Newsbriefs: GripShift PS3, Classic & Flashman, Novadrome XBLA

Author: by Staff

[UPDATED: 4:36pm PST] Today's regularly updated newsbriefs include news of GripShift being announced for the PlayStation Network, a new consulting relationship between Classic Media and Flashman Studios, and the release of Stainless Software's Xbox Live Arcade title Novadrome on Wednesday. - Sony has announced that it will release a remixed version of Sidhe Interactive's GripShift for digital download over the PlayStation Network online service for the the PlayStation 3. The game, which is expected to be available in late December or early January, will run at 60 fps, and be optimized for 720p resolution. Officials note that the multiplayer title will cost $9.99, and will feature improved vehicle handling, 125+ new and re-mixed levels, 25 race tracks, and an enhanced music soundtrack. - Classic Media, which owns and manages numerous recognized family properties announced that it has entered into a consulting relationship with agency Flashman Studios to create video game adaptations of Underdog, George of the Jungle, Gerald McBoing Boing, VeggieTales, Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town, Magnus Robot Fighter, Roger Ramjet, Lassie, and Dick Tracy. Flashman officials noted that the firm is actively seeking game publishers worldwide to develop these titles for "all interactive platforms." "Flashman Studios’ vast experience and key industry relationships make them an ideal partner to help us bring our classic characters to a new generation of gamers," commented Leslie Levine, Classic’s VP of World Wide Licensing. "We look to tap into Flashman’s wealth of knowledge to strategically determine which developers and publishers can best capture the uniquely fun game play inherent in each of these great icons." - Microsoft has announced that Stainless Software's (Carmageddon) new Xbox Live Arcade 3D action driving title Novadrome is set to be released over the online service on Wednesday, December 20, at 9am GMT (1am PST). Costing 800 Microsoft Points ($10), the game supports up to eight players, offers 20 different vehicles, and 15 separate arenas, complete with different weapons, upgrades, obstacles, and mines. The game also features a set of 12 new achievements, allowing players to accumulate an additional 200 points for their Xbox Live gamerscore. - The latest updates on Gamasutra sister alt.gaming weblog GameSetWatch include a PS3 downloadable MMO mentioned by Sony Online boss John Smedley, a retrospective on From Software's Armored Core series, and confirmation that the 'Gaming and Libraries: Intersection of Services' report is now available for purchase. - The latest updates from Gamasutra sister website Serious Games Source include news of a computer system in use at the Chaim Sheba Rehabilitation Hospital to assist patients with recovering from severe injuries and disorders. - The latest updates from Gamasutra sister website Game Career Guide include a new student postmortem for Carnegie Mellon's Beowulf's Barroom Brawl, and the release of Ultimate 3D Game Engine Design and Architecture. - Also updated today: the latest Gamasutra job postings, including openings from Activision Value Publishing, Conitec Datasystems, Harmonix Music Systems, NHTV Breda University of Applied Sciences, Offset Software, Reakktor Media GmbH, and Turbo Squid.