Information has finally come out on F.E.A.R. Combat, which is going to be a totally free multiplayer component for the horror-shooter. It will be made available to the public as a free download on August 17, the day the teaser site’s countdown ends on.

Offering all the updates, additional official maps and official game modes in a free package, Combat will let users play against owners of the retail version of F.E.A.R. as well as other Combat users. The free package will offer 10 multiplayer game modes, 19 multiplayer maps, 12 weapons, Punkbuster support and the ability to download user-generated content.

Full details on the game modes and maps after the jump.
(more…)

LucasArts has announced an agreement with Day 1 Studios, creator of the “MechAssault” series, to develop a completely new IP for release on next-gen consoles. As expected, the release was devoid of any actual information on the title, but it did mention that the studio is focusing on “ground-breaking gameplay” and “interactivity that is only possible with next-generation platforms.”

Further details are to be revealed at a future date.

Former Shiny dude (and founder) David Perry is now working on 2Moons, a free MMORPG to be published by Acclaim. Based on a Korean MMORPG, the game will “probably be the most violent MMO on the market,” according to David Perry. MMORPG has an audio interview with him discussing the game, as well as some artwork.

In an extremely short announcement, JoWood and Deep Silver stated that Gothic 3 will be released on October 13 in Europe. Release dates for other territories weren’t mentioned.

Two big name demos:

• Dark Messiah of Might & Magic on 3D Gamers, Boomtown, Computer Games, FileShack, FilePlanet, Gamer’s Hell and Worthplaying

• LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy on 3D Gamers, 3D Downloads, ActionTrip, Boomtown, Computer Games, FileFront, FilePlanet, FileShack, Gameguru Mania, Gamer’s Hell, games xtreme, Strategy Informer and VGPRO

• TerraWars on 3D Gamers

• Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines v2.7 on 3D Gamers and Worthplaying

Russian publisher Game Factory sent word that it will be showing off Officers, Jagged Alliance 3D, Warfare and Jagged Farm: Birth of a Hero at this year’s Games Convention in Leipzig. The announcement also mentioned that GFI is looking forward to present two unannounced projects; it will also be showing off several games that have been released in its homeland, including Alfa: Antiterror Gold, Neuro and StarCalibur.

IGN carries confirmation from Ubisoft that the Persian Prince will be making his acrobatic debut on the Wii. Present in the company’s French-language announcement regarding plans to have seven titles launch beside Wii, but mysteriously absent from the English-language press release, a rep from the company stated that a “game based on the popular Prince of Persia franchise” is in development. He, however, cannot offer any further details, nor provide an official release date meaning that it will probably not launch with the Wii later this year.

This forum thread on the Ubisoft forums states that Splinter Cell: Double Agent will hit PC and Xbox 360 on October 19. It also offers word that there will be a Xbox 360 multiplayer demo and that the PC will get a demo containing both single and multiplayer modes. No official release dates for the demos were given, but the author did comment that these public trials “won’t be showing up sooner than a month before launch.”

Ubisoft has announced new titles in its Petz series, expanding the franchise to the DS and PC, as well as its home on GBA. Having seen success with the Dogz and Catz series on the GBA and PC, with more than 1.4 million copies sold, the publisher will be releasing the following titles to appeal to people who are too scared of owing real pets:

• Dogz on PC and Nintendo DS (November 2006): This classic game, already a proven brand on PC and GBA, make its debut on Nintendo DS™. Choose your favourite puppy from a large selection of breeds and interact directly with it.

• Dogz Fashion on GBA (September 2006): Dogz Fashion allows players to adopt their own adorable puppy, dress him/her up in all kinds of fashionable outfits and enter him/her to win fashion competitions.

• Catz on PC and Nintendo DS (November 2006): Ubisoft created the first cat-simulation game ever, bewitching PC gamers around the world. Catz is eagerly anticipated by the game’s numerous devotees. It allows players to adopt his/her favorite kitten, interact directly with it and watch it grow.

• Horsez on PC and Nintendo DS (November 2006): A newcomer in the Petz series, Horsez™ is the first game that allows you to care for your very own horse, ensuring he grows into a strong adult horse.

• Hamsterz Life on Nintendo DS (November 2006): Raise several breeds of hamsters and build fully customisable homes for them to grow up in.

Having announced that ArchLord will use the PlayPLUS payment scheme, Codemasters has announced the pre-order bonuses for gamers interested in the forthcoming MMORPG.

Those who pre-order the game from GameStop and EBGames will be offered an exclusive slot in the upcoming beta program, as well as one of four exclusive in-game items available at launch. The pre-order packs also contain exclusive collectable postcards, stickers and a “very limited edition” soundtrack CD containing some in-game music recorded by London Symphony Orchestra.