Marvel v. Capcom 2 features the biggest roster of challengers to ever square off in a Capcom fighting game, a total of 56 combined brawlers from both the Capcom and Marvel universes. From the world of Capcom comes characters such as Ryu from the Street Fighter series, Jill Valentine from the Resident Evil games and unofficial company mascot Mega Man. Marvel is represented by some of its biggest names, including the Invincible Iron Man, Captain America, the Sentinel of Liberty, and War Machine, Weapon of S.H.I.E.L.D. Players can mix and match from both worlds in order to create their own ideal three man/woman/robot/monster team-up.

Due to the amazing combination of Marvel and Capcom characters and the game’s celebrated fighting system and graphics, Marvel VS. Capcom 2 has been a hotly sought-after title on the game collector’s circuit. Previously owned copies for older game consoles have been demanding more than $100 in auctions and at specialty video game outlets. Now players who have been desperately searching out used copies of the game will be able to go hands-on and play online with the same great online experience from Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix. Additionally, Capcom has added an optional advanced visual filter that improves the overall appearance of the game and added online modes, including Ranked Matches and the popular Player “Quarter” Match, that allows up to four people to watch and chat while two others are battling it out.

Not a great deal is known about Final Fantasy XIV Online - one of the true surprise announcements of this year's E3. So you have to take a good look at all the media you can get - trailer below.



Great HD trailer that you may have missed - or seen in low-quality shaky-cam footage - in a decent resolution.

Source: CVG

Metallic Blue and Deep Red DualShock 3 pads heading to retail this October

Sony has revealed two new controllers for the PS3 will be heading to the US this autumn.

These vibrant DualShock 3 joypads will be available in Metallic Blue and Deep Red and are due to hit shelves in October.

The new controllers, spotted by Engadget, expand the range of coloured peripherals available for the console in the region, including a silver version of the Dualshock 3 that was launched through GameStop towards the end of June.

There is currently no word on whether or not these new colours will be retailer exclusive, nor any signs that they will be released in Europe.

Source: MCVUK

CMSF British Forces is available now! The second Module for the Combat Mission Shock Force modern warfare tactical simulation has just been released!

British Forces is available for download, mail delivery, or both download & mail delivery, starting at just $25, and as usual available only directly from www.battlefront.com!

Ownership of the base game Combat Mission Shock Force is required. A bundle consisting of British Forces and Marines (the previous Module) is available as well, for only $35 (a whopping $15 off the regular price). You can download and play immediately! Hardgoods - consisting of a CD - will be mailed out within 2 weeks.

Click here to order now! = http://www.battlefront.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=9&Itemid=26

A free demo for Combat Mission Shock Force v1.20 including Marines and British module content is available for download as well. Click here to download the free demo = http://www.battlefront.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=42&Itemid=358

Players Can Experience Demo of Single-Player Mode for Flight Combat Game on Xbox 360

505 Games U.S., in collaboration with 1C Company, have today released a demo for upcoming flight combat title IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey. The single-player demo is now available for download on the Xbox LIVE Arcade for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.

The IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey demo will give players a taste of two of the game’s memorable conflict scenarios, The Battle of Britain and The Battle of the Bulge.

In Battle of Britain: Red Skies Over Dover, players are given the role of a Royal Air Force (RAF) pilot commanding the legendary Mk. II Spitfire with B wing armament (two canons, four machine guns). What starts off as a routine ‘mopping up’ mission on a few stray He-111 German bombers soon develops into an all-out battle in which the RAF faced their finest hour. The mission demonstrates the skills required to intercept larger bombers as well as the more nimble Stuka bombers. The need to use wingmen effectively will become apparent as the mission unfolds and survivors will have the opportunity to land on a home airstrip.

In Battle of the Bulge: Tiger Hunt, the US Air Force P-51D Mustang is the weapon of choice, as players are tasked with taking out Germans ripping through the Ardennes. Defending FW-190 fighters will also have to be dispatched to help overcome the Tigers as US forces aim to stem the German advance and defend the front line. The mission will allow players to try rocket attacks on ground targets as well as sample the snow-capped vistas of the Belgian landscape in December.

Based around large-scale aerial combat over the ground-based military operations of World War II, variety is at the heart of the action in IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey. Players participate in the most famous confrontations of the era piloting fighters, battle planes or heavy bombers across a range of thrilling missions. There are six theatres of war in which to engage – The Battle of Britain, Stalingrad, Berlin, Sicily, the Battle of the Bulge and Korsun – representing the main airborne battles of World War II in Europe.

As well as taking environmental and landscape visuals to new heights by incorporating satellite technology, IL-2 also boasts a tangible damage effects engine. Players will see real-time damage to aircraft, such as holes in the wings and trail lines during dogfights.

505 Games, in collaboration with 1C Company, will release IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey in North America on September 15, 2009 for Xbox 360, PS3, DS and PSP platforms.

Today, Toys“R”Us announced that customers who purchase Activision Bakugan Battle Brawlers video game for Nintendo Wii or Nintendo DS in any Toys'R'Us store in the world will receive a unique edition of the game when it is released on October 20. Featuring two exclusive in-game characters, this version of the highly-anticipated video game is now available for pre-order at Toys“R”Us stores in the United States with a $5 deposit.

The characters featured in the exclusive Toys“R”Us edition are:
• Manion, a mysterious sphinx with golden armor protecting his head, back and forearms. Due to his huge wingspan, he can attack from above. Additionally, his sharp claws can tear at his enemies.
• Ravenoid, a humanoid looking Bakugan totally covered in armor, can use his large wings to swoop down upon his opponents in battle. His large, clawed feet can also squeeze victims in an unyielding vice.

“This global exclusive with Activision allows us to offer Bakugan fans around the world a completely unique way to experience the Bakugan Battle Brawlers video game with one-of-a-kind characters and abilities,” said Bill Lee, Vice President, Divisional Merchandise Manager, Toys“R”Us, U.S. “There is no better place to offer special editions of video games that can’t be found anywhere else in the world than Toys“R”Us.

Fans can begin pre-ordering the Bakugan Battle Brawlers video game today in Toys“R”Us stores nationwide or online at Toysrus.com. Bakugan Battle Brawlers will be released for Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS, Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and PLAYSTATION 3 and PlayStation 2 computer entertainment systems on October 20, 2009.

Latest game in the "Lips" franchise features 40 chart-topping hits, plus a five-song pack of your choice for free download from Xbox LIVE
One of the most incredible collections of the world’s hottest number one songs is about to launch this fall. Get the crowd singing and the party started with “Lips: Number One Hits,” the newest game in the “Lips” singing franchise exclusively for Xbox 360.

Show off your singing chops with friends, harmonize in a duet or belt out those high notes to a diverse collection of 40 global smash hits, spanning genres, generations and countries so that even the pickiest of singers can find their unique pitch.

Available worldwide this fall, “Lips: Number One Hits” features popular songs that have graced the # 1 position on major global charts. Joining previously announced hits from Coldplay, Rihanna, Tokio Hotel, Timbaland feat. OneRepublic, Extreme, Culture Club, MC Hammer, Roy Orbison and Marvin Gaye the full catalog also includes:
• California Love by 2Pac feat. Dr. Dre and Roger Troutman (U.S.): this song earned the late rapper a posthumous Grammy nomination for Best Rap Performance, Duo or Group in 1997
• Barbie Girl by Aqua (Denmark): a breakthrough international hit, this song featured the band’s lead singers as the toy couple Barbie and Ken in the music video
• Just Dance by Lady Gaga feat. Colby O’Donis (U.S.): the debut song of this theatrical pop singer became an international smash hit
• Everybody Wants to Rule the World by Tears for Fears (U.K.): this successful single was written and recorded in two weeks, becoming the band’s first Billboard Hot 100 #1 and peaking at #2 on the U.K. Top 40 chart
• The Fear by Lily Allen (U.K.): from her second album, this song is the artist’s social commentary about the dark side of celebrity and consumer culture
• Don’t Phunk With My Heart by Black Eyed Peas (U.S.): influenced by Indian music, this song sampled the Bollywood cult hit film “Don,” a movie about a man posing as the leader of a gang of international smugglers
• I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’ by Scissor Sisters (U.S.): this song was written with the legendary artist Elton John and features his piano playing in the melody
• Heartless by Kanye West (U.S.): this is the first single in “pop art” music, a new genre which West describes as making pop music in an "artistic" way
• Touch My Body by Mariah Carey (U.S.): this song was Carey's 18th #1 on the U.S. singles charts, which pushed her into second place behind the Beatles as the artist with the most chart-topping singles
• Hey There Delilah by Plain White T’s (U.S.): this song was written as an ode to a girl named Delilah that the band’s singer met only once by chance in NYC
• Always On My Mind by Pet Shop Boys (U.K.): the Daily Telegraph’s music critics ranked the band's cover of this Brenda Lee song as #2 of the all-time best cover songs
• I’m Yours by Jason Mraz (U.S.): while this artist’s music has appeared on the charts since 2003, this single is his first chart-topping hit
• Push the Button by Sugababes (U.K.): this song was the girl group’s fourth #1 single in the U.K. and topped the Eurochart Hot 100 Singles

The complete song listing of artists and songs available on “Lips: Number One Hits” can be found at xbox.com/lips.
In addition to the huge variety of songs available on disc, “Lips” fans will be able customize their “Number One Hits” set list with a theme pack of their choice containing five additional songs, available to download for free on Xbox LIVE. This summer, singers can help decide what themes will be available for “Lips: Number One Hits” by voting for their favorite themes at xbox.com/lips.

“Lips: Number One Hits” and the original “Lips” game combine to create the ultimate singing party, with more songs to keep the fun rocking all night long. But for singers with an insatiable appetite for variety, Xbox LIVE Marketplace has a vast library of tunes that can be downloaded for both titles. New tracks of all genres and artist-specific songs packs are added regularly each week, so personal catalogs can keep growing and growing. “Lips,” combined with the power of Xbox LIVE, makes Xbox 360 the best destination for music game fans.

“Lips,” Xbox 360’s first exclusive singing party game from iNiS, launched November 2008. The second title, “Lips: Number One Hits,” launches this October 2009. More information on “Lips” is available at xbox.com/lips.

Overlord II - Battle Rock Nemesis DLC extends the evil with new combat arena, enemies and in-game items

Extend the evil as Codemasters announce the new ‘Overlord II - Battle Rock Nemesis’ downloadable content for Overlord II, the twisted fantasy action adventure, for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.

The ‘Battle Rock Nemesis’ downloadable content is available now from PLAYSTATION Store (£3.19 / €3.99 / $5.00) and today on Xbox LIVE Marketplace (400 Microsoft Points). Details of downloadable content for the PC edition of Overlord II will be announced shortly.




The ‘Battle Rock Nemesis’ downloadable content installs the imposing ‘Battle Rock’ arena in the Netherworld which plays host to a series of new combat challenges as the player progresses through the game. Gamers harvest life force as they wreak havoc upon Nordburg Hunters and Gnomes in practice rounds and then take on fearsome foes, including the Satyr, the Empire’s Champion, and the fabled Phoenix in a series of boss battles which unlock new rewards including more powerful spells and in-game items for the Overlord and his Minions. On Xbox 360, players can earn Achievements worth 100 points through winning the boss battles.



Overlord II is the sequel to the original twisted fantasy action adventure and is available for the PLAYSTATION3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PC, with full online & offline multiplayer and split screen functions. Overlord Dark Legend was developed and designed exclusively for Wii and features Minion control through intuitive Wii Remote movement. Overlord Minions is a dedicated puzzle action title, developed exclusively for Nintendo DS and uses 100% touch screen controls, perfect for Overlords on the go.

Xbox announce Swiss born, female racing sensation Natacha Gachnang as the European ‘Face of Forza’ to celebrate the upcoming launch of Forza Motorsport 3 for the Xbox 360 from Microsoft.

Launching on 23 October 2009, Forza Motorsport 3, is the definitive racing game for everyone from hardcore tuners to anyone who’s ever dreamed of driving at full-throttle. Who better than Gachnang to speak to its incredible realism and thrilling driving action.

In December 2008, Gachnang was announced as the first ever female driver to race in the FIA Formula Two Championships. The 21 year old, who is the cousin of Formula One driver Sébastien Buemi, is currently shining in her debut season racing under MotorSport Vision.

Natacha also spent some time in Seattle as a consultant on the game, giving advice on the realism of some of the tracks she has raced in her career, as well as critiquing the sounds and set ups of the cars she has driven. Gachnang also explored the customisation and tuning elements of the game and created her own car.

The ultimate thrill seeker, Gachnang lists heliskiing as one of her favourite hobbies and she jumped at the chance to test her experience of the road on the breathtaking virtual tracks of Forza 3.

“What a buzz – the tracks, the cars, the handling – the attention to detail is incredible. Forza 3 is a car fans dream! It really feels like I’m right there, in the car, racing round the tracks, all in the comfort of my own living room!” said Natacha Gachnang

Launching this October exclusively on Xbox 360, "Forza Motorsport 3" unites the racing game genre making it possible for everyone to experience the thrill of the world's most exotic and exquisite cars.

You can take the wheel of over 400 of the most loved cars on the planet on over 100 different tracks, including the sublime Audi R8 and the infamous German Nürburgring.

Developed by Turn 10 and Microsoft Studios, Game Director Dan Greenawalt stated, “A love of all things cars lives in everyone at Turn 10. It’s fantastic to see this mirrored in Natacha. Her passion and expertise for racing is clear to see and the realism of the game really lets her skills as a driver shine through. From a pro driver like Natacha to anyone who has a passion for cars, Forza Motorsport 3 has something for everyone.”

The release of Defenders of Law launches the beginning of a three-game deal in which Big Fish Games has acquired the Defenders of Law IP and will publish the first edition online and in retail stores as well as two upcoming sequels through 2010. The first edition of Defenders of Law for PC download is now available at www.bigfishgames.com.

“Defenders of Law is a truly immersive game that lets players take the role of an investigative lawyer,” said Melissa DiGioia, Senior Producer at Big Fish Games. “The game’s unique method of storytelling coupled with its innovative detective gameplay allows players to experience a truly interactive murder mystery.”

“Big Fish Games has built a site full of strong titles, and to have Defenders of Law included in their lineup ensures that the game will reach a wide audience,” said Mariana Cardoso, General Manager of GAMEINVEST.

In Defenders of Law, players step into the shoes of one of five possible lawyers in order to investigate a murder mystery in the town of Willburg. The lawyers are assigned to defend a suspect in the murder of Miss Rosendale; and they have 15 days to gather enough evidence to strengthen their clients’ defense. Players must test their strategy skills by exploring the town to collect evidence. Clues can come from several helpful witnesses, as well as from fingerprints, footprints, and blood samples. Physical evidence can be extracted from the crime scene with the hidden object game mechanic, and analyzed in the lab. After the evidence is processed in the lab, the player will go to the courtroom for a decisive showdown against the district attorney. In the end, it will be revealed whether the defendant is guilty or innocent.

Using a mouse, players navigate their way through 28 detail-rich scenarios with multiple crime scenes, numerous murder weapons and several different murder suspects that guarantee a different outcome and experience each time the game is played. With five characters to choose from and many hours of ingenious gameplay, players of all ages will be drawn to the mystery of Defenders of Law.

Redbana has just released several new and exciting additions to the online dance rhythm game, Audition. New clothes, songs, modes and more have been added to the virtual dance world, making it the freshest online dance scene on the web. The new updates bring a fresh wave of style to the game, introducing players to the hottest music to hit the scene.

“Keeping the game as current as possible through routine updates is a priority for us,” explains Eric Liu, Global Manager of Redbana. “Audition is all about providing a fun, bright, exciting environment, and in order to maintain this experience with each visit, the game’s features need to reflect its players present interests.”

Redbana’s modern inspirations are appreciated in the game’s upbeat music, bright animations and attitudes, which all work together to make a fantastically fun virtual dance community. Audition’s routine updates are not limited to game accessories; the most recent update includes:

- 8 New Songs
- 50+ New Avatar Items
- Extended Story Mode
- Big Game Renewal!
- Crazy Dynamic Mode (individual, team)
- Beatup & Union Battle Party Reset Items

Redbana’s unique enthusiasm to create frequent game updates and upgrades in sync with Audition’s outstandingly energetic attitude ensures an online game that is fun for everyone.

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

Sony and WildStorm have teamed up with best-selling fantasy author J.S. Lewis to adapt the smash hit MMO, Free Realms (www.FreeRealms.com), to the comic page! This 12-issue comic book series mirrors the nonstop action of the game, offering exciting adventures, battles with vicious monsters and, of course, the allure of gorgeous fairies!

The story begins when a young boy is abducted and dragged into a darkened forest teeming with twisted monsters. It's up to a relic hunter and a pixie to save him, but their mission is cut short when a horde of troll-like creatures captures them!

On sale starting July 29th, 2009, look for Free Realms comic book issue No1 wherever comics are sold!

FEATURES:
• 32pg.
• Color
• $3.99 US
• Story by J.S. Lewis
• Art by Jon Buran and Allen Martinez
• Colors by Bill Crabtree
• Letters by Johnny Lowe
• Cover by Jon Buran and Allen Martinez
• Release Date Wed, July 29th, 2009

Land of Magic is introducing a new Treasure Chest event on July 30, 2009. A nice break away from traditional EXP Boost events, the Treasure Chest event will give players items according to the amount of time played.

New players can receive the first gift item after only 5 minutes of play time. After another ten minutes, players will receive another next gift item. As playing time doubles, players will receive another special item.

Players do not have to be logged on to the game continuously for the time to be accumulated. All players need to do is log in often to receive the special gifts. The time is reset every day during daily server maintenance. For existing players, the times needed to get these special items are longer.

The special gifts will be mostly cash shop items, some rare items and gems. In Land of Magic, gems are needed to upgrade weapons. Some lucky few will win rare weapons considered to be the most valuable items in the game.

Land of Magic is a constantly evolving MMO game that was once the top ranked online game in Korea for three straight years. Land of Magic is also one of the first games to introduce the rebirth system which allows players to reborn over and over again into the same or different professions with different results. Famous for its fast play, number of levels, numerous combinations of skills and distinct differentiation among classes, player characters are all unique in the Land of Magic.

For details, please visit NeoFun.com.

Koichi Sugiyama is renowned across the world for the expansive orchestral work he's contributed to the Dragon Quest series. Lesser known is the fact that he's a boardmember on JASRAC, a copyright collection agency that's the equivalent of the RIAA in Japan, and he frequently comments to the media about copyright and piracy issues. (These often don't get reported on as much as his more conservative, nationalistic comments, such as that time in 2007 when he spearheaded a full-page ad in the Washington Post disputing Japan's involvement with "comfort women" during World War II.)

Dragon Quest IX may have sold 3 million copies in Japan within two days of launching, but that hasn't kept Sugiyama from getting steaming mad over gamers using flash-RAM carts to play the RPG for free. "The way I see it, it's like selling a set of thieves' tools," he commented to Famitsu magazine this week. "If you make off with a physical item, everybody knows that's a crime. If you stole an apple from a fruit stand, then you're plainly committing the crime of shoplifting; going into someone's house and taking their jewelry is robbery. Everyone is conscious of the fact that stealing what's in front of you is a crime, but with something that's not in plain sight, like intellectual property, a lot of people fail to understand what the issue is."

Going into people's houses unannounced and rifling through all their possessions in search of herbs and gold is one of Dragon Quest's more amusing hallmarks, but Sugiyama doesn't have much respect for people who have no problem emulating that in real life. "I'd like them to see this property the same way they'd see physical property," he said. "Looking at how aware the world's nations are of copyright, I'm sad to say that I have the impression Japan is lagging behind. The more advanced a nation, generally the more respectful of copyright they are, but I would not call Japan at all advanced in this regard."

Sugiyama's reputation for being outspoken has made him an easy target for criticism among Japanese gamers, similar to litigious anti-violence activist Jack Thompson over here. "[Internet] opinions don't make me angry -- they inspire me to try harder," the composer responded in the Famitsu interview. "It's hard to say if the anti-copyright crowd is a small group or actually the majority, but let's say they compose about 20 percent of users, and another 20 percent completely and fully support copyright. That leaves 60 percent of users without a clear view on the law, and there's the chance that the 20 percent with outrageous opinions will drag that 60 percent to their side. I've seen that phenomenon in several cases, so you can't ignore it just because you think it's a tiny minority at work. These are all hypothetical figures, but the real battle here will be how to appeal to this large group of people without a solid opinion on copyright."

A revision to Japan's copyright legislation passed in May means that as of January 1, 2010, it will be expressly against the law to download pirated software in the nation, in addition to uploading it. Downloading will not be an arrestable offense and holds no criminal penalties, but if a game publisher felt like it, they could track illegal downloaders and take them to civil court for damages, much as the RIAA has tried to do with music downloaders in the US.

Sugiyama isn't all that satisfied with this new law, however. "Selling pirated games or offering them for download on the Internet puts you afoul of the law, but selling the RAM cartridges themselves is tough to restrict by law," he said. "With the revisions to copyright law taking effect next year, using a RAM cartridge to commit intellectual property theft will be a crime, but actually arresting someone for it will be extremely difficult. It may be time to consider some other sort of legal restriction."

Source: 1up

Sales of Dragon Quest IX have now topped three million, according to figures from Famitsu publisher Enterbrain.

The DS RPG has sold 3.2 million copies in Japan since its launch on July 11; a number which Agence France-Presse is reporting makes it the fastest-selling game on Nintendo's handheld to date.

Just two days after its release, the title had sold over 2.3 million units with sales of the DSi console increasing twofold as a result.

The wait is over as old-school hero Nathan Spencer gets a 3D makeover with today’s release of Bionic Commando for Windows PCs.

Bionic Commando is rated by the ESRB as Mature and is available now on store shelves in North America for $39.99 for Windows PCs or through various online distribution platforms, including the Capcom e-Store and Steam.

Features:

* Use the bionic arm to swing between towering skyscrapers at breathtaking speed, hook onto distant objects, zip up on hanging girders and choose your own route through the game
* Gameplay that moves through horizontal and vertical environments - a 3D game that truly uses all three dimensions Full multiplayer mode with rich stat-tracking to check whether you’re a true commando or a lowly private
* Use the power of the bionic arm - and of next-gen physics - to realistically throw massive objects, pummel opponents, whip enemies into the air, or pull the landscape apart
* Arm yourself with a variety of weapons worthy of a Bionic Commando
* Starring Mike Patton, the former lead singer of Faith No More, as the voice of Nathan Spencer
* Developed by Swedish studio GRIN, developers of the highly acclaimed Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter series for PC

Meanwhile, Bionic Commando Rearmed became available today via Steam. Regularly $10, Bionic Commando Rearmed can be purchased in a bundle through Steam with Bionic Commando for $44.99.

Deep Silver have just released a new trailer with scenes from the game, presenting many different aspects of the RPG. The new trailer is accompanied by the song "The Poet and the Pendulum" from Nightwish, the most successful symphonic/gothic metal band world-wide.

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.

A Whole New Dimension of Horror Comes to PC Fans
Capcom is pleased to announce that Resident Evil 5 for the PC will release on September 18th, 2009 across European territories. PC gamers will get the ultimate Resident Evil package in the new PC version as new features will include NVIDIA’s new GeForce 3D Vision technology (wireless 3D Vision glasses sold separately), new costumes and a new and improved mercenaries mode with three times as many enemies.

Fans that pick up the PC version will be the first to experience stereoscopic 3D out of screen effects as their living rooms are transformed into the world of Kijuju. Infected Majini coming at players from every angle, dust flying in and out of screen and the scariest bosses to date are taken up a notch. Resident Evil 5 PC is a whole new level of fear players will never forget. The game also supports Stereoscopic 3D in all of its cut scenes – an industry first.

These groundbreaking stereoscopic 3D effects were developed in close cooperation with NVIDIA, which resulted in the game being part of NVIDIA’s “The Way It’s Meant To Be Played” partnership program. Resident Evil fans can check out the 3D action for themselves today as a new stereo 3D tech demo with benchmark is available to download today on NVIDIA’s official site at - http://www.nzone.com/object/nzone_re5_downloads.html.

To find out more info on NVIDIA’s GeForce 3D Vision technology, click on the link here, http://www.nvidia.com/3dvision/.

As part of First Star Software’s celebration of 2009 as the 25th Anniversary of Boulder Dash, DotEmu and First Star Software, Inc. are proud to announce the launch of the first free, Ad-supported, Boulder Dash game now available at : http://www.easyretro.com/play/334/boulder_dash_arcade-first_star_software.html

Since its initial release, in 1984, there have been four versions of Boulder Dash released into the coin-operated arcades. Ported by DotEmu and Co-published by First Star Software, Inc. this Arcade version is the best known, most popular of them all!

In each of the 24 levels, as you play in all 6 worlds, you must clear a path and collect the number of diamonds required in order to open the exit. Along the way, you'll encounter boulders, brick walls, magic walls, the growing amoeba, numerous enemies and much more. Boulder Dash-Arcade Web Edition is playable with the keyboard; but also, with the mouse, improving original gameplay and broaden the appeal to more casual players who are used to a ‘mouse-only’ interface.

- Several millions of units have been sold in the Boulder Dash series, and we are very happy to have the opportunity to make this classic available again, and for the first time, on the Internet. In addition, the casual game play will be enjoyed by both retro-gamers as well as news players.», Xavier Liard, DotEmu CEO.

- We’re very excited to be working with DotEmu as we prepare to launch several Ad supported, ‘free-to-play’ titles, including Boulder Dash-Arcade Web Edition and others in the Boulder Dash series. We see these free, browser versions of Boulder Dash as yet another way to feature the brand and to support the recent release of new games in the series, on SmartPhones; for Windows and Mac, etc.» added Richard M. Spitalny, First Star Software’ President.

Rumble Fighter, a compelling and fast-paced online mixed martial arts Fighting game is launching today in Europe. PC gamers from all over the continent can sign up NOW, create a character and start fighting TODAY, absolutely FREE of charge. Just visit this website http://rf.ogplanet.eu to register.
Casual MMO publisher OGPlanet today announced the official launch of its first European game, Rumble Fighter. Following a successful Beta period, all European PC gamers are now invited to join forces with friends in the rumble zone, in battles of up to 8 players.

Unlike other Multiplayer Online Games that charge subscription fees, Rumble Fighter allows gamers unlimited access to the battle zone free of charge. Players can upgrade and purchase a large variety of items and skills to enhance and personalise their game play experience. This is done by either earning carats, Rumble Fighters’ in-game currency, through participating and winning battles or by buying Astro’s, OGPlanet’s virtual currency.

To celebrate the full launch of Rumble Fighter, OGPlanet will be giving all players a random in-game Astro item. All players who will have logged in before Sunday, August 2nd at 23;59 will receive their very own surprise!

“Since we opened our Beta trial to all European gamers, Rumble Fighter has received great feedback and our top priority now is to continue offering a high-quality, user friendly game,” stated Stephan Ansari, VP of European Operations. “With our dedicated European client, we can offer a more personalised gaming experience making Rumble Fighter an exciting Multiplayer Online Game (MOG) that blends social online community experiences with casual, easy to pick-up gameplay.”

Gamers are invited to create an online character with a unique fighting style and virtual personality, then scrap it out, online to the bitter end against fighters from all over the Europe.

Pit your fighting wits against fighters throughout Europe across numerous feature-rich 3D environments using a wide variety of fighting techniques and in-game weapons and items.

Rumble Fighter’s Features:
o Free to download and play
o Fully customisable – change your character’s appearance and choose its fighting style and techniques
o Solo and Team modes- choose to battle alone or join forces with friends
o Up to 8 players in the same room
o Easy to learn – casual and fun gameplay makes Rumble Fighter easy to understand and quick to get to grips with
o Hardcore Gamer or Casual Fighter – Rumble Fighter is exciting for players of all abilities, from the “Casual” to the “Hardcore”
o Transform – Rumble Fighter’s unique “ExoCore” systems enables players to evolve during battle and further enhance their character’s attributes
o Upgrade with Astros – use in-game points known as Carats or buy OGPlanet’s universal cyber currency Astros to further customise your characters and buy new techniques, weapons and other items
o Rich graphics – Rumble Fighter’s custom-built graphics engine utilises cell shading techniques and pre-rendered global illumination map textures, creating vibrant rich imagery inspired by Japanese animé
o Available to PC users in Europe from today.

Puzzle Lab announces the release of Posh Boutique 2, a sequel of a great time management hit. Alicia successfully developed her own chain of posh boutiques and went on a vacation. Hardly had the plane landed, when she found out, that she had won a lottery prize of $1,000,000! Full of enthusiasm, she cancelled her vacation and decided to start another chain of boutiques in a new area. The gameplay is basically the same as in the first Posh Boutique, but there are also some new features, making the process of running the boutique business even more fascinating. VIP mini-games will entertain you after a busy day devoted to time management.

Acting as Alicia, you serve customers who come to your store to buy something. You take them to fitting rooms, to the sunglasses rack or to other accessories, depending on what they would like to purchase. To deliver excellent customer service, follow the icons above each customer's head - they display the desired item. Once you have taken the customer to the right place, you should choose the right item from the assortment of goods. Unlike the first Posh Boutique, Posh Boutique 2 features several ways of selection: skimming, picking one of nine items and picking an item from the conveyor belt. Finally the customer should be taken to the check-out counter to pay for his purchases.

For each day there is a goal to earn a certain amount of money. Later on you can spend it on hiring an assistant or on upgrading equipment in order to serve the customers faster and to make them more patient. By the way, the patience level of each customer is also displayed above the heads in the form of smileys. The more content a customer is when leaving the boutique, the more money you earn! So do not make them wait for too long, otherwise the customers can lose their patience and leave without paying. Apart from upgrades, you can also spend money on store window design to attract more customers.

Of course, there are various types of customers, and you should pay special attention to those marked as VIP. But there also two new types: journalists and couples. Couples are simply served together, but journalists are a bit troublesome. You should make efforts to cater for them well, and, in addition to this, they come to the store after the close of business. They choose goods for a boutique review and rate your store. To get a high rating (and to increase sales!) you should find required goods among those scattered all over the screen.

For various achievements Alicia gets awards and keeps them in a special trophy room. It is available at any time, so that you can enter it and see if you are successful enough! Remember that at the end of the game the trophies will bring you some extra money.

Features:

- Upgradeable equipment
- Improved time management gameplay
- New types of customers
- New ways to attract customers
- Exhilarating mini-games
- Cups and awards
- Rich graphics

Pricing and Availability

Posh Boutique 2 runs under Windows 98, ME, 2K, XP and Vista. A single-user license costs $9.95 ($4.95 if you subscribe to Puzzle Lab mailing list).

Get a taste of NBA 2K10's all-new gameplay and My Player career mode while living the life of an NBA hopeful going through the real NBA Draft Combine.

2K Sports today announced NBA 2K10: Draft Combine, a download-only title that will provide pre-season fun for basketball fans leading up to the fall launch of NBA 2K10.

Planned for release this September on Xbox LIVE Arcade for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation Network for PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system, NBA 2K10: Draft Combine will allow fans to create their own custom player with the utmost detail and, for the first time in the NBA 2K series, begin their career by experiencing the on-court life of an NBA hopeful going through the NBA Draft Combine at the world-renowned, ATTACK Athletics gym in Chicago.

“We’re giving our dedicated NBA 2K fans an incredible opportunity with NBA 2K10: Draft Combine,” said Greg Thomas, senior vice president of sports development for 2K. “Gamers will have exclusive access to online content and get to test drive NBA 2K10’s new gameplay features, advanced player progression system and the all-new My Player career mode before the game launches this fall.”

Features of NBA 2K10: Draft Combine include:

• Building custom players by working with a mentor, the 2K Insider, and increasing their NBA stock through a variety of challenging basketball drills and 5-on-5 games.
• Over 300 different signature customizations, including player-specific shooting animations, dunk and dribble packages and more to allow each created player to have his own unique personal style.
• Ability to strengthen all parts of the created player’s game with a variety of drills, such as shooting, post offense and defense, attacking the basket, dribbling, challenging shots, boxing out for rebounds and more to progress through the NBA Draft Combine.
• Organized games that will allow players to gain valuable skill points and offer a variety of specific in-game objectives that will need to be accomplished in order to gain them. At the end of each game, a full analysis will be available for gamers to review their player’s performance and strategize their further improvement.
• All players created in NBA 2K10: Draft Combine will wear a special patch on their uniform throughout the rest of that player’s career to denote that they have completed the NBA Draft Combine.
• Online leaderboards to track the highest ranking custom built players, and where a player stacks up against the competition.
• Opportunity to unlock special achievements on Xbox 360 and trophies for PLAYSTATION 3 system.
• Fans can take their custom built players from NBA 2K10: Draft Combine and use them in the all-new My Player career mode in NBA 2K10 launching this fall, allowing them to continue their journey of becoming an NBA legend.

NBA 2K10: Draft Combine, developed by Visual Concepts, is planned for release in North America, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and India this September on Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360 (400 Microsoft Points) and PlayStation Network for PLAYSTATION 3 system ($4.99).

Beginning July 28 Fans Can Wreak Havoc with the Game's Most Powerful Weapon Yet in the New Map, StormVille

GameHi announced it will begin the first open beta test for Sudden Attack, their No. 1 free-to-play first person shooter (FPS) available for players July 28 – August 17. Slated for commercial release this fall, fans who missed the closed beta can register for this first open beta 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 first open beta will be open to anyone who signs up over the next three weeks. Members of the first closed betas will not need to re-register, and will be able to keep their same account and character name.

For the first time players will get to try the Property Defense mode in the new map StormVille. Here each team must find, capture, and defend a specific area for a certain amount of time, in order to win the game. Unlike rules from other missions, the characters will respawn infinitely until the objective is met or time runs out. As well, players will have the chance to experience the game’s most powerful weapon yet, the MG43. This machine gun is Sudden Attack’s primary weapon, holding 100 rounds in a clip, the largest rounds in the game so far.

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.

Frogster’s French and Spanish Runes of Magic server is open for all players as of now. With the launch of the open beta test, MMO-interested French and Spanish players can now explore the already integrated content of the online fantasy world in their own native languages.PEGI: 12+


Following the successful shutdown of the closed beta, the servers today go back up on the net for the deciding test phase. A brief registration procedure on the official Spanish (http://www.runesofmagic.com/es/) and French (http://www.runesofmagic.com/fr/) web pages is all that is required to take part in the open beta. All adventurers who are already active in the game will keep their accounts. The download of the software is of course free of charge. Frogster will use the time leading up to the official live operation in September to optimise the localisation. A so-called ‘wipe’ – a deleting of avatars – of characters created during the open beta test will not take place.

“We are completely satisfied with the development of Runes of Magic in Spain and France,” commented Daniel Ullrich, Director of Product Management, on the closed beta’s previous performance. Above all, the key aspect of localization is progressing according to plan: “A large part of the game has already been translated for the launch of the open beta,” said Localization Manager Konstantin Drewitz: “We are optimistic that we can offer Runes of Magic as a completely localized version for the release in September.”



Runes of Magic – a world full of wizardry and adventure
The German and English versions of Runes of Magic were released on 19 March 2009. Anyone can download the online role-playing game for free at: www.runesofmagic.com and can plunge into the game world after a short registration process.

With an extensive range of features, Runes of Magic is redefining the standard for free-to-play massively multiplayer online role playing games. Runes of Magic features an absorbing story through more than 1,600 quests, in a vibrant fantasy world. Players can choose from six main classes, combined with a secondary class, presenting 30 individual combinations of character classes over all. All characters possess unique skills with impressive combo attacks and can use mounts like war horses and more.

A particularly attractive feature is the ability for players and guilds to arrange and furnish their virtual homes. Thanks to an extensive crafting and reputation system, exciting PvP and demanding dungeons and boss monsters, there is something for everyone.

Taiwanese developer Runewaker developed Runes of Magic according to western MMO standards over three years. The studio is providing new challenges for players every four to five months with free add-ons and updates. You can find more information, pictures, videos, and the game available for free download via the official website: www.runesofmagic.com.

Features
• Free-to-play: no monthly fees, free download
• Extensive dual class system (six primary and secondary classes)
• Versatile spell and attack combinations
• Enthralling background story
• More than 1,600 quests and quest series
• No zone boundaries thanks to seamless architecture
• Dungeons: Instanced, tile based, and persistent
• Individually developable skills and spells
• Armour sets with special bonuses
• Dynamic item system with hundreds of runes for upgrading
• Optional PvP system with arena battles
• Ranking system with player-ranking lists
• Multitude of unique mounts
• Epic crafting system with the ability to improve existing items
• Personalization of player houses through individual furnishing
• Reputation system
• Customisable user interface with the option to use Add-Ons
• Map and radar system to easily find dealers, resources and quests
• In-game auction houses for trading items
• Teleport-Runes for instant travel
• Mouse and keyboard controls for movement
• Regular updates with new content
• Guild castles in special zones
• Cross-server fights in three-server-battle and guild wars in development

Facts
Title: Runes of Magic
Genre: Fantasy MMORPG
Platform: Windows PC
Publisher: Frogster Online Gaming
Developer: Runewaker Entertainment Ltd.
Release: 19 March 2009

Wii Sports Resort is more than just a game: it's the sequel to the phenomenally successful Wii Sports, and marks the debut of Nintendo's MotionPlus accessory.

The original Wii Sports was a fantastic introduction to the concept of motion controls. Think about it: the Wii Remote was a radical departure from established video game controllers and without the butter smooth motion control experience of Wii Sports to light the way, the whole experiment could have easily back-fired. Of course, the game is also ridiculously fun and still stands as the quintessential Nintendo Wii experience.

Which is why a retail sequel makes so much sense. But rather than being just a simple follow up, Wii Sports Resort faces its own monumental task: familiarise Wii owners with the new MotionPlus accessory and convince them to buy yet another Wii Remote attachment. Easy enough, right?

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Wii Sports Resort: Like the real thing

Actually it is because, much like its predecessor, Wii Sports Resort makes it largely effortless for anyone to jump into one of the 12 included mini-games, and although every single game doesn't justify the use (or requirement) of the included MotionPlus adaptor, the ones that do offer a very positive advertisement for not only the accessory but the potential future of gaming on the Wii.

What makes MotionPlus so compelling is the way it enhances each mini-game; at its best, it allows you to forget that you're simply holding a piece of plastic. Each slight movement of the Wii Remote is replicated on screen, whether it's a table tennis paddle or sword in your hand. The added accuracy lets you focus on the actual motions and it adds a nice touch of realism to the experience.

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Of course, you'll still have to overcome the urge to focus on the visual representation of your actions and instead simply play like you would in real life. Resort's visual style may be eye pleasing, but following the on-screen images isn't always the best way to play.

For instance, while playing Frisbee Dog, I found myself putting up much better scores when I stopped focusing on the angle at which my Mii was holding the disc and simply motioned like I was tossing the real thing.

The same held true in Table Tennis, an improved version of the mini-game seen in Wii Play: the less I worried about the on-screen position of the paddle, the better I seemed to play. It works against many of the traditional notions we have about playing games, but it proves to be a very intuitive way to play, and both aforementioned mini-games are among the best in the package.

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Also of note are the Swordplay games. Wanna-be Jedis should be excited as Resort finally proves that a lightsaber-focused Star Wars game (or any sword-based game, for that matter) is a real possibility on the Wii. Split between duels, adventure-like Showdown stages (in which you take down waves of foes), and a Speed Slice mode where you chop up everyday items as indicated by the screen, these games finally give you nearly full 1:1 control.

It's no exaggeration to say that the standard for melee-based action games has been set and any future game that doesn't support MotionPlus will immediately be seen as a disappointment.

The MotionPlus attachment also improves the Bowling and Golf events, both of which are holdovers from the first game. The attachment gives you greater control over the spin and release of your bowling ball, making an already sharp mini-game even better. Golf has a more robust feel this time around, with nine new holes (for 18 total) and additional shot options, though it's still tough to gauge the strength of your shot, especially while putting or chipping in.

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Many of the other games make less of an impact, whether due to uninteresting gameplay or the lack of MotionPlus implementation. Wakeboarding and Power Cruising (jet ski racing) are both decent water-based events, but neither offers a particularly compelling experience. The Basketball games lack a realistic throwing motion, but the Three-Point Contest remains a decent diversion; the Pickup Game mode is just a poorly realised imitation of the real thing, however.

The Air Sports (skydiving and sightseeing/dueling in airplanes) are pleasant, relaxing counterparts to the more active events, but the remaining games, Cycling and Canoeing, both come across as Wii Fit castoffs, with constant, tiring motions and lengthy challenges.

As with its predecessor, Wii Sports Resort is best experienced with local pals (up to four players in most games), though the score-based challenges mean events like bowling, archery, and Frisbee Dog hold up well with repeated solo play.

Still, it's tough to justify the lack of online play modes or even leaderboards, especially since the game has some online implementation via the excellent option to automatically download top user-created Miis from the Check Mii Out channel for opponents and bystanders. This alone is enough to ding the overall score.

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But even without that crucial feature, Wii Sports Resort still feels like an accomplishment, not only because it offers a fun and accessible experience built around the MotionPlus attachment, but because it may very well renew optimism in those jaded by the lacklustre motion controls seen over the last couple years. It's a very strong follow-up to the original and I can only hope that upcoming titles will build on the momentum that Resort has generated.

Source: PC Advisor

DJ Jazzy Jeff, GRAMMY Award winning hip-hop and R&B record producer, actor and world famous turntablist will ascend to the virtual stage this fall in Activision and Guitar Hero's highly anticipated video game DJ Hero. In addition to joining the distinguished rank of playable characters that will appear in the game, including DJ Shadow, DJ Z-Trip, Grandmaster Flash, DJ AM and others, DJ Jazzy Jeff will shake the room and bring the party to life with his own set list featuring two exclusive mixes hand created by the legend himself - Tears for Fears "Shout" v Eric B. & Rakim "Eric B. Is President" and LL Cool J "Rock the Bells" vs. The Aranbee Pop Symphony Orchestra "Bittersweet Symphony."



"I am very, very excited DJ culture is finally getting its due. To have a song in DJ Hero is a dream come true; to be a character someone can pick up the controller and select you and play is probably the biggest thing to happen to me in my career," said DJ Jazzy Jeff. "Music is so much a part of everyone's life, DJ Hero is going to appeal to almost everybody."



Expanding upon the revolutionary easy to pick up/challenging to master gameplay mechanics developed and refined in Guitar Hero, DJ Hero delivers an all-new interactive music experience that allows players to rule the party and not only experience, but to hear music in an all-new way. With over 100 individual songs, highlighted in over 80 unique never-before-released mixes that blend genres of music, including hip-hop, R&B, pop, rock and electronica, DJ Hero delivers the most diverse and international collection of music ever assembled in a music game by incorporating anthems from legendary artists. Created exclusively for DJ Hero, the turntable controller immerses fans into DJ culture and a sea of music as they utilize and master various DJ techniques including scratching, blending, cross fading and sampling, while leaving room for creative expression with a variety of effects and player chosen samples and scratches, transforming a face in the crowd into the life of the party.

DJ Hero is being developed by FreeStyleGames for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION 3 and PlayStation 2 computer entertainment systems and the Wii system from Nintendo.

Marvel v Capcom 2 features the biggest roster of challengers to ever square off in a Capcom fighting game, a total of 56 combined brawlers from both the Capcom and Marvel universes. From the world of Capcom comes characters such as Ryu from the Street Fighter series, Jill Valentine from the Resident Evil games and unofficial company mascot Mega Man.

Marvel is represented by some of its biggest names, including the Invincible Iron Man, Captain America, the Sentinel of Liberty, and War Machine, Weapon of S.H.I.E.L.D. Players can mix and match from both worlds in order to create their own ideal three man/woman/robot/monster team-up.
Marvel VS Capcom 2 is designed to be a gateway for new players to experience the fun of fighting games while providing a deep system for hardcore fighting fans to dig into. Action is based around colorful, exaggerated attacks that include gigantic projectile attacks (such as Ryu's fireball or Dr. Doom's Plasma Beam) and high-flying aerial moves (like Spider-Man's Maximum Spider or Cammy's Killer Bee Attack). The controls are somewhat simplified from the classic six-button system at the heart of Capcom games like Street Fighter® IV, utilizing a four-button control scheme for the action, with two "assist" buttons that pull in your team members for additional support.
Due to the amazing combination of Marvel and Capcom characters and the game's celebrated fighting system and graphics, MvC2 has been a hotly sought-after title on the game collector's circuit. Previously owned copies for older game consoles have been demanding more than $100 in auctions and at specialty video game outlets. Now players who have been desperately searching out used copies of the game will be able to go hands-on and play online with the same great online experience from Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix. Additionally, Capcom has added an optional advanced visual filter that improves the overall appearance of the game and added online modes, including Ranked Matches and the popular Player "Quarter" Match, that allows up to four people to watch and chat while two others are battling it out.
Key features
Features
• Over 50 characters from the Marvel and Capcom Universes!
• 3 on 3 tag-team matches
• New online matching mode, including Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix’s “Quarter Match” mode ; enjoy the arcade experience from your console
• New optional visual filter smoothes out the game’s graphics
• Four button controls introduce new players to fighting games; compatible with the Mad Catz Street Fighter IV joysticks and Fight Pad
• Available for the first time via digital distribution on Xbox LIVE Arcade and the PlayStation Network

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.

But the balance was 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's favor. The world has been torn asunder, sinking into a vortex of disorder. As for the few surviving warriors their fates are about to be determined.

Assume the role of your favorite FINAL FANTASY characters thrown into an epic battle between light and darkness in this unique action game.

505 Games in collaboration with 1C Company have confirmed the date of the single player Xbox 360 demo for upcoming flight combat title IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds Of Prey. Gaijin Entertainment’s hotly anticipated WWII action simulator will get the demo treatment on Xbox LIVE Marketplace from 29th July, with the full release hitting UK shelves on 4th September for Xbox 360, PS3, PSP and Nintendo DS.

The IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds Of Prey demo will give players a taste of two of the game’s memorable conflict scenarios, The Battle of Britain and The Battle of the Bulge.

In Battle of Britain: Red Skies Over Dover, players are given the role of an RAF pilot commanding the legendary Mk. II Spitfire with B wing armament (two canons, four machine guns). What starts off as a routine ‘mopping up’ mission on a few stray He-111 German bombers soon develops into a fracas in which the RAF faced their finest hour. The mission demonstrates the skills required to intercept larger bombers as well as the more nimble Stuka bombers. The effective use of wingmen will become apparent as the mission unfolds and survivors will have the opportunity to land on a home airstrip.

In Battle of the Bulge: Tiger Hunt, the US Air Force P-51D Mustang is the weapon of choice as players are invited to pick off some German armour ploughing through the Ardennes. Defending FW-190 fighters will also have to be dispatched; although the Tigers are the primary target as US forces aim to stem the German advance and defend the front line. The mission will allow players to try rocket attacks on ground targets as well as sample the snow capped vistas of the December Belgian landscape.

Based around large-scale aerial combat over the ground-based military operations of World War II, variety is at the heart of the action in IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey. Players participate in the most famous confrontations of the era piloting fighters, battle planes or heavy bombers across a range of missions. There are 6 theatres of war in which to engage – The Battle of Britain, Stalingrad, Berlin, Sicily, the Battle of the Bulge and Korsun – representing the main airborne battles of World War II in Europe.

As well as taking environmental and landscape visuals to new heights by incorporating satellite technology, IL-2 also boasts a tangible damage effects engine. Players will see real-time damage to the aircraft such as holes in the wings and trail lines during dogfights.

IL2 Sturmovik: Birds Of Prey will be published by 505 Games in collaboration with 1C Company on 4th September 2009 for Xbox 360, PS3, DS and PSP. Visit the official website at www.il2game.com for all the latest information.

In the medieval universe of World of Battles, nine races fight a terrible war for world domination. Choose your side, recruit, train and equip units in order to create a powerful army able to face opposing armies created by other players.

Take part in huge battles in order to establish yourself as a warlord and progress in the online World of Battles’, ranks. Players will be free to connect for quick play and to participate in one of the many official tournaments of World of Battles.

In the game, you will discover a unique system for customizing your units and soldiers. You'll be able to personalize the appearance of each one of your soldiers with a very high level of detail. Before launching into your first battles, you'll need to prepare your troops, because if you don't, your army will surely take a beating.

Once you're ready to fight, gameplay switches to real time strategy mode. Take command of your armies and show everyone who's the greatest warlord in the war-torn battlefields of World of Battles. You can also join friends to confront other clans in titanic guild wars in which tactics and teamwork will be essential to become the most powerful army of all.

World of Battles is free and accessible to all in order to allow everyone to share an intense online gaming experience. World of Battles has higher technical ambitions than other current free internet games and a significant development budget. The game will be supported through additional services and micro-transactions which will allow players to buy customizations for troops and units.

World of Battles is currently being developed by Frogwares studio. It will be available online for free in June 2009.

In development by Epicenter Studios, "Real Heroes: Firefighter" emphasizes non-violent, game-integral puzzles and challenges that mirror the on-the-fly choices firefighters face every day.

Featuring Epicenter's proprietary "Thinking Fire" technology, blazes will seem almost alive as they not only attack structures, potential victims and firefighters, but also cause unexpected changes to the environments that will suddenly alter the player's options and strategies.

No two scenarios will play out the same way in "Real Heroes: Firefighter."

Electronic Arts unveiled the full soundtracks for Madden NFL 10, FIFA 10, NHL 10 and NBA LIVE 10. This first-ever quadruple announcement represents the sounds of this fall’s four sports franchises and affirms EA’s standing as the leaders in worldwide videogame music and marketing.

“Each EA SPORTS game is unique to every gamer that picks up the controller, we wanted to make sure the music matched each of those unique experiences,” said Steve Schnur, Electronic Arts’ Worldwide Executive for Music and Marketing. “With the big songs and huge bands in Madden NFL, bringing back the Soul of the Game to NBA LIVE, tapping into the hard hitting metal tracks of NHL and the international flavor of FIFA, this year’s EA SPORTS soundtrack line up aligns with each of the game’s unique styles.”

MADDEN NFL 10

Since 2001, the annual Madden NFL soundtrack has become music’s most essential launching pad for such artists as Avenged Sevenfold, Franz Ferdinand, Lupe Fiasco and Fallout Boy. This year, Madden NFL 10 makes the ultimate surprise play with a front-line of classics that includes Black Sabbath, 2Pac, Iron Maiden, Kid Rock, Nirvana, Public Enemy, System Of A Down and Rage Against The Machine; tracks by breakout bands Airbourne, Mastodon, and Killswitch Engage; and an exclusive new song by Cypress Hill.

The complete in-game soundtrack for Madden NFL 10:
ARTIST SONG
2Pac Can't C Me
Airbourne Heads Are Gonna Roll
Alice In Chains Them Bones
B.o.B Created A Monster
Bang Camaro Revolution
Beastie Boys Sabotage
Black Sabbath Paranoid
Cypress Hill Get ‘Em Up
Helmet Unsung
Iron Maiden Aces High
Judas Priest Painkiller
Kid Rock I Am The Bullgod
Killswitch Engage Reckoning
Korn Blind
Mastodon Divinations
Nas feat. Puff Daddy Hate Me Now
Nirvana Breed
Pantera Walk
Public Enemy Shut Em Down
Rage Against The Machine Guerrilla Radio
Set Your Goals Gaia Bleeds (Make Way for Man)
Slipknot Duality
System Of A Down Sugar
The Vanity Plan Before I Die
Young Dre The Truth Cheah Beah

NBA LIVE 10

Long recognized as the premiere showcase for diverse and innovative new music, NBA LIVE 10 features more than 80% exclusive tracks, including reinvented classics from Afrika Bambaataa, Dead Prez and Snoop Dogg, along with ground-breaking collaborations by indie-rockers Matt & Kim with the legendary De La Soul, and newcomers Mickey Factz & B.o.B. The soundtrack also spotlights never-before-heard songs from Beastie Boys and Wyclef Jean.

The complete in-game soundtrack for NBA LIVE 10:
ARTIST SONG
88 Keys feat. Colin Munroe Wake Up Call
Afrika Bambaataa feat. Why G, Mickey Factz &The Fort Knox Five Zulu! (We Don't Stop Yawl)
B.o.B. Champion
Beastie Boys Pop Your Balloon
David Banner & GQ S.P.I.T.
De La Soul La La La
Dead Prez Still Bigga Than
Embassy Music Board Overtime
Grand Puba Get It
Laza Crank It Up
Matt & Kim feat. De La Soul Daylight (Troublemaker Remix)
Matt & Kim Daylight
Mick Boogie feat. Kidz In The Hall, Donnis & Daytona Class Of Our Own
Mickey Factz & B.o.B. Mind Got Blown
Mos Def feat. Talib Kweli History
Murs feat. Kurupt & Jay Rock We Ballin'
Pete Rock When I Need It
Reflection Eternal Get Lite
Rye Rye feat. Busy Signal Get Like This
Snoop Dogg Lodi Dodi (LIVE 10)
Wale feat. Jazmine Sullivan World Tour
Wyclef Jean feat. Haitian Fresh Ballin'
Xzibit feat. BJ The Chicago Kid & Poo Bear Fanatic
Young Dre The Truth & 2Pac feat. BJ The Chicago Kid All Eyez On Me (The Truth)
Zion I Go Hard

NHL 10

NHL 10 boasts a crunching line-up of metal, indie-punk and rapcore tracks from both legendary platinum bands – including Megadeth, Scorpions, Green Day and Rancid – and breakthrough new acts such as Cancer Bats and Metalkpretty.

The complete in-game soundtrack for NHL 10:
ARTIST SONG
Alexisonfire Young Cardinals
Cancer Bats Deathsmarch
CKY Hellions On Parade
Disco Ensemble Golden Years
Drangonforce Heroes Of Our Time
Eagles Of Death Metal Anything 'Cept The Truth
Earl Greyhound Oye Vaya
Green Day Know Your Enemy
Megadeth Peace Sells
Metalkpretty Wake Up! Wake Up!
Ministry & Co-Conspirators Keys To The City (Chicago Blackhawks Theme Song)
MxPx Kids In America
Nickelback Burn It To The Ground
Papa Roach Into The Light
Priestess Raccoon Eyes
Rancid The Bravest Kids
Scorpions Rock You Like A Hurricane
Thousand Foot Krutch Fire It Up

FIFA 10

For the latest edition of the most influential global soundtrack in the world today, EA SPORTS FIFA 10 brings together genre-spanning tracks from 39 different artists representing more than 25 nations, including England, Spain, Germany, Sweden, Mexico, Brazil, Norway, New Zealand, Israel, USA and Nigeria.

The complete in-game soundtrack for FIFA 10:
ARTIST SONG COUNTRY
Adiam Dymott Miss You Sweden
Afrobots Favela Rock Brazil
Alex Metric Head Straight England
Auletta Meine Stadt Germany
Balkan Beat Box feat. Tomer Yosef and Saz Ramallah-Tel Aviv Israel
BLK JKS Lakeside South Africa
Bomba Estéreo Fuego Mexico
The BPA feat. Ashley Beedle Should I Stay Or Should I Blow England
Buraka Som Sistema feat. Pongolove Kalemba (Wegue - Wegue) Portugal
CasioKids Fot I Hose Norway
Children Collide Skeleton Dance Australia
Crookers feat. The Very Best, Two Fingers & Marina Gasolina Birthday Bash Italy
Cut Off Your Hands Happy As Can Be New Zealand
Dananananaykroyd Black Wax Scotland
Datarock Give It Up Norway
Fabri Fibra Donna Famosa Italy
Fidel Nadal International Love Argentina
Los Fabulosos Cadillacs La Luz Del Ritmo Argentina
Macaco Hacen Falta Dos Spain
Major Lazer Hold The Line USA
Marcio Local Soul Do Samba Brazil
Matt & Kim Daylight (Troublemaker Remix feat. De La Soul) USA
Metric Gold Guns Girls Canada
Mexican Institute Of Sound Alocatel Mexico
Nneka Kangpe Nigeria
Passion Pit Moth's Wings USA
Peter Bjorn And John Nothing To Worry About Sweden
Pint Shot Riot Not Thinking Straight England
Playing For Change War / No More Trouble WORLD
Rocky Dawuni Download The Revolution Ghana
Röyksopp It's What I Want Norway
Soshy Dorothy France
The Answering Machine It's Over! It's Over! It's Over! England
The Enemy UK Be Somebody England
The Temper Trap Science of Fear Australia
Tommy Sparks She's Got Me Dancing England
The Whitest Boy Alive 1517 Germany
Wyclef Jean MVP Kompa Haiti
Zap Mama Vibrations Belgium

Exkee is proud to announce its first WiiWare title, ColorZ, is now available on Nintendo Wii download platform.

ColorZ is an original action/puzzle game that takes place in a world full of colourful UFOs. Unfortunately, things have taken a downwards turn since a new virus polluted the universe and created thousands of nasty microbes. Your challenge is to attack the microbes and restore your planet back to its original vibrant self.

At the beginning of the game only red, green and blue UFOs are present and the player will be given control of one of the colours. The main rule is that one UFO can only pass through or absorb a microbe if it is made of the same colour. If not, your UFO dies. Players have to avoid colliding with microbes of different colour, sometimes changing the colour of their own by using special items.

What makes ColorZ truly addictive is that players will gradually be given control of two to three different UFO colours at once - and the ability to fuse them into a new colour of UFO. The fusion of two or more UFOs will produce a specific colour based on real-life colours – i.e. red + blue = magenta.

Control the different UFOs with the Wii Remote and the Nunchuk. Up to three people can play in cooperative mode, working together strategically to win the day and beat the virus.

D3Publisher announce that Shaun the Sheep is back for another baa-rilliant adventure in Shaun the Sheep: Off His Head, exclusively for Nintendo DS. Teaming up with Aardman Animations once more, Shaun the Sheep: Off His Head is a fantastic follow-up to the successful Shaun the Sheep video game, offering great family-friendly gameplay with an all new adventure.

In Shaun the Sheep: Off His Head the farmer is all set for a big date, but wait…..the farmer’s new toupee has gone missing! Players must help Shaun find the farmer’s toupee before it’s too late. Gamers will play as Shaun and call upon other favourite characters from the show, such as Shirley, Timmy, Bitzer and more, as they help Shaun escape the naughty pigs and other mischievous animals in a bid to rescue the missing toupee! Shaun the Sheep: Off His Head will ship to retail stores across PAL territories this Autumn.

“Shaun the Sheep: Off His Head is the highly anticipated sequel to the first Shaun the Sheep game, bringing the personality and humour of the series to life once more” said Adam Roberts, European Managing Director, D3P. “With all new gameplay elements and the familiar sheepish humour the series is known for; Shaun the Sheep: Off His Head can be enjoyed by pre schoolers, tweens, teens and Adults alike.”

Rob Goodchild, Licensing Manager at Aardman Animations, said, “We are delighted with this brilliant new offering from D3. Our in-house creative team have collaborated closely with D3’s development team to create a fantastically farcical storyline, which really captures the essence and, above all, the humour of the show. With 40 new episodes in production and some exciting new product launches across 2009/10, we are expecting a strong cross-category performance for the Shaun the Sheep brand as a whole.”

The long-awaited sequel to the legendary WWII Pacific monster strategy game is now available and it comes along with a three month sale on other 2by3 Games Pacific wargames!

the highly anticipated sequel to the legendary wargame War in the Pacific is now available! Many additional man-years of development from a dedicated and experienced team including subject matter experts and experienced programmers has resulted in an improved War in the Pacific experience across the board.

This is the entire War in the Pacific down to individual aircraft, vehicles, ships, guns and squads - more than just a game, it's an encyclopedia of the war compiled from many sources to an unmatched level of detail. Add in a much improved AI and more secure PBEM play and you have the makings of a new classic!

To coincide with the War in the Pacific release, we are also announcing a three month “Victory at Sea Sale” which offers the other 2by3 Pacific wargames at a reduced price.

War in the Pacific: Admiral’s Edition is a stand-alone release which does not require ownership of War in the Pacific. The Admiral’s Edition installation process will not overwrite original War in the Pacific files, but instead the expansion installs along side the original installation of the game and runs as a separate game.

Owners of War in the Pacific are entitled to a limited time $20 discount on War in the Pacific: Admiral’s Edition. This offer will expire three months after the release of Admiral’s Edition. To get your discount, you will need your original War in the Pacific serial number. You can trade it in for discount code at this link: http://www.matrixgames.com/discount/witp.asp . Note that each serial number is good for one discount code and once the code is retrieved, the serial number is considered used. So read the instructions on the discount code page carefully and don’t lose your code! We encourage all War in the Pacific owners to take advantage of this discount while it lasts.

The ”Victory at Sea Sale” will also last for three months after the Admiral’s Edition release and offers the following discounts: War in the Pacific is $20 off the normal price ($49.99 instead of $69.99), Uncommon Valor is $10 off the normal price ($19.99 instead of $29.99) and War Plan Orange is $10 off the normal price ($34.99 instead of $44.99). Whether you’re looking to complete your collection or you’re a new wargamer trying to get your feet wet before jumping into the Admiral’s Edition, there’s never been a better time to pick up these releases!

David Heath, Director of Operations at Matrix Games, said “We’d like to thank Henderson Field Designs for their enormous effort and tireless dedication to the War in the Pacific: Admiral’s Edition project. Whether you’re a hardcore fan playing War in the Pacific every day or you’re interested in finding out what all the buzz has been about – Admiral’s Edition will deliver quality and immersive gameplay at a level of detail and realism you can’t get anywhere else! A warning though, this is a very advanced wargame and not for the faint of heart!”

The individual features and improvements to Admiral’s Edition are far too numerous to mention in total in this announcement, but the highlights alone should grab the attention of any War in the Pacific fan.

The Entire War in the Pacific on One Map! – If you thought the original map was something to behold, wait until you see the new one! Completely redone to a 40 nautical mile per hex scale (instead of the original 60 mile per hex scale) and with the original distance distortions and inaccuracies greatly reduced, this is the most accurate and most stunning map of the theater ever created. In addition, the smaller scale has allowed us to add a number of important bases that would not fit in the larger scale, but which played a key role in the strategy of various operations. On top of that, Admiral’s Edition now has off-map movement through map edge boxes representing major bases across the world, allowing more realistic movement of Allied assets and arrival of reinforcements and resources.

The War At Sea – A waypoint system has now been added for Task Force movement, with up to three waypoints possible. These can also be used to define a patrol zone with loiter times. Waypoints can also be used for automated convoys along with a “return same route” option, making setting up your supply routes easier than ever. Task Force Movement is now handled on a hex by hex basis, with mid-ocean intercepts now possible! Many additional ship classes have been added and the entire naval order of battle has been overhauled with new ships, new subs (including midget subs for the Japanese) and new devices.

The entire upgrade system is now much more capable, allowing conversion of ships between classes as well as multiple upgrade levels (for example, a US Navy four stack destroyer can now convert to APD, AVD, DM or DMS, as the player wishes). Ports have also been reworked to allow for realistic limits for ability to handle ships, cargo and repairs, with much more control given to the player on how repairs are managed (especially at shipyards).

Shore bombardment, landing craft, major and minor ship damage, Engine vs. System damage, brand new ship art and improved task force and ship displays are just some of the many additional improvements!

The War in the Air – The air combat, pilot replacement and training systems of the original War in the Pacific have all been revisited and improved for the Admiral’s Edition. CAP is now partly in the air and partly scrambled, based on your CAP percentage, radar, climb rate, HQs and other factors. Fighters now have new more realistic air combat ratings, with maneuver adjusted based on altitude bands and top speed factored into relative maneuver calculations, to allow both styles of air combat to have their due. The end result is a better simulation of the historical matchups and less of the “uber CAP” that could happen in the original release.

On top of that, plane damage is now tracked across turns and each plane type is assigned a service rating which affects the difficulty of keeping that plane repaired, maintained and in the air. In addition to ops losses, perpetually damaged planes can now become “write offs” with their parts scavenged to make other planes operational. Operational losses overall are now at a higher, more realistic level for the Pacific theater. Fog of war also now applies to the indicator for enemy planes at a base as well and air balance and bomber/escort assignment depends on what you actually know of the enemy’s air power.

Pilots are now rated in a dozen different skill levels and can no longer gain the equivalent of combat experience by flying non-combat missions. Combined with a much more realistic multi-pool pilot training and reserve system, this eliminates certain balance loopholes that could cause unrealistic training rates.

Barrage balloons, blimps, over 500 airplane types, new aircraft art, more realistic coordination limits, configurable resize for squadrons and tracking of air attack vectors for ship flak are some of the many additional improvements!

The War on Land – From the original War in the Pacific’s eight terrain types, the Admiral’s Edition now has up to sixteen and transportation is now handled based on hex-sides rather than hexes, allowing for realistic land movement rates. A new dynamic hex-side and hex zone of control system also ensures realistic control over directions of movement and retreat. Land units now have several modes, rather than just a few – Combat, Movement, Strategic Movement, Reserve, Rest and Disorganized combine to give the player more choices to make about the stance and effectiveness of his land units. A division in Reserve will be able to Pursue, while a Division in Combat will be able to fight much more effectively and a division in Strategic Movement will be able to use rail movement, for example.

Tactical movement also now allows plotting and executing moves from any one hex to any adjacent hex – supply routes no longer need to be followed. Improved fog of war, limitations on fort construction, forced withdrawals and disbands and overstacking rules for atolls and small islands are some of the additional improvements that bring the land combat aspect of the Admiral’s Edition to a new level!

The War at Home – Economy and Industry have also been improved to more accurately simulate the wartime economies, with the addition of Light Industry and Oil Refinery centers and the removal of fuel and supply production from Resource and Oil centers. These changes allow for more realistic economies while keeping the game balance at a historical level. Moving the arrival of some off-map resources to off-map bases, requiring them to be transported on map also removes some issues, such as with Karachi. The end result is an economy that is not significantly more complex, but works more historically.

The Grand Campaign – All of these improvements will come wrapped up with a new full campaign scenario as well as five other scenarios, ranging in size from smaller to larger, many never before done for the War in the Pacific engine! The new campaign and scenarios are based on new, thorough and painstaking research to place every starting historical land, naval and air unit where it was historically and to do the same for reinforcements and withdrawals, to maintain a historical balance of forces. The new orders of battle, planes, ships and devices represent a leap forward in realism and historicity from War in the Pacific, which set the benchmark when it was first released.

The Editor – Finally, scenario and mod-makers will rejoice at the entirely new editor, built from the ground up for the Admiral’s Edition. This editor significantly increases the number of slots available for both devices and locations, has text search, auto-refresh of units from changes TO&Es, display of art work for ships and planes, enables editor-defined LCU breakdowns and task force contents. It also allows viewing of the contents of a given hex for the entire scenario being worked on (including reinforcements). The editor also allows you to upgrade the complete TO&E of a unit at a specified date, which is used to good effect in the new scenarios and campaign to allow 2-5 TO&Es for a division, for example, rather than having to abstract those into one for the entire war.

War in the Pacific: Admiral's Edition includes all of these great new features and improvements, along with a host of minor fixes, while maintaining the same great gameplay and game balance that gamers have enjoyed for years in War in the Pacific.

As our first "Collector's Edition", the boxed version also comes with a Full Color Printed 330 page manual!

Get more information on War in the Pacific – Admiral’s Edition from its official product page. War in the Pacific – Admiral’s Edition is a standalone release and does not require War in the Pacific to install and play.

GameTap is pleased to announce the renewal and expansion of its distribution partnership with Ubisoft Entertainment. This agreement extends to GameTap the rights for distribution and sale of Ubisoft games through GameTap’s games-on-demand subscription service and its digital retail store.

As part of this agreement, GameTap will continue offering gamers their beloved Ubisoft franchises like Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell, Heroes of Might and Magic, Far Cry, and Prince of Persia. In addition to renewing these proven hits, GameTap will update its Ubisoft library with over 50 new games. These exciting new additions include hit titles such as:

• Assassin’s Creed
• Far Cry 2
• Heroes of Might and Magic V
• Brothers in Arms: Road To Hill 30, Earned In Blood, Hell’s Highway
• Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Vegas,
• Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Vegas 2
• Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter
• Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2

GameTap’s burgeoning digital retail shop will offer an even larger selection of Ubisoft titles available for purchase and download. Ubisoft games started arriving in the shop on June 23, 2009 with the release of Tom Clancy’s H.A.W.X. and Prince Of Persia. This represents the first time Ubisoft’s games have been available for sale from the re-vamped GameTap shop.

“We are pleased to be able to offer our subscribers more of the kinds of games they love to play,” said GameTap US General Manager, Sene Sorrow. “Ubisoft games have always performed well for GameTap, and we are excited to grow this partnership,”

“We are excited to add more of Ubisoft’s top notch games into GameTap’s network, for both full game downloads and improved subscription based offerings,” said Andy Swanson, senior director of strategic sales and partnerships at Ubisoft. “We look forward to offering consumers yet another opportunity to play our award-winning franchises and receive our games digitally.”

Ubisoft’s ongoing relationship with GameTap has for years provided GameTap subscribers with top quality, high performing titles that are consistently ranked as favorites by their users. Through our partnerships with industry leaders like Ubisoft and these new additions to our ever-growing catalog of games, GameTap further cements its position as the best value in gaming.

Paradox Interactive is proud to announce today that production has completed on Hearts of Iron 3. The third installment of the popular World War II strategy series, Hearts of Iron 3 is ready to invade North American retail shelves and all major digital download portals on August 7th. The game will hit stores in the UK and Scandinavia on August 14th and Germany and France on August 28th.

Featuring rich battle simulations that occur throughout 1936-1948, Hearts of Iron 3 will appeal to both veteran players and newcomers alike with brand new features, including a huge game map with more than 14,000 land and sea provinces. Players will soon have the opportunity to put their battle plans into action and take control of countries ranging from larger superpowers such as Russia or the United States, to smaller nations such as Costa Rica.

To read more about Hearts of Iron 3, please visit www.paradoxplaza.com.

Matrix Games (www.matrixgames.com), 2by3 Games (www.2by3games.com) and Henderson Field Designs are thrilled to announce that the highly anticipated sequel to the legendary wargame War in the Pacific is now available! Many additional man-years of development from a dedicated and experienced team including subject matter experts and experienced programmers has resulted in an improved War in the Pacific experience across the board. This is the entire War in the Pacific down to individual aircraft, vehicles, ships, guns and squads - more than just a game, it's an encyclopedia of the war compiled from many sources to an unmatched level of detail. Add in a much improved AI and more secure PBEM play and you have the makings of a new classic!

To coincide with the War in the Pacific release, we are also announcing a three month “Victory at Sea Sale” which offers the other 2by3 Pacific wargames at a reduced price.

War in the Pacific: Admiral’s Edition is a stand-alone release which does not require ownership of War in the Pacific. The Admiral’s Edition installation process will not overwrite original War in the Pacific files, but instead the expansion installs along side the original installation of the game and runs as a separate game.

Owners of War in the Pacific are entitled to a limited time $20 discount on War in the Pacific: Admiral’s Edition. This offer will expire three months after the release of Admiral’s Edition. To get your discount, you will need your original War in the Pacific serial number. You can trade it in for discount code at this link: http://www.matrixgames.com/discount/witp.asp . Note that each serial number is good for one discount code and once the code is retrieved, the serial number is considered used. So read the instructions on the discount code page carefully and don’t lose your code! We encourage all War in the Pacific owners to take advantage of this discount while it lasts.

The ”Victory at Sea Sale” will also last for three months after the Admiral’s Edition release and offers the following discounts: War in the Pacific is $20 off the normal price ($49.99 instead of $69.99), Uncommon Valor is $10 off the normal price ($19.99 instead of $29.99) and War Plan Orange is $10 off the normal price ($34.99 instead of $44.99). Whether you’re looking to complete your collection or you’re a new wargamer trying to get your feet wet before jumping into the Admiral’s Edition, there’s never been a better time to pick up these releases!

David Heath, Director of Operations at Matrix Games, said “We’d like to thank Henderson Field Designs for their enormous effort and tireless dedication to the War in the Pacific: Admiral’s Edition project. Whether you’re a hardcore fan playing War in the Pacific every day or you’re interested in finding out what all the buzz has been about – Admiral’s Edition will deliver quality and immersive gameplay at a level of detail and realism you can’t get anywhere else! A warning though, this is a very advanced wargame and not for the faint of heart!”

The individual features and improvements to Admiral’s Edition are far too numerous to mention in total in this announcement, but the highlights alone should grab the attention of any War in the Pacific fan.

The Entire War in the Pacific on One Map! – If you thought the original map was something to behold, wait until you see the new one! Completely redone to a 40 nautical mile per hex scale (instead of the original 60 mile per hex scale) and with the original distance distortions and inaccuracies greatly reduced, this is the most accurate and most stunning map of the theater ever created. In addition, the smaller scale has allowed us to add a number of important bases that would not fit in the larger scale, but which played a key role in the strategy of various operations. On top of that, Admiral’s Edition now has off-map movement through map edge boxes representing major bases across the world, allowing more realistic movement of Allied assets and arrival of reinforcements and resources.

The War At Sea – A waypoint system has now been added for Task Force movement, with up to three waypoints possible. These can also be used to define a patrol zone with loiter times. Waypoints can also be used for automated convoys along with a “return same route” option, making setting up your supply routes easier than ever. Task Force Movement is now handled on a hex by hex basis, with mid-ocean intercepts now possible! Many additional ship classes have been added and the entire naval order of battle has been overhauled with new ships, new subs (including midget subs for the Japanese) and new devices.

The entire upgrade system is now much more capable, allowing conversion of ships between classes as well as multiple upgrade levels (for example, a US Navy four stack destroyer can now convert to APD, AVD, DM or DMS, as the player wishes). Ports have also been reworked to allow for realistic limits for ability to handle ships, cargo and repairs, with much more control given to the player on how repairs are managed (especially at shipyards).

Shore bombardment, landing craft, major and minor ship damage, Engine vs. System damage, brand new ship art and improved task force and ship displays are just some of the many additional improvements!

The War in the Air – The air combat, pilot replacement and training systems of the original War in the Pacific have all been revisited and improved for the Admiral’s Edition. CAP is now partly in the air and partly scrambled, based on your CAP percentage, radar, climb rate, HQs and other factors. Fighters now have new more realistic air combat ratings, with maneuver adjusted based on altitude bands and top speed factored into relative maneuver calculations, to allow both styles of air combat to have their due. The end result is a better simulation of the historical matchups and less of the “uber CAP” that could happen in the original release.

On top of that, plane damage is now tracked across turns and each plane type is assigned a service rating which affects the difficulty of keeping that plane repaired, maintained and in the air. In addition to ops losses, perpetually damaged planes can now become “write offs” with their parts scavenged to make other planes operational. Operational losses overall are now at a higher, more realistic level for the Pacific theater. Fog of war also now applies to the indicator for enemy planes at a base as well and air balance and bomber/escort assignment depends on what you actually know of the enemy’s air power.

Pilots are now rated in a dozen different skill levels and can no longer gain the equivalent of combat experience by flying non-combat missions. Combined with a much more realistic multi-pool pilot training and reserve system, this eliminates certain balance loopholes that could cause unrealistic training rates.

Barrage balloons, blimps, over 500 airplane types, new aircraft art, more realistic coordination limits, configurable resize for squadrons and tracking of air attack vectors for ship flak are some of the many additional improvements!

The War on Land – From the original War in the Pacific’s eight terrain types, the Admiral’s Edition now has up to sixteen and transportation is now handled based on hex-sides rather than hexes, allowing for realistic land movement rates. A new dynamic hex-side and hex zone of control system also ensures realistic control over directions of movement and retreat. Land units now have several modes, rather than just a few – Combat, Movement, Strategic Movement, Reserve, Rest and Disorganized combine to give the player more choices to make about the stance and effectiveness of his land units. A division in Reserve will be able to Pursue, while a Division in Combat will be able to fight much more effectively and a division in Strategic Movement will be able to use rail movement, for example.

Tactical movement also now allows plotting and executing moves from any one hex to any adjacent hex – supply routes no longer need to be followed. Improved fog of war, limitations on fort construction, forced withdrawals and disbands and overstacking rules for atolls and small islands are some of the additional improvements that bring the land combat aspect of the Admiral’s Edition to a new level!

The War at Home – Economy and Industry have also been improved to more accurately simulate the wartime economies, with the addition of Light Industry and Oil Refinery centers and the removal of fuel and supply production from Resource and Oil centers. These changes allow for more realistic economies while keeping the game balance at a historical level. Moving the arrival of some off-map resources to off-map bases, requiring them to be transported on map also removes some issues, such as with Karachi. The end result is an economy that is not significantly more complex, but works more historically.

The Grand Campaign – All of these improvements will come wrapped up with a new full campaign scenario as well as five other scenarios, ranging in size from smaller to larger, many never before done for the War in the Pacific engine! The new campaign and scenarios are based on new, thorough and painstaking research to place every starting historical land, naval and air unit where it was historically and to do the same for reinforcements and withdrawals, to maintain a historical balance of forces. The new orders of battle, planes, ships and devices represent a leap forward in realism and historicity from War in the Pacific, which set the benchmark when it was first released.

The Editor – Finally, scenario and mod-makers will rejoice at the entirely new editor, built from the ground up for the Admiral’s Edition. This editor significantly increases the number of slots available for both devices and locations, has text search, auto-refresh of units from changes TO&Es, display of art work for ships and planes, enables editor-defined LCU breakdowns and task force contents. It also allows viewing of the contents of a given hex for the entire scenario being worked on (including reinforcements). The editor also allows you to upgrade the complete TO&E of a unit at a specified date, which is used to good effect in the new scenarios and campaign to allow 2-5 TO&Es for a division, for example, rather than having to abstract those into one for the entire war.

War in the Pacific: Admiral's Edition includes all of these great new features and improvements, along with a host of minor fixes, while maintaining the same great gameplay and game balance that gamers have enjoyed for years in War in the Pacific.

As our first "Collector's Edition", the boxed version also comes with a Full Color Printed 330 page manual!

Get more information on War in the Pacific – Admiral’s Edition from its official product page. War in the Pacific – Admiral’s Edition is a standalone release and does not require War in the Pacific to install and play.

The Indie Games Arcade returns to the Eurogamer Expo this year, with more than a dozen of the best and most interesting indie games and projects on show.

Organised by Pixel-Lab and Eurogamer, the Indie Games Arcade will be happening at both Eurogamer Expo events - in Leeds on the 27th and 28th of October, and as part of London Games Festival on the 30th and 31st of October.

The Indie Games Arcade will feature a raft of well-known and not so well known indie games, including games from Tunatech, Introversion, Robert Fearon, Hayden Scott-Baron, Rudolf Kremers and Alex May.

Rupert Loman, managing director of Eurogamer said, "The Indie Games Arcade is an important part of the Eurogamer Expo. It puts gamers in touch with games they might not otherwise find out about, and helps independent developers reach new gamers and attract press coverage that they wouldn’t otherwise be able to get. We’re delighted to bring it back this year with the help of Pixel-Lab.”

David Hayward, Project Coordinator for Pixel-Lab said, "Not everyone is well known or has a huge marketing budget, but there's a lot of indie talent based right here in the UK. A lot of this work steps outside of the commercial mainstream of games and constitutes an important contribution to the culture of games. I'm really pleased to be putting such a lot of interesting work on show again this year."

As well as beloved and anticipated commercial indie titles, there will also be a selection of the most interesting and unusual non-commercial games that can be found.

The Indie Games Arcade microsite is here: http://pixel-lab.co.uk/indiegamesarcade

Leading Eastern and Central European publisher 1C Company and Battlefront.com are excited to announce a new expansion pack for the critically acclaimed Theatre of War 2: Africa 1943, the tactical World War II title.

The expansion pack will be available later this year via download and/or mail delivery for $25.00 at www.battlefront.com. Ownership of the original Theatre of War 2: Africa 1943 is required.

The new expansion pack, Theatre of War 2 - Centauro is dedicated to the 131st Armored Division Centauro and the battles it took part in North Africa starting from December 1942 till mid-May 1943. The 131st Armored Division Centauro (in Italian: 131ª Divisione Corazzata "Centauro") was an armored division of the Italian Army during World War II. The pack features a new campaign and covers missions from rearguard actions near El Ageyla in Libya to the battles in Tunisia. New desert and mountain landscapes of North Africa will be available on ten new maps accurately reconstructed according to historical documents. There will also be ten new missions based on real battles in Tunisia allowing would-be Generals to command counterattacks, breakthroughs, flanking manuevers, hardened defenses and stealthy ambushes. Ten new military vehicles will also make their debut in this expansion including the Semovente M40 tank destroyer, the Carro Armato M13/40 medium tank, the Autoblinda AB 40 armored car, and many more. For more information please go the official website at www.battlefront.com/tow2.

Theatre of War II is considered to be the most realistic simulation of modern battle ever played on a PC. Covering the events of 1943 during the operations in Tunisia players have the option to lead the German Afrika Korps of Rommel in their last full-scale attack or be at the head of the opposing English and American armies, led by Montgomery and Eisenhower, during 15 missions in three campaigns.

Aspyr Media and LucasArts will bring the hit game Star Wars - The Force Unleashed to PC and Mac gamers for the first time ever with the release of Star Wars The Force Unleashed: Ultimate Sith Edition this Fall. Developed for PC and Mac and published in North America by Aspyr, Star Wars The Force Unleashed: Ultimate Sith Edition combines the original Star Wars The Force Unleashed videogame with three new levels set in iconic Star Wars locales and a host of new costumes and character models.

This special edition of the game will show players the deepest, darkest side of the Force in a story that puts them on a collision course with Luke Skywalker himself.

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed completely re-imagines the scope and scale of the Force and casts players as Darth Vader’s “Secret Apprentice,” unveiling new revelations about the Star Wars galaxy seen through the eyes of this mysterious new character, who is armed with unprecedented powers. Originally released on multiple platforms in September 2008, the game quickly became the fastest-selling Star Wars game ever, and has since sold six million units worldwide.

About The Extra Content
The first of the three additional single-player missions included in the Ultimate Sith Edition is set in the Jedi Temple on the planet Coruscant. In this mission, Darth Vader’s Secret Apprentice turns to the Jedi Temple to learn more about his father, and while searching through the rubble of the destroyed building he must confront his inner demons.

The second extra mission continues the story of The Force Unleashed in a new “Infinities” storyline that takes the Star Wars Saga in an entirely new direction. The level begins at the end of the story of The Force Unleashed and re-imagines the Star Wars Saga as if the Secret Apprentice had taken Darth Vader’s place at the Emperor’s side, becoming the most powerful Sith Lord in the universe. The story picks up as the Emperor sends his new apprentice to Tatooine to dispatch Obi-Wan Kenobi – who has been hiding on the planet ever since the events of Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith. During their hunt for the reclusive Jedi, players will also explore the depths of Jabba the Hutt’s palace and encounter notorious bounty hunter Boba Fett.

The final new level concludes the “Infinities” storyline set up in the Tatooine mission, as the Secret Apprentice is sent to the planet Hoth on a crusade to crush the Rebellion once and for all. While on Hoth, players face Luke Skywalker himself while visiting iconic locations seen in Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back.

Additional added content includes new costumes for the Secret Apprentice and new character models that allow gamers to play as one of many legendary Star Wars characters including Luke Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, Count Dooku, Jango Fett and C-3PO.

The new DLC character pack for Tripwire’s hit co-op zombie-killer Killing Floor is now available for purchase and download on Steam. The pack contains 4 new playable characters for you to enjoy. The four characters are:

• Agent Wilkes: One of Horzine’s own security guards, still in his uniform, enhanced with Horzine’s own Mark 7 combat suit.
• Foundry Worker Aldridge: A welder who managed to survive the zombie onslaught inside the Foundry, still in his working gear.
• DJ Scully: Ex British army soldier, moonlighting as an underground DJ when the apocalypse hit.
• Dr Gary Glover: Sent in as part of the emergency response team, Dr Glover managed to survive infection inside his Hazmat suit.

These characters will be available in the character selection screen in-game once purchased. For more details, head for http://store.steampowered.com/app/1256/.

And the FREE new map (Foundry) and weapons (AK-47 and the Katana) will be available soon!

Independent developer Assyria Game Studio has today revealed its debut mobile title due for release on iPhone and iPod Touch. The incredibly slick Future Racer is a high speed, anti-gravity racer boasting fully 3D environments and a wide range of fiendish tracks set to test your reflexes to the limit.

From complicated toxic sewer networks, winding forests littered with hazards and illuminated night-time cityscapes, each of the six tracks are bursting with character. Future Racer strikes the perfect balance between delivering high speed thrills and impressive visuals, without compensating style for speed.

Integrating full tilt control, the game is easy to pick up and play but difficult to master, with fiendish AI players and the ongoing pressure of racing against the clock. Moving away from combat-based pickups, Future Racer focuses purely on speed and skill, with power-ups including speed boosts and subtracting precious seconds from your finishing time.

Features

-Simple accessible controls utilise the iPhone and iPod Touch tilt functionality

-Six wildly different tracks and six racing vehicles with differing strengths and weaknesses

-Compete against fiendish AI players to unlock medals and trophies

-A collection of beneficial pick-ups to utilise throughout each race

cdv Software Entertainment USA and Ascaron Entertainment today released a new patch for the retail PC version of Sacred 2 - Fallen Angel. The new patch offers gameplay updates and addresses some of the issues listed below.

For a complete list of the contents of the patch, and to download the patch, please visit – http://www.sacred2.com.

Updates

* It is now possible to disable the camera shake via an entry in the

optionscustom.txt. The entry is: camera.cameraShake = 0

Fixes:

* Reflection damage from NPCs has been reduced
* The Sakkara demon on the "Start Island" no longer attacks the player unless he has been attacked first
* Gold and XP amounts will now be displayed using periods as the thousands separator - for example 123.456.789.000)
* When fight music is disabled, the region music will continue to play during combat
* The bonus "push rider from mount" has been removed
* Blowpipes are now able to hit mounted creatures
* Other heroes in multiplayer game sessions are now less chatty.

Sacred 2 - Fallen Angel is a hack-and-slash action-RPG with a rich story that takes place in a gigantic seamless world. This world contains massive dungeons, treacherous opponents and hundreds of challenging quests. Intelligent enemies, which adapt in number and difficulty based on player progress, challenge gamers in heroic single- and multiplayer battles.

Pirates! Adventure! Monkeys! Re-live the hilarious swashbuckling misadventures of the wannabe pirate Guybrush Threepwood as he attempts to become the most infamous pirate in the Caribbean, in The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition on your Apple iPhone or iPod Touch today, for only £4.99!

The Special Edition features new character art and hand-painted environments in the style of the original. It also features a re-recorded and re-mastered score, and the principal voice artists from The Curse of Monkey Island read the previously unspoken lines, with Dominic Armato as Guybrush, Alexandra Boyd as Elaine, and Earl Boen as LeChuck. With a new hint system, a hot-swap mode and new, improved Grog this is a must-buy for pirates everywhere! And you too!

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Real-Time Strategy (RTS) game, BattleForge, is now expanding with the BattleForge Renegade Edition card set beginning August 25th. Players will have access to legendary units and monumental buildings from the Southern Wastes region of Nyn with over 60 additional cards that will be available through “Renegade Booster Packs” in the in-game store.

Two new playable factions will be revealed, the Bandits and Stonekin, along with a host of innovative new legendary creatures. With over 60 new units and buildings being added to the BattleForge card pool, players will now be able to make their army even stronger. BattleForge is also adding dual orb cards and special affinities that will deepen and enrich the strategic possibilities for the players’ decks and combat.

Also this week, the Renegade map campaign continues with the release of Oracle, a new single player PvE scenario. In this new map, Moon provides a prophecy that will guide players to unite the fire tribes. While Moon delivers a terrible performance as an oracle, players need to provide impressive effects. When Blight’s Witch Doctor senses your plot, he interferes and will add some unforeseen challenges to the goal of uniting the fire tribes.

BattleForge is a Play4Free game that combines strategy, fantasy, trading cards and magical spells in a dynamic online environment. Combining the strategic, real-time gameplay of classics such as Command & Conquer with a fully enabled, online collectible community, BattleForge pioneers strategy gaming with its online multiplayer design and community features set. The collectible cards in the game are the tools of war -- each representing a spell, unit or building that is conjured directly onto the battlefield real time in stunning 3D graphics. BattleForge features single-player scenarios and cooperative scenarios supporting 2-12 players, as well as Player vs. Player (PvP) ranked and unranked duels. With co-op play, chat rooms, and a robust marketplace featuring direct trade, an auction hall and in-game mail, BattleForge is the first RTS to combine the social and community aspects of an MMO with an exciting RTS.

The new BattleForge Renegade Booster Packs are available at the in-game store and can be purchased for 250 BattleForge points or $2.50.

Challenge your friends with the release of pool game 8BallAllstars for the Nintendo DS 7th August 2009.

This all new pool experience is set to be the ultimate pool gaming sensation, with a whole host of fun options, which allow players to play pool, how they like, where they like, whenever they like..

With a fully customizable feature set, which includes tables, avatars and rule editors 8BallAllstarts also offers multiple international rule sets, plus several single player and multiplayer modes.

Authentic, traditional and somewhat more eccentric tables, plus challenge modes, league tables, both UK and US rule sets & loads of different game types including 3,6,8,9,10 ball make this year’s most exciting pool experience on the Nintendo DS.

Pool fun for you or your friends, 8BallAllstars is the ultimate pool game for the Nintendo DS!

8BallAllstars is out 7th August 2009

As an investigator in the NYPD, hunt down a copycat killer and try to stop a rash of murders across New York City! Work through multiple murder scenes, collecting evidence and clues, and examine the items in exciting forensic based mini-games. Put all the clues together to determine who the new Poet Killer is before another victim is found, and decide who to trust as the suspects begin to include those inside the police force.

Game walkthrough...

Unleash 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 announced that Heracles Chariot Racing is now available throughout Europe on WiiWare. Heracles Chartiot Racing is 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.

“Following on our from our successful launch in North America, we are pleased to announce that Heracles Chariot Racing is now available to gamers throughout Europe via WiiWare”, said Laurent Lichnewsky, Managing Director of Neko Entertainment, “With its super fast casting action, mytholigical tracks and enemies, split screen multiplayer modes, Heracles Chariot Racing has something that will appeal to gamers of all ages”.

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.

505 Games has released details on the handheld versions of IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds Of Prey. Currently set for a 4th September release, the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions are being developed by Gaijin Entertainment while DiP Interactive and SME Dynamic Systems Limited are taking care of the Nintendo DS and Sony PSP formats respectively.

DiP Interactive’s Nintendo DS version of IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey has sought to employ innovative use of the DS’ unique touch screen format by way of counter measure. Players will be able to take hand draw notes on the in game flight card into battle, to physically record key information such as enemy positions and bombing coordinates. DiP Interactive has made use of the lower screen for flight instruments with the top screen used for gameplay and have managed to cram over 25 planes across 42 missions into a single DS cart. The DS has been tested to its limits by producing maps that can comprise an area of up to 100 x 100 km, providing ample room for aerial manoeuvre.

SME Dynamic Systems Limited is able to take advantage of the PSP’s considerable graphical capabilities and produce a handheld format that bears notable familiarity to the home console versions of IL-2. The PSP campaign unveils 30 thrilling missions across six major WWII battlefields with over 30 aircraft recreated in stunning detail (14 available for the player to pilot). The non-linear campaign allows players to pick any mission and unlock new ones as they are completed. There are 16 achievements to gain as well as multiplayer support for two player head to head dogfights on the move.

Based around large-scale aerial combat over the ground-based military operations of World War II, variety is at the heart of the action in IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey. Players participate in the most famous confrontations of the era piloting fighters, battle planes or heavy bombers across a range of missions. There are 6 theatres of war in which to engage – The Battle of Britain, Kursk, Berlin, Sicily, the Battle of the Bulge and Korsun – representing the main airborne battles of World War II in Europe.

As well as taking environmental and landscape visuals to new heights by incorporating satellite technology, IL-2 also boasts a tangible damage effects engine. Players will see real-time damage to the aircraft such as holes in the wings and trail lines during dogfights.

Some of us have the gift of oratory, others not – now is your chance to see how you measure up against the great speakers of our time. Your task will be to gain favour from your voters – when you create your speeches as El Presidente.

El Presidente’s Speech Feature:

• Speeches are held before elections and are a great tool to sway some voters in your favor.
• When a speech is created, El Presidente (the player) outlines the general directions of the speech (what problems to address, which faction or superpower to praise, what promises to make). His secretary creates the speech from these notes.
• Some parts of the speeches are automatically generated according to the political context of the election. For example in a country leaning towards communism, Presidente may address his people as "comrades".
• If the player doesn't keep his election promises, he will bear consequences later.
• El Presidente is also able to praise himself in his speeches.

Tropico 3 will be available from September 2009 on Xbox 360 and PC, for more information, screenshots and the teaser trailer please visit the official game website www.tropico3.com.

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

LucasArts today announced that their hit videogame Star Wars: The Force Unleashed will see further expansion this Fall through a new downloadable level for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system. In addition, the company also announced Star Wars The Force Unleashed: Ultimate Sith Edition, a special new version of the game for the Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3, that will show gamers the deepest, darkest side of the Force in a story that puts them on a collision course with Luke Skywalker himself.

Available this holiday season at retail stores, The Ultimate Sith Edition will include all of the original missions found in Star Wars: The Force Unleashed as well as content previously only available via download and an all-new exclusive bonus level*.

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed completely re-imagines the scope and scale of the Force and casts players as Darth Vader’s “Secret Apprentice,” unveiling new revelations about the Star Wars galaxy seen through the eyes of a mysterious new character armed with unprecedented powers. Originally released in September 2008, the game quickly became the fastest-selling Star Wars game ever, and has since sold six million units worldwide.

About the Tatooine Downloadable Content for Star Wars: The Force Unleashed

Available this Fall via direct download from the Xbox LIVE® online entertainment network and the PlayStation®Network, this new downloadable mission continues the story of The Force Unleashed in a new “Infinities” storyline that takes the Star Wars Saga in an entirely new and unexpected direction.

The mission begins at the end of the story of The Force Unleashed and re-imagines the Star Wars Saga as if the Secret Apprentice had killed Darth Vader and taken his place at the Emperor’s side, becoming the most powerful Sith Lord in the universe. The story picks up as the Emperor sends his new apprentice to the planet Tatooine to dispatch Obi-Wan Kenobi - who has been hiding on the planet ever since the events of Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith. During their hunt for the reclusive Jedi, players will also explore the depths of Jabba the Hutt’s palace and encounter notorious bounty hunter Boba Fett.

About Star Wars The Force Unleashed: Ultimate Sith Edition

Due to be released in retail stores this holiday season for Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3, Star Wars The Force Unleashed: Ultimate Sith Edition combines the original Star Wars: The Force Unleashed videogame and three new levels to create the definitive ultimate-evil storyline of the events that occurred between the two classic Star Wars movie trilogies*.

The additional content includes two levels set on Coruscant and Tatooine previously only available via direct download, and an all-new exclusive level available only in the Ultimate Sith Edition package.

The exclusive level concludes the “Infinities” storyline set up in the Tatooine mission, as the Secret Apprentice is sent to the planet Hoth on a crusade to crush the Rebellion once and for all. While on Hoth, players face Luke Skywalker himself while visiting iconic locations seen in Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back.

Microsoft teams up with top anime studios in creating a collection of original short films that take the "Halo" franchise to new frontiers.



A renowned set of storytellers from some of the world’s leading anime studios in Japan are about to take one of the most iconic franchises in science fiction and video games to a new level. Microsoft Corp., in collaboration with some of the most acclaimed anime creators, today unveiled a new project called “Halo Legends,” which will bring the “Halo” franchise and its sweeping sci-fi saga to an entirely new medium, in the form of several original anime short films.

“Halo Legends,” which will officially debut at a panel presentation today at Comic-Con International in San Diego, is being produced by Microsoft’s 343 Industries and features creative direction from anime pioneer Shinji Aramaki, director of the critically acclaimed “Appleseed” and “Appleseed EX Machina” anime features, and Mamoru Oshii, director of the landmark “Ghost in the Shell” movies, with additional production from Joseph Chou of J-Spec Pictures. The compilation will include a series of short stories that explore different times, themes and characters from the “Halo” universe and will be distributed globally by Warner Home Video, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. company. Influential studios that are part of the project include the creators behind some of the most popular and celebrated anime to come from Japan, such as “The Animatrix,” “Cowboy Bebop,” “Fullmetal Alchemist,” “Ghost in the Shell,” “Dragon Ball” and more.

“The opportunity to work with talents such as Shinji Aramaki, Mamoru Oshii and others from some of the greatest anime studios is a very rare opportunity for Microsoft,” said Frank O’Connor, “Halo” franchise development director and provider of story and creative direction for 343 Industries. “We’ve seen the world through Master Chief’s eyes, and we’ve experienced facets of the universe through a variety of literary prisms, but now we get to watch new tales unfold in really rich, visually dynamic ways. I think anime fans and ‘Halo’ fans alike are in for a real treat.”

Set hundreds of years in the future, the “Halo” series of games and novels chronicle mankind’s struggles against an alien collective known as the Covenant. The Covenant is scouring the universe for relics it believes will lead it to a new life and is destroying civilizations and planets that stand in its way. The most prolific hero from the fiction is a super soldier or Spartan known as Master Chief, who is the main protagonist in the original trilogy of Xbox and Xbox 360 “Halo” titles. In the trilogy, Master Chief discovers that the Covenant is intent on activating a series of mysterious ring worlds known as “Halos,” which would ultimately exterminate life throughout the universe. He becomes mankind’s champion in a race against an unrelenting enemy in its most desperate hour. Through The New York Times best-selling novels, comics and additional Xbox 360 games such as “Halo Wars” and the upcoming “Halo 3: ODST,” the universe has grown and tales of other heroes have emerged.

“‘Halo’ and its characters are a very natural fit for anime,” said Aramaki, creative director for the “Halo Legends” project. “As a fan of the ‘Halo’ universe, it is an honor to work with Microsoft and my very talented peers from other studios to create this collection.”

Studios involved in the “Halo Legends” project include Bones Inc., Casio Entertainment Inc., Production I.G, STUDIO4˚C and Toei Animation.

• Bones. Founded in 1998, Bones has become one of the top animation studios in Japan in less than a decade. The studio is best known for its incredible body of work on mega-hit franchises such as “Cowboy Bebop: The Movie,” “Fullmetal Alchemist,” “Sword of the Stranger” and “Eureka Seven.”
• Casio Entertainment. Casio Entertainment was founded in 2004 and is renowned for its visual effects work on the movie “Dai Nipponjin” (“Big Man of Japan”), which was officially invited to the 2007 Cannes Film Festival and nominated for Best Visual Effects at the 2008 Asian Film Awards. Casio Entertainment is also known for its computer-generated animation support work on several top Japanese video games.
• Production I.G. Production I.G has produced a number of acclaimed feature films, original video animation, TV shows and video games. For their storytelling and quality of animation, “Ghost in the Shell,” “Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade” and “Blood: The Last Vampire” have earned critical accolades in Japan and all around the world. “Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence,” directed by Mamoru Oshii in 2004, was the first Japanese animation feature ever to compete for the Palme d’Or at the Festival de Cannes.
• STUDIO4˚C. STUDIO4˚C is one of the top animation studios in Japan. Founded by the industry veteran Eiko Tanaka and acclaimed animation artist Koji Morimoto, it has become globally known for its uncanny ability to marry the spirit of high art with mainstream anime aesthetic. STUDIO4˚C is known for works including “The Animatrix,” “Tekkonkinkreet” and “Batman: Gotham Knight.”
• Toei Animation. Toei Animation, established in 1956, is the oldest animation studio in Japan. Toei has produced the largest number of global hit TV anime series for kids, such as “Dragon Ball,” “Digimon,” “Sailor Moon,” “One Piece” and many more.

The complete “Halo Legends” collection will be distributed by Microsoft partner Warner Home Video, which will have more to announce on its release and distribution plans soon.

“As a leading entertainment distributor and a company identified with premier anime content, we’re very pleased to be working with Microsoft on ‘Halo Legends,’” said Amit Desai, vice president, Family, Animation and Partner Brands Marketing, Warner Home Video. “The combination of the talent involved and the ‘Halo’ brand ensure the collection is something consumers are really going to enjoy.”

A preview of select “Halo Legends” episodes will first debut on Xbox LIVE, the largest gaming and entertainment network in the world, starting this fall through a new experience called Halo Waypoint. Launching in fall, Halo Waypoint will be a new destination for “Halo” fans on Xbox LIVE around the world. It will inform fans of the latest “Halo” news and activities, and grant access to content ranging from podcasts, trailers and screenshots, to exclusive video footage you won’t find anywhere else. It also will provide a new challenge for “Halo” gamers with a career system and player rankings tied to both in-game and out-of-game accomplishments related to “Halo.” In addition to the limited, early episode premieres, Halo Waypoint will debut several behind-the-scenes videos that chronicle the making of “Halo Legends.”

More information will be shared about “Halo Legends” today at a panel at Comic-Con International in San Diego. The “Halo” franchise panel will be hosted by O’Connor, moderated by Chou, and will feature guests Aramaki; Mitsuhisa Ishikawa, president of Production I.G; and Tanaka, president of STUDIO4˚C. The panel takes place from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. PDT in Room 6BCF of the San Diego Convention Center. “Halo Legends” panelists will sign autographs at the Microsoft Xbox 360 booth in Hall G #5225 from 6 to 7 p.m. There also will be a signing at the Warner Bros. booth Hall F #4329 on Friday, July 24, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., with O’Connor and 343 Industries’ managing editor Kevin Grace on hand to answer questions about the project. In addition, the first trailer for “Halo Legends” will debut exclusively tonight on “GameTrailers TV with Geoff Keighley,” airing at 12:30 a.m. ET/PT on Spike TV.

TurnOut Ventures (www.turnoutventures.com), a joint venture between Turner Entertainment Holdings Asia Pacific Limited and Outblaze Investments Limited, announced today the upcoming release of BEN 10 Omniverse Episode 1: Rise of Heroes. Available on www.ben10.net in the last quarter of 2009, BEN 10 Omniverse will be a free-to-play, browser-based massively multiplayer online game divided into episodes that involve players in the adventures of the famous boy hero.

BEN 10 Omniverse will let players participate in the evolving story arc of Cartoon Network’s BEN 10 saga, featuring Ben Tennyson, a 10-year-old boy with the ability to morph into different aliens using a strange alien device called the Omnitrix. The game will advance the story through regular content updates (episodes) that also introduce new zones, quests, characters, items, and skills.

BEN 10 Omniverse is set in the five-year gap between the original BEN 10 series and BEN 10: Alien Force. It has been half a year since the defeat of Vilgax and life has become rather ordinary for the alien-morphing hero, Ben Tennyson. But one day at Bellwood Madison Elementary School, the Omnitrix that Ben wears on his wrist suddenly emits a blinding flash of light that engulfs the entire school and neighborhood. When Ben regains his vision, sections of the school are still standing while others have vanished or are floating in mid-air. Ben looks for survivors, but sees only strange alien beings milling around in confusion on the twisted, altered school grounds.

Players of BEN 10 Omniverse will create their own alien avatar whose appearance, characteristics, and skills change based on the amount and type of alien DNA absorbed. The innovative character system is based on skills and DNA rather than classes, and thus allows players to build highly customizable characters with radically different strengths and abilities. BEN 10 Omniverse will feature Player versus Environment (PvE), Player versus Player (PvP), team-based PvP, and cooperative PvE play to ensure a diverse and interactive gaming experience.

Tomy Corporation today released the first gameplay footage for the all-new Quest Mode in Naruto Shippuden: Ninja Destiny 2, a fast-paced Naruto Shippuden 3D fighting game for Nintendo DS. The game features 34 playable characters, each equipped with their special jutsu moves, and an all-new storyline covering more of the Shippuden story arc than any other Naruto game in the market. Quest Mode allows players to take their favorite character and travel through tough mazes, battling and defeating opponents to improve character performance and level-up. The title additionally features wireless multiplayer gameplay, offering Naruto fans and newcomers to the series a competitive 3D fighting game on Nintendo DS.

To download the trailer, please visit: http://bhimpact.gamespress.com/product_page.asp?i=947

About Naruto Shippuden: Ninja Destiny 2

TOMY introduces Naruto Shippuden: Ninja Destiny 2, the latest installment to the popular 3D pocket fighting series, Ninja Destiny. Exclusively on the Nintendo DS, Naruto Shippuden: Ninja Destiny 2 features more new Shippuden content than any other Naruto video game in 2009. With 34 playable characters, this year’s roster has seen an extreme upgrade, complete with all new attacks and cinematic jutsu moves. With the reworked Story Mode, new Quest Mode and wireless multiplayer battles, Ninja Destiny 2 puts the emphasis on action as players battle in head to head matches with Naruto and his friends.

Naruto Shippuden: Ninja Destiny 2 is rated “T” for Teen with Cartoon Violence and will be available September 15, 2009 for the Nintendo DS for $29.99. For more information, please visit www.TOMY-USA.com/videogames.

Neko Entertainment an independent premier video game developer and publisher announced today announced that Heracles Chariot Racing is now available throughout Europe on WiiWare. Heracles Chariot Racing is 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.

“Following on our from our successful launch in North America, we are pleased to announce that Heracles Chariot Racing is now available to gamers throughout Europe via WiiWare”, said Laurent Lichnewsky, Managing Director of Neko Entertainment, “With its super fast casting action, mytholigical tracks and enemies, split screen multiplayer modes, Heracles Chariot Racing has something that will appeal to gamers of all ages”.

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.

Battlefront.com is proudly releasing the official video trailer to the upcoming CMSF British Forces module today! Introducing a whole new army, the British Armed Forces, this latest module to the Combat Mission Shock Force series of modern warfare tactical ground combat simulation games will be released in July 2009 only from www.battlefront.com! Ownership of the base game CMSF (any version) is required.

CMSF British Forces will cost \$25 and will be available as download, mail order or both.

Click here to jump directly to the CMSF British Forces media section to watch the official trailer: http://www.battlefront.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=218&Itemid=329

Did we forget anything? Hm, let's think... Oh yes, the all new v1.20 demo for Combat Mission Shock Force, including British Forces and Marines content, is out now!!! With an additional and completely new British mission, the demo showcases all the new features of the latest v1.20 of the series, includes full multiplayer functionality and a total of 5 (!) missions.

Click here to download the free v1.20 Combat Mission Shock Force demo right now: http://www.battlefront.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=42&Itemid=358

Sony and Media Molecule, creators of LittleBigPlanet, have announced that the game now boasts more 1,000,000 user-created levels in its database. That’s an average of one level being created ever 21 seconds since LittleBigPlanet first launched back in October / November last year.

The staggering 1m levels have been played over 244 million times.

This figure is good for Sony in more than just sales revenue terms too. The game is single-handedly carving out a really unique niche for the PS3. Microsoft has done a sort of half hearted make-your-own-games thing with the recent launch of Kodu Game Lab, but basically user-generated game content has become Sony’s baby in this generation.

That’s not to say it has been too easy getting there, though. The game was famously delayed after Qur'an references were found in the background music. LittleBigPlanet’s giant level database has been criticised for being too difficult to find particular levels in and it has faced numerous problems with copyrights, because players naturally want to try recreating other games using the LittleBigPlanet level creator. Players have also complained in the past that their creations have been unceremoniously moderated (aka deleted) for reasons unknown, although Media Molecule has since rejigged its rules on level moderation to help players out rather than annoy them.

But it’s working, clearly, and Sony is going to continue capitalising on LittleBigPlanet’s success in future – the game is due to get a PSP outing, which will only serve to widen the appeal of making custom levels once you play them on the train or at work.

Furthermore, the concept of ‘Play, Create, Share’, under which LittleBigPlanet was born (or vice versa), is also being rolled out to other games, including ModNation Racers, a racing game announced back at E3. Essentially it’s a kart racing game much akin to Mario Kart, but you get to design all the cars, tracks and racers yourself.

The Media Molecule CEO has also hinted that more LittleBigPlanet news would be coming on August 18th.

Source: T3

NCsoft and Paragon Studios have released a set of five screens showing powers customization that will come to City of Heroes with Issue 16: Power Spectrum. This batch of screens includes a Blaster that changed his Electric power from blue to gold, a Controller/Dominator who chose to coordinate her Fire Imps with her costume color, as well as a Tank who decided he preferred green Ice Armor over the traditional color blue.

Also included are a couple first looks at the enhanced character creator, which in addition to allowing for powers customization, will also give players the flexibility in building their character by clicking on the menu items at the top of the screen in any order they wish.

More details about Issue 16: Power Spectrum will be revealed in the coming weeks.

About City of Heroes

City of Heroes is the most accomplished and innovative super-powered MMO, with more than 15 content expansions provided free of charge to subscribers. From its award winning character creator to its innovative user-generated content system, Mission Architect, which allows players to create and share their own unique missions and story arcs, City of Heroes continues to break the mold with unprecedented new features and systems every year, offering the most complete and customizable online gaming experience in the genre.

CyberAgent America, Inc., a publisher of free-to-play online games, announce the availability of NinjaGold for purchase in NinjaTrick, the free-to-play multiplayer action game for everyone. Special and rare items can only be obtained in exchange for the new currency, which aspiring ninjas can purchase using any major credit card and pre-paid card through PayPal and PayByCash.

“We’ve received priceless feedback during the NinjaTrick open beta thus far, and that’s helped us make it fun, stable and solid – the game is now at a point where we’re very comfortable inviting ninjas who want that extra edge on the battlefield to purchase NinjaGold,” said Toshimichi Namba, CEO of CyberAgent America, Inc. “We’re confident that NinjaTrick's unique blend of action-oriented gameplay with MMO elements will continue to stand out in the free-to-play market.”

Hidden Path Entertainment's Addictive Tower Defense Strategy Game Available Late Summer on Xbox LIVE Arcade.

Hidden Path Entertainment, an independent developer based in Bellevue Washington, today revealed that its critically acclaimed Defense Grid: The Awakening, soon to be released on Xbox LIVE Arcade, will be unveiled July 24 at the Microsoft booth at San Diego Comic-Con International. Defense Grid: The Awakening’s unique spin on tower defense gameplay appeals to gamers of all skill levels.

Defense Grid features beautiful environments, spectacular effects, and a dynamic, engaging soundtrack. The controls are intuitive and the gameplay is deep - the special attacks and properties of each tower work together to provide many ways to succeed. Defense Grid: The Awakening will be available on Xbox LIVE Arcade later this summer.

“San Diego Comic-Con is great place to let players first experience the Xbox LIVE Arcade version of Defense Grid: The Awakening,” said Jeff Pobst, CEO and co-founder of Hidden Path Entertainment. “This latest version of Defense Grid includes many new features such as the Borderland Mission Pack, with four new advanced levels and 12 challenge modes, three brand new challenge types and thirty new challenge modes in the story mode. We have found that everyone – from core gamers to novice players – loves the scalable strategy and gameplay variables that make Defense Grid: The Awakening a game that can be enjoyed repeatedly with new outcomes.”

Defense Grid: The Awakening for Xbox LIVE Arcade is built on Emergent’s Gamebryo engine (Oblivion, Warhammer Online, Civilization IV) and features 12 hours of story play, 24 unique environments across the Awakening campaign and four bonus Borderlands maps, plus over 100 unlockable challenge modes. Critics have repeatedly lauded Defense Grid’s excellent game balance, pace and progression. With each level, players encounter different placement of roads, tower build locations, and open areas to plan a strategy around. Each map, whether open plan or fixed route, encourages a different strategy, such as trying to find an optimal path to redirect enemies, making the best use of limited space, and breaking up individual enemy waves to avoid being overwhelmed, all while planning ahead for future waves.

There are 10 different tower types that can each be upgraded twice. These towers all have unique tradeoffs that affect ideal placement, such as line-of-sight attack or ballistic trajectory fire; a large area of effect or damage over time; and minimum and maximum ranges. Over the course of the game, players battle 15 different types of enemies, each with unique capabilities and strategies.

Pasta Games is pleased to announce its latest creation MAESTRO! JUMP IN MUSIC. The game is a truly unique concept combining traditional platform games and the pleasure of music creation in a way that is both astounding and natural – after you see it.

The game will be available this autumn for Nintendo DS.

Discover Presto, the music-loving bird, and make him evolve in a colorful, decibel-filled journey. Use the stylus to scrape, rub, tap and whirl to the rhythm of the level’s music and like a good Maestro, stick to the original. Presto will jump or get off a platform in the order in which you strum the string, flying with his small wings to reach the music score.

During the game numerous challenges will require your utmost attention: special strings, flying enemies, targets to knock down as fast as lightning… all this in order to create a symphony with your fingertips. But don’t be satisfied with just a few jingles: chorus singing will earn you many more points!

MAESTRO! JUMP IN MUSIC is one of the first games to truly make the most of the Nintendo DS microphone, allowing players to indulge themselves singing their heads off! You can let your vocal cords loose with the 18 songs featured in this game. What better way to liven up your fellow passengers whilst on a long underground trip?

Breaking the stagnant musical game mould, MAESTRO! JUMP IN MUSIC allows you to rediscover great classics such as Beethoven’s 5th Symphony, one of Brahms’ Hungarian Dances or Dvorak’s Symphony “From the New World”, including crazy interpretations of contemporary themes such as “Fame”, “ABC” or “Our House”.

Graphically the game has its own style blending 2D and true 3D graphics to produce an inimitable look. You can discover six different worlds, ranging from an aquatic setting to a Far West environment, each with their own specific sounds. Andiamo!

TKE Ltd have teamed up with The Big Chill festival and FILM4’s upcoming mockumentary I Spit On Your Rave (charting a behind-the-scenes look at the first post-apocalypse zombie music festival!) to break the world record for gathering as many zombies together in a single place at one time!

Hosted by zombie king himself, Noel Fielding, the zombie gathering opens at 5pm on Thursday 6th of August at the Big Chill Festival and Tecmo Koei’s Undead Knights wants you! Thousands of zombie fans will be attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the largest amount of zombies caught on camera, for forthcoming zom-com I Spit On Your Rave. In order to take part in these events wannabe zombies have to be a Big Chill Festival ticket holder and look like one of the undead.

Don’t worry if you haven’t got time to make yourself up though, because Undead Knights will be sponsoring the Big Chill Festival’s Zombification Stations at the arena entrances where you can get undeaded!

Undead Knights will be unleashed exclusively on Sony PSP early in 2010, and sees you control vast hordes of marauding zombies as you attempt to overthrow a medieval kingdom by infecting enemy soldiers, turning rivals into undead brain-munchers, and commanding legions of shuffling jaw-clackers!

Look out for zombies handing out exclusive Undead Knights Collector’s Postcards too!

Now that Comic Con has officially kicked off we’d like to begin the festivities by announcing some great Capcom news for Ace Attorney Investigation: Miles Edgeworth and Fate/unlimited codes.

Capcom fight fans can expect Fate/unlimited codes to hit the PlayStation Store early September onthe PlayStation Portable system. This extraordinary fighter has a deep roster of characters and unique fighting moves, while employing a fast-paced, weapons-based fighting system that is sure to meet any Capcom fan’s highest expectations.

Switching gears, another fabulous Capcom title, Ace Attorney Investigation: Miles Edgeworth , will hit PAL territories on 19 th February, 2010 for the Nintendo DS. This time around, the player takes on the role of famed prosecutor Miles Edgeworth, a memorable rival of charismatic legal eagle Phoenix Wright. Edgeworth actively investigates crime scenes in order to pursue the truth behind each case. By solving the challenging puzzles presented to him, Edgeworth will work with the police to bring criminals to justice. For more information about Ace Attorney Investigation: Miles Edgeworth

Electronic Arts has released DLC for Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 on Xbox Live and PSN.

Looking for a truly breathtaking and challenging golf experience? Then Banff Springs Golf Club, located in Alberta, Canada, is a must-have and is now available as a game add-on for PLAYSTATION 3 and Xbox 360. Banff Springs can be purchased for 600 Microsoft Points or $7.50 through PlayStation Network.



Banff Springs Golf Club sits in the heart of Canada’s Rocky Mountains and features a captivating layout with elevation changes and holes surrounded by snow capped mountains that give every golfer a sense of the panoramic beauty that surrounds them. This marks the first time Banff Springs has made an appearance in the Tiger Woods PGA TOUR franchise and gamers will surely notice the incredible graphical detail that has been given to this picturesque course.

The DLC will run you 600 MS Points ($7.50).

Hunt Down the Enemy and Fight, Climb and Race Through the Only Open-World Game Set in 1940s Paris Comic-Con 2009 Booth No5213

Enter the seedy underground world of The Saboteur, where the women are sexy, the action is epic and revenge is sweet. Today Pandemic Studios, a studio of Electronic Arts, announced that its open-world sandbox action game – The Saboteur – will be available worldwide on December 8, 2009. The Saboteur has been recognized by critics everywhere for beautifully integrating a unique artistic style with a dramatic storyline and intense action to deliver a truly engaging gaming experience.

The Saboteur has recently won various art awards, including Best of E3 2009 for Artistic Design for Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system by IGN.com.



Inspired by a true story, The Saboteur stars Sean Devlin, a street-tough Irish race car driver trapped behind enemy lines in 1940s Nazi-occupied France. Motivated by personal revenge, Sean fights, climbs, and races through open-world Paris, sneaking into the heart of the Nazi operations and sabotaging their every move. With the help of the French Resistance, the British intelligence, an arsenal of weaponry, street smarts and brawn, players will exact revenge on those who aim to destroy Sean’s life. From derailing trains and blowing up zeppelins to scaling famous Parisian landmarks and more, this action hero uses a broad range of weapons, explosives and vehicles to get the job done.

“The Saboteur is an entirely new take on WWII action gaming. Instead of putting players in the role of a soldier, they’ll experience one man’s quest for vengeance through an incredible story and an epic range of explosive action. Every street of Paris is alive with options, every block is teeming with action,” said Josh Resnick, President of Pandemic Studios. “We’re extremely proud of The Saboteur. The art style, intense story, and grand acts of defiance against the Nazis will deliver the one-of-a-kind experience that Pandemic fans have been waiting for.”

As Sean takes down enemies, the citizens of Paris are empowered to resist the tyrannical Third Reich and their eyes open to the colorful world around them. This innovative mechanic, called the ‘Will to Fight,’ will change the way Paris is seen and felt – from a dark and oppressed policed state to a bright and inspired world where the citizens fight back. As the player executes acts of sabotage against the occupying force, color returns to the stylized black and white world – both figuratively and literally. The ‘Will to Fight’ spawns an underground resistance that takes players not only through Paris, but across various parts of France.

The Saboteur will be available for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, the Xbox360, and the PC and has not yet been rated by the ESRB or PEGI. For more information on The Saboteur, please visit http://www.thesaboteurgame.com or get the latest news from the production team on www.twitter.com/pandemicstudios. Visitors of the 2009 San Diego Comic-Con International, July 23 – 26, will be able to experience The Saboteur for the first time at EA’s show booth, stall #5213 in the San Diego Convention Center.

DICE, an Electronic Arts announce that Battlefield 1943 is the fastest selling day one and week one download-only game worldwide on Xbox LIVE Marketplace. It is also the fastest selling day one and week one download-only game on the PlayStation Network in North America. Overall since its launch on July 8th, Battlefield 1943 has sold over 600,000 copies on Xbox LIVE Marketplace and the PlayStation Network.

“We are honoured by the reception that the game has received so far,” says Gordon Van Dyke, Producer on Battlefield 1943. “Watching and participating in this non-stop multiplayer action has been a real treat for us and we can’t believe how fast our fans reached 43 million kills. We can now truly say that we have set a new standard for what can be done in the downloadable games category and gamers recognize the endless value that Battlefield 1943 provides for just $15.”

Battlefield 1943 is an award-winning First-Person Shooter multiplayer game that G4tv.com says is “…a steal. Great sound, great graphics, great fun, and great price.” IGN even says that “Battlefield 1943 is an impressive package that sets a new standard for digital titles.”

Battlefield 1943 is an all-new download-only multiplayer action game that brings DICE’s first-class WWII action to gamers. The game introduces two thrilling 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, and have been redesigned and reengineered from the ground up using the DICE Frostbite™ engine allowing players to wreak havoc and destruction via land, sea or air.

After the worldwide community challenge officially began on Friday, July 10 at 19:43 CET, the Coral Sea map is now unlocked for both the Xbox LIVE and PlayStation communities. The Xbox LIVE community reached the goal of 43 million kills in just 5 days, with the PlayStation community hitting the mark in 8 days.

Battlefield 1943 is now available on Xbox LIVE Marketplace and the PlayStation Network for 1200 MS Points or $15. Gamers who already played the trial and their time expired can access the free 30-minute trial version again on both Xbox Live and the PlayStation Network as of July 18.

Codemasters and ESPN’s X Games, today announced an agreement that will see three all-new X Games stages created and integrated exclusively in Colin McRae: DiRT 2, the sequel to the award-winning off-road racing title.

The three new stages – X Games America, X Games Europe and X Games Asia – will carry official X Games branding and infuse added realism by bringing the series’ unique action sports atmosphere to the game. Players will be able to compete in the X Games events by reaching landmark achievements within the game’s World Tour.

“With Colin McRae: DiRT 2 Codemasters has captured the essence of contemporary action sports racing, making the game a great platform to integrate the X Games brand and the look and feel of its global events,” said Rick Alessandri, ESPN Senior Vice President and Managing Director, X Games Franchise. “We’re excited that millions of players will have the opportunity to engage in the X Games environment both in the game and online.”

“We’ve been inspired by the flair, style and big event atmosphere of ESPN’s X Games series, which has switched on a new generation of action sports fans to rally and off-road racing.” said Gavin Raeburn, Senior Executive Producer, Codemasters. “It’s been incredible to work with them to shape a series of exclusive X Games integrations for Colin McRae: DiRT 2. Gamers will experience three major competitions that will make them feel like they’re really arrived on the world’s premiere racing stage, competing in front of thousands of fans in dramatic and spectacular stadium events.”

The X Games events will be headlined by off-road racing’s most famous and respected athletes including the multi medal-winning Subaru Rally Team USA driver Ken Block, Dave Mirra, Tanner Faust and Travis Pastrana. X Games 14 Rally Car Racing gold medallist, Pastrana competed with the late Colin McRae at X Games 12 (2006) before going on to feature in and lend his voice to the original Colin McRae: DiRT game, published in 2007.

Each X Games event will consist of two knockout rounds (quarters and semis) rounded off with a dramatic final held at spectacular locations including London (X Games Europe), Tokyo (X Games Asia) and Los Angeles (X Games America). The X Games America competition is identified from the very start of the game as the pinnacle event in Colin McRae: DiRT 2’s racing world and the ultimate test for any off-road racer.

Colin McRae: DiRT 2 will be shipping on September 8th in North America and release on September 10th across EPAC territories with a UK street date of September 11th. The game will be published for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS and PSP (PlayStation Portable) system with a Games For Windows LIVE edition, supporting DirectX 11, to follow.

Ubisoft detailed a panel around Assassin’s Creed II to be held on July 23, 2009 from 1:45–2:45 p.m. in Room 6A at Comic-Con in San Diego. The panel entitled “Assassin’s Creed II: Video Games and Hollywood Converge” will touch on the evolution of entertainment creation and distribution while highlighting the bridge between video games and film. Panel hosts will be Yannis Mallat, chief executive officer at Ubisoft Montreal and Pierre Raymond, founder and chief executive officer of Hybride Technologies, the visual effects studio behind 300 and Sin City, along with special guest Corey May, Assassin’s Creed II video game scriptwriter.

Recently, during the E3 Expo in Los Angeles, Ubisoft announced production at Hybride Technologies on a series of short films based on the upcoming Assassin’s Creed II video game. The Comic-Con panel will include a discussion of the production of these short films, a viewing of a teaser video showing new shots from the filming and development of the short film series, as well as the first public demonstration of the Assassin’s Creed II video game.

“Ubisoft has detailed our vision for convergence over the past two years. Now, at Comic-con, we are exclusively revealing one of the first building blocks to this strategy: Assassin’s Creed II: Lineage,” said Yannis Mallat. “We’ll be discussing the links between the game and the short film series with some of the key players of the project. We are thrilled to be able to share the results of our efforts with the Comic-com audience.”


ABOUT ASSASSIN’S CREED II:

Assassin’s Creed II is the product of over two years of intensive development by the original creative team behind the Assassin’s Creed brand. In a vast open world environment, the game invites players to incarnate Ezio, a privileged young noble in Renaissance Italy who’s been betrayed by the rival ruling families of Italy.

Ezio’s subsequent quest for vengeance plunges players into a captivating and epic story that offers more variety in missions, surprising and engaging new game play elements, diverse weapons and a profound character progression that will appeal to fans of the original Assassin’s Creed as well as entice players new to the brand. Assassin’s Creed II is scheduled to launch on November 17, 2009 for the PLAYSTATION® 3 computer entertainment system, the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PC.

The short film series, entitled Assassin’s Creed II: Lineage will be released for Holiday 2009. Three short movies will focus on the story of Ezio’s father, Giovanni Auditore da Firenze, will preclude the Assassin’s Creed II storyline and will offer fans insight into the Assassin’s Creed II storyline and characters.

Games inspired by the upcoming Walt Disney Pictures film to give players their own unique journey through Tim Burton's Underland

As Tim Burton and Lewis Carroll fans become curiouser and curiouser (Carroll, 1865) about Walt Disney Pictures’ upcoming “Alice in Wonderland” film, Disney Interactive Studios today announced development of video game adaptations of the beloved story. The video games, inspired by Tim Burton’s highly anticipated film starring Johnny Depp, Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham Carter and Mia Wasikowska as Alice, find Alice several years after the original “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and “Through the Looking Glass” stories. Alice in Wonderland for Wii™, Nintendo DS™ and Windows-based PC takes players on a topsy-turvy and immersive journey in Underland as Alice finds herself in a world of illusion and magic where nothing is quite like it seems. Alongside her endearing friends –Mad Hatter, March Hare, Cheshire Cat and White Rabbit – players aid Alice to defeat the Red Queen and Jabberwocky. Alice in Wonderland mobile games will begin launching later this year.

"These games fully capture the magnificent and whimsical world of Underland while experiencing key moments from the film,” said Craig Relyea, senior vice president of global marketing, Disney Interactive Studios. “More than just a retelling of the movie, Alice in Wonderland introduces fans to an entirely new style of innovative gameplay designed to challenge the puzzle solving skills of older players while making the adventures accessible and enjoyable for the younger crowd. Innovative gameplay and distinct artistic styles on each platform gives players a range of unique and engaging experiences."

Alice in Wonderland allows players to guide, protect and aid Alice as she journeys through the world of Underland while unraveling the game’s many twisted mysteries. Along the way, players call on a diverse and unique cast of characters such as the Mad Hatter and Cheshire Cat who each have unique abilities to help evade traps and solve challenging puzzles. The Mad Hatter can help Alice alter her perception of Underland and take advantage of optical illusions to open up places in the world the player alone would not have noticed. Meanwhile, the Cheshire Cat can use his ability to make himself and objects appear and disappear helping Alice through this strange world. Players must choose wisely when using each of the characters’ powers and combine the abilities to solve more complex puzzles.

The Wii and PC versions follow the film’s epic storyline and introduce new fiction and locations. With an upgradeable combat system, players collect “impossible ideas” to replay levels and unlock Underland’s secrets. Players must carefully select the supporting characters and their abilities to defeat the numerous enemies set forth by the Red Queen and her army of cards, destroy the Jabberwocky and restore Underland back into Wonderland.

The Nintendo DS version will introduce a new twist as players guide Alice alongside her diverse and enduring friends to combat the legions of the Red Queen’s Army. Creating their own path through Underland using an oracle, players lead, protect and help Alice on her quest. The DS version features an innovative art style unique to the platform, a playable character not seen on the home console version, and unique character abilities similar to those of the Wii and PC versions. DSi players will use the system’s camera to detect colours mapped to unlockable content when tasks are completed.

Developed by Etranges Libellules in France, Alice in Wonderland will be available for Wii, Nintendo DS and Windows-based PC with the same week as the film release in early 2010.

Disney Interactive Studios will also release iPhone and iTouch applications for the franchise. A promo application will release in December, 2009 with the full game releasing next year. Alice in Wonderland: The Mobile Game will take you on an upside-down, inside-out adventure on your phone. The whole world is a puzzle and players must twist and turn their iPhone to have Alice make it through Wonderland safely. Also available on Java/Brew, Android and RIM February 2010.

About the Movie
From Walt Disney Pictures and visionary director Tim Burton comes an epic 3D fantasy adventure ALICE IN WONDERLAND, a magical and imaginative twist on some of the most beloved stories of all time. JOHNNY DEPP stars as the Mad Hatter and MIA WASIKOWSKA as 19-year-old Alice, who returns to the whimsical world she first encountered as a young girl, reuniting with her childhood friends: the White Rabbit, Tweedledee and Tweedledum, the Dormouse, the Caterpillar, the Cheshire Cat, and of course, the Mad Hatter. Alice embarks on a fantastical journey to find her true destiny and end the Red Queen’s reign of terror. The all-star cast also includes ANNE HATHAWAY, HELENA BONHAM CARTER and CRISPIN GLOVER.

Capturing the wonder of Lewis Carroll’s beloved “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” (1865) and “Through the Looking-Glass” (1871) with stunning, avant-garde visuals and the most charismatic characters in literary history, ALICE IN WONDERLAND comes to the big screen in Disney Digital 3D on March 5, 2010.

Dreamland Online (http://do.igg.com) is beautifully crafted 3D side-scrolling MMORPG being brought to you by IGG, the gaming developer and developer with more than 8,000,000 registered users. This game is the latest addition in a string of IGG produced titles that include Galaxy Online and their debut project, GodsWar Online.

With Dreamland Online enjoying acclaim for quality and playability during the 3rd Alpha Test of its Chinese Version, the English Version is set to be released in the European and American markets by the end of this year and is expected to do very well.

The game storyline centers on the Courage Source. Dreamland was a peaceful place once, but this fairy tale world was turned upside-down when the Evil Fog brought about a deadly plague. Desperate to save themselves, the people of Dreamland were rewarded for their faith by the appearance of a huge branch of the life tree, known as the Courage Source. The branch pierced the cloud of death and gave the people a special gift: Hero Faith that can endow the brave with power. The people summoned heroes to take up arms and use the power of Hero Faith to defend their homeland from monstrous threats. War had come to Dreamland, but with it came hope.

The main feature of Dreamland Online is its pet system. In Dreamland pets play a central role - they can assist players in fighting monsters and completing quests, but they are also loyal companions on lonely adventures. Also, there is the unique Change Apparel system which enables players to customize their character’s style as they like, from clothes and gear to hairstyles and eye color. In addition, a competitive PVP system makes Dreamland a place that is not as friendly and whimsical as it might first seem.

There is a ton of captivating content available.

Real world, game world, no matter where we are, friends are indispensable! Guarding Pet, who is capable and lively, will surely become player’s close friend in the coming version 1.0.53 of the popular MMORPG – World of Kung Fu. Various Guarding Pets are waiting for you!

Differ from current looting pets like “XII Sheng Xiao”, Guarding pets do not serve players by picking up loots. They have their own and even harder task: Fighting!

Moreover, as a real “pet”, it will be raised up all by players themselves. It appears as an egg at the very beginning. Only under player’s care and feed, it would be able to break out and grow up to a great fighter by side.

Guarding pets will also level up as a very character. They gain experience in battle as players do. In addition to special pet food, all kinds of gears can be used to feed them. The better the equipment is, the more experience the pet can get. Besides food, mood is an important fact too. Mood Value will affect Feed Point and the pet’s performance. A repeatable quest will also be set for players to collect items for improving their pets’ mood value.

A bright spot of Guarding Pet System is: players can unify two different pets into a stronger one. There will be two kinds of unifying: attribute unifying and talent unifying. The first way improves attributes of the guarding pet’s, while the second way improves talent of guarding pet’s in order to provide more additional attributes while leveling up. In this case, players can strengthen their pet into a better and unique one.

If you do not want to miss the Guarding Pets, please remember they will come up in version 1.0.53, which will be released in the end of this month.

Casual games developer and publisher Legacy Interactive today announced a licensing agreement with CBS Consumer Products that will expand their growing roster of TV-licensed games. Legacy will develop a video game based on the popular CBS drama series Ghost Whisperer.

Available in early 2010, Ghost Whisperer: Shadowlands will debut on the PC and include characters and themes from the hit television series. Players will take on the role of Melinda Gordon, a young woman living in Grandview who has inherited the gift of being able to see and communicate with the dead. These earthbound spirits have unfinished business in our world preventing them from "crossing over" into the light. While trying to live as normal a life as possible with her paramedic husband, Jim, and as an owner of the antiques shop, Same As it Never Was, Melinda helps ghosts find resolution and pass over to the other side.

With its stories penned by Emmy award-winning television writer Lance Gentile, Ghost Whisperer: Shadowlands combines light adventure and hidden object-style game play where players need to help the recently departed move on to the afterlife and provide closure to loved ones left behind. Gamers must collect objects for their inventory to solve challenging puzzles while unraveling the mysteries of five enthralling stories with more than 30 hauntingly beautiful environments.

“Legacy Interactive is pleased to work with CBS Consumer Products to bring Ghost Whisperer to the gaming world,” said Ariella Lehrer, President and CEO of Legacy Interactive. “Ghost Whisperer has an incredible and enthusiastic fan base and we will strive mightily to exceed their expectations.”

Puzzle games are soon to be redefined as Groovin’ Blocks is set to offer a unique and addicting musical experience for Nintendo Wii and the iPhone/iPod Touch like never before. Today, Zoo Games, Inc. has posted a new trailer and screens showing off the colorful world of Groovin’ Blocks to all.

Feel the music and get a look at the fast-paced gameplay of placing blocks to the beats of your choosing. Including the original track “Bobblehead” by Mercer Friendly, check out this preview of the supersonic puzzle experience set to shake up the puzzle world with this new trailer and accompanying screenshots. Check out www.zoogamesinc.com for more information and to download three original tracks from Groovin’ Blocks.

Releasing on August 11 on Wii and this September for the iPhone/iPod Touch, Groovin’ Blocks will sport an ESRB rating of “E” for “Everyone” and will retail for $19.99 and $1.99 respectively.

Gas up the boat, grab your rod, bow and spear gun because we're heading out for a day of fishing on calm, clear waters. The official game site for Mastiff's upcoming tri-sport fishing title for Nintendo Wii, Shimano Xtreme Fishing, is live and waiting for you to toss your line its way.

So go ahead and hook the big one by pointing your browser on over to www.sxf-game.com for the latest information, screens and trailers for Shimano Xtreme Fishing.

About Shimano Xtreme Fishing
Featuring cutting-edge fishing gear like Shimano Voltaeus fishing rods, Hoyt bows, AMS Bowfishing reels and accessories, and Muzzy arrow points, Shimano Xtreme Fishing lets players hunt for a legendary catch from the deck of a free-roaming boat or underwater in full SCUBA gear. More than 50 species of fish - real, exotic and lethal - are included. Once weapons have been chosen, players can compete to unlock new tackle, clothing, and sporting accessories in a series of challenging tournaments, each with beautiful scenery and unique time and weather conditions.

Shimano Xtreme Fishing will be available for Wii in summer 2009.

EA Montreal, a studio of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS), today announced that renowned comic artists, Chris Bachalo and Jock have lent their artistic talents to ARMY OF TWO™: THE 40th DAY. The sequel to the 2008 multi-platinum co-op shooter, Army of Two: The 40th Day sees the return of the ultimate two-man private military team, Salem and Rios. As the action heroes fight for survival in a city under siege, the soldiers must make moral choices cooperatively that affect the pair as a team. Each moral decision sets players on a course that affects the gameplay and direction of the storyline. Bachalo and Jock have been enlisted to illustrate the long term impacts of these ‘morality moments’.

On July 24 and 25 from 2pm - 4pm PST during Comic-con, Chris Bachalo will be signing original Army of Two: The 40th Day artwork at EA’s booth (No 5213).

“Chris and Jock are amazingly talented artists. We’re excited that they have been able to contribute these evocative illustrations to depict the long-term consequences of the players’ key moral decisions,” says Reid Schneider, Executive Producer, EA Montreal.

“These new morality choices are an innovative new feature that we believe will give a new layer to the cooperative experience in the game. Chris and Jock’s work give players’ decisions real weight and resonance,” added Alex Hutchinson, Creative Director EA Montreal.

Chris Bachalo has worked on several critically acclaimed comic series including Sandman, Batman, Incredible Hulk, and Uncanny X-Men. He recently collaborated with Jeph Loeb, a producer for the hit TV show Heroes, to create the book Witching Hour and is currently working on Marvels’ flagship title, The Amazing Spiderman. An award winning comic artist from Britain, Jock is best known for his work with writer Andy Diggle on Vertigo's The Losers and the DCU's and Green Arrow: Year One. On top of creating production art for such films as Batman Begins, Hancock, and the upcoming adaptations of Dune and Judge Dredd, he's also illustrated stunning covers for DC Comics titles including Batman, Nightwing, Catwoman, Azrael and Scalped, as well as Marvel Comics Thunderbolts and Dark X-Men.

Army of Two: The 40th Day puts players in the shoes of two private military contractors who suddenly find themselves trapped in the middle of Shanghai as it falls under attack. The two must work as a team to survive relentless enemy assaults and escape the city collapsing around them. The 40th Day is built from the ground up to deliver an organic and immersive cooperative experience. Featuring a robust playbook of co-op moves, players execute strategic two-man tactics and make game-changing decisions that result in a one-of-a-kind action experience.

Army of Two: The 40th Day will be available this winter for the Xbox 360 videogame and entertainment system, the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and the PSP (PlayStation Portable).

Batman’s worst nightmares are about to become realised for gamers throughout the UK - pre-order Batman: Arkham Asylum from high street retailer GAME and you’ll have access to an exclusive combat Challenge Map where Batman’s darkest fears come to life.

Gamers ordering the hugely anticipated title on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 or PC from any high street branch of GAME or online at game.co.uk will receive access to the Villains Challenge Map, a unique combat Challenge Map playable within the game where Batman must descend into the depths of his own nightmares and come face-to-face with The Scarecrow and his army of skeletons.

Based on the core Batman license, Batman: Arkham Asylum exposes players to a unique, dark and atmospheric adventure that takes them to the depths of Arkham Asylum – Gotham City's psychiatric hospital for the criminally insane. Gamers will move in the shadows, instigate fear amongst their enemies and confront The Joker and Gotham City's most notorious villains who have taken over the asylum.

The Villains Challenge Map is available in the UK from GAME (other regions have different arrangements) and can be downloaded when Batman: Arkham Asylum ships, from 28th August 2009.

Activision 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. 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.

Update for World War One: La Grande Guerre. This update includes well over a dozen bug fixes, some minor enhancements to the diplomatic AI, a more robust multiplayer engine, user interface tweaks for browsing HQ units, and several other improvements.



David Heath, Director of Operations at Matrix Games, said “AGEOD has done it again with World War One: La Grande Guerre. This title brings all of the great features and design found in a hit AGEOD game but on a topic that is less well known to many wargamers.”



As Europe mobilized in August 1914, both sides of what would be called World War I chanted “Home before the leaves fall!’’ Four long and bloody years later Europe lay in ruins and many once-enthusiastic patriots returned home disenchanted and broken ... Will YOU be able to prevent that outcome?



Take charge as a military and political leader during the most trying and critical times of World War One! As either a member of the Central Powers, the Entente or a neutral nation, you will confront the epic gauntlet of challenges that faced the likes of Kitchener, Joffre, Luddendorf, Clemenceau, Czar Nicholas II or Enver Pasha in scenarios that range from single theatres to the entire grand campaign.



Gaze over an incredibly detailed, beautifully crafted, and massive WWI map as you control dozens of different ground units, planes, and ships. To add further flavor to an already chaotic and intense period of conflict, hundreds of military, economic, political and technological events can help turn the tide of war for or against you. Deftly craft new alliances and jockey for any advantage that can break the deadlock by using ambassadors in an innovative and intuitive diplomacy system.



This update is comprehensive and will bring any previous version of World War One: La Grande Guerre to version 1.06H.

Have you got what it takes to investigate a bunch of suspected criminals, find out whodunnit and put the perpetrator behind bars? If so, then these two new Mystery Case Files games are for you!

The Queen’s Hope Diamond has been stolen! Mystery Case Files: Prime Suspects has you searching 29 unique locations for clues in order to find out whodunnit and recover the stolen gem before time runs out.

In Mystery Case Files: Madame Fate the eponymous fortune teller has foreseen her own demise at midnight this very day – murdered by one of her own carnival colleagues! Find clues and solve riddles in order to catch the crook before it’s too late.

Both games feature stunning backdrops in which you must test your hand-eye coordination to find the items on your list and unlock the next stage of your quest. Can you find all the clues, solve the mysteries and earn the rank of Master Detective?

Licensed from Big Fish Games Studios, Mystery Case Files: Prime Suspects and Mystery Case Files: Madame Fate join Focus Multimedia’s Essential range of great value PC games and software. Every Focus Essential title has the suggested retail price of just £9.78 including VAT.

Have you got what it takes to investigate a bunch of suspected criminals, find out whodunnit and put the perpetrator behind bars? If so, then these two new Mystery Case Files games are for you!

The Queen’s Hope Diamond has been stolen! Mystery Case Files: Prime Suspects has you searching 29 unique locations for clues in order to find out whodunnit and recover the stolen gem before time runs out.

In Mystery Case Files: Madame Fate the eponymous fortune teller has foreseen her own demise at midnight this very day – murdered by one of her own carnival colleagues! Find clues and solve riddles in order to catch the crook before it’s too late.

Both games feature stunning backdrops in which you must test your hand-eye coordination to find the items on your list and unlock the next stage of your quest. Can you find all the clues, solve the mysteries and earn the rank of Master Detective?

Licensed from Big Fish Games Studios, Mystery Case Files: Prime Suspects and Mystery Case Files: Madame Fate join Focus Multimedia’s Essential range of great value PC games and software. Every Focus Essential title has the suggested retail price of just £9.78 including VAT.

Evil still lurks in Ravenhearst Manor - can you unlock its cryptic mysteries in Mystery Case Files: Return to Ravenhearst?

The sequel to No. 1 best-selling casual game* Mystery Case Files: Ravenhearst, this game adds a point-and-click adventure element to the popular hidden object series. You’ll see Ravenhearst Manor as you’ve never seen it before!

Following events in the first game, Emma Ravenhearst’s soul is now free. However, her ghost has delivered a dire warning; the Manor is not completely free of malevolence. So you must enter Ravenhearst’s spectral halls once more, solve the mystery and free the Manor’s shackled souls.

Feel the floorboards creak as you move from room to room solving puzzles and seeking out hidden clues in over 150 detailed scenes. The immersive adventure-style gameplay and epic original soundtrack will draw you in and have you sleuthing long into the night... if you’re brave enough, that is.

Licensed from Big Fish Games Studios, one of the world’s leading casual game developers, Mystery Case Files: Return to Ravenhearst joins Focus Multimedia’s Essential range of great value PC games and software. Every Focus Essential title has the suggested retail price of just £9.78 including VAT.

Legendo Entertainment announce a July 27th North American release date for The Three Musketeers: One for All! for WiiWare. The game will be priced at 900 Wii Points and will be available in English, Spanish and French language editions.

Until today the much-loved sword-swinging platform adventure inspired by Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel has only been available on the PC. The Three Musketeers: One for All! has been specially revamped for Wii™ to provide players with more fun and interaction as they launch sword attacks and control the game’s hero with the Wii Remote™ and Nunchuk™.

“We are honored to be the first Swedish company ever to publish a console game in North America,” said Legendo Entertainment CEO & Executive Producer Björn Larsson. “We hope that North American Wii owners will enjoy our charming platform adventure and its unique visual style.”

Players control famed musketeer Porthos during a daring mission to save his kidnapped comrades Aramis, Athos and the young D'Artagnan from the clutches of the sinister Count Xavier and his evil lieutenant, the hook-handed Count Orsini. Packed with frenetic combat, heroic leaps and fun puzzles, and featuring three different endings, this is one adventure no aspiring hero will want to miss!

The Three Musketeers: One for All! supports widescreen and 480p and will be released in Europe and Australia on July 31st.

Key Features:
• Take control of famed member of The Three Musketeers, Porthos and save your comrades in this riveting platforming action romp suited to heroes of all ages!
• Immerse yourself in a swashbuckling platform adventure, duel countless enemies, solve fun puzzles, and avoid fiendish traps.
• Wii Remote and Nunchuk controls allow you to interact directly with the game. Swing the Wii Remote to launch blistering sword attacks on your foes, run and leap over rooftops and discover hidden collectables.
• Explore a multitude of breathtaking levels teeming with challenging bosses and distinctive environments that include lush forests, dark dungeons, towering castles, a haunted Abbey, the historical town of Normandy, and more!

The Three Musketeers: One for All! has been rated E for Everyone (Cartoon Violence) by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB).

Nintendo trademarks used under license. WiiWare is available only through the Wii console. Wii is a trademark of Nintendo.

Activision announce that beloved comic book legend Stan Lee will make his first onscreen video game cameo in the highly anticipated Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2, slated for release this September. Lee lends his likeness and voice to a character whose role is pivotal to the game’s storyline, which incorporates elements of the acclaimed Marvel Civil War comic book series.

“I am thrilled to be making my first onscreen videogame cameo in Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2,” said Stan Lee, Publisher Emeritus, Marvel Comics. “It’s such a kick to see characters that I’ve helped create come to life in the game and now I’m a part of the Marvel videogame universe!”

“With Activision’s long-standing history of bringing so many of Stan Lee’s creations to life, it’s great to be able to incorporate him into Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2,” said Rob Kostich, head of marketing for licensed properties, Activision Publishing, Inc. “Stan is a legend in the comic world and his appearance is yet another special treat that fans can look forward to when we bring back the largest army of playable Super Heroes and Super Villains this Fall.”

About Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2
The greatest Super Hero action/RPG of all time is back with the world’s largest army of heroes and villains in Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2. Incorporating elements of the acclaimed Marvel Civil War storyline, the game allows players to choose their side and team up with revered heroes and villains, including Spider-Man, Wolverine, Hulk, Iron Man, Deadpool, Venom, Green Goblin and Captain America. Players can combine characters’ powers and unleash astonishing new attacks.

All-new comic based on Dead Space Extraction, one of the fall’s most anticipated games for the Nintendo Wii.

The Dead Space Extraction comic reunites renowned illustrator Ben Templesmith and writer Antony Johnston with the game’s cold and terrifying fiction.

This one-time special issue comic follows the successful partnership for last year’s Dead Space comic mini-series.

The comic will be on store shelves in September 2009 for SRP $3. A limited edition version of the comic featuring exclusive cover art will be available for the special price of $2 at the EA Comic-con booth (No5123). Ben Templesmith and Antony Johnston will be at the booth signing the special issues on Thursday 3-4 PM and Friday – Sunday 1-2 PM. Fans of Dead Space will also be able to purchase other Dead Space merchandise such an Isaac Clarke Unitology figurine, iPhone skins, and Dead Space art books. Players will also have the chance to play the game at the EA booth. The Dead Space Extraction development team is participating in the “Art of Making a Horror Video Game” panel on Friday, July 24th at 6 PM in Room 2.

“There is so much more to the Dead Space universe than we could ever fit into one game and we’re excited to be working with Image Comics again to extend the story in Dead Space Extraction,” said Steve Papoutsis, executive producer of Dead Space Extraction. “Ben and Antony did such a tremendous job with the original comic, we can’t wait for fans to get their hands on this special issue.”

Dead Space Extraction is the prequel to the award-winning Dead Space action/horror game. The new Wii exclusive game delivers a carefully crafted first-person experience that sets players on a disturbing adventure made especially more visceral by the innovative Wii controller. The Dead Space Extraction comic picks up the videogame narrative halfway through the game, at a critical juncture in the storyline. The story in the comic presents an alternate perspective on the game’s storyline. In the comic, a group of colonists fight through hordes of horrific necromorphs while searching for a cure to stop a raging noxious infection in space. At the comic’s climax, the colonists encounter the desperate survivors from the videogame, only to realize that the only thing that can save them is right in front of them.

Ben Templesmith is best known for his work in the American comic book industry - most notably Fell with writer Warren Ellis, published by Image Comics, and 30 Days of Night with writer Steve Niles published by IDW Publishing. Ben has been nominated for multiple Eisner Awards three years in a row for his comic work. Antony Johnston author of thirteen graphic novels, including Stormbreaker and Point Blanc (adapted from Anthony Horowitz' best-selling Alex Rider novels), The Long Haul, Julius and Three Days in Europe, also wrote the dialog for Dead Space and Dead Space Extraction. He writes two ongoing serials, the sci-fi epic Wasteland and the children's fantasy Texas Strangers. He also writes novels; his debut Frightening Curves won the 2002 American Independent Publishing Award for Best Horror. His second novel, Stealing Life, was published in 2007.

In development at Visceral Studios, Dead Space Extraction ships September 29th in North America and October 2nd in Europe exclusively for the Wii.

Need for Speed NITRO, the first ever Need for Speed title made exclusively for the Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS will ship to retailers worldwide on November 17th. This holiday, gamers must battle through the mayhem of relentless cops, master the art of drifting to gain boost at 200 mph, and prove themselves across five exotic cities at blistering speeds.

"Need for Speed NITRO offers fun and intense competition for every type of gamer, “said Joe Booth, Senior Producer, EA Montreal. "The varied track designs, deep controls, and intuitive drift and nitro mechanics give players something to come back to for months on end. We wanted to fuse together attitude with car culture and the best of arcade racing, to create a new and unique racing experience for the Wii and NDS this November.”

Boasting support for the Wii Remote, Nunchuk, racing wheel, classic controller, GameCube controller and DS stylus, Need for Speed NITRO lets players decide exactly how they want to dominate the competition. For the ultimate bragging rights, gamers can’t just win the race, they must own it. With a nearly limitless visual customization system, gamers can design a unique art style to attach to their ride. As they edge out competitors in driving finesse, their art will overtake the world, vibrantly painting the story of racing supremacy. All this combined with fresh modes, tracks and exotic real world locations make Need for Speed NITRO one of the most exciting, heart-pounding arcade racers for the Wii and Nintendo DS.

Need for Speed NITRO recently received IGN’s “Best Racing Game” award for the Wii and Nintendo DS. Need for Speed NITRO is developed by EA Montreal in Montreal and is not yet rated by the ESRB and PEGI.

EA SPORTS is pleased to confirm that FIFA 10 will be available in stores internationally from October 2nd for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system, Nintendo Wii home video game system, PC, PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, Nintendo DS, PSP (PlayStation Portable) system and mobile.

Partnership Between UMe and EMI Marks First Time Jackson 5 Songs to be Featured Across All Next-Generation Platforms; Content to Include Number One Jackson 5 Hits and Additional Bonus Content

Konami Digital Entertainment announced it has secured licensed music of the Jackson 5 from Universal Music Enterprises to be featured in Karaoke Revolution for Nintendo Wii, the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system. Players will be able to sing to original music of Jackson 5 classics including the number one hits "I'll Be There," and "ABC." The Jackson 5 content will be featured on the final disc at launch along Jackson 5 themes and photos. This original Jackson 5 content and themes will further distinguish Karaoke Revolution in the marketplace by being the first karaoke game to feature licensed music of the Jackson 5 across all next-generation gaming consoles.

"The music of the Jackson 5 is timeless," said Careen Yapp, Vice President of Licensing and Business Development. "We are thrilled to partner with UMe and EMI to pay homage to the American institution known as the Jackson 5 in Karaoke Revolution. The Jackson 5 was the first group to have four consecutive number one singles, and to have those iconic hits like 'I'll Be There' or 'I Want You Back' will give fans both old and new a chance to experience their music in a way they have never before."

"Konami are the pioneers of the karaoke gaming genre, in the same way that the Jackson 5 were pioneers for many of the pop groups and artists that have followed in their path. We're pleased to be able to have been able to provide fans of the Jackson 5 with a new way to experience the classic music that made them such worldwide stars" adds Rod Kotler, Vice President of Music Resources at EMI Music Publishing.

Additionally, the game will let karaoke fans sing and compete against friends with expanded multiplayer modes, 50 all-new hit songs from master recordings, as well as an endless amount of customizable venue options and newly enhanced customizable characters, including dramatic facial and body morphing.

Karaoke Revolution's expanded multiplayer modes allow players to throw karaoke parties with their friends, or perform solo in a single-player career. If you want to hear your favorite songs in succession, just create a playlist, pick up the microphone and jump in at anytime! Players can sing to a wide variety of contemporary hits and classic favorites from licensed master recordings. In addition, those using either the Xbox 360® or the PLAYSTATION®3 can utilize the co-op Party Mode with online game modes for up to 8 players or battle with or against each other in the ultimate competition.

Also new to this year's version are the enhanced customizations that allow singers to design and personalize their venues and characters in ways that are guaranteed to catch the attention of the crowd. Karaoke Revolution offers singers the opportunity to create a virtual representation of themselves with the abundance of character customization and body manipulation options. Players can record themselves with the Xbox LIVE Vision Camera or the PLAYSTATION® Eye to incorporate themselves right on screen inside their custom venues! While Xbox 360 and PS3 gamers can also select and download licensed master tracks, share exclusive venues and additional clothing and accessories

Like all versions from this acclaimed franchise, Karaoke Revolution features a proprietary voice recognition technology which accurately recognizes and scores vocal pitch and rhythm. Real-time feedback is offered by the dynamic crowds that fill each virtual venue. The game comes packaged with a microphone providing players ready-to-perform access.

Karaoke Revolution will be released in the fourth quarter of 2009.

Fans of Popular Fighting Game Series Who Compete in Daily Tournaments

Can Win Prizes and Giveaways at the Gaming University Booth No5135
Consumer software and entertainment company TOMY Corporation announced today plans to feature tournament play of NARUTO Shippuden: Clash of Ninja Revolution 3 for the first time this week at the 2009 Comic-Con in the San Diego Convention Center.

Fans aged 13 and older can test their mettle and vie for prizes during daily tournaments featuring the upcoming Wii™ fighter title, or win limited edition NARUTO Shippuden: Clash of Ninja Revolution 3 or Ninja Destiny 2 dog tags by simply visiting the booth and trying out the game, while supplies last.

Hands-on game play trials of the upcoming Wii exclusive fighter will be available throughout the show, or attendees can gain entry into the tournaments by seeing a TOMY representative on the booth during show hours. Tournaments will take place each day from 4:30 p.m. at the Future Gaming University booth #5135, July 23 - 26. Players will compete in one of four four-player matches, with the winner of each round advancing to the final championship round each day. In the final match, the players can win by gaining two points, or by winning two rounds.

Three runners-up will receive a first-run copy of NARUTO Shippuden: Clash of Ninja Revolution 3 for the Nintendo Wii when it is released this fall, a copy of NARUTO Shippuden: Ninja Council 4 for the Nintendo DS, as well as a first-run copy of NARUTO Shippuden: Ninja Destiny 2 for the Nintendo DS when it is released in September. In addition to the prizes mentioned above, one lucky grand prize winner will receive a complete set of NARUTO Shippuden Ninjutsu Collection figures from Toynami, a Naruto Shippuden Leaf Village head band, and other Naruto collectibles from Great Eastern.

In addition to competing for prizes at the Future Gaming University booth, attendees also have the chance to participate in more tournament play for NARUTO Shippuden: Clash of Ninja Revolution 3 at the Viz Media booth, No2813, on Sunday, July 26 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. The grand prize winner will receive a Nintendo Wii console and a copy of the game when it ships in the fall.

The highly anticipated World War II flight combat title IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey will make its console debut on September 4th in the UK with pre-orders now being taken across many online retailers.

Developed by Gaijin Entertainment for Xbox 360 and PS3, DiP Interactive for Nintendo DS and SME Dynamic Systems Limited for PSP and features the greatest aerial battles of the Second World War, and boasts the most realistic landscapes and aircraft seen in any flight game.

Players participate in the most famous confrontations of the era piloting fighters, battle planes or heavy bombers across a range of daring and action packed missions. There are 6 theaters of war in which to engage – The Battle of Britain, Stalingrad, Berlin, Sicily, the Battle of the Bulge and Korsun – representing the main airborne battles of World War II in Europe. Unlock over 40 planes, all faithfully recreated in amazing detail, and pilot them in breath taking air battles and daring bombing runs spread over 50 campaign missions and multi-player modes.

IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey will be published by 505 Games in collaboration with 1C Company. Visit the official website at www.il2game.com for all the latest information

John Elway, Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, Jeremy Piven and Ving Rhames Headline Flag Football Game On Friday

Roger Craig And Donnie Edwards Teach Football Skills and Healthy Habits to 500 Los Angeles Area Middle Schoolers in Madden NFL Play 60 Youth Football Festival on Thursday.

Madden-NFL Play 60 Youth Football Festival

WHAT:
EA SPORTS and the NFL will host a one-day NFL PLAY 60 Youth Football Festival. This festival will bring 500 middle school youth from the Los Angeles area to participate in football clinics and other health and fitness activities. EA SPORTS will use Madden NFL 10 as a teaching tool to help enhance children’s football knowledge.


WHERE:
Malibu Bluffs State Park
Malibu, CA


WHEN:
Thursday, July 23, 2009


9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. PT


WHO:


RB ROGER CRAIG, San Francisco 49ers


LB DONNIE EDWARDS, Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers


500 Los Angeles Area Middle School Students


VIP Red Carpet

WHAT:
Photo Opportunity featuring NFL players and celebrities who will participate in the Madden NFL 10 Pigskin Pro-Am.


WHERE:
Loews Santa Monica Hotel
Santa Monica, CA


WHEN:
Thursday, July 23, 2009


7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. PT (media check-in starts at 6:30 p.m.)


Madden NFL 10 Pigskin Pro-Am

WHAT:


Current and former NFL players, including five Hall of Famers, and celebrities face off in a flag football game. The game will be produced by NFL Films and broadcast on NFL Network, ESPN2, VH-1 and SPIKE, in the days leading up to and following the August 14th release of Madden NFL 10 from EA SPORTS. Xbox 360 game kiosks will be available for hands-on with Madden NFL 10.


WHERE:
Malibu Bluffs State Park
Malibu, CA


WHEN:
Friday, July 24, 2009


Media availability begins at 3:30 p.m. PT


Game begins at 5:00 p.m. PT


WHO:


Former NFL Player Participants:


RB MARCUS ALLEN – LA Raiders, Kansas City Chiefs


QB JOHN ELWAY – Denver Broncos


RB MARSHALL FAULK – Indianapolis Colts, St. Louis Rams


QB JOE MONTANA – San Francisco 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs


WR JERRY RICE – San Francisco 49ers


RB BARRY SANDERS – Detroit Lions


WR DEION SANDERS – Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins, Baltimore Ravens


LB JUNIOR SEAU – San Diego Chargers, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots



Current NFL Players (acting as coaches):


WR LARRY FITZGERALD – Arizona Cardinals


TE TONY GONZALEZ – Atlanta Falcons


RB WILLIE PARKER – Pittsburgh Steelers


LB DeMARCUS WARE – Dallas Cowboys



Celebrity Participants:


ANTHONY ANDERSON


KEVIN DILLON


DONALD FAISON


BRODY JENNER


TAYLOR LAUTNER


JESSE McCARTNEY


MARIA MENOUNOS


JASON PATRIC


JEREMY PIVEN


VING RHAMES


KELLY ROWLAND


ALLISON SWEENEY



Musical Performance:


LL COOL J



(Participants subject to change)

Sci-Fi Comic Prequel Bridges Heroic Conclusion of Mass Effect and Mysterious Beginning of Mass Effect 2.

BioWare, a studio of Electronic Arts and Dark Horse Comics today announced a new comic book series based on Mass Effect, the blockbuster sci-fi action videogame that IGN.com rated the No1 Xbox 360 game of all time. In Mass Effect: Redemption, the story takes readers through the treacherous events leading up to Mass Effect 2 which opens with galactic hero Commander Shepard having mysteriously gone missing and left to fight for survival. What unfolds next will expose readers to new locations, aliens and extended storyline in the Mass Effect universe. Mass Effect: Redemption is scheduled to launch in January 6, 2010.

The Mass Effect: Redemption story is written by Lead Writer Mac Walters at BioWare. Walters is the script writer behind Mass Effect 2. He brings unique insight to the Mass Effect comic and nuance of the world within. The comic is scripted by John Jackson Miller (Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic, The Invincible Iron Man) and drawn by Omar Francia (Star Wars Legacy). This first four-part series explores the exotic and dangerous future Milky Way of Mass Effect, revealing previously unseen locations, aliens, and enemies of this rich science fiction landscape.

Mac Walters and Omar Francia will be autographing a Comic-con exclusive Mass Effect signing card at the Dark Horse booth (#2615) on July 24th at 4:00pm – 5:00pm at Comic-Con International 2009 in San Diego, CA.

“Fans of Mass Effect are going to be pleasantly shocked by the events in these comics,” says Mac Walters. “We worked very closely with Dark Horse to make sure this story was built in to the Mass Effect 2 arc, right from the ground up. Reading the series won’t just add to your experience of the universe, it will change the way you look at Mass Effect 2… and beyond.”

“Those familiar with Mass Effect are aware that it offers one of the deepest and most compelling universes in the history of space adventure,” says Dark Horse President and Publisher Mike Richardson. “We have a long history of successfully adapting properties such as Aliens, Star Wars, and Serenity into comics, and we feel that Mass Effect has tremendous potential with regard to graphic storytelling.”

The narrative in Mass Effect: Redemption picks up just as Commander Shepard disappears and is left without the support of the crew on the Normandy in the lawless Terminus Systems. Shepard must fight for survival, and will be assisted by close companion, Dr. Liara T’Soni, to come home alive. This story is sure to be a must-read for fans looking to fill the gap between the first and second game.

Mass Effect: Redemption issue 1 hits comic shop shelves on January 6, 2010.

Mass Effect 2 is scheduled for release on Xbox 360 and PC in early 2010.

A free companion album for Marvel v Capcom 2 inspired by the game and featuring some of the hottest hip hop artists around.


We'll be revealing the entire track listing next week, but today we're revealing the first music video from the album along with the cover art.

The video - The Grouch and Eligh's track "Fight The Good Fight"

Xbox today celebrates another exciting partnership with Ibiza Rocks Hotel as it announces plans to exclusively deliver Ibiza Rocks music content including performances and backstage footage throughout this Summer’s stellar line up of the biggest bands and breakthrough artists.

This year sees the return of the Xbox Social to the Ibiza Rocks Hotel, allowing guests at the party island’s favourite hotel to sample the very best in music games on the ultimate entertainment console. In partnership with Guitar Hero World Tour, Xbox LIVE fans will be able to watch HD footage** of the summer’s hottest action directly through their Xbox for an exclusive period of time.

Fans will be able to catch all the poolside performances and behind the scenes action from Ibiza Rocks including Calvin Harris, The Enemy, Dizzee Rascal, Vampire Weekend, Klaxons and many more hot acts in full HD throughout the summer on Xbox LIVE before the shows land several days later on www.xbox.com.

Xbox LIVE, the free-to-connect online service, not only connects you to range of great Music experiences, but incredible free content like the official Ibiza Rocks show. Kicking the summer off in true style are the Ting Tings, who, following a set by pop sensation Frankmusik, were warmed up by a blistering DJ set from Radio 1’s Zane Lowe in the first edition of “Xbox 360 and Guitar hero World Tour Present: Ibiza Rocks”.

With the Ting Tings, Kooks and Friendly Fires already up on Xbox LIVE, keep an eye out for the following shows across the summer, hitting Xbox LIVE for an exclusive period:

• Calvin Harris plus Kissy Sellout (Live) with a special DJ set from Burns*
• The Enemy plus Reverend and the Makers*
• Dizzee Rascal plus Example and Newham Generals*
• Vampire Weekend plus Mike Snow*
• Closing Party with Klaxons and The Big Pink*

* Performances covered on Xbox LIVE

** HD compatible TV required

Before becoming part of the FIFA Development team, I was a FIFA fan for as long as I can remember. Growing up in Bogota, Colombia, I bought a copy of FIFA 96 when I was about 13 years old, and have played every subsequent title since. Back then I played countless hours of FIFA on the only desktop computer we had at the house. Unfortunately, it was in my sister’s room…I don’t think she likes FIFA very much.
Each FIFA title has given me innumerable moments of joy and football glory, accompanied by numerous pet peeves that frustrated my gaming experience – I mean, why does my defender stop on through balls? And why does the CPU always score the same goal? And why is it so easy for me to score the same goal over and over again?
When I joined the FIFA team as a Gameplay Producer for Xbox 360 and PS3 in 2007, I was glad to find out that part of my job consisted of visiting the forums and other online sites in order to find out what was frustrating FIFA gamers around the world. For FIFA 10, making sure we responded to fan feedback was paramount. From fixing bugs and exploits to refining and innovating in response to requests from fans, we have involved the community in our attempt to make the best football game ever.

The Value of Feedback
The forums are full of really good ideas and suggestions. The true value of feedback, however, lies not in these original ideas, but rather in helping us realize what the most important things for the community are. In other words, I think we are very good at knowing what is wrong with the game and what we need to do to improve it. Unfortunately, we cannot fix everything in one (or several!) production cycles. Knowing what the most pressing and important issues are for our fans helps us prioritize the countless things we want to fix.
For example, we’ve always known that the Goalkeeper could not get sent off in FIFA 09. Ever since I joined the team, we’ve wanted to fix this. However, technical difficulties made fixing this trivial problem anything but simple. We knew the problem was there, we wanted to fix it, but we never thought it was important enough to merit the several days of production time it required. Then, a few months following the release of FIFA 09, I kept running into more and more people upset about the Goalkeeper being impervious to cards. They argued, quite rightly, that it was unrealistic and it rendered the backup Goalkeepers useless. Late in the production cycle, I decided to investigate what it would take to fix it. I got the different game areas together – one of the challenges for this feature is that it requires rendering, front end, audio, and gameplay support – and set out a plan to implement it. A couple of weeks later, I was happy to go on the forums and let everyone know that in FIFA 10, the Goalkeeper will be able to get red carded. Had it not been for the community feedback, it is unlikely this feature would have made it into FIFA 10. Now everyone will have to think twice before leaving the keeper out of the lineup!

It’s not just about the forums
We take a proactive approach when it comes to getting feedback on our game. The forums are extremely important, but the feedback we find there is limited to the title we already released. Just as critical is getting fans to play the most up-to-date version of FIFA. To do this, we find several people from around the world who love football video games to come to our studio in Vancouver, BC and play the latest version of the game – the one with the latest code, features, game modes, etc. We do this several times during the production cycle, and not just in Vancouver but also in EA offices overseas. As a Gameplay Producer, I play FIFA every day to make sure we deliver against the vision set out for the game. However, when you play the game every day it is easy to lose perspective on how it is changing – how different it is from the previous iteration and whether we are on the right track. These ‘playtests’ give us a valuable opportunity not just to ask specific questions and get feedback on new features, but also to make sure our fans are excited about the direction we are taking FIFA in year after year.

So what can you expect in FIFA 10?
Along with innovating and refining our game, responding to feedback from the community was one of the paramount goals for FIFA 10. We will never be able to address all of the issues in any given year, but I think we took great strides in getting rid of some of the frustrations expressed by the community.
One such frustration that I wanted to make sure we addressed this year is how easy it is in FIFA 09 to play through balls for your fast striker to run onto and get a one-one-one with the goalkeeper. Lots of people on the forums were complaining that there was no need for midfield build-up play and that teams with strong and fast strikers had too big of an advantage – a problem that made online games very one-dimensional, as there seem to be no way of defending against the through balls. I am South American, so I’m all about midfield build-up! Remember Carlos Valderrama? Oh, how I miss him…
For FIFA 10, we have spent a significant amount of time addressing issues like this one in order to ship a game as balanced as possible. For this particular case, some of the improvements we made to fix the problem included: tuning our covering and positioning logic so that defenders can be in a better position to cope with ground and lofted through balls; we slowed down the dribblers’ speed a bit more when they touch the ball while dribbling so fast defenders will be able to catch up to dribblers more often (it makes sense, since you cannot sprint as fast off the ball as you would if you have to be taking consecutive dribble touches!); and we improved the Goalkeepers’ positioning and behavior during breakaways so they narrow down the angle better during one-on-ones.
There are many more examples like this one that illustrate how important it has been for us this year to use the feedback from the community in our development of FIFA 10. As I mentioned earlier, it is not just about fixing bugs and exploits. It is also about responding to requests. We have gone through countless forum threads, and many of the requests we have found there will be addressed in FIFA 10. Perhaps one of the best examples is that we will include a Practice Mode this year. Using the Back/Select button from the 1 on 1 arena, you’ll be able to bring up a menu allowing you to choose to play a practice match or set pieces, as well as the number of players you want on the field. You asked for it, you got it!
I should wrap this up now, but I will leave you with a taste of some of the other Gameplay features that will be in FIFA 10 as a result of feedback from the community.
Ability to change kick taker on set pieces
Ability to move the wall
Preventing goals being scored from kick-off
Making offsides less frequent and improving our advantage logic
Quick Free Kicks
Fewer ‘cut scenes’ replaced by on-the-field player reactions
‘Super Long Throws’ – Players like Rory Delap will be able to throw the ball into the heart of the box from afar
New ‘Ball Avoidance’ logic so teammates and the referee will get out of the way of passes and shots
And many more!

I hope you enjoy playing FIFA 10 as much as I did making it. Looking forward to visiting the forums and getting your feedback – keep it coming!

Santiago Jaramillo
Gameplay Producer
FIFA10 – Xbox 360, PS3

Marvel v Capcom 2 features the biggest roster of challengers to ever square off in a Capcom fighting game, a total of 56 combined brawlers from both the Capcom and Marvel universes. From the world of Capcom comes characters such as Ryu from the Street Fighter series, Jill Valentine from the Resident Evil games and unofficial company mascot Mega Man. Marvel is represented by some of its biggest names, including the Invincible Iron Man, Captain America, the Sentinel of Liberty, and War Machine, Weapon of S.H.I.E.L.D. Players can mix and match from both worlds in order to create their own ideal three man/woman/robot/monster team-up.
Marvel VS Capcom 2 is designed to be a gateway for new players to experience the fun of fighting games while providing a deep system for hardcore fighting fans to dig into. Action is based around colorful, exaggerated attacks that include gigantic projectile attacks (such as Ryu's fireball or Dr. Doom's Plasma Beam) and high-flying aerial moves (like Spider-Man's Maximum Spider or Cammy's Killer Bee Attack). The controls are somewhat simplified from the classic six-button system at the heart of Capcom games like Street Fighter® IV, utilizing a four-button control scheme for the action, with two "assist" buttons that pull in your team members for additional support.
Due to the amazing combination of Marvel and Capcom characters and the game's celebrated fighting system and graphics, MvC2 has been a hotly sought-after title on the game collector's circuit. Previously owned copies for older game consoles have been demanding more than $100 in auctions and at specialty video game outlets. Now players who have been desperately searching out used copies of the game will be able to go hands-on and play online with the same great online experience from Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix. Additionally, Capcom has added an optional advanced visual filter that improves the overall appearance of the game and added online modes, including Ranked Matches and the popular Player "Quarter" Match, that allows up to four people to watch and chat while two others are battling it out.
Key features
Features
• Over 50 characters from the Marvel and Capcom Universes!
• 3 on 3 tag-team matches
• New online matching mode, including Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix’s “Quarter Match” mode ; enjoy the arcade experience from your console
• New optional visual filter smoothes out the game’s graphics
• Four button controls introduce new players to fighting games; compatible with the Mad Catz Street Fighter IV joysticks and Fight Pad
• Available for the first time via digital distribution on Xbox LIVE Arcade and the PlayStation Network

Visceral Games Invades Comic-Con with Special Edition Preview Issue Giveaways, Limited Edition Signings, the World Premiere Trailer for the Starz Media Animated Feature and More.

A comic book mini-series based on Dante’s Inferno™, EA’s video game adaptation of part one of “The Divine Comedy.” The comic will make its world debut at Comic-Con International in San Diego from July 23 – 26. Also at the show, Visceral Games™ and Starz Media will screen the world premiere trailer of the “Dante’s Inferno” animated feature, which will be released on home entertainment platforms day-and-date with the EA game in 2010. These two brand extension projects are based on EA’s adaptation, telling Dante’s epic story from a fresh, contemporary perspective and further exposing the classic to an ever wider pop culture audience.

A special “Issue 0” preview edition of the Dante’s Inferno comic will be given away at Comic-Con International 2009 in San Diego next week July 23rd through July 26th at the EA (Booth #5213) and DC Comics (Booth #1915) booths. The game will also be featured at the following events during the show:

* “Go to Hell With Dante’s Inferno” Panel – EA, DC/WildStorm and Starz Media present a panel discussion about how each group has translated the various aspects of “The Divine Comedy” into a video game, a comic series, and an animated feature. Find out from the creative minds behind each adaptation, where they were faithful and where they invented and get a peek at EA’s game in development, and be among the first to watch the world premier trailer for the animated feature “Dante’s Inferno” co-produced by EA and Starz Media’s Film Roman animation studio. The panel is at 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM on Thursday, July 23rd in Room 8.
* Dante’s Inferno Comic Preview Issue Signings – Artist Diego Latorre and writer Christos Gage will be at the DC Comics booth signing free copies of the Dante’s Inferno comic preview issue. The signings will take place at 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM on Friday and Saturday and at Christos Gage will be signing them at the EA booth on Thursday from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
* Dante’s Inferno Limited Edition Lithograph Signing – Diego Latorre has created a special, limited edition lithograph exclusively for Comic-Con, with only 750 copies available. He will be signing these copies at the EA Booth. These signings will take place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
* Play the Dante’s Inferno Game – One of 2010’s most highly anticipated action-adventure games will be playable for all show attendees at the EA booth during all exhibition hours!

Illustrated by Diego Latorre (The Incredible Hulk) and written by Christos Gage (X-Men/Spider-Man, Wildcats) the Dante’s Inferno six-issue comic miniseries will go on sale beginning in December 2009. Created by Visceral Games, Dante’s Inferno is set in the poem’s vividly imagined nine circles of hell – limbo, lust, gluttony, greed, anger, violence, heresy, fraud and treachery. Players take Dante on an epic descent through hell, battling their way through a terrifying gauntlet of demons to reclaim the soul of his beloved Beatrice. The Dante’s Inferno comic will highlight the action-packed moments in the game, and will also deliver more perspective on Beatrice’s experience, adding more depth to the game’s story and exploring more of the poem’s dramatic depiction of the underworld.

“Dante Alighieri’s “The Divine Comedy” is an incredibly rich piece of source material. It is a literary classic teeming with demons, monsters, danger and doom. It is the perfect backdrop to our action-adventure story,” said Jonathan Knight, executive producer of Dante’s Inferno. “We are extremely excited to be working with great partners like WildStorm and Starz Media to expand the story and deliver our adaptation to other powerful media.”

“When Christos and I saw the early gameplay demo of the game, our jaws just hit the floor,” said Hank Kanalz, Vice President and General Manager, WildStorm. “The nature of this game, as well as the original work, inspired WildStorm to take a unique approach in the creative. Diego Latorre’s art is outstanding and atypical for a game-based comic. EA has really set the bar high, and we strive to achieve or surpass the mark with this book.”

EA’s Dante’s Inferno will be in stores in 2010 for the Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system, the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and the PSP® (Sony PlayStation® Portable). The game has not yet been rated by the ESRB or PEGI.

Spyborgs, Capcom’s hottest new thrill ride will be coming exclusively for the Nintendo Wii this year. Combining an extraordinary sci-fi world with action packed 2-player co-op, this original IP is a must-have Wii title for action fans.

A cybernetically-enhanced group of super heroes is set-up to die by a former team member they trusted. When players take control of the weapon-enhanced cyborgs in their pursuit of the traitor, they will come together in 2-player co-op to face over 35 stages of mind-blowing challenges packed with epic boss battles and swarms of enemies that only a team of two can defeat!

In Spyborgs, players select two of the three Spyborg characters and use the motion-based Wii-remote to shoot, slash and pummel their way through hordes of mechanized enemies. With an in-depth 2-player co-op system, players will be able to strategically jump back and forth from one member of the team to the other, rapidly tackling different challenges with their unique abilities.

Players can also experience the frenetic fun with a friend in co-op, which opens up access to stylized co-op finishing moves. This advanced co-op system utilizing the Wii-remote motion control delivers an unparalled, highly interactive gameplay experience perfectly suited for Wii action fans. Spyborgs provides players with a dynamic and fresh approach to beat-em-up, brawler gameplay.

Using the most advanced technology on the Wii, Spyborgs is being developed by Bionic Games, a newly-formed development team comprised of former Insomniac Games and High Impact Games developers (known for their work on hugely popular franchises Ratchet and Clank and Resistance: Fall of Man).

Features:

• Stunning Graphics: Pushing the graphics capabilities of the Wii, Spyborgs will offer a variety of vibrant environments and detailed character models alongside action-packed gameplay.

• Extreme Co-Op: Designed around the 2-player co-op experience whether playing alone or with friends, single players can jump seamlessly between characters at any time to take advantage of their unique weapons and skills while friends can tag-team it to create crazy combos and finisher moves for the ultimate brawl.

• Brawler-style Gameplay: Action-packed, intuitive gameplay for all skill-levels.

• Robust combo system to master: Multiple character specific combos allow players to chain light and heavy attacks to increase their Combo/Power meters and unleash devastating “Finisher” moves and “Co-Op Finisher” moves.

• Upgradeable Attack System: Power-up by collecting “crimson spark” currency from defeated enemies and destructible environments to purchase upgrades.

• Instant Character Swap: Users can instantly switch between two characters mid-combat to utilize each character’s strengths.

• Cinematic Boss Battles: Epic, action-packed and absolutely thrilling battles featuring full-screen, dynamic and wickedly challenging bosses.

• Robust Achievement system: Similar to Xbox 360 and PSN, players are rewarded with an Achievement Title signifying their accomplishment. Taking it one step further, these Achievements also unlock bonus videos, concept art and new challenges in the game.

505 Games in collaboration with 1C Company, the publishers of upcoming WWII flight combat title IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds Of Prey have today shed some light on the processes by which the game’s impressive visuals are produced, which include the use of satellite photography. STRM database pictures, renowned for their uttermost precision, have been used to recreate the landscapes of war-torn Europe in remarkable detail.

Building accurate 1940’s environments using the latest in cutting edge satellite technology comes with a set of immediate problems, most obviously the 50 year time gap in buildings, foliage and other features, many of which did not exist at the time of the game’s setting and others which are now long gone from the real word and need to be added. To combat this, the development team have collated and pored over hundreds of wartime photos, documents and maps, painstakingly removing unwanted additions and recreating missing landscape features.

Whenever possible, locations have been remodelled according to genuine, historically accurate photos from archives around the world. These were laboriously compared with modern images to ensure all significant features were included or removed as appropriate. Where documented evidence was unavailable, the team took the time to create unique buildings in keeping with the style of the era, often imitating structures from other cites of the era and transposing them into the created landscapes. In total, over two million buildings and around 35 million trees were put in place using these processes to produce a level of realism hitherto unseen on current generation consoles.

“Collecting all the necessary data, both old and new, to create IL-2 had been a long battle all of its own,” commented Alex Price, Senior Global Brand Manager for 505 Games. “The game is now looking as good we had always anticipated it would and in light of that, the scouring of archives and satellite databases has all been worth it!”

Developed by Gaijin Entertainment for Xbox 360 and PS3, DiP Interactive for Nintendo DS and SME Dynamic Systems Limited for PSP, IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey features the greatest aerial battles of all time, during the Second World War, and boasts the most realistic landscapes and aircraft seen in any flight sim.

IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey will be published by 505 Games in collaboration with 1C Company.

WW2: Time of Wrath! This massively improved sequel to the grand strategy game WW2: Road to Victory comes with deep turn-based grand strategy gameplay, including the ability to play any of the minor countries as well as fully modeled land, air and naval combat, research, production and logistics.

Additionally, owners of WW2: Road to Victory can upgrade to Time of Wrath and enjoy all the new features and benefits completely FREE of charge! Owners of WW2: Road to Victory should check the WW2: Time of Wrath forum and the Matrix Games’ Members Club for more information on the free upgrade offer.

David Heath, Director of Operations at Matrix Games, said “WW2: Road to Victory has enjoyed a strong and positive community response, so we’re very happy to see this exciting new game system progress. WW2: Time of Wrath is a massive improvement over its predecessor and anyone who was interested in Road to Victory should definitely check Time of Wrath! In cooperation with Wastelands Interactive, we’re also pleased to offer WW2: Time of Wrath as a free upgrade to WW2: Road to Victory owners as a thank you to them for supporting this series.”



From the front lines in France and Russia to the deserts of North Africa and the airfields and convoys of Britain, the campaigns of World War II are yours to command in WW2: Time of Wrath! This turn-based grand strategy title, the highly improved and expanded sequel to WW2: Road to Victory, puts the player in charge of the political, economic and military decisions of one or more Axis or Allied nations, including minor nations. A diplomacy system based on political points allows you to sway possible allies to your side. An upgraded and expanded naval combat system includes fleet engagements, combat patrols, massive aircraft carriers, elusive raiders and U-Boats as well as a convoy system.



Concentrate precious industrial resources on building, training and upgrading a wide variety of combat units from airborne soldiers and armored divisions up to nuclear weapons! Historical leaders enhance the performance of your armies and hundreds of historical events like the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, Lend-Lease and more give you choices that can change the course of history. WW2: Time of Wrath is fought across turns that vary in length by season and 25 km hexes with divisions and corps, giving the player a broad strategic picture of the war while still leaving enough room for operational decisions.



Features include:



* Four Grand Campaigns (1939, 1940, 1941 and 1944) cover the full war in the European Theater, lasting up to 1948 for maximum flexibility
* Two Scenarios (Fall Weiss and Overlord)
* Simple and intuitive user interface with engrossing historical gameplay
* Hundreds of historical events such as Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, Vienna Dictate, Lend-Lease, and many more.
* Play as any nation and as any combination of countries to experience the war through a unique perspective.
* Air and Land Combat, including Sieges, Interceptions, Strategic Bombardment, Air Recon, Fleet Air attacks, Bombardment.
* Enhanced naval system that includes Aircraft Carriers, Battle, Patrol and Submarine Groups. Managing fleets, convoys and raiders in Sea Zones.
* Air forces now extend their power over nearby sea zones.
* Advanced weather system simulates spring and autumn / rainfall and snow. Beware of General Winter! Weather conditions have a different effect on each country.
* Any combination of move and attack is allowed as long as Action Points are available.
* Technological race in research of new more powerful units.
* Mulberry harbors now available as a helpful and powerful tool in preparation for huge landing operations.
* Paratroopers conduct airborne landings help to take distant key point locations.
* Fully historical, detailed orders of battle in all scenarios with historical names for hundreds of land, air and naval units.
* Land units divided are into Divisional and Corps size allowing the player to choose what best fits his economy and play style.
* Historical commanders boost the effectiveness of units under their care.
* Improved A.I. to perform better at the strategic and tactical level.
* An innovative naval combat model and realistic supply convoy attack system
* A simple yet immersive political point system for diplomatic relations – alienate enemies and solidify ties with allies
* A healthy variety of combat units to command from armored and airborne forces to strategic bombers and battleships – even nukes!
* Random historical events that can guide and shape the course of the war

Origin8 are pleased to announce the release of ‘Car Mania’, a casual route management game with hardcore production values. ‘Car Mania’ provides deceptively challenging pick-up-and-play action, vibrant visuals and a criminally catchy soundtrack. ‘Car Mania’ is available for the Apple iPhone/iPod Touch from the iTunes App Store for $0.99 or regional equivalent.

‘Car Mania’ features:

- Intuitive controls – draw each vehicle’s path with your finger; tap to stop and go.

- Keep commuters moving and in one piece – delays and crashes cause the road rage meter to rise!

- Juggle a variety of cars, trucks and motorbikes, each with different speeds and capabilities.

- Watch out for road works or you’ll get in a jam!

- Play across three gorgeous maps with distinct layouts and unique challenges.

- Go for the top score in a fast and furious round of Time Attack, or play Survival mode and see how long you can keep the city moving.

- Want to let off some steam? Try Road Rage mode where pile ups mean points. Happy wrecking!

- With full online high scores and unlockable achievements using OpenFeint, there’s always an excuse for just one more go.

Get Car Mania here: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=322429835&mt=8 For the latest news on Car Mania and our other products, follow Origin8 on Twitter: http://twitter.com/origin8, or check our forums: http://www.origin8.com/forums.

The Beechcraft Duke first rolled out in 1968 and production continued through to the early 1980s. The aircraft’s blend of elegance, pressurised cabin and performance made it a firm favourite with her owners, though her reputation for thirst and expensive repair bills were equally legendary!

Developed by the award-winning RealAir, thankfully you won’t have to worry about the bills. Instead this beautiful simulated aircraft makes the perfect platform for IFR flights, or just taking to the skies for the sheer pleasure of flying... this must be one of the most satisfying simulations of a piston twin yet available for FSX.

The RealAir Beech Duke boxed edition is available from all good retailers, from the local hobby shop to high street chain stores. The boxed version and the download version (using Flight1’s popular e-commerce system) are also both available direct from flight1 here: http://www.flight1.com/products.asp?search=true&filter=all&txtsearch=262a

PlaySpan, the leader in monetization solutions for online games, virtual worlds, and social networks, today announced a new marketplace storefront for Facebook, and coming soon to MySpace, which enables consumers to purchase online game items, virtual goods, and game currencies from many of today’s most popular online games and applications.

The news marks the first time that consumers will have the ability to participate in a universal virtual goods commerce marketplace that also enables them to buy, trade, and sell goods within social networks and use the items in their online game environments. The application provides game developers and publishers a massive new social networking based distribution channel to engage consumers within the context of their social graph.

“Our social network marketplace takes online game commerce experiences to the next level. We are bridging the gap between gaming on and off social networks through a common monetization platform,” said Karl Mehta, Founder & CEO of PlaySpan. “Providing our marketplace application to hundreds of millions of consumers on the social networks will significantly help them to conduct virtual goods transactions across multiple platforms, as well as engage their friends in the process through gifting, trading, and sharing.”

"Combining the PlaySpan marketplace with our existing monetization solutions within the social networks and online communities like Facebook and MySpace signals a giant step forward for publishers and developers who want to make virtual goods available to consumers wherever they are," said Lex Bayer, General Manager of Social Networks at PlaySpan and Co-Founder of SpareChange. “By uploading their items into the PlaySpan market place, publishers will tap into a syndicated distribution model that places their items in store fronts that span gaming sites, online portals, and social networking sites.”

Facebook users can go to the following page to start utilizing the marketplace:

http://apps.facebook.com/sparechange/landing.html

Tomy Corporation today released tips and tricks to increase players’ performance as they swing and putt their way through the fantastical world in Pangya: Fantasy Golf on the PSP! Players will learn when to use certain clubs, how to execute the perfect shot, how to deal with environmental elements and more. There are also secret shots such as the Tomahawk Shot and the Spike Shot that will help players become one of the best golfers on Pangya Island. Get ready to amp up your skills and take your golf game to the next level!

To download the tips and tricks, please visit: http://bhimpact.gamespress.com/product_page.asp?i=931.

Citeremis announces Aztaka 1.03 is out today. Aztaka is a downloadable PC side-scrolling adventure/RPG game that blends classic gameplay with modern technology and high-end graphics.

The demo - now also available in French - will give a taste of the stunning visual experience Aztaka promises.

If you haven’t enjoyed it yet, make the most of the weeklong sales price to celebrate this latest version. Available from Friday onwards at $18.95.

Aztaka can be found at the Aztaka website www.aztaka.com .

Citeremis are delighted with this latest version which includes an array of new improvements and as such is sure to meet with approval from Aztaka fans everywhere.

"We've been getting a lot of constructive feedback from our fans," says Mercier, "and it's been a great help for this latest update. The focus in version 1.03 was really to make the game more user friendly and easier to get into. I hope we'll continue to get good feedback like this to make subsequent versions even better."

As well as improving the game's stability, the update adds new features including AutoSave and a log of completed quests. Furthermore, Huitzilo's death now merely takes the player back to the last door he passed through, rather than to a Game Over screen, making the game a little more forgiving for beginners.

Harmonix and MTV Games today announced that indie rockers Kings of Leon and punk rockers Rancid will make their Rock Band debuts with three packs of songs that will be added to the Rock Band Music Store of downloadable content next week as will a three pack from Rise Against and a single from Lush, for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system.

Additionally, tracks from No Doubt, Judas Priest, The Dead Weather and more will be available in the Wii™ Rock Band Music Store, and tracks from The Grateful Dead and Thin Lizzy will be available for Rock Band Unplugged.

New Rock Band DLC Additions for Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 Systems
The Rancid pack will include “Ruby Soho” and “Time Bomb,” from the band’s 1994 platinum album, …And Out Come The Wolves, as well as “Last One to Die,” from the band’s latest studio album, Let the Dominoes Fall. The band is currently on tour in support of this album with fellow American punk rock outfit Rise Against, who also offer a three pack to the Rock Band Music Store next week. “Re-Education (Through Labor)” and “Savior,” from the band’s new album, Appeal to Reason, as well as “Prayer of the Refugee,” from the band’s 2006 album, The Sufferer & the Witness, will be available July 21 for Rock Band fans. “Sweetness & Light” from English shoegazers Lush will also be available next week, and Tennessee indie rockers Kings of Leon will make their Rock Band debut with “Crawl” and “Sex on Fire,” from their 2008 album, Only by the Night, as well as “Molly’s Chambers,” from the band’s 2003 debut album, Youth and Young Manhood.

Tracks available for Xbox 360 (July 21) and PLAYSTATION 3 system (July 23):

Kings of Leon “Crawl”
Kings of Leon “Molly’s Chambers”
Kings of Leon “Sex on Fire”
Rancid “Last One to Die”
Rancid “Ruby Soho”
Rancid “Time Bomb”
Rise Against “Prayer of the Refugee”
Rise Against “Re-Education (Through Labor)”
Rise Against “Savior”
Lush “Sweetness & Light”

(All tracks are original master recordings)

These tracks will be available for purchase as part of the “Kings of Leon Pack,” “Rancid Pack,” “Rise Against Pack” or as individual tracks for Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 systems.



Wii Additions
Additionally, tracks from Big Dipper, Judas Priest and The Dead Weather, as well as back-catalog tracks from Jethro Tull, Naked Brothers and No Doubt will be available July 21 in the Wii Rock Band Music Store. These tracks come from the catalog of Rock Band music already released to owners of Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 system. With the addition of these tracks, there are now more than 400 tracks in the Wii Rock Band Music Store.

Additional tracks available for Wii (July 21):

Big Dipper “All Going Out Together” *
Big Dipper “She’s Fetching” *
Big Dipper “Younger Bums” *
Judas Priest “Dissident Aggressor (Live)”
Judas Priest “Eat Me Alive (Live)”
Judas Priest “Prophecy (Live)”
The Dead Weather “Hang You From the Heavens”
The Dead Weather “No Hassle Night”
The Dead Weather “Treat Me Like Your Mother”
Jethro Tull “Hymn 43”
Naked Brothers “Body I Occupy” *
Naked Brothers “I Don’t Want To Go To School” *
No Doubt “Bathwater”
No Doubt “Don’t Speak”
No Doubt “Excuse Me Mr.”
No Doubt “Ex-Girlfriend”
No Doubt “Hella Good”
No Doubt “Hey Baby”
No Doubt “It’s My Life”
No Doubt “Just a Girl”
No Doubt “Running”
No Doubt “Simple Kind of Life”
No Doubt “Spiderwebs”
No Doubt “Sunday Morning”
No Doubt “Underneath It All”

(All tracks are original master recordings)

City of Heroes' latest offering, Issue 16: Power Spectrum, forever changes the way all super powered beings will look at their powers. Now, changing the colors of your powers is as easy as changing the colors of your cape!

At last, our next free content update unveils the all new, much requested and long awaited Powers Customization system! You wanted more control over what your characters' powers look like, and you are getting it! Issue 16: Power Spectrum takes City of Heroes' unparalleled character creator to the next level by unveiling a kaleidoscope of colors for your characters' powers. Become your own pyrotechnician as you select themes for your characters' powers and color coordinate the hues of the power effects.

New Character Creator

Not only does the newly updated Character Creator allow players to jump directly between Archetype, Powersets, Costumes and Character ID in any order without losing progress, but it also allows you to select your colors and theme for each individual power or apply it to the entire powerset. These themes will allow for color tinting of geometry and particle effects such as energy blast colors and force field colors. The primary and secondary colors of any power effect can be changed individually for each power in the set.

Customizable Powers

Customizable powersets include Cold Domination, Dark Armor, Dark Blast, Dark Melee, Dark Miasma, Earth Control,