Monday, July 13, 2009

Mercury Launches on PlayStation Network


Ignition Entertainment Ltd., a UTV Enterprise - a worldwide publisher and developer of videogames is pleased to announce the release of Archer Mclean’s Mercury which is now available for download from the PlayStation Network for the PSP (PlayStation Portable) in the PAL territories.

Mercury, the original and now iconic puzzle game, where the simple but challenging task is to manoeuvre the blobs of ‘mercury’ to a set goal will have gamers engrossed for hours on end.

The cleverly designed levels are full of variety, with switches, platforms, obstacles and hazards barring your goal to level completion. Having an understanding of the laws of physics, which are reversed in some instances, will help you in your tasks.

Mercury with its ingenious physics routines and large 3D levels often requires skill, fortitude and maybe even a little luck to complete and will have you coming back for more in order to beat the fastest times and unlock the games many secrets!


Game features:

  • Six fantastic game worlds with 72 levels of fantastic liquid mayhem!
  • Over 30 interactive objects, enemies and level solving devices, including Teleporter, Spinners, bridges and flux transmitters
  • Combo, Boss and lots of secret levels to unlock
  • Unlock able levels per world for hi-scorers and a bonus 7th world to discover!
  • Training camp for beginners for to practice blob control and colour manipulation
  • Ultra realistic liquid mercury effects never before seen in a game
  • Addictive pick up and play gameplay

Mercury serves up the ultimate puzzle game for players of all ages. Once you start playing it will be impossible to put down!

Available now from: http://uk.playstation.com/psn/store/


Read more here...

Jack's Hoose Music Creating Awesome Quarrel Audio on XBox 360!


Videogame audio experts Jack’s Hoose Music are all a-quiver about creating the samba-tastic audio for Denki’s new Xbox LIVE Arcade title Quarrel.

Quarrel’s unique blend of strategic and word-based gaming will be jazzed-up and effervesced by an original and inspiring mixture of Latin American, Lounge and Easy Listening music combined with the unique vocal stylings of Denki’s chief creative whiz and all-round Gary Penn (the voice behind Grand Theft Auto, GTA 2 and Tanktics, fact fans).

The Quarrel house band starts grooving behind the scenes, from the moment the game’s fired up. The talented and eclectic ensemble provides everything from warm percussion on the opening menus, through to encouraging, joyful or cheeky comments on each player’s performance. Until your vocabulary skills have been celebrated by a moustachioed, maraca-wielding musician, you’ve never really enjoyed a game properly.

“I'm feeling intense pleasurable excitement to be working with Denki on such a sound project,” says Ged Grimes, the founder and managing director of Jack’s Hoose Music. “Denki’s approach to Quarrel audio represents a sultry Latin twist for videogames. I can't wait for players to hear the results.”

Jack’s Hoose Music has composed and produced music soundtracks for a wide range of games, from music-based titles such as Amplitude and Pop Idol, through to action blockbusters such as Enter The Matrix.

Gary Penn, Denki’s creative boffin, said, “I'm amped to have Jack’s Hoose Music on board. Ged is widely recognised as a maestro in his field and the opportunity to work with him on our first Xbox LIVE Arcade title was one we couldn’t resist. We wanted the band to provide so much more than just background music to Quarrel. The whole live vibe creates so much more character. Ged’s brought the whole band to life, put them in the game and they’re playing – just for you. He's totally in tune with the Denki Difference which means every single element of the Quarrel audio will be as dramatic and entertaining as the game itself.”


Read more here...

New clothing system in MMORPG Golemizer on PC!


Machine 22, an independent game developer, announced the long-anticipated clothing system for the web MMORPG Golemizer (http://www.golemizer.com). Golemizer is a free web MMORPG where players are set in the role of mad scientists creating strange creatures in a steampunk universe.

While the main theme of the game is about players unleashing monsters in the world, the sandbox approach of Golemizer gives many opportunities to players to also unleash their imagination through various systems like dungeons and quests creation, city management and many others.

The newest addition to Golemizer allows players to craft and wear their own clothes which has always been a very popular request from players. As players have proved in the past they will also surely find imaginative ways to use this new system.

The clothing system also introduces a new mini-game where players can buy sheeps and take care of them to obtain wool which is a key resource to craft clothes. This new mini-game will open new business opportunities to players interested in a more pacific way of playing. The freedom to play how you want has always been important to Golemizer so this new addition remains in this line of thought.

New features:
- 20 suits and hats players can craft (and of course many more to come!)
- 25 new skills
- Sheeps management mini-game
- New resources: Wool and cotton
- Special suits obtained through quests and events!

This is only the first steps toward what is sure to become a very popular feature as players are always looking for ways to be unique. It is also yet another proof that no feature is out of reach for a game developed and maintained by a single person. Dave Toulouse, sole owner and developer of Machine 22, assure current and future players that many new exciting features are on their way and that he's still as passionate to work on Golemizer as he was when he first started 2 years ago.


Read more here...

The Terminator iPhone and iPod Touch game

Big Head Games and Dark Horse Comics are pleased to announce the release of the new update, ‘Episode 2’ for The Terminator iPhone and iPod Touch game. Since Episode 1 was released in May to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the classic film, BHG has been hard at work on part two of the story where you will meet John Connor and find the time displacement equipment allowing time travel back to 1984.

Also included in the update is a new lightning weapon as well as Terminator drones, revamped AI, enhanced difficulty and control system plus the all new world wide online high scores board., Take on the best the world has to offer in the Quick Game mode.

The Terminator for iPhone and iPod Touch is currently available in the iTunes app store

App Store link:
http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=316085211&mt=8

New gameplay video YouTube link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWfX5R9cXIE


Read more here...

Street Fighter II Champion Edition : the come-back

street fighter video gameMetaboli, the European leader in the digital distribution of PC games, its subsidiary in North America, GameTap LLC and Capcom, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, announce the launch of a new way of promotion for digital distribution of PC Games.

To support the release of the PC version of Street Fighter IV on the 7th of July, Metaboli has set up an innovative campaign around a free Flash version of the original Street Fighter II' Champion Edition which will be playable directly in web-browsers.

For the first time, players can discover again the most popular fighting game from the 90's directly in their web-browsers, and are invited to get Street Fighter IV for PC available via download-to-own.

Originally released for coin-op in 1992, Street Fighter II' Champion Edition includes 12 characters: Ryu, Ken, Honda, Chun-li, Blanka, Guile, Zangief, Dhalsim, Balrog, Vega, Sagat and M.Bison. After every third match players can participate in a "bonus game" including car-breaking, barrel breaking and drum-breaking for additional points. Players could finish the game by defeating all 12 challengers within the single player mode.

To support the release of the PC version of Street Fighter® IV on the 7th of July, Metaboli has set up an innovative campaign around a free Flash version of the original Street Fighter® II' Champion Edition which will be playable directly in web-browsers.

For the first time, players can discover again the most popular fighting game from the 90's directly in their web-browsers, and are invited to get Street Fighter IV for PC available via download-to-own.

Originally released for coin-op in 1992, Street Fighter II' Champion Edition includes 12 characters: Ryu, Ken, Honda, Chun-li, Blanka, Guile, Zangief, Dhalsim, Balrog, Vega, Sagat and M.Bison. After every third match players can participate in a "bonus game" including car-breaking, barrel breaking and drum-breaking for additional points. Players could finish the game by defeating all 12 challengers within the single player mode.

Street Fighter 4
Street Fighter II' Champion Edition will be available on most Flash portals and players will have the opportunity to embed the game on their blog/website and to share it with friends.

This Flash version has been converted by DotEmu, the leading technology provider for emulation and fast porting solutions.

After having played the Flash version, gamers are invited to discover the new Street Fighter IV PC version or to discover the GameTap Classic Pack which grants access to over 500 classic hits for only $4.95 per month.

Street Fighter IV can be digitally purchased here: http://streetfighter.gamesplanet.com/street-fighter-4-game-gametap.html

The Flash version of Street Fighter II' Champion Edition can be played for free here: http://www.kongregate.com

GameTap Classic Pack is available here: http://www.gametap.com/


Read more here...

Pro Cycling Manager 2009 Based on the world famous Tour de France race

Pro Cycling Manager 2009, the must have simulation game for cycling enthusiasts and sports management fans from Ascaron Entertainment and Focus Home Interactive is available to buy today. Based on the world famous Tour de France race, the latest edition includes the Spanish Tour (La Vuelta) for the first time. Players can enjoy an exhilarating and competitive sports management experience whilst guiding their team to victory in four authentic events.

Fans of the series can watch the new trailer online at www.cycling-manager.com to view the game’s beautiful environments, realistic animations and experience the buzz of the most renowned cycling event in the world.

There are various competitive events in the velodromes that enable managers to put their team’s endurance, speed and skill to the test:

Scratch race – all contestants start the race on equal terms. Riders must overtake and lap their competitors, holding this lead until the finish to gain an advantage over those who have completed fewer laps.

Flying 200 metre time trial – time is critical in this speedy event as riders must race along the set distance to achieve the quickest time possible, ensuring a win for their team.

Points race – this official Olympic discipline involves many cyclists racing simultaneously on the same track for up to 160 laps. A sprint is held every ten laps, with points awarded to the top four finishers; the winner is the rider with the most points at the end. This event is very tactical, so players must decide the best racing style in order to secure a win for their team. Some racers prefer to sit back and conserve energy, only attacking for the sprints to accumulate points. Others may attempt to take control of a lap early in the race and defend their leading position.

Omnium – a multiple race event where all contestants compete against each other in a flying time trial, scratch race, individual pursuit, points race and shorter time trial. It is widely considered to be the event that determines the best all-round track cyclists due to the combination of sprint and endurance required. Team manager’s skills will be put to the test as they decide which riders are best at each specific discipline to ensure success.

Pro Cycling Manager 2009 is available today from all good retailers.

Fast facts:

Publisher: Ascaron Entertainment / Focus Home Interactive

Developer: Cyanide

Release date: 10th July2009

PEGI: 3+

Format: PC and PSP

Genre: Sports Simulation


Read more here...

BioShock & The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion video games Bundle Now Available

BioShock & The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Bundle is now available in shops across the UK for a suggested retail price of £29.99 for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and £19.99 for Windows PC.

Creating a value-rich package, the BioShock & The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Bundle combines 2006 Game of the Year winner The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion with 2007 Game of the Year winner BioShock - two games with a combined bounty of more than 80 Game of the Year awards from the industry’s top publications. In addition to having achieved critical success and Platinum Hits status, both games rank among the bestselling titles on Xbox 360.

BioShock is the genetically enhanced shooter that weaves intricate storytelling with an intense and exciting journey through a decaying underwater Art Deco utopia gone mad. Caught between powerful forces and hunted down by mutated citizens, gamers are not only armed with a complete arsenal from simple revolvers to chemical throwers, but are forced to genetically modify their own DNA to use themselves as a deadly weapon.

Taking the world by storm in 2006, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion set a new benchmark for role-playing experiences for current generation gaming. Lush visuals, expansive worlds and limitless character customization combine with unprecedented levels of player freedom and NPC interaction to form one of the most successful and critically acclaimed games ever created.

The BioShock & The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Bundle is rated M by the ESRB.


Read more here...

Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection website OneClick Wi-Fi relaunches!

As more online games are released for Nintendo DS and Wii, it’s getting more and more important to find a way of managing all your friend codes: and it’s never been easier with the relaunch of popular community website OneClick Wi-Fi.

The site is now only weeks away from it’s third birthday, and after recent maintenance the site is now reopen at www.oneclickwifi.net for gamers to take advantage of a wealth of great tools to make finding players for online Nintendo games so much easier.

With a gorgeous new design and streamlined navigation, it’s simple to sign up for a free account and save your friend codes for all your games and finding people to play for anything from Animal Crossing to Wii Chess. Using the built in challenge system, you can find new rivals and show off your skills with your wins and losses moving you up and down the leaderboard. With an all-new Wiki system, gamers can write and share tips and tricks about specific games and who to play with ease, all through the one universal login.

Community is at the core of OneClick Wi-Fi version 3 as along with the popular forums, a new section called ‘Social’ is your new central hub of activity as you can check out what your friends are up to: what they’ve been doing on the site, what games they’ve been playing, and their latest status updates.

It’s the perfect social network for Nintendo gamers, as you can customise the sections on your profile; write your own blog and comment on other player’s profiles while incorporating support for other platforms including Xbox Live and Playstation 3.

Whether you just want somewhere to remind you of your 12 digit Wi-Fi Connection codes or a thriving community to find and challenge other players, OneClick Wi-Fi’s purpose built systems make it the new home for Wii and DS gamers – just sign up for free at www.oneclickwifi.net to take advantage of all the new features.


Read more here...

Vertigo iPhone video game - if you have a fear of heights!

Underworld Entertainment Ltd, the developer set up by Col Rodgers, Industry Veteran with more than 15 years of experience and a slew of successful titles under his belt (Designer on Viking: Battle for Asgard with SEGA and Producer on Crysis with EA to name but a few) has announced it’s first title, VERTIGO, for sale very soon on Apple’s iTunes App Store.

Announcement video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytAj5_zOtxE

The game, which takes influence from the traditional brick stacking games such as Jenga played on thousands of beaches and in homes all over the world, makes excellent use of Apple’s multi-touch screen to take the level of interaction with the fully 3D scene farther than it ever has been in games based on similar concepts.

The game supports up to 4 player multiplayer as well as having 3 single player modes, all of which come in Normal or Expert mode.

The player can freely adjust the camera and select any block they wish to move, switching to block interaction mode to move the object around the world.

Key to the success of this title is the way Underworld have overcome the 3 dimensional nature of the game when played with friends. Dragging a brick to the top of the screen takes the game into brick placement mode, where the user can lower, rotate and place the brick where they desire.

Less than confident players can ask the game for hints which come in the form of the system highlighting wobbly bricks – how the player uses this information is up to them!

On top of the beautiful beach graphics in the game, and the excellent control method, the game is driven by true physics simulation, and as such, those long hours on the train with friends can be enjoyed without the need to keep building the tower or worry about an uneven track cutting the game short!


Read more here...

Calling Videogame Strays between Life and Death, Evoking Intrigue and Mystery as Players Fight for Survival

Hudson Entertainment will bring players face to face with death as they roam an alternate existence in an attempt to survive Calling. The adventure horror title is set to be published by Hudson Entertainment, the North and South American publishing arm of HUDSON SOFT, and will be exclusive to Wii in 2010.

“Players will be asked to use their wits and senses to survive the world of Calling,” said Mike Pepe, Director of Marketing of Hudson Entertainment. “It is a game that revolves around real people and real emotions – no chain saws or suits of armor. The game is traditional survival horror at its finest.”

In Calling, players begin by visiting a mysterious “Black Page” website with a simple number counter. Some say it is a bridge to something sinister; the counter indicating the number of people who have died after visiting the page. It is said that people who have visited the site and witness a certain event are drawn into a mysterious space compiled of the memories of the dead - the space between life and death. Someone or something is drawing the living there for a reason, and it is up to the player to discover the horrifying truth. In order to do so, players will use various equipment including flash lights, phones, and other items to navigate and escape the Calling.

Throughout the game players will visit various parts of the Calling world. Memories of houses, schools, hospitals and more bring players closer to either an escape or an untimely death. Players will solve puzzles, search and interact with objects, and ultimately try to avoid the inhabitance of this alternative existance.


Read more here...

AFC North Team and Player ratings in Madden NFL 10 season preview

It is a hot summer, but stay cool in a football state of mind as the Madden NFL 10 team previews continue. What division will be the toughest this year? Can the Pittsburgh Steelers defend their title? What teams made the best moves to bolster their roster during the off season? See how your favorite team and players will fair – according to the Madden NFL 10 Season Preview.

So far, we’ve tackled previews from all the NFC teams, and now it’s time to take a look at the AFC. We continue our look at each team’s overall rating and individual player ratings with a focus on the rough and tough AFC North division. In addition to the player ratings, a wealth of team-specific assets will be made available, for both the Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3, and Wii versions of Madden NFL 10.
Everything culminates on August 3rd, where Madden NFL 10 will predict the 2009 NFL division winners, season MVP, and more.

To view the overall team ratings for the Ravens, Steelers, Browns and Bengals, as well as download the complete team roster ratings, visit the official Madden NFL 10 website below:

Madden NFL 10 Season Preview

Up next week: The AFC South

Madden NFL 10 will be available on the Xbox 360 video game system from Microsoft, PlayStation 2 and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment systems, Nintendo Wii, PSP (PlayStation Portable) handheld entertainment system and is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB.

For more information about Madden NFL 10, visit http://maddennfl.easports.com/.


Read more here...

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Dragon Quest IX lifts Square Enix stock


Square Enix saw its Tokyo stock rating upgraded by Cosmo Securities, which lifted the Japanese based videogame maker to "neutral plus" from the "neutral" rating it has maintained since November 26.

The shares rose JPY 60 (USD 0.57), or 1.9 per cent, to close at JPY 3210 (USD 30.7) on the Tokyo Stock Exchange and much of the improvement is being put down to the performance of the company's Dragon Quest IX DS title, which sold 5 million units and will produce JPY 20 billion (USD 190 million) in revenue, Cosmo Securities analyst Takashi Oka reported. "It's not surprising Dragon Quest IX for the portable console sold twice as many units as a version for stationary game machines,'' Oka wrote, according to Bloomberg. The Cosmo Securities report also claimed that the company's net income for the year ending in March 2009 will almost double to JPY 17.4 billion (USD 166.9 million), 45 per cent higher than the company's target of JPY 12 billion (USD 115.1 million).

This comes after the company recently reported a profit of JPY 9.2 billion (USD 88.5 million) for fiscal year 2007, a 20.9 per cent fall from the previous year.

Source: http://www.gamesindustry.biz/


Read more here...

2K Games And Bethesda Softworks Announce BioShock & The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Bundle Now Available

elder scrolls bioshock2K Games and Bethesda Softworks, a ZeniMax Media company, announce that the BioShock & The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Bundle is now available in shops across the UK for a suggested retail price of £29.99 for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and £19.99 for Windows PC.

Creating a value-rich package, the BioShock & The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Bundle combines 2006 Game of the Year winner The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion with 2007 Game of the Year winner BioShock - two games with a combined bounty of more than 80 Game of the Year awards from the industry’s top publications. In addition to having achieved critical success and Platinum Hits status, both games rank among the bestselling titles on Xbox 360.

BioShock is the genetically enhanced shooter that weaves intricate storytelling with an intense and exciting journey through a decaying underwater Art Deco utopia gone mad. Caught between powerful forces and hunted down by mutated citizens, gamers are not only armed with a complete arsenal from simple revolvers to chemical throwers, but are forced to genetically modify their own DNA to use themselves as a deadly weapon.

Taking the world by storm in 2006, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion set a new benchmark for role-playing experiences for current generation gaming. Lush visuals, expansive worlds and limitless character customization combine with unprecedented levels of player freedom and NPC interaction to form one of the most successful and critically acclaimed games ever created.

The BioShock & The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Bundle is rated M by the ESRB. For more information on BioShock please visit www.bioshockgame.com. For more information on Oblivion please visit www.elderscrolls.com.


Read more here...

Hudson Entertainment brings Wii owners face to face with spirits of the dead in 'Calling'

Hudson Entertainment will bring players face to face with death as they roam an alternate existence in an attempt to survive Calling. The adventure horror title is set to be published by Hudson Entertainment, the North and South American publishing arm of HUDSON SOFT, and will be exclusive to Nintendo Wii in 2010.

“Players will be asked to use their wits and senses to survive the world of Calling,” said Mike Pepe, Director of Marketing of Hudson Entertainment. “It is a game that revolves around real people and real emotions – no chain saws or suits of armor. The game is traditional survival horror at its finest.”

In Calling, players begin by visiting a mysterious “Black Page” website with a simple number counter. Some say it is a bridge to something sinister; the counter indicating the number of people who have died after visiting the page. It is said that people who have visited the site and witness a certain event are drawn into a mysterious space compiled of the memories of the dead - the space between life and death. Someone or something is drawing the living there for a reason, and it is up to the player to discover the horrifying truth. In order to do so, players will use various equipment including flash lights, phones, and other items to navigate and escape the Calling.

Throughout the game players will visit various parts of the Calling world. Memories of houses, schools, hospitals and more bring players closer to either an escape or an untimely death. Players will solve puzzles, search and interact with objects, and ultimately try to avoid the inhabitance of this alternative existance.

For more information on Calling, as well as other titles from Hudson Entertainment, please visit www.hudsonent.com.


Read more here...

Yoga for the Wii system to Feature International Model Anja Rubik!


JoWooD Productions and DreamCatcher Games are pleased to announce that top model Anja Rubik will be featured in their upcoming Wii title Yoga (http://anjarubik.com). A very enthusiastic yoga practitioner, Anja will not only grace the cover, but also accompanies players during numerous relaxing Yoga exercises, providing player motivation throughout the game. Anja Rubik is considered one of the upcoming stars of the model scene and is ranked among the top 15 international supermodels.

“We’ve invested a lot in creating a fun and authentic Yoga title for Wii suitable for everyone. Regardless of your age or gender, anyone who is interested in learning more about this ancient Indian philosophy will love this game.” says Markus Reutner, Marketing manager JoWooD Productions. “Anja Rubik embodies the spirit of Yoga and thus is the perfect guide to increase motivation and promote the practice of this peaceful fitness regime.”

Yoga for the Wii system offers an entirely new fitness and lifestyle experience. It enriches your living room with this ancient art and you can strengthen your body, mind and spirit while training at home. Thanks to the combination of state of the art graphics and the Wii Balance Board™ accessory, this game leads to a brand new fitness-gaming experience.

About Yoga for the Wii system:

Anja Rubik and a 3D animated Yoga guru guide you through the most important parts of the game and offer useful information on both the individual exercises and the philosophical basis behind yoga. Yoga encourages the player to take steps to improve his or her own health and to restore and maintain their own state of well-being. The game supports a wide range of body positions, and the Balance Board provides the player with immediate feedback. The yoga guru guides you through poses in a gentle introduction into this fascinating world.

It's simple for you to develop your own, customised yoga exercise plan and monitor your progress!

Yoga is designed to stand out from the considerable range of “fitness games“ out there and shows a new, modern way to provide more body awareness and relaxation.

Does your work-out really need to be faster, most exhausting and harder? Slow your day down, allow your body and mind to relax – with Yoga for the Wii system.

Anja Rubik & Yoga

Anja Rubik is an ambitious yoga fan and practices this ancient philosophy to provide balance in her stressful everyday life as a model. She is convinced that it is the best way to control thought and breathing processes, and is enthusiastic about the new opportunity to practice yoga in the comfort of your own home while receiving feedback from a yoga guru. We're proud to have found Anja as the perfect advocate for our Wii game Yoga.

Yoga provides a completely new experience in the realm of fitness and lifestyle! JoWooD offers a tried and tested way of training the body and mind in the form of Yoga, all in the comfort of your living room! The combination of excellent graphics and the use of the Wii Balance Board offers a gaming experience never before seen!

Yoga encourages the Wii player to relax after a hard day!

Yoga supports the Wii Balance Board!


Read more here...

So You Think You Can (Virtually) Dance? Then Prove it During the Audition Online Video Dance Competition!


Redbana US Corp. is calling all Audition Online players to prove they have the real life dance skills to back up those they demonstrate virtually in the hit online PC rhythm game during the official Audition Video Dance Competition! Throughout July, users can create and submit 90 second videos showcasing their personal brand of creativity and uniqueness by dressing the part, demonstrating “mad skillz” and – most importantly – having fun!

Video submissions will be accepted until July 31st at midnight, with winners announced the following week. In addition to Redbana Cash that can be used to buy virtual items like clothes and accessories, the first place winner will receive an iPod Shuffle engraved with their in-game moniker.

Official contest rules and submission instructions can be found here: http://forums.redbana.com/showthread.php?t=5763

No Audition account? No problem. New users can sign up for a FREE account at http://audition.redbanaus.com


Read more here...

Summer Athletics 2009 for Nintendo Wii introduces the Balance Board Cup

Summer Athletics 2009’s Nintendo Wii version will support Wii Balance Board controls. The game is equipped with a unique Balance Board Cup.

Console athletes will need their stability on the Wii Balance Board to control their character in the contest’s five disciplines. These are high jump, triple jump, hammer throwing, high dive and archery. Players wiggle their hips around to spin the hammer and gather speed. Holding your breath and standing evenly balanced is key to hitting the mark in archery. If you center your weight right in the middle of the Wii Balance Board, you have only to adjust to cross winds to score full points.

Like all contests and challenges in Summer Athletics 2009, the Balance Board cup is available in three difficulty settings. "Easy" is recommended for players who have never played a sports game before, "Average" appeals to more experienced players and "Difficult" requires the skills of advanced players. It is possible to obtain a fourth difficulty setting called "Champion" after unlocking special achievements. “Champion” features the hardest AI competitors that will challenge even gaming veterans.

The battle for Gold Medals and personal bests sparks excitement and healthy competition in Summer Athletics 2009. Athletes from all over the world run, throw, jump and swim for victory. Millimeters and split seconds will decide the winners. When playing with friends and family, a living room becomes a stadium. It’s not only four players competing; in Summer Athletics 2009 they can chase records and beat their best times as a team, to eventually celebrate their big victory together.

The athletes compete in 28 summer time disciplines, including 100 meters sprint, high diving, javelin or the new skeet shooting event. In Berlin World Cup mode, a national team can go for ultimate glory in the World Championships in 15 track and field contests.

With a variety of game modes, format specific controls and up-to-date graphics, Summer Athletics 2009 will be challenging and fun to play at the same time.

Summer Athletics 2009 will be available this summer for Wii, Xbox 360 and PC in multiple territories. In the United States, the game will be published under the name World Championship Athletics by Conspiracy Entertainment.


Read more here...

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Youda Sushi Chef time management game from Youdagames Download Free demo link

Youda Sushi Chef video game
The successful Dutch casual games developer Youdagames and world’s biggest online games website Miniclip.com, have worked together to produce a beautiful and fun to play time management game: Youda Sushi Chef.

The game will be released on both the portals of Youdagames and Miniclip, tomorrow on the 9th of July. A week later, on July 15th , the game will be available on all other portals worldwide.

Following their highly successful free to play online game, Sushi-Go-Round, Miniclip has licensed the rights to Youdagames to develop the sequel to the game that will play both online and will also have a premium PC version available for download. Founder of Miniclip Robert Small was confident Youdagames would be the right partner to develop this game: “Having worked with Youdagames for over 6 years, we were confident that they could bring our Sushi game sequel to fruition online and on the PC. They have a track record of developing high quality, award winning titles.”

Youda Sushi Chef seems to come up to expectations. The game appears to be a beautifully designed and fun to play restaurant game, which will give the millions of casual gamers worldwide a great new challenge in time management land! The expectations of this game are high with both parties. “The game play is very addictive, so when Miniclip and Youdagames cooperate to distribute the game it will definitely have a huge impact on its success.”, according to Horst Streck, CEO at Youdagames.

Youda Sushi Chef
Youda Sushi Chef is a fun time management game. As in other restaurant games, your main goal is to keep your customers happy and serve them the right dishes in time to reach your daily target. Youda Sushi Chef outshines by beautiful design and a challenging game play. You really have to rely on your memory skills. Extra features like reservations and take away orders coming in constantly keep your adrenaline going.

You start your own sushi restaurant, build your sushi restaurant emporium and finally become the one and only Sushi Chef! Serving your customers all kinds of sushi, your goal is to reach a daily target. Every next level more sushi ingredients will be added and the more complex your sushi making will be. To reach your target in higher levels you can buy upgrades to serve customers faster, make combo’s or serve some take-away meals to earn extra money. To keep your customers happy you can decorate your restaurants, perform great knife tricks or serve some sake while your customers are waiting.

The game consists of six beautifully designed restaurants, a great choice of different sushi recipes, lots of bonuses, combo’s and upgrades.

Download Free demo here...


Read more here...

Friday, July 10, 2009

Fighting Fantasy: The Warlock of Firetop Mountain for Nintendo DS

Aspyr Media and Big Blue Bubble have partnered to launch Fighting Fantasy: The Warlock of Firetop Mountain for Nintendo DS. Based on the legendary book series by Ian Livingstone and Steve Jackson, Fighting Fantasy: The Warlock of Firetop Mountain is a first-person fantasy role-playing game that takes players on an elaborate adventure through the Firetop Mountain Keep, the scene of the first entry in the renowned literary line.

With a highly optimized 3D engine, dynamic lighting and highly detailed, full-frame animations, Fighting Fantasy: The Warlock of Firetop Mountain fully immerses players in the dank, eerie depths of each dungeon and passage.

“Fighting Fantasy: The Warlock of Firetop Mountain is our most ambitious Nintendo DS project to date,” said Damir Slogar CEO of Big Blue Bubble Inc. “Driven by the vision of bringing next gen console gaming to the handheld platform, as well as our passion for role playing games, we spent the past few years working on a game that will showcase how this FPSRPG on Nintendo DS can and should look.”

Mr. Slogar added, “both Ian Livingstone and Steve Jackson shared our vision and helped us recreate the world of Fighting Fantasy. The last step was finding a publisher with the same enthusiasm and Aspyr filled this role perfectly.”

“Fighting Fantasy: The Warlock of Firetop Mountain might be the best looking game that we’ve ever seen on Nintendo DS and the opportunity to work with the likes of Ian Livingstone, Steve Jackson and the talented team at Big Blue Bubble was too good to pass up,” said Ted Staloch, Executive Vice President, Aspyr Media. “The series created by Ian and Steve turned fantasy books into unprecedented interactive experiences. The game that bears the franchise’s name will do the same for RPG gaming on a handheld.”

Fighting Fantasy: The Warlock of Firetop Mountain follows a lone adventurer on his travels through the old Dwarven keep within Firetop Mountain. Now the residence of an evil warlock and hordes of foul creatures, the keep is a mysterious and dangerous place from which no one has returned in many years. As players guide the adventurer through the many passageways and dungeons, they develop the character’s abilities and attributes to suit their play style. Enemies will fall before the player’s brute strength with sword and axe, power of the arcane arts, nimble quickness or custom combinations of skills. A wealth of weaponry, armor, potions and enchantments are equipped through an intuitive drag-and-drop inventory system while helpful (or not-so-helpful) NPCs provide guidance, quests, trade goods and skill training.

The Fighting Fantasy book series launched in 1982 with the first title, The Warlock of Firetop Mountain. Authors Ian Livingstone and Steve Jackson created a revolutionary new idea for the fantasy genre: the reader would become the hero of his or her own fantasy adventure in a story that would be part book, part game. After each paragraph a decision must be made: which way to turn, whether to fight or flee, which mysterious character to approach, and what risks to take. Each choice sent the reader to a different page to discover the consequences of their choice, with each read-through ending either in disaster, or with the discovery of the ultimate goal. To date, the series has seen more than 70 titles published and more than 14 million copies sold worldwide.

Fighting Fantasy: The Warlock of Firetop Mountain for Nintendo DS will be available this holiday season.


Read more here...

Cate West: The Vanishing Files video game on Nintendo DS and Wii


Daughter of Helen and Jon West, Cate is a budding writer and life-time resident of Arcadia City.
Since her father’s death 17 years ago, Cate has been haunted by dreams of the terrible event. She blames herself for not preventing his death even though there was no way she could have intervened.

Yuki Takeba has been Cate’s best friend with since they roomied at Arcadia college. Cate and Yuki are both fans of Japanese art and cooking, with Cate preferring the shopping for ingredients for Yuki to cook!

Over the years Cate’s intuition has gotten stronger and stronger. She’s not sure if this is related to her father’s death, or what to do with the “Gift”. She prefers not to think about these things, instead focusing on her writing.

Cate is currently preparing for the release of her first novel with her friend and editor Wesley Carr. The novel goes on sale in Europe on the 5th September.

Hobbies:
Writing, going to the Farmer's Market and collecting antique Japanese woodblock prints.

Cate West: The Vanishing Files
Release: 05.09.09
Genre: Seek-and-solve
Formats: Nintendo DS™, and Wii™
Pegi: 7+
Developer: Magellen Interactive/Destineer Games
RRP: Nintendo DS - £24.99, Wii - £24.99


Read more here...

Thursday, July 09, 2009

Tales of Monkey Island pirate adventure video game after ten years

cheeky monkey fro tale of monkey island video gameArrrrr! Polish up your swashbuckles and grab your sword, because legendary pirate Guybrush Threepwood sets sail today on the first all-new Monkey Island adventure in over a decade. Telltale's highly anticipated game series, Tales of Monkey Island, begins now at www.telltalegames.com for PC with Launch of the Screaming Narwhal, the first chapter in an epic five-month adventure created by the same team responsible for acclaimed episodic series including Sam & Max, Wallace & Gromit's Grand Adventures and Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People. The first Tales of Monkey Island chapter is expected to release for WiiWare in the coming weeks as well.

The saga begins with a heated battle involving the brave but often bumbling Mighty Pirate Guybrush, his beloved wife Elaine, and their nemesis, the demon pirate LeChuck. When the showdown goes up in flames, Guybrush finds himself marooned on a strange island with winds that always blow inward. How will our hero manage to escape this meteorological anomaly? What has become of LeChuck and Elaine? And what's the story with the infectious voodoo pox that's spreading across the Caribbean, causing Guybrush and other pirates to act like unruly hooligans? These are just some of the many questions posed in this first chapter of what will become one of the most rollicking and rip-roaring entertainment experiences of the summer.

Dave Grossman, Telltale's design director and a designer/writer for the original Monkey Island games says "I was laughing my eyepatch off on a daily basis while we were first cooking up Monkey Island at Skywalker Ranch, but if you'd told me then that it would become a classic, and that twenty years later I'd be working with a killer all-star piratey crew to spin an epic new tale and bring the series to a whole new generation of players, I would have said, well, probably, Look behind you, a three-headed monkey, but then I've always been a bit weird that way."

Tales of Monkey Island will unfold over the next five months, with each episodic chapter raising the stakes on Guybrush's quest to eradicate the insidious Pox of LeChuck, reunite with his wife, and vanquish his rival. Much like the best television and films series, the story becomes deeper and more engrossing with interweaving threads building to twists and surprises in the grand finale this fall.

Customers who order from Telltale's online store during the first week of availability can choose any other Telltale episode of their choice to include free with their purchase. Visit www.telltalegames.com/monkeyisland to get into the adventure now. Additional Tales of Monkey Island details, gameplay trailers, and a playable demo are also available at the site.


Read more here...

Battlefield 1943 video game download available in UK for 1200 MS points

Theatre of War 2 - Africa 1943Full Downloadable Game On Sale For Only £9.99 / 1200 MS Points; Trial Version Available for Free.

DICE, an Electronic Arts announce that Battlefield 1943 is now available on Xbox LIVE Marketplace and PlayStation Network. Battlefield 1943 is an all-new download-only multiplayer action game that brings DICE’s first-class WWII action to gamers for just £9.99 or 1200 MS Points. Gamers can get a taste of the epic large-scale battles by downloading the free trial version on Xbox LIVE Marketplace and the PlayStation Network.

Battlefield 1943 is a critically acclaimed First-Person Shooter (FPS) multiplayer game that GamePro magazine describes as “a triple-A title at a quarter of the price” and GameSpot says is “rock-solid value”.



Battlefield 1943 introduces two thrilling new modes where 24 players can compete across four classic WWII Battlefield maps: Wake Island, Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima and Coral Sea. These maps are inspired by the award winning Battlefield 1942™ game, but have been redesigned and reengineered using the DICE Frostbite™ engine allowing players to rain havoc and destruction via land, sea or air. The free trial version will feature Wake Island and give players the freedom to choose from the full arsenal of weapons and vehicles on both sides of the battle, either the US Marines or Imperial Japanese Navy.

The Coral Sea map will be unlocked as part of a worldwide community challenge, where players will work together to reach 43M kills on both Xbox LIVE and the PlayStation Network. The official countdown begins on July 10, 2009 at 19:43 GMT.

“We are excited to witness the intense battles that are going to take place on these tropical Pacific Theatre maps, ripping them to shreds and leaving nothing but debris behind,” says Gordon Van Dyke, Producer on Battlefield 1943. “Reliving these classic maps with the DICE Frostbite engine’s destruction capabilities and full FPS gameplay ups the ante on what can be done in downloadable games. We’re proud to be able to provide this experience to shooter fans for just £9.99.”


Read more here...

Strategy First and Out Of The Park Baseball 10 invites Baseball Fans and Gamers everywhere to take advantage of this limited time give away.

For the first time ever Strategy First will release a five hour interview featuring Red Sox Hall Of Fame Pitcher Bill ‘The Spaceman’ Lee.

In four separate sit down interviews with Strategy First’s Emanuel Wall and the Red Sox Hall Of Fame pitcher covers the highs and lows of his career and personal life.

The entertaining, and informative interviews cover a wide range of controversial topics and interesting stories as seen through the eyes of Bill ‘Spaceman’ Lee.

“Bill ‘Spaceman’ Lee is an incredible person and we are thankful to have been able to conduct these interviews. Very few things in this world are free and we want to offer Gamers and Baseball fans alike an opportunity to watch these incredible interviews and no purchase is necessary, feel free to celebrate the all-star game with us.” Says Business Development Manager Emanuel Wall.

Strategy First and Out Of The Park Baseball 10 Bill ‘Spaceman’ Lee interview include same features listed below

- Bud Selig, Pete Rose, Barry Bonds, Alex Rodriguez, Manny Ramirez

- President Barack Obama, President George.W.Bush, Governor Sara Palin, VP Al Gore

- Personal insight on his experience with the Yankees – Red Sox rivalry

- Who Killed the Montreal Expos

- Insight on writing ‘The Wrong Stuff’, ‘Have Glove Will Travel’, ‘Baseball Eccentrics’

- Barnstorming around the world from big cities, to small towns

- Learn the art and techniques of Pitching and its steady decline

- Being black listed by baseball

- Enemies of the Red Sox Nation

Be sure to watch all 5 hours for free while you still can.


Read more here...

Ion Assault video game for Xbox LIVE Arcade

ion assault video game xbox 360800 Microsoft Points Gets Germany's First Space Combat Title

Black Inc., the core gaming division of RTL Interactive GmbH, today announces the release of Ion Assault, the first Xbox LIVE Arcade title from a German games studio. Developed by German developer Coreplay, Ion Assault offers Xbox 360 gamers a top-level gaming experience that makes full use of the technical possibilities provided by Microsoft's next generation console in order to offer arcade fans an action romp featuring outstanding graphics and gameplay.



In 2183 humanity discovers an energy source that facilitates travel into new regions of space. Gigantic mother ships collect the newly discovered fuel from the distant energy fields and transport it to Earth. When the fleet is destroyed in an alien attack, the player sets out on a perilous journey home in a small harvester. In Ion Assault, instead of conventional weapons, players use the free energy particles that are abundant in space to fend off swarms of aliens. The particles are bundled and the player is able to shoot them at asteroids and enemy ships. The particles are not destroyed in this process, but are redistributed in space, ready to be magnetically attracted again and re-used. Their random distribution makes for dynamic gameplay and calls for a more strategic approach.

"Through the dynamic particle and fluid system the player faces a constant challenge." says Peter Ohlmann, Coreplay Technical Director. "The immense variety of effects, and the scope of the variables, makes Ion Assault a true next-gen game. It would simply not have been technically possible to implement this game concept on older consoles."

Ion Assault offers four scenarios with gorgeous, detailed visuals, each with different types of opponents, bosses and background themes. In the course of the campaign players get to upgrade their spaceships and will, in turn, be able to affect power-ups that enable things such as an increase in ship speed, or an enlarged collected particles radius. Thanks to special power-ups, such as the ability to create temporary black holes, even large numbers of opponents can be dealt with. Players also get to show off their skills in various multi-player modes, and compare their scores to those of the world's best Ion Assault pilots through online high score lists.

Ion Assault will be available for download in the summer of 2009 via Xbox LIVE Arcade, priced at 800 Microsoft Points.


Read more here...

Free download content for Fight Night Round 4 release date

Free New Game Content Coming by Early August; Button Controls Included In Additional Summer Update

Electronic Arts announce its initial Downloadable Content (DLC) plan for Fight Night Round 4. Recently named the Game Critic Awards “Best Sports Game of E3 2009”, Fight Night Round 4 has been winning over reviewers since its release on June 23rd.

The first DLC pack, which will be available for free to both Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 users by early August, will include a new training gym, new gameplay sliders, as well as a host of new equipment that can be used for outfitting boxers. Xbox 360 users will also receive an exclusive alternate version of Sugar Ray Leonard in their first DLC pack, courtesy of Pizza Hut.

EA SPORTS will also be releasing a free downloadable game update by early September that will allow gamers to use face buttons on the Xbox 360 and PS3 game controllers to throw punches, hooks, uppercuts and haymakers.

“The depth and variety of new content we have planned this summer is going to make one of the most critically acclaimed games on the market even better,” said senior producer, Dean Richards. “Among the new content in development, our new button control scheme will give fans a choice for how they want to throw punches in the game.

We strongly believe that the refined Total Punch Control is the most intuitive way to throw punches in Fight Night Round 4, but we also want fans of the franchise to have an option.”


Read more here...

Wednesday, July 08, 2009

Madden NFL team and player ratings season preview

madden nfl swason previewIf you’re a Madden NFL fan, the season can’t come too soon. Who will be the powerhouse teams this year? What players have improved? What players have seen better days? See how your favorite team and players will fair – according to the Madden NFL 10 Season Preview.

Each week, we’ll breakdown the overall team rating and each player’s individual ratings, for a specific division – one team per day. In addition to the player ratings, a wealth of team-specific assets will be made available, for both the Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3, and Wii versions of Madden NFL 10.

Everything culminates on August 3rd, where Madden NFL 10 will predict the 2008 NFL division winners, season MVP, and more.

This week, we focus on the NFC North. To view the overall team ratings for the Bears, Packers, Lions, and Vikings, as well as download the complete team roster ratings, visit the official Madden NFL 10 website below:

Madden NFL 10 Season Preview


Read more here...

Age of Conan celebrates one year of massive improvements, former players invited to come back and play for FREE!

Players can log back in for free and experience a new and improved Conan. A year of massive improvements have made Age of Conan better than ever. New website live that explains how the game has improved since launch.

Funcom is proud to announce the launch of the first re-evaluation campaign for its best-selling MMO ‘Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures’. Anyone with a previously active account can now reactivate and play for two weeks – completely free of charge and with no strings attached. With the slew of massive updates and improvements done to the game since launch, Funcom is eager to let players experience what the press have already dubbed “the second coming of Conan”.

The list of additions, changes and improvements are many, and a new website that aims to inform press and gamers everywhere about how ‘Age of Conan’ has improved since launch is now live.

The new re-evaluation website can be found here.
http://www.ageofconan.com/updates

“For anyone with an inactive account who ever thought about giving it another try, this is your chance,” says Morten Larssen, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing at Funcom. “After the hugely successful launch last year we immediately started working on updates that would make the game better and provide more content for players, and that is what we have been doing this past year. With the most recent update just out the door, this is the time to ask players to come back and see the results!”

The re-evaluation offer is valid from July 8th to July 22nd and is available to anyone with a closed account in good standing. Reactivating at any time within this period will open for two weeks of free play – regardless of when you choose to act within that time period. There are no costs associated with this offer or any subscription obligations. It is also important to note that the free trial campaign will temporarily be closed to ensure the best play environment for all returning players.

Since launching last year ‘Age of Conan’ has been lovingly improved by a dedicated development team who has launched several major updates to the game. These updates have all added a wealth of new content such as the massive outdoor area of the giants known as Ymir’s Pass, the huge dungeon Xibaluku, and the vast new cityscape of Tarantia Commons among others. All of these areas have added countless hours of adventure through new quests, enemies, and rewards. New features have also been implemented such as an extensive player vs. player notoriety system that allows players to become murderers and hunt each other down for exclusive rewards, improved DirectX 10 graphics technology that allows for some spectacular visuals, and a massive revitalization of the core role-playing system.

“It has been quite a journey for the entire team getting to where we are today,” says Game Director on ‘Age of Conan’ Craig Morrison. “I think that players have always seen the great potential in ‘Age of Conan’ and we have put a lot of effort into realizing that potential. The game has improved tremendously since launch and we look forward to having players come back and seeing the changes for themselves!”

Funcom is also running a major give-away in cooperation with Eurogamer.net and MMORPG.com this week. Each site are giving away one thousand full copies of ‘Age of Conan’ each – including 30 days of free playtime – so head on over if you want to secure a free passage into the savage world of Conan!

Launching in May last year ‘Age of Conan’ quickly became a smash hit in retail, shipping over 1.2 million copies around the world. In North America, the most prominent online gaming market in the west, ‘Age of Conan’ became the third best-selling PC title of the year only beaten by ‘Spore’ and ‘World of Warcraft’. In the weeks after launch ‘Age of Conan’ simultaneously topped the charts in 17 countries, and the game received critical acclaim from gaming press across the globe. ‘Age of Conan’ is now available in English, French, German, Spanish, Russian and Polish localized versions, and is being prepared for launch in Korea as well.


Read more here...

World of Kung Fu video game update 1.0.52 - New Features and Quests


A new version 1.0.52 of World of Kung Fu will be released this summer. World of Kung Fu is a free-to-play MMORPG featuring splendid Kung Fu skills, beautiful scenic graphics and stories founded on the ancient Chinese Kung Fu moral values of justice and heroism. It opens a portal to explore a world of martial arts for players from all corners of the land.

Version 1.0.52 has been expected by players in World of Kung Fu for a long time since it brings many new features, including breaking the level cap (Level 120), two new maps waiting to be explored, relating quests added and Guarding Pet system launched.

The level 100 - level 120 quests will lead the challengers to explore the new maps and face new monsters dwelling there. The two new maps are Qingyuan and Graveyard of Howling Wind. Qingyuan, now haunted by thousands of undead warriors, is waiting for heroes around level 110 to protect the border of Liang from being invaded. Graveyard of Howling Wind is a place where top level players face their challenges. The stories taking their place are all inspired by mythology of ancient China.

Guarding pets, the most expected feature of version 1.0.52, finally mark their debut. Players will no longer fight alone. Not like the looting pets, guarding pets can grow up and help the players out in fighting, and its extraordinary attributes can also enhance player's capability. Meanwhile, quests about guarding pets will be activated. Pet Feeder will offer different quests to help you raise the strongest and unique pet with ease and fun!

Transform cards have been always popular in World of Kung Ku. More transform cards, including "Undead Corpse" and "Skeleton Warrior” will be added in this version. If you know something about Chinese ancient tales, you will be greatly delighted to transfer yourself to “Chang Er” and “Hou Yi”, who are the Fairy of the Moon and the Hero who shoot the spare 8 Suns for people, according to ancient Chinese tales.

With these innovative features, there will be more fascinating contents for every type of players in World of Kung Fu. And players can get fresh experience and have fun! More detailed information about the many new features and enhancements can be found on the World of Kung Fu website: http://www.worldofkungfu.com.


Read more here...

Colin McRae DiRT 2 PC video game delayed for Direct X 11 upgrade

DiRT 2 pc video game screenMulti-threading, hardware tessellation and Shader Model 5.0 to turbocharge off-road racer powers new levels of visual realism with DirectX 11 software engineering expertise

Codemasters announced that the Games For Windows LIVE edition of Colin McRae: DiRT 2, the thrilling and stylish sequel to the award-winning off-road racer, will support the wealth of new performance enhancing features that will be available in DirectX 11.

With DirectX 11 hardware expected to ship in the second half of 2009, and DirectX 11 coming to home computers with the release of Microsoft Windows 7 on October 22, 2009, Codemasters also announced that the Games For Windows LIVE edition of Colin McRae: DiRT 2 will benefit from an extended development program to take advantage of DirectX 11 and is now scheduled to be published in December 2009.

“While the console editions of Colin McRae: DiRT 2 will retain their September ship date, we believe that the DirectX 11 feature set is too compelling to ignore, especially considering how much more it can add to the visual experience for PC gamers,” said Bryan Marshall, chief technical officer, Codemasters. “As a leader in digital racing entertainment, we are staying ahead of the pack by immediately taking advantage of key new technologies such as hardware tessellation, multi-threading and Shader Model 5.0 to deliver the most realistic, immersive and exhilarating racing experiences in the business. The fusion of DirectX 11 with Codemasters’ EGO™ Engine will raise the technical bar considerably in the racing genre.”

With the introduction of Microsoft Windows 7, DirectX 11 will be made available both as part of the operating system and as a downloadable update to Windows Vista. Codemasters intends to immediately take advantage of DirectX 11 features that add to the realism of the racing environment. Hardware tessellation will further improve the appearance of water and other surfaces as well as crowd animations.

The shader performance of Shader Model 5.0 (SM 5.0) will aid in creating an even richer 3D experience, enhancing key image quality parameters such as depth of field, ambient occlusion and shadows. These DirectX 11 features, and many others, will add the horsepower needed to improve performance.

“We expect Codemasters’ early move to DirectX 11 to place them in a leadership position in developing the next generation of PC games and simulations,” said Rick Bergman, senior vice president, AMD Products Group. “To aid in transitioning to DirectX 11, AMD is providing Codemasters with access to our software engineering expertise in DirectX 11 technologies such as tessellation and shader modelling. DirectX 11 has all of the ingredients needed to take PC gaming to a new level of realism by giving developers tools to effectively utilize the multi-CPU, multi-GPU systems now available to players.”

Colin McRae: DiRT 2 is being turbocharged for Games For Windows LIVE supporting DirectX 11 and is set to ship this December. Editions for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system, Wii, Nintendo DS and PSP (PlayStation Portable) system are scheduled to launch in September.


Read more here...

Heracles Chariot Racing video game for Nintendo WiiWare

heracles chariot racing video gameUnleash the Power of the Gods in Ancient Greece in Neko's New Chariot Racer.

Neko Entertainment an independent premier video game developer and publisher announced today the upcoming release of Heracles Chariot Racing on WiiWare, a racer that will drive players new and old to distraction.

Featuring ten circuits in five mythological fantasy settings, players take control of one of eight gods or legendary creatures from Heracles to Poseidon as they race to become Champion Charioteer. Heracles Chariot Racing will be released on July 6th on WiiWare, first in the Americas, then later in Europe.

“We are excited to announce the upcoming release of Heracles Chariot Racing for WiiWare”, said Laurent Lichnewsky, Managing Director of Neko Entertainment, “With its blisterning fast racing action, mytholigical tracks and enemies, split screen multiplayer modes, Heracles Chariot Racing is destined to become a WiiWare classic for players, both young and old”.

In Heracles Chariot Racing our hero Heracles has to undertake a challenge that none before him have survived – a chariot racing tournament. To win a series of sacred trophies and be crowned Champion Charioteer our hero has to race across mythological kingdoms against some of the most feared monsters in existence. The objectives are simple, survive the battles and race against some of the most fearsome and inventive foes in Greek mythology. Select a character and let fate, skill and ability decide the outcome!

Heracles Chariot Racing is an exciting journey into a mystical and colourful word of danger spiced with excitement, awesome weapons laced with humour. Featuring Championship, Single Player, Time Trial, Battle and intense 2 to 4 split screen multiplayer modes, players are the master of their own destinies, but with the divine actions of Gods they will require both skill and an element of luck to be crowned champions. Featuring 3 racing cups across 10 courses based on mythological fantasy settings including Nemean Lion, Realm of Hades, The Augean Stables, Stymphalian Lake and Mount Olympus, players select a character and race it out using fantasy weaponry including Zeus lightning rods, tridents, fireballs and more against their opponents.


Read more here...

Operation Flashpoint Dragon Rising video game trailer released

operation flashpoint dragon rising screenWitness the ruthless precision of the US Special Forces and feel the fear of impending battle in the stunning new Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising ‘Fear and Anticipation’ gameplay trailer, released today.

In the video a squad of US Special forces take advantage of the low light of dawn to covertly assault a Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) checkpoint. A convoy passes by as the squad move silently through the undergrowth, approaching their targets. Turning the situation hot, key guard positions are eliminated but the PLA are soon alerted to the Special Forces presence. With air and vehicle support in place, and superior numbers, PLA troops pursue and surround the Special Forces squad. What began as a covert insertion is about to turn into a fearsome, bloody flashpoint…



In Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising gamers play the decisive role in defusing a military flashpoint between two global superpowers that threatens the entire world. Players take the role of US Marines and Special Forces operatives dispatched to take back the oil-rich Russian island of Skira from an invading force of Chinese PLA.

The 220km2 island becomes the ultimate open-world battlefield as players are empowered to make their own choices, deploy their own tactics and fight war on their own terms. Objectives are set – how they are accomplished is always up to the player who has the full resources of the US Marine Corps at their disposal and the ability to attack from any direction. Intelligent squad and enemy AI, based on authentic military tactics, react in real-time to situations as they unfold to ensure that no two games will ever play out the same.

Players will become immersed in a stunningly realistic conflict with unprecedented levels of detail, freedom and authenticity. Every decision counts, every action has a consequence and every bullet can kill as Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising recreates the lethality, tension and adrenaline of real war like never before.

Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising will set the new standard for sandbox shooters when it arrives this autumn for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and Games For Windows.


Read more here...

1 v 100 hit TV show comes to Xbox LIVE

1v100 video game image
Star in the hit TV game show from the comfort of your living room and win fantastic real-world prizes

Xbox® today announced the beta test of the hotly-anticipated TV quiz show 1 vs 100 will come to Xbox LIVE™ in the UK on July 10th delivering the first truly interactive game show experience straight to the living room.

1 vs 100 LIVE will be a regularly scheduled show that puts players on the largest interactive game show stage in the world - Xbox LIVE. Players can be chosen as “The One”, “The Mob” or “The Crowd”, be entertained by a host and compete against thousands of other Xbox LIVE members[1], as they race to become the ultimate 1 vs 100 champion.

1 vs 100 is the latest innovative interactive experience to come to Xbox LIVE – the free to connect online service that delivers an ever expanding world of entertainment spanning HD movies, music and games, and connecting you to your friends wherever they are.

A variety of general knowledge questions which are constantly updated and supplied by a team of trivia experts will test “The One” against “The Mob”, with the opportunity to win some fantastic prizes[2].

1 vs 100 is the blockbuster TV game show created by leading global producer Endemol. The show is a worldwide prime time hit having been sold to broadcasters in sixty nine countries.

Stephen McGill, Director, Entertainment and Devices Division, Microsoft Ld, said, ‘Xbox is delighted to team up with Endemol to bring the hit TV game show 1 vs 100 to the Xbox LIVE platform and deliver the first truly interactive game show experience. We believe consumers will really enjoy being able to take part in a real live game show, where they can have fun challenging friends, family and other LIVE members, whilst having the chance to win some really great prizes.’

Adam Valkin, Global Head of Media and New Business at Endemol Group said, ‘Endemol is very excited to be working with Xbox LIVE to bring the global hit TV game show 1 vs 100 to a new audience. We’re also delighted that Microsoft has chosen a flagship Endemol format to launch its groundbreaking new platform, which takes interactivity and social gaming to a new level.’


Read more here...

Street Gears, the free cel shaded inline skating MMO, gets its second major update this July

The "G-Project" expansion bringing new race, tuning system and improved UI to the skating MMORPG

Street Gears, the free-to-play cel shaded inline skating game, will see its second major content update at the end of July. Launched in March 2009, it is available free to European players on the gPotato.eu portal.

The brand new expansion will see the addition of a new track, a brand new tuning system and tuning shop, as well as a variety of other system and content updates and fixes.

Street Gears allows players to become riders, racers who live to experience freedom and wild experiences. With the July update, players will now be able to discover Grunville, a brand new track that will be available to all riders with a novice license.

Grunville has a fascinating back-story. About thirty years ago, a young Dr. Brown was part of a secret research program, and caused what would later become known as the Grunville Incident. While the program itself was a success, it was ultimately responsible for the downfall of civilisation as we know it. Researchers have recently discovered a series of secret log entries by Dr. Brown covering his time developing the tuning system, which also covered the problems he had with the Nitro Subsystems.

It was this system that caused Dr. Brown and his team to leave the Grunville area, and they had to spend over two years of hard work to re-establish their original research. Their persistence paid off as they eventually managed to create a standardised version of tuned skates, and the Tuning Shop was born. Players will now have the chance to tune their skates, allowing them to run faster, be more agile and do more stunts than they could have ever imagined.

To play Street Gears free in either French or German, simply register for your free gPotato.eu account at gpotao, download Street Gears and enter the cel shaded world of Park Town to explore all the new content that the game features. Check out the official Street Gears website at http://sg.gpotato.eu for more information.

About Street Gears

Street Gears is a free in-line skating MMORPG with an urban and manga universe, published in its French and German versions by Gala Networks Europe Ltd. In the Park Town city, Street Gears players embody riders, inline skaters and thrill seekers fans who live only for freedom. Races, challenges and mini-games are the day-to-day of these riders, in this atypical free MMORPG!
For further information, don't hesitate to visit the official Street Gears website.


Read more here...

Spoils Demon's Souls for PlayStation 3 Pre-order Box set exclusive edition release in US October 7th

If you can only buy one version of Demon's Souls, make it one of these two...

Atlus revealed that Demon's Souls, a groundbreaking action RPG experience for PlayStation 3 system, is to become the newest entry in the Atlus Spoils fan appreciation program. In addition to the standard version of the game, which now features new North-American exclusive box art, there will also be a deluxe edition. For less than it costs to import the game, fans will receive a 150+ page strategy guide (only available as part of this deluxe version, not for sale anywhere else) and a collectible outer slipcase, in addition to the game itself.

Moreover, fans who pre-order either version will receive a free bonus art book with designs and concept sketches from the world of Demon's Souls (only at participating retailers, while supplies last).

"Atlus Spoils is all about giving back to our fans and thanking them for their support, and we're excited to be able to do something very special for Demon's Souls," stated Tim Pivnicny, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Atlus. "On October 6th, PLAYSTATION 3 system owners will be treated to the definitive release of what many consider to be the most innovative action RPG in recent memory. With both the standard and deluxe versions of the game accompanied by irresistible North American exclusives, like a special pre-order bonus art book, we hope this is an offer patient Demon's Souls fans will be hard-pressed to resist."

Demon's Souls for PLAYSTATION 3 system is scheduled for North American release on October 6, 2009. The standard version will retail with an MSRP of $59.99, and the deluxe edition with an MSRP of $69.99. Pre-orders for the deluxe edition are scheduled to begin on Wednesday, July 8th.

About Demon's Souls
King Allant the XII, the last king of Boletaria, searched tirelessly to expand his might. The Nexus, a great ice shrine nestled in the mountains, bestowed the power of the souls onto him, bringing prosperity to his kingdom. Still unsated, he returned again to the Nexus, where he foolishly awakened the Old One from its eternal slumber. This long forgotten evil, now wrought upon Boletaria, plunged the realm into darkness and fog. A mighty demon horde poured into the kingdom, devouring the souls of men.

Champions from other realms learned of Boletaria's fate and sought to deliver the kingdom from evil; none would return from the cursed land. Called upon by a mysterious maiden in black, you go forth, the last hope for humanity in a place lost to demons and darkness...

Key Features

* Ultimate hardcore RPG challenge - In this brutal land, death is inevitable, but not final. Combining the best features of an action game and RPG, you'll slice, smash, shoot, and ensorcel some of the most horrible, vicious enemies ever encountered. Are you strong enough to face the impossible and win?
* Groundbreaking online capabilities - Network features go far beyond any previous RPG, allowing players to leave hints for each other, replay death scenes, cooperatively revive dead players, or invade another player's game to wreak havoc. Not merely an add-on feature, multiplayer options are vast, and uniquely focused on changing and intensifying the single player experience.
* Freeform and flexible - The open-ended structure of the game means that there is no single path, but rather a wealth of options. Set your own pace and progress as you like. Build exactly the character you want by creating a detailed avatar, nurturing the right stats, and customizing your skills and equipment.
* You act, the world reacts - The World Tendency system changes the aggressiveness of monsters and the rewards for killing them based on players' actions. Different events and NPCs may be triggered, as well.


Read more here...

Excalibur to release PC Digger Simulator, Crane Simulator, Forklift Truck Simulator, Driving Simulator and Farm Simulator games.

Starting off with Farming Simulator, this is a product which was one of Germany’s best-selling PC titles in 2008 with sales in excess of 100,000 units during its first five weeks on the Media Control GfK chart. The five other titles are: Digger Simulator, Crane Simulator, Forklift Truck Simulator, Driving Simulator and Farm Simulator.

Commenting on the deal which will see all six titles published between August and November 2009, Excalibur’s managing director, Robert Stallibrass offered: “These simulation titles offer Excalibur publishing an excellent inroad into this very niche market. We look forward to making a great success of each of them!”


Read more here...

Tuesday, July 07, 2009

Bleach The 3rd Phantom video game takes on new role for Europe on Nintendo DS

BLEACH: The 3rd Phantom will be released in Europe early next year, exclusively for the Nintendo DS. Based on the critically acclaimed manga and animated series, BLEACH: The 3rd Phantom marks the first venture into the Strategy RPG genre for the series.

A spin-off from the main narrative, BLEACH: The 3rd Phantom’s exclusive storyline has been created from the ground up under the supervision of Tite Kubo, the author and creator of BLEACH. Shedding light on events that transpired before the anime, the story centres around the Soul Reaper twins, Fujimaru Kudo and his sister Matsuri Kudo. As they progress through the story, fans will encounter the familiar faces of Ichigo Kurosaki and Rukia Kuchiki, alongside never before seen characters developed specifically for the title.

The two lead characters offer completely unique gameplay experiences, as well as the chance to work cooperatively towards achieving their ultimate moves. With a further cast of over fifty characters who can be selected to join the battle, users will discover a wide range of dynamic personalities as they journey through the game. Interactive in-game dialogue sequences will allow gamers to manage personal relationships with the characters and even unlock new ones. As players fight against the Arrancar and Hollows, they will gain experience to further customise their abilities. Utilising each character’s unique skills and strengths, players will be able to adapt to any situation as they create and command an army of up to eight Soul Reapers.

BLEACH: The 3rd Phantom employs a traditional Strategy RPG gameplay format with an added bonus of anime styled combat during in-game battles. Gamers will enjoy the best of both worlds as the graphics in the field map feature outrageous renditions of BLEACH characters in a 3-D isometric environment, while in-game battles are rendered with beautiful 2-D graphics taken from the animated series. Once gamers complete the story mode, a bounty of unlockable content awaits them. The multiplayer feature will allow up to two players to battle head-to-head via Wireless Mode.

BLEACH: The 3rd Phantom on Nintendo DS is slated for release in Europe early in 2010.


Read more here...

Monday, July 06, 2009

Create your own hero with Champions Online video game

champions online game detailsCreate your own hero with Champions Online, a massively multiplayer online action game based on the popular pen-and-paper Champions RPG, will give players the power of total customization of their hero experience while they explore a vast universe of richly detailed 3D environments.
Champions Online is all about total customization - it will offer a near infinite amount of character customization so that all players will have a unique game experience. Gamers will be able to create their hero's name, back story, costume, powers and abilities as well as design their own personal arch-enemy and his or her back story, which will guarantee a truly unique experience.

* Total Character Customization
* A game filled with action based combat
* Choose your unique power
* Design your nemesis
* Varied, Expansive Environments:
* The storyline will be fully personlized


Read more here...

Fight Night Round 4 review for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 consoles

ali in fight night round 4 video gameI got in close, chucked off a few body blows, swerved a jab and with a quick flick of the right stick and a tap of the A button unleashed Iron Mike Tyson's signature jumping haymaker to send the great Muhammad Ali to the canvass.

The massively satisfying sequence was instantly replayed in slow-mo, hi def EA polished glory and my fate was sealed, 'I'm playing this for the next two days solid'.



Better yet I did not fall out of love with Fight Night Round 4 when Ali got up, dusted himself down and absolutely pummelled me for the next three rounds before knocking me out completely with a masterclass befitting the legendary man.

View all Six gamezplay Fight Night 4 video here...


Read full post here on The Bucks Herald


Read more here...

Aliens v Predator is an entirely new title for PC and high-definition consoles

Aliens v Predator is an entirely new title for PC and high-definition consoles from acclaimed British developer Rebellion, the team behind the 1999 original PC gaming classic.

Bringing the most intense war between two of science-fiction’s most popular characters FPS fans, AvP delivers three outstanding single player campaigns and provides untold hours of unique 3-way multiplayer gaming.

Experience distinctly new and thrilling first person gameplay as you survive, hunt and prey in the deadly jungles and swamps surrounding the damned colony of Freya’s Prospect.

- As the Marine, you’ll experience a claustrophobic and terrifying experience where light is your friend, but there’s never enough. However, the United States Marine Corps are humanity’s last line of defence, and as such they are armed to the teeth with the very latest in high explosive and automatic weaponry.

- As the Predator, you will stalk from the shadows and from above, passing athletically through the treetops to ambush your victims. Although equipped with an array of powerful, exotic weapons and tracking equipment, honour ultimately dictates that you must get in close and take your trophies face to face.

- As the most deadly species in the universe, the Alien offers you the chance to play as the very stuff of nightmares - the monster in the dark swarming forward with countless others, jaws like a steel trap and claws like blades.

- Play all sides off against each other in a series of unique 3-way online modes and go tooth-to-claw-to-pulse rifle in the reinvention of one of multiplayer gaming’s defining moments.


Read more here...

Sunday, July 05, 2009

Activisions DJ Hero video game could cost under £100 in UK?

dj hero video gameA £108 price has been rumoured for Activision's new musical offering DJ Hero this week, although the publisher refuse to be drawn into confirming or denying this speculation.
"We don't comment on our product pricing strategies," Activision told blog VG247.

"However, we believe that DJ Hero will provide tremendous value for our consumers by delivering an all-new interactive music experience with over 100 individual songs that are highlighted in over 80 unique mixes, a wide variety of music from some of the biggest artists including Jay-Z, Eminem, Benny Benassi, Gwen Stefani and Black Eyed Peas among others."

Retailer ShopTo suggested the £107.99 pricing recently, stating that they will sell the game at a discount - £94.85.

Source: Play.tm


Read more here...

Sony panned to drop UMD in PSPs well before the PSP Go was announced

The Japanese website GameBusiness claims, in an interview with Naoya Matsui, Sony planned the demise of the UMD a long time ago.

In the interview, he claimed that Sony always planned to release a handheld gamer, like the PSP Go, without a UMD drive.

"We'd planned to release a PSP model without a UMD drive since the very beginning," he's reported as saying.

No physical media

According to Matsui, Sony has been waiting for the electronic delivery mechanisms to mature sufficiently to make physical media redundant.

He explained: "We wanted to release it when the delivery of digital content was on par with the delivery of physical media. That's what we've been working on these past two years."

PSP Go image

Whether Sony really did have the UMD's demise planned when the original PSP launched in 2004, we'll never really know, but come October's PSP Go launch, we'll definitely get a feel for life without those unloved little disks.


Read more here...

Saturday, July 04, 2009

Play takes 200 billion ISKs in EVE Online video game Fraud

EVE OnlineThe latest major scandal in EVE Online, the space MMO notable for its large, player-driven economy and the entertaining stories it often generates. A player named Ricdic, chairman of a large in-game bank, decided to embezzle roughly 200 billion ISK (the game's currency). Ricdic exchanged the ISK for about $5,000 to pay off real-life debts. Massively has an in-depth write-up about how the theft affects the game and its players.

Since the scandal became public, there's been a run on the virtual bank, and its executives are doing what they can to reassure people that it will continue to exist. Ricdic was banned, not for the embezzlement, but for trading 200 billion ISK for real currency, which is forbidden by EVE's EULA.

Source: Slashdot


Read more here...

HD Nintendo Wii to dominate console sales by 2015

nintendo wii coloursAn analyst is forecasting that Nintendo will continue to dominate the gaming console domain for the next couple of years or so, and that the HD iteration of Nintendo Wii console is there in the offing.

Speaking to Edge Online, Michael Pachter, an analyst with Wedbush Morgan, asserted that the HD upgrade of Wii will help the console beating Sony PS3 and Microsoft Xbox 360 to second and third spots respectively in global sales of consoles by 2015.

Predicting the dominance of Nintendo Wii in game consoles market for the next two years, he said in a statement, “The console’s low price point, innovative control mechanism, and compatibility with standard definition televisions will provide it with a competitive advantage over the next two years”.

He further went on to say that Sony will eventually hit the second spot, primarily because of the company’s victory in the HD DVD format war, while Microsoft Xbox will slip to the third spot, owing to its lack of penetration in Japanese market.

Read the full post on Storage IT here...


Read more here...

Galaxy Online video game patch 0.030 release notes

Galaxy Online video game patch 0.030 release notesGalaxy Online (http://go.igg.com) has a new update ready for players. Some of the new features include, battle losses modifications, Elite pirate Instance, error and bug fixes and a whole batch of items.

The new content is a mix of battle tech and technology for assisting with development - the Titanium Alloy Drill, Gas Refiner, Cloning Lab, Purple Science Matrix, Red Arc Machine Arm and much more are all waiting to be put to use in constructing a powerful Galactic Empire.

Another big part of the update is the introduction of the Spacedock, which should make battles much more enjoyable, even for player who lose them often. Using the Spacedock, players who lost their fleets in battle can repair and redeploy a percentage of the fleets. The repair won’t use up any resources but just time. The percentage of recovered ships is related to Ship Repair Tech in the science tree. At the highest level 8, at most 60% of your fleets can be mended.

Here below is the list of items added to the game:

* P.A.M. - Extends Planet Trusteeship service
* Alloy Drill - Increases your planets' Alum yield by 30%.
* Gas Extractor - Increases planets' Gas yield by 30%
* Cloning Tank - Accelerates population increase by 30%
* Science Matrix - Increases the yield of Science points on planets by 30%
* Time Converter - Accelerates building construction by 20%
* Pocket Stargate - Increases flight speed of ships by 30%
* Arc Machine Arm - Accelerates ship building by 15%
* Industrial Pattern - Increases the work duration of Celestial Industrial Bases
* Combat Observation Platform - Enables you to watch combat
* Command Badge - Increases the maximum amount of effective ships on each grid of all fleets
* Resource Case - Use to get some resources.
* Science Case - Use to get some Science points.
* Supplies Case - Use to get some Supplies.

For more details, please visit http://go.igg.com/main.php


Read more here...

Buccaneer The Pursuit of Infamy PC video game annouced

Buccaneer The Pursuit of Infamy PC video gameBuccaneer: The Pursuit of Infamy, a PC game developed by Stickman Studios. This game will be released in Q4 2009.
Buccaneer is a single and multiplayer game where players strive to become the most infamous pirate captain of all time and etch their name in The Hall of Infamy.

Set against a backdrop of the sunny Caribbean, players will control a variety of classic tall ships, bristling with cannons, as they plunder their way through a 50 mission campaign and go head to head against other cut-throats online with the Player versus Player mode.

Employing a simple and intuitive control system, players will be able to jump straight into the action and begin their career in piracy.

With a wide variety of non-linear single player missions and a choice of more than a dozen fully customisable ships, Buccaneer will have budding pirate captains clamouring for more!

ABOUT THE GAME

Genre: Sea Battle / Pirates
Platform: PC
Publisher: Nobilis – Blitz Arcade
Developer: Stickman Studios
Release date: Europe – Q4 2009


Read more here...

Just Dance video game coming from Ubisoft?

sexy dancing girlsWell that's what some site are reporting as Ubisoft have registered the name Just Dance.
No platform or date has been released.
Activision Blizzard already have Dance Hero registered...


Dance Dance Revolution


Read more here...

Dissidia Final Fantasy video game out in Europe this September New collector's edition

Dissidia Final Fantasy video gameSquare Enix announce that DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY will be released across Europe and all PAL territories on 4th September, exclusively on the PSP (PlayStation Portable) system.

Celebrating over 20 years of world’s most popular adventure game series. DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY brings together the largest cast of FINAL FANTASY characters ever assembled in a single game. The most famous heroes and villains will now collide in a war that threatens to tear the world apart.

DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY (IGN.com Best of E3 Winner 2009, Best PSP Fighting Game) takes one-on-one fighting to a new action-packed level on the PSP. Through expansive 3D environments, players can glide through the air, dash along walls and perform summons familiar to fans of FINAL FANTASY. Complete with all the character progression and customisation expected from the series, DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY truly delivers the action, spectacle and emotion of FINAL FANTASY in the ultimate portable fighting experience.

John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Ltd. comments, “With so many favourite heroes and villains contained in one game, DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY is certainly going to appeal to fans of the series. The action-packed experience is a real showcase for the PSP and is set to become an instant classic on the system.”

For a limited time, DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY will also be available at launch in a LIMITED COLLECTOR’S EDITION, featuring unique clamshell packaging and containing a special soundtrack CD, Lithograph prints, Brady Games Official Miniguide and a 48-page The Art of DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY hardback artwork book.

About DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY – LIMITED COLLECTOR’S EDITION

LIMITED COLLECTOR’S EDITON contains:

• Unique DISSIDA FINAL FANTASY clamshell packaging
• Full boxed copy of the DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY game
• DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY Best Selection Soundtrack Mini-CD: The DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY Best Selection Soundtrack Mini-CD includes a selection of music tracks from the game that are especially chosen for this Special Edition version by composer Takeharu Ishimoto. The Mini-CD will be presented inside a unique pochette and contain liner notes written by Takeharu Ishimoto.
• Hardback, 48-page The Art of DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY artwork book: featuring character artwork, CG rendered art and more from across the game production.
• Brady Games Official Miniguide: 32-page game guide printed in full colour, with character artwork, descriptions and walkthrough information – to help you win the battle.
• Exclusive Lithograph Prints: 2 Exclusive Lithograph prints, inside a unique DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY branded bandwrap featuring artwork not used to promote the original Japanese version of the game.

For more information about DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY, please visit the official website at www.dissidia-finalfantasy.com

About DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY

Story
Cosmos, the goddess of harmony. Chaos, the god of discord. Reigning from distant realms, the two gods had gathered warriors from all lands to lead them in savage war.
Cosmos and Chaos were of equal strength. It was believed the conflict would last forever. However, the balance is now broken.
Those who answered Chaos's call created an inexhaustible force. And under vicious attack without relent, the warriors fighting for Cosmos started to fall one by one. The conflict that has continued for eons is now about to end in Chaos' favour.
The world has been torn asunder, sinking into a vortex of disorder. As for the few surviving warriors… their fates have yet to be determined.

Features
• Experience the high-quality world and gameplay mechanics of FINAL FANTASY presented in action-packed 3D environments where players can glide through the air and dash along walls.
• Combining all-out brawling alongside RPG-style character development and customisation, an original system developed by the creators of the KINGDOM HEARTS series takes fighting gameplay to another level.
• Fan-favourite heroes and villains from the entire FINAL FANTASY series come together in one game for the first time in a remarkable new tale with fully-voiced CG movies and real-time events.
• Players select their favourite FINAL FANTASY characters, sided with either Cosmos or Chaos, to set the stage for their fantasy match.
• Accessible through "EX Burst", players can experience gameplay faithful to the originals through memorable battle features such as "Limit Break" and "Overdrive". In addition, long time fans of the series can enjoy the ability to summon Aeons and options such as the "command battle" system. Familiar environments and music from the FINAL FANTASY series also appear, arranged to make the most of the hardware capability.
• Continue the experience by trading Friend Cards, creating items and sharing AI characters with other players and even engage in virtual AI battles made possible by the PSP system ad hoc mode.


Read more here...

Heron - Steam Machine puzzle video game for Nintendo WiiWare

Heron: Steam Machine for Nintendo WiiWareHeron: Steam Machine is Triangle Studios' take on the pipe puzzle format. In Heron: Steam Machine, players have to connect pipes to keep the Steam Machine running. Play in single player or co-op with friends for huge amounts of puzzle fun! The gameplay mechanic is simple and addictive, anybody can learn to play Heron within minutes, but only experts are able to achieve the highest scores.

The story:
For many years, a mechanic named Ron has been working at the factory for Rubber Duckies. One day, the owner of the factory decided to retire, and leave the family business to his evil son, who has different plans with the factory altogether. The evil son doubled production targets for the factory, and as a result, Ron has to work at least twice as hard to keep up with the high demands of his new boss. The player has to help Ron out in the factory, and together they face the challenge of keeping the Steam Machine from breaking down!

Multiplayer:
Multiplayer is an important feature in Heron: Steam Machine. The Wii™ console is all about having fun with family and friends. In Heron: Steam Machine, players have to co-operate and connect each one of the pipes at the same time. Can you work as a team in perfect harmony? Test your skills in the Multiplayer mode of Heron: Steam Machine.

Key features:

* Addictive single- and multiplayer fun for all ages.
* High quality 2D Graphics.
* Upbeat soundtrack.
* Multiple highscore listings.
* For up to 4 players.


Read more here...

Street Fighter IV PC video game launches in Europe

Street Fighter IV PC launches The Number One fighting title is back as Street Fighter IV PC launches at European retail. The critically acclaimed Street Fighter IV launched in February for the Xbox 360 and PS3 and this latest PC instalment of the title brings with it all the content from the next-gen versions plus some exclusive features.

Players can bring the stunning 3D environments to life with a higher screen resolution than was seen in the next-gen versions and customise the artistic look of the game by choosing between Watercolour, Poster or Sumi-E ink style to give a whole new look to the gameplay. Newcomers and seasoned pros can take the battle online via Games for Windows Live and compete to become the worldwide champion.

Street Fighter IV PC is also available to purchase digitally from Direct2Drive, Steam, Impulse, Metaboli and GamersGate.


Read more here...

Friday, July 03, 2009

Join the Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 VIP video games community - Exclusive offer

Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2Activision is calling on gamers to join the VIP community for Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the No1 best-selling Super-Hero action-RPG. Starting today, players can log on to www.MarvelUltimateAlliance.com and become VIP members earning exclusive and early access to insider content such as classified game information and character reveals, Ask-a-Developer sessions, VIP-only screenshots and videos, and community prizes.



Also just launched on www.MarvelUltimateAlliance.com is a casual online web game that puts players in the heart of the Marvel Civil War. Fans get to choose their side among Pro-Registration and Anti-Registration forces and face off in real-time battles to help their side emerge victorious. Fans can join the Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2 Civil War online game and be eligible for weekly giveaways and prizes, including Xbox 360 Elite consoles, signed memorabilia from Stan Lee, a grand prize of a 42” 1080p flat screen TV and more.

The company also announced in conjunction with GameStop, gamers that pre-order a copy of Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2 for the PS3 or Xbox 360 from a GameStop store or online at www.GameStop.com will receive an exclusive playable character – Juggernaut.

Incorporating elements of the acclaimed Marvel Civil War storyline, Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2 allows players to choose their side and team up revered heroes and villains from the largest army of Super Heroes ever, including Spider-Man, Wolverine, Hulk, Iron Man, Deadpool, Venom, Green Goblin and Captain America. Players can combine characters’ powers and unleash astonishing new fusion attacks.

The game is being developed by Vicarious Visions for the Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3 system, Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 2 system, PSP (PlayStation Portable) system and Nintendo DS and is not yet rated by the ESRB.

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products.



Activision Publishing maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, Russia, Japan, South Korea, China and the region of Taiwan.


Read more here...

First real-time multi-player Powerboat Challenge video game on iPhone and iPod Touch

Powerboat Challenge video gameThe first intercontinental multi-player Powerboat Challenge race over two Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks at the recent IEEE International Conference on Communications (ICC) 2009 conference in Dresden. The demonstration illustrates the capabilities possible on LTE next generation wireless broadband networks as envisioned by the ng Connect Program. For the first time, gamers played this award-winning high speed racing game in real time between Dresden and Ottawa over next generation LTE.

“The demo at the IEEE ICC Conference will translate into a whole new revenue stream for wireless operators in that they can capture the imagination of both the game developer community and avid multi-player gamers everywhere,” stated Derek Kuhn, Vice President, Emerging Technology and Media Group, Alcatel-Lucent. “Since the start of the ng Connect Program a few short months ago, members have been working hard together to create exciting applications for next generation networks. FISHLABS and Alcatel-Lucent collaborated to create a much more compelling multi-player gaming experience taking users far beyond downloading a simple mobile game and playing alone.”

ng Connect Program member Alcatel-Lucent supplied its industry-leading solution for end-to-end LTE network, integrating Converged Radio Access Network (RAN) and Evolved Packet Core (EPC), and delivering super fast download speeds with reduced latency, to prototype LTE terminals. This showcases again how Alcatel-Lucent leverages wireless innovations and IP market leadership to deliver unprecedented scalability, quality of experience to LTE end-users, while enabling new service and business models for wireless operators.

The Powerboat Challenge™ game delivers a real-world racing experience as players demonstrate their skills by maneuvering around buoys and each other at high speeds. An ultra-fast LTE network environment is needed to support the real-time transmission of the competitors’ position data and the much more data-intensive physical values making the game feel more realistic.


Read more here...

Guilty Gear 2 Overture reborn exclusively on Xbox 360 this September

Guilty Gear 2: Overture xbox 360 exclusive game505 Games has announced the release of Guilty Gear 2: Overture exclusively for Xbox 360. The latest in the popular series launches on 4th September 2009 and will take fans in a bold new direction, borrowing elements from genres outside of the traditional one-on-one fighting action for which Guilty Gear has become famed.

Guilty Gear 2: Overture developer Arc System Works has blended action and real time strategy for their latest instalment, and for the first time have introduced 3D graphics to its most popular and enduring series. As well as taking control of their chosen character, players will command legions of loyal followers to crush all in their path. Battles are won and lost by destruction of opponents’ strongholds, known as ‘Masterghosts’ and by successfully defending one’s own from enemy attack. Effective and tactical use of support troops, or ‘servants’, to achieve these aims as well as sharp fighting technique are the keys to victory.

Guilty Gear 2: Overture video game

Offering a full single player campaign, four way multiplayer over Xbox LIVE! or two player local multiplayer, Guilty Gear 2: Overture will also feature 50 unique units designed by famed series artist Daisuke Ishiwatari. Many familiar characters return to the game, including Sol Badguy, Ky Kiske and the mysterious That Man, all of whom have their signature special attacks recreated for the first time in glorious 3D.

Guilty Gear 2: Overture will be published exclusively for Xbox 360 on 4th September 2009 by 505 Games.


Read more here...

Ashes Cricket 2009 on Nintendo Wii - Bat and Bowl in this Ashes Cricket 2009 video game the first cricket game on Nintendo Wii

Ashes Cricket 2009 on Nintendo WiiDrive, Cut, Slog And Nurdle For Real As Codemasters Reveals Details Of The First Cricket Video Game For Nintendo Wii.

Gamers will be able to use their Nintendo Wii Remote to bat and bowl their country to success when Ashes Cricket 2009 is released for Nintendo Wii this August; the integration of the Wii controls is set to take players closer to the action than ever before. To be published by Codemasters, the home of video game cricket, Ashes Cricket 2009 will feature fully licensed players, kit and stadia from the upcoming npower Ashes Series between England and Australia offering a completely authentic experience.


The Wii edition of Ashes Cricket 2009 will enable up to four players to take to the field in a variety of game modes including the iconic Ashes Series, Test Matches and limited over games including 20 overs. Batsmen will use the Wii Remote to drive, cut, slog and nurdle their way through an innings. When fielding, players will use the Wii Remote to polish the ball, set their field and bowl accurately applying swing/turn to their deliveries in order to take those all important wickets.

Ashes Cricket 2009 will also feature a Scenario mode that will pit players against more than 50 match defining moments, such as scoring vital match-winning runs, taking dramatic last-gasp wickets and seeing off the oppositions’ danger men to succeed.

As well as featuring the fully licensed teams from England and Australia, Ashes Cricket 2009 will feature six other Test playing nations as well as ten of the world’s most recognisable stadia, including the five featuring in this summer’s npower Ashes Series. The authenticity of the experience extends to the game’s commentary, which is provided by cricketing favourites Jonathan Agnew, Shane Warne, Ian Botham, Ian Bishop and Tony Greig.


Read more here...

Rolando 2 Quest for the Golden Orchid Sequel to Acclaimed Rolando Delights iPhone and iPod touch Users with an All-New 3-D Adventure on iPhone - video

Rolando 2 Quest for the Golden Orchidngmoco is excited to take gamers on a wild new adventure in Rolando 2: Quest for the Golden Orchid, now available on the Apple App Store. Building on the huge success of the award-winning Rolando, which took the App Store by storm in December 2008, Rolando 2: Quest for the Golden Orchid spans the seas on the way to the mysterious island of Fontanis and follows the heroic quest of a funky new cast of characters from the Kingdom of Rolando.



“ngmoco is excited about this amazing sequel to Rolando. It's bigger, bolder and more beautiful than ever with huge additions to Rolando’s signature gameplay that fans and newcomers alike are going to love,” said Neil Young, CEO & founder of ngmoco. “Developed exclusively for the iPhone and iPod touch, Rolando 2 is a classic example of just how deep, polished and meaningful pocket-sized games can be when they embrace the unique capabilities of these powerful devices.”

Lovingly crafted by Simon Oliver’s HandCircus microstudio, Rolando 2: Quest for the Golden Orchid’s unmistakable style combines incredible gameplay with the bouncing rhythms of renowned break-beat artist Mr. Scruff and the vibrant, endearing visuals of pop illustrator Mikko Walamies.

“We’ve pulled out all the stops for Rolando 2,” said Simon Oliver, Founder of HandCircus. “Since the release of Rolando, we have been hard at work developing all-new gameplay mechanics, a new 3-D graphics engine and much deeper story featuring all new Rolandos. The final experience will surprise and challenge iPhone and iPod touch gamers everywhere.”

With 46 levels and six unique chapters, each with its own distinct visual style, Rolando 2: Quest for the Golden Orchid expands on the success of the original with an epic new quest filled with surprises behind every touch. Using the accelerometer and the innovative Multi-Touch user interface of iPhone and iPod touch devices, players will lead an ensemble cast of delightful characters and directly manipulate the game environment as they face tribes of savage new enemies, cunning physics puzzles and an exciting, tropical world with a fresh new look. Drawing players further into the adventure, Rolando 2: Quest for the Golden Orchid features a non-linear story design where players choose the order in which the narrative unfolds.

Rolando 2: Quest for the Golden Orchid leverages the connectivity of ngmoco’s Plus+ Network, which harnesses the latest OS3.0 technology to power a robust social network to gamers. Using the Plus+ Network, players can challenge friends to beat their score on any level using push notification and compare scores on the global leaderboards to keep the competition rolling.

The epic tale of Rolando 2: Quest for the Golden Orchid opens with a deadly curse that has ravaged the Sages of the Kingdom of Rolando. To save the ailing Sages, General Sir Richard Smythe, noble explorer and Captain of the HMS Plunderful, is tasked with leading a diverse and charming team of brave Rolandos to retrieve the rare and mysterious Golden Orchid from the summit of Stormtop Mountain. From the zaftig William “Billy” Loutfish, able to move heavy objects and dive gracefully to access hidden underwater treasures, to the cunning, agile Major James Cardigan, who is equipped for special climbing and navigation tactics, each member of the Rolando expedition brings special charm to the quest.

Rolando 2: Quest for the Golden Orchid is available for $9.99 from the Apple App Store on iPhone and iPod touch or at http://appstore.ngmoco.com/rolando2

Established in June 2008, ngmoco has already developed and successfully released multiple iPhone and iPod touch games including the chart topping MazeFinger, Topple, Topple 2, Dr. Awesome, Dropship, Word Fu and the just released Star Defense. With five top-ten products and its games having been installed more than nine million times, ngmoco is one of the leading game makers and publishers for the iPhone & iPod Touch.

To witness the lives and minds of the ngmoco team at work on the future of iPhone and iPod touch games, visit http://www.ngmoco.com.


Read more here...

Rocawear and Outspark Deliver Trendsetting Urban Fashion To Digital Worlds

Rocawear and Outspark Deliver Trendsetting Urban Fashion To Digital WorldsRocawear Virtual Items Debut In Outspark's Project Powder

Hip young fashionistas rejoice, as a new partnership announced today brings Rocawear, the famous lifestyle apparel brand co-created by the legendary Jay-Z, to virtual worlds, social networks and online games including Outspark’s Project Powder. Project Powder takes players to a snowboarder’s paradise where they can customize their characters and accessories, race against friends and pull off jaw-dropping stunts on the finest snow in the galaxy.

“Our online games and relevant user base provide great engagement channels for the right celebrities & brands. We’re excited about working with Rocawear, one the leading and hippest brands out there. Partnerships like these deliver the types of experiences and unique content we continuously seek to offer our community,” said Wilson Kriegel, Outspark Vice President of Business Development.

The Rocawear virtual items, based on current and prospective physical Rocawear products, are now available from the Project Powder Pro Shop, accessible at http://store.outspark.com/projectpowder and within the Project Powder game.

The partnership was made possible by Virtual Greats, which connects celebrities, artists, intellectual property owners and brands with a new generation of fans, unlocking value through digital representations of real-world content in online communities. The deal marks the first time merchandise from Virtual Greats will be available in massively multiplayer online games. Rocawear will also be the first apparel brand to license its intellectual property for distribution in online communities via Virtual Greats, building on Virtual Great’s existing strength in celebrity, entertainment, and sports IP.

“With a line of trendsetting products ranging from children’s clothing to loungewear to sunglasses, Rocawear is the kind of lifestyle brand that is ideally poised to capitalize on the desire of online consumers to express themselves with fashion,” said Dan Jansen, CEO, Virtual Greats.


Read more here...

Roogoo Twiosted Towers and Roogoo Attack! video game for Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS - with videos

roogoo video games nintendo wii and dsReceiving Critical Acclaim and Awards at E3 2009, Roogoo Features Interactive Puzzles and Invigorating Gameplay

SouthPeak Games announce the release of two new additions to the growing family of their addicting, fast-paced Roogoo series: Roogoo Twisted Towers for Nintendo Wii and Roogoo Attack! for Nintendo DS. The latest games provide fun for the entire family as only quick reflexes and thinking can save Planet Roo from the vicious Prince Moo and his wicked Meemoo followers.



Roogoo Twisted Towers and Roogoo Attack! follow the delightfully endearing Roogoos through colorful (and Meemoo infested) worlds as they fight to save Planet Roo. Using the world-saving power of meteor shapes, players must rotate platforms in myriads of different formations all the while strategizing on the fly and collecting quick-falling shapes. Players will get hooked on the invigorating gameplay that requires fast thinking, determination and grit; leaving players craving more action and adventure after each level. As an added bonus, the Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS versions can wirelessly connect and unlock 20 bonus levels within each title!



“Players will find that Roogoo Twisted Towers and Roogoo Attack! are even more exciting and content-filled than their original counterpart,” said Richard Iggo, VP of Marketing at SouthPeak. “Both versions feature all new, gorgeous environments, villainous foes, and hours of engaging multi-player fun. We’re certain both kids and adults will enjoy everything the new Roogoos have to offer.”


Read more here...

Konami Gradius Rebirth, DRiiFT Mania and Contra Rebirth wiiWare video games

Gradius Rebirth video gameThe first titles to emerge from Konami development group will be released in the coming months, with Gradius Rebirth out today, followed by DRiiFT MANIA later this month, and the all-action Contra Rebirth in August. Each title is an all-new game, with Gradius Rebirth marking the welcome return of one of gaming’s most acclaimed shooters of all time.

Gradius Rebirth retains the 2D space-based action the series is famed for, with players guiding their Vic Viper ship through a series of horizontally-scrolling stages infested with thousands of aliens and huge end-of-level bosses. Power-up capsules allow the user to add lasers, secondary weapons systems, shields, etc, to their craft, while new additions include a Score Attack Mode wherein high-scores can be compared, and a Replay system where hard-fought battles can be reviewed.

DRiiFT MANIA will follow later in July, and is a top-down racer that allows up to eight players to race each other, using cartoon-style characters. Featuring twelve different tracks based on four themed environments – cityscape, hills, snow and a desert oasis – players can also select one of 34 vehicles from four categories. Each category is tailored for use within the different environments, with variations of speed, acceleration and handling and grip levels making specific vehicles ideal for particular locations.

DRiiFT MANIA ‘s multi-player modes allow users to play using combinations of Wii Remotes, Nunchucks and Classic Controllers, and seven game modes are on offer. These include single-player and multi-player championships, and Team Race; wherein participants are divided into two teams, with the winner those that amass the most points. The VIP mode elects one player per team as a VIP vehicle, who must be protected at all costs from the opposition cars, with the removal of the VIP car resulting in a win for the attacking team.

DRiiFT MANIA also has a fun ‘Contamination’ idea, where a player is marked contagious and must contaminate very other player within a set period, while ‘Cold Potato’ mode charges the user with collecting said vegetable and holding on to it for as long as possible! Finally, the ‘Meteorite’ option sees players embarking on a normal race, while trying to avoid a series of meteors as they fall from the sky.

Completing the trio in August is Contra Rebirth, a welcome return for Konami other celebrated shoot ‘em up series. Armed soldiers are charged with running and jumping through a series of 2D levels, each littered with alien forces, vehicles and face-offs with massive bosses. OTT weaponry is the order of the day as homing missiles, flame-throwers and high-powered lasers are used to blast a path to the end of each stage, while agility and dexterity are required to clamber over seemingly impassable areas, and scale crumbling buildings.


Read more here...

Sword of the Stars Ultimate Collection space strategy anthology for the PC

Sword of the Stars Ultimate CollectionSword of the Stars Ultimate Collection is the definitive space strategy anthology for the PC, released to retail today by Ascaron Entertainment. The collection contains Sword of the Stars and the two expansion packs, Born of Blood and A Murder of Crows, offering value for money and extensive gameplay for existing fans of the series and strategy gaming enthusiasts.

In the Sword of the Stars Ultimate Collection, players can take control of six different species in a fight for galactic domination. Human and alien races such as Hiver, Liir, Tarkas, Zuul and Morrigi each possess unique modes of transport enabling players to move between star systems at varying speeds and in different spaceships. For example, humans can fly quickly between stars using special space lines while the hivers rely on building interdimensional gateways for direct travel to different galaxies.

Gamers can design and build spaceships from three different classes; Destroyer, Cruiser and Dreadnought. By mixing and matching a wide variety of technologies players can customise their fleets, arming them with a choice over 40 different weapons including point-defence cannons, cloaking devices and missile launchers.

Sword of the Stars

It is the year 2405 and human scientists discover a new technological system called Node Drive that allows space travel faster than light speed. However, the Hivers choose this moment to attack Earth killing 70% of the population. A military organisation called Sol Force is established allowing players to develop infrastructure, build new ships and colonise other planets to ensure the survival of the human race.

Born of Blood

Set 40 years on from Sword of the Stars in 2445, the violent wars between the Humans, Hivers, Liirs and Tarkas have subsided and diplomacy is dawning. However, the Zuuls, a species of marsupial-like creatures, emerge and shatter the peace. Players can take command of the Zuul army utilising over 90 new ship sections and 15 new weapons to obliterate enemies. Alternatively, players can unite with other races against the Zuuls using the new ship upgrades War, Projector and Boarding and a new type of defence satellite, the Torpedo Defence Platform.

A Murder of Crows

While battles against the Zuul continue, a ghost from the past returns in the form of the scheming Morrigi. A host of new features is available for players with 12 new ship sections and a unique Grav Flock Drive system so that the more ships are added to a fleet, the more speed will increase. New gameplay options include the addition of espionage operations and demands for planetary surrender.

Publisher: Ascaron Entertainment
Developer: Paradox Interactive
Release date: 3rd July 2009PEGI: 7+
Format: PC
Genre: Turn based Strategy


Read more here...

Avatar Attack allows gamers to use their Xbox 360 avatars as game characters

Playbrains announce a new and very personal way to play with your friends over Xbox LIVE. For the first time in any Xbox LIVE Arcade game, gamers will be able to take full control of their custom Avatar as a playable, in-game character through “Avatar Attack” mode in Madballs in…Babo:Invasion (MiBI) for Xbox LIVE Arcade on Xbox 360.

By selecting the “Avatar Attack” mode from the multiplayer Skirmish menu in MiBI gamers will be given the option to use their custom Avatar as a fully-controllable in-game character. Once selected, the “Decappuccino Machine,” in a very sanitary manner, will painlessly separate the Avatar’s head from its body where it will then be fitted and equipped with some heavy hitting and highly explosive artillery! And unlike the bright gooey mess that Madballs and other Babo spew when they take damage, each Avatar head is hand-filled by the loving and caring folks at Playbrains with only the finest confetti to ensure a pleasant and colorful display upon destruction.

“We wanted to give Xbox LIVE Arcade players an opportunity to really go ‘head to head,” commented Scott Simpson, president of Playbrains. “We feel that the Avatar Attack mode in MiBI will soon take its place in our world’s society as a critical tool for settling disputes – leapfrogging wars, lawyers, reality show judges and other far more expensive methods that humans have used till now.”

About Madballs in...Babo:Invasion
A gameplay rich, feature laden "casually hardcore" action shooter, Madballs in...Babo:Invasion (MiBI) is that rarest of gaming commodities: a genuinely unique title. Featuring the recently re-released Madballs™ characters, Oculus Orbus and Horn Head, from the popular 1980's toys best remembered for their outrageously bad looks and graphically colorful names, MiBI is an arena-based 3D shooter where players are able to design their own combat maps almost instantaneously by placing a combination of map tiles to create a never-before-seen map before gameplay starts. Truly, no two games are ever the same.

Offering players a satisfying and immersive experience in both single-player and multiplayer, Madballs in...Babo:Invasion has a plethora of features and game modes such as 4-player online co-op along with, never-before-seen in an Xbox LIVE Arcade title, being able to incorporate your Xbox LIVE Avatar into multiplayer combat via the 'Avatar Attack' mode. Yes, Xbox LIVE Arcade combat just got personal. And with up to 16-player multiplayer support, MiBI will be one of the few Xbox LIVE Arcade games to support more than 8 players at a time, and the only avatar-based game to support 16 players.


Read more here...

Treasure World Nintnedno DS video game - Explore Real World Surroundings to Collect Treasures

Unique Wi-Fi Gameplay Encourages Players to Explore Real World Surroundings to Collect Treasures.Unique Wi-Fi Gameplay Encourages Players to Explore Real World Surroundings to Collect Treasures.

Aspyr Media announced today that Treasure World has shipped to retailers across North America. The game, which encourages players to seek out Wi-Fi signals in order to unlock in-game treasures, is available on Nintendo DS for $29.99.

“With Treasure World, we’re offering players an entirely new level of interaction that crosses from the traditional game world into the real world,” said Ted Staloch, Executive Vice President, Aspyr Media. “With thousands of treasures to unlock and hundreds of player customization options, in addition to the real world treasure hunts, players are going to be able to spend months finding and doing everything the game has to offer.”

Treasure World is the world’s largest treasure hunt with hundreds of millions of treasure spots around the world. Players use the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection to find Wi-Fi signals, DS and Wii™ systems and other wireless signals to collect treasures. Each of these signals delivers one of thousands of new treasure collectibles. A vast amount of treasures await to be found, ranging from traditional scenery such as flowers, statues and tiki torches, to iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Big Ben, to holiday themed items like jack-o-lanterns and snow men. In addition, players can unlock new attire for their character and offer limitless possibilities for customization, including Panda, Feline, Ninja and Anime costumes. And along the way, players accumulate in-game currency to purchase additional treasures.

They can then use their treasures to decorate their in-game world and create musical compositions. Each treasure even has its own sound associated with it such as a guitar, piano or trumpet. So when the treasure is placed on the ground players can create their very own music tracks. Players can then upload their DS save data to the official website, www.clubtreasureworld.com, and show off their treasures, world creations, character disguises and musical creations to other players around the world. The website even has a built in real world treasure map that allows users to place pins in order to show where they found their treasures.

Sign up to become a member of Club Treasure World and you'll be automatically entered to win your very own copy of the game and a Nintendo DSi system! Deadline to enter is July 31, 2009.

With over 2,600 unlockable treasures in the game, Treasure World offers players limitless potential for creation and exploration!


Read more here...

Monster Hunter London gathering hall artwork

monster hunter shop front artworkWork on the Gathering Hall has begun! In only a few days critically-acclaimed artists End of the Line will have transformed a space that was once used as an art gallery into a full-blown Monster Hunter art installation. Only a stone’s throw away from Tottenham Court Road tube station in central London the Gathering Hall will be the ultimate destination for Monster Hunters. Aiming to recreate the social gaming environment enjoyed by Monster Hunters in the east, people will be able to meet other players easily, download exclusive quests, learn how to play on dedicated tutorial nights and meet the developers when they visit the UK. The Gathering Hall will be open seven days a week and entrance will be free and exclusive to anyone with a PSP and copy of Monster Hunter Freedom Unite.


Read more here...

Thursday, July 02, 2009

Fight on Land, Sea or Air in Battlefield 1943 video game on July 9

battlefield 1943DICE, an Electronic Arts announce that Battlefield 1943 will be exclusively available July 8th on Xbox LIVE Marketplace and July 9th on the PlayStation Network. Battlefield 1943 is an all-new download-only action game that brings DICE’s first-class vehicular warfare to gamers for just $15, or 1200 MS Points.

Battlefield 1943 is a critically-acclaimed First-Person Shooter (FPS) multiplayer game that puts players in the middle of a dogfight on land, sea or in the skies. The game introduces two thrilling new modes that can be played across four classic Battlefield tropical WWII maps: Wake Island, Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima and Coral Sea. These maps are inspired by the award winning Battlefield 1942 game, but have been redesigned and reengineered using the DICE destructible Frostbite engine which takes down walls, blockades and cover spots, leaving players with almost nowhere to hide. The game delivers endless hours of social online gameplay – an extraordinary value at just $15.

The Coral Sea map which is included in the game will be unlocked as part of a worldwide community challenge, where players will work together to reach 43M kills on both Xbox LIVE and the PlayStation Network. To help gamers reach that goal, up to 24 players can play together online in countless matches. They will have the freedom to compete by land, air and sea as either the US Marines or the Imperial Japanese Navy. Whether they choose to play the role of a rifleman crawling through the trenches, a steel-fisted tank commander, or a dog fighting ace pilot, gamers will have the power to rule the Battlefield.

“Battlefield 1943 is going to change consumer expectations of what a downloadable game can be. By offering Frostbite’s next generation destruction technology with a full Vehicle Warfare FPS multiplayer experience at a mere 560MB, Battlefield 1943 sets a new standard,” said Gordon Van Dyke, Producer on Battlefield 1943. “Our goal is to blow people away with a fully accessible, retail-calibre game for veteran Battlefield fans and shooter fans alike to enjoy for only $15.”


Read more here...

GameTap Runaway: Dream Of The Turtle & Rogue Trooper New Releases

video game girl in bikiniGameTap - Today we released the adventure game Runaway: Dream Of The Turtle, the sequel to last month’s release Runaway: A Road Adventure. Our free game of the week is the 2006 release Rogue Trooper a third-person-shooter based on the 2000AD comic of the same name.

New Release For Subscription Service, Available 07.02.09:
Runaway: Dream Of The Turtle- After their adventures in Runaway: A Road Adventure, Brian and Gina decide to take a relaxing vacation in Hawaii. But when taking a flight to tiny Mala Island, everything goes all wrong once again. Their elderly pilot dies on them, Gina has to parachute out of the plane, and Brian ends up crash landing in the jungle. Now Brian has to make his way to civilization, find Gina, and figure out how to get off the island in this madcap adventure game.
http://www.gametap.com/video-games/Runaway:-The-Dream-of-the-Turtle-20001151-0.html

Next Week’s Release: Hotel Giant 2

Free Game Of The Week, 07.02.09 – 07.08.09:
Rogue Trooper- In the far future, the war between the Norts and the Southers has poisoned the very earth with toxic biological and chemical weapons. Now humanity is forced to live in domed cities to escape Nu-Earth’s corrosive atmosphere. But the Southers have a new weapon in this war: the Genetic Infantry, gene-spliced soldiers immune to any poison - leaving them capable of fighting the Norts in any terrain.
http://www.gametap.com/video-games/Rogue-Trooper-20000329-0.html

Next Free Game Of The Week: Tomb Raider Anniversary

The complete list of free games can be found here: http://www.gametap.com/video-games/free-pack-games.html

Top Ten Most Played Games This Week:

1. Rise Of Nations
2. Titan Quest
3. Sid Meier’s Civilization IV: Warlords
4. Freelancer
5. Sacred: Gold
6. Disciples II: Rise Of The Elves: Gold
7. Hitman: Blood Money
8. Puzzle Quest
9. Fable: The Lost Chapters
10. Heroes Of Might And Magic III: The Restoration Of Erathia

If you need any additional information or graphical assets feel free to contact me.


Read more here...

NFC East team and players ratings in madden NFL 10 season preview - with video

nfl 10 video gameThe summer is in full swing, and what better way to celebrate Independence Day than Madden NFL 10 team previews, featuring the NFC East. What teams will lead the pack? Which players are prepped for a breakout season? Will your team be a contender or pretender? See how your favorite team and players will fair – according to the Madden NFL 10 Season Preview.



We continue our look at each team’s overall rating and individual player ratings with a focus on the NFC East division. In addition to the player ratings, a wealth of team-specific assets will be made available, for both the Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3, and Wii versions of Madden NFL 10.
Everything culminates on August 3rd, where Madden NFL 10 will predict the 2009 NFL division winners, season MVP, and more.

To view the overall team ratings for the Eagles, Giants, Redskins and Cowboys, as well as download the complete team roster ratings, visit the official Madden NFL 10 website below:

Madden NFL 10 Season Preview

Up next week: The AFC North

Madden NFL 10 will be available on the Xbox 360 video game system from Microsoft, PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3 computer entertainment systems, Nintendo Wii, PSP (PlayStation Portable) handheld entertainment system and is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB.


Read more here...

Exclusive Green day three track pack and Mayhem Festival Eight pack Rock Band download

the band green day download track pack for rock bandNew Green Day Tracks off 21st Century Breakdown Now Eligible for Best Performance in a Pepsi Rock Band Video at MTV Video Music Awards

Harmonix and MTV Games announce that three exclusive tracks from multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winners Green Day, as well as eight songs from artists performing at the premiere of the RockStar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival, will be added to the Rock Band Music Store of downloadable content next week for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Playstation 3 computer entertainment system and Nintendo Wii system.

The Green Day tracks available next week are the first in an exclusive partnership between MTV Games’ Harmonix and Warner Music Group’s Green Day to bring the band’s songs to the Rock Band platform as downloadable content. These first songs, “21 Guns”, “Know Your Enemy” and “East Jesus Nowhere,” are from the band’s latest album, 21st Century Breakdown.

Selling nearly 50 million records worldwide, Green Day has won critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including three Grammy Awards for Best Alternative Album for Dookie, Best Rock Album for American Idiot and Record of the Year for their smash hit "Boulevard of Broken Dreams." Green Day recently released their eighth studio album, 21st Century Breakdown, on Warner Music Group’s Reprise Records. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 chart, as well as on the Rock, Active Rock and Alternative charts, fueled by the Alternative radio No. 1 single “Know Your Enemy.” 21st Century Breakdown, which Rolling Stone has called “a rock opera in which the rock always comes first,” is also a hit around the world, topping the charts in 24 countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada and Japan.

Eight songs from artists performing at the RockStar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival, including Behemoth, Cannibal Corpse, Marilyn Manson and Slayer, will also be available for download next week in the Rock Band Music Store. The RockStar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival is a new summer touring metal and rock festival in the United States during July and August, assembled by Vans Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman. Rock Band fans can also play tracks by RockStar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival performers Killswitch Engine and Bullet For My Valentine, previously released as downloadable content.

Tracks:
Green Day “21 Guns”
Green Day “East Jesus Nowhere”
Green Day “Know Your Enemy"
Behemoth “Conquer All”
Black Dahlia Murder “What a Horrible Night to Have a Curse”
Cannibal Corpse “Hammer Smashed Face”
God Forbid “Empire of the Gun”
Job for a Cowboy “Embedded"
Marilyn Manson “Disposable Teens”
Slayer “Black Magic”
Whitechapel “This Is Exile”

(All tracks are original master recordings)

These tracks will be available for purchase as part of the “Green Day Pack” or “Mayhem Pack” or as individual tracks for Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 systems.

Release Date: Tuesday, July 7, 2009
(Wii and Xbox LIVE Marketplace for Xbox 360)
Thursday, July 9, 2009
(PlayStation®Store)

** Dates for Rock Band game tracks are tentative and subject to change. **

Price: $1.99 (160 Microsoft Points for Xbox 360) per track
$5.49 (440 Microsoft Points for Xbox 360) for “Green Day Pack”
$13.49 (1,080) Microsoft Points for Xbox 360) for “Mayhem Pack”
$2.00 (200 Wii Points) per track

Locations: Xbox LIVE Marketplace for Xbox 360
PlayStation Net
In-game Rock Band 2 Music Store (Wii Points must be purchased through
the Wii Shop Channel)


Read more here...

NeoGames now accepts Scandinavian Currencies in it's video games

Today, NeoGames opens its doors to the Scandinavian market as part of a program to maintain itself as a worldwide and specifically Scandinavian leader in Scratch Cards.
NeoGames Partners has now dedicated local currencies for the 3 major Scandinavian countries Sweden, Denmark and Norway, with dedicated websites and all games in Swedish and Danish.

This includes NeoGames’ original and market leading brands, Scratch2cash and hopa.com.

Currently, NeoGames accepts US Dollars, British Pound and the Euro. Now with the new additions of the Scandinavian currencies, players will have wider payment options available to them.

Targeted sites in these languages, local currencies and tailor-made marketing material will attracts new and existing players and increase affiliate conversion rates.

For more information, please email: Affiliates@NeoGamesPartners.com


Read more here...

Team6 Game Studios proudly presents their new website!

Please visit http://www.team6-games.com to have a look. The new website will provide visitors with a better overview of all our games and easy acces to media. We also like to take this opportunity to introduce our 5 new game titles for the Nintendo Wii!

Pacific Liberator

Pacific Liberator is an all-action helicopter game that places you in the middle of the pacific. You'll be conducting aerial warfare versus fast and trigger happy enemies. Your adversaries will range from simple foot-soldiers to heavily armed tanks and from fighterjets to incredible carriers!
You'll have to push your heli's to the limit if you want to stand a chance! During the action packed missions you will have to protect and destroy objectives. Beware when you open fire because everything you see can be blown up, including whole villages.

Features:

- 18 singleplayer missions
- Everything in sight is destructable
- Control your helicopter with Wii mote and Nunchuk

Link to the website with media: http://www.team6-games.com/games/Pacific-Liberator-54

Glacier2
Glacier 2 starts at the very top of the Alps: Are you ready to reach insane topspeeds by driving down the mountains of death? While it goes faster and faster downhill, watch out for dangerous cliffs, dodge falling rocks, go aim your rockets, heat up your machine guns and deploy mines to take out your opponents and finish first place!

Features:
- Over the top combat racing action!
- 18 Freezing cold levels full of traps, cliffs, mines, falling rocks, canyons and spectacular jumps!
- 7 tuned superrides, all equipped with various deadly weapons from rockets to machineguns, and from shotguns to mines!

Link to the website with media: http://www.team6-games.com/games/Glacier-2-50

Monster Trucks Mayhem
Enormous tires, incredible, massive engine power and the shocking excitement of Monster Trucks has made it to the Nintendo Wii system (and PC)!

Get ready to race and roar in some real crazy, monstreous outdoor and indoor tracks, meanwhile destroying whatever lies on your path and smashing your opponents from the road.

Breakeable objects and big jumps (airtime) result in more nitro boost for your seven terrorizing monstertrucks!
Monster Truck will contain seven of these detailed landscapes: Canadian junkyard, City Centre Chaos, Desert rocks, Death Mountain, Manhattan Rooftop, Stinky Sewers and the Dark Volcano

Link to the website with media: http://www.team6-games.com/games/Monstertrucks-Ultra-Mega-Extreme-51

Kyiv Chase
Select the side of either the police or the criminals, and shoot & race your way through 20 deadly racing missions.
Destroy all what lies in your path with rocketlaunchers, homing missiles, machine guns, gattling guns, mines, shotguns, cannons and more.

Link to the website with media: http://www.team6-games.com/games/Kyiv-Chase-52

Speed
Speed is all about, as the name suggests, speed!
At various racetracks around the world you will prove you're the absolute master of fast reflexes time after time in this ultra fast, arcade racer.
Can you handle the speed?

Link to the website with media: http://www.team6-games.com/games/Speed-53


Read more here...

Alawar Entertainment releases Magic Encyclopedia: Moon Light!

Alawar Entertainment, one of the world's leading publishers of casual games, today released "Magic Encyclopedia: Moon Light." The hidden object adventure game is a sequel to "Magic Encyclopedia: First Story", a popular release set in a world of fantasy and enchantment.

Players join Katrina and her brother as they travel across the world and through time to save their professor from the curse of the werewolf. The gameplay involves finding the hidden pieces of important items and reassembling the objects to solve challenging puzzles.

"Magic Encyclopedia: Moon Light" takes players on a captivating and unpredictable journey across four continents. The game features dazzling hand-drawn graphics, 32 challenging levels, 18 mini-games and over 1,500 objects to find.

Kirill Plotnikov, vice president of publishing at Alawar, says "Magic Encyclopedia: Moon Light" is a deeply satisfying game experience with extraordinary artwork. "We worked hard to create an exceptional visual experience for players. Our artists drew each location and object by hand, giving the game a warm and charming feel. After all, true creativity is always an act of magic."

With the release of "Magic Encyclopedia: Moon Light" also comes the announcement that Alawar has begun production on "Magic Encyclopedia 3." The third game in the continuing series is on target to be released in 2009.

• Read more about the PC version at http://www.alawar.com/game/magic-encyclopedia-moonlight/


Read more here...

Risen video game to be launched on October 2nd on PC and XBox 360!

risen video game release dateRisen will make its international debut on October 02, 2009. The new RPG from the inventors of Gothic, Piranha Bytes, has already entered the Beta phase and is now being honed to perfection. Risen will be available for PC and Xbox 360, the video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.

"The release date for Risen enables us to introduce the game to the market in the best possible condition," says Daniel Oberlerchner, Brand Manager at Deep Silver. "We have been in the Beta phase here for several weeks, and now our focus lies on eliminating the remaining bugs."

The contents of Risen are already complete, and all dialogs have been recorded. A total of three quality assurance teams are working on the game – one directly at Piranha Bytes, one at Deep Silver, plus an additional external studio.

About Risen:
This epic role playing game is set in a medieval world on a volcanic Mediterranean island, The “Risen” story unfolds over four chapters and will offer multiple ways to develop the story by his own actions and decisions. An innovative and intuitive user control interface will support both casual and hardcore gamers. With full world streaming support, the player will have a seamless experience while playing in a fully simulated game world with authentic characters.

Risen will be released for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Windows® operating system. More information about Risen on http://risen.deepsilver.com


Read more here...

Aspyr Media's Treasure World video game now shipping for Nintendo DS!

Aspyr Media announced today that Treasure World has shipped to retailers across North America. The game, which encourages players to seek out Wi-Fi signals in order to unlock in-game treasures, is available on Nintendo DS for $29.99.

“With Treasure World, we’re offering players an entirely new level of interaction that crosses from the traditional game world into the real world,” said Ted Staloch, Executive Vice President, Aspyr Media. “With thousands of treasures to unlock and hundreds of player customization options, in addition to the real world treasure hunts, players are going to be able to spend months finding and doing everything the game has to offer.”

Treasure World is the world’s largest treasure hunt with hundreds of millions of treasure spots around the world. Players use the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection to find Wi-Fi signals, DS and Wii™ systems and other wireless signals to collect treasures. Each of these signals delivers one of thousands of new treasure collectibles. A vast amount of treasures await to be found, ranging from traditional scenery such as flowers, statues and tiki torches, to iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Big Ben, to holiday themed items like jack-o-lanterns and snow men. In addition, players can unlock new attire for their character and offer limitless possibilities for customization, including Panda, Feline, Ninja and Anime costumes. And along the way, players accumulate in-game currency to purchase additional treasures.

They can then use their treasures to decorate their in-game world and create musical compositions. Each treasure even has its own sound associated with it such as a guitar, piano or trumpet. So when the treasure is placed on the ground players can create their very own music tracks. Players can then upload their DS save data to the official website, www.clubtreasureworld.com, and show off their treasures, world creations, character disguises and musical creations to other players around the world. The website even has a built in real world treasure map that allows users to place pins in order to show where they found their treasures.

Sign up to become a member of Club Treasure World and you'll be automatically entered to win your very own copy of the game and a Nintendo DSi system! Deadline to enter is July 31, 2009.

With over 2,600 unlockable treasures in the game, Treasure World offers players limitless potential for creation and exploration!

For more information about Treasure World, visit www.clubtreasureworld.com.


Read more here...

The Punisher - No Mercy Full version and demo download first-person shooter

The Punisher - No Mercy Full version and demo download first-person shooterZEN Studios, creators of the recent PSN smash hit ZEN Pinball, confirmed today that it will release a free-to-play demo of The Punisher - No Mercy on July 2, 2009, exclusively for PlayStation Network. Releasing the same day as the full version of No Mercy, the demo will allow players to sample the fast-paced action of the Marvel Comics-inspired first-person shooter with two of the eight levels from the original version of the game.

Today the studio also released the list of No Mercy trophy achievements, which can be viewed at www.marvel.com or www.psu.com.

Powered by Unreal Engine 3, The Punisher: No Mercy lets players jump into Punisher action, fighting alongside or taking on an eclectic mix of Punisher allies and villains in a series of online arena-style multiplayer matches that feature solo and team-based missions for up to eight players. Battle arenas span from shipyards rife with contraband to the “birthplace” of Jigsaw, the Punisher’s archenemy.

In addition to the exceptional online gameplay, No Mercy also boasts a single player story mode where players can unleash their vengeance on hordes of villains while unfolding an original storyline and unlocking new additional content. The story mode also features exclusive artwork from acclaimed Marvel artist Mike Deodato.


Read more here...

Battlestations - Pacific Prepares For Summer Offensive Two new download packs to hit Marketplace in July

Battlestations PacificTwo new download packs shipping in July for Battlestations: Pacific, giving gamers new units and maps for tailor-made battles.

Featuring six new units and 18 new pieces of nose art, the Mustang Pack allows players to customise their battles in both single and multiplayer modes.

Amongst the units, players can take to the skies in the legendary US P-51 Mustang bomber escort, a late entry to the Pacific campaign but one which made its mark in Europe as a deadly force; or control the seas with the US Navy’s Alaska Class, giving the upper hand with a large and heavily armed ‘cruiser killer’; or the Super Yamato Class, a huge behemoth of a ship which, had it left the drawing board, would have outclassed the Yamato in every way with the potential to be the most powerful battleship in history.

The Carrier Battles Map Pack gives gamers four new maps, playable across all five multiplayer modes. Take part in a clash of carriers at Midway, do battle at dawn in the mist of the Philippine Islands, experience the fury of Kamikaze attacks in the rocky islands of the Leyte Gulf and take control of your forces amongst the mountain peaks and glacial waters of the icy Aleutian Islands.

The Mustang Pack, priced at 160 points, and the Carrier Battles Map Pack, priced at 800 points, will be available to download on Marketplace from July 2nd and July 23rd respectively for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Games for Windows LIVE. Battlestations: Pacific™ is rated ESRB “T” for Teen in North America and PEGI 12+ in Europe.


Read more here...

2K Sports Invites Fans to Play The BIGSTM 2 with the New York Mets at the Nintendo World Store on July 6

the bigs 2 game2K Sports invites gamers and fans of The BIGS™ video game series to the Nintendo World Store in New York City on Monday, July 6 for The BIGS 2 Home Run Pinball tournament. Attendees will have the exciting opportunity to meet and get autographs from the New York Mets’ Mike Pelfrey and Alex Cora, who will help kick-off the tournament.

Eligible participants in the The BIGS 2 Home Run Pinball tournament will have the chance to win prizes such as a Wii system from Nintendo, an authentic Major League Baseball jersey autographed by Prince Fielder of the Milwaukee Brewers, the cover athlete and spokesman for The BIGS 2, and a variety of other prizes. Attendees will also have the exclusive opportunity to purchase The BIGS 2 for Wii a full day before the game is released in retail stores. Registration for the tournament begins at 12:00 PM Eastern Time and registration slots will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Tournament play begins at 4:15 PM Eastern Time. All prospective tournament participants must be 10 or older, and participants 17 or younger must be accompanied by and have permission from a parent or guardian.

Date: Monday, July 6

Location: Nintendo World Store

10 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, NY 10020

(646) 459-0800


Schedule: 12:00–3:30 PM – Home Run Pinball Tournament registration

4:00 PM – Event introduction

4:10 PM – Mike Pelfrey and Alex Cora of the New York Mets to faceoff in The BIGS 2

4:15 PM – Tournament begins

6:00 PM – Tournament concludes

Coming to retail stores on July 7, 2009, the Big Leagues will get BIGGER with The BIGS 2. Rated E 10+ by the ESRB, The BIGS 2 will be available on all major video game platforms. The BIGS 2 has been elevated to new heights this season with amazing visual effects and a variety of new gameplay modes, including the fan-requested Season Mode and Become a Legend. With improved player animations and pick-up-and-play controls, The BIGS 2 will deliver an action-packed MLB video game experience.


Read more here...

Seek n Spell GPS - Based iPhone Game

Seek n Spell GPS Based iPhone GameTemporarily Available for Only 99 Cents, the GPS-Based iPhone Game Is An Exciting New Way to Have Fun at Holiday Events

The Retronyms have announced a special holiday weekend price drop for Seek ‘n Spell, the GPS-based word game for the iPhone 3G and 3GS, to celebrate their recent “Best Use of Technology” award from the 2009 Come Out & Play Festival. Held in New York City, the Come Out & Play Festival is an annual event that celebrates outdoor and street games played in public spaces.

Chosen by a panel of fourteen judges, the award was presented to The Retronyms team at a ceremony on June 14. Regularly priced at $2.99, Seek ‘n Spell will be available for a special price of only 99 cents from July 2 to July 6 to celebrate the award.

“We are honored that the Come Out & Play Festival recognized Seek ‘n Spell for its innovative use of the iPhone and GPS technology,” said Dan Walton, co-founder of The Retronyms. “We felt that Independence Day weekend would be a perfect time to celebrate with our fans by offering a holiday discount. Seek ‘n Spell is a great game to play with family and friends during picnics, barbecues, or any other outdoor festivity.”

Seek 'n Spell is the iPhone 3G and 3GS application that transforms gaming from a sedentary experience to an active and social outdoor contest that exercises the mind and the body. Combining real outdoor spaces with virtual letters, Seek Ê»n Spell is the word game where players race against the clock to gather letter tiles and create words to score the most points. When the game begins, Seek 'n Spell displays a satellite map of the player's location with letters scattered about the field. Players run to a letter to pick it up, and they can collect up to ten at a time to spell as many words as possible. More points are scored for longer words, and coveted gold letters appear randomly on the field to double a score when used in a word. Visit the Seek ‘n Spell forums to find other players in your area (http://seeknspell.com/forums/) or join the Seek ‘n Spell Meetup.com groups in San Francisco and Cleveland to play in those cities.

Seek ‘n Spell is available for a special Independence Day weekend price of $0.99 from the iTunes App Store at http://linktoapp.com/seeknspell.


Read more here...

Cake Mania 3 video game coming to Nintendo DS

Third Edition of Best-Selling Franchise Features All New Mini-Games, Bakeries and Customization

Majesco and Sandlot Games creator of the Cake Mania franchise announce Cake Mania 3 for Nintendo DS.

Based on Sandlot Games' award-winning online PC franchise that has been downloaded more than 100 million times, Cake Mania 3 features all-new bakeries, bakery upgrades, kitchen customization, customers and mini-games.

"We are excited to continue building on the success of the Cake Mania franchise on Nintendo DS™," said Daniel Bernstein, Founder and CEO of Sandlot Games. "Millions of Cake Mania fans will be thrilled to play the latest and most ambitious installment in Jill's cake-baking adventures."

"Sandlot Games' Cake Mania franchise is beloved by casual gamers of all ages and Cake Mania 3 delivers the frantic gameplay fans expect, but topped off with many new features," said Gui Karyo, Executive Vice President of Operations for Majesco. "With worldwide sales of more than 650,000 units, the Cake Mania franchise remains a strong property for us that we will continue to leverage with this third release."

Cake Mania 3 boasts new features that will attract everyone from loyal fans to first time players. More than 80 new levels, 30 new customers and 6 beautiful time-spanning environments test Jill's speed and efficiency. Gamers will meet the challenge of spell-casting Egyptian Pharaohs, Dinosaurs with dangerous appetites, and impatient Medieval English princes with a myriad of exciting new kitchen upgrades. In addition, players can unlock three new mini games, and for the first time in the series, change Jill's outfits throughout the game. So no matter the era, she'll never be out of style!

Developed by Digital Embryo in partnership with Sandlot Games, Cake Mania 3 on Nintendo DS™ is expected to release early fall.


Read more here...

Numerous Free features are added to MapleStory, including its undefeated monster, Pink Bean

Summer is officially here and MapleStory rolled out its latest update with a sunny new set of features to provide its players more fun and adventures. The update offers an exciting new title system, time travel to battle the game’s biggest challenge, Pink Bean, work as a secret agent and the opportunity to be a hero as part of a party quest to save the polluted Ellin Forest.

Here are more details on these exciting updates:

Time Temple – Players travel through time via the ‘Time Temple,’ to stop Kirston from reviving the Black Wizard. There are numerous new monsters to battle, including the toughest boss ever, Pink Bean. This undefeated monster champ of the world might look cuddly but is so deadly, it has yet to experience defeat.

Title System - Players complete special challenge quests and earn medals that display below their characters names in game.

Title medals include:
• Diligent Explorer: Log in for three hours every day for a set number of days.
• Veteran Hunter: Kill 100,000 monsters your level or above.
• Party Quest Mania: Achieve the S rank on eight party quests.
• Quest Specialist: Complete 800 quests.
• Celebrity: Acquire 20,000 fame points.
• Ultimate Warrior, Magician, Thief, Bowman, or Pirate: Reach level 200

Some titles can only be held by one Mapler at a time and will be replaced if another player tops their record. These titles are:
• Donation King: Donate the most mesos to any one town.
• Maple Idol Star: Be the most famed person in MapleStory.
• Legendary Hunter: Kill the most monsters of any type your level or above

Finding Master M - Look out for secret agents, who have invaded the Maple World. Players can join them on exciting missions to uncover the true identity of Master M. Event quests give players the chance to gather clues which assist in unveiling Master M’s identity. Players who complete this mission will be rewarded with an Agent Equipment set. This event runs through August 25.

Agent Training Program - Players will test their combat skills in this new program, which pits an individual player or team of players against boss monsters for the ultimate monster battle. Players must defeat each monster to advance to the next stage and do not see their EXP suffer if defeated.

Ellin Forest Party Quest – Three to five players rally together in this party quest to save the polluted Ellin Forest. Players travel back in time and battle their way through the poisoned forest to uncover the cause of the pollution.

All these new features are now available for free in MapleStory.


Read more here...

Mastertronic releases World of Goo on new Great Indie Games label

world of goo gameMastertronic have announced the release of the critically acclaimed “World of Goo” on PC, previously available as download and as WiiWare, but now a debut for boxed product. It will also be the first title to be released on their new label, Great Indie Games, a label set up to offer a route to market for independent games developers.

World of Goo is a simple puzzle/building game with a quirky sense of humour. The main objective of the game is to get a requisite number of goo balls to a pipe representing the exit. In order to do so, the player must use the goo balls to construct bridges, towers, and other structures to overcome gravity and various terrain difficulties such as chasms, hills, spikes, or cliffs.

The 48 levels are varied with wide-ranging objectives and a variety of goo. New goo is introduced early on in each chapter, and subsequent missions progressively ramp up the challenge and force you to put it to good use. Different types of goo have special abilities – black goo is rigid and cannot be moved after being placed, green goo can be moved around after initial placement, white goo hangs down like long water drips, red goo can be deployed to act as helium balloons to help keep long bridges in the air over treacherous pits, yellow goo can stick to vertical surfaces while Skull goo is resistant to being popped by spikes.

World of Goo on the PC is a unique visual experience. Brilliant design is achieved through vibrant and contrasting colours and beautiful graphics, giving a surreal cartoon feel to the game. Realistic sound effects add to the games wit and personality and the game is accompanied by a fantastic, atmospheric soundtrack whereby carefully chosen music tracks set the atmosphere for each level.

World of Goo boasts raving reviews and extremely high scores. PC Gamer awarded World of Goo 93% along with PC Format, and PC Zone came in just short of that at 90%. Eurogamer scored World of Goo 9/10 commenting “The world of Goo is a raging pleasure to spend time in, and interact with” whilst Gamespy gave it five stars commenting “(World of Goo is) an amazing, breathtaking and immeasurably charming piece of game design”. The comments continue - “The most charming, creative and generally weird indie title to come out this year” Escapist magazine and “One of the most original and addictive gaming experiences to come along in years” Gamespot

World of Goo has been developed by 2D Boy, an independent developer consisting of Kyle Gabler and Ron Carmel, both former Electronic Arts employees, who with World Of Goo won awards at the Independent Games Festival at the Game Developers Conference in 2007.

Kirsty Payne, Marketing and PR Manager at Mastertronic commented “We are so proud to be releasing World of Goo on PC. It has all the makings of a classic and has received phenomonal reviews from the specialist games press. We will be rolling out a full mainstream consumer marketing and PR campaign targeting specialist PC press, lads mags, national press and womens press as this game can be played and enjoyed by absolutely everyone”.

World of Goo is released on 3rd July 2009


Read more here...

Limited edition game locker, Kobe Bryant figurine and poster, NBA 2K retrospective video and VIP online lobby with NBA 2K10 anniversary edition

To celebrate 10 years of the popular NBA 2K franchise, and the milestone of having sold two million units of NBA 2K9 worldwide, 2K Sports today announced that the NBA 2K10: Anniversary Edition is planned for release in North America this fall for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system.

NBA 2K10: Anniversary Edition will come packaged in a specially designed 2K Sports locker configured for game storage, and include exclusive items featuring 2009 NBA Finals MVP, Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers, along with a special commemorative video looking back on 10 years of the NBA 2K franchise and its past cover athletes.

As part of a limited edition offering of only 30,000 copies, each NBA 2K10: Anniversary Edition will be individually numbered for authenticity. Fans can now preorder their copy online and at local retail outlets across the country. Ten lucky fans will have the rare opportunity to find an autographed Kobe Bryant fine-art print, designed by Shepard Fairey’s Studio Number One, which will be hidden and randomly packaged among the different lockers. Gamers with Xbox LIVE online entertainment network and PlayStation Network membership will also be able to enjoy special privileges for NBA 2K10: Anniversary Edition, including exclusive access to an online lobby - the Gold Room - where celebrities and other VIP members will go to play, and only players with the Anniversary Edition will be allowed to enter.

NBA 2K10: Anniversary Edition will include:

• NBA 2K10 video game
• 2K Sports’ NBA 2K10 game locker
• 3” Figurine of Kobe Bryant by McFarlane Toys
• 16” x 36” Kobe Bryant poster
• Commemorative NBA 2K 10th anniversary DVD
• Access to the Gold Room, the NBA 2K10 VIP online lobby (accessible only with Xbox LIVE and PlayStation Network membership)

“NBA 2K is the premier basketball video game franchise for serious players, deeply rooted in rich and pure authenticity that real hoop heads get, which is why we’ve been the favorite NBA simulation for so long,” said Greg Thomas, senior vice president of sports development for 2K. “We’ve always been very proud of how we engage our fans on a community level, and NBA 2K10: Anniversary Edition is our way of giving back to all those that have supported us along the way.”

Coming this fall, NBA 2K10 is expected to deliver the most realistic, stylistic, and feature-rich simulation experience ever available in the NBA 2K franchise – from gameplay to graphics, presentation and online features. Developed by Visual Concepts, NBA 2K10 is not yet rated by the ESRB and will be available for Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3, PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, PSP (PlayStation Portable) system, Nintendo Wii system from Nintendo, and Windows PC. NBA 2K10: Anniversary Edition will be available for Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3.


Read more here...

Dream Stick 360 Wireless Arcade Stick Now Available from Dream Arcades


The Dream Stick 360 by Dream Arcades features the first commercially available wireless arcade control panel compatible with Xbox 360 and Windows PC.

Dream Arcades
(http://www.DreamArcades.com) is proud to announce the immediate availability of the new Dream Stick 360. The Dream Stick 360 brings a new contender to the fighting game ring and introduces the first competition quality wireless arcade stick for Xbox 360.

The Dream Stick 360, which is available now, features authentic arcade buttons, joystick and commercial quality cabinet. Windows PC support is also available via an optional adapter. The Dream Stick 360 is priced at just $139 plus shipping.

"The Dream Stick 360 is the perfect opportunity for us to bring the arcade experience into the home, at a lower price point and a smaller footprint than our full-size arcades," says Michael Ware, owner of Dream Arcades. "Also, because we are the only home arcade manufacturer to offer a complete line of home arcade products from control panels to 120-inch projection arcades, we can help grow your home arcade collection over time."

Dream Arcades is the only home arcade manufacturer with a complete line of products from personal arcade joysticks, arcade kits (just add your own monitor and game console or PC), and complete arcades (ready to plug in and play). Since 2002, the company has had one goal - to deliver the ultimate home arcade.


Read more here...

Wednesday, July 01, 2009

Grease the movie turned into a video game for Nintendo Wii and DS

grease video gameNew video game based on the original high school musical, Grease is being made. Working in collaboration with Paramount Digital Entertainment, 505 Games will oversee and publish a Grease video game for the Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS.

The Grease video game will allow players to sing and dance alongside Danny, Sandy, The Pink Ladies and the T-Birds. The game will take full advantage of the Nintendo Wii’s motion-sensing controls and microphone, and the DS’s touch screen to create exciting gameplay for casual and family gamers eager to experience Grease in a new medium.

“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.”


Read more here...

Create your own Xbox 360 video game with KODU Little Big Planet killer for 400 Microsoft points - with video

kudo video game creator xbox 360Microsoft's Kodu Game Lab is now available to buy on the Xbox LIVE Community Games store, allowing all Xbox 360 users to create their own games using a visual programming language.

The game's been dubbed the Xbox 360's LittleBigPlanet - although comparisons seem a little unfair - and has been designed to be accessible for children and enjoyed by anyone.



The XBL Marketplace blurb states: "The visual programming environment allows rapid design iteration using only a game controller for input. Share your creations with friends over Xbox LIVE."

Looks like it could be worth your 400 MS Points.

Having shipped last night, Kodu is now available for purchase after two and half years, when the game was first conceived. There are already countless player-made levels more "sophistocated" than what the dev team could dream up, apparently.

So there shouldn't be any worry about lack of content, for those more interested in playing than creating. First, make sure you've got 400 Microsoft Points to spare.

The Xbox LIVE Marketplace description states: "The visual programming environment allows rapid design iteration using only a game controller for input. Share your creations with friends over Xbox LIVE."

It should be noted that Kodu has been experiencing problems with purchase links online, so you may want to buy through your console for the time being. Just to be on the safe side.


Read more here...

Second warrior faction - Birth of the League in Allods Online video game

Birth of the League in Allods OnlineAllods Online is the upcoming free AAA MMORPG developed by Nival Online, the makers of Heroes of Might & Magic V. It will be published by Gala Networks Europe this Autumn in English, French and German at the gPotato.eu portal. The gPotato Team is proud to introduce players to the second faction. The League is an alliance between three races: the Kanian Federation, the Elves and the Gibberlings. They are opposing the Empire in the war for domination of the Astral.

The League is a democratic society which uses elections and voting systems to manage its realm. The Council of Deputies is democratically elected by the citizen electorate. While local issues are dealt with accordingly, important decisions that will impact on the lives of all League citizens can only be made after a vote within the Council. All three distinct races are fully playable to those who chose the League over the Empire.

• The Kanians are an ancient federal state that has had to rapidly adjust to the new threats that the Astral poses. The human race was set up as a strategic union of the tribes after the defeat of the Orcs a long time ago, and was founded on the principles of a free state for all citizens, legal democracy and personal freedoms. They are willing to fight to the death to protect this, and believe that the Xadaganians suffer under a tyrant.

• The Elves are the most ancient of all the races of Sarnaut and have watched the development of the others from a distance. Their political structure was developed long before the Great Cataclysm and is heavily family orientated. After an unprovoked attack by the Xadaganians and the Orcs which led to the loss of the Elven allod of Grokh to, the Elves signed an accord to join the League.

• The Gibberlings are creatures from the continent Isa. It felt the brunt of the Great Cataclysm leaving them with little space to survive. However, a drunken Gibberling did discover the secret of travelling through the Astral. Exceptionally fertile, most Gibberlings come in a “sprout” of three who live, travel, fight and die as a unit. Their small stature does not put them off raiding Orc settlements when the opportunity arises. They are looking for a new homeland, and this was their main reason for joining the League.

Featuring six distinct playable races and 28 classes, Allods Online will give players a rich new world, with a gaming lore over a decade in the making. It features innovative and diverse new gameplay, and is completely free to play. Further information on the game will be released over the coming weeks and months.

It’s easy to follow Allods Online.


Read more here...

Bob the Builder video game comes to Nintendo Wii

bob the builder nintendo wii gameYes we can! announce the launch of Bob the Builder Festival of Fun for Nintendo Wii. Following the success of the PlayStation 2 and Nintendo DS Bob the Builder titles, this original game for Nintendo Wii, featuring the enormously popular Bob the Builder, has launched in the UK and European market.

Bob the Builder Festival of Fun Wii is a truly collaborative game for parents to play together with their children, so even very young children with limited coordination can play, with the child using the Wii Remote to control the action movement and the older player assisting by using their own Wii Remote to guide and steer. It really does enable young children to control the gameplay themselves and with help from their parents they can share and complete tasks together cooperatively.

Bob the Builder, currently airing on BBC2, Cbeebies and Nick Jr, is the number three pre-school boys brand in the UK* and is recognised as the most-loved character for children aged 0-4 in the UK**. Bob the Builder has enjoyed 10 years of success with 2009 marking his 10th anniversary, with a UK single release planned for summer 09 and the return of Bob the Builder LIVE global theatre tour this Autumn. Bob the Builder Magazine remains a Top Ten UK preschool children’s magazine and the official website receives on average 20 million hits per month globally, and nearly 1 million Bob books were sold in the UK during 2008, with 30 new titles to come from Egmont in 2009.

In Bob the Builder Festival of Fun Wii the player enjoys a vast array of fun and diverse story-based challenges and can tackle tasks with up to three friends or family members in numerous exciting multiplayer modes, enabling them to play competitively or play collaboratively to get the job done.

The game makes full use of the unique Wii technology to control the gameplay, using the Wii Remote as a hammer, a pick axe and spade, to pick up rubbish, blow the leaves, mix the cement or even spin pizzas to help the Bob the Builder characters put on a grand festival for the town. After all their hard work, they can grab the Wii Remote and follow the on-screen cues to enjoy a fabulous sing-along with Bob the Builder himself!


Read more here...

Kickabout League free-to-play browser multiplayer 5 a side football game

Kickabout League free-to-play browser multiplayer 5 a side football gameKickabout League has gone live today on www.funorb.com. The free-to-play browser-based multiplayer 5-a-side football game features customisable kits, pitches, formations and players all in a growing persistent game world with real time player auctions.

Kickabout League, playable on almost any PC with an internet connection, can be played by 2 to 8 players or combination in between in any individual match.

The game can be accessed today by visiting www.funorb.com/kickabout/play.ws


Read more here...

Top Gun video game comes to iPhone and iPod touch - watch the video

Paramount Digital Entertainment today announced a Top Gun game for iPhone and iPod touch is available on the Apple App Store. Inspired by the classic film, the Top Gun app places players at the United States Navy Fighter Weapons School, where instructors Maverick and Iceman will help them compete to become the next Top Gun. Players can take control of a F-22 Raptor or a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, shoot down MiGs and dodge incoming air-to-air and surface-to-air missiles, all while navigating intricate environments and weaving in and out of the Danger Zone.



“Over twenty years after its debut, ‘Top Gun’ remains one of the most popular, iconic movies of all time,” said John Kavanagh, senior vice president, Video Games of Paramount Digital Entertainment. “This unique Top Gun app puts that thrilling cinematic experience at your fingertips. Using the accelerometer and innovative Multi-Touch user interface in iPhone and iPod touch allowed us to create epic aerial battles and hugely entertaining gameplay that's sure to bring out the Maverick in all of us.”

Top Gun takes full advantage of the capabilities of the iPhone and iPod touch and the first person jet shooter game features 10 missions in a variety of environments, including oceans, deserts, canyons and city centers, both during the day and at night. Players can take out enemies by locking-on and firing their missiles, while aerial and ground-based obstacles create multiple Danger Zones to navigate. Top Gun will also feature iconic songs from the “Top Gun” movie soundtrack. Top Gun players can earn medals and achievements while progressing through Story Mode and can also revisit previously completed missions in the game’s Instant Action Mode.

Top Gun for iPhone and iPod touch is available now from Apple’s App Store or here for an introductory launch price of $1.99 and will be regularly priced at $3.99.


Read more here...

Madden NFL 10 video game trailer shows all-new online franchise

Madden NFL 10 video game trailerThe culmination of all things Madden NFL has arrived with Online Franchise in Madden NFL 10. The latest Madden NFL 10 Video Documentary series is now available, which includes details and perspectives on the all-new, award winning Online Franchise mode – direct from the development team.



Enjoy 32 team leagues, featuring anywhere from 1 to 32 human controlled teams, in Online Franchise mode that provides full team management, including trades, live drafts, depth chart changes, and more…and it’s all just one click away!

Online Franchise is the biggest feature to ever grace Madden NFL and it’s all manageable from your console, remotely through a web browser, or via a custom iPod Touch Application. Have full control of your team from anywhere you can log on. With new mobile updates and web connections, Online Franchise is available to you 24/7, and with immediate updates to your console, you’ll never miss a down.

Online Franchise revolutionizes gameplay in that it acts as a true NFL season with 32 teams and a full season, including playoffs and the Super Bowl.

Online Franchise is exclusive to the Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 versions of Madden NFL 10, which will be available in stores on August 14th.


Read more here...

FIFA 10 high definition in-game video game footage - amazing HD football play

FIFA 10 high definition in-game video game footageOn the heels of winning 25 international gaming awards with FIFA 09, Electronic Arts revealed the first features for its top-selling* football franchise from EA SPORTS. Responding to consumer feedback from more than 275 million online games played**, FIFA 10 will deliver a new standard for authenticity with gameplay refinements and innovations that will make it the most complete and intelligent simulation of football.

On the pitch, critical gameplay fundamentals have been enhanced to ensure that FIFA 10 mirrors real-world football, providing more sophisticated ball control, and physical interaction between players. In addition, players now move, behave and position themselves more realistically. On attack, players analyze space more effectively, curve their runs in an attempt to stay onside, create passing lanes naturally, and drive for more variety in attacking options. On defense, new concepts like position priority enable defenders to multitask so dangerous spaces left open by teammates out of position are covered. Plus, slide tackle targeting, press marking, and better-urgency clearance logic provide new options that make defending a tactical skill in FIFA 10. In goal, a myriad of improvements and refinements to goalkeeper intelligence result in a more responsive and powerful rushing system and ultra-realistic saves.

We have benefited from 275 million games played online to refine FIFA 10 in a way that matters most to our fans, said Andrew Wilson, Vice President & Executive Producer for the FIFA franchise. Weve listened and responded to their feedback to improve player control, responsiveness and intelligence and create what we believe is the worlds most authentic football videogame.

Listening to feedback and addressing gamer frustrations has become a key part of the EA SPORTS strategy to improve the FIFA franchise on an annual basis. Better balance on lofted through balls, improved goalkeeper intelligence, more realistic shooting mechanics with less shots hitting the goal posts, a practice arena to perfect skills, and a more immersive football experience through continuous play and quick free kicks are just a few of the issues raised by fans and addressed in FIFA 10.

Three new innovations revealed today have been developed to change the player control experience in FIFA 10. The first-ever true 360° dribbling system gives players finer control of the ball, enabling them to find spaces between defenders that previously were not possible. Using an all-new animation technology, skilled dribblers now have the ability to face the defender and use highly responsive lateral dribbling to skip past him. An innovative concept called Freedom in Physical Play enables players to perform wider dribble touches and new collision sharing creates a varied, less predictable, and extended fight for possession between the dribbler and a defender.

FIFA 10 also features a deeper iteration of the ever-popular Manager Mode with more than 50 major improvements, including new match realism, realistic player transfers based on multiple decision points, and true-to-life player growth curves.


Read more here...

The Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Video game is THE Place for Fans to Live the Thrills, Action and Excitement of Harry Potter - HD trailer

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince video gameHarry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince video game allows players to experience all the magic, adventure and fun of the Warner Bros. Pictures’ film based on J.K. Rowling’s sixth book in the Harry Potter series.



In the game of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, players return to Hogwarts – reproduced from movie blueprints in exacting detail - to help Harry survive a fraught sixth year. Players will be able to master gesture-based spell-casting as they explore the Hogwarts school grounds, from the heights of the Astronomy Tower to Professor Slughorn’s Potions classroom in the depths of the dungeons and iconic locations in between such as the Gryffindor common room and the Great Hall.

For the first time players can move and cast spells simultaneously, creating intense and fast-paced wizard duels as the champions from each house line up to challenge the Boy Who Lived. Players can also chase down the Golden Snitch™ as they take to the air as the Seeker on the Gryffindor Quidditch™ team. In addition to spell-casting and flying, players can put their potion-mixing skills to the test when they learn how to mix and brew magical ingredients in Potions class. Players may even get sidetracked by Ron’s romantic entanglements as they journey towards the dramatic climax and discover the identity of the Half-Blood Prince.

“We are very excited by the fact that fans will be able to use Nintendo’s Wii Remote controller as their wands,” said Harvey Elliott, VP and GM Casual Studios, EA Play Label. “Casting charms and jinxes – Stupefy, Wingardium Leviosa, Accio and Petrificus Totalis among others – has never been easier or more realistic. This is definitely the most authentic translation from the movies and fiction that we have ever produced; the fans are going to love it!”

Developed by EA Bright Light, the team behind the worldwide success of the Harry Potter library of videogames, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince videogame shipped to retailers nationwide today for the Wii, PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system, PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, PSP (PlayStation Portable) system, Nintendo DS, Windows PC, Mac, and mobile devices. The Nintendo Wii, PLAYSTATION 3 system, Xbox 360, PlayStation 2, PC, and Mac versions are rated ‘E10+’ and the handheld versions are rated ‘E’ for Everyone by the ESRB.


Read more here...

Winners - The best game trailers of E3 2009 Awards

God of War 3 gameplay trailer leaked on YouTubeCelebrating the accomplishments of the industry at the show, one winner was selected from five nominees in 29 distinct categories. SCEA made the largest impact in the awards, taking home top honors in multiple categories including “Best Trailer” for The Last Guardian, “Best Graphics” for Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, “Best Press Conference” and the most noteworthy category, “Best of Show” for God of War III.

“With all eyes on the industry as the show returned to its previous format, it was an impressive showing,” said Shane Satterfield, Editor-in-Chief, GameTrailers “The general level of quality was extremely high, making selecting the nominees and winners incredibly difficult. The editorial team had its hands full, and we applaud the developers and publishers for showing some truly groundbreaking products.”

The expert editorial staff at GameTrailers selected all nominees and winners with 135 total nominees across all platforms and genres. With the exception of the “Best Trailer Award” and “Best Graphics Award,” all games had to be playable by the press at the show to be eligible.

GameTrailers’ extensive E3 2009 coverage included over 850 pieces of original content that garnered over 52 million total video views to date.

For more on E3 and GameTrailers coverage Log on to here to catch all the awards action and the very best of E3 2009.

Winners of the “GameTrailers Best of E3 2009 Awards” are as follows:

GENERAL AWARDS –

Best Of Show: God of War III - SCEA

Best Trailer: The Last Guardian - SCEA

Most Innovative: Project Natal - Microsoft

Best Graphics: Uncharted 2: Among Thieves - SCEA

One To Watch: The Last Guardian - SCEA

Best New IP: Brutal Legend - Electronic Arts

Best Music/Rhythm Game: DJ Hero - Activision

Best Software Lineup: PlayStation 3

Best Press Conference: Sony


PLATFORM AWARDS -

Best PlayStation 3 Game: God of War III - SCEA

Best Xbox 360 Game: Assassin’s Creed II - Ubisoft

Best Wii Game: DJ Hero - Activision

Best PC Game: Assassin’s Creed II - Ubisoft

Best PSP Game: Gran Turismo - SCEA

Best Nintendo DS Game: Scribblenauts -WBIE

Best Downloadable Game: Zombie Apocalypse - Konami


GENRE AWARDS -

Best Action Adventure Game: God of War III - SCEA

Best Fighting Game: The King of Fighters XII – Ignition

Best First-Person Shooter: Modern Warfare 2 - Activision

Best Third-Person Shooter: Uncharted 2: Among Thieves -SCEA

Best RPG: Mass Effect 2 - Electronic Arts

Best Sports Game: Wii Sports Resort - Nintendo

Best Driving Game: Forza Motorsport 3 - Microsoft

Best Online Game: Star Wars: The Old Republic

Best Strategy Game: League of Legends - Riot Games

Biggest Surprise: Metroid: Other M


Read more here...

NinjaBee Lets Avatars be the Hero, Releases New Game as download Band of Bugs for Xbox LIVE Arcade

NinjaBee NinjaBee, the creators of the first fully-enabled Avatar game on Xbox LIVE Arcade, A Kingdom for Keflings, announced today that beginning July 8, Band of Bugs will include Avatar support. In addition, NinjaBee will be releasing Tales of Kaloki, a new, game-changing DLC for Band of Bugs.

The added Avatar support will allow gamers the option of replacing the original story’s hero, Maal, with their custom Avatar as they play through the main story mode. Players will also be able to engage in hand-to-hand combat and spell casting in eight-player Spider Hunter mode. Spider Hunter, one of several multiplayer modes, allows players to battle with or against their friends over Xbox LIVE to survive an onslaught of deadly spiders, mosquitoes, centipedes and more.

The Tales of Kaloki DLC is based on NinjaBee’s first Xbox LIVE Arcade game, Outpost Kaloki X. The DLC is set in space and uses the basic mechanics of Band of Bugs but adds a new tile set, new characters, new story, new skills, new strategy, new attacks and new abilities.

“We’re giving you an entirely new game,” said Steve Taylor, president of NinjaBee. “The Tales of Kaloki DLC is Band of Bugs but with long-range combat using lasers, rocket launchers, OO rays and a ton of other sweet weapons to blow attacking space ships to smithereens. It’s all the wackiness from Outpost Kaloki X and tactics from Band of Bugs rolled into one, and we’re stoked to be releasing it.”

In addition, NinjaBee will release a Band of Bugs Premium Theme. This theme, which features scenes from the game and concept art, can be downloaded through the Xbox LIVE Marketplace for 240 Microsoft Points.

The Avatar support will be added to the original game for free and the Tales of Kaloki DLC will be purchasable through the Xbox LIVE Marketplace for 240 Microsoft Points. Like the extensive collection of DLC already available for Band of Bugs, Tales of Kaloki can be played by downloading the original game, Band of Bugs (800 MS points). The Avatar support, Tales of Kaloki DLC and the Premium Theme will be available Wednesday, July 8. Band of Bugs is rated E for Everyone.

About NinjaBee
NinjaBee, located in Orem, Utah, began developing games in 2004. With every game they make, NinjaBee’s goal is to create a unique, top-quality, fun experience for people of all ages. Their popular titles include Outpost Kaloki X, Cloning Clyde, Band of Bugs, Boingz, Doritos Dash of Destruction and A Kingdom for Keflings.


Read more here...

Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning 4th of July Live Event

warhammer onlineWith summer officially underway, Warhammer Online - Age of Reckoning (WAR) is honoring the 4th of July holiday with a live event which kicked off last week and runs through Monday, July 6th at 8:00 am ET.

The forces of Order and Destruction will celebrate by dropping rare firework items from every enemy player killed during RvR combat. In addition, all players will experience a 10% gain in the amount of XP and Renown earned during the entire live event.

Kill your enemies and flaunt your victories with firework displays, because the 4th of July live event has begun and the WAR rages on!

Based on the popular tabletop war game from Games Workshop, Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning features revolutionary Realm vs. Realm™ conflict that will provide players with an engaging battleground for years to come. Available now for PC, WAR is rated "T" for Teen by the ESRB.

For more information on Warhammer Online, please visit www.warhammeronline.com.


Read more here...

Maloof Money Cup Skate 2's Latest Downloadable Content

skate 2 video gameCompete in the World's Greatest Skateboarding Event with Skate 2's Latest Downloadable Content

Electronic Arts announce that starting July 9 gamers can download and compete in Skate 2’s Maloof Money Cup Pack, based on the largest pursed event in the history of professional skateboarding. The pack will be available in the PLAYSTATION Store for $3.00 and on Xbox LIVE Marketplace for 240 points in North America.

“Skate 2 has been embraced by the gaming and skateboarding community across the globe, making it the perfect stage for the Maloof Money Cup’s videogame debut,” said Joe Maloof, President of Maloof Companies. “Now players everywhere can experience the world’s greatest skateboarding championship and revel in the high-stakes excitement of the competition for themselves.”

Skate 2’s Maloof Money Cup Pack will feature separate gameplay events both online and offline – freeskate, single player vert and street contests that put gamers against world class pros, and an online mode in which gamers will be able to compete against their friends in new activities and challenges for bragging rights. Xbox 360 gamers get an added bonus as there are 250 achievement points up for grabs.

The Maloof Money Cup presented by etnies and Monster Energy boasts the largest purse in the history of professional skateboarding with nearly $450,000 in cash and prizes. The three-day competition and festival takes place July 10-12, 2009 at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, Calif., during the opening weekend of the OC Fair. All attendees can ride the virtual course for themselves in the Skate 2 booth, located near the front of the festival, where the Maloof Money Cup Pack will be available for playing.

Skate 2 ups the ante in delivering all the grit, creativity, and culture of skateboarding with all-new tricks that allow players to skate it their way – both on and off the board. Gamers can create their own epic skate spots which can then be shared and experienced by others around the world. The game also features a revamped Thrasher Hall of Meat mode that will have players spending countless hours pulling off bone-crushing wipeouts and bails.

Skate 2 is developed by Black Box, an Electronic Arts Inc. studio in Burnaby, British Columbia. The game is rated “T” for Teen by the ESRB and 16+ by PEGI.


Read more here...

mmolecule Launches WonderKing Online Beta Key Giveaway

Eligible mmolecule members can win one of 1,000 closed beta keys for WonderKing Online

WonderKing Online Beta Key Giveaway for mmolecule members. mmolecule will conduct a random drawing to award 1,000 closed beta keys for WonderKing Online, a new MMO from NDOORS to be released in 2009.

Any existing mmolecule member or anyone who becomes a member of mmolecule on or before July 7th will be eligible to win. Only one key will be awarded per person. Winners will be privately notified on July 8th.

“We're very excited to offer our community members the opportunity to experience WonderKing Online,” said Andrew Muchmore, COO and co-founder of mmolecule. “This is a great opportunity for mmolecule members to get into the game, as well as get to know NDOORS. We look forward to offering more tools, services, and contests involving WonderKing Online in the very near future.”

Complete contest details are available at http://www.mmolecule.com.


Read more here...

Gatheryn Hosts In-Game Ice Cream Social For Active Beta Users

Gatheryn video gameThis afternoon (June 30th) at 3pm PDT, active Gatheryn beta testers will have the opportunity to participate in Gatheryn's first community event, The Elymia Ice Cream Social. The Ice Cream social is open only to active beta testers, but more events will be scheduled, and more users welcomed into the beta in the weeks to come. Don't miss out on the fun and excitement of Gatheryn community events - register for the beta at http://www.mindfusegames.com.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet other Elymians and exercise Gatheryn's social functionality by comparing clothing ensembles, adding others to their Friends List, or playing a game of checkers. Members of the Mindfuse staff will also be in attendance to answer questions about Elymian life and listen to feedback from users on what they like in the game, and what they'd like to see changed.

Ice cream will be distributed to all attendees as an in-game item 3 times during the event - at 3:00, 3:30 and 4:00. Using ice cream is a good way to test out Gatheryn's newly implemented health system as a single serving completely cures all fatigue. No RSVP is required for active users. The event will take place in Westpark, just outside the Broken Anchor Pub, in the Western portion of the city.

For more information about Gatheryn, or to register for the beta, visit: www.mindfusegames.com


Read more here...

Infernal Hells Vengeance Xbox 360 Cult PC video game hit makes the leap to console!

Infernal Hells Vengeance Xbox 360 video gameCult Hit - Action Shooter of 2007, Infernal – Is coming exclusively to console on Xbox 360 this spring!

Former Etherlite Secret Agent Ryan Lennox, now obsolete and betrayed by those close to him is a man who knows no fear! In a desperate bid to uncover his former employers secret agenda Lennox makes a pact with the devil. Embarking on an action-packed voyage into a world of deception and betrayal, armed with special abilities and military grade weaponry, Ryan Lennox is a man who must succeed.

Infernal Hells Vengeance Xbox 360

Lennox will need to master his devilish powers to uncover the truth and restore the delicate balance of good and evil. The captivating plot sees Lennox journey from ancient monastery catacombs and secret mountain hideouts to sprawling harbor docks and industrial oil refineries, before finally facing his ultimate showdown...

Infernal uses a state-of-the-art Physics engine enabling highly interactive worlds with destroyable walls and objects, while giving the player the ability to use a vast array of weapons. This is supported by using high level graphics and a stunning overall design based on locations throughout Europe and the USA.

Features:

* Stunning 3rd Person Shooter with deep & engaging storyline
* Explore a range of stunning environments & locations across 3 levels of difficulty
* Over 10 hours of gameplay
* Control a variety of guns and weapons as well as supernatural forces to increase their power
* Engange in Hand to Hand combat, or utilize a range of weaponry
* Duck and cover system to avoid enemy attacks
* Fight intelligent opponents who use the environment to their advantage
* Utilize a vast array of supernatural powers such as telekinesis & teleportation to overcome obstacles and enemies
* Harvest the energy of your enemies to heal and to replenish your Infernal mana


“Infernal was always designed with a console release in mind and it’s great that we’re finally able to release exclusively on XBOX360. The vast array of weaponry and supernatural powers makes Lennox an enviable foe.” Said Adam McGowan, Marketing Director at Playlogic

Infernal will be released exclusively to console on Xbox 360 in Q2 2009!

Xbox, Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.


Read more here...

The Next Addition to the Popular Vandal Hearts games Flames of Judgment Coming to PLAYSTATION Network and Xbox LIVE Arcade

Vandal Hearts games Flames of Judgment screenKonami revealed new game details and screenshots from the upcoming tactical role-playing game, Vandal Hearts: Flames of Judgment for PlayStation Network and Xbox LIVE Arcade in this winter. On the continent of Sostegaria, two rival kingdoms stand on the brink of war. In a small town on their border is a simple church orphanage, home to young Tobias Martin. Caught in the tide of battle, Tobias and his comrades enlist to fight for peace – and revenge. But they face an unstoppable warrior, who wields the almighty Flames of Judgment, and will let no one stand in his way.

Vandal Hearts games Flames of Judgment game
Vandal Hearts games Flames of Judgment newKey Features:

Classic gameplay, expanded and streamlined – combines the speedy RPG pace of the original Vandal Hearts with improved user mechanics and top-notch presentation.

Strong story – serving as the prequel to the original Vandal Hearts, Flames of Judgment delivers a rich, focused, and character-driven storyline that includes quality cinematic cutscenes.

Multiple endings – the player’s actions throughout the game determine the ending, Tobias’ future and more!

Party members adapt to the player’s style of game play – player characters naturally and automatically improve at whatever they do, providing a wide, deep range of customization options.

20 playable maps


Read more here...

Mega Man Star Forces 3 Black Ace and Red Joker Nintendo DS games arrive with three videos

Capcom announce that Mega Man Star Force 3 (MMSF3) for Nintendo DS has shipped to North American retailers. Mega Man Star Force 3 comes in two different versions, Black Ace and Red Joker, allowing friends to share unique items and powers utilizing the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, enhancing their individual characters. Mega Man Star Force 3 is rated E for Everyone by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) and carries a suggested retail price of $29.99.



As in the previous games, Mega Man Star Force 3 is a unique blend of an action and role-playing game (RPG), combining the high intensity combat that is the hallmark of Mega Man games with Star Force’s strategic battle system. By defeating enemies and boss characters, players earn “battle cards” that enhance and evolve Mega Man’s abilities and attacks.



New to Mega Man Star Force 3 are “Noise Changes,” random enhancements that change Mega Man’s form and unlock new abilities. The two versions of the game, Black Ace and Red Joker, each have over 100 unique Noise Types that can be combined with Mega Man to unlock elemental powers based on earth, air, water and fire. The new Noise feature will add an exciting randomness to battles, encouraging players to explore, collect and battle across the digital world of Mega Man Star Force 3.



In Mega Man Star Force 3, players travel between the physical world and the digital world via electromagnetic waves that form “wave roads.” Geo Stelar, the protagonist of the game, can see these wave roads by using his unique “visualizer” tool. Once in the digital world, Geo can merge with the electronic life-form known as Omega-Xis to become Mega Man. The wave roads are being overrun by mysterious “noise” that change the player’s environment and powers in different ways. This noise is being generated by an approaching gigantic meteor that threatens both the physical and digital worlds of Mega Man Star Force 3, forcing Geo Stellar and his crew to fight the oncoming threat to save two worlds. Fortunately, Mega Man discovers that he can control the Noise, using the new “Noise Change” system to transform into many different forms, including the ultimate “Black Ace” or “Red Joker” forms.


Read more here...

Sony plan PlayStation 2 PS2 emulation for PlayStation 3 PS3 consoles - again!

A 60GB version of the PlayStation 3.
Let's admit it PS2 emulation is something that you'll probably never use, but at the same time there's still a desire to have it. If Sony hadn't have introduced backwards compatibility in the first place and originally mocking fun of Microsoft's efforts with the 360, we probably would never have bothered.

Still it's been a number of years since Sony decided to strip away the PS2 hardware featured in the original PS3 models as a cost-cutting measure, and yet the feature is still one of the most desired from PS3 owners and potential adopters.

Thankfully, it appears that backwards compatibility could finally be on the way if a recent patent application is anything to go by, spotted by Silconera here.

Full post here on Total Video Games here...


Read more here...

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

16 player FUEL PC video game 5,560 square miles of open racing - with video

fuel video game record
The Games For Windows edition of Asobo Studio’s epic racer FUEL is now shipping to stores in North America, Codemasters announce the game will launch throughout EMEA on July 2nd with a UK street date of July 3rd. To celebrate the launch, a new video showcases the diverse locations, beautiful scenery and freedom to explore which up to 16 players can enjoy in FUEL’s stunning game world.

FUEL offers an astounding 5,560 square miles playground which is fully open to race and explore. Based on satellite data from the United States, wildly diverse terrain from the snow-capped Mount Rainier to the arid Grand Canyon and everything in between create an atmospheric, epic racing sandbox. With a 70+ strong vehicle line up, including bikes, buggies, quads, cars, roadsters, trucks and even a hovercraft, gamers experience unprecedented choice in choosing tactical routes on-the-fly, on or off-road. The wide vehicle roster is perfect for taking on hundreds of exhilarating arcade events, from large-scale raid challenges to tight circuit races, available in FUEL’s career mode.



Extensive multiplayer options allow up to 16 players to discover FUEL’s world in free ride or compete in thrilling head-to-head races. Gamers can also unleash their creativity by using the powerful yet intuitive race editor to create events set anywhere in FUEL’s environment and share them online.

FUEL is set to raise the bar for open-world racing when the Games For Windows edition launches Friday 3rd July. FUEL is also available for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.


Read more here...

U-WARS new underwater action video game on Xbox 360, PC and PSP

U-Wars_video game screenStarting the developing progress end of 2007 the game will hit the shelves mid of 2010.

“U-Wars” is a tactical sci-fi third person shooter set up an ultra realistic subaqueous scenario. Combining the thrill of an undersea setting with a cinematic approach and a superior story line “U-Wars” is the first lifelike underwater action experience.

In “U-Wars” the player will take control of an elite force and is constrained to accomplish covert operations both on land and undersea.

As the PC version is supporting the NVIDIA PhysX technology the XBOX users will enjoy a variety of multiplayer modes via XBOX Live.


Read more here...

Risen Xbox 360 video game box design

risen xbox game boxJust like Risen, the new RPG from Piranha Bytes, the website offers different approaches for mastering the challenges that players encounter. From the beach, a path leads into a dense tropical forest – what dangers may lurk there, and where is the best direction to turn? By keeping a close eye on their surroundings, players can discover all kinds of secrets here. Wild beasts and odd creatures haunt the twisted paths that lead deep into the interior of the island. Watch out, or you may be in for a nasty surprise!

The already familiar Risen blog, which provides topical news about the development of the game, is also continued and keeps offering fans all kinds of information from the world of Risen.

About Risen:

This epic role playing game is set in a medieval world on a volcanic Mediterranean island, The “Risen” story unfolds over four chapters and will offer multiple ways to develop the story by his own actions and decisions. An innovative and intuitive user control interface will support both casual and hardcore gamers. With full world streaming support, the player will have a seamless experience while playing in a fully simulated game world with authentic characters.


Read more here...

Madworld game soundtrack HipHop Songs by Naoto Tanaka OX, Doujah Raze, Sick-YG, Bandy Leggz, Wordsmith, SOUL, Purpose, Optimus

madworldMADWORLD Official Soundtrack featuring 20 original HipHop songs from the inventive third person action game developed by PlatinumGames. MADWORLD Official Soundtrack is released today to retail outlets through Sumthing Else Music Works www.sumthing.com, and will be available for digital download on Sumthing Digital www.sumthingdigital.com and iTunes.

MADWORLD Official Soundtrack includes all 20 original songs from the game produced by PlatinumGames composer Naoto Tanaka in collaboration with HipHop and Rap artists OX, Doujah Raze, Sick-YG, Bandy Leggz, Wordsmith, S.O.U.L. Purpose, and Optimus. Featuring explicit lyrics, the provocative soundtrack reflects MADWORLD's highly stylized graphics and visceral gameplay.

"There are a total of 20 tracks on the MADWORLD soundtrack and they are all original songs that we produced especially for the game," said composer and soundtrack producer Naoto Tanaka. "I would make the backing tracks (or the beats) and then we would hand them off to these talented artists to get their performances. It was a pretty big challenge, especially as it was my first time with this kind of collaboration, but I think luck was on my side and it turned out to be extremely successful."

Driven into quarantine and chaos in Varrigan City, you take on the character role of Jack in MADWORLD's challenging storyline, as you experience over-the-top action combined with fast and instinctive arcade-style gameplay and a multitude of outrageous moves. With its irreverent humor and survival of the fittest gameplay in a graphic novel world, MADWORLD delivers a unique gaming experience on the Wii.


Read more here...

Gears of War Jacinto's Remnant video game book by Karen Traviss - bestseller

Gears of War Jacinto's Remnant video game bookBlockbuster video game franchise Gears of War burst onto the book scene last year with its first official novel by No1 New York Times bestselling author Karen Traviss. ASPHO FIELDS — spanning the story between Gears of War and Gears of War 2 — was an instant bestseller. Now the sequel, GEARS OF WAR: JACINTO’S REMNANT (Del Rey Trade Paperback, on sale July 28, 2009, $15.00) picks up from the harrowing end of the second game and follows humanity’s struggle to survive after the destruction of its last bastion on the planet Sera.

After a brutal fifteen-year war for survival, the Coalition of Ordered Governments is forced to destroy Jacinto – mankind’s last city – in a final bid to stop the Locust Horde. As the survivors flee, they're caught between the last of the Locust, bent on vengeance, and a primitive struggle to stay alive in an icy wilderness. It’s up to Marcus Fenix, Dom Santiago, and their fellow Gears to fight to get Jacinto’s refugees to a safe haven. But what they find is a new world; lawless, treacherous, with an all too familiar enemy – humans, as desperate and dangerous as any Locust grub.

“Karen Traviss has outdone herself once again,” said Rod Fergusson, executive producer, Epic Games. "JACINTO'S REMNANT not only answers the question of what happens after the events of Gears 2, it also provides greater insight into the Gears of War universe and a deeper understanding of its characters. We hope players of the games and discerning readers alike will enjoy this ongoing tale of humanity's fight for survival."

GEARS OF WAR: JACINTO’S REMNANT was written in partnership with Epic Games, Inc., developers of the 11 million-selling Gears of War video game franchise. GEARS OF WAR: JACINTO’S REMNANT will be released day and date with the latest Game Add-on for Gears of War 2 (Xbox 360). Gears of War 2: All Fronts Collection includes all previously released downloadable content for the game to date in addition to Dark Corners, a substantial Add-on featuring seven new multiplayer maps and the new Road to Ruin campaign chapter. In total, the All Fronts Collection contains nineteen maps and a new campaign experience, available for 1600 Microsoft points on Xbox LIVE starting at 12:00 a.m. GMT on July 28.

Karen Traviss is the author of four Star Wars: Republic Commando novels: Hard Contact, Triple Zero, True Colors, and Order 66; three Star Wars: Legacy of the Force novels: Bloodlines, Revelation, and Sacrifice; two Star Wars: The Clone Wars novels: The Clone Wars movie novelization and No Prisoners; as well as City of Pearl, Crossing the Line, The World Before, Matriarch, and Judge. A former defense correspondent and TV and newspaper journalist, Traviss lives in Wiltshire, England.

GEARS OF WAR: JACINTO’S REMNANT by Karen Traviss
A Del Rey Trade Paperback
Publication Date: July 28, 2009
ISBN: 978-0-345-49944-8
$15.00


Read more here...

MOB Merchants of Brooklin Drug Wars video game, bloody, futuristic first-person shooter, has arrived - with vide

drug wars video game screenPaleo Entertainment announce that Drug Wars, the bloody, futuristic first-person shooter, has invaded Steam today and is available now for $9.99.

Paleo’s twelve-man team has bent the complex CryEngine 2 to their will, assembling a gritty, gory romp through a futuristic New York City, circa 3100, where severe global warming conditions have resulted in a harsh divide between upper-class Brooklyn gang bosses and a booming population of engineered Neanderthal bottom-dwellers.



Armed with a deadly variety of weapons, including everything from a biomechanical arm to environmental objects (use your enemy’s dismembered appendages against them!), jump into Drug Wars’ blistering singleplayer campaign, MOB, an updated, reworked version of Paleo’s first major release, or light bitches up in Drug Wars’ frenetic multiplayer action, featuring deathmatch, team deathmatch, and unique Capture The Drugs objective-based games for up to 32 players.

In addition to the variety of weapons and gameplay sets, Drug Wars also introduces several new vehicle options not found in MOB that add an additional layer to the chaotic combat. Vehicles players will have access to include:
• The speedy Hover Bike capable of performing awesome jumps
• The Hover Car featuring bombs, Tommy Guns and the ability to tote three other players along
• The Rad Mobile, featuring rockets and Gatling Guns
• The Drug Runner Boat, a four-person water speedster with targeted homing rockets

Drug Wars also gives gamers immediate access to all of the weapons found in MOB, including all of the alternate firing modes. These brand-new vehicular options that allow both quick-travel across the detailed landscapes and the ability to mow down your opponents ensure a huge variety of gameplay options to keep players addicted to the bloody fun.

Developed on the CryEngine 2 game engine and featuring an innovative comic book-styled presentation and neo cell-shaded art style, Drug Wars represents the pinnacle of boutique indie development.

Drug Wars has a pending rating from the ESRB, but is recommended for 18+ gamers for Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language, Partial Nudity, Strong Sexual Content and Use of Drugs and Alcohol.


Read more here...

Ys Online – video game Open Beta is here!

Ys Online – video game Open Beta is here!After one month of closed beta testing, finally we are proud to expand the Ys universe to everybody who is eager to go deep into it. All the current Key To Play community will warmly welcome every new European player on the 30th June.

This time no key will be asked to open the doors to the world of Ys. You will only need a Key To Play account to enjoy this fully detailed game. Also there won’t be any character wipe after this!

Choose carefully your race and specialisation following your game style. If you have any doubts, take a look to the Game Guide from our Official Site. And even if you can’t decide, remember you can create a maximum of 6 different characters in your account.

During the Closed Beta phases, more than 100,000 keys have been distributed. Without the help of all the players which have been sharing their suggestions with us, nothing could have been possible. So Key To Play would like to thank them for all their efforts with an exclusive Closed Beta tester reward.

Ys - Call Of Solum

Call of Solum is an MMORPG based on the famous Ys series, created for the Japanese company Falcom. Since its first title for 8 bits, already turned into a classic, several manga series, OAVs and even novels have been stemmed. This time, Falcom and CJ Internet are joining to present Ys - Call of Solum, the new title of the series turned into an online videogame that follows the anime style, so characteristic in the entire saga.

Ys - Call of Solum arrives in Europe thanks to of Key To Play.

* It will start on June 30th
* No key needed
* No character wipe after the Open Beta
* Rewards for all the Closed Beta testers

Key To Play

Key To Play is a new online videogame portal of different genres, created in 2008 with the aim of bringing great international titles to the European market. With several offices in Europe and Asia, Key To Play is offering offers online players a large network of support and development possibilities. All this with one goal: to be able to give the best quality and playability.

Currently, the titles are launched in 4 languages simultaneously, English, French, German and Spanish, to offer more convenience to the players.

Key To Play has committed, up to now, to two titles, Priston Tale 2: The Second Enigma and Ys Online - Call of Solum.


Read more here...

Video game GREED a merciless hack'n'slash action RPG due in November 2009

Video game GREEDGREED features all ingredients to create an enthralling hack'n'slash classic. In the tradition of other critically acclaimed and proven genre colleagues you as the player will need to fight your way through masses of critters, robots, aliens and many other exotic adversaries while collecting unique items and skills thus leveling up your character. In contrast to the genre ancestors, the story of GREED takes place in an adult and mature science fiction scenario.

In the futuristic universe of GREED the discovery of novel interstellar travel possibilities has lead to a new age of colonialization. The five largest colonial powers are entangled in a full-scale war over a new element called Ikarium, the recently discovered rare source of nearly unlimited energy. You as a former member of an elite military unit will fight a battle for your survival not know-ing that your actions will lead fate of all mankind into dramatic consequences…

GREED takes your character, chosen out of three completely different classes, through manifold levels and environments, all playable in three increasing difficulty levels putting even the toughest endgame player to a test – but as always, more pain con-tains more gain! Embedded in various scenarios, GREED throws waves of deadly foes in your way as well as screen filling end bosses. But don’t despair! Helpful innovation can be found in numerous innovative features such as the unique dodge move, self-charging shields or destructible environments. The combination of the different character-specific skills and abilities in three categories gives you the diversity needed to conquer even the toughest foes. And if you need a little more support, GREED also features a cooperative multiplayer mode where you and your friends can show the universe what you are made of!

Features
• Hack’n’Slash in a dark science fiction setting
• A huge variety of different levels in three settings, each playable on three dif-ficulties, inhabited by fierce and deadly creatures and screen-filling end bosses
• Three entirely different character classes to choose from
• Upgradable skills in three categories per character class – the simultaneous use of these categories causes thrilling skill combinations
• Upgradable character attributes with direct game play effect
• Hundreds of partially socketed items to collect
• Online cooperative multiplayer mode for up to three players

Title: GREED
Genre: SciFi-Hack’n’Slash / Action-RPG
Publisher: Headup Games
Developer: ClockStone
Platform: PC
Release: November 2009 (tbc)


Read more here...

Empires of Steel random map creator link

empire of steel video gameIn the good old tradition of the original "Empire" game of the 80's, Empires of Steel lets you create a random map from scratch within seconds and a couple of clicks. But in addition to that, Empire of Steels includes one of the most powerful map editors available on the market. Beta tester Chris Nelson has written a developer blog article about his (successful :)) attempt to re-create the European map within a short time, armed with nothing else but the game editor, a google'd map and using the editor's "overlay" feature and some imagination.

Click here to jump directly to the EoS Developer Blogfront


Read more here...

Treasure World Nintendo DS video game Nintendo DS Players Can Discover, Upload and Share Items

treasure world nintendo dsNintendo DS Players Can Discover, Upload and Share Items on the Site When Game Releases Later This Week

Today Aspyr Media announced the release of Club Treasure World, a companion web-based community supporting this week’s launch of the whimsical new title, Treasure World. The site is the most extensive community ever built around a Nintendo DS game and delivers a fantastic extension to the Treasure World player’s experience.

“The goal with Treasure World is to offer a radically different interactive experience,” said Ted Staloch, Executive Vice President, Aspyr Media. “Through Club Treasure World, we’re offering players the opportunity to come together as a community like never before, and expand their game experience with others by chatting, showing off their in-game world and treasures, sharing music and much more.”

Club Treasure World is designed to provide fans of all ages with the ultimate destination to find and share Treasure World experiences and information. In the Nintendo DS game, Treasure World is the world’s largest treasure hunt with hundreds of millions of treasure spots around the world. Players use the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection to find Wi-Fi signals, other DS or Wii systems and other wireless signals to collect treasures. Each of these signals delivers one of thousands of new treasure collectibles. Each treasure even has its own sound associated with it so when placed on the in game ground players can create their very own music tracks. There are also tons of character disguises to collect. All of the changes a player makes to their in game world and character disguise as well as the music they create can be shown off/shared with other treasure hunters on Club Treasure World.

Anyone can join and take part in the forums and view friend’s pages. Once a player uploads his latest game information they can have access to all activities, such as:
• Showing off their treasure creations with other Club Members
• Building their own musical jukebox (by placing items they’ve collected in the game to create Songscapes)
• Learn how others have made great Songscapes
• Claim special treasure keys
• Earn treasure hunting awards
• Make friends and post messages to friends
• Search, view and show where treasures have been found across the world on the Treasure Map (players call place pins where they have found each collected treasure)
• Share Treasure World Friend Codes for Nintendo DS
• Set up trade times to trade treasures on DS
• Discuss the finer points of treasure hunting
• Player polls, numerous leaderboards and achievements, forums, Wi-Fi tutorials, and an extensive help section

Treasure World offers players limitless potential to what they can create and explore!

Club Treasure World is working with the ESRB Privacy Online Program to ensure that it is COPPA compliant and child safe for all Club Treasure World online activity. The site is a safe and monitored environment for all ages and includes extensive parental controls, profanity filters, permissions and email activity reports.


Read more here...

Open Beta Test for Red War Edem's Curse video game - Free download

Red War: Edem's CurseUforia, a new online game publisher specializing in massively multiplayer online games, announce that it will begin the Open Beta Test for Red War: Edem's Curse.

Red War is an exciting free-to-play online MMORPG which takes gamers through the worlds of Meltya and Alies. Gamers can choose from three classes as they battle the dark forces of Qelian and the inhabitants of Meltya and attempt to prevent their peaceful world of Alies from being overtaken.

The Open Beta provides players with countless hours of fun and plenty of opportunities to meet new friends as they explore several new maps and battle new monsters that have been added since the last beta session. There is also a host of exciting events that will give players many chances at winning unique prizes that they will be able to use during the Open Beta period and beyond.

Players also will not have to contend with any character wipes as is often the case in many games. The characters that the players create will be permanent.

"We recently completed a very successful closed beta where we had hundreds of players from all over the world experience the game and provide some thoughtful feedback," said Mike Min, Game Operations Producer. "Now we are opening up the game to even more players to come and experience the world of Red War."

About Red War - Edem's Curse
Red War: Edem's Curse is an isometric MMORPG in the vein of Diablo and other dungeon crawlers that revolutionizes dungeon crawlers with new features such as the Red War tournaments. Red War's daily tournaments are a pure test of skill rather than character level or equipment.
All participants are set to the same level at the beginning of the tournament, and only stats and skills are allowed to be customized.

Gamers can download the game from the official Red War website at http://redwar.uforia.com/


Read more here...

Konami reveals new screenshots and details of Vandal Hearts: Flames of Judgment on PSN and XBLA!


Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. today revealed new game details and screenshots from the upcoming tactical role-playing game, Vandal Hearts: Flames of Judgment for PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Arcade in this winter. On the continent of Sostegaria, two rival kingdoms stand on the brink of war. In a small town on their border is a simple church orphanage, home to young Tobias Martin. Caught in the tide of battle, Tobias and his comrades enlist to fight for peace – and revenge. But they face an unstoppable warrior, who wields the almighty Flames of Judgment, and will let no one stand in his way.

Key Features:

Classic gameplay, expanded and streamlined – combines the speedy RPG pace of the original Vandal Hearts with improved user mechanics and top-notch presentation.

Strong story – serving as the prequel to the original Vandal Hearts, Flames of Judgment delivers a rich, focused, and character-driven storyline that includes quality cinematic cutscenes.

Multiple endings – the player’s actions throughout the game determine the ending, Tobias’ future and more!

Party members adapt to the player’s style of gameplay – player characters naturally and automatically improve at whatever they do, providing a wide, deep range of customization options.

20 playable maps

For all-new screenshots of Vandal Hearts: Flames of Judgment and more, please visit our media download site at: http://www.konami.com/downloads/


Read more here...

Issue 15 - Anniversary brings City of Heroes release the 15th major free content update - with video

City of Heroes free contentNCsoft launched Issue 15 - Anniversary, the next exciting chapter of City of Heroes, the premier comic-book inspired MMO. Commemorating the game’s recent five-year anniversary celebration, Issue 15: Anniversary brings City of Heroes its 15th major free content update introducing players to all-new content, missions, features and customization tools that continue to place City of Heroes at the forefront of the evolving MMO genre.

“City of Heroes continues to reinvent itself with each Issue launch providing players with new content, developmental tools and exciting game play experiences they can’t get anywhere else,” said Brian Clayton, general manager and executive producer of City of Heroes. “Issue 15 is no different – it brings players the revival of one of the most popular villain groups in the game, streamlined Mission Architect search and navigation, as well as enhanced character customization featuring even more costumes, faces and costume change animations which will all surprise and delight the community.”

Issue 15: Anniversary allows City of Heroes to come to life with more in-depth gameplay experiences and storytelling options as it marks the revival of The 5th Column, the most popular villain group, through 10 new action-packed missions. Players will participate in a Hero Task Force or a Villain Strike Force, in order to uncover the mystery behind this long dormant foe. Along with the new missions, players can now customise their characters with more than 20 extra character faces, Vines and Ulterior themed costume sets and several new costume change emotes - visual animations that come to life when characters transition between costumes within the game.



Additionally, Issue 15: Anniversary introduces players to new mission creation enhancements, testing tools and navigation services as part of the recently launched Mission Architect system. These features allow players to more easily create and polish their own unique custom content before sharing it with the public, and help streamline the process of searching through user-generated missions. Since the release of City of Heroes’ Mission Architect system, two months ago, users have developed and published more than 200,000 stories for the community to enjoy.

Join millions of super powered heroes and villains and become your own unique super powered hero to save the world, or an infamous villain seeking to destroy it. City of Heroes has received a 16+ rating by PEGI.


Read more here...

Dreamkiller relentless shooter video game for Xbox 360 and PC this fall

Dreamkiller relentless shooter video game for Xbox 360 and PC this fall
Aspyr Media and Mindware Studios probe the insidious depths of the subconscious to bring Dreamkiller to the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Windows PC. A fast, frantic and mega-bloodbath first-person shooter, Dreamkiller takes gamers inside the dark and twisted nightmares of tortured souls possessed by unknown forces.

Gamers will take on the role of Alice Drake, a psychologist with the extraordinary ability to enter the minds of her patients and combat the ravenous foes haunting their dreams. Utilizing a host of fantastic weapons and her own special abilities, Alice confronts our common demons only to discover an even deeper menace reigns within. The ultimate showdown becomes inevitable between that which would torment and she who will protect, and only one force will prevail amidst a variety of dreamscapes as varied and bizarre as the human mind itself.

Dreamkiller features 12 rich levels of single-player gameplay each laced with swarms of hideous and disturbing enemies reflecting the mind’s infinite palette of fear. The onslaught continues with numerous multiplayer modes and a host of over-the-top weapons and supernatural abilities. Stay awake, Dreamkiller will be available this fall.


Read more here...

Sudden Attack video game beta starts today, June 30th

Sudden Attack video gameKorea's No.1 Online First Person Shooter Enters Second Closed Beta in North America

GameHi announce it will begin the second closed beta test for Sudden Attack, their No. 1 free-to-play first person shooter (FPS) available for players June 30 through July 12. Slated for commercial release later this summer, fans who missed the first closed beta can register for this next phase at http://www.gamehi.com/ in order to take part in what’s currently one of the most popular multiplayer online FPS games in Asia.

This second closed beta will be open to anyone who signs up over the next two weeks. Members of the first closed beta will not need to re-register, but will find they have new characters.

Originally launched in July, 2006 Sudden Attack is now the most played first person shooter in Korea with more than 100 consecutive weeks on the game charts. Notable for its high quality graphics, stable game service, ample resources, and quick character and community system, Sudden Attack is positioned to garner similar blockbuster success in the U.S. Its broad appeal comes from a combination of elements including fast and fun casual gameplay; and unlike most FPS games, Sudden Attack is free-to-play.

With ongoing updates for new maps and firearms Sudden Attack offers a variety of features to provide both novice and core gamers continuous gameplay options. Community inclined it supports several chatting modes, macros and firm clan system, as well as Explosion and Elimination game modes. Quick entry allows users to install in under three minutes and join games without having to wait for a new start. Even new FPS fans can easily adopt in the game with simple rules and easy controls. Additionally, players can earn in-game points for game currency or purchase upgrades through real world cash.

Sudden Attack players are divided into two opposing teams: Special Force and Silent Fox Alliances. Each team is required to have at least one member and at maximum eight members. Players can also group into their own clans to fight within a separated network. Here players can show off group power, where teamwork and coordination play a crucial role. Strong clans can join ‘Clan Battle System,’ an exclusive competition mode in the game. Clan strengths can be proved clearly within this mode, as comradeship and cooperation are decisive factors to secure a win. Additionally, the game makes a breakthrough in comparison with preceding MMOFPS titles with the availability of in-water battle mode.

Interested players can learn more at http://www.gamehi.com/.


Read more here...

ARMA II Demo free download - last longer than some games

Arma II PC video gameThe demo can be downloaded from www.arma2.com

The eagerly anticipated demo for the sandbox PC military shooter smash hit of 2009, ARMA II, is released and available for all who want to visit the post-soviet republic of Chernarus and enjoy all of the fantastic features of this monumental war simulator.

Do you want to fight eye to eye with enemies on the lush, open battlefield, do you want to take advantage by strafing enemy position in aircraft, do you want to crush enemy lines in a tank? Then download the demo and get a taste of what it takes to be a soldier in a modern warfare conflict!

Featuring the most realistic warfare gameplay to date; The ArmA II demo offers the opportunity to explore its highland area as well as the small Chernarusian island of Utes. More specifically, the 'boot camp' missions are all available which act as tutorials for the game's many disciplines including helicopter flight, unit command and base construction. In addition, the full single player mission 'Trial By Fire' from the main campaign and the multiplayer map 'Mini Warfare', allowing ArmA fans the chance to trial three multiplayer modes are included in the demo. A selection of over 20 vehicles, more than 25 weapons and various soldier and civilian models will be included, although these represent only a fraction of those available in the retail version.

The ARMA 2 demo is big, not only in size, but also in the amount of content and re-playability offered. The demo alone will last a player longer to complete than many retail games! Please visit the www.arma2.com for more information.


Read more here...

HP To Deliver Customizable Print-on-Demand Gaming Artwork will allow players to view, create and purchase custom prints for EverQuest and Free Realms

Following the Sony Online Entertainment (SOE) Fan Faire event June 25-28, HP today launched an innovative print-on-demand service for Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) gamers. The HP print-on-demand technology will allow players to view, create and purchase custom prints of classic characters, imagery and scenes from SOE’s various fantasy worlds, games and artists. The service, which will be accessed directly from the online games, is scheduled to launch later this year in EverQuest, EverQuest II and Free Realms.

“There is a sig