Combat Mission: Battle for Normandy is the third campaign in the game series. The new addition aims to faithfully recreate the experience of tactical land warfare in Western France during World War II. Using the unique Turn-Based (WeGo)/Real-Time hybrid game system of the CMx2 battle engine, the first installment in this new series covers the three months after the Allied D-Day landings, from Operation Overlord in June through the Cobra Breakout in August.

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Ubisoft has announced that Anno 2070 will be set in a near-future world ravaged by rising sea levels and creeping desertification. Players must master new technologies to overcome the pressing ecological challenges of the time and build a successful empire. There will be two factions to choose from: the industry-focused Tycoons or eco-friendly tree-huggers known as the Ecos. You’ll be able to influence the course of the dynamically evolving world by aligning yourself with either faction. Multiplayer and online modes are planned in addition to a single player campaign and an endless Continuous mode. The game is due out for release on PC this winter.

The Bitmap Brothers’ classic 1996 real-time strategy game Z has been revived and remade. Digital publisher Kavcom has licensed the game and plans to launch the 2011 version, Z: The Game, for the iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, PC, Mac, Android and Blackberry Tab later this year. Z: The Game was developed by original creators The Bitmap Brothers in conjunction with Kavcom and programming legend Peter Harrap, who made the 1980s platform game Wanted: Monty Mole for Gremlin Graphics.

A year after Slick Entertainment released the vehicular combat racing game on XBLA, Scrap Metal is now available at the App Store with a Universal Binary release, Retina display support, Game Center leaderboards and achievements. While there is no lengthy campaign to be found, the app incorporates directional steering touch controls and automatic firing throughout its four game modes (Race, Derby, Survival, and Time Trial). The app is available now for the iPhone and iPod Touch, and while there is no firm availability date, an Android version has been confirmed for a near future release.

Kick the Buddy was created for de-stressing even the tensest day. This interactive game provides users with an opportunity to choose the face for the Buddy from their Photo Library or just leave him as he is and do to him whatever they want. The app also includes a variety of mini-games for Buddy “lovers” to play with, while the newly expanded cache of weapons should appeal to even the most hardened of Buddy “haters”. There’s a boxing glove to punch Buddy, a fishing rod to catch him, a fuel tank to blow Buddy to pieces, and a Japanese sword exactly like in Kill Bill if you find yourself bored.

Kick the Buddy requires iOS 3.1.2 or later to play, and is available for $0.99.

Sixteen new screens have been released for the new Elder Scrolls game. While there was no detailed information about each shot, you can see for yourself some of the in-game treats. The landscapes look to have had a complete overhaul and are beautiful. Stealth based attacks appear to be included as do the ever present magical abilities. I am looking forward to this game!

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Ubisoft and Capybara Games have released their first strategic video for Might and Magic: Clash of Heroes. This video shows off some of the basic tactics that can be used when battling the AI or a friend (via online or offline play). The title is scheduled to release on the PlayStation Network April 12, and at the Xbox LIVE Arcade on April 13.

Nuclear Dawn is an upcoming RTS/FPS hybrid set in a post-apocalyptic near future, where two factions fight for survival and supremacy in the world they destroyed. With a mixture of tactical, squad-based combat for the soldier and unforgiving strategic gameplay for their commanders, the game is in development by InterWave.

Pre-orders will open sixty days before the release date, and players will be able to purchase the title as early as July. Players who pre-purchase the game will be automatically invited into the closed beta, and will be able to play as early as August.

Atomic Ball is an arcadey brick buster that has received over 500,000 downloads in recent days for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. The app features 60 levels spread across 10 different graphic themes, and includes 6 diverse music tracks. Throughout its gameplay, players can score over 30 power-ups, complete 20 achievements and experience its Game Center support.

Atomic Ball requires iOS 3.0 or later to play, and is available for $0.99.

Reuters reports that Robin Antonick claims he created the first versions of the Madden franchise in the 1980s for MS Dos, the Apple II, and the Commodore 64. He also alleges that he just recently realized that he has been wrongly denied his share of the profits since 1992, and is now asking for tens of millions in unpaid royalties and “disgorgement” of nearly $4 billion in profits from the sale of the game.

“Only recently, as a result of publicity surrounding the 20th Anniversary of the Madden videogame did Antonick become aware that Electronic Arts did not independently develop subsequent versions of its Madden NFL software,” the complaint states. “Instead, according to recent statements by Electronic Arts founder Trip Hawkins, the current generation of software apparently derived from software developed by Antonick.”

It’s Homefront‘s turn, and Turks, Micieli and Watts go as deep as humanly possible into what was hyped to be the next big thing, in Episode #126.5 of AP.5. What are the AI and shooter aspects really like? Was there a reason THQ kept their gameplay footage behind closed doors until the last possible moment? Are there any elements at all worth playing it for? There’s little “gushing” to be had here, but you’ll want to listen to the show before you lay down a single ducket for this title!

There’s still some time left to enter the MASSIVE Mass Luminosity Giveaway, so enter now!

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Console superiority is an argument that rages on and on, in bars, online and in other places. Even industry analysts can’t agree on which console is the leader in this current generation. They give interesting arguments as to which they believe has performed better. Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter believes that the PS3 needs to cut its price to succeed. He also added that “Microsoft are determined to ‘win’ and won’t allow PS3 to gain a pricing advantage, ever.” On the other hand, Billy Pidgeon of M2 Research acknowledges that the 360 is ahead now, but if the PS3 can continue delivering AAA games, then it can overtake the Xbox. “PS3 penetration is also contingent on Sony’s continued release of quality first-party, system-selling games,” he says. So what do you guys think? Do you feel Xbox Live and the Kinect have sealed the deal in this current generation, or do the likes of God of War 3, Heavy Rain and Uncharted give Sony something to shout about?

Source: Playstation Universe

April Fools Day has always given folks in the gaming industry the chance to let their hair down and be creative in an attempt to hoodwink unsuspecting readers; in 2008, IGN created a full-length trailer for a Legend of Zelda movie that had people convinced it was real for months afterward. Peripheral seller Evil Controllers has continued the tradition by offering a diamond-encrusted, gold-plated Xbox 360 gamepad (left), complete with solid-gold thumbsticks, precious gems as face buttons and an Unobtainium guide button. All for the low price of $1 million—with free shipping.

The Xperia is the world’s first officially certified PlayStation smartphone and it is now available for purchase. The roster boasts an impressive 60 games for launch and it is available in the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Austria (did you score one Dan?), Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Russia, Hong Kong and Taiwan with a further 6 markets to get the product over the next 2 weeks. With titles such as Assassin’s Creed, Splinter Cell and Syphon Filter on this nifty device, could this become the new leader in this emerging market?

This is perhaps one of the greatest teaser trailers I have ever seen for a video game or film. Honestly, be prepared to see what will go down in history as one of the greatest things you will see…ever. If you are truly ready, then press play now. DON’T BLINK!