System 3 secures Ferrari license

System 3 announces the signing of official video game rights to the Ferrari Challenge series. The deal will see Mark Cale's company System 3 publish Ferrari licensed games for Sony PlayStation®3, Nintendo Wii™, Nintendo DS™ and Sony PlayStation®Portable (PSP).

System 3 will first launch a cutting-edge racing game based on the Ferrari Challenge series featuring real cars, real tracks and true Ferrari racing dynamics. The launch platform for Ferrari Challenge is the PlayStation 3 and the game has been developed to maximise the technology in the new console format such as a 16-player feature rich simultaneous online mode with elements not yet seen in any race game to-date. The PSP and DS versions will feature 4-player wireless play including adhoc play and game share and the Wii version will fully support the unique control system offered by this system, including control by a Wii steering-wheel.

The racing game genre has always been one of the most successful genres in video gaming accounting for 12% of all games sold. Ferrari is a top brand in the world making the combination a perfect match. The first preview of the Ferrari Challenge game by the international press will be held on June 23rd at the home of Ferrari, Maranello, Italy and will coincide with the finale of Ferrari's 60-year celebrations throughout which System 3 has been a major sponsor. The celebration tour started in Abu Dhabi in January and is set to traverse fifty countries before concluding at the Ferrari factory and the Ferrari home test circuit, Fiorano. Details of further titles from System 3 including "Ferrari Street Racer", featuring the whole range of Ferrari' cars will also be announced at the event.

System 3, CEO, Mark Cale added, "Video games and racing have been my two passions during the twenty-five years that I've been in the business. Finally the two have collided and I'm immensely proud to be bringing the Ferrari Challenge to market this year. We have invested in the best development talent in the industry and I'm confident that the game will be even more impressive than the license."

Ferrari's Katia Bassi, Head of Licensing said, "Mark has been a highly valued customer of Ferrari for over twenty years during which time we have developed a special relationship including System 3 becoming a sponsor of our 60th birthday anniversary road tour and celebrations. We know that the Ferrari Challenge is in good hands as Mark himself is an experienced Challenge series driver, giving him a unique insight into translating the technical aspects of our engineering to the medium of video games".

SEGA Rally

The introduction of SEGA Rally to the arcades in 1995 had the single biggest impact on the racing genre. Subsequent console rally games concentrated on a realistic simulation of the sport, but their popularity, reflected in sales, steadily dropped over the last decade. Now, SEGA Rally is back and set to reinvigorate the genre with the vital ingredients that many of the modern racers lack – fun, character and beauty, with few rally games able to match its unique and rewarding experience. Rally’s dead, long live SEGA Rally.

KEY FEATURES

• Bumper to bumper Rally racing: Close competitive Rally racing with multiple cars on track racing bumper to bumper across Rally inspired environments.
• Deformation: Fully deformable environments & surfaces that will ensure no two laps, let alone a race, will be the same.
• Speed & adrenaline: Fun, looping tracks, with a wide variety of surface types and vehicles including 4WD, 2WD & Classic vehicles.
• A driving fantasy: Set to offer a wonderfully vibrant graphical world, featuring 8 different environments each taking inspiration from exotic locations around the world.
• Competition: Advanced AI, multiplayer and online capabilities will ensure a healthy level of competition for all standards of driver.
• Immediacy: Arcade accessibility with simulation depth.

TrackMania United is here!

The latest version of the most entertaining racing game around is released in the UK.

Drive at mind-blowing speeds on spectacular tracks full of outrageous jumps, loops, ramps, hairpin turns and other crazy track designs.

Trade tracks, vehicles, skins, videos and any other creations for Coppers™, the game's monetary unit.

And finally, participate in what PC Zone calls “a superb online community system”.

TrackMania United released 9th March 2007 from Ascaron Entertainment and
93 Games.

Update For All Forza Fans!

More than 50 American production cars that will be included in “Forza Motorsport 2,” nearly half of which will be making their Forza debut when the game launches worldwide in May.

Whether it’s new interpretations of muscle cars from the past like the 2007 Shelby GT 500 and old classics like the 1969 Camaro SS Coupe or today’s hottest sports cars like the 2006 Chevy Corvette Z06, one of your favorite American sports cars is sure to be on the list. More world car lists to follow in the coming weeks.

We also wanted to elaborate on a very exciting new feature that will be included in “Forza Motorsport 2” – the Livery Editor. The livery editor adds a whole new level of customization to the game giving the Forza community the freedom to truly “build their dream vehicle” using any of the 300+ cars in the game. With the new and improved livery editor, gamers can put their own personal touch on every vehicle in their garage using unique paint schemes, personalized decals and logos, as well as their own art creations. Due to the Xbox Live Auction House, you will also be able to lock down the design on your masterpiece, put it up for virtual sale and share it with the world -- or at least the highest bidder. Who knows, maybe you’ll be lucky enough to see that your next great creation helped some lucky member of the global Forza community make it to the top of the leaderboard!

For more details on the Livery Editor or the Auction House, cruise over to Forzamotorsport.net and have a look at this week’s Pitpass Report. You will also be able to find updates on Turn 10’s efforts at Game Developer’s Conference this past week in San Francisco as well as screen shots of a few of the American production cars.

List of cars announced this week:

1997 Acura NSX
2001 Acura Integra Type-R
2002 Acura RSX Type-S
2005 Acura NSX
2006 Acura RL A-Spec
1987 Buick Regal GNX
2004 Cadillac CTS-V
1967 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 427
1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS Coupe
1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
2002 Chevrolet Camaro SS
2002 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS-454
1970 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1
1996 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport
2002 Chevrolet Camaro 35th Anniversary SS
2005 Chevrolet Cobalt SS Coupe
2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
1998 Chrysler Eagle Talon TSi Turbo
2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser GT
2005 Chrysler ME Four-Twelve Concept
1968 Chrysler Plymouth Barracuda Formula-S
2006 Chrysler Crossfire SRT6
1996 Dodge Stealth R/T Turbo
1999 Dodge Viper GTS ACR
2003 Dodge SRT4
2003 Dodge Viper Competition Coupe
2003 Dodge Viper SRT10
1969 Dodge Charger R/T-SE
2006 Dodge Charger SRT8
1966 Ford GT40 MkII
1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429
2000 Ford Mustang Cobra R
2003 Ford Focus SVT
2005 Ford Ford GT
2005 Ford Mustang GT
2006 Ford Focus ST
2003 Infiniti G35 Coupe
2002 Lexus SC430
2003 Lexus IS300
2006 Lexus IS350
2005 Panoz Esperante GTLM
1968 Pontiac GTO Hardtop
2004 Pontiac GTO
2006 Pontiac Solstice
2000 Saleen S281
2004 Saleen S7
2006 Saleen S281 E
2006 Saturn ION Red Line
2005 Scion tC
1965 Shelby Cobra 427 S/C
1968 Shelby Mustang GT-500KR
1999 Shelby Series 1
2007 Shelby GT500

Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights

Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights (HIN) evolves the current street racing scene, letting players experience the culture of the real-life HIN tour, the nation’s largest lifestyle custom car show in an intense racing experience. Featuring track and drift racing at real-world locations around the globe, next-gen AI and unparalleled vehicle customization, Juiced 2: HIN brings street racing to life, allowing players to test their skills at live street racing events against a back-drop of DJs, models and musicians. Groundbreaking new features include addictive drift/powersliding races and “Driver DNA” that tracks gamers’ personal driving traits. These profiles, along with the profiles of select celebrities will be available for download across all online gaming systems. Racing developer Juice Games has evolved the game-play that revolutionized online racing, giving players the power to create their car, assemble their crew and put it all on the line in intense pink slip and crew races. Gamers will also be able to bet cash on each event, bringing a gambling element to the game that greatly increases the importance of each race.

Features:

• Real-Life HIN Racing Experience - Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights combines an intense, addictive racing experience with the culture of the real-life HIN tour, the nation’s largest lifestyle custom car show
• Drift/powersliding races – Perfect your skills in multi-car drifting races
• Driver DNA – Tracks each individual player’s driving habits, creating a profile that can be downloaded off all online gaming services
• Celebrity Driver DNA – Download celebrity DNA and test your star power skills
• In-game gambling – Watch and bet on live races with up to 1000 others
• Unmatched Customization – Be who you want to be – With 90 digitally scanned cars and over 250 aftermarket mods and numerous combinations of character features, players can treat themselves to the ultimate car and driver customization

* Online Pink Slip and Crew Racing – Tap into your inner risk-taker by challenging other players for their cars and putting yours on the line. Dominate the rest of the competition by racing online with friends you hand-pick for your crew.

Stuntman: Ignition

Plunge into the adrenaline-fueled role of a Hollywood stunt driver in Stuntman: Ignition, and master the most breathtaking, death-defying vehicle-based stunts ever filmed. As the newest stuntman in Hollywood, you must rise to stardom by combining reckless maneuvering with perfect execution to unlock big-budget blockbusters and lucrative commercial deals. Create movie-magic in 6 uniquely-themed films on 36 different stunt runs with over 25 vehicles, or take the action online to challenge rival stuntman in the ultimate backlot showdown.

Features:

• You are the Stuntman – Feel the rush of pulling off the most breathtaking, death-defying stunts ever filmed
• Intense Driving Action – Perfectly execute a series of dangerous, high-speed vehicle stunts through intense, precision driving
• Build Your Career – Amp up the action by improvising reckless maneuvers during movie stunt runs to unlock bigger-budget movies and commercial jobs
• Online Multiplayer – Steal stunts from rival stuntmen as you battle on the film sets or through custom built back-lot multiplayer arenas
• Stunt Constructor – Devise your own insane stunt runs and challenge other stuntmen online to beat you at your own game
• Unique Vehicles – Master your control of more than 25 unique vehicles, including exotic sports cars, motorcycles and hovercraft
• Welcome to Hollywood – Showcase your skills in a wide variety of big-budget action films, commercial shoots and tournaments

Atari's Test Drive Unlimited PS2 and PC Go Gold

Atari, Inc.one of the world’s most recognized brands and a third-party video game publisher, announced that development is complete on Test Drive Unlimited for Windows and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system with the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system game due for completion later this month. Test Drive Unlimited for Windows and PlayStation®2 system will ship to retail outlets nationwide starting on March 20. In an unprecedented sales move, Atari will offer consumers Test Drive Unlimited for Windows two weeks early via digital download on Atari.com beginning March 6.

Following the release of Test Drive Unlimited for Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft in September 2006, the title has won a host of awards and attracted a loyal fan-base to become the new benchmark for next-generation driving titles. “The three versions scheduled for release this Spring are equally as impressive in terms of presentation, technical achievement and gameplay,” said Stephen Baer, Senior Product Manager, Atari, Inc., “Each gives players the chance to race some of the world’s most desirable cars on the wide open tropical roads of Hawaii.”

“This year Atari is placing a major emphasis on leveraging new online capabilities to connect directly with the community,” said Chris Bergstresser, Senior Vice President, Atari Online Entertainment. “Offering Test Drive Unlimited for the PC to fans for digital download two weeks prior to retail launch, is part of a new online initiative for Atari to nurture our core consumers, open a dialogue and encourage our gamers to join our online community.”

Developed by Eden Studios, the team behind the Xbox 360 version, Test Drive Unlimited for PC features 90 incredible cars and bikes from some of the world’s most desirable brands including Ferrari, Maserati, Ducati, and many more. Requiring no monthly subscription to play, the game takes advantage of cutting-edge PC hardware, allowing it to be played in extremely high resolution that take Test Drive Unlimited’s visuals to a new level. Enhancements include TrackIR™ support, improved effects, steering wheel support and simplified matchmaking.

Continuing to drive racing games to new boundaries, the open online multiplayer gameplay of Test Drive Unlimited for PS2 system and PSP system is an industry first. With over one thousand miles of diverse open roads, Test Drive Unlimited also delivers a seamless racing experience and a line up of 65 ultra-realistic cars from 30+ exclusive manufacturers including Lamborghini, Aston Martin, and Jaguar. Exclusive to the PlayStation®2 system and PSP system versions are the “Quick Race” instant-play mode and “Master Points”, which can be earned through successful drifting and air time.

Auto Assault: Reloads with Explosive Content Expansion

The release of the fourth free content expansion of Auto Assault® which includes the installation of an auction house, the introduction of new vehicle chassis and a new tournament schedule as well as several quality of life system improvements.

The auction house is one of the most important additions to Auto Assault since its release, adding depth to the game while making it easier to profit from the game’s voluminous loot drops. The auction house, for example, will enable lower level players to obtain currency by selling material to higher level players who can then craft more powerful weapons. Additionally, an email system will allow players, who are in the same faction, to send messages regarding items up for auction as well as sending items via email.

“Auto Assault is about collecting massive amounts of loot, and this auction house and mail delivery system will make it easier to profit from collecting loot,” said Andrew Wagner, NCsoft’s producer for Auto Assault. “The auction house and mail system will add a much needed additional layer of interactivity and item accessibility for all players and allow players to progress faster and build bigger, nastier vehicles.”

The additional profits made from the auction house will help Auto Assault players to attain another feature from the update, two powerful, new epic vehicle chassis. The new chassis, available at the INC vehicle stores include the Switter, a medium-sized chassis available for all classes and the Backup, a small chassis usable by any scout class.

Rounding out the features are sweeping changes to the skills systems. Balance between races will be improved so success in player-versus-player combat will be based on skill rather than faction-based advantages. Additionally, skill building is now easier to manage and understand, allowing new players to create more powerful and useable skill sets.

“Skills will now be more standardized, which will let players understand better the cost of each skill and how to better select the right skill for the right level,” Wagner said. “This will bring more balance to the game while making skill sets more fun and powerful.”

Also, responding to player feedback, tournaments have a new schedule and reward system built in. The new tournament schedule system is timed to work for players regardless of their time-zone location. The tournaments have been level-balanced so all players can enjoy arena carnage. With additional loot and bigger rewards, arena action will be more profitable for all participants.

Auto Assault, developed by NetDevil®, LTD, is the first multiplayer online (MMO) game featuring vehicle combat, set in a post-apocalyptic world with fully destructible environments. Auto Assault is available at retailers in North America and Europe as well as at the NCsoft online store at www.plaync.com. The game includes the first month of online game play. After the first month, players will be charged a monthly subscription fee of US$14.99.

Project Gotham Racing 4: The Flux Wins Peugeot Design Contest

The Flux car design by Mihai Panaitescu is the winner of the 4th edition of Peugeot’s Design Contest, so a full scale model of the concept car is in the works at Peugeot’s Style Center, while Bizarre Creations will include it on the list of cars present in Project Gotham Racing 4.

The Flux will be made into a Full Sized Concept-Car and Integrated into Project Gotham Racing 4

A hydrogen-powered open-air concept with an integrated Xbox 360 is the winner of the online Peugeot Design Competition, the automaker has announced.

Taking the number-two spot was the omnidirectional Njooy, which is inspired by old Formula 1 racing cars. The Allscape concept took the number-three spot. It is equipped with a natural-gas-powered 2.0-liter twin-turbo V4 mated to a seven-speed gearbox.

Peugeot said the creator of the Flux, 20-year-old Mihai Panaitescu, is the youngest designer ever to win the contest. He is a Romanian design student studying in Turin. In fact, the contest was populated this year by designers just getting started in their careers. The Njooy was created by 27-year-old Wesley Saikawa from Brazil, while 29-year-old Gustavo Ferrero from Venezuela penned the Allscape.

The automaker said it received 4,029 submissions for the contest.

The Flux will be built as a full-scale model and exhibited in the fall at the Frankfurt auto show, as well as being featured in an Xbox 360 video game later this year. The panel of judges was made up of Xbox and Peugeot representatives.

What this means to you: You'll be able to play with the Flux later this year when it shows up in an Xbox video game.

~Screen Shot~ Click Here