Bible Society Survey Says You Want Less Violent Games

A recent study by the American Bible Socity and the American Bible Society First Amendment Poll shows that a small majority of video game consumers want less violent video games.

Imagine that.

A total of 9,095 people were polled recently by Zogby International and The American Bible Society, one of America’s leading authorities on the Holy Scriptures, and 51% of those polled felt that the entertainment world should develop games containing positive messages and even refer to God and the Bible.

The study entitled “What Is More Offensive On Television: Religion Or Sex And Violence?” proved that 21% of Americans felt that future programs should be free of sex and murder. Of those polled, 83% said they are not offended by references to God or the Bible on network television.

Atomic Tank For Xbox Live Easy and Fun

PopCap Games has released Heavy Weapon on Xbox Live Arcade on the Xbox 360. The new version features new multiplayer Mission and Survival modes, as well as an all-new “Boss Rush” mode, leader boards, high-definition graphics and other features and is available exclusively on Xbox Live Arcade. Available now for 800 Microsoft Points, Heavy Weapon can be played in trial mode prior to purchase.

“Our goal with Heavy Weapon was to make a game in the vein of the old collaborative-style arcade games like Ikari Warriors, where you and a friend could play together as a team, just enjoying the visceral sensation of blowing lots of stuff up,” said Jason Kapalka, Chief Creative Officer at PopCap. “We spent a lot of time revamping Heavy Weapon for Xbox Live Arcade, and I think it shows; the game plays and looks better, and works beautifully with the Xbox 360 controller. We haven’t been able to stop playing the beta version here in our offices, so it should be well received by the XBLA masses!”

A quick review shows the game is simply to play and pretty to look at. It's a side-scrolling game, which seemed a bit too much of an old-school throwback, but the missions are simple: eliminate the enemy which attacks you in tanks, jeeps, fighter jets and helicopters.

There are 19 missions into several countries and six secret weapons. Be sure you find them before your enemy does or, well, you'll see.

By nature, it's violent but the multiplayer modes make it fun to go off and play new friends from all over. I'd rate it a solid B.

El Matador On Gamer's Gate

Gamers Gate announced "El Matador" ($19.99) is available on its digital platform. The game gives players a chance to become "El Matador", a DEA special agent tasked with taking down the drug barons.

A new narcotics cartel is rising across Central and South America, sharpening its claws and extending its reach. Locate the encampments, infiltrate the headquarters, and put an end to the cartel's influence. In a tale of corruption, revenge and morality, the mission brief is simple: Eliminate the threat – Ultimate justice, "El Matador" style.

Game features include:
- Hard-hitting, movie-style storyline
- Huge arsenal of realistic weapons
- Diverse South American settings, from lush jungle to mansions and harbours- Real physics, interactive environments and destructible objects- Gang members, clan bosses, kingpins, and many more villainous enemies- Atmospheric engine animations bring the scenery to life

Big Brother Game Now Available For Your Cellie

If you've been dying to play CBS' "Big Brother" on your mobile phone, now is your chance. The game, which will allow you to play with your favorite house guests from the show, is available for download at botme.com for $2.99.

In this action game, players take on the role of an uninvited visitor
and go on a mission to explore a model of the Big Brother house and
set up spy cameras. If players are caught by one of the
simulated house guests then they will be punished and must either clean
the virtual toilet or do the dishes and then they will be kicked out of
the Big Brother model house.

Elder Scross IV Expansion Upcoming

Bethesda Softworks has confirmed the upcoming release of The Elder Scrolls IV: Shivering Isles, the official expansion for the award-winning The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. Shivering Isles will be released for Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Windows this Spring. Details are presented in the exclusive cover story for Official Xbox Magazine’s (US) February issue, which hits newsstands this week.

Shivering Isles features more than 30 hours of new gameplay and allows you to explore an entirely new plane of Oblivion – the realm of Sheogorath, the Daedric Prince of Madness. Shivering Isles adds to the existing world of Oblivion so you can continue playing with your existing save game/character, or create an all new character just to explore the new content.

GAMETAP LAUNCHES NEW WORLD FOR “MYST”

In preparation of the highly anticipated early 2007 release of “Myst Online: Uru Live”, GameTap will release a new area of the city and a never-before-seen Age Friday, January 19.

GameTap, an entertainment television network, also announced that a Macintosh compatible version of Myst Online is in active development and will bring the world of Uru to Macintosh users for the first time.

The “Myst Online: Uru Live” preview storyline continues to build with last week’s introduction of Cate Alexander. Cate’s appearance has had a significant effect on the D’ni Restoration Council (DRC) and the cavern restoration effort as a whole, as evidenced by the recent opening of several city areas. That pattern continues with the opening of more city areas, including the Great Zero, and the restoration of an all-new Age, which explorers can visit for the first time ever.

NCAA March Madness Ships

NCAA March Madness 07 features Adam Morrison of the NBA Charlotte Bobcats on its cover and is available on Xbox 360 and PlayStation2 .

This year the home crowd will have more of an effect on the game, like in real life, and players will become effected by the pressure or pumped up by the intensity.

The all-new Intensity Control that changes momentum by allowing you to pump up the crowd, motivate your teammates, raise your own composure or even intimidate your opponent. Plus, become immersed like never before by interacting with student sections, school mascots, cheerleaders, and even the band.

The game offers custom playbooks for each team through the Floor General Playcalling system, the EA SPORTS Lockdown Stick that allows your players to pressure the ball, force turnovers and pester opponents on the court, and an enhanced Dynasty Mode with new School Pride and Recruiting features that let you build your school into a national powerhouse.

The game features 325 Division I universities and colleges and the popular voices of college basketball with ESPN’s Dick Vitale and Brad Nessler calling the action courtside.