Cthulhu Saves the World released, News from GamePro

The second game from Breath of Death VII developer Zeboyd Games releases as an Xbox Live Indie Games today.

Cthulhu Saves the World is a parody role-playing fame for the Xbox 360 where the dark god inspired by the writing of H.P. Lovecraft. Cthulhu is a fictional cosmic entity created by horror author H. P. Lovecraft that first appeared in the short story"The Call of Cthulhu."He (or she?) is a gargantuan, tentacled creature with a hideous appearance.

In Cthulhu Saves the World, the cosmic creature decides that in order to destroy the world and plunge it in to eternal darkness (as originally planned in"The Call of Cthulhu") he must first save the world as a hero. From this strange logic, the dark god and his companions set out on an adventure filled with redemption, romance, and insanity - according to the game's developers.

The game features 16-bit graphics, turn-based RPG combat, comic book style cutscenes, a"save anywhere"save system, three difficulty levels (Easy, Normal, Hard), a 1UP system that allows major battle replays, seven playable characters, three bonus game modes, 20 original songs, a multi-level-up systems that lets charcters level up fast, and random encounter limits. The game offers around six to 10 hours of gameplay.

Cthulhu Saves the World costs 240 Microsoft Points ($3 USD) in all countries where Xbox Live Indie Games are supported.

For more information, visitwww.indiegames-uprising.com. A video showing off some of the gameplay is available onYouTube.

Got any tips, corrections, or feedback?Contact GamePro's news teamor follow this article's authoron Twitter.

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Pokemon Black and White Versions ship March 6, News from GamePro

Nintendo of America launches Pokemon Black Version and Pokemon White Version for DS in North America on March 6. The all-new adventure introduces a new region to explore and more than 150 new Pokemon to catch, train and battle.

Naturally, some of these new Pokemon are exclusive to each version of the game. For example, the Legendary Pokemon Zekrom is only available inPokemon WhiteVersion, while the Legendary Pokemon Reshiram is only available in Pokemon Black Version.

For the first time in the series, Black and White feature unique areas exclusive to each game.Pokemon BlackVersion features a metropolitan area called Black City, while the White Version features the White Forest. Both games also feature a Seasons system. Some Pokemon appear more frequently during different seasons, and players can only access some areas during a specific season as well.

Players start the game with one of three new Starter Pokemon: the Grass-type Snivy, the Fire-type Tepig, or the Water-type Oshawott. Nintendo says that while players explore in the main storyline they will encounter only new Pokemon. Finally, both games feature the original boy and girl trainerswho set out on an adventure in the new Unova region.

Pre-orders for Pokemon Black Version and Pokemon White Version are available from major retailers throughout North America for a suggested retail price of $34.99 each. For more information about the game, visitwww.pokemonblackwhite.com.

Got any tips, corrections, or feedback?Contact GamePro's news teamor follow this article's authoron Twitter.

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RuneScape players decide PVP and trade in future update, News from GamePro

UK-based developer Jagex Software is trying something new: letting players decide a future update to its online game, RuneScape.

The developers set up an online petition this week asking players if they want to allow"unrestricted free trade,"and the player-versus-player combat area called"The Wilderness."The developers say this move is part of its 10-year anniversary forRunescape.

"We want to celebrate RuneScape's 10th anniversary by offering our loyal community the chance to decide, once and for all, the future of Free Trade and the Wilderness,"said Christoph Vietzke, Head of RuneScape, in an announcement this morning."

"When considering game changing decisions such as this we always hold our players' ultimate game experience firmly in mind,"added Mark Gerhard, Jagex CEO."We have released a host of new content which provides a comparable PvP experience to the old Wilderness and mechanics to allow increased trade limits with long term friends but we are still regularly told by players that they want more. We want to find out whether the passionate voices we hear on this topic are truly representative of entire community or just a vocal minority. If the vast majority of our players support of the campaign then we will restore these features to the game as quickly as possible."

Jagex plans to reintroduce unrestricted trade should players approve it. This feature grants players the freedom to donate their wealth or trade items to friends without restriction.

The Wilderness is a player-vs.-player area described by Jagex as the"most dangerous area in RuneScape."The Wilderness gives players a place to fight each other to the death for loot and money using all the features added over the past 10 years such as creature summoning, new curses, more powerful weaponry, armor, and more.

The community petition runs until January 14. Jagex says that this event is the first of many planned to celebrate the game's ten-year anniversary. To support the campaign, visitwww.runeScape.com/wilderness.

Got any tips, corrections, or feedback?Contact GamePro's news teamor follow this article's authoron Twitter.

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Sound off: good movie games, News from GamePro

With the Tron game receiving a decent review score on our site, we put a tough question out to our Twitter community--what's the last movie-based game that you enjoyed? Here are their answers.

The upcoming movie adaptationTron: Evolutionnotched a 3.5 out of 5 in our review this past weekend. While that score is average for most big releases, it's sadly one of the higher-scoring movie tie-ins of late. Withunder-performing movie adaptations continuing to plauge gaming, we put the following question out to our Twitter community:

We gave Tron a 3.5/5, which makes it better than most movie games. Which recent adaptions have you liked? Best answers posted, one wins swagless than a minute agoviaTweetDeckGamePro
GamePro

A handful of users are of the mindset that there haven't been any worthwhile tie-ins of late. Here are the replies that see little to celebrate in the realm of movie-based games.

@GamePronone!less than a minute agovia webDavid Deibert
doubleD215

@GameProI have really enjoyed the Saw games. Best cup coasters I have ever owned.less than a minute agoviaMobile WebDonald Conrad
ConManEd

@GameProYears of disappointment prevent me from even thinking about buying a movie game. I hear Wolverine was goodish...less than a minute agoviaTrillianRoss Polly
GreedyRaven

Of the games that did receive accolades, one title stood head, shoulders, and claws above the rest. Here's the praise heaped upon one of the best recent movie-related video games:

@GameProI don't think any movie game has delivered like wolverine. Good gameplay and easter eggs galore!less than a minute agoviaTwitter for iPhoneSevanGrim
SevanGrim

@GameProThe Wolverine Game last year! The violence and dismemberment was what truly belonged in game devoted everyone's favorite mutant.less than a minute agovia webStarkiller
Subject1138

@GameProX-Men Origins: Wolverine. An excellent gorefest feat. badass Wolvie. It says something about the movie when the game's betterless than a minute agoviaTwitter for iPhoneElton R. Jones
theerj

A handful of other movie-based titles were given kudos from their fans. Here's the best of the rest:

@gameproGhostbusters: Had the original cast, getting to interact in the GhostBuster world&learning the ropes on how to be a ghostbuster.less than a minute agoviaTweetDeckdownsouthtigger
downsouthtigger

@GamePro- Ghostbusters. The game had the characters, jokes, and a great story. On top of it all, it made you feel like a Ghostbuster.less than a minute agovia webKevin
DoCTa_K

@GameProMy favorite movie adaptation in a long time is Toy Story 3. Toybox mode is a blast.less than a minute agovia webJeff Derrickson
JustSomeDude899

@GameProToy Story 3. Although it wasn't perfect, it was fun to play&if I can say this, it's cuteness and overall gameplay won me over.less than a minute agovia webBishop
VisceralBishop

@Gameprois that a joke? Scott pilgrim vs the world the game, greatest adaption ever. Of all times. Once they let you level up more I mean.less than a minute agoviatxtJonathan Robbins
DaveOwnage

@GameProI've got to go with the Scott Pilgrim game. Not only is it a fun blast from the past, but it also has an awesome soundtrack.less than a minute agovia webJ. N. Walker
SilentPlatypus

Our choice for today's top tweet goes to louiedog, who brought up an alternative way for movie games to reach the marketplace without having to deal with traditional adaptation ailments. Congrats, louie--send a reply to GamePro on Twitter before the end of the week to claim your swag. Here's the dog's bark:

@GameProScott Pilgrim. I wish more movie games were smaller, downloadable titles which can be well made with less development time.less than a minute agoviaTweetDecklouiedog
louiedog

Try as they might, the movie and video game industries have rarely had their schedules in sync. Thankfully, recent years (and projects) have allowed the titans of each industry to learn how to create what's best for the viewers and players.

What do you think of the responses above? Is there any game you'd add? Please continue the conversation by commenting below or by replying toGamePro on Twitter.

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The 4th String Podcast, episode 14, News from GamePro

Episode 14 of 4th String has the most prolific minds in sports video game podcasting chatting about their disappointment with NBA Jam and the World Cup location choices.

In episode 14 of the 4th String's Weekly Thrillride, the team behindThe Sports Game Guy's Sports Anomaly podcastdeliver the definitive word on all things sports and video games. This week,Todd Zuniga,Greg Ford,Mike Suszek, andAndrew Fitchregister their disappointment with NBA Jam and the two choices made for future World Cup locales. The foursome also discuss making the difficult team choice when you don't root for any team in a particular sports game. Embedded below is the audio for the episode:

To subscribe to the 4th String podcast, please visit the show's officialiTunes page. For more information on the show, check out the official4th String websiteandTwitter page.

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Team play unlocks fifth Bad Company 2 Vietnam map, News from GamePro

DICE announced that when the Battlefield Bad Company 2 Vietnam downloadable content releases later this month, players have a chance at unlocking an additional multiplayer map if they choose to work together.

By engaging in team actions, players unlock the fifth map called Operation Hastings. The new map is a remake of the classic map of the same name from the game Battlefield Vietnam.

To unlock the map, PC, PS3, and Xbox 360 Battlefield Bad Company 2 Vietnam players need to amass 69 million team actions online. Team actions include helpful activities such as resupplying, reviving teammates, healing, spotting enemies, and repairing vehicles.

The Battlefield Bad Company 2 Vietnam DLC releases December 18 on PC through the EA Store and Steam, and December 21 on Xbox Live and PlayStation Network for 1200 MS points ($15).

Got any tips, corrections, or feedback?Contact GamePro's news teamor follow this article's authoron Twitter.

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The overlooked stories from December 2, 2010, News from GamePro

While the normal newsday was filled with Zynga developments, a few cool tidbits like a real-life Tron lightcycle and vuvuzela-based anti-piracy measures didn't get proper recognition. Until now...

12/2--A buyout with friends

Anyone interested in buying a full-scale Tron Lightcycle?

Dave: Got $55,000? Then you can own a working replica of the Tron Lightcycle.

AJ: Eh, I'd rather save up for one of themotorbikes from Akira.

Wii Speak being phased out

AJ: Nintendo's chat accessory is all but dead. Psh... there's a shocker.

Will: Oh Nintendo... will you ever do online gaming properly?

Xbox-Modding Judge Berates Prosecution, Puts Trial on Hold

AJ: Good news for modders. The judge in the Xbox 360 modder case dressed down the prosecution in a colorful display of language.

Cheeky anti-piracy implementation in Michael Jackson: The Experience DS.

AJ: This is kind of cool. As anti-piracy for the Michael Jackson DS game, Ubisoft hacked it to play vuvuzuelas instead of the music.

Jason: Best antipiracy measure I know of. If I close my eyes, I can still hear those damn things.

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Sound off: Zynga and Newtoy, News from GamePro

Two social gaming powerhouses joined forces today, as Facebook game developer Zynga bought out Newtoy, the developer of the popular Words With Friends iPhone app. We polled our Twitter-base to see what the teams can learn from each other.

After the major news broke this morning thatZynga had purchased Newtoy, we posted the following question on Twitter:

Zynga has bought Words With Friends developer Newtoy. What can the two companies learn from each other? Best answers posted, one wins swag.less than a minute agoviaTweetDeckGamePro
GamePro

A majority of the responses seemed to believe that the two companies will attempt a fair bit of cross-branding with their respective popular IPs. Given the fact that Newtoy is now being dubbed"Zynga With Friends,"it's very conceivable that the following prophecies could come to pass.

@GameProInstead of spending hours a day harvesting virtual crops, now moms everywhere will spend hours a day playing Words.less than a minute agoviaTweetDeckAlex Haar
A_Haar

@GameProWith this partnership, one could expect Zynga to share their"playbook"of"secret sauce"with Newtoy.less than a minute agoviaTwitter for iPhoneTyler Holt
Desolation33

@GameProWordville Wars?less than a minute agoviaDigsbyKevin M
hawk16zz

A few other respondents pointed out Zynga's less-than-stellar public image, which they believe could adversely effect Newtoy's reputation. Here are a few replies that don't think highly of this collaboration:

@GameProAbsolutely nothing. Zynga only take other people's ideas and re-skin them anyway, they've admitted that's their only strategy.less than a minute agoviaTwitter for iPhoneJames Henderson
jayc4life

@GamePronothing. They already own the world. You can't go higher than the top.less than a minute agoviaTwitterrificAlmightyTooth
AlmightyTooth

Our choice for the top tweet of the day goes to shawn_i, who provided the most concise description of what the two companies have to offer for each other. Congrats, Shawn--please send a direct message to GamePro on Twitter before the publication of tomorrow's"Tell us how you really feel"article to claim your swag. Here's Shawn's prediction:

@GameProNewtoy will learn how to make a Facebook version of Words. Zynga will learn to make games that also appeal to hardcore gamers.less than a minute agoviaEchofonShawn Ingram
shawn_i

In the world of social and iPhone gaming, changes can happen very quickly. While it will be months (possibly even years) before we see the fruits of the Activision-Bungie partnership, we may start to see the effects of this teaming in short order. Given Newtoy... er, Zynga With Friends'hardcore pedigree, the team has the potential to really improve Zynga's public image while making plenty of money in the process.

What do you think of the responses above? Is there any suggestion you'd add? Please continue the conversation by commenting below or by replying toGamePro on Twitter.

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The overlooked stories from November 30, 2010, News from GamePro

With EA's John Riccitiello and the Kinect-Move pissing contest providing most of yesterday's news beef, a few choice cuts like the Inception game and Kevin Butler's new video were left untouched. Here's where we give them their just due.

11/30--Guess motion control isn't a fad anymore...

And Here's the Dead Rising 2: Case West Extreme Trailer

Dave: By"extreme,"they mean"standard gameplay clips."Still, I'm looking forward to the game, since it seems as though you'll be able to engage in Frank West-style photography.

'Game Dev Story 2' Coming To iOS, But Not 'Soon'

AJ: There's your good news and bad news, together in one headline.

Dave: Great, that gives me enough time to FINALLY snag a game of the year award. Also, the article linked above is a pretty good read, as it details the near-15-year history of GDS.

Christopher Nolan on his 'last' Batman movie, an 'Inception' videogame, and that spinning top

Dave: Good news for fans of being mindf*cked... an Inception video game is still in the works.

Will: Maybe it is, or maybe we're just DREAMING ABOUT IT.

It Only Does Unstoppable Deals

AJ: I'm not too keen on that deal (particularly since it includes"Grown Ups"on Blu-ray), but it's always nice to have a new Kevin Butler video.

Dave: First the PSP kid, now a"Best Buy employee."Kevin Butler is able to create a group of charismatic satellite pitchmen. This man is truly a powerful corporate spokesman...

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The overlooked stories from November 29, 2010, News from GamePro

A few major stories fell through the cracks yesterday, including Apple's new Game Center developments and Jade Raymond's next project. We've picked those and other newsbits and made snarky comments about all of them.

11/29--Fare thee well, Cyber Monday.

Fundamentally Accurate

Will: Another bizarrely-hilarious edition of Penny Arcade.

Dave: What's the sexual equivalent of a killer app? A sexy-killer app?

Apple Updates Game Center ToS to Include Use of Real Names

Dave: You can now see the actual names of your Game Center friends. You still can't see their actual achievements though. Blegh.

Will: It's awesome to be a part of the industry thatNEVER LEARNS ANYTHING EVER.

Jade Raymond making Splinter Cell 6

AJ: Raymond's back in the saddle for the next Splinter Cell, and there was much rejoicing.

Dave: It's going to be developed entirely in Toronto? Does that mean Sam Fisher will say"about"real funny?

Sonic Does Not Win This All-Star Video Game Footrace

Dave: Here's a fun little YouTube clip. I'm especially fond of the strong showing made by Marty McFly in the video.

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