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Atari’s US Branch Files For Bankruptcy

Ben-Dutka 12 Comments

Here's one that tugs at the heartstrings a little.

One of the pioneers of the industry has been struggling for a while and now, the US branch of Atari has filed for bankruptcy.

According to an LA Times report , the company that brought us trailblazing classics like Pong and Asteroids is floundering; its US arm has filed for Chapter 11 reorganization. Atari wants to break free from its French counterpart, Atari S.A., and "refocus the company to make digital and mobile titles." Atari's revenue dropped 34% in fiscal year 2012 and 43% in 2011; these days, the Atari logo (used with other products) makes up 17% of the company's overall revenue.

The other issue is that the US branch functions on "near total reliance" on London financial company BlueBay Asset Management, and that arrangement finished up on December 31. Hence, Atari doesn't have the requisite funds to release any of the games they currently have in the hopper. Well, all they're doing these days is trying to make little games for mobile devices (they teamed up with Zynga last year), so maybe it's just best to bow out gracefully.

It's kinda painful for veterans like me to see Atari relegated to such a low status. 🙁 Hard to fathom, really.

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Get Some Cosmetic Surgery In Test Drive Unlimited 2

John-Shepard 13 Comments

Customization is a big part of any sports or racing game, but it usually doesn't involve personal avatar customization.

Then again, few – if any – racers put the rich, lavish lifestyle in the limelight the way Test Drive Unlimited 2 will. This may appeal to those who want a blend of The Sims and driving the fastest, hottest cars on earth; the information comes from a new press release and trailer. Both were sort of mocked over at Jalopnik , and we're interested to hear your reaction. Here's the video…yes, you can purchase clothes:

Now, here are the details from the press release:

"Your avatar is your personalized representative in the world of Test Drive Unlimited 2. Whether you're shopping in a car dealership, getting ready to race, or another player out at a red light, your avatar will show off your style, attitude and accomplishments in-game. There are many ways to customize your avatar's look, including clothing, haircuts, and cosmetic surgery.

At the Cosmetic Clinic, you can modify all aspects of your avatar's face, including shape and size of your eyes, ears, nose and mouth, skin color, shape of head and facial bone structure and more. Tired of your current look? Check out the Hairdresser for a new cut, tint, eyebrow pluck, shape, and more. Visit clothing shops to pick up the outfits and accessories to make your driver stand out, every clothing shop carries its own line of clothes. You won't know until you go shopping exactly what you'll find at a particular store."

Yep, there's cosmetic surgery. Well, it certainly fits the atmosphere, doesn't it? The question is, will this social element act as an intriguing complement to a robust racing game, or will the racing take a back seat…? We're hoping it's the former scenario.

Related Game(s): Test Drive Unlimited 2

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Atari Reveals Dungeons & Dragons Daggerdale

Ben-Dutka 10 Comments

D&D will never die and next time around, the new interactive adventure will also come to the PlayStation 3.

Today, Atari has announced Dungeons & Dragons Daggerdale , a downloadable title for the PlayStation Network, Xbox Live Arcade, and Windows PC Download. It'll be ready to go in the spring; it's dubbed "an engaging multiplayer experience that introduces a riveting narrative and treacherous new characters." We must restore peace and order to Nentir Vale and that will include one final epic showdown with Rezlus. You can play solo and co-op (up to 4 players supported) and engage in "intuitive pick-up-and-play combat;" we'll get to use a "wide assortment of weapons, feats and powers," too. Said Jim Wilson, President and CEO of Atari:

"The Dungeons & Dragons franchise remains a priority for Atari as we continue to build upon the ever-evolving narrative with Dungeons & Dragons Daggerdale. As the first D&D cross-platform digital download title we look forward to expanding the franchise to a growing gaming audience."

Liz Schuh, Brand Director at Wizards of the Coast added that they're "excited to offer another great Dungeons & Dragons play experience." This sounds like one of those games the hardcore RPG fanatics would really want to play, if only because it reminds them of when such adventures ruled on the PC. We're expecting something Diablo -esque but we have to see some screens and footage before making any more guesses…

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Atari Delivering Venetica To US Shores

John-Shepard 9 Comments

We always say we don't get enough RPGs here in North America. Well, at least Atari is going to help us out.

The publisher has announced that they will bring Venetica to US shores. Featuring "a cryptic storyline and mix of action and adventure," this "visually stunning role-playing game" will hit the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC in January 2011. The time period is 16th-century Venice and you must rid the city of various dangers. Players will take control of the beautiful Scarlett as they explore the streets and canals of the gorgeous city; Scarlett will have a bunch of available weapons, and she's the only one who can stop the threatening necromancer. You will encounter the baddies in the "Twilight World" and in addition to "dynamic day and night cycles," they say we'll also have the benefit of "easy pick-up and play controls." Said Bob Spellerberg, VP of Sales and Distribution at Atari, Inc.:

"Following the successful German launch, we look forward to introducing North American gamers to the world of Venetica. With breathtaking graphics and a rich and unique narrative, Venetica offers RPG fans an action-packed adventure into a dark and evil world."

Here's hoping it turns out well; we'll be sure to check it out in a few months and give you our thoughts on the game. These days, anything even remotely resembling an RPG gets our attention.

Related Game(s): Venetica

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Test Drive Unlimited 2: Live The Dream On February 8

John-Shepard 7 Comments

Oh, you won't still be playing Gran Turismo 5 in February. But you'll want a fresh racing experience, right?

Atari has revealed that developer Eden Games will be ready to deliver Test Drive Unlimited 2 on February 8, 2011 for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC. This title had been delayed beyond the originally intended September launch date; at the time, it received a vague Q1 2011 release. The reason for the delay was so Atari could give the guys at Eden more time to "polish the game's connected console multiplayer experience." Now, if you just can't get enough of racers and love the idea of living the dream – i.e., a tropical island with a ton of the world's hottest cars at your fingertips – you might be willing to pre-order. If you want to drop your deposit at GameStop, you'll get the Casino Online downloadable content. If you pre-order just about anywhere else (Amazon, Best Buy, Atari.com, Direct 2 Drive, K-Mart, Steam and Wal-Mart), you'll receive an exclusive vehicle. If you want to learn more, head on over to the game's official website .

The most beautiful stretches of road in the world, the fastest cars, and the chance to wander around your own garage and marvel at your virtual collection worth millions. …not too shabby.

Related Game(s): Test Drive Unlimited 2

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No Test Driving Unlimited 2 Until 2011

Ben-Dutka 14 Comments

It looks like you'll have to wait a bit longer before you can live the virtual high life.

Earlier this year, Atari announced they would finally deliver a sequel to the 2006 title, Test Drive Unlimited , and it would drop in late 2010. However, developer Eden Games requires more time to polish up the multiplayer experience, so they're pushing back the release date . It's now going to launch some time in the first quarter of 2011; Eden's senior producer Nour Polloni has said they'll also use the extra time to incorporate consumer feedback. By default, the scheduled beta test has been delayed to reflect the new estimated release window. But if you've already signed up for the beta, Eden would like to offer a consolation for the delay by giving you an exclusive in-game item (which has yet to be announced). If you're unfamiliar, Test Drive Unlimited 2 is all about fast cars and a fast-lane lifestyle; it'll boast a revamped single-player mode plus the opportunity to create in-game clubs comprised of your online Friends. It's the closest you'll probably get to a multi-million-dollar home on an island with supercars in the garage.

Essentially, you will live the experience, which certainly sounds appealing. Too bad we have to wait, but the final product should be entertaining.

Related Game(s): Test Drive Unlimited 2

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