SimCentral

SANTA MONICA, Calif.--Ducking out of the summer sun into one of the biggest video game press events of the season could net you hands-on time with the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. prequel, Clear Sky. It worked for us. The new game from GSC Game World will still take place in the "exclusion zone" outside of the irradiated ruins of Chernobyl after the fictitious second nuclear meltdown that occurred in the previous game, Shadow of Chernobyl. However, the prequel takes place about a year before the events in the previous game and puts you in the role of a totally different character, who may actually end up being an enemy to the protagonist of the original game.

In Clear Sky, you'll play as a mercenary who can work with any of the different factions of stalkers--the paramilitary scavengers who comb the wreckage of the exclusion zone in search of valuable, irradiated artifact items that can be sold for cold, hard cash. By allying with a specific faction, you can help that group complete the game by gathering the artifacts and fending off rival stalker factions and irradiated monsters. However, conditions were apparently different in the exclusion zone a year ago--radiation conditions were such that artifacts are invisible to the naked eye and can be found only with a detection gadget that must be held in hand at all times. This means that when you're close to finding an artifact, the biggest weapon you can carry will be a pistol in your other hand. If you're taking heavy fire and need to equip a two-handed weapon such as an assault rifle, you won't be able to find the item. 

[E3 - Gamesspot 1st Look] 

Retails is estimated to be NZ$249

The most ambitious games always seem to get pushed back. Quite often games have been put back months, if not years, but EA have finally made an annoucement about Crysis, there latest FPS ground breaking installment.

EA are projecting a September the 14th release date, but personally don't get to excited, the channel expectations are for further delays.

[Source : EA Press] [Image : Gamershell] 

Where has the time gone? Yes, it's 5 Years since VR Concepts start trading, supplying Simulations products and Games to the New Zealand and Australian Public.

Most popular of course are the Race Cockpits, & Natural Point Track IR Devices, but the demand for imported titles such as rFactor and Flamming Cliffs have also been amoung the top sellers.

Now, all in-stock Game titles have been heavily reduced to clear: http://www.vrconcepts.co.nz/index.php?includepage=clearance.php

Specials include:

Stocks are limited, so it's a 1st in 1st serve basis

VR Concepts Providing Superior Service for 5 Years
VR CONCEPTS LIMITED

Personally, I'm a huge Ship Simulator Fan. After playing Ship Simulator 2006 I'm hooked. In short, you can sail around some of the Worlds Largest ports including the Worlds Largest, Rotterdam in the Netherlands. The object is to complete missions. Taxi Service, Speed Challenges in Speed Boats, Move Cargo, Move the Ship from one Dock to another while avoiding other Traffic. Doesn't sound like much, but it's extremely challenging, and it gives you good insight into the work and stress involved in real life while piloting some of the worlds largest, and most famous ships. 

Direct from the Ship Simulator Homepage:

Ship Simulator is a revolutionary ship simulation game, whereby you get the ability to steer various ships in different environments. Both the graphical quality of the ships and their dynamic behavior are completely realistic, so the game is not only fun, but you learn something about ships and ship handling as well. The initial version was released in 2006 in 20 countries and 7 languages and sold beyond expectation. Its success led to the development of an add-on pack with 6 additional ships, and a Professional edition aimed at Nautical Schools.

Previously announced as Ship Simulator 2007 earlier this year, the decision to hold back the release until the middle part of the year has prompted the decision to change the title to Ship Simulator 2008. This also reiterates the companies commitment to support the product with add-ons and new features throughout 2008.

Today, the U.S. Army announced that the upcoming July 4th marks the fifth anniversary of the launch of the world-renowned America’s Army PC game. Debuting on July 4, 2002, America’s Army has more than 8.5 million user accounts and has been one of the top ten action games played online since its launch. America’s Army has grown from its initial roots as an online PC game to a brand that encompasses console and cell phone games; the Real Heroes program that recognizes heroic Soldiers; and the Virtual Army Experience, which places players in a life-size America’s Army game.

America’s Army game brand has had an incredible impact around the world placing Soldiering front and center within popular culture and showcasing the high-tech, team-oriented and values-driven nature of the Army,” said Colonel Casey Wardynski, originator of the America’s Army game.

 [Source : Gamespress]