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	<title>Smartyweb! &#187; News</title>
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	<description>News and reviews of the latest video games.</description>
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		<title>Tropico 3 a joyful trip to the islands</title>
		<link>http://www.smartyweb.org/2009/09/14/tropico-3-a-joyful-trip-to-the-islands/</link>
		<comments>http://www.smartyweb.org/2009/09/14/tropico-3-a-joyful-trip-to-the-islands/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 14 Sep 2009 16:13:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Smartyweb Staff</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.smartyweb.org/?p=944</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[SimCity 4 was released 6 years ago, leaving many to wonder what has become of the world simulation genre. 
Tropico 3 is a welcome new entry into the once-crowded field. Those with a little time to kill, and a fat hard drive, can download the 1.1 gigabyte demo and try their hand at running a [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>SimCity 4 was released 6 years ago, leaving many to wonder what has become of the world simulation genre. </p>
<div id="attachment_946" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 310px"><a class="lightbox"  title ="T3-10" href="http://www.smartyweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/T3-10.jpg"><img src="http://www.smartyweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/T3-10-300x207.jpg" alt="This is what SimCity 5 was supposed to look like." title="T3-10" width="300" height="207" class="size-medium wp-image-946" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">This is what SimCity 5 was supposed to look like.</p></div>
<p><a href="http://www.tropico3.com/en/">Tropico 3</a> is a welcome new entry into the once-crowded field. Those with a little time to kill, and a fat hard drive, can <a href="http://www.bigdownload.com/games/tropico-3/pc/tropico-3-demo/">download</a> the 1.1 gigabyte demo and try their hand at running a small island nation in paradise during the Cold War. The retail game will be released Oct. 16 for PC and Xbox 360.</p>
<p>Tropico was a fun diversion when released in 2001, but seemed to lose its way with subsequent titles. Tropico 3 seems to get back on the right track by retaining the tongue-in-cheek humor of the original.</p>
<p>A new 3D engine brings the visuals up to date (and at resolutions up to 2560&#215;1600!), and the engaging but not too-deep core gameplay remains intact. When creating an avatar (El Presidente) players have to create a background that includes two strengths and two weaknesses, which really affect island &#8216;history.&#8217;</p>
<p>And the soundtrack practically begs you to fire up the margarita machine. </p>
<p>If the game is as good as the demo, Tropico 3 will bring a smile to long-suffering SimCity fans.<br />

<a href='http://www.smartyweb.org/2009/09/14/tropico-3-a-joyful-trip-to-the-islands/t3-08/' title='T3-08'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.smartyweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/T3-08-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="" title="T3-08" /></a>
<a href='http://www.smartyweb.org/2009/09/14/tropico-3-a-joyful-trip-to-the-islands/t3-07/' title='T3-07'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.smartyweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/T3-07-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="" title="T3-07" /></a>
<a href='http://www.smartyweb.org/2009/09/14/tropico-3-a-joyful-trip-to-the-islands/t3-06/' title='T3-06'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.smartyweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/T3-06-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="" title="T3-06" /></a>
<a href='http://www.smartyweb.org/2009/09/14/tropico-3-a-joyful-trip-to-the-islands/t3-05/' title='T3-05'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.smartyweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/T3-05-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="" title="T3-05" /></a>
<a href='http://www.smartyweb.org/2009/09/14/tropico-3-a-joyful-trip-to-the-islands/t3-04/' title='T3-04'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.smartyweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/T3-04-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="" title="T3-04" /></a>
<a href='http://www.smartyweb.org/2009/09/14/tropico-3-a-joyful-trip-to-the-islands/t3-03/' title='T3-03'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.smartyweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/T3-03-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="" title="T3-03" /></a>
<a href='http://www.smartyweb.org/2009/09/14/tropico-3-a-joyful-trip-to-the-islands/t3-02/' title='T3-02'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.smartyweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/T3-02-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="" title="T3-02" /></a>
<a href='http://www.smartyweb.org/2009/09/14/tropico-3-a-joyful-trip-to-the-islands/t3-01/' title='T3-01'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.smartyweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/T3-01-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="" title="T3-01" /></a>
<a href='http://www.smartyweb.org/2009/09/14/tropico-3-a-joyful-trip-to-the-islands/t3-09/' title='T3-09'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.smartyweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/T3-09-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="" title="T3-09" /></a>
<a href='http://www.smartyweb.org/2009/09/14/tropico-3-a-joyful-trip-to-the-islands/t3-10/' title='T3-10'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.smartyweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/T3-10-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="This is what SimCity 5 was supposed to look like." title="T3-10" /></a>
<br />
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<p><strong>Here&#8217;s the press release:</strong><br />
<em>BALTIMORE, MD, September 11, 2009 – Kalypso Media today released the demo version of the upcoming strategy management game TROPICO 3.  Players can immediately download the demo and take control of El Presidente to experience the game tutorial and the first two missions of the full version that is due out on October 16. </p>
<p>MISSION 1: Bananas<br />
The abdication of the old Presidente of St. Helena provided the perfect opportunity for your rise to power. Now as the head of state it is your job to lead this small island nation to a new age of prosperity.   </p>
<p>St. Helena is a modest island with rich and fertile lands, which have attracted the attention of the American food conglomerate Fruitas LTD. You should make use of the gringos to secure the financial future of the island as well as your own Swiss Bank Account. </p>
<p>MISSION 2: Second Chance<br />
The band of rebels led by your twin managed to drive you out of your own island. Taking the entire treasury, you hitched a ride on an old fishing boat, seeking refuge in your summer residence on the island of El Acantilado. </p>
<p>Chased away from their own homes, your most loyal supporters have followed you. Taking the burden of leadership once again you have promised them a fresh start. Your new island is a poor and dry hunk of rock. Several rich iron ore deposits are its only viable resources….. </p>
<p>Developed by Haemimont Games, Tropico 3 brings the series back to its roots and puts players in the role of ‘El Presidente’, the two-bit dictator of a strategically positioned banana republic in the Caribbean during the time of the Cold War.  Players assume control of every aspect of island life, deciding whether to unleash the army to secure their power base or lead their people to prosperity as a generous elder statesman.  Will absolute power corrupt, or will the humanitarian approach spur progress?  Find out this September as gamers become part of the political machinations of Tropico as they determine the fate of this island nation. </p>
<p>TROPICO 3 is being developed by Haemimont Games and will be available on PC and Xbox 360 on October 16.  For more information, screenshots and videos please visit the official game website www.tropico3.com </p>
<p>About Kalypso Media<br />
Specializing in the publishing of interactive media, primarily computer games, Kalypso Media was founded in summer 2006 by industry veterans Simon Hellwig and Stefan Marcinek.  The following year, a sister company, Kalypso Media UK Ltd., was established in England and is currently led by Andrew Johnson and Charlie Barrett, two experienced members of the Kalypso Media Group management team.  In 2009, Kalypso Media USA Inc. was established under the leadership of veteran video game executive, Deborah Tillett.  Kalypso Media owns two development studios, Realmforge Studios GmbH and Gaming Minds Studios GmbH, both of which are located in Germany.  For further information see www.kalypsomedia.com. </p>
<p>About Haemimont Games</p>
<p>Haemimont Games is an independent games development team brought together by a common passion: to thrill, engage and provoke gamers worldwide. Since 1997, the studio has developed eight original titles with numerous add-ons. It is currently working on Tropico 3 among others. More information on the company can be found by visiting www.haemimontgames.com. </p>
<p></em></p>
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		<title>NBA Live 10 demo available</title>
		<link>http://www.smartyweb.org/2009/09/14/nba-live-10-demo-available/</link>
		<comments>http://www.smartyweb.org/2009/09/14/nba-live-10-demo-available/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 14 Sep 2009 15:34:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Smartyweb Staff</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.smartyweb.org/?p=929</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Hoops fans looking for an early start on the NBA season can download the demo of Electronic Arts&#8217; NBA Live 10, but you have to own an Xbox 360 and be a LIVE Gold subscriber. 
Silver subscribers, and PS3 owners, will have to wait a few days (Sept. 17) to get their hoops fix.
If the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_930" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 310px"><a class="lightbox"  title ="dwill_cropped" href="http://www.smartyweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/dwill_cropped.jpg"><img src="http://www.smartyweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/dwill_cropped-300x300.jpg" alt="NBA Live 10 looks better, and improvements have been made to the controls, but NBA 2K10 remains a formidable opponent." title="dwill_cropped" width="300" height="300" class="size-medium wp-image-930" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">NBA Live 10 looks better, and improvements have been made to the controls, but NBA 2K10 remains a formidable opponent.</p></div>
<p>Hoops fans looking for an early start on the NBA season can download the demo of Electronic Arts&#8217; <a href="http://nba-live.easports.com/home.action">NBA Live 10</a>, but you have to own an Xbox 360 and be a LIVE Gold subscriber. </p>
<p>Silver subscribers, and PS3 owners, will have to wait a few days (Sept. 17) to get their hoops fix.</p>
<p>If the demo is anything like the preview code sent to reviewers, you&#8217;ll be able to see quite a few changes have been made that make the game easier and more natural to play. </p>
<p>Shooting, for example, is handled by one button. Different shots (dunks, layups, fades) are determined by how the athlete is positioned to the rim, left stick movement and whether or not the turbo button is pressed.  </p>
<p>And the visuals have once again been polished. Athletes move more naturally and animations are more lifelike.</p>
<p>Whether the tweaks are enough to push EA&#8217;s game past <a href="http://2ksports.com/games/nba2k10">NBA 2K10</a> remains to be seen. </p>
<p>Both titles are scheduled for release Oct. 6.<br />

<a href='http://www.smartyweb.org/2009/09/14/nba-live-10-demo-available/westdrive/' title='westdrive'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.smartyweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/westdrive-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="" title="westdrive" /></a>
<a href='http://www.smartyweb.org/2009/09/14/nba-live-10-demo-available/wadesizeup/' title='wadesizeup'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.smartyweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/wadesizeup-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="" title="wadesizeup" /></a>
<a href='http://www.smartyweb.org/2009/09/14/nba-live-10-demo-available/nashsetup/' title='nashsetup'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.smartyweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/nashsetup-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="" title="nashsetup" /></a>
<a href='http://www.smartyweb.org/2009/09/14/nba-live-10-demo-available/lebronchalkteaser4/' title='lebronchalkteaser4'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.smartyweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/lebronchalkteaser4-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="" title="lebronchalkteaser4" /></a>
<a href='http://www.smartyweb.org/2009/09/14/nba-live-10-demo-available/10-10-53-229-image32/' title='10.10.53.229-image32'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.smartyweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/10.10.53.229-image32-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="" title="10.10.53.229-image32" /></a>
<a href='http://www.smartyweb.org/2009/09/14/nba-live-10-demo-available/dwill_cropped/' title='dwill_cropped'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.smartyweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/dwill_cropped-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="NBA Live 10 looks better, and improvements have been made to the controls, but NBA 2K10 remains a formidable opponent." title="dwill_cropped" /></a>
</p>
<p><strong>Here&#8217;s the press release:</strong><br />
<em>SEPTEMBER 11, 2009 &#8211; Electronic Arts announced today that a playable demo of NBA LIVE 10 is now available for download on Xbox LIVE™ Marketplace for all Xbox LIVE Gold Subscribers. Play as the Orlando Magic or the Los Angeles Lakers and re-write, or relive, last year’s NBA Finals match-up. The demo will be available to Xbox LIVE Silver members and on the PLAYSTATION® Network™ on September 17th, 2009.  </p>
<p>With a renewed focus on creating an authentic 5 on 5 basketball videogame experience, NBA LIVE 10 introduces a myriad of gameplay improvements to the long running franchise. Computer controlled players will now move and react like their real life counterparts with enhanced player A.I. (artificial intelligence), and authentic, team-specific playbooks. In addition, all new dribbling, passing and shooting systems now give users more control over individual players than ever before seen in the franchise. Gamers can now control every movement as they break down a defender on the perimeter, drive to the basket, and finish at the basket using their left or right hand. From dishing no look passes to releasing a step back shot early or late to avoid a block from a defender, NBA LIVE 10 lets you to create highlight reel plays on your terms.  </p>
<p>NBA LIVE 10 also features significant improvements in the franchises overall presentation. Arena specific lighting and crowd behaviors, signature pre-game rituals and celebrations, evolving storylines, and an all new broadcast package are just some of the many enhancements that will ensure that NBA LIVE 10 looks and sounds like a real life NBA game.  </p>
<p>Powered by Dynamic DNA, NBA LIVE 10 will use the latest stats, rosters and tendencies for all the players and teams in the NBA*. With data supplied by Synergy Sports Technology – the premier analytics provider for over 25 NBA teams, Dynamic DNA allows NBA LIVE 10 to provide the most authentic basketball simulation experience in a videogame to date.</p>
<p>For more information, please visit www.easports.com/NBALIVE10, Media can find screenshots and videos of the game at http://info.ea.com.</p>
<p>*For online connected users only </em></p>
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		<title>LittleBigPlanet returns with GOTY Edition</title>
		<link>http://www.smartyweb.org/2009/09/09/littlebigplanet-returns-with-goty-edition/</link>
		<comments>http://www.smartyweb.org/2009/09/09/littlebigplanet-returns-with-goty-edition/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:35:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Smartyweb Staff</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.smartyweb.org/?p=872</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Family games used to be difficult to find on the PlayStation 3, but Sony hit the ball out of the park with LittleBigPlanet, a Mario-like platformer featuring a hip art style that oozes cute but is fun even for adults. 
Sony has just released the Game of the Year Edition of LittleBigPlanet, and after spending [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Family games used to be difficult to find on the <a href="http://www.us.playstation.com/">PlayStation 3</a>, but Sony hit the ball out of the park with <a href="http://www.littlebigplanet.com/">LittleBigPlanet</a>, a Mario-like platformer featuring a hip art style that oozes cute but is fun even for adults. </p>
<p>Sony has just released the Game of the Year Edition of LittleBigPlanet, and after spending a few hours with it, I can give it yet another thumbs up. When released late last year, it was universally adored &#8212; it won more than 80 awards from the gaming press. </p>
<p>The GOTY Edition adds 18 levels generated by fans and lots of new garb for the endearing Sackboys, including Metal Gear Solid and other costumes. </p>
<p>And players are still creating content and posting scores. I flubbed a level and was stunned to see I finished 2,132,146th! That&#8217;s pretty bad, but shows how many folks have enjoyed this unique charmer.</p>
<p>Here are some screenshots, which look eerily like the non-GOTY edition of the game, and a video of gameplay. Parents really can&#8217;t go wrong with this one.<br />

<a href='http://www.smartyweb.org/2009/09/09/littlebigplanet-returns-with-goty-edition/watermill2_-_cropped/' title='Watermill2_-_cropped'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.smartyweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/Watermill2_-_cropped-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="" title="Watermill2_-_cropped" /></a>
<a href='http://www.smartyweb.org/2009/09/09/littlebigplanet-returns-with-goty-edition/tublerizer2-_cropped/' title='Tublerizer2-_Cropped'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.smartyweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/Tublerizer2-_Cropped-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="" title="Tublerizer2-_Cropped" /></a>
<a href='http://www.smartyweb.org/2009/09/09/littlebigplanet-returns-with-goty-edition/snow_tank_-_cropped/' title='Snow_tank_-_cropped'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.smartyweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/Snow_tank_-_cropped-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="" title="Snow_tank_-_cropped" /></a>
<a href='http://www.smartyweb.org/2009/09/09/littlebigplanet-returns-with-goty-edition/paintball2/' title='Paintball2'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.smartyweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/Paintball2-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="" title="Paintball2" /></a>
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<p><strong>Here&#8217;s the press release:</strong><br />
<em>LittleBigPlanet(TM) Game of the Year Edition Celebrates the Achievements of the Critically Acclaimed Franchise, Exclusively for the PlayStation(R)3 System </p>
<p>Special Edition Offers Consumers Bonus Content Valued At More Than $30 Including Original Levels Created By LittleBigPlanet(TM) Fans From Around The World </p>
<p>FOSTER CITY, Calif., Sept. 8 /PRNewswire/ &#8212; Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA) today announced the release of the LittleBigPlanet™ Game of the Year edition, available exclusively for PlayStation®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system.  The new Game of the Year edition features LittleBigPlanet’s award winning “Play, Create, and Share” gameplay experience along with a number of bonus additions, including 18 never-before-seen levels developed by select LittleBigPlanet fans, free downloadable content packs with themed levels and costumes, and exclusive access to the upcoming ModNation™ Racers online beta. </p>
<p>Since its launch last October, LittleBigPlanet has been widely praised and critically acclaimed with more than 80 industry awards worldwide, 15 of which have been for Game of the Year categories, with awards ranging from the top gaming critics to prestigious organizations such as the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences (AIAS) and The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA).  The fans have spoken as well embracing the sharing nature of the game to the point where more than 1,000,000 user generated levels have been published to the PlayStation®Network since LittleBigPlanet hit shelves.  Put another way, one new level has been created roughly every 21 seconds since launch.  This special edition will celebrate these achievements while debuting 18 new bonus levels created by LittleBigPlanet fans from around the globe.  Each creator was hand picked by developer Media Molecule based on previous levels that these enthusiasts have created and shared online.  Once identified, all 18 consumers were commissioned and monetarily compensated to design a completely new environment for the LittleBigPlanet world, allowing each fan to truly become an amateur video game developer.   </p>
<p>“LittleBigPlanet has become a principal franchise for the PlayStation brand and the Game of the Year edition is a celebration of the overwhelming support we have received for the ‘Play, Create, and Share’ movement since the launch of this title last October,” said Scott A. Steinberg, Vice President, Product Marketing, SCEA.  “The inclusion of these original levels and bonus content will give new players significant added value and a taste of the ‘Share’ experience from the best creators all around the globe.” </p>
<p>The LittleBigPlanet Game of the Year edition will also include seven free downloadable content packs to expand SackBoy’s wardrobe, deliver new action packed gameplay, and offer a larger variety of “Create” materials.  These packs include: Metal Gear Solid Level Pack – featuring the “Paintinator” ($5.99), Metal Gear Solid Costumes ($5.99), Monsters Costumes ($2.99), Monsters Pack ($3.99), History Costumes ($2.99), History Pack ($3.99), and Animals Costumes ($2.99) – all as priced on PlayStation®Store.  In addition, limited quantities of the game will include a PlayStation Network voucher code to download the upcoming       ModNation Racers online beta – PlayStation’s newest “Play, Create, and Share” title, a classic kart racing game with a creative twist.  All bonus content is valued at over $30, offering fans an enhanced experience at no added expense. </p>
<p>LittleBigPlanet has made a tremendous impact on the gaming industry as well as general consumers around the world by allowing players to interact through the LittleBigPlanet online community via shared levels and objects, rankings, and user comments.  The &#8220;Play, Create, and Share&#8221; movement continues to connect families and friends while the game’s expanding influence is seen in the growing popularity of the SackBoy™ character who has been embraced by countless fans, young and old, around the globe.   </p>
<p>Developed exclusively for the PS3 system by Media Molecule, LittleBigPlanet allows players to control the iconic and customizable SackBoy as they “Play, Create, and Share” their masterpieces in a stitched-together, 3D-crafted material world.  LittleBigPlanet invites players of all ages and skill types into an innovative and imaginative experience where they can explore and play through developer and user-generated levels.  Additionally, players can use the same design tools, materials, and stickers Media Molecule built the actual game with to shape or build objects and entire game levels.  Players can then share these creations with the LittleBigPlanet community online via PlayStation Network.   </p>
<p>LittleBigPlanet features cooperative multiplayer gameplay, which allows up to four players the opportunity to play and complete their levels offline with friend at home or play online with other members of the community.   </p>
<p>The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has rated the LittleBigPlanet Game of the Year edition for the PS3 system “E” for Everyone.  For more information about the ESRB, visit www.esrb.org.  For more information on LittleBigPlanet, please visit http://www.littlebigplanet.com/. </em></p>
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		<title>GameFly&#8217;s latest Top 10 lists</title>
		<link>http://www.smartyweb.org/2009/09/09/gameflys-latest-top-10-lists/</link>
		<comments>http://www.smartyweb.org/2009/09/09/gameflys-latest-top-10-lists/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:08:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Smartyweb Staff</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.smartyweb.org/?p=870</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Here&#8217;s GameFly&#8217;s most popular games list for the week ending September 7, 2009.
A bevy of games will be released in mid- to late-September, and this list reflects the demand for many of them. 
We&#8217;re excited about WET, an action-adventure game from Bethesda, the fine folks that gave us the incredible Elder Scrolls games and Fallout [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Here&#8217;s GameFly&#8217;s most popular games list for the week ending September 7, 2009.</p>
<p>A bevy of games will be released in mid- to late-September, and this list reflects the demand for many of them. </p>
<p>We&#8217;re excited about WET, an action-adventure game from Bethesda, the fine folks that gave us the incredible Elder Scrolls games and Fallout 3. Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 should be awesome as well.</p>
<p>Oddly, the soon-to-be-released Mario &#038; Luigi: Bowser&#8217;s Inside Story for the DS is trailing the latest Professor Layton puzzler. That won&#8217;t last long.</p>
<p><strong>Most Popular Games Cross-Platform:</strong><br />
1 Batman: Arkham Asylum PS3, Xbox 360 Action Adventure Eidos<br />
2 Halo 3: ODST Xbox 360 Shooter Microsoft<br />
3 Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2 PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, DS, PSP Games, PS2 RPG Activision<br />
4 Section 8Xbox 360ShooterSouth Peak Interactive<br />
5 Guitar Hero 5PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, PS2Arcade/PuzzleActivision<br />
6 Need for Speed: ShiftPS3, Xbox 360, PSP GamesRacingElectronic Arts<br />
7 WetPS3, Xbox 360Action AdventureBethesda<br />
8 WolfensteinPS3, Xbox 360ShooterActivision<br />
9 The Beatles: Rock BandPS3, Xbox 360, WiiArcade/PuzzleElectronic Arts<br />
10 Madden NFL 10PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, PSP Games, PS2SportsElectronic Arts</p>
<p><strong>Xbox 360 Most Popular Games:</strong><br />
1 Batman: Arkham AsylumAction AdventureEidos<br />
2 Halo 3: ODSTShooterMicrosoft<br />
3 Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2RPGActivision<br />
4 Section 8ShooterSouth Peak Interactive<br />
5 Guitar Hero 5Arcade/PuzzleActivision<br />
6 Need for Speed: ShiftRacingElectronic Arts<br />
7 WetAction AdventureBethesda<br />
8 WolfensteinShooterActivision<br />
9 The Beatles: Rock BandArcade/PuzzleElectronic Arts<br />
10 Madden NFL 10SportsElectronic Arts</p>
<p><strong>PlayStation 3 Most Popular Games:</strong><br />
1 Batman: Arkham AsylumAction AdventureEidos<br />
2 Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2RPGActivision<br />
3 WetAction AdventureBethesda<br />
4 InfamousAction AdventureSony Computer Entertainment<br />
5 Need for Speed: ShiftRacingElectronic Arts<br />
6 WolfensteinShooterActivision<br />
7 Uncharted 2: Among ThievesAction AdventureSony Computer Entertainment<br />
8 Madden NFL 10SportsElectronic Arts<br />
9 Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2Action AdventureTecmo<br />
10 Assassin&#8217;s Creed 2Action AdventureUbisoft</p>
<p><strong>Nintendo Wii Most Popular Games:</strong><br />
1 Wii Sports ResortSportsNintendo<br />
2 Metroid Prime TrilogyShooterNintendo<br />
3 Muramasa: The Demon BladeAction AdventureIgnition Entertainment<br />
4 New Super Mario Bros. WiiAction AdventureNintendo<br />
5 Punch-Out!!FightingNintendo<br />
6 Guitar Hero 5Arcade/PuzzleActivision<br />
7 Toy Story Mania!Kids/FamilyDisney Interactive<br />
8 Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2RPGActivision<br />
9 The Beatles: Rock BandArcade/PuzzleElectronic Arts<br />
10 The ConduitAction AdventureSega</p>
<p><strong>PlayStation 2 Most Popular Games:</strong><br />
1 Guitar Hero 5Arcade/PuzzleActivision<br />
2 Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2RPGActivision<br />
3 Madden NFL 10SportsElectronic Arts<br />
4 Mana Khemia 2: Fall of AlchemyRPGKoei<br />
5 G.I. Joe: The Rise of CobraAction AdventureElectronic Arts<br />
6 God of War IIAction AdventureSony Computer Entertainment<br />
7 Kingdom Hearts: Re-Chain of MemoriesRPGSquare Enix<br />
8 Transformers: Revenge of the FallenAction AdventureActivision<br />
9 Grand Theft Auto: San AndreasAction AdventureTake Two<br />
10 WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2010FightingTHQ</p>
<p><strong>Nintendo DS Most Popular Games:</strong><br />
1 Professor Layton &#038; the Diabolical BoxAction AdventureNintendo<br />
2 Mario &#038; Luigi: Bowser&#8217;s Inside StoryAction AdventureNintendo<br />
3 ScribblenautsArcade/PuzzleWB Games<br />
4 Kingdom Hearts 358/2 DaysRPGSquare Enix<br />
5 Fossil FightersRPGNintendo<br />
6 Pokemon PlatinumStrategy/SimNintendo<br />
7 Professor Layton &#038; the Curious VillageArcade/PuzzleNintendo<br />
8 New Super Mario Bros.Action AdventureNintendo<br />
9 Wizards of Waverly PlaceAction AdventureDisney Interactive<br />
10 Mario &#038; Luigi: Partners in TimeRPGNintendo</p>
<p><strong>PlayStation Portable Most Popular Games:</strong><br />
1 Dissidia: Final FantasyRPGSquare Enix<br />
2 Soulcalibur: Broken DestinyFightingNamco<br />
3 Monster Hunter Freedom UniteRPGCapcom<br />
4 Disgaea 2: Dark Hero DaysRPGAtlus<br />
5 Madden NFL 10SportsElectronic Arts<br />
6 Rock Band UnpluggedArcade/PuzzleElectronic Arts<br />
7 Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2RPGActivision<br />
8 Resistance: RetributionShooterSony Computer Entertainment<br />
9 PersonaRPGAtlus<br />
10 Need for Speed: ShiftRacingElectronic Arts</p>
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		<title>Fallen Earth release date moved back</title>
		<link>http://www.smartyweb.org/2009/09/09/fallen-earth-release-date-moved-back/</link>
		<comments>http://www.smartyweb.org/2009/09/09/fallen-earth-release-date-moved-back/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2009 23:47:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Smartyweb Staff</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.smartyweb.org/?p=855</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The release of Fallen Earth, a MMORPG developed by Fallen Earth LLC and Icarus Studios LLC, has been pushed back to Sept. 22. This is the second delay announced recently. Earlier it was pushed back to Sept. 15. 

&#8220;Our main focus is to make sure that Fallen Earth is easily accessible to as many fans [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The release of <a href="http://www.fallenearth.com">Fallen Earth</a>, a MMORPG developed by Fallen Earth LLC and Icarus Studios LLC, has been pushed back to Sept. 22. This is the second delay announced recently. Earlier it was pushed back to Sept. 15. </p>
<p><a class="lightbox"  title ="horiz_icon_on_top" href="http://www.smartyweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/horiz_icon_on_top.jpg"><img src="http://www.smartyweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/horiz_icon_on_top-300x225.jpg" alt="" title="horiz_icon_on_top" width="300" height="225" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-856" /></a></p>
<p>&#8220;Our main focus is to make sure that Fallen Earth is easily accessible to as many fans as possible,&#8221; said Jessica Orr, product manager for Fallen Earth. &#8220;We are working on initiatives that are near fruition and we simply need more time.&#8221;</p>
<p>Many fans who pre-ordered the game are already playing, and the <a href="http://forums.fallenearth.com/fallenearth/index.php">Fallen Earth forums</a> are full of the usual banter. Some folks like what they see, but others are reporting some serious sounding bugs. </p>
<p>Hopefully, the delay will give the development team time to fix things.</p>
<p>The game, set in a post-apocalyptic setting akin to the world of the Fallout series, has shown promise for a long time. It has been in development for what seems like an eternity. Alpha testing has gone on for more than a year, and beta testing has been under way since February.</p>
<p>According to an earlier press release, Fallen Earth combines a first-person shooter with the character advancement of role-playing games. The game will have six factions, a classless advancement system and a powerful crafting system in which players can make 95 percent of in game items. With 1000 square kilometers of explorable territory, Fallen Earth has more than 5,500 missions and conquerable towns.</p>
<p>Here are some screenshots that show what to expect. If definitely is channeling some Fallout 3 with that ruined superhighway in a radioactive desert setting. </p>

<a href='http://www.smartyweb.org/2009/09/09/fallen-earth-release-date-moved-back/gdc_06/' title='GDC_06'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.smartyweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/GDC_06-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="" title="GDC_06" /></a>
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		<title>God of War Collection to hit PS3 soon</title>
		<link>http://www.smartyweb.org/2009/09/08/god-of-war-collection-to-hit-ps3-soon/</link>
		<comments>http://www.smartyweb.org/2009/09/08/god-of-war-collection-to-hit-ps3-soon/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 08 Sep 2009 18:05:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Smartyweb Staff</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.smartyweb.org/?p=827</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Few games rocked the PS2 like the God of War franchise. Even the PSP version was a gem. It ranks among life&#8217;s greatest cruelties that late adopters of the PS3 are unable to play either game. But Sony recently announced a much-needed remedy.

Not only will God of War and God of War II be released [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Few games rocked the PS2 like the God of War franchise. Even the PSP version was a gem. It ranks among life&#8217;s greatest cruelties that late adopters of the PS3 are unable to play either game. But Sony recently announced a much-needed remedy.<br />
<a class="lightbox"  title ="god_war_collection" href="http://www.smartyweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/god_war_collection.jpg"><img src="http://www.smartyweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/god_war_collection-300x103.jpg" alt="" title="god_war_collection" width="300" height="103" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-828" /></a></p>
<p>Not only will God of War and God of War II be released in PS3 compatible versions, but they&#8217;ll be bundled together and run in 720p.</p>
<p>If you know anyone that has a PS3, the God of War Collection is a sure-to-please Christmas gift, and it will only run $39.99 &#8212; $20 cheaper than the standard PS3 game.</p>
<p>And in case you&#8217;ve forgotten, God of War III is slated to be released in late spring of 2010. </p>
<p>Here&#8217;s a few screenshots of the PS2 version of God of War II &#8230; imagine how much nicer these will look in high-def.</p>
<p>Somewhere, Kratos smiles.<br />

<a href='http://www.smartyweb.org/2009/09/08/god-of-war-collection-to-hit-ps3-soon/colossus0003/' title='Colossus0003'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.smartyweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/Colossus0003-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="" title="Colossus0003" /></a>
<a href='http://www.smartyweb.org/2009/09/08/god-of-war-collection-to-hit-ps3-soon/atlas12/' title='Atlas12'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.smartyweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/Atlas12-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="" title="Atlas12" /></a>
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<a href='http://www.smartyweb.org/2009/09/08/god-of-war-collection-to-hit-ps3-soon/titan01/' title='Titan01'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.smartyweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/Titan01-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="" title="Titan01" /></a>
<a href='http://www.smartyweb.org/2009/09/08/god-of-war-collection-to-hit-ps3-soon/perseus03/' title='Perseus03'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.smartyweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/Perseus03-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="" title="Perseus03" /></a>
<a href='http://www.smartyweb.org/2009/09/08/god-of-war-collection-to-hit-ps3-soon/colossus0006/' title='Colossus0006'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.smartyweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/Colossus0006-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="" title="Colossus0006" /></a>
<a href='http://www.smartyweb.org/2009/09/08/god-of-war-collection-to-hit-ps3-soon/god_war_collection/' title='god_war_collection'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.smartyweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/god_war_collection-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="" title="god_war_collection" /></a>
</p>
<p><strong>Here&#8217;s the press release:</strong></p>
<p><em>Sony Computer Entertainment America Announces God of War(R) Collection, A New Compilation Offering for PlayStation(R)3 </p>
<p>Exclusive God of War(R) and God of War(R) II Blu-ray Disc Compilation Available This Holiday Season</p>
<p>FOSTER CITY, Calif., Aug. 31 /PRNewswire/ &#8212; Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) announced today a new and exclusive PlayStation®3 (PS3™) offering for the critically acclaimed God of War® franchise, God of War® Collection.  Scheduled for release this holiday season, God of War Collection will feature reworked versions of both God of War® and God of War® II on a single Blu-ray Disc™ at full 1280 x 720 resolution.  Both critically acclaimed games, which were originally developed for PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, have been remastered with anti-aliased graphics running at 60 frames per second for a smooth gameplay experience on the PS3 system.  Additionally, the Blu-ray Disc compilation will bring PlayStation®Network trophy support to the franchise for the first time (included for both games).  God of War Collection offers substantial value to PS3 users, the compilation of both best-selling games costing just $39.99 MSRP. </p>
<p>Developed by Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios, Santa Monica Studio, the God of War series brings epic mythological battles to life with stunning graphics and an elaborate plot that puts Kratos, the trilogy&#8217;s main character, at the center of carnage and destruction as he seeks revenge against the Gods who have betrayed him.  God of War® III is scheduled for release exclusively on the PS3 system in March 2010. </p>
<p>“We are excited today to announce God of War Collection,” said Scott Rohde, vice president, Worldwide Studios America.  “Our fans spoke and we listened; thanks to our partnership with Bluepoint Games, fans and newcomers to the series can experience the epic God of War and God of War II saga in stunning 720p on PS3.  This Blu-ray Disc compilation brings Kratos to PS3 even earlier than expected.” </p>
<p>God of War Storyline<br />
Set in the dark world of ancient Greek mythology, players take on the role of Kratos, a Spartan warrior. Plagued by the nightmares of his past, the ash covered warrior would do anything to be free of his debt to the Gods and the memories that haunt him. For ten years he has labored for Olympus, now on the verge of losing all hope, the Gods have given him one last task. Destroy Ares, the God of War. Armed with the deadly chained Blades of Chaos, Kratos will have to overcome armies of mythological monsters, legions of undead soldiers, and amazingly dangerous and brutal landscapes. </p>
<p>God of War II Storyline<br />
God of War saw Kratos, a mortal warrior, set upon an epic quest to dethrone a God. But his journey did not end there.  In God of War II, Kratos sits atop his Olympus throne, as the new God of War – far more ruthless than Ares ever was.  To end his continued torment, Kratos must journey to the far reaches of the earth and defeat untold horrors and alter that which no mortal, or god has ever changed… his fate. God of War II sets an epic stage for a devastating mythological war to end all wars. </p>
<p>Acclaim for the God of War Franchise<br />
God of War releases have set the bar for the action-adventure genre and been acknowledged by some of the videogame industry’s key publications, which include PlayStation: The Official Magazine (Editor’s Choice Award), Game Informer (Action/Adventure Game of the Year and Handheld Game of the Month Award), GamePro (Editor’s Choice Award), Electronic Gaming Monthly (Best PS2 Game), IGN.com (Editor’s Choice Award and Game of the Year Award), and four nominations in the Annual Interactive Achievement Awards, including Overall Game of the Year and Console Game of the Year.  The franchise has also been awarded with several honors including several E3 Best of Game Awards (given by several online publications), numerous Game of the Year and Best Action Game Awards (given at Spike TV’s Video Game Awards, Golden Joystick Awards, PSX Extreme Awards and the 3rd Annual G-Phoria Awards, and by PAX, GameZone, GameDaily, GameSpot), to name just a few. </em></p>
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		<title>First Gran Turismo 5 screenshots</title>
		<link>http://www.smartyweb.org/2009/09/04/first-gran-turismo-5-screenshots/</link>
		<comments>http://www.smartyweb.org/2009/09/04/first-gran-turismo-5-screenshots/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 04 Sep 2009 20:08:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Smartyweb Staff</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.smartyweb.org/?p=767</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Gran Turismo 5 has had racing purists salivating ever since it was revealed at the E3 show is 2006. Fans have waited so long Sony released a &#8220;Prologue&#8221; title to appease gearheads.
GT5, if it matches the track record of previous titles, will redefine the racing game genre as humanity knows it.  The game features [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://us.playstation.com/granturismo/">Gran Turismo 5</a> has had racing purists salivating ever since it was revealed at the E3 show is 2006. Fans have waited so long Sony released a &#8220;Prologue&#8221; title to appease gearheads.</p>
<p>GT5, if it matches the track record of previous titles, will redefine the racing game genre as humanity knows it.  The game features over 1,000 cars and 80 tracks, and, for the first time ever, online play so players can compete against 15 real-life racers.</p>
<p>Now, the first officials screenshots of the PS3 exclusive have been released to the wild. So, until the masterpiece is released Dec. 29, enjoy the eye candy.<br />

<a href='http://www.smartyweb.org/2009/09/04/first-gran-turismo-5-screenshots/gt5_5/' title='GT5_5'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.smartyweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/GT5_5-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="" title="GT5_5" /></a>
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<a href='http://www.smartyweb.org/2009/09/04/first-gran-turismo-5-screenshots/gt5_3/' title='GT5_3'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.smartyweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/GT5_3-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="" title="GT5_3" /></a>
<a href='http://www.smartyweb.org/2009/09/04/first-gran-turismo-5-screenshots/gt5_2/' title='GT5_2'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.smartyweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/GT5_2-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="" title="GT5_2" /></a>
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</p>
<p><strong>Here&#8217;s the press release:</strong><br />
<em>Start Your Engines!!!</p>
<p>Gran Turismo 5 will soon roar onto PS3 and we wanted to share with you the first set of screenshots from the game, courtesy of Sony and world-renowned development studio Polyphony Digital. GT5 features a total of 1000 vehicles, more than twice its closest racing competitor along with all the stunningly realistic tracks that fans have come to expect from the Gran Turismo franchise.  In addition, Gran Turismo 5 delivers vehicle damage and rollover crashes and takes full advantage of the online capabilities of the PlayStation 3 and PSN, featuring online racing with voice chat, fully customizable race events and the ability to export replays to YouTube.</em></p>
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		<title>Rockstar releases Beaterator videos</title>
		<link>http://www.smartyweb.org/2009/09/04/rockstar-releases-beaterator-videos/</link>
		<comments>http://www.smartyweb.org/2009/09/04/rockstar-releases-beaterator-videos/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 04 Sep 2009 19:43:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Smartyweb Staff</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[The good folks at Rockstar Games have shared a couple of videos detailing Beaterator,  a &#8220;suite of easy-to-use but powerful music creation tools that allows users of all skill levels to create quality tracks quickly and easily.&#8221;

The game will be released Sept. 29 on the PlayStation Portable and iPhone/iPod Touch.
Look below the videos for [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The good folks at Rockstar Games have shared a couple of videos detailing <a href="http://www.rockstargames.com/beaterator/">Beaterator</a>,  a &#8220;suite of easy-to-use but powerful music creation tools that allows users of all skill levels to create quality tracks quickly and easily.&#8221;<br />
<a class="lightbox"  title ="beaterator_cover" href="http://www.smartyweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/beaterator_cover.png"><img src="http://www.smartyweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/beaterator_cover-172x300.png" alt="" title="beaterator_cover" width="172" height="300" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-765" /></a></p>
<p>The game will be released Sept. 29 on the PlayStation Portable and iPhone/iPod Touch.</p>
<p>Look below the videos for more details about the game.</p>
<p><strong>Debut Trailer</strong><br />
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<p><strong>Beaterator Sessions: Max and Clay</strong><br />
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<p><em><strong>Fact Sheet:</strong> </p>
<p><strong>What is Beaterator? </strong></p>
<p>Beaterator is a suite of easy-to-use but powerful music creation tools that allows users of all skill levels to create quality tracks quickly and easily.<br />
Live Play gets users started quickly as Timbaland guides you through experimenting with pre-arranged templates of his own loops and sounds to get things going.  From there, you can take your track into the Studio to add, delete, and replace loops, or add your own vocals using the built-in microphone, or an attached microphone. When you’re ready, delve into the Song Crafter to create your own unique beats and sounds to use across all three modes. Beaterator has the power and flexibility to allow you to create great beats, stirring melodies, and complete songs to rival today’s hottest producers.  When you’re ready, you can export your creation and share it with the world. </p>
<p><strong>Why Beaterator? </strong><br />
From the very beginnings of the company, Rockstar Games has always had a very passionate connection to music, whether it be the meticulous selection process for Grand Theft Auto soundtracks, or the artists chosen to work on our original scores such as Bully, music has always played a huge part in shaping our approach to what we make. Beaterator is the culmination of those years of passion for music: an easy to use yet surprisingly deep music creation tool that you can keep with you at all times, featuring sounds created by Timbaland, one of the world’s most renowned music production legends. </p>
<p><strong>Background </strong></p>
<p>Beaterator started life in 2005 as a flash application on the Rockstar website, some time before Timbaland’s involvement. Beaterator’s online iteration had a fairly straight forward yet fun interface, that like its modern handheld form, still packed plenty of power and depth for those wanting to get serious about creating music. It featured loops and sounds from well-known and established artists and was a fully functional eight-track song maker.<br />
Timbaland’s involvement was what brought it to the next level. Rockstar has a long standing tradition of working with progressive artists through all mediums, and Rockstar and Timbaland had looked for ways to work together on a project. Recognizing that Beaterator was a set of tools to allow people to create music, Timbaland came on board. </p>
<p>Timbaland has given Beaterator hundreds of loops and sounds from his own personal collection to get people up and making their own songs quickly. Along with the hundreds of loops and sounds that Rockstar composed for the game, Beaterator has become a hugely in-depth and sprawling library of music with which to make full-blown songs. </p>
<p>Beaterator is not a game in the classic sense of the term, and there are no goals or challenges to accomplish. You’re not pretending to make music – you are making music, and everything you need is unlocked and available to you straight out of the box. Whether or not you have experience in song-crafting or studio time under your belt, there is an amazing amount of value packed into Beaterator. It is more powerful and deep than any other portable music application, regardless of console or device. It is also extremely easy for novices or gamers curious about making music to grasp and we’ve taken great steps to remove the intimidation that often inhibits people from entering this world. Rockstar wants to enable people that have always wanted to make music but also make an experience deep enough that experts can use it as well. </p>
<p><strong>Beaterator on the iPhone/iPod touch</strong><br />
Create your own songs on the go with the aid of Timbaland and Rockstar. Like its big brother on the PSP, Beaterator on the iPhone/iPod touch features hundreds of loops and sounds at your disposal to create studio-quality, full-length songs. Although the iPhone/iPod touch iteration does not feature the same in-depth editing tools as the PSP version, the experience of creating, arranging, and mixing original music remains intact. </em></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Hearts of Iron III releases 1.2 patch</title>
		<link>http://www.smartyweb.org/2009/09/04/hearts-of-iron-iii-releases-1-2-patch/</link>
		<comments>http://www.smartyweb.org/2009/09/04/hearts-of-iron-iii-releases-1-2-patch/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 04 Sep 2009 19:26:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Smartyweb Staff</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.smartyweb.org/?p=761</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[We were dismayed by the shape of Hearts of Iron III at release, and the first patch and hotfix still left much to be desired. 
But the Paradox Interactive crew has tried to clean up the mess with patch 1.2. To access the patch, click on “check for updates” in the game launcher.
Improvements include:
- Expanded [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>We were <a href="http://www.smartyweb.org/2009/08/17/hearts-of-iron-iii-a-world-of-hurt/">dismayed</a> by the shape of Hearts of Iron III at release, and the first patch and hotfix still left much to be desired. </p>
<div id="attachment_498" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 310px"><a class="lightbox"  title ="HOI3_4_a" href="http://www.smartyweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/HOI3_4_a.jpg"><img src="http://www.smartyweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/HOI3_4_a-300x225.jpg" alt="The boot of Italy looks calm, but soon the 160 nations that comprise the Allies will be stomping all over it." title="HOI3_4_a" width="300" height="225" class="size-medium wp-image-498" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">The boot of Italy looks calm, but soon the 160 nations that comprise the Allies will be stomping all over it.</p></div>
<p>But the Paradox Interactive crew has tried to clean up the mess with patch 1.2. To access the patch, click on “check for updates” in the game launcher.</p>
<p>Improvements include:<br />
- Expanded interface including new map options, as well as more flexible control over what you can automate.<br />
- Significantly improved AI, providing a greater challenge to the player.<br />
- Improved game balance, with major focus on making diplomacy and officers more fun.<br />
- Optimization to allow the game to run much smoother for most players. </p>
<p>Look below the video for a complete list of changes.</p>
<p>We&#8217;ll update <a href="http://www.smartyweb.org/2009/08/17/hearts-of-iron-iii-a-world-of-hurt/">our review</a> once we&#8217;ve spent a little quality time with the patched version of the game.</p>
<p><strong>Here&#8217;s a video that shows you the folks behind the game. </strong><br />
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<p><strong>COMPLETE PATCH DETAILS</strong><br />
<em>&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8211;<br />
- New Features<br />
&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8211;<br />
- Added a simplified terrain mapmode where each province<br />
- The interface now has buttons for zooming in/out without using the scroll wheel, with keyboard shortcuts (pageup/pagedown).<br />
- Added graphics control for distance of visible counters<br />
- Added cancel mechanics for Air Orders.<br />
- Implemeted an option for production slider automation, with selectable priority order.<br />
- Trade is now a separate automation toggle from diplomacy.</p>
<p>&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8211;<br />
- AI Improvements<br />
&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8211;<br />
# Army AI<br />
- Fixed some issues with units getting stuck in neutral territory<br />
- Prevented massive overreaction against partisans<br />
- Fixed a problem with puppet areas<br />
- Fixed an issue with transport ship needs and player set objectives<br />
- Several improvements to new threat handling (beachheads, partisans)<br />
- Fixed an issue with front formation for provinces bordering multiple countries<br />
- Fixed a problem with units getting stuck in neutral territory<br />
- Fixed a bug with poor/non-existent build-up of forces on non-front borders<br />
- Fixed a problem with damaged &#8220;reserve&#8221; units being moved out out of front forts too much<br />
- Fixed a problem with reserves and HQs<br />
- Fixed a bug where it might consider an ally an enemy<br />
- Force needs, adjusted special force needs<br />
- Force needs: Fixed a bug with strat bomber needs being ten times too big.<br />
- Force needs: Improved transport ship need controls<br />
- Force needs: Adjusted to reduce the armor bias, especially for Japan<br />
- Fixed a bug where HQs could be used as garrison forces<br />
- Tweaked to ensure the defense of the supplier province and capital<br />
- Fixed a garrison distribution bug<br />
- Fixed a bug with the objective assignment of child agents<br />
- Lower level HQs should now be able to handle troop distribution in several different areas correctly<br />
- Fixed a bug in the child unit front segment assignment<br />
- Sub-theatre level units with only defensive objectives should now respond to nearby partisans/beachheads</p>
<p># Naval AI<br />
- Fixed an issue where it would jump the gun and launch invasions with too few divisions (due to a lack of transports)<br />
- Will not even attempt invasions of too well-defended ports<br />
- Additional checks to make sure it does not invade port-less provinces<br />
- Fixed a problem where it would withdraw too many units from fronts to stage invasions<br />
- Minor faction members should only invade to take back lost provinces<br />
- Some work on the sending of exp forces to overseas allies<br />
- Transports are now available for use even if their strength and org are lowish<br />
- Snappier intercepts of invasion fleets<br />
- Naval intercepts no longer worried about absolute naval power vs the enemy</p>
<p># Air AI<br />
- Improved tactical bombing target choices<br />
- Should be better at basing tactical bombers and interceptors, even when there is no front in the theatre<br />
- Will rebase even damaged or low org units if the theatre currently has no fronts<br />
- Fixed a bug preventing air unit merges</p>
<p># Country AI<br />
- Tweaked inter-theatre force allocation<br />
- Fixed an issue with premature retrieval of exp forces from allies<br />
- Will not send exp forces to a rival main faction, even if currently allied (UK to SOV etc)<br />
- Fixed some issues with unit allocation on theatre redefinition<br />
- Should now prefer sending exp forces to allied war zones rather than opening up new beachheads under many conditions</p>
<p># Theatre AI<br />
- Fixed a bug where it would start lots of redundant agents for lower level HQs<br />
- Landless theatre HQs are now properly deleted for players as well<br />
- No more German European mega-theatre<br />
- The USA now have an eastern and a western home theatre<br />
- Immediate HQ validation on theatre redefinition. Players should never see landless HQs in existence.<br />
- Fixed a nasty problem where the controlling AI agent would believe it was for another theatre</p>
<p># Diplomatic AI<br />
- Removed the date limits on when germany decides to attack western europe. it will now do it when it can and makes sense.<br />
- Countries are now less likely to join factions with bad progress.<br />
- AI should now agree to trade under debt with the needing<br />
- AI should be more likely to do counter influencing when necessary<br />
- Tweaked ai alignment<br />
- Allies now much more likely to give transit rights<br />
- AI much more restrictive with embargos<br />
- Embargos no longer running forever no matter diplomatic changes<br />
- Britain more likely to influence the USA<br />
- Threshold for calling in support to a limited war increased.<br />
- AI will not call in allies during the early parts of a limited war.<br />
- Governments in exile no longer create/join alliances<br />
- Tweaked trade frequency</p>
<p># Spy AI<br />
- Spies should no longer perform counter espionage on puppets, countries with military access and someone helping you in a war</p>
<p># Misc AI<br />
- Autosliders try harder to keep a positive money balance<br />
- More shift to keeping some money in autosliders for spare IC<br />
- Fixed a bug with building less than requested convoys<br />
- Fixed a bug with countries getting stuck in a death spiral of ever increasing escort production<br />
- Tweaked ai valuing of stockpiles of supplies so it wont run them too low<br />
- AI should now be doing some upgrading<br />
- Production AI now cleverer in where to put spare IC<br />
- Production AI now tries to always allocate 5% to upgrades if possible<br />
- Auto slider controls will start using up stockpile if approaching supply cap<br />
- Tech AI should now research doctrines<br />
- Improved auto-deployment choices.</p>
<p># Misc AI Bugs<br />
- Fixed an issue with CAGs being auto-assigned to Theatre HQs<br />
- Ground Attack Order: Overstacking penalty checks added<br />
- Invasion orders will abort if the invading units are no longer in a condition to fight<br />
- Fixed a bug with the end date for sent exp forces in the unit command<br />
- Cut out trades involving small amounts of money (energy/money for example) that rounded to 0 money</p>
<p># Generic AI Balancing<br />
- Balanced out relation changes between canceling/creating trades to stop slowly lowering relations to trade partners with dodgy economy<br />
- Should be harder to exploit AI by stationing expeditionary forces to get out of supply use</p>
<p>&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8211;<br />
- Gamebalance Changes<br />
&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8211;<br />
# Country<br />
- It is now slower for national unity to move the further it is away from the middle.<br />
- Comintern units now use less supplies.<br />
- Pure theory techs are no longer assigned to countries at start.<br />
- Impact on strategic warfare is now depending on countrysize on target.<br />
- Election and the likes will now acutally change ministers</p>
<p># Occupation<br />
- Non-core territories are now as bad as full occupation territories.<br />
- Increased impact of partisans on supply tax by x5.<br />
- Made revolts less likely, but a fair bit stronger units.</p>
<p># Diplomacy<br />
- Fixed a bug with proximity capping distance too early with alignment progress.<br />
- Repulsion, threat and revanchism factors at alignment is now only effective if close in the triangle.<br />
- Drift due to threat is now scaled with country IC so a big country (like US) is more concerned with world politics, whereas smaller countries are more concerned with keeping their heads down and wont be as affected.<br />
- Trade should now allways fail if not enough DI is available<br />
- Dissolve alliance now checks for the correct amount of diplomatic influence<br />
- Declaration of war no longer valid against faction members<br />
- It is no longer possible to invite someone to a faction if they are at war with a member.<br />
- Should no longer be able to join faction if at war with faction member<br />
- Countries to peace in events will now get all their puppets set to peace as well.<br />
- No longer possible to send theaters as expeditionary forces<br />
- Threat is now wiped when a country is annexed.<br />
- Influences now automatically stop after joining another faction.<br />
- Embargoed countries can no longer cancel the embargo<br />
- Embargo&#8217;s now reduce threat when cancelled.</p>
<p># Map<br />
- Revised calculations to determine which province has which terrain.<br />
- Desert are now a bit less likely to see rain storms.<br />
- Made some tweaks to weather system to have weather patterns more mobile.</p>
<p># Combat<br />
- Paradropping now gives an attack delay.<br />
- A unit in battle can no longer have an effective combat width of less than 1.<br />
- Dissent impact on combat is no longer astronomical.<br />
- Amphibious penalty can never go below 99% for any unit.<br />
- AA is now twice as effective.<br />
- Cags now give 25% of stacking penalty when attacking at sea.<br />
- Cags now do triple damage bombing ships in combat with another fleet.<br />
- Trickleback now works properly and gives you back manpower lost in combat.<br />
- Aircombat is now a fair bit more dangerous.<br />
- Org damage is no longer scaled by strength of brigade compared to other brigades.<br />
- Scaled leadership experience internally so that it transfers to leaders higher up in the chain better.</p>
<p># Units<br />
- Improved calculation of actual supply/fuel usage.<br />
- Paradrop missions will no longer progress if the paratroopers are in a delay after an attack.<br />
- Units in Strategic redeployment can never gain org now.<br />
- Strategic redeployment will now give the attack delay to a unit.<br />
- There is now a minimum supply demand for small units so that long distances wont take all the supply tax.<br />
- Airunits operating from a base that is no longer in range (ie carrier) will now abort<br />
- Logisitcs wizard trait now work properly on units below it as well.<br />
- Units will no longer be removed if strength drops to zero from manpower rotation or attrition.<br />
- Airunits bombing will no longer continue moving during the bombing &#038; aborting their bombing.<br />
- Air and Naval units will now reset where they are based if they lose access to their current base.<br />
- Unit stats like speed now updates properly when a brigade is upgraded.</p>
<p># Officers<br />
- Officers ratio now affects maximum organsiation and recovery of units.<br />
- Officers now take casualties properly in battle.<br />
- Officer ratio now affects attack delay of units.<br />
- Increased officer production significantly.<br />
- Officerlosses in battle is now proportional to unit type.<br />
- Expeditionary forces now drain their homecountry&#8217;s officerpool when taking losses.</p>
<p>&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8211;<br />
- Interface Improvements<br />
&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8211;<br />
- Added day/night overlay to minimap<br />
- Made a day/night icon in province interface, and remade the &#8220;clear sky&#8221; icon cause the sun looked weird next to the moon.<br />
- Added terrain effect delayed tooltip to province view and to terrain mapmodes.<br />
- Names should now appear instantly if possible. (minor lockups possible at crap cards.)<br />
- Added strenght number to child units.<br />
- Added weight to unitinterface.<br />
- Fixed the display for max strength in brigade details.<br />
- Softness changes from tech is now colorised green when decreasing and red when increasing.<br />
- Remade oil icon to be more clear and visible.<br />
- Added superheavy battleship Icons to navalcombat.<br />
- Trade icons should now blink later.<br />
- Tooltips for org on units will now show daily change as well.<br />
- Fixed a couple of tooltips in outliner<br />
- Fixed tooltip for dissent in intel view<br />
- Tooltips in messages settings should now be correct<br />
- Strength and VP mapmodes will now update more regularly.<br />
- Added shortcut keys to cancel/accept orders.<br />
- Escape now opens the ingame menu if nothing is selected, else it deselects all.<br />
- &#8216;w&#8217; now moves the map to the location of current unit.<br />
- &#8217;s&#8217; now opens up the stance selection window.<br />
- &#8216;,&#8217; selects all air units loaded on ship.<br />
- &#8216;.&#8217; selects all loaded land units on a ship or plane.<br />
- &#8216;l&#8217; now loads or unloads a unit to a ship.<br />
- &#8216;p&#8217; now loads or unloads a unit to a plane.<br />
- &#8216;a&#8217; now opens up attachment interface.<br />
- &#8216;d&#8217; detaches a selected unit.<br />
- &#8216;c&#8217; now creates a new HQ above current unit.<br />
- Alerts for wasted IC no longer shown when using auto sliders<br />
- Fixed rounding error in officer rate<br />
- Added 2 more trait columns in leader ledger page<br />
- Corp/army/theatre now visible in brigade ledger page<br />
- Fixed some more ledgerpages<br />
- Leader experience is now shown as % in the ledger as well.<br />
- Unit arrived message now fires only at final destination<br />
- Expeditionary force declined should now give a message<br />
- Tweaked collision boxes for tanks to try and make it a bit less wacky<br />
- Diplomatic screen should now refresh when a country disappears<br />
- Combat progress in interfaces are now loaded properly from savegames.<br />
- Units changing country will now be properly be deselected.<br />
- HQ&#8217;s can no longer be merged.<br />
- You can no longer transfer HQ brigades away from a hq unit.<br />
- Cag&#8217;s can no longer be merged with other airunits.<br />
- There is no longer free diplomatic influnce from cancelling or creating transit rights.</p>
<p>&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8211;<br />
- Multiplayer<br />
&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8211;<br />
- Removed several reasons for the game to go out of sync while playing multiplayer.<br />
- Made multiline chatemessages look prettier<br />
- Updating automation in lobby now shows for clients as well<br />
- No longer possible to swith away from save selection for clients in mp lobby<br />
- Mp save counter should now work.<br />
- Moved checksum text and adjusted multiplayerlist in lobby.<br />
- Date should no longer reset when new player joins after save is loaded.</p>
<p>&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8211;<br />
- User Modding<br />
&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8211;<br />
- Exported current player tag from gamestate to lua for modding fun.<br />
- Added a &#8220;terrain = x&#8221; command for provinces, to override graphical logic</p>
<p>&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8211;<br />
- Performace and Stability<br />
&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8211;<br />
# Compability<br />
- Added setting in settings.txt to not create &#8216;waves&#8217; called _waves_<br />
- Setting trees rendering off will now not create any tree gfx upon reload<br />
- Restructured provincemanager a bit to help reducing startup crashes on some machines.</p>
<p># Performance<br />
- Optimised interface interactivity.<br />
- Gamespeed and timeprogress have been optimised to provide a smoother gameplay.<br />
- AI optimised, both in lua and the core game, which should improve gamespeed significantly.<br />
- Tracked down and removed several memoryleaks, which made the game sluggish the longer you played it.</p>
<p># Stability<br />
- Savegames should no longer become corrupted, and previously corrupted savegames might be recoverable.<br />
- Fixed several reported crash problems.</p>
<p>&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8211;<br />
- Bugfixes<br />
&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8211;<br />
# Interface bugs<br />
- Game should no longer unpause when clicking in outliner<br />
- Opening main menu no longer closes the outliner<br />
- Country flags should now be localised in triggers.<br />
- Ledgerpage for buildings now handles provinces with the same name<br />
- Fixed prereq graphic bug in Naval background.<br />
- Fixed tooltip bug on Leadership/oil icons in province interface.<br />
- Resized all terrain images so the terrain tooltip doesnt popup inbetween the icons below.<br />
- Fixed the flag distortion on the minishield and the small minishield.<br />
- Flags no longer shown through fog of war after being shown once.<br />
- No more invisible units when armies split from events (like at civil war)<br />
- Fixed issues with incorrectly shown counters<br />
- Fixed lots and lots of typos<br />
- Fixed a bunch of localisation issues<br />
- Fixed unlocalized text in metaserver<br />
- Fixed some non existing tooltip localisations<br />
- Is in any faction trigger now displays correctly for &#8220;no&#8221; as well.</p>
<p># Gamemechanic bugs<br />
- Rejecting a NAP will no longer increase relations between countries.<br />
- Faction specific rules are now set immediately after a reload again.<br />
- You can no longer ask/offer transit rights with faction members because you already have access.<br />
- Broken trade deals message now show correct trade goods order<br />
- Returning expeditionary forces should now work<br />
- Government in exiles will no longer wipe out the cash of the faction leader.<br />
- Partisans will no longer stop an entire country to be annexed.<br />
- French surrender will now work properly even if poland starts the war.<br />
- A country being annnexed will now cancel all its trade agreements.<br />
- Offmap resources are now calculated correctly for resource balance values.<br />
- Needed for production is now updated properly from all cases of production.<br />
- Build times/costs are now calculated properly for buildings after each is finished in a serial.<br />
- Fixed mixup of ic and mp cost in brigade build screen.<br />
- Fixed a bug with auto-deployment<br />
- Fixed a calculation error with maximum manpower needed for reinforcement.<br />
- Upgrading units now actually uses resources.<br />
- Cags will now properly detach and attach to correct hierarchy position when rebasing.<br />
- Fixed a problem where it was not possible to split cag units.<br />
- It is no longer possible to deploy or reorganise new cags into units that would make them over the carriers capacity.<br />
- Dissent penalty on ruling party popularity now works properly.<br />
- Fixed a bug where units could still be in combat even though they had moved away.<br />
- Commando trait now properly reduces the out of supply penalty.<br />
- Airunits without fuel will no longer get stuck in air forever.<br />
- Fixed a bug where units could get stuck after reloads.<br />
- Paratroopers can no longer take control of hostile territory while on a plane.</p>
<p>&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8211;<br />
- Database Changes<br />
&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8211;<br />
# Technology<br />
- Added Naval, land and air doctrines for all scenarios<br />
- Changed the requirements for Small Warship ASW<br />
- It should no longer be possible to research Super Heavy Tank Brigade more than once<br />
- Added industry techs for: Germany, UK, France, USA, Soviet Union, Japan and Italy<br />
- Added construction practicals for USA, UK, Germany, Italy, Japan and Soviet Union<br />
- Armoured car techs now use mobile unit practical<br />
- Lowered requirements to research helicopters<br />
- Increased build time for escort carriers to 350<br />
- Tweaked naval and construction practicals<br />
- Reduced practicals for AA and radar stations.</p>
<p># Orders of Battle<br />
- Renamed two duplicated units in the Italian and Chinese -36 oob<br />
- Added a theatre to Argentina&#8217;s oobs<br />
- Revised and increased the number of historical leaders in the German and Japanese oobs<br />
- Reorganized the Greek oobs<br />
- Updated the -36, -38 and -39 oobs for Finland<br />
- Updated the production queues for Japan, UK, Japan and the US<br />
- Fixed some typos and added Tiger units to the German -43 and -44 scenario<br />
- Moved the 6th Air Force to Saipan<br />
- Moved 12. Juntuan and 66. Jun to Shanwel<br />
- Nagano no longer commands the 37. Hoheishidan<br />
- Replaced most of Shanxi&#8217;s and Communist China&#8217;s infantry with militia<br />
- Fixed the Russian cavalry div. that had been replaced by infantry div. in the -44 scenario<br />
- Repositioned some of the Italian planes<br />
- Changed the location of the Enterprise Taskforce and Lexington Taskforce<br />
- Removed some of Australia&#8217;s transport ships and increased the number of reserve units<br />
- Moved the Yugoslavian troops that had wandered off towards Sinope<br />
- Added historical leaders to some of the expeditionary forces</p>
<p># Buildings and Units<br />
- Gave Newcastle, Hollandia and Guadalcanal airbases<br />
- Added and adjusted some of the air fields, ports and coastal forts in Finland<br />
- Moved the airbase and anti-air in Palermo<br />
- Added naval bases to Aparri, Legaspi, Lingayen, Shantou, Baoan, Pulau Dolak, San Cristobal and Malaita<br />
- Changed the speed of armoured brigades in mountain terrain<br />
- Moved the industry in Canberra to Melbourne<br />
- Increased Togtoh and Guyang&#8217;s infrastructure to 3<br />
- Rebalanced support brigade values<br />
- Lowered infrastructure on the east and west coast of Australia<br />
- Moved the naval base in Corpus Christi<br />
- Repositioned the air bases and anti air guns in Cagliari and Tobruk<br />
- Added new pictures for S-P Artillery and Cags<br />
- Moved Argentina&#8217;s capital to Buenos Aires</p>
<p># Events and Decisions<br />
- Fixed the &#8220;Second Vienna Diktat&#8221; so that Hungary gets the proper cores<br />
- Added a second version of the &#8220;Bitter peace&#8221; event, if Japan isn&#8217;t at war with the Soviet Union<br />
- The &#8220;Ultimatum to Greece&#8221; can no longer be triggered if Greece is a puppet of Germany or Italy, or already at war with Italy<br />
- &#8220;Japan demands bases in French Indochine&#8221; &#8211; requires Japan to be in axis instead of alliance<br />
- Added a second version of the &#8220;Independent Croatia&#8221; decision, in case Croatia is still owned by Yugoslavia<br />
- Tweaked the &#8220;Claim Bessarabia&#8221; and &#8220;Bulgarian claims to Constanta&#8221; decisions<br />
- Tweaked the combat events</p>
<p># Diplomacy<br />
- Tweaked the occupation polices<br />
- The US guarantees Bolivia from -36<br />
- Removed Vichy France as a puppet state to keep them out of the war<br />
- Adjusted the distribution of VPs for Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Ireland, France and the Netherlands<br />
- Added a victory point to Kalgan<br />
- Japan still controls the Carolines in -44</p>
<p># Map<br />
- Revised a lot of rivers in Asia and Australia.<br />
- Removed a duplicated sea zone id<br />
- Added a strait between Jiangmen and Bao&#8217;an<br />
- Added &#8220;arctic&#8221; terrrain to the northern provinces of the Soviet Union, Canada, Norway and Iceland<br />
- Added the Ligurian Sea, Bay of Naples and the Gulf of Iskenderun to the Mediterranean region</p>
<p># Leaders<br />
- Changed the start dates for Albert Speer, Joseph Goebbels, Karl Dönitz, Franz von Papen and Arthur Seyss-Inquart<br />
- Added new ministers for Xibei San Ma<br />
- Gave Ismet Inönu a new minister type<br />
- Added an image for Hayashu Senjuro</p>
<p># Text<br />
- Corrected some of the French, Polish, Hungarian and Italian unit names<br />
- Renamed the US &#8220;Democrat Party&#8221; to &#8220;Democratic Party&#8221;<br />
- Corrected some duplicated and misspelled province names<br />
- Fixed the erroneous label in the statistics page<br />
- Fixed the tooltip for the &#8220;Airborne Assault&#8221; order<br />
- Added Canadian party names</em></p>
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		<title>GTA&#8217;s Ballad of Gay Tony video released</title>
		<link>http://www.smartyweb.org/2009/09/01/gta-ivs-ballad-of-gay-tony-trailer-released/</link>
		<comments>http://www.smartyweb.org/2009/09/01/gta-ivs-ballad-of-gay-tony-trailer-released/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 02 Sep 2009 00:14:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Smartyweb Staff</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.smartyweb.org/?p=722</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
Rockstar Games has been busy. Earlier they announced that the iPhone and iPod Touch would be receiving versions of the Nintendo DS game Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars, and just now they&#8217;ve released the debut trailer for Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City, featuring The Ballad of Gay Tony.
The Ballad of Gay Tony, developed [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a class="lightbox"  title ="episodesfromlibertycity_cover" href="http://www.smartyweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/episodesfromlibertycity_cover.jpg"><img src="http://www.smartyweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/episodesfromlibertycity_cover-212x300.jpg" alt="" title="episodesfromlibertycity_cover" width="212" height="300" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-726" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.rockstargames.com/">Rockstar Games</a> has been busy. Earlier they <a href="http://www.smartyweb.org/2009/09/01/iphone-to-get-grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars/">announced </a>that the iPhone and iPod Touch would be receiving versions of the Nintendo DS game Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars, and just now they&#8217;ve released the debut trailer for Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City, featuring The Ballad of Gay Tony.</p>
<p>The Ballad of Gay Tony, developed by <a href="http://www.rockstarnorth.com/">Rockstar North</a> and scheduled for release Oct. 29, is the second and final expansion for the vaunted Grand Theft Auto IV. </p>
<p>The game will follow the exploits of Luis Fernando Lopez, a member of the Northwood Dominican Drug dealers and the personal bodyguard of nightclub owner Anthony &#8220;Gay Tony&#8221; Prince. The action takes place at roughly the same timeframe as both the original Grand Theft Auto IV and The Lost and Damned expansion. </p>
<p>The Episodes from Liberty City disc will include both The Ballad of Gay Tony and Lost and the Damned expansions. The original GTA: IV will, of course, be required to play them.</p>
<p>Enjoy the video!</p>
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