PC Gaming Roundup - February 23, 2009

There are a few chewy gaming nuggets for you this afternoon, one of which is a super secret title from Capcom that the company chose to reveal through Xbox Live.

Atlus Online Goes Steampunk
This morning publisher Atlus Online kicked off its MMORPG, Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent. As the title states, the setting is laced with the "steampunk" theme, where 19th century steam-based technology meets fantasy inventions. Although developed by JoyImpact, HanbSoft -the company now holding the reigns of Hellgate: London- handles the licensing aspect of the MMORPG; Atlus Online offers a "fresh version" (localized) of the game for North America, South America, and many other countries. The game transports players to a world where two nations battle over a precious resource called Neo Steam.

2 Million Street Fighters Served
Capcom said that the corporate offices in Japan are reporting that over two million copies of Street Fighter IV have sold worldwide. "The game has been welcomed by gamers with open arms around the globe and we're incredibly happy that we've finally been able to share this amazing game with fans both new and old," said the company. "First week sales in North America have been unbelievable -- just wait until you see the figures in NPD next month!" Capcom also said that a brand new Capcom title will be announced this Wednesday, however Xbox 360 owners gave tune in to the Big Reveal early by booting up the console and checking out the exclusive video. So what's the super duper big secret? Why it's Jun Takeuchi's other big project...

Brainpipe Now Available for Mac
Originally published for the PC back in December, Digital Eel's BRAINPIPE: A Plunge to Unhumanity is now available for Mac owners through Shrapnel Games' online store, the Gamers Front. Players maneuver through an ever-shifting kaleidoscope tunnel using a one-click interface while attempting to collect glowing glyphs and avoiding the savage obstacles "that threaten your very sanity." The game sells for $14.95.

Age of Conan Heads to Russia, Poland
As the heading states, Conan is invading both Russia and Poland soon, currently learning the language of both before crossing their borders. Apparently, this will mark the first time Funcom has worked directly with external publishers -in this case 1C and CD Projekt- who handles all service aspects related to maintaining a MMO. “Eastern Europe is quickly becoming one of the most important markets for massive online games, and it will be a continued focus for Funcom to strengthen our presence there. Together with our partners we will therefore focus on making the game a success for many years to come,” says Morten Larssen, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Funcom. “Since we launched Age of Conan last year, the game has taken large strides. This means that all new customers get a fuller Conan experience and nothing pleases us more.”

Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena in April
Atari reports that the upcoming Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena will be available on April 7 for the PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The package includes the full-length Dark Athena campaign, an HD remake of the classic Escape from Butcher Bay, and new multiplayer options. "Renowned developer Starbreeze Studios has effectively combined stealth, vicious hand-to-hand combat and ferocious gunplay. Atari also said that a playable demo will be available on Xbox Live Marketplace and PlayStation Network next month.

Galaxy Online Alpha Test Available
IGG released the alpha test client for the free-to-play strategic MMOG Galaxy Online, and testing will officially begin at 9PM EST (GMT-5) tonight. All characters created during the alpha test will be saved for future use, and the current size of the client is a mere 25MB. The system requirements include a, Intel P3 800MHz, Windows OS (from 98 to Vista), 512MB RAM, Nvidia Riva TNR 32MB.... I kid you not.

New Earth Eternal Website
Sparkplay Media launched the official website for Earth Eternal, the free-to-play browser-based MMOG. The new site, of course, features screenshots, video, game information, forums, a FAQ, registration options and more. "[Earth Eternal] has microtransactions but anything purchasable with real money may be obtained by playing the game. Epic fantasy, unreal monsters, beautiful environments, and whimsical touches await gamers young and old, casual and avid. If you can click, you can play," said the company.

Special Packages in Chronous
Lizard Interactive's MMORPG Chronous will receive special "packages" starting next week, offering limited and upgraded cash items to be sold in its Item Shop. The Blessing of God 1.8 package will contain 1.8x EXP, 4 types of weapon enhancements, and 30-day avatar items. The other unnamed package offered during the two weeks contains 2x EXP and better enhancement items. The company said that Premium Dice also returns next week, offering armors for 105 level Masters, New Growth Weapons, 4th Hover Weapons and more.

Dragon Age: Origins "Join Us" Trailer
BioWare released a new Dragon Age: Origins trailer which I have uploaded to my YouTube account here. The new clip showcases the Grey Wardens and their war against the deadly darkspawn threat.