choices.

Portable versions of the SEGA Dreamcast by gamers

Two portable versions of the SEGA Dreamcast console have been created by a couple of enthusiastic gamers. The Mobile Dream Portable features a vacuum formed case, LCD screen, and stereo speakers. Maximum portability is provided by requirement of only two 7.2V 3Ah R/C car batteries. The Portable Dream, which took gamer ‘Hyphrend’ three months to build, does not look as good as the Mobile Dream but has been previewed on tape and is fully functional. It features a 5” LCD display CNC machined case, speakers, headphone jack, memory card slots, a flip-open back cover for game loading and is powered by a 12V battery. Looks like SEGA is never going to go out of fashion among gaming freaks, for if not the original model, the modded and customized versions would continue to appear.

Resident Evil 5 release date announced

After the hyped up E3 conference, Resident Evil 5 has finally been dated by Capcom. The release date for North America is set for March 13th 2009, and then for Japan March 12th 2009. Resident Evil 5 is supposed to be one of the best games of the year with fantastic single player. But you don’t want to forget that they also announced multiplayer co-operative play. You are not able to go in and out of games and teams, things you were never able to do before. This game is shaping up to be one big game, for there were a lot of goodies announced but this sure takes the cake.

Via: IGN