Some of you are nervous about this title, mostly because we have seen other Star Trek games that have come and gone. Some good, some bad, some terrible and some that seemed like the developers never watched an episode of Star Trek in their life!  This title is different.  How so? Well let’s go through the stats…

• In development for more than a year and a half, and not shipping for another year, by the same team behind Bioshock 2, Unreal Tournament, Dark Sector and the Darkness II: Digital Extremes. They are also working closely with Bad Robot, K/O Paper Products and Damon Lindelof.
• The demo was based on a pre-alpha version and it looked fantastic!  I saw games being released the week after E3 that did not look as good and sharp as this version did.
• They have been working closely with the Star Trek filmmaking team since this game has sort of a movie to video game take.  I use “sort of” because anything you know about movie to video game titles, this one seems to break that mold.
• BAFTA award winner and God of War writer, Marianne Krawczyk, in collaboration with the writer/producers of the 2009 Star Trek films, Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman.
• The whole game was built around “co-op” with the capability of player two to jump in and out.
• The game is slightly different depending on who you play: Kirk or Spock.
• 23^rd century Weapons. PS3 getting a phaser to use with your “Move” controller.

So we have Kirk with unique Captain Issue phaser and Spock with Vulcan combat, including the mind meld, and weaponry. The video cut scenes to action is less noticeable, allowing you to always feel like you are in the game and part of the story.  At this point the game is working towards 12 hours of game play, which you can double by replaying it as the other character.

Much of the story as well as the enemies were not revealed at this time, and the game has still a long way to go as its release date will be sometime in 2012. Star Trek will be available on PC as well as on consoles.

Taking on a title like Star Trek is a very gutsy move, since it is world renowned and beloved by fans who have grown up and dedicated their life to it.  They are very few TV series who command unconditional fans like Star Trek does, but by the same token, they are some of the most unforgiving fans as well.  Digital Extremes knows this and they have made sure that when they do deliver this game they can say “we did all we could” and for a pre-alpha version it shows the passion, the love and the authenticity of the title.   Next year is going to be a very interesting year for games, and Star Trek is one title I am happy is not being rushed for the 2011 holiday season.

I’ve been hankering to see this movie, and I’m excited to hear that it’s finally coming to DVD so I can get the chance.  If you’ve been hiding in a box somewhere and don’t know what the movie’s about, here’s what you need to know:

This intense and chilling story, written and directed by Oren Peli, follows a young, middle-class couple who become increasingly disturbed by a presence that may or may not be demonic, but is certainly most active in the middle of the night.  Especially while they sleep.

The movie will be available on DVD and Blu-Ray December 29, 2009, as well as an online only Collector’s Edition that will feature the unrated version of the movie with an alternate ending.  The Collector’s Edition is a Limited offer and will also come with a film cell from the movie, and a limited run t-shirt in honor of all the people that ‘demanded’ the movie in their theaters.

Grease Movie

I got chills, they’re multiplyin’, and I’m losin’ control
Cause the power you’re supplyin’, it’s electrifyin’

You better shape up, cause I need a man,
and my heart is set on you
You better shape up, you better understand,
to my heart I must be true

That’s right, the original high school musical, Grease is being created into a video game. Paramount Digital Entertainment and 505 Games will be working on a Grease game for the Wii and DS systems.

The Grease video game will allow players to sing and dance along with Danny, Sandy, the Pink Ladies and the T-Birds.

“We are really excited about working with Paramount Digital Entertainment to turn this world famous film into a video game for the very first time. Working with such a well known and much loved brand is a great opportunity and we believe the collaboration further strengthens 505 Games’ entertainment portfolio,” commented Ian Howe, Managing Director 505 Games.

“Paramount Digital Entertainment is pleased to be working with 505 Games to develop Grease,” said John Kavanagh, Senior Vice President of Video Games for Paramount Digital Entertainment. “Grease is the ideal opportunity to reach a broad gaming audience who love to sing, dance and have fun with a party-style game.”

No date announced yet for the title or details on if the original cast will be providing the voices. But at least there is time to get into shape to wear the black pants Olivia Newton John wore.