Seriously, this ISN'T just a mid-jump pic (click to enlarge)

Here’s a little oddity we caught at the eGames Expo today.  At some point during the day someone managed to enable what I presume is a developer tool in Assassin’s Creed 2 that allows the hero Ezio fly around the map, flapping his arms.  Apparently he takes his name’s Greek meaning a little too literally.

Once again, I’ve no idea how or why this was activated, but it seemed to make things a lot easier for the guy who was playing at the time, who could just flap his way over the rooftops until he was hovering right above his assassination target.

Drop, then stab.  End of mission.

I’ll see what I can find out tomorrow what this was all about, but it makes for a hilarious screenshot.  More details, and a hands-on preview article on Assassin’s Creed 2 early next week!

The "e" is for "Embiggened"

Further details have been released about this year’s eGames Expo in Melbourne, Australia. Here’s some shameless copy-paste from their most recent press release:

Highlights at this year’s event will include an array of latest and yet to be release titles such as Assasin’s Creed II, James Cameron’s Avatar, Borderlands, Forza Motorsport 3 and Halo ODST – among a host of already familiar favorites and even retro games, this is an event that is not to be missed. In addition well known names such as Ubisoft, Microsoft Xbox, AFA Publishing, Panasonic, HP, Western Digital, 2K international, and Madman Interactive will also be present.

Taking place for the first time at the eGames Expo will be the eGames Masters which will acquaint visitors with the exhilarating world of competitive game play.

While certainly not belittling the world of competitive gaming, I wouldn’t particularly describe it as “exhilarating” for anyone other than the gamers themselves, but if you’d like to check out how the pro’s double-reload-melee their poor enemies, you’ll obviosuly get the chance.

Both myself and Mark will be along to check out the show, so feel free to say hi if you spot us in the crowd. The event runs from October 30th to November 1st, and after a somewhat mysterious delay, tickets are now available over the iDEF website. Be sure to book your place.

We’ll update our plans closer to the date, and of course following our rather exciting Twitter feed place where I update about what sandwich I’m currently chewing will help you keep a track of us.

The "e" is for Electronic!

Here’s a post for all the Australians in the audience, Victorians especially.  This year’s International Digital Entertainment Festival in Melbourne is coming up shortly, from October 30th to November 1st.  The festival spans over three days and includes the eGames Expo, the Digital Lifestyle Show and Develop ICT Skills and Careers Expo.  It’s all taking place at the Royal Exhibition Building in the Carlton Gardens (near Melbourne Museum).

Of course, we’re primarily waiting to check out the eGames Expo, which is going to be showing off the latest gaming gear but the Digital Lifestyles Show sounds right up Mark’s alley too, with a range of different tech and gadget displays.

As far as the eGames Expo goes, however, here’s the official run-down:

Featuring leading game publishers and developers, along with major brands demonstrating the latest products and technologies, eGames provides a ‘hands-on’ experience for gamers of all ages. A new feature to the show is the eGames ‘Kids Zone’ showcasing games and products for younger children.

The eGames Main Stage will provide a focal point with activities, presentations and entertainment.

The expo will also feature interactive areas like the Playstation Zone, and Xbox Zone for general game play and specific competition play to join in and have the chance to win one of many great prizes up for grabs. Play against Pro teams like Intel’s Team Immunity or challenge your mates to see who is the better player.

Mark and I will be in attendance to check out all the goings on, along with quite a few other distinguished games bloggers that I know of, so be sure to pick up your tickets when they come on sale.  We’ll let you know as soon as they do!  Until then, you can check out the event details on their site.