Black Demo coming to Official Xbox magazine

[StrikeMaster Ice]

Official Xbox Magazine exclusively takes the lid off EA's eagerly-anticipated first person shooter Black next month, delivering the world's first review of the Xbox version and a playable demo.

Also snatching the March issue front cover, Black gets the definitive Official Xbox Magazine treatment, with a comprehensive review. Developed by Criterion, known by gamers for the phenomenal Burnout series – the exclusive Black demo showcases the power still untapped in the original Xbox, proving that anything goes in this all-action gunfest.

Issue 53 of Official Xbox Magazine also delivers an exciting first look at the X Men 3 movie adaptation, as well as shots and details of FarCry: The Next Chapter and Medal of Honour: Airborne. The team goes behind the scenes on two of the hottest forthcoming Xbox titles, Hitman: Blood Money and Scarface: The World is Yours – which sees the return of Al Pacino's iconic movie character, Tony Montana.

The March issue also comes with a 100-page tips book, packed with complete solutions for Full Spectrum Warrior: Ten Hammers and Gauntlet: Seven Sorrows, as well as an A-Z of tips for the greatest games available on the Xbox.

Alongside the exclusive playable demo of Black, Official Xbox Magazine's monthly coverdisc also features exclusive playable demos of Stubbs the Zombie, Toca Racer Drive 3 and Knights of the Temple 2. The disc features a complete database of Xbox game ratings (over 600), as well as trailers of The Godfather, Commandos: Strike Force and Painkiller: Hell Wars.

Editor of Official Xbox Magazine, Gavin Ogden said:

"We're delighted we can bring our readers the demo of EA's Black. This goes to show that the Xbox is still capable of producing some truly cutting-edge titles, unrivalled on any other system. The amount of games announced and content still coming for the original Xbox proves there is a great deal of excitement still to be had."

Issue 53 of Official Xbox Magazine goes on sale Thursday, 16th February, with a coverprice of £5.99, including the essential monthly playable cover disc.

ENDS

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/press_r....php?aid=14399

I still subscribed to offical xbox magazine, can't wait for the demo.

[Aleman]

I'm not too hyped for the game anymore, considering it's an FPS that lacks multiplayer.

[SE fanboy]

The reason they did not do multiplayer is because I do not think it is possible on the current gen systems. It is going to best singleplayer FPS ever made. I think its single player is even going to be better than Halo.

[Mael Duin]

I played the demo and I really liked it. Just shooting and no strategies. We don't always need some weird stuff, sometimes it's just nice to turn your brains off and shoot everything that moves.

Not in real life, in game.

[Fordgasm]

The reason they did not do multiplayer is because I do not think it is possible on the current gen systems. It is going to best singleplayer FPS ever made. I think its single player is even going to be better than Halo.

Ahem I think you meant Previous gen I think the 360 could handle this game in multiplayer!

I'm looking forward to this game it is the last game I will play on Xbox before its gets demoted to the kids room and the X360 moves in.

[Steroyd]

The reason they did not do multiplayer is because I do not think it is possible on the current gen systems. It is going to best singleplayer FPS ever made. I think its single player is even going to be better than Halo.

Ahem I think you meant Previous gen I think the 360 could handle this game in multiplayer!

I'm looking forward to this game it is the last game I will play on Xbox before its gets demoted to the kids room and the X360 moves in.

This game hasn't been announced for next gen systems though...

this game might be so fun that multi-player isn't an issue, at the moment that's how i feel about it.

[Aleman]

I heard the single player game is less than 10 hours long. That's why I'm concerned about the lack of multiplayer.

[Steroyd]

I heard the single player game is less than 10 hours long. That's why I'm concerned about the lack of multiplayer.

*old gandpa's voice*

back in my day we didn't have these smancy pants online modes, or spit screen multi-player, or 3D graphics, when a games damn good you play on it over and over and over and over and over and not get sick of it.

nowadays games don't have that special replay value anymore.
it's quite sad really.

Criterion are banking on the game having that special replay value, i might go as far to say it could alienate Xbox users o_O.

Who knows.

[X2]

It's been in development for next gen console. As a matter of fact it started as a next gen project first before it even came to current gen.

[turkmen117]

here is a funny thing

did you know when criterion started the developing for this game?? end of january 2005!!!! that incredible, in less then a year!! they only had artworks and ideas before the end of january

[Dasimpse]

I played the demo and was totally and absolutely dissapointed, its s serious shame becuase i was waiting for this game for months, been watching interviews and in game etc

played it through demo about 6 times and was totally let down, nothing new here and nothing special, in my oppinion anyways.

[kudoshinchi]

All I have to say is: sometimes a good game dont need to have multiplayer.

I finally found a game that basically pick up weapon shoot not like CS.

[StrikeMaster Ice]

Tp me, a shooting game with without multplayer modes is like a RPG game without a story, it just not the same.

[udontneed2know]

As long as the game is enjoyable, and lengthy theres no reason to have multiplayer. Theres a billion FPS's you can play right now that have multiplayer options, so having a company like Criterion putting every ounce of their development into the single player campaign and making it enjoyable is more important in my eyes. Sort of like Halo, the single player was FAR more entertaining then the multiplayer and I hardly ever played the game online. Halo 2 was different, but mainly because the single player game was pretty bad in comparison to 1.

[Dasimpse]

As long as the game is enjoyable, and lengthy theres no reason to have multiplayer. Theres a billion FPS's you can play right now that have multiplayer options, so having a company like Criterion putting every ounce of their development into the single player campaign and making it enjoyable is more important in my eyes. Sort of like Halo, the single player was FAR more entertaining then the multiplayer and I hardly ever played the game online. Halo 2 was different, but mainly because the single player game was pretty bad in comparison to 1.

i totally agree there, i dont think a FPS HAS to have a Multiplayer to be good.

It makes me fell good that they dedicated themselves to the one player. The only problem is the game isnt actually that good in my oppinion.

:'( no rag doll physics etc in demo i played (is rag doll in finished?)

Made big statements, Like that NO FPS makes you feel like your really firing a Gun and that what BLACK will do. Sorry but miles off PD0 has a better gun reload animations and feel of recoil etc, so does Half Life 2.

It did nothing for me guys animiated falling over ledges really poorly.

Holes dont blow in walls where you shoot, its more scripted.

In my oppinion this game is just an average game with really good Marketing etc behind it.

They could flip it on the final release and it be much better than demo. HERES HOPING!

[Firewarrior]

Kinda Late OPS2 have already got it for PS2 Version and A Review but Honestly its a Xbox Version and it is Different im just gonna Play GRAW when it Comes out but COD2 is Avaible YAY

[coolguy]

I really hope that EA will make a 360 verison of the game.
I bet if the PS3 was out now they would make a port.
come on EA get off your lazy butts and do a 360 version

[StrikeMaster Ice]

I think lot of people is going put off cause it dosn't offer multiplayer modes.

[findaway]

They could include that and online on a 360 version though, so it would make for a completely solid all around FPS, but for now i don't think we are going to see anything but the current gen versions of the game.

However a sequel is likely to happen depending on how well it does when it releases, i remember reading an Edge summary of the Christmas issue, where, after interviewing one of the developers and getting their hands on the playable levels of the demo, they concluded hinting that it'd be rather naive, as they said so, to think they wont be working on a second part for next gen consoles.

[curryking1]

The end of the year is quickly creeping up on everyone and that can only mean one thing for the gaming industry – outside of increased sales that is – Gaming Awards. PlayStation Universe, rather than putting out our own list of favorites from this past year would like to know what our readers think. This will hopefully be the first PSU Reader’s Choice Awards of many to come. We’ve selected the top four to five titles from each category and we’re looking for you guys to help us nail it down to the top two. Just respond in the comment section below with your winner from each category along with a runner-up and we’ll be sure to tally it all up.

Don’t think we’re going to put you guys to work for free, though. We wouldn’t do that to you guys. In order to say, “Thanks for your time and input for this award process,” we will be doing a couple of giveaways that some of you may be interested in. Up for grabs are TWO SOCOM: Confrontation bundles (headset included), a Prince of Persia limited edition poster signed by its creators, a Vault Dwellers Survival Guide and a $20 PlayStation Network card.

For those thinking, “Don’t tell me this is going to be another one of those North America only contests.” It’s not. This contest is open to EVERYONE, WORLD WIDE. If you live in a small town in some country we can’t even find on the map, you’re still eligible! In order for your entry to count, you must respond in FULL with your winners from each section. Those caught making multiple entries to increase your chances of winning WILL be disqualified.

Game on readers and let’s get this award process started.

Most Addictive Video Game
1. LittleBigPlanet
2. Grand Theft Auto IV
3. Burnout Paradise
4. Resistance 2
5. Fallout 3

Best Multiplayer Game
1. LittleBigPlanet
2. Resistance 2
3. FIFA 09
4. SOCOM: Confrontation
5. Rock Band 2

Best Team Sports Game
1. Madden 2009
2. NHL 2009
3. FIFA 2009
4. MLB 08: The Show
5. NBA 2K9

Best Rhythm Game
1. Rock Band 2
2. Guitar Hero World Tour
3. Guitar Hero Aerosmith
4. Rock Revolution

Best Driving Game
1. Burnout Paradise
2. GRID
3. Gran Turismo 5 Prologue
4. Midnight Club: Los Angeles
5. PURE

Best PSP Game
1. Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII
2. God of War: Chains of Olympus
3. Star Ocean: The First Departure
4. N+
5. Hot Shots Golf Open Tee 2

Best Shooter Game
1. Resistance 2
2. Call of Duty: World at War
3. Army of Two
4. Far Cry 2
5. SOCOM: Confrontation

Best RPG Game
1. Disgaea 3
2. Eternal Sonata
3. Valkyria Chronicles
4. Fallout 3

Best Survival Horror Game
1. Dead Space
2. Condemned 2: Bloodshot
3. BioShock
4. Silent Hill Homecoming

Best Action Game
1. SOCOM: Confrontation
2. LittleBigPlanet
3. Prince of Persia
4. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
5. Saint’s Row 2

Best PlayStation Network Game
1. PAIN
2. Ratchet & Clank: Quest for Booty
3. PixelJunk Monsters
4. WipEout HD
5. Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD

Best PS3 Exclusive
1. LittleBigPlanet
2. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
3. Gran Turismo 5 Prologue
4. Resistance 2
5. Valkyria Chronicles

Game of the Year
1. Metal Gear Solid 4
2. LittleBigPlanet
3. Fallout 3
4. Dead Space
5. Grand Theft Auto IV

There are the 13 categories you can leave your mark on. Don’t be shy and be sure to tell your friends. Let your voice be heard. Voting will last until December 10 and the Awards feature shall follow on December 15.

[curryking1]

Alrighty, this is ready to go.

[curryking1]

Also -- This should remain on the flash console UNTIL voting is finished in order to maximize hits. Hopefully Jamie can get this out to enough places as well. I'm hoping this will bring in a ton of traffic over the course of the next two weeks.

[JDawg5000]

Indeed, I will get this out to everywhere I can

[The_Only]

I'll look over this now.

[The_Only]

edited & live.

Good job Dave -- this should bring in some nice hits. Hopefully Justin can do a flash image for this when he gets on.