1Up reports that Microsoft’s soccer-exclusivity announcement at the Leipzig Games Convention may not be so exclusive. Speaking with Pro Evolution Soccer producer/creator Shingo ‘Seabass’ Takatsuka, the reporter learned that Microsoft’s claims weren’t true: “We never said exclusive for one year on the next-gen platforms. We said this year. We were agreed that it was this year.”

As per Takatsuka, Pro Evolution Soccer is exclusive to Xbox 360 this year only and not the “twelve” months Microsoft announced. It may be the same with FIFA07, as sources are indicating so. However, an official comment from EA is yet to come.

Following up on this story, ANACONDA’s press conference saw the official unveiling of Jane Jensen’s new project Gray Matter.

The game’s story mixes eerie mysteries with supernatural events in best Jensen-style. Neurobiologist Dr. David Styles is one of the game’s central characters: since losing his wife in a horrible accident some several years ago, he has become a recluse, seldom leaving Dread Hill House, his English country estate.

When student and part-time street performer Samantha Everett shows up at his doorstep, she unexpectedly becomes his assistant. Hailing from America, she has been traveling through most of Europe the last couple years, making do by performing magic tricks on street corners, so this comes as a nice change of pace for her. But is the meeting of Sam and Styles really as coincidental as it seems?

Her first task: finding six test subjects at Oxford University for one of Styles’ experiments. The experiment starts off innocently enough: the subjects are tasked with imagining different forms of physical exercise. But then inexplicable incidents start mounting – and Styles receives visitations by his dear departed wife. Now it’s up to Sam to solve the mysteries of Dread Hill House.

In Gray Matter, players control both Dr. David Styles as well as Samantha Everett in their bid to uncover the secrets and find out the truth. While Dr. Styles research leads him into an investigation into the intricacies of the human mind, the player will have to tackle stage magic as Sam to solve puzzles. Gray Matter tackles questions concerning the nature of reality and the power of the mind in constructing the world we take for granted.

Gray Matter is in development at Tonuzaba Entertainment in Hungary and will be published worldwide during Q4 2007.

Two screens from Unreal Tournament 2007. I don’t know if they are from PC or PS3.

Some (awesome) screenshots from Assassin’s Creed, Ubi’s highly anticipated stealth-action title for the PS3.

And some scary screenshots from Alone in the Dark:

Some new Metal Gear Solid 4 screenshots from the Leipzig Games Convention:

This year’s Tokyo Game Show will be an awesome one for PS3 fans, as Sony has released a list of 19 PlayStation 3 titles that will be playable at the Japanese show this September. The company also noted that 8 further PS3 titles will be playable, but haven’t been revealed yet. This brings the total number of playable PS3 titles at the show to 27. Check out the list:

• Armored Core 4
  
• Blade Storm: Hundred Years War
  
• Coded Arms Assault
  
• Devil May Cry 4
  
• The Eye of Judgment
  
• Fatal Inertia
  
• Formula One 06
  
• Genji: Days of the Blade
  
• “Gran Turismo” series
  
• Heavenly Sword
  
• Lair (working title)
  
• Mahjong Taikai IV
  
• Hot Shots Golf 5
  
• Mobile Suit Gundam
  
• MotorStorm
  
• Railfan
  
• Resistance: Fall of Man
  
• Ridge Racer 7
  
• Warhawk

EA has unveiled the next-gen version of FIFA 07, which is now exclusive to the Xbox 360 for a year. The next-gen version will use a dynamic new engine that has been in development for two years and is driven by physics and data. It will offer individuality of player movement, authentic athletic motion and an “unprecedented” level of responsiveness.

The new engine creates a decision-making layer in FIFA 07 that gives each individual player a ‘football brain’ – a level of intelligence never before seen in a videogame. Player characteristics are now based on brand-new traits and twice the number of attributes, so no two players move in exactly the same way. Instead, they behave like the individual athletes we see gracing the pitch week-in, week-out.

FIFA 07 allows players to recognize their favorite athletes by the way they move. The human biomechanics of each athlete are taken into account and replicated in the game because the new engine is data-driven — the player motion is driven by individual attributes, physical characteristics and for the first time, traits.

FIFA 07 also introduces new ball physics, a central component to the feel and finesse of a football game. For the first time, the ball is alive with its own independent physics, resulting in truly unpredictable gameplay. Now any type of pass or shot is possible and goals will feel natural and unique.

Bringing the football experience beyond the videogame to truly deliver a complete media package for football fans is the online component to FIFA 07 which streams up-to-the-minute match results via real-time podcasts and news ticker. Nowhere else will football fans find such a comprehensive destination for football stats, information and real-world news.

With this new engine and licenses from the top leagues around the world, FIFA 07 on the Xbox 360 will create the most refined football gameplay experience to date.

FIFA 07 will hit stores this Fall on the Xbox 360. It will also be released on a multitude of current-gen platforms as well.

Microsoft, as part of its Leipzig presence, also announced several new products to enhance its gaming line – the Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer 3.0 and the Habu mouse in partnership with Razer.

Popular demand has lead to the resurrection of the IntelliMouse. In this new version, the mouse will deliver “maximum precision and superior control” as well as “ergonomic design and wide footprint” for “outstanding comfort and stability”. The mouse will offer 9,000 frames per second; a Precision Booster enabling gamers to switch between default and precision mode for enhanced control; and a Gaming Toggle letting gamers switch easily between weapons or program frequently used action sequences. The new IntelliMouse will be gnawing its way into stores this October; it will retail for £35.

The curiously named Habu is the result of Microsoft’s alliance with Razer. The new mouse will feature “cutting-edge innovation and comfort” and “best-in-class gaming accessory technology.” Habu will be habuing into stores this October for £60.

During Leipzig, Microsoft made the surprise announcement that it has gotten Xbox 360 exclusivity for FIFA 07 and Pro Evolution Soccer 6. Basically, these two titles will be exclusive to the Microsoft console for a year before appearing on other next-gen consoles.

The company also announced that Lego Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy and Zoo Tycoon 2: Marine Mania will join the growing list of Windows Vista titles. Both are due for release next year when Vista and DirectX 10 will be readily available.

On the accessories front, Microsoft stated that the Xbox Live Vision camera for the Xbox 360 will be available in US and UK on September 19 and October 6, respectively, in two packages:

Xbox Live Vision. This package includes Xbox Live Vision camera, one-month Xbox Live Gold Membership, Xbox 360 Headset, and free* downloads of two full-version Xbox Live Arcade games: the popular “UNO®” card game and “TotemBall,” the new 3-D platform game from Freeverse and Strange Flavour Ltd. that is a mixture of platform skills and puzzles (estimated retail price (ERP) $39.99 U.S./ €49.99).

Xbox Live Video Chat Gold Kit. This package includes the Xbox Live Vision camera, a 12-month Xbox Live Gold Membership, an Xbox 360 Headset, free* downloads of three full-version Xbox Live Arcade games – the “UNO” card game, “TotemBall,” and the classic “Robotron™” action shooter – and 200 Microsoft Points (ERP $79.99 U.S./€89.99).

The company also announced the Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel ($150, available in November), Xbox 360 Wireless Headset ($60, available in November), Xbox 360 Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows ($20, available late December) and new Xbox 360 Faceplates featuring images from Halo, Viva Pinata and Forza Motorsport ($20, available late December).

Microsoft also revealed that it will launch the next-gen console in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia on November 3, following the South African launch on September 29.

Nintendo also announced Yoshi’s Island for the DS, which will launch on December 1 across Europe. Details:

Yoshi’s Island 2 (temp) is the long awaited and official sequel to Yoshi’s Island, the hugely popular classic, first released on the SNES in 1996. Players return to the colourful wilds of Yoshi’s Island in this 2D platform adventure and are taken on an exciting journey of ultimate Nintendo fun. When local children are kidnapped from his island, it is up to our hero, with the help of Baby Mario, Baby Peach and the cute Baby Donkey Kong, to come to the rescue. But whilst on his quest, Yoshi must also protect the three babies from the island’s villains by swallowing enemies or shooting eggs.

All three superstar babies can help Yoshi in his quest to save the school children. With Baby Mario on his back, Yoshi can run much faster and avoid falling platforms. Baby Princess Peach adds more than just a delicate touch – her umbrella is not just a fashion accessory but allows Yoshi to float among the clouds and reach higher levels. Baby Donkey Kong will always swing into action when needed, reaching places other characters can’t.

But the challenge doesn’t stop with just protecting and rescuing babies. Each level contains a whole host of hidden unlockables and secrets to be found by the intrepid explorer. Players can achieve a higher score by finding three well hidden flowers and stars per stage and along with finding new levels and rare red coins, there’s a whole lot more to be discovered. The vast worlds of Yoshi’s Island 2 (temp) fully span across the dual screen of the Nintendo DS, with the adventure taking place from deep within the dangerous caves to floating up high into the sky. It’s Yoshi’s ultimate adventure so far!

The game’s retail price will be around £30.

The first in a string of Nintendo announcements, the company sent word of Sudoku Master for the DS. The puzzle title will feature a compilation of more than 400 Sudoku puzzles and will allow the user to play at any time. It will hit Europe on October 27.

Sudoku Master is the ultimate collection of more than 400 Sudoku puzzles and allows you to play a different game at any time!. If you haven’t played it before, the rules are fairly simple. The aim of the numerical logic-based puzzle is to enter a number ranging from one to nine in each cell of a nine by nine grid, made up of nine three by three sub-grids. Each puzzle starts off with some numbers already provided in a few cells – these are the hints. As the puzzles increase in difficulty, players find the number of hints given decreases. It is then up to the player to make sure that each row, column and three by three sub-grids have only one instance of each number. Sudoku Master requires patience and lots of lateral thinking ability to complete it successfully!

Sudoku Master contains three difficulty settings so every player will find puzzles to suit them. Solving time varies from player to player; depending on their skill and experience a puzzle can take anywhere between 10 – 30 minutes to complete. For those new to Sudoku, the game offers a practice mode where numbers that are incorrectly entered automatically turn red, thus telling players that they have entered the wrong number. On top of this, there is also a thorough tutorial explaining the rules as well as offering some helpful tips along the way.

By using the Nintendo DS touch screen players have two methods for entering the numbers into the cells; either by writing them in or by selecting the appropriate number by touching the keys on a number pad. Sudoku Master also contains many helpful features to aid the player. Players can highlight entire rows or columns, making it possible to keep an overview of where the numbers are on the grid. It is also possible to highlight all instances of the same number at once, and to store notes (in a smaller font size) inside the grid to keep track of the problem’s structure. All provide a useful edge for solving complex puzzles.

When players successfully solve puzzles they also earn stars. The faster a problem is solved the greater the number of stars received. When enough stars have been collected, players gain access to Rank Mode. Here they are challenged to complete puzzles in a set period of time and awarded a rank. The faster the challenge is completed, the higher the rank received.

The game will retail for around £20 once released.

From Leipzig comes word from Electronic Arts that the mega publisher has acquired Phenomic Game Development, the studio behind popular game franchise SpellForce and The Settlers. Now renamed EA Phenomic, the German studio becomes part of EA’s profile in Europe, with a team dedicated to developing RTS games for PC and consoles.

Phenomic’s management team will continue their current roles and will remain in its present location in Ingelheim and work within the management structure of EA’s studios in the region.

The Leipzig Games Convention saw a surprise announcement from Microsoft: next-gen versions of FIFA 07 and Pro Evolution Soccer 6 will be exclusive to the Xbox 360 for the following twelve months. This means that the games will be appearing on current-gen consoles, but won’t be appearing on the PS3 or Wii for a year.

Though Nintendo’s Wii won’t be seeing any officially licensed football game in the next year, the company has announced a new version of Mario Strikers Charged, its own football franchise. The game will feature more team creation options than the original, and will also feature online multiplayer functions. Nintendo also announced Battalion Wars 2, cutely abbreviated “BWii”. A follow-up to Kuju’s action/strategy Gamecube title, the sequel will feature online multiplayer, new units, races, environments and will feature over 20 single-player missions and over 15 multiplayer missions.

Eidos will be showing off these games at GC 2006:

JUST CAUSE
In JUST CAUSE, gamers play the role of Rico Rodriguez, a field operative and specialist in regime change, who is charged with overthrowing the corrupt government of San Esperito.

JUSTICE LEAGUE HEROES
JUSTICE LEAGUE HEROES is an action adventure game with role-playing customization featuring Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, The Flash, Wonder Woman, Martian Manhunter, Zatanna and other unlockable Justice League super heroes.

BIONICLE HEROES
BIONICLE HEROES brings to life the most powerful and exciting LEGO characters ever seen, in an action-packed world of adventure and discovery.

BATTLESTATIONS: MIDWAY
For the first time, relive the intensity of massive air, sea and underwater WWII battles in a unique mix of intense action and tactical gameplay as you follow the story of naval recruit Henry Walker.

LARA CROFT: TOMB RAIDER LEGEND (DS)
The seventh title to be released in the Tomb Raider™ series, which originally launched in 1996 and is still one of the best selling videogame franchises of all time, with over 30 million copies sold will be available to play on Nintendo DS.

AGE OF CONAN
Enter a mature, brutal and barbaric universe, in a world filled with cruel gods, mythical creatures, lost civilizations and a struggling human race. King Conan’s rule is on the brink of chaos, spiraling towards doom as ancient evils rise again in this highly anticipated Massively Multiplayer Online Game.

The company will also be showing Kane & Lynch: Dead Men behind closed doors, the forthcoming action title from IO Interactive, the studio behind the Hitman franchise.