Sony Computer Entertainment rainbow of PSP (PlayStationPortable) colours is about to grow further with a brand-new, very special model: a Lilac Purple PSP-3000 that will come packed with top game Hannah Montana: Rock Out The Show for A-list pop star entertainment straight out of the box. Arriving this October in PAL territories, the Lilac Purple model brings a girly touch to the current wardrobe of PSP-3000 colours that also includes Vibrant Blue, Mystic Silver, Pearl White and Radiant Red as well as the classic Piano Black.

“As girls spend as much time listening to music, taking and editing photos, watching movies, chatting with Skype, surfing the net and playing games with their friends as boys do,” says Isabelle Tomatis, European Marketing Manager, SCEE: “we thought it was about time that they had their own colour of PSP – and we’ve styled this one up just for them.”

In the first ever Hannah Montana game for PSP, fans will not only star in the show, they will also design a custom concert in each city they visit and rock the stage as they perform as Hannah Montana to 11 hit songs, including three new tracks. Jackson and Lilly join in on the fun in Hannah Montana: Rock Out The Show PSP game to help Hannah on her tour as they travel to seven amazing locations around the world and customise outfits, design stages and so much more. Players will add their flair to performances by creating unique routines for each song with the “Rockstar Moment” maker by customising dance moves, lighting and special effects. Players will also be able to style the band members and the back-up dancers with amazing fashions, hair-styles and accessories. – and the whole pack also comes with a Memory Stick™ for players to save their designs and settings onto.

But playing Hannah Montana: Rock Out The Show is just one possibility with this PSP. With games, music, videos, online chat and photos to explore, this is a device that will make girls the envy of their friends.

SouthPeak Games has today announced their upcoming title Raven Squad has achieved gold status and will be shipping later this month. Coming to the Xbox 360 and PC, Raven Squad combines Real Time Strategy and intense First Person Shooting with a flare akin to the iconic 80’s action flicks that inspired an entire generation to create a genre all it’s own.

Combining two distinct genres of gameplay, Raven Squad allows players to choose how they want to approach each mission, with the options to play through entirely in RTS, FPS or a mixture of the two modes. Using two squads of three, players will help Raven Squad work their way through the Amazonian jungles in an effort to put down a rebel group attempting to overthrow the Brazilian government. Vicious shootouts, hostage situations, peasant persecution and vehicle chases offer players a myriad of exciting interludes throughout the 12 level campaign. Oh, and did we mention it’s fully cooperative both online and local via system link? Well, it sure is hoss.

Raven Squad is ready to explode your face and grill your burritos on August 20, 2009.

You think you can handle it?

The war rages on with intense fury for one of the most-popular online multiplayer games, as Activision Publishing, Inc. and developer Treyarch announced today that Call of Duty: World at War Map Pack 3 is now available for download on Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system. Call of Duty: World at War Map Pack 3 includes three new multiplayer maps and one Zombie map:



* Battery: An armoured island surrounded by anti-ship mines and shore-to-ship cannons, “Battery” places soldiers on a mid-sized map based on Fort Drum (El Fraile Island) in the Philippines. Players will have plenty of areas to hide and a steady flow of close quarters combat!

* Revolution: “Revolution” pits soldiers against each other in a large factory set in Russia's cold city streets. Keep your trigger finger primed, your gun loaded, and your head low through this sniper-friendly territory!

* Breach: Overwhelm the enemy in “Breach,” set in Berlin's crowded city streets surrounding the historic Brandenburg Gate. Only the finest soldiers will survive in this fast-paced, dense battlefield!

* Der Riese (Zombie Factory): The undead horde approaches! Fight for your life in “Der Riese” (translated: “The Giant”), an all-new Zombie map set in a secret Nazi research facility featuring the Pack A Punch Machine, a device capable of upgrading weapons at the touch of a button. Use the teleporters to escape the vicious Hell Hounds and pray that the powerful Wunderwaffe DG-2 will appear before it's too late. This map includes 10 new Xbox 360 Achievements/PS3 Trophies.

Call of Duty: World at War Map Pack 3 is currently available on Xbox LIVE Marketplace for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft for 800 Microsoft Points and on the PlayStationStore for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system for £7.99.

Call of Duty: World at War is rated 15 by the BBFC.

Super tackle: Take the ball off your opponent's toes in a blink of an eye with this lightning-fast slide tackle.

Helix Kick: Bamboozle the goalie with this insane corkscrew shot.

Banana Kick: Put extreme bend on the ball - the keeper won't know which way to turn.

Chopper: A spinning tackle frenzy that will send anyone in your path flying - including your own teammates!

Unstoppable Rush: Release that pent up aggression by knocking over anyone that gets in your way as you charge towards goal.

Cat-like Grace: Glide through tackles and defense like a knife through butter.

Stealth Attack: When Sam Fisher turns on his night-vision goggles nobody can see him - ideal for getting through on goal undetected.

Eagle Strike: Altair's assassin training helps him to launch into the air and unleash a lethal strike that will take out the keeper before it hits the back on the net.

Acrobatic Leap: Why go through the defence when you can just leap over it? The other team won't expect that!

Plunger Shot: The Rabbid weapon of choice makes for a very potent shot at goal.

Photo Fanatic: Jade will use the flash of her camera to temporarily stun her opponents and make them lose the ball.

Perfect Dribble: Opponents will be stunned by Pele's unbelievable ball skills rendering them unable to stop him.

Bicycle Smash: Mia Hamm's stunning backflip bicycle kick makes her one of the best strikers around.

Speed Burst: An explosion of pace that will help you catch up to opponents.

Dodge Move: Jump over or go around players quickly with these cool and easy to use tricks.

Paradox Interactive have today released a Hearts of Iron III podcast which reveals unknown insights behind the long awaited third installment of the best selling and critically acclaimed World War II Strategy series.

Exploring the roles of some of the key personnel involved with the development of Hearts of Iron III, the podcast features interviews with Johan Andersson – Producer, Chris King – Game designer, and Anna Drevendal – Historical Researcher.

Listen to the podcast: http://www.gameindustry.com/podcast/item.asp?id=27
Download the clip from Paradox: http://www.paradoxplaza.com//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=566&Itemid=129

About Hearts of Iron 3
Set to release in stores in North America and via all major digital download portals on August 7th, the game was recently awarded the Readers Choice “Best of E3 – PC Strategy” on Voodoo Extreme, along with being nominated for the “Best of E3 – PC Strategy” on IGN and Gaming Excellence. Releases in Europe will follow on August 14th (UK, Scandinavia) and August 28th (France and Germany).

* Players can register their games via the in-game menu or “My Games” on http://forum.paradoxplaza.com.

Up high, hidden in the tree-tops of the rainforest, the Elves once erected their settlements in the Savage Lands. Now Frogster reveals the secrets of this new zone that will make its debut with the launch of Chapter II - The Elven Prophecy of award-winning MMORPG Runes of Magic.

Situated north-west of the Weeping Coast lies the bastion of the elves. The peaceful atmosphere of the thick forest might be deluding to hapless adventurers, making their way into the woods. But here they have to face the Apeman and worse of all the Naga, who broke through the defensive barriers in the west and started building defensive outposts to secure their supply lines.

Further away, adventurers will come across a small camp: The Fungus Village. Innocuous at the first glance, the Fungus-King and his guards will defend their lands ferociously against any intruder. Player will be able to explore the Savage Lands during the final launch phase of the second chapter in September. With the raise of the level-cap in August, the adventure starts for all characters level 52 and above.

More information can be found on the official Runes of Magic Website: www.runesofmagic.com

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
PEGI: 12+

505 Games and Bohemia Interactive havereleased a new patch for ArmA II, the PC military shooter smash hit of 2009. The patch 1.03 is available to download now from www.arma2.com and will solve and improve/balance the following in-game issues:

* Major AI tweaking and balancing (especially AI infantry aural detection sensitivity lowered significantly)
* Improved multiplayer and cooperative campaign (saving games, connection issues)
* Numerous fixes and improvements in the Harvest Red campaign

Engine:

* New: Functions getPosATL and setPosATL to allow controlling position relative to terrain.
* New: command line option -showScriptErrors introduced to show errors in scripts on-screen
* New: Direct analogue throttle and brake for airplanes now available.
* New: More flexible configuration of Flares in the config (brightness, size)
* New: Mission name (with * indicated unsaved work) displayed in the mission editor
* New: Keyboard shortcuts in the mission editor
* Improved: Better airplane HUD visibility both night and day
* Optimization: Reduced frame stutter near map borders.
* Fixed: Rainbow is visible even with sun below horizon.
* Fixed: 3D Editor - civilian and resistance units did not work correctly
* Fixed: Sea surface was not rendered in NE area out of map.
* Fixed: Terrain surface was sometimes using wrong parallax map.
* Fixed: Grenade could sometimes destroy a building just by impact
* Fixed: Radio messages sometimes echoed
* Fixed: Team switch did not work when player died
* Fixed: Reduced AI detecting slowly moving enemy vehicles by ear.
* Fixed: Prevent killed AI units reporting who killed them.
* Fixed: After respawn in MP, player's tasks, diary content and skills are transferred to the new entity
* Fixed: Leaning 'limits' did not work with TrackIR
* Fixed: MP client frozen in Receiving... screen sometimes
* Fixed: Problems with saving and loading games in cooperative campaign

Missions:

* Fixes and improvements in most of the campaign missions (Into the Storm, Harvest Red, Bitter Chill, Manhattan, Badlands, Dogs of War)
* Improved: autosave logic to not save when it was not safe
* Improved: Eye for an Eye in Scenarios

Data:

* Fixed: various minor problems on buildings
* Fixed: rocks destruction effect changed
* Fixed: penetrability of some vegetation
* Fixed: collision geometry of A_BuildingWIP
* Fixed: react FSM core conversations
* Fixed: cargo animations in LAV25
* Fixed: indicators in Ka52 when using NVG
* Fixed: cargo animations in BTR
* Fixed: Warfare keypoint on Chernarus

System requirements:

* ANY ORIGINAL VERSION OF ARMA 2 from 1.00 to 1.02 other than Steam version, Steam users should use auto updating feature instead (their game will not be playable if they applied this patch until they recover it again from Steam)

* DirectX 9 March 2009 is required and should be updated during the patching process automatically as needed or you can update your version of DirectX from www.microsoft.com/windows/directx/

ArmA II is available now exclusively for PC.

More information on the multiplayer modes available in forthcoming World War II flight combat title, IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey. As well as boasting over 50 single player missions, the multiplayer experience featured in IL-2 delivers even more thrilling aerial combat action. IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey will be available from 4th September for Xbox 360, PS3, Nintendo DS and PSP. Download free demo now on Xbox Live

The official website (www.il2game.com) now hosts the new multiplayer trailer where allied and axis forces go head to head in ferocious aerial dog fights and bombing raids over war torn Europe. Also featured is an exclusive community update from Pavel Kulikov, Game Designer of the multiplayer modes and maps at Gaijin Entertainment in which he shares some behind the scenes stories from the making of IL-2 as well as tips to becoming a multiplayer ace. Details on the modes featured in the game are as follows:

Dog Fight

Dog fight is a traditional ‘free-for-all’ mode. After selecting initial game settings (number of players, difficulty level, planes available, game play map, time limit, points limits etc) players engage in aerial dogfights earning points for every downed enemy aircraft.

The winner is the first pilot to reach the point limit first or the pilot with the most points when the allotted time runs out.


Team Dog Fight

After selecting initial settings, players are divided into two teams. Like Dog fight, points are earned for every downed aircraft in the enemy’s team.

The winner is the team that reaches the point limit first or has the most points when the allotted time runs out.


Strike

Strike is a multiplayer mode where teams attempt to destroy as many of the enemy’s ground targets as possible, while defending their own. The winner is the team with either the most points when the timer runs out, the team that reaches the points limit first or the team who wipes out all of their opponent’s ground targets. Points are awarded for both aerial and ground targets, although ground targets are worth more points than those in the air.


Capture the Airfield

In Capture the Airfield, players attempt to capture and hold as many opposition airfields as possible. An airfield is considered captured once a player lands and spends a specified amount of time on the ground without being destroyed. All airfields in this mode being the game as neutral, so securing airfields quickly is crucial.
Each team is granted a specified number of team tickets at the beginning of the game. Each time a player respawns, one team ticket is used up. Once a team has no tickets left, it cannot return to the battlefield.
The team controlling the lowest number of airfields suffers a penalty of their ticket pool being depleted second by second. The bigger this disadvantage, the quicker the ticket pool is depleted.
The winner is the team that has the most tickets left either at the end of the match or when an enemy team loses all tickets and planes.

IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey gives you the chance to 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 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.

IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey will be published by 505 Games in collaboration with 1C Company on 4th September for Xbox 360, PS3, Nintendo DS and PSP.

Monte Cristo Games and Namco Bandai Games are thrilled to be able to reveal the limited edition and standard editions for Cities XL, their innovative next generation city-simulation game. The Limited Edition includes 16 bonus items in a special pack and will only be available from key UK retailers.

The Cities XL Standard Edition box will include the installation DVD for the game, two instruction manuals, a 7-day trial code for the online Planet Offer and a trial offer on a second DVD so that one of your friends can discover the game.

On top of that, the Limited Edition box will include the following additional content:

• Five additional maps for solo mode,
• Five exclusive landmark buildings, (Berlin’s Victory Column, Kiev’s St. Vladimir’s Cathedral, New York’s 40 Wall Street, Paris’ Opera Garnier, San Francisco’s Grand Hotel),
• One exclusive city hall: Los Angeles’ City Hall,
• Two permanent blueprints: the Mayan pyramid of Chichen Itza and London’s Big Ben. These blueprints will be available from the start and can be built as many times as you wish.
• A bonus in-game t-shirt to make your avatar even more unique,
• an honorific medal to display proudly on your personal profile page on CitiesXL.com,
• Three postcards
• A 41x34cm poster

You will soon be able to pre-order the Limited Edition in the UK; there will be more information in the following days.

About CITIES XL

CITIES XL enables gamers to develop cities on realistic 3D maps, which feature a variety of environments from mountain ranges to beaches and islands. The cities you will build are based on American, Asian and European-influenced architectural styles. You must create the right combinations of job opportunities, social services, leisure activities, and special events within your cities in order to keep your citizens occupied and happy. Whether you’re planning and building a new zoo, public park, residential neighbourhood or transit system, there's always a fresh and exciting challenge for would-be city managers and mayors in CITIES XL.

An immersive adventure unfolds in stunning detail

Eidos Interactive, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and NVIDIA Corporation announce the Games for Windows LIVE release of forthcoming DC Comics-licensed videogame, Batman: Arkham Asylum, will feature NVIDIA PhysX technology, which allows for the creation of incredibly realistic worlds full of interactive materials and objects.



As a result, PC gamers will get to experience intense realism and fully immerse themselves in Batman’s journey into Gotham City’s asylum for the criminally insane.

Hardware accelerated by supported NVIDIA GeForce GPUs, PhysX technology provides an even deeper level of engagement for players of Batman: Arkham Asylum by utilizing the processing power of the NVIDIA GPU to render stunning in-game physics objects in the environment that not only add to the overall look of the game, but create an immersive and believable world.

With PhysX technology enabled, players can explore darkened corridors packed with volumetric fog which reacts to Batman’s movement and cobwebs which tear with his passing. Combat becomes a maelstrom of motion as office papers are thrown into the air alongside soda cans and litter as Batman lands each punch upon The Joker’s henchmen. Throughout the game, the decaying gothic architecture is realized to an incredible detail with wall tiles chipping and breaking, stone pillars crumbling upon impact, and particles from breaking glass and debris shattering and falling down around Batman’s feet.

“Supporting NVIDIA PhysX technology has allowed us to add that little bit extra to the PC version of the game,” said Sefton Hill, Game Director at Rocksteady Studios. “As Batman interacts with the world, the aging asylum creates a more immersive, believable world which really draws the player in.”

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. Using a wide range of Batman’s gadgets and abilities, players will become the Invisible Predator and attempt to foil The Joker’s demented scheme.

The NVIDIA PhysX development platform consists of a robust physics engine, API, and middleware designed to give developers and animators unprecedented creative control over the look of their final in-game interactivity by allowing them to author and preview physics in real time. To take advantage of PhysX technology in Batman: Arkham Asylum, players must have a compatible NVIDIA GPU and a copy of the Games for Windows LIVE version of the game, which will be available beginning September 15th, 2009, in North America, and September 18th, 2009, in Europe and Australia.

Batman: Arkham Asylum will also be available for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system from August 25th, 2009, in North America and August 28th, 2009, in Europe and Australia.

The much anticipated cricketing title, Cricket Revolution, launch announced at www.cricketrevolution.com. Available worldwide on September 18th via Steam, Valve’s leading platform for digital content distribution and management, the game is set to bring completely new dynamics of multiplayer gaming to cricket fans around the globe.

Cricket Revolution is an independently developed title focusing on high adrenaline multiplayer gameplay based around the sport of cricket. With a new and innovative cricket gaming engine at its core, the game brings a new level of depth and engagement to cricket video games. Legions of fans from the cricketing world will now have the opportunity to pad-up and walk out on the pitch to test their mettle against friends and foes alike across the globe in a battle of wits, dexterity, and strategy to dominate the playing field.

The game boasts an in-game community and match making system for gamers to find opponents instantly while keeping track of every statistic from each match played. Results of games are posted online on the game’s site, giving each player the opportunity to track their career, mull over every detail of their batting and bowling stats dear to cricket fans, and progress on competitive ladders of varying difficulty on their way to cricketing glory.

Cricket Revolution offers gamers multiple play modes, including online play, LAN play, and single player modes against an advanced and adaptive AI. Coupled with hundreds of fully motion captured actions, complete team customization, online awards, achievements, and tournaments, the game is poised to cause a stir in the world of cricket sports video games this fall.

Cricket Revolution has been developed and produced by Mindstorm Studios, an independent game developer based out of Pakistan. The game is primed to launch around mid-September on Steam and will be the first title to be independently developed, published, and globally released from the country. The title will be available exclusively for the PC at first, with the developer planning on a Wii port in the near future.

The long awaited SAGA Sealed Deck Tournaments launched flawlessly today after many months of Beta testing. The sealed deck format brings together skill, strategy and luck, evening the odds between long time collectors and new arrivals to the SAGA community. This is essential because SAGA is an MMORTS, where players collect and level up their troops through quests and are rewarded with powerful battle gear.

Without the sealed deck format, a new player would have about as much of a chance at winning as any level 1 player trying to PvP in a traditional MMO against level 80 veterans.

The SAGA tournament system was designed by Silverlode Interactive marketing director Slava Zatuchny, who invented many tournament formats for the Wizards of the Coast game Magic: the Gathering back in 1993; Slava ran such events at game conventions and later produced online tournaments with such prestigious companies as THQ, Interplay and Sony Online.“The sealed deck format has always been my favorite style of tournament play … there is no greater excitement to be had than playing with completely unfamiliar troops against opponents whose tactics you can’t possibly predict” says Slava Zatuchny, “I’m ecstatic at the results from applying the format to an RTS game.”

The automated tournament system allows events to start as soon as 8 players join the tournament queue, and also allows multiple tournaments to run simultaneously. Tournament Tokens are awarded as prizes after each battle round and can be redeemed in the SAGA in-game store for many rare and powerful items and units, as well as exclusive out-of-print items such as the faction packs sold in hobby stores.

While tournaments do have a nominal fee to join, the Tournament Tokens won by playing can be used to reenter additional events and even offer the potential for ‘going infinite’ (the ability to continue playing and winning at no cost). SAGA Credits - which can also be used to pay for tournament entry - can be acquired for Free by filling out surveys and offers from Silverlode’s partner Sometrics. Registration for SAGA is completely free and gives more than enough troops to begin adventuring, and there are no monthly subscription fees. Go to www.playsaga.com/tactics.php to sign up for a free account.

Running Pixel is pleased to announce “Bricks4Ever Giveaway Friday” one day of instant contests every gamer can enter to win dozens of our Indie Games.

On 7th August the contest will start on Running Pixel web site and on Twitter in a 24h marathon of questions, little enigmas and quizzes.

A fresh giveaway rain for Xbox gamers is coming.

Would you like a free game? Of course you would!

Bricks4Ever Giveaway Friday gives all gamers the chance to win dozens of Xbox redeem codes .

The rules are simple:

Download the free trial of the Xbox Live Indie Game
'Bricks4Ever'

More details revealed about dynamic dungeons.
NHN announce the launch of the official European website for Karos Online, its first free-to-play MMORPG to be published in Europe. At www.karosgame.com, players can now register and sign up for the closed beta test, which will be starting later this month. Discussion forums have also been opened to allow the community to chat about Karos Online, and additional information about the game will be posted there to help fans prepare for the closed beta. An English release is scheduled for early autumn 2009, with German and Turkish versions to follow.

NHN has also revealed details about the game's dynamic dungeon system, which will be playable in closed beta. In addition to traditional MMORPG dungeons full of monsters and epic loot, two types of original dungeons will be available in Karos Online:

* Event dungeons, instanced for parties of up to five players, will offer adventures marked by spectacular happenings: as a party progresses into the dungeon, the environment will evolve in response to their actions, with bridges collapsing, ceilings crashing to the ground and passages appearing to reveal the path ahead.
* Maze dungeons, integrated in the open world with no party size limit, will surprise and bewilder players with walls that move and shift constantly to affect the party's path, offering a dynamic, action-packed game experience.


Dungeons are arranged in progressively difficult stages, with the later levels - including battles against fearsome boss monsters - accessible only to those who have proven themselves worthy. Each victory in the dungeons will grant the player a ticket, which can be used to advance to harder challenges.

Karos Online - Stunning 3D Action Fantasy MMORPG

Karos Online (http://www.karosgame.com) is a brand new free-to-play fantasy MMORPG developed by Galaxy Gate (lead developers of Laghaim and Last Chaos), to be published in Europe by NHN. An English release is scheduled for early autumn 2009, with German and Turkish versions to follow.

In Karos Online, players take the role of a hero determined to defeat the curse of darkness falling over the world of Asmara and ascend to ultimate glory by becoming the mythical Karos warrior. Through questing, guild clashes and mass PvP, they enter the fight for domination over the world's vital energy source, Fletta. Fletta gems provide the basis for the game's unique and complex alternate progression system; alongside traditional leveling within the game, Fletta energy can be used to increase stats, give buffs, buy resources and enchant items.

With a strong RPG component, wide range of class skills and fantastic visual combat effects, Karos Online offers a rich player experience and an exciting end-game for guilds, including castle sieges and resource control points. There are a variety of dynamic dungeons to explore, with shifting paths and surprises to challenge players as they progress in level. The economy is well-developed, with mining, fishing and crafting elements, and a consignment system for storage and an auction house.

Karos Online offers rare graphical quality for its small client size, and will be accessible to a vast range of computers with minimal requirements. Videos demonstrating graphics and gameplay are now available on the official website at www.karosgame.com, and more features will be revealed as the closed beta test, scheduled to start in mid-August, gets underway.

Karos Online features

* Breathtaking 3D graphics and combat action effects
* 5 different races and 9 original classes, evolving into 36 different specialized classes
* Dynamic, evolving dungeons with shifting paths and surprises
* Guild wars, territory control and 500 vs 500 castle siege battles
* Alternate Fletta level progression system
* Elaborate mining, fishing and crafting system
* Small client size (700MB) and low minimum PC requirements
* Keyboard and mouse control both available

Lock, Load and Let the Machismo Fly; This Ain't for Sissies, Folks!
Looking like something out of a Quentin Tarantino movie, the Buckshot Pump-Action Shotgun for Nintendo Wii is one of the coolest accessories to hit the video game market since, well, forever. This sucker packs a nasty punch and is sure to inspire the macho fantasies of gamers around the globe.

The Buckshot encases a controller that is similar in function to a Nintendo Wii Nunchuck and uses the pump reload feature to access the B button while the trigger accesses the A button. The rubber grips ensure an easy hold and a fast reload time, making it ideal for such games as Call of Duty 3, Call of Duty: World at War, Links Crossbow Training, House of the Dead 2 & 3 Return, House of the Dead: Overkill, Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles, James Bond: Quantum of Solace, Medal of Honor: Heroes 2, and much more!

Product Features:

· Access B Button using Pump Action

· Access A Button via the Trigger

· Integrated Controller with Similar Functions to a Nintendo Wii Nunchuck

· Rubber Grips Ensure a Firm Hold

· Available in Red and Black

· Compatible with your favorite Nintendo Wii shooting games!

· Suggested Retail Price: $34.99

“Shooting games just became a whole lot more intense with the release of the Buckshot,” stated Titi Ngoy, President of Innex, Inc. which holds the exclusive distribution rights to the product. “The Buckshot will deliver a new level of adrenaline to any shooting game.”

Players of All Ages Can Now Cast Lines and Catch Fish, Parts, Powers and Other Items at www.FreakyCreatures.com

Abandon Interactive Entertainment introduce Freaky Fishing as a new addition to the massively multiplayer online game (MMOG), Freaky Creatures. Players can now bring their Creatures to lakes all over the Freaky Creatures universe to catch fish, parts, powers, lair objects and other unknown treasures.

With the recently announced free to play option, players can now experience the Freaky Creatures universe and try out Freaky Fishing for free by signing up at the game's Web site, http://www.FreakyCreatures.com.

The previously unexplored lakes in Freaky Creatures are full of fish, treasure chests and other objects from all over the universe. Players begin in a lobby by clicking on a dock and selecting "Go Fishing." After choosing a bobber, players cast their line by clicking on one of three casting zones. Once players get a bite, they can click on the bobber to start reeling in their catch! If a fish is caught, a Creature Trainer can choose to save it, sell it or eat it for a boost during battle. As a player's Creature makes successful catches and improves in fishing skill, it can access better bobbers to get a wider range of fish and objects, including treasure chests that might include a part, power or lair object to add to the Creature's inventory.

Freaky Creatures starter packs are now available for purchase at comic, hobby and local toy retailers and FYE stores nationwide for $19.99. The game is also available at FAO Schwarz in New York City. For more information, to try out the game for free, or to purchase your very own Freaky Creatures starter pack, please visit http://www.FreakyCreatures.com.

About Freaky Creatures
Freaky Creatures combines the best of online multiplayer gaming, collectible action figures, virtual worlds and social networking. The Freaky Creatures experience begins with a starter pack that includes two action figures and a one gigabyte reusable flash drive that unlocks the Freaky Creatures universe. The initial creatures come with 50 different parts, 20 powers and four objects that can be placed into the creature's lair. Players can take their creatures online and customize them using rare parts and powers to create one of over 3.2 billion possible combinations. Once players have created their custom creature, they can jump straight into battle or build a lair where they can care for their creature and hang out and socialize with friends. Gamers are encouraged to visit the community to personalize their homepage, play mini-games, join tournaments, check leaderboards, trade items, read animated comics, enter contests, form teams and much more in the ever expanding Freaky Creatures universe.

Although you'll have to (PSP) go and buy the UMD version to get the game's full 2-disc soundtrack
Atlus announce the upcoming Shin Megami Tensei Persona for PSP (PlayStationPortable) system, the highly-anticipated remake of the first chapter in the critically-acclaimed Persona series, will launch simultaneously at retail and via PlayStation Network on September 22nd.

Retail customers have an added incentive to pre-order; the UMD release of SMT: Persona is a Collector's Edition boxed set, with each and every launch copy including the game's full 2-disc musical score, courtesy of master composer Shoji Meguro, at no additional cost.

Lauded for its mature and philosophical narrative, SMT: Persona stands apart from other RPGs of its era, blending sophisticated storytelling with addictive combat, demon negotiation, and demon fusion components. Boasting a fully redone localization (including content never before seen in North America), all-new music, beautiful new animated sequences overseen by famed artist Kazuma Kaneko, enhanced graphics and sound, adjustments to game balance, and a number of technical and design improvements, this is the definitive version of one of the most sought after RPGs of all time.

"Over a decade after the game was originally released for PlayStation®, we're proud to be able to deliver a remade, remastered SMT: Persona through the ever-growing PlayStation®Store in addition to traditional retail channels," said Tim Pivnicny, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Atlus. "When the PSP®go System launches in October, customers will immediately be able to load up a digital copy of what promises to be one of the platform's strongest RPG releases of the year. To show our devotion to our fans and retail partners, the UMD release of SMT: Persona will include the game's complete 2-disc soundtrack. This tremendous value is exclusive to the retail version of the game, and only available for a limited time at launch."

Shin Megami Tensei: Persona is currently scheduled to release in stores and via PlayStation Network on September 22, 2009. Both versions have an MSRP of $39.99, but only the physical launch copies will include the game's soundtrack on 2 discs, all packaged in a premium oversized outer box.

About SMT: Persona
The rumor going around St. Hermelin High School holds that if you play the "Persona" game, you can see what the future holds for you. When a group of students-some eager, some skeptical-tries the game out, they experience something quite different. Before long, the city is turned upside-down and demons are roaming the streets, and only the students' newfound power of Persona can set things right again.

Whether you pursue Takahisa Kandori and his abuses of the power he wields as SEBEC's president, or whether you delve into the curse of the Snow Queen that has plagued St. Hermelin for decades, a deep, modern, psychological tale awaits. Remember your true self, and free the tortured psyches of others...

Key Features

* More than the same old JRPG - Dark, philosophical, and complex, Persona sets you up in a modern day Japan that has gone into chaos. Demons run free, and you and your team must navigate corruption, mental frailty, and an alternate version of your world to bring your reality back into order.
* A second chance on PSP - Offering a second opportunity to experience the beginnings of the acclaimed Persona series, this remake boasts a fully relocalized script, revamped user interface, faster battles, expanded soundtrack, and new in-game movies with voice work added just for the North American release.
* Unique tactical opportunities - The inner selves known Personas are your key to progressing through the adventure, adding skills and incredible depth to your battle tactics. Expand and improve your collection through the Demon Negotiation system that offers spell cards that you can later fuse into new Personas.


Shin Megami Tensei: Persona has been rated "T" for Teen with Fantasy Violence, Language, Partial Nudity, Simulated Gambling, and Suggestive Themes by the ESRB.

Scratch DJ Game, LLC, a joint venture between Numark Industries, LLC and Genius Products, LLC announced today that it has recently hired Commotion Interactive, the music and party game division of Bedlam Games Inc., to complete development of its much anticipated music rhythm game, Scratch: The Ultimate DJ. In choosing the industry veterans at Commotion Interactive, Scratch DJ Game, LLC underscores its commitment to successfully launching Scratch and establishing a strong footprint in the progressively growing and competitive music gaming industry.

"With Scratch: The Ultimate DJ we will deliver an innovative, ground breaking video game for fans of hip-hop," said Jack O'Donnell, CEO of Scratch DJ Game, LLC. "We have selected Commotion and are confident that they are the best choice to help us achieve our mission. The team's rich and varied development experience includes talent from Rockstar Games, Ubisoft, and Electronic Arts."

"Scratch: The Ultimate DJ offers a revolutionary take on the existing music/rhythm genre. The combination of the game and the proprietary Scratch Deck controller will bring the art of DJing to the masses," said Trevor Fencott, CEO of Bedlam Games Inc. "The Scratch Deck combines a touch sensitive turntable from Numark with the drumpads from the iconic Akai Professional MPC. This combination delivers an authentic music gaming experience unlike any other. We are thrilled to embark on this venture with Scratch, and can't wait for this exciting title to hit store shelves."

Commotion's mission is to deliver music and party game titles borne of exceptional design, fostered by meticulous planning, and realized by a world-class team. The studio was formed in 2006 by a seasoned group of industry professionals who are united in their belief that games can be developed on a creative level. The Commotion team is dedicated to providing quality titles that resonate with consumers looking for an entertaining and original gaming experience.

Scratch: The Ultimate DJ will be available in early 2010 on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system. For more information on Scratch: The Ultimate DJ, please visit: http://www.scratchvideogame.com/

Vogster Entertainment is looking for 25 beta testers for their upcoming iPhone game, Robocalypse - Mobile Mayhem. Those accepted into the testing program (100 will apply, only 25 will be chosen) will receive access to a test version of Robocalypse - Mobile Mayhem, and will receive a free, full-featured version of this hilarious and fast-paced strategy game when it releases on the iTunes Store later this summer.

Gamers interested in enlisting in the test need to head over to the URL below and submit the requested information. We are only considering the first 100 entries, and only 25 of those will be chosen to enter the test based on their knowledge of iPhone apps, gaming and use of the iPhone.

Follow the link below to enlist in the Robocalypse Army now!

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=jiUBGkuAacY4ovmxjHhxuQ_3d_3d

Based on the award-winning fast-action strategy title for the Nintendo DS, Robocalypse – Mobile Mayhem for the iPhone features all the zany characters, hilarious dialog and exciting yet accessible action of the original game. In Robocalypse – Mobile Mayhem, players will build and command robot armies to fend off attacks from the evil Demolisher and his near-endless supply of maniacal mechanical marauders. The game features characters and dialog created by the comedic writing duo of Jay Lender (of Spongebob Squarepants™ fame) and Micah Wright and a storyline sure to keep players laughing for hours on end. Featuring 10 unit types, 20 varieties of weaponry, 17 campaign missions, 18 unique multiplayer maps, a cast of powerful Hero robots and an intuitive touch-screen interface, Robocalypse – Mobile Mayhem ensures fun for everyone. For additional information, please visit www.robocalypse.com

But, millions will be devastated to hear, it’s only in Japan

A company called DDM.tv has in one fell swoop both answered a million prayers and made real a million nightmares by confirming an HD porn download service for owners of the PS3 – though it will only be available in Japan.

Kotaku reports that DDM promises to bring Blu-ray quality high definition adult movies to those with a PS3, broadband connection, HDMI cable and an HD TV. Movies will be offered for download on a pre-pay basis.

Current titles include the cleverly titled 100 Masturbators, apparently.

Unsurprisingly, there’s no word on a European rollout just yet.

Source: MCVuk

German production house Village1 Entertainment officially announce workings on the project “ENCLAVE” for Nintendo Wii. Based on many requests from the fantasy community, Village1 Entertainment decided to support this exciting fantasy production. The Wii version is guaranteed to offer all features of former brand releases and will contain new features in addition to previous versions. Due to an experienced team the game is already in an advanced development stage and will prospective hit the shelves beginning of 2010.

“ENCLAVE” is a fantasy action epos charged with spectacular fights and many RPG elements. In the beginning the player takes control of a fearless knight fighting his way out of a mysterious fortress. While the player can switch between both First Person and Third Person Modus his goal is to defend the lone city of Celenheim from the dark Outlanders preparing to invade. Underlined with a dramatic Hollywood like soundtrack "ENCLAVE" is set to offer plenty of gaming hours.

During the game the player has the possibility to pick further characters as rogues, elves and magicians. All characters are using a spectacular combat system, can wear hundreds of unique armour pieces and can be equipped with both melee and range weapons. The character selection is very important since every mission has unique challenges and unexpected twists.

The Freesky Online team has merged the Paradise and Canaan servers effective August 6, 2009. These have been replaced by the new Paradise&Canaan server, featuring a larger map to accommodate more players.

The main goal of the merger is to increase player interaction. On Paradise&Canaan, players will be scattered across a bigger map with ample resources to discover and threats to overcome. With a higher population come more opportunities for PvP and strategic alliances as players vie for territory in their new world.

Some players have voiced concerns that their production tasks or other ongoing activities will be adversely affected by the merger. To compensate players for any inconvenience that may result, the Freesky Online team is awarding gift packages that may include gold, resources, items, and Gift Points.

Please visit http://fo.igg.com/news/news-view.php?aid=312 to find out more details about how the merger will affect you and what type of compensation you can expect to receive.

MMOABC, a leading massively-multiplayer online (MMO) portal and social network, is proud to announce a gift code giveaway with Omerta and Omerta Game Ltd. Players can sign up and participate in this event at http://www.mmoabc.com/giveaway/79/Omerta-Gift-Code-Giveaway.html starting on August 6.

Players participating in this giveaway event will receive the following in-game items:

-Crime/Car/Smuggling attempts: +75
(go to jail less and earn more money at the start)
-Rankpoints: +50
-1 car (Cadillac)
-Money: $50,000

“We are happy to work with a great partner such as Omerta Game Ltd. on Omerta to give away in-game items,” said MMOABC Head of Marketing Michael Tong. “Offering in-game items to our gaming community is another step in empowering our gamers.”

Riot Games is expanding its user base for the closed beta of the highly anticipated online multiplayer session-based game League of Legends. Testers will receive special in-game rewards for participating and providing feedback in the closed beta.

League of Legends, which was nominated for the Game Critics Awards Best Strategy Game of E3, will be available for free on Windows PC in September 2009. A Collector’s Pack that contains exclusive items, such as two unique Champion skins, as well as a number of Champions, Runes and Riot Points, will be available for $29.99 at www.leagueoflegends.com and at major retail outlets.

Gamers who would like to get a sneak peek at the game and provide valuable feedback in the development process are invited to sign up for the closed beta by visiting www.leagueoflegends.com. To reward testers, Riot will offer an exclusive champion skin that can be used in the final version of the game. Testers that participated in the closed beta prior to July 14, 2009 will also have their screen names permanently listed in the League of Legends developer credits.

"By expanding the pool of beta users we strive to support the strong community following itching to jump right into the game," Brandon Beck, co-founder and CEO, Riot Games, said.

"We truly value the input and early support our community has provided, so it’s only fair that they get credit and rewarded for helping to mold the game!"

League of Legends combines elements of role-playing and strategy genres with addictive battle action that brings accessible, replayable and competitive gameplay into a whimsical universe that deepens with the player’s commitment. Built by a veteran development team and the original creators of DotA Allstars, one of the world’s most popular player-made mods, League of Legends is a unique and genre bending experience. The game will be operated as a live service that will be frequently updated with new features, champions, maps and additional content as suggested by the community.

A player in League of Legends takes on the role of a Summoner – a gifted spell caster who has the power to bring forth a champion to fight as his or her avatar in Valoran’s Fields of Justice. As the Summoner controls the champion in combat, it also influences the outcome of the match through the use of spells, masteries and runes. Once a match is over, the Summoner gains Influence Points and Riot Points that can be used to assist their champions in future battles. Influence Points will be earned by simply playing the game, while Riot Points will be available for purchase with real money.

League of Legends will offer endless permutations of builds, strategies and combinations that will make the game extremely competitive and interesting for those focused on competitive play.

Mini Ninjas will take you on a journey to feudal Japan where you’ll join Hiro, Futo, and the rest of the ninja clan on their biggest ninja adventure ever, as they embark on an epic and electrifying quest to restore harmony to a world on the brink of chaos. Mini Ninjas will be playable on Nintendo Wii, The Nintendo DS, Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Games for Windows and PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system.



Character: Shun
Shun is a living contradiction. He's the most tense of all the Mini Ninjas but oddly, he still maintains the unique ninja skill of calming himself to utter silence when the situation requires it. Shun is the stealthiest of all the Mini Ninjas.

Weapon: Bow
Special Ability: Shun's special attack enables him to tie a lit explosive to the shaft of one of his arrows. He can then fire this special projectile across long distances to damage, or simply scare, his enemies with the explosion.

Trivia: Shun has been known to sit completely still for two days straight in order to hit a target perfectly.

Many Americans care deeply about who appears on the front cover of Madden. Many Europeans, on the other hand, do not. They instead care about who ends up on the front cover of FIFA.

And this year, for the first time in a little while, there are new people! For the past few years now, the cover (at least, the British/Australasian cover) has featured Wayne Rooney and Ronaldinho. But with Ronaldinho on a fast track to mid-career oblivion, EA Sports have binned him in favour of a couple of new players.

So, as you can see, the cover has now all gone all-England, featuring Wayne Rooney (centre), Arsenal's Theo Walcott (left) and Chelsea's Frank Lampard (right). As noted, however, this only applies to the title sold in English-speaking PAL territories. Other regions - like Germany, Spain and the US - will feature different stars (Germany's edition, for example, will feature Bayern star Bastian Schweinsteiger alongside Rooney)

Alongside the cover reveal, EA Sports also announced that all versions of the game - on *gasp* 360, PS3, PC, PS2, DS, PSP and Wii - will be out in Europe on October 2.

Source: Kotaku

June 1940. During World War II, The allies trained a group of soldiers for special assignments: "Commandos".

Take control of the Green Beret, the spy, the sniper and the sapper in this real-time game of stealth, infiltration and ambush.

Disable mines, dispatch enemies and destroy objectives as you fight for freedom across Germany, France, Norway and North Africa.

• Thwart the German war machine by means of sabotage and subterfuge.
• Control up to 4 commandos to accomplish missions.
• 3 game environments:
o Fields and towns of Central Europe.
o Snow covered bases in Norway and France
o North Africa’s hostile desert
• Awesome graphics and effects.
• Improve your scores to achieve the highest award in each mission.

Description (WAP)
Take control of a group of soldiers to execute sabotage and subterfuge war operations.

Tags
Strategy, action

Compatibility
Technology: J2ME
Languages: Inglés, Francés, Alemán, Italiano, Español y Ruso.
Compatible mobiles:

• Alcatel: OT556, OT565, OT-C701.
• Huawei: 710, 720, 810.
• HTC: S710
• LG: B2000, C1150, KG220, KG225, KG210, B2050, B2070, F1200, F2100, F2400, L3100, S5200, C3380, C3300, C3310, C3320, C3400, KG245, KG800, M4410, P7200, KU380, KU250, U8500, U880, U890, KG320, KG810, U300, KE970, KU970, U400, U830.
• Motorola: C380, C385, C650, C651, V180, V220, 385, V185, V188, V186, SlrvL6, L2, W377, V195, E398, E550, E770, RAZR V3, V300, V360v, V400, V500, V535, V550, V551, V600, V620, V80, V975, V980, PEBL U6, ROKR E1, SLVR L7, E770-Vodafone, RAZR V3i, v635, C975, V360-Vodafone, Z3, K1, PEBL V6, V3-Vodafone, RAZR V3 BLK, RAZR V3m, L7-Vodafone, SLVR V8, V303, V525, V525M, V560, V505, V980 (Vodafone), V557, W510, W940, RAZR V6, KRZR K3, RIZR Z8.
• Nokia: 2650, 3100, 3105, 3108, 3120, 3125, 3200, 3205, 3300, 5100, 6030, 6100, 6108, 6200, 6220, 6225, 6585 (US), 6610, 6650, 6651, 6800, 6810, 6820, 7200, 7210, 7250, 7600, 6610i, 7250i, 2355, 6560, 3100 US, 3205 SPR, 6030 US, 3220, 5140, 6020, 6021, 6235, 6822, 7260, 5140i, 6235i, 6230, 2610, 2626, 3152, 3155, 6060, 6101, 6102, 6103, 6152, 6155, 6170, 6255, 7270, 3155i, 6155i, 6111, 6136, 6165, 2855, 2865, 2865i, 5200, 6070, 6080, 6085, 6102i, 6125, 6151, 7360, 3110 classic, 6061, 6086, 6255i, 3500, 5070, 3109, 2630, 2760, 2660, 3110, 2600 classic, 2670, 3600, 3620, 3650, 3660, 7650, 3630, N-GAGE, N-GAGE QD, 3230, 6260, 6600, 6620, 6630, 6670, 6680, 6681, 6682, 7610, N70, N72, N91, 3250, 6638, 6230i, 5500, 8800, 8800 sirocco, 5500d, 8801, 3280, 6131, 6233, 6234, 6265, 6270, 6280, 6282, 7030, 7370, 6265i, 5300, 6126, 6275, 6275i, 6288, 7373, 7390, 6300, 6267, 8600, 6500 classic, 6133, 7500 Prism, 5610 XpressMusic, 7900 Prism, 6555, 5310 XpressMusic, 8800 Art, 6301, 6500 slide, 6263, 3120 classic, 5000, N71, N73, E50, 6290, E65, N75, N93, N93i, N95, 5700, N92, N76, N6110, N5700, 6110 Navigator, 6120classic, N77, N81, N81 8GB, N82, N95 8GB, E51, 6124classic, N78, N96, E60, E70, N80, N90.
• Panasonic: MX6, SA6, VS2, VS3, VS6.
• Sagem: My411Cv, my600x, my600v, My850v.
• Samsung: SGH-X660-Vodafone, SGH-E350, SGH-X650, SGH-X660, SGH-X680-Vodafone, SGH-E250, E350e, S280, SGH-E350E, SGH-E350V, X640, SGH-E370, SGH-J700, SGH-X550, SGH-J600, SGH-M610, SGH-C520, SGH-M300, SGH-T439, SGH-T429, SGH-T329, SGH-T219, SGH-T209, SGH-T309, SPH-A940, A950, A960, Z140v, Z150, SGH-Z300, SGH-Z500, ZM60, SGH-Z140, SGH-Z230, SGH-T819, SGH-Z240, SGH-Z170, SGH-D500, SGH-D508, SGH-E730, Z130, SGH-ZV10, SGH-D500c, SGH-D500e, SGH-E738, X700, SGH-E740, SGH-E760, SGH-E490, SGH-T629, SGH-T729, SGH-T509, SGH-T739, SGH-T619, SGH-Z540, Z400, Z560, ZV50, E900, SGH-F330, SGH-U700, SGH-D600, SGH-Z510, D830, SGH-D900, SGH-D608, SGH-D900 (Orange), U600, D840, SGH-D820.
• Sharp: TQ-GX15, TQ-GX17, TQ-Gx25, TQ-GX29, 550SH, 703SH, 770SH, 902SH-Vodafone, V703, V902, 903SH, V903.
• Siemens: CFX65, CL75, SF65, CF61, SF65v2, C65, C72v, CV65, SL65, C65-Vodafone, CT65, C72, CX65, CX66, CX70, CX70Emoty, CX75, CXT65, CXV65, M65, S65, S66, SK65, SP65, S68, ME75, SI75, CX65-Vodafone, CX70-Vodafone, CXT70, MT65, M65C, M65-Vodafone, M65i, S65-Vodafone, S6C, SK6R, SXG75, Ef81, EL71.
• Sony Ericsson: J300, J300a, J300c, J300i, K300, K300a, K300c, K300i, K500, F500, F500i, K310a, K310c, K310i, K506, K506c, K508, K508c, K508i, K510a, K510c, K510i, W300c, W300i, Z500a, Z500i, Z520a, Z520c, Z520i, Z530c, Z530i, K320i, W200i, K500c, K500i, W200, Z310i, Z320, T280, Z310, Z310a, D750, D750i, K600, K600i, K608, K608i, K610c, K610i, K700c, K700i, K750, K750c, K750i, S600, V600, V600i, V800, V802, W500c, W550i, W600, W600i, W800, W800c, W800i, W810a, W810c, W810i, Z800c, Z800i, V630i, W700i, Z550i, Z610i, V620i, w710i, K618i, k710i, Z710i, W550a, K550i, V800i, K530i, K530, W660, W350, W380, W380i, M600i, M608, P990i, K790i, K790a, K790c, K800i, K800c, S700i, S700c, S710a, W900i, W900c, W850i, W880i, Z750, S710, W950i, K800iv, W850iv, W910i, K810i, K850i, S500i, W960i, K770i, T650i, W890, W760, W880iv, W580i, W580, W580c, W880, K790.
• Toshiba: TS705, TS608.

London based cinematics outfit Spov.tv, best known for their ground breaking work on the Call of Duty series, are proud to announce the completion of a package of animated sequences for US-based games developer Luxoflux for the critically acclaimed latest release of Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen.



Using a multitude of motion graphic interface sequences, typographic animation, compositing wizardry and 3D animation, Spov produced two long form campaign intro sequences along with a number of inter level cinematics for both the Autobot and Decepticon factions in the game.

"We enjoyed an extremely close and co-operative relationship with both Activision and Luxoflux on Revenge of the Fallen," said Spov Managing Director Allen Leitch. "Working with such enthusiastic and forward thinking clients makes our job a great deal easier. From the very first previews we saw for the game we new we were fortunate to be involved in something special."

Luxoflux were equally effusive regarding the working relationship: "Spov were great to work with – fast, reliable and flexible. They brought great ideas and their communication was top-notch. This made it very easy to iterate with them toward a goal that wasn’t always easy for us to describe given the far-flung sci-fi concepts of our latest title. Their output was a huge plus for our game’s presentation and they made the process fun. I would definitely work with them again".

Spov produced the sequences from initial storyboards to final HD delivery.

As reported Infinity Ward’s plans to release a patch for Call of Duty 4 as soon as possible. This is due to the amount of hacks and exploits present at the moment. We have some info on one of the main exploits found, it’s known as the ‘UFO Hack’.

As reported from GamingConsoleNetwork, the UFO hack allows players to run through walls and ‘fly’ through the air, enabling a complete birdseye view of the map in the process.



Thankfully, it looks like Infinity Ward are on the case and are due to release a patch this week to combat the problem. We must admit though, flying through the air is a new one to us, we wonder how long this one has been around.

Take a look at the video below, which shows you how the hack works. Lets hope this PSN user gets whats coming to him from IW. Let us know your thoughts on the current state of COD4.

Source: PRNews

Both online and retail versions of the award winning adventure game from Daedalic Entertainment, Edna & Harvey: The Breakout will be published in the US. The game was voted “Best Adventure Game of 2008” at the German Game Developers Awards. Edna & Harvey: The Breakout is a point & click adventure game in the vein of the genre’s classics. Backgrounds and characters are completely 2D and drawn by hand by a real person in the game’s unique cartoon style.

The game’s characters range from odd to genuinely crazy – twisted humor guaranteed! Thanks to challenging puzzles, extensive dialogues and more than 120 screens, gamers can look forward to an extraordinarily long gamezplay experience. The English version of the game will be available in Q4, 2009.

In Edna & Harvey: The Breakout, Edna wakes up in the padded cell of an insane asylum with no memory of her past or how she ended up there. Only one thing is for certain: She has been wrongfully imprisoned and will have to escape! After all, she feels entirely sane – and her speaking stuffed toy bunny Harvey wholeheartedly agrees. Together they undertake a daring breakout attempt, meeting up with numerous oddball inmates, like the Man in the Bee’s Costume or Siamese twins Hoti and Moti. But Dr. Marcel, the sinister head of the institute, will do everything in his power to stop Edna. What evil scheme is afoot? Slowly Edna begins to regain her memories of the past…

“Given our success bringing great and engaging adventure games to the evolving mass market, we believe Edna & Harvey is a wonderful addition to our line-up,” said Lloyd Melnick, Merscom’s Chief Customer Officer. “Casual gamers, in particular, are looking for innovative adventure games and you don’t get much better than the adventure game of the year from probably the most sophisticated adventure game market.”

According to a recent study released by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), 68 percent of American households play computer or video games, making gaming one of the most popular entertainment forms in the United States. Catering to an exclusive segment of online gamers, StripesGAMER.com (http://www.StripesGAMER.com), a recently launched community designed specifically for players in the U.S. armed forces, announces the addition of renowned video game expert, Scott Steinberg, as its newest ongoing guest columnist.

A free online space, StripesGAMER.com serves as a unique, all-inclusive community where men and women in the U.S. military can communicate on forums and message boards, form teams, compete in gaming tournaments, as well as obtain the latest game industry news and commentary from experts such as Steinberg. The publisher of leading tech product reviews site DigitalTrends.com, Steinberg’s unique perspective as a gadget guru and video game expert is frequently sought after by both media insiders and gaming enthusiasts alike. Steinberg’s first official piece for the site will be posted on August 5th.

“Scott’s expertise and knowledge in this realm is a major asset for StripesGAMER.com,” said Terry Tognietti, president and CEO of Consumer Solutions Gaming, LLC, the company behind StripesGAMER.com. “Our goal is to be the go-to source for gamers in the armed forces who can’t access mainstream industry news and information as easily as normal consumers, or who don’t have the time to visit multiple gaming sites, so the insight and commentary he brings our audience is indisputably valuable to us and our site’s members.”

Tognietti adds that StripesGAMER.com strives to fill a void not only by bringing this audience an exciting competitive video gaming site, but also by giving them easy networking contact to their fellow military comrades, friends and family, while providing access to key gaming news through one community portal.

A regular on-air guest and video game analyst for broadcast networks such as ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC and CNN, Steinberg has been hailed as a top video game and high-tech authority by dozens of outlets from BusinessWeek to The Los Angeles Times, USA Today, Forbes and NPR.

StripesGAMER.com was created through a dynamic partnership between Consumer Solutions Gaming, LLC, and Stars and Stripes, the independent daily news source for the global U.S. military community. The gaming-centric site was designed to fill a demand for more accessible video game news and information by military personnel and to meet a strong need to create a sort of social forum for military men and women to reach out and connect to one another and their families. The most unique aspect of the site is in its competitive solo- or team-based video gaming capabilities across all platforms.

The alliance with Stars and Stripes has provided Consumer Solutions Gaming with an insight into the community’s needs and an effective means of reaching members of the U.S. armed forces to help launch the site that now serves as the only video gaming portal designed to serve active-duty and veteran military personnel and their families. In addition to hosting prime video game industry news and internal tournament updates, members benefit from StripesGAMER.com’s role as a high-functioning social networking community through its interactive forum and chat rooms.

"More than two thirds of the U.S. population are gamers and people in the armed forces make up a significant portion of this celebrated and growing audience,” explains Steinberg. “I’m proud to be part of an online community like StripesGAMER.com that’s connecting players across the globe through their shared interest in video gaming and the military, while also striving to bring members additional value beyond the game itself.”

About StripesGAMER.com
www.StripesGAMER.com is available at no charge and offers a host of unique features, such as the Insignia Creator widget for customizing team and player graphics, and excellent functionality in terms of the ability to set up a match, create a team, issue challenges and post scores. Unlike other sites, score history is preserved for as long as the player or team exists. Several seasons are presently underway with prizes planned for the winners.

Helen West
Age: 54
Occupation: Calligraphy Teacher

Profile:
Helen is a self-employed Calligraphy teacher, having set up the business in Arcadia City when she first moved here with Cate 17 years ago. The business has grown strongly and Helen now employs an apprentice full time to help with teaching her classes and private clients.

Since the death of her husband, James, Helen has raised Cate on her own. Recently, she has become worried about her daughter, who seems to be more and more tired and insular. She wonders if this might be anxiety about her new book or if some deeper ailment is responsible. Or perhaps Cate is just finding it difficult to keep up with her friend Yuki’s fast paced lifestyle?

How will Helen react if she learns of Cate’s unusual dreams and visions?

Hobbies:
Calligraphy, interior decoration and reading biographies.

Wesley Carr
Age: 29
Occupation: Copywriter & Editor

Profile:
Wesley is the publishing editor assigned to Cate’s first book. A bright and experienced editor in the crime fiction genre, Wesley has established many writers across the nation. Wesley holds a Bachelor's in English from University of Michigan and a Master's Degree in Medieval Literature from Oxford University, England.

Over the months working with Cate, he has developed a strong friendship with her and spends all his energies promoting her work. Can he propel Cate’s novel to the bestseller list?

Hobbies:
Reading, watching the opera and visiting quaint bookstores.

Yuki Takeba
Age: 26
Occupation: Stock Broker

Profile:
Born in Nara, Japan, Yuki immigrated with her family to United States when she was 8 years old. While in college, she roomed with Cate and the two have been close friends ever since. Both of her parents have since passed away and she has come to regard Cate as being as close as family.

Yuki is a talented and hardworking business genius. She has recently completed an MBA and, with a promotion to associate partner at her stockbroker firm, her life is faster paced than ever!

Cate and Yuki are both fans of Japanese art and cooking, with Yuki instructing Cate on the right ingredients to make perfect meals!

However, with her business commitments, will Yuki have as much time to continue her friendship with Cate?

Hobbies:
Volleyball, cooking food (Japanese and Italian) and watching classic horror films.

Less than a week from today, the Xbox LIVE summer update will arrive to more than 20 million Xbox LIVE members and with it will come the next evolution of connected entertainment on Xbox 360. Get ready to meet the many new faces of your Xbox 360; whether it’s new Avatar clothing and awards from Adidas or “Splosion Man”, or even a private home cinema, Xbox LIVE has something for you.

Movie night on Xbox LIVE
Browse, select and jump right into your favourite movies from the top genres: comedy, action, horror…even a tear-jerking chick flick. There are hundreds to choose from, with many in HD.

Avatars are people too!
Now thanks to Avatar Marketplace the options for customising your avatar are endless. With an ever-expanding selection of stores, full of premium outfits and accessories from your favourite games and fashion brands, you can express yourself through your Avatar like never before. Your Avatar’s one-stop-shop will launch with a growing collection from the top names in fashion and gaming including:

• Top Brands: Adidas, Quiksilver, Roxy, Tokidoki
• Unique Fashions: Steampunk, Recessionista
• Your Favourite Games: “BioShock 2,” “Halo 3,” “Halo 3: ODST,” “Gears of War 2,” “Fable II,” “The Secret of Monkey Island SE,” “Splinter: Cell Conviction,” “Star Wars Clone Wars: Republic Heroes”

You can also earn special Avatar clothes and items just by playing your favourite games, starting with a hot logo t-shirt from “Splosion Man,” the hit Xbox LIVE Arcade title that kicked-off off the 2nd annual Summer of Arcade. And to keep your Avatars from getting bored, we’re giving them fun new props to play with; everything from a basketball to pompoms, even a mobile phone…just try to stick with nights and weekends.

Full Xbox 360 games at the push of a button
Xbox 360 games: Games on Demand. Launching with a library of 21 great titles, Games on Demand marks the introduction of digitally distributed full Xbox 360 games: the titles you want, when you want them, straight to your Xbox 360 at the push of a button. You’ll also have the option to easily purchase Games on Demand titles directly via credit card.

From award-winning hits like “Mass Effect,” “and “Assassin’s Creed,” to family favourites like “LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga” and “Sonic the Hedgehog,” Games on Demand gives you access to a growing catalogue of full Xbox 360 titles, updated weekly and available to browse and download 24 x7 from the comfort of your couch. Check out our line-up at launch:

Assassin's Creed (Ubisoft)
Burnout Paradise (EA)
Call of Duty® 2 (Activision)
Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
Fight Night Round 3 (EA)
Kameo: Elements of Power (Microsoft Game Studios)
LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga (LucasArts)
Mass Effect (Microsoft Game Studios)
Meet The Robinsons (Disney)
MX vs. ATV Untamed (THQ)
Need for Speed Carbon (EA)
Need for Speed: Most Wanted (EA)
Perfect Dark Zero (Microsoft Game Studios)
Prey (2K Games)
Rockstar Games Presents Table Tennis (Rockstar Games)
Sega Rally (Sega)
TEST DRIVE: UNLIMITED (Atari)
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Vegas
Tomb Raider Legend (Eidos)
Viva Piñata (Microsoft Game Studios)
Viva Piñata 2: Trouble in Paradise (Microsoft Game Studios)

No more hide and seek
Now you can view, find and arrange your content on Xbox LIVE the way you want. Want to send a specific friend a message? Sort your friends list by Gamertag, status and even activity, so you can easily find the friends you want. There are also new options for viewing your Achievements and progress, improved matchmaking support and more.

Best of all, you can now rate every single piece of content on Xbox LIVE Games Marketplace using a five star system. Support your favourite XBLA game with a five star rating, or find the top-rated titles in the newly-updated Indie Games Marketplace – it’s never been easier to find the best and most beloved game content on Xbox LIVE.

Just the beginning…
The Xbox LIVE summer update brings all new ways to play games, and connect with friends or friendly rivals anywhere in the world. It’s another step toward realising the Xbox 360 promise of entertainment for everyone, and another reason why Xbox LIVE is hands down the best entertainment value in your living room. But this is just the beginning…

Coming soon, we’re bringing a whole new wave of partnerships and custom features straight to your Xbox 360 – instant on 1080p streaming video with 5.1 audio from Zune, personalised digital radio stations from Last.fm, and the biggest forces in social networking: Facebook and Twitter.

In the meantime, have fun with your Avatar, or download that classic Xbox 360 game you’ve been meaning to pick up. Sit back, relax and enjoy and stay tuned for the next evolution in connected entertainment, courtesy of Xbox LIVE.

SEGA announce Super Monkey Ball Step & Roll, the entertaining and exhilarating party game, is coming exclusively to the Nintendo Wii home video game system. The lovable characters from the original Super Monkey Ball – AiAi, MeeMee, GonGon and Baby – are back with all new mind-blowing puzzles and party games specifically designed to fully utilise the Wii Balance Board accessory, in addition to the Wii Remote and Nunchuk.

Currently in development at SEGA Studios Japan, Super Monkey Ball Step & Roll introduces a new dynamic level of interactive gamezplay with the use of the Nintendo Wii Balance Board while still remaining true to the original franchise with its fun and fantastical level design.

“Super Monkey Ball is one of our most treasured franchises, it has continually been able to utilise the latest technological innovations available to provide new levels of fun and interactivity for the whole family,” said Gary Knight, European Marketing Director, SEGA Europe Ltd. “We’re very proud to be able to offer the most intuitive gameplay experience yet with the introduction of Nintendo Wii Balance Board functionality to the game.”

Created by the famed developer, Toshihiro Nagoshi, the Super Monkey Ball franchise boasts a rich lineage of games that began life in the arcades of Japan, later debuting as a Nintendo GameCube launch title. In 2007, Monkey Ball went on to set the standard for down loadable games on the iPhone and iPod Touch in terms of graphics, controls and its phenomenal sales success. Now, nine years on from its inception, with the addition of the Wii Balance Board, gamers will physically be able to feel what it would be like to roll around in a Monkey Ball for the first time ever.

Already known for its challenging levels and innovative control schemes, this latest installment will immerse players into the Monkey Ball world more deeply than thought possible. In addition to the single-player puzzle levels, the party fun will return with new unique and imaginative mini-games making their debut alongside fan favourites from Super Monkey Ball - Banana Blitz. The myriad of game modes available is sure to inspire friendly living room competition between family and friends.

The record-setting and award-winning Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare is coming to Nintendo. Activision will release Call of Duty: Modern Warfare on Nintendo Wii on November 10 in conjunction with the launch of Infinity Ward’s Modern Warfare 2.



Ported to Nintendo Wii by Treyarch, Call of Duty - Modern Warfare will bring to Nintendo fans the gripping modern-day action-thriller that won more than 50 combined 2007 Editors’ Choice and Game of the Year Awards.

Let’s Play Flight Attendant for Nintendo DS, where players work their way up the career ladder to become a fully qualified flight attendant.

Players get to act out their dream job as they follow the exciting career of a flight attendant. Beginning as a trainee players experience what it takes to work their way up from ground staff to cabin crew. Alongside the opportunity to learn about foreign cultures and countries fans experience a variety of high demands from passengers.

This innovative “Let’s Play Flight Attendant” allows a player to create their own individual characters and master the common duties of a flight attendant through a variety of entertaining and educational mini-games. Each level presents new challenges that once successfully completed earns the character stars which eventually unlocks the new career levels. Working their way through duties on domestic and international flights, players experience and master the variety of tasks until they finally reach First Class.

”Let’s Play Flight Attendant” for Nintendo DS is developed by ZigZag Island and has an expected release date of autumn 2009.

Eidos together with Beautiful Game Studios announce Championship Manager 2010 will be available on Games for Windows across Europe from September 11th 2009.

“I’m delighted to be able to confirm the 11th September release date for Championship Manager 2010. This edition contains features which will really set us apart from the competition such as CM Season Live which offers a totally new dimension to the football management genre,” said Roy Meredith, General Manager, Championship Manager.

“This is the culmination of two years incredibly hard work and the whole studio is genuinely excited about how gamers will react when they get the chance to play it for the first time.”

Championship Manager 2010 is the latest edition of the classic football management franchise, and will be the first football game available for the 2009/10 season. In development for over 2 years, the 2010 edition offers players a host of unique features never seen before in football management games. These include a bespoke 3D match engine with over 500 individual player animations created specifically for Championship Manager, a Set-piece creator giving users the chance to create their own unique free kicks and corners, Scouting Networks allowing users to set-up local networks in countries around the world and scout for local players and Practice matches helping users build and mould their perfect team or trial new players.

Championship Manager also includes an industry first in CM Season Live allowing players to download the real-world 09/10 football season data and take on real world managerial decisions and challenges in the leading leagues across Europe.

Ahead of the games release, players will be able to try out all of the latest features and more in a full demo available from August 14th via the Championship Manager website. With 6 months game time (over half a season) contained in the demo and fully compatible with the full version of the game on its release, players have a full four weeks to prepare themselves for the release of Championship Manager 2010.

Championship Manager 2010 will be available across Europe in French, Italian, Spanish, Turkish and Polish on Friday September 11th 2009.

Paradox Interactive are pleased to announce the release of a free, in-depth Hearts of Iron III Strategy Guide as a reward initiative for their loyal fans, to coincide with the release of the long awaited third installment of the best selling and critically acclaimed World War II Strategy series.

Written by the popular Ed Hanks, the Hearts of Iron III Strategy Guide will be received free-of-charge by everyone that registers their game on the official forum*.

The Hearts of Iron series has a loyal and long standing following which is greatly appreciated by the development team at Paradox Interactive, so this is their way of ensuring that those fans will get maximum value from the release of Hearts of iron III as well as acting as a ‘thank-you’ for their continued support.

About Hearts of Iron 3
Set to release in stores in North America and via all major digital download portals on August 7th, the game was recently awarded the Readers Choice “Best of E3 – PC Strategy” on Voodoo Extreme, along with being nominated for the “Best of E3 – PC Strategy” on IGN and Gaming Excellence. Releases in Europe will follow on August 14th (UK, Scandinavia) and August 28th (France and Germany).

*Players can register their games via the in-game menu or “My Games” on http://forum.paradoxplaza.com.

Psyonix Studios announce that Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket-Powered Battle-Cars, the action-packed game with the insanely long name, has received a generous update that is now available for download on the PlayStation Network on the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system.

Amongst the list of features included in this update which will include improved network performance, a host of new replay features and friend matching, Battle-Cars combatants will be pleased to know that Psyonix Studios has also decided to release 14 new vehicle skins and two brand-new arenas at no additional cost to the user. This brings the total number of Battle-Car arenas from four to six.

Get ready to set sail for the high seas with "Galleon," one of two free arenas included in the latest update. In Galleon, players will have to put their Battle-Cars skills to the ultimate test as they rocket down the deck of a larger-than-life pirate ship while avoiding the large sail masts and keeping their eyes firmly locked on the goals which are embedded into the hull of the ship.

Battle-Cars players will also have the opportunity to swap out their sea legs...er sea wheels, and head for land as they drop the clutch on some freshly cut green grass in "Stadium." Rocket down this traditional soccer field and shoot for the goal as a dynamic crowd cheers you on. Both arenas are sure to make for some jaw-dropping replays which can be saved and shared using the in-game video editor and then uploaded directly to YouTube™ for all to see.

About Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket-Powered Battle-Cars
Battle-Cars features unique rocket-powered cars with incredible physics-based maneuverability, including the ability to rocket into the air or accelerate at supersonic speeds on the ground by racing over boost strips, obtaining boost capsules or by performing a rapid succession of acrobatic flips. In the team-based soccer game, players maneuver their vehicles to perform breathtaking saves, awe-inspiring shots and of course achieve supersonic speeds that literally turn your opponents into scrap metal.

Wide-ranging community involvement is supported through team and league play, as well as extensive and thorough statistical tracking, rankings and rewards for individuals and teams, including support for PLAYSTATION 3 system trophies. The game features three single player modes as well as team and league matches and scrimmage matches online. Using the fully featured in-game video editor, players will have the ability to save, upload and share their amazing triumphs and hysterical battle-car antics to their PLAYSTATION 3 system harddrive or upload clips directly to YouTube.


Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket-Powered Battle-Cars is available now as a free trial featuring both offline and online gameplay with full version players. The trial version can be updated to the full version for only $9.99 on the PlayStation Network.

Dingo Games announce its latest project, The Three Musketeers: The Game. Closely following the story of Alexander Dumas’ original masterpiece, The Three Musketeers: The Game is a unique action-adventure game for Mac and Windows.

Players take on the role of the young gentleman d’Artagnan as he sets off for Paris in hopes of becoming a Musketeer. D’Artagnan makes dangerous enemies along the way but soon befriends the famous three Musketeers: Athos, Porthos and Aramis. A plot to disgrace the queen emerges and the four friends must rely on their wits and their swords to preserve her honor from the evil Cardinal Richelieu.

Created by independent developer Dingo Games, the game features a top-down perspective and hand-drawn 2d graphics. Players gather loot, duel enemies, fire flintlock muskets, and play the occasional mini-game as they make their way through the main story. In addition, numerous side-quests exist for players who want to explore all the game has to offer.

It took 165 years, but this classic tale has finally been faithfully adapted into a video game.

Jambo! Safari, an action packed African adventure exclusively for the home video game system, Nintendo Wii, and the Nintendo DS system. Hitting stores late in 2009, Jambo! Safari takes the fun and excitement of the classic 1990’s arcade action title and reinvents it with modern graphics and deeper gamezplay, suited to today’s Nintendo consumers.

As with the original, the new Jambo! Safari allows you to play as one of four safari park rangers, but this time they are fully customisable. With the ultimate aim of becoming a fully qualified ranger, players must take on high speed challenges and exciting rescue missions across the rich and varied free-roaming landscapes of the African Plains.

Using one of the four customisable vehicles, including the licensed Land Rover Defender 90 and 110, rangers will need to ensure the animals in their park are healthy and happy. The vast range of Jambo! Safari missions include rescuing animals in need, diagnosing and treating them before releasing them back to the wild, wildlife photography, sight seeing adventures and even hot air balloon rides!

Jambo! Safari Animal Rescue for Nintendo DS has been adapted to make full use of the stylus and double screens of the Nintendo DS system whilst interacting and caring for the animals of the African Plains. Swinging the Wii RemoteTM like a lasso and using the Wii Remote and Nunchuk to drive through the vast levels of Jambo! Safari Ranger Adventure and will immerse players in a true safari experience on the Wii console.

“Jambo! Safari was a much loved SEGA arcade game that has lent itself perfectly to the unique way of playing games on Nintendo platforms”, commented Gary Knight, European Marketing Director SEGA Europe. “Jambo! Safari makes learning fun, whilst children are playing the game and rescuing the wild animals they collect information cards, meaning they learn the characteristics of the animals and their natural habitat as they play”.

Alongside the single player adventure to become a ranger, Jambo! Safari Ranger Adventure for Nintendo Wii will also contain a co-op mode enabling you to share certain missions with a friend. The party games can be enjoyed by up to four people, so take your pick between Ostrich Racing, Meerkat Madness and more safari style fun.

Jambo! Safari will be releasing for the home video game system, Nintendo Wii and the Nintendo DS system late in 2009.

The time has come for millions of galactic emperors to rejoice: In "OGame - Next Generation" galactic colonization gets a fresh new look. With over 30 million fans around the globe, the world's most popular browser game now takes the game's graphics to a whole new level while adding a wide range of additional features to all of the newly-started universes at www.ogame.co.uk. The game's incredibly successful underlying principles, however, remain unchanged.

The creative team at online-gaming specialist Gameforge would like to thank their loyal players with this successful new update, which offers both veterans and newcomers alike even more long-term gaming fun and atmosphere. OGame's international success is synonymous with Karlsruhe-based company's unprecedented growth. Within just a few years Gameforge has grown from a small startup to become the world's largest independent supplier of browser and client-based Massively Multiplayer Online Games (MMOGs) with more than 75 million players.

Successful Update
One of the most important modifications is the adjusted speed of colonization. This feature makes gaining levels much more challenging, which in turn means more long-term gaming fun.

A new level of research has also been added - Astrophysics. This has to be further developed with each new star colonized. Where Level 1 is needed for the first colony, the next colony requires two more levels before expansion can continue.

The storage capacity for the goods Metal, Crystal and Deuterium has been changed to give the supply buildings in the game more weight. Both tank and warehouse capacities now start at 10,000 units and grow with each new level attained. This means players will have to begin providing additional storage early in the game.

One of the major changes to OGame is the graphic overhaul, making it much more spectacular visually while simultaneously providing a clearer overview. In OGame technical development on the planet surface is displayed impressively in the header images, providing players with a clear picture of the progress on their own planet.

The introduction of the AJAX technology made a major technical improvement to the game itself. Here selected elements of the page are updated continuously without having to update all of the displayed content at the same time. This provides a palpable increase in speed in events revolving around the player's own planets.

The OGame success story started way back in 2002 and, thanks to one of the international online gaming scene's largest communities, continues to grow in popularity. The free browser game combines elements from economic simulations and real-time strategy games and is suitable for young and old alike. OGame lets the player assume the role of an intergalactic ruler. Their task is to expand their influence to encompass an ever-growing number of galaxies using different strategies, trade and military activities.
Like all Gameforge games, OGame can be played absolutely free of charge. Simply register at www.ogame.co.uk and start play immediately.

More about the game here...

Activision announce an exclusive Bakugan collector’s ball will come packaged into the Nintendo DS Collector’s Edition of the Bakugan Battle Brawlers video game. This Collector’s Edition will be available at key retailers the week of the game’s release, but since the battle ball is being produced in limited quantities, Bakugan fans are advised to pre-order the video game to ensure they get it.

The Bakugan ball that players will get in the Nintendo DS Collector’s Edition is Naga, a rogue Bakugan who wants to control all the power in Vestoria. Naga is most recognizable for his skeletal body and split nose. Conniving and greedy, he tried to absorb the two energy cores, Infinite and Silence, but only absorbed the Silent Core, and in the process exploded Vestroia. In the hit animated TV show, he is Hal-G’s Bakugan.

“One look on eBay will show you how fanatics obsess over rare Bakugans - we’re sure the Naga battle ball will become one of the most prized of all,” said David Oxford, Activision Publishing. “Bakugan players and gamers are getting the opportunity to score something special while picking up the most entertaining Nintendo DS game of the year!”

Bakugan is based on the story of Dan and his friends whose lives were forever changed when mysterious cards fell from the sky. Creating a game from the cards where powerful creatures known as Bakugan battle, it isn’t long before they discover that their hobby is much more than just a simple pastime. Utilizing special game cards Bakugan battle masters roll spheres onto the cards, which activate and transform into Bakugan “battle brawling” action figures. The toy line, developed by Spin Master Ltd., has won three “Toy of the Year” awards from the Toy Industry Association. Bakugan is also an animated cartoon series airing on Cartoon Network in the United States, TELETOON in Canada and many international broadcasters.

Bakugan is scheduled for release on Nintendo DS on October 20, 2009.

There are seven bowling games for the Nintendo Wii - Wii Sports, Wii Sports Resort, Brunswick Pro Bowling, Ten Pin Alley 2, AMF Bowling: World Lanes, and AMF Bowling: Pinbusters!. Now you can play using the Nintendo Wii Bowling Ball accessory.

“Turn every Wii bowling experience into a perfect 300 with the Bowling Ball for Nintendo Wii from CTA Digital. This ultra-realistic accessory allows you to mimic all the critical motions a ’striking’ performance requires. This Wii peripheral is the first of its kind to be fashioned after an authentic bowling ball, turning your wii-mote into the optimum performance-enhancing accessory!”



The exclamation point at the end is to express the excitement — of an accident waiting to happen — that this gigantic ball will bring to your living room and the easily-damaged big-screen TV therein.

Paradox Interactive has today released a playable demo for Hearts of Iron III, the long-awaited third installment of the best selling and critically acclaimed World War II Strategy series.

The playable demo gives players a taste of what they can expect from the complete game upon its release.

Containing the Tutorial plus Single Player Campaign of 1939, the Hearts of Iron III demo allows you to play as either Germany, France, Poland or the United Kingdom for the first four months of World War II.

Demo mirror links can be found on: http://www.paradoxplaza.com//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=39&Itemid=120 and will be updated continuously.

About Hearts of Iron III
Set to release in stores in North America and via all major digital download portals on August 7th, the game was recently awarded the Readers Choice “Best of E3 – PC Strategy” on Voodoo Extreme, along with being nominated for the “Best of E3 – PC Strategy” on IGN and Gaming Excellence. Releases in Europe will follow on August 14 (UK, Scandinavia) and August 28 (France and Germany).

Square Enix Ltd, the publisher of Square Enix interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, today announces that KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days will be released across PAL territories on 9th October for Nintendo DS.

With more than 12 million copies shipped worldwide, the KINGDOM HEARTS series is one of the most beloved RPGs in video game history. Disney and FINAL FANTASY characters unite in a magical game world, engaging players across the globe with its gripping storyline and action-packed gameplay.

The series continues with KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days. Follow Roxas, the “other” hero from KINGDOM HEARTS II, and discover more about his days as a member of the mysterious Organization XIII. What is the connection between Roxas and Sora? Who is the mysterious 14th member and what were the reasons for Roxas’ eventual departure from the organization? KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days adds one other exciting and essential component to the fun, being the first KINGDOM HEARTS game to offer a multiplayer mode.

Larry Sparks, Vice President of Brand, Square Enix products comments, “The KINGDOM HEARTS series goes from strength to strength. With KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days we are delighted to be revisiting these wonderfully unique worlds and very excited about the addition of a multiplayer mode. I am sure fans will find this another thrilling and essential entry in the series.”

For more information about KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days, please visit the official website at www.kingdomheartsdays.com

About KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 DAYS

Story

-Twilight Town-
Roxas and Axel were watching the sunset from their usual spot on the station's clock tower after a long day of collecting "hearts" from the Heartless, as ordered by their organization. When their daily work ended, they often spent their evenings there. They talked about the day's work and other things over ice cream.

"Do you know why the sun looks red as it sinks below the horizon? It's because among the countless colours comprising light, red travels the greatest distance."

"You're just trying to show off, Axel!"

It was idle chatter between two boys without hearts.
This is the untold story of Organization XIII's Roxas.

Features

• World-renowned creator and character designer Tetsuya Nomura and his team once again unite the magical world of Disney with the characters of FINAL FANTASY, inviting fans to an enchanting gaming experience
• Multiplayer Mode – for the first time in KINGDOM HEARTS. Four players can team-up as their favourite Organization XIII members
• Fully 3D environments and characters, gigantic boss battles and an orchestral soundtrack push the Nintendo DS capabilities to the full
• A wide variety of missions to complete across a range of huge worlds. Lots to explore including Standard Missions, Trial Missions and multiplayer Mission Mode
• Limit Breaks! The special near-death ability from FINAL FANTASY VII is brought to the world of KINGDOM HEARTS allowing for explosive special attacks
• Panel System – organise your weapons, spells, abilities and even levels with this new system that makes you strategically think about what you can carry

Empire of Sports, the first virtual world entirely dedicated to sport, and NOMIS, the revolutionary football boot designer and manufacturer, have announced their partnership. NOMIS, whose design marks arguably the biggest progression in football boot innovation for decades, will soon be able to demonstrate the amazing performances of its boots to Empire of Sports’ players.

The first massively connected multisport 3D game, Empire of Sports is offering players a chance to practice through their avatars – their 3D representation in the virtual world – a wide range of sports that includes tennis, skiing, basketball, and of course football. As a unique place for many players to meet from all over the world, Empire of Sports also provides them with the perfect platform for competitions, where physical development and team practice are important, but also the best possible equipment, to ensure victories to their avatars and their team.

As a revolutionary football boot designer eager to show the world the qualities of its amazing design, NOMIS is a perfect match for the virtual world of Empire of Sports: through the forthcoming events that will be organized in partnership with NOMIS, Empire of Sports’ players will be able to win real NOMIS shoes, and their avatars will soon be able to buy virtual NOMIS shoes inside the game, to enhance their in-game football performances.

Alexis Galley, CEO of Empire of Sports, said: “We are delighted to welcome NOMIS as a new partner in Empire of Sports. Football is one of the most popular sports not only in the real world, but also in our virtual one, and NOMIS has the technical edge to bring much added value to our football players. We know that many people are willing to improve their football skills and we hope they enjoy this new partnership.”

Simon Skirrow, founder and CEO of NOMIS, said: “We are very happy to enter such a promising virtual world as Empire of Sports, and have our name next to prestigious partners like FC Barcelona. We believe our range of football boots are the most technically advanced and best performance enhancers on the market, and we trust Empire of Sports will demonstrate those qualities to a wider audience. We are very happy with the success met by the first competition that has just started within the community, and we can’t wait to the next steps of our partnership.”

If you are keen to start practicing virtual football and be ready to enter the next NOMIS event or try soon the first virtual NOMIS boots within Empire of Sports, all you need to do is download the game client from www.empireofsports.com (900 Mo), register and start playing for free!

Empire of Sports is currently in the Prologue phase: this phase allows the game to expand progressively, with the help and feedback of its vast community of online players.

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BRAINPIPE: A Plunge to Unhumanity is a game that not only will explode your eyeballs like a decompression chamber because of its amazingly cool visuals, but it also tickles your ears with some of the most hypnotic sounds to emanate from your computer speakers. The audio is a wonderful soundscape that won both the 2009 IGF Excellence in Audio award and an Ernie for the best in-game audio, and with that in mind what better way to honor the game but with a musical contest?

Shrapnel Games and game forum PwnEm.com have teamed up to allow two lucky winners to win their very own copy of the full retail version of Digital Eel's alien mind control device cleverly disguised as a computer game, BRAINPIPE: A Plunge to Unhumanity. The contest runs until August 22nd and is open to registered users of PwnEm.com, and since registration is quick and painless there's no reason not to sign up and take a chance on the contest.

The contest is very easy to participate in. Simply join the BRAINPIPE contest thread at PwnEm.com and either state a song that describes the game or a song that describes how you feel when you play the game. It doesn't matter if it's Rachmaninoff, Warbringer, or Elvis Costello, it's all about how the music and game tie together for YOU (although anyone posting something from Attack Attack! may be mocked).

Full details of the contest can be found on the PwnEM.com site.

BRAINPIPE: A Plunge to Unhumanity is the latest game from Digital Eel and is published by Shrapnel Games. Available as a download for only $14.95 for either PCs or Macs (or free to the contest winners), BRAINPIPE is one button journey through the darkest-and yet most colorful-regions of the mind.

Players dash through tunnels of wildly cascading colors, racing to collect glyphs while avoiding the dangers within, all for the ultimate goal of both the high score and ascension to another existence. BRAINPIPE: A Plunge to Unhumanity is playable in short sessions, making it perfect for either the quick breakaway or for multiple subsequent plays.

"The experience provided by this game can best be described as "Zen-like". It is impossible to worry about one's job, spouse, mortgage or other obligations when playing BRAINPIPE. The player is not driven by a competitive need to earn a high score, or even by curiosity about what the next level will be like. Instead, the player is transported into an abstract world that is enjoyable in its own right. The result is that a few minutes of playing BRAINPIPE have the same effect as a well-needed nap or an energizing piece of good news."

So says Raven Lebeau, and we agree. BRAINPIPE is an energizing piece of good news for you. Take a break from playing all those violent murder simulators and enjoy some good old fashioned gameplay by unleashing your inner tie-dyed hippie. Check out more information on the game or download the demo to experience a taste for yourself.
For more great games of the independent persuasion point your browser to www.shrapnelgames.com for our full catalog of award winning titles, along with freeware to download and an active community to join. Celebrating a decade in business, Shrapnel Games recent releases include War Plan Pacific, Battle Group Commander: Episode One, along with BRAINPIPE: A Plunge to Unhumanity. Look for the board game Eat Electric Death! to ship this quarter.

BOH continues to improve and now it even runs natively on Linux!

Specifically, this update:

* makes the game run natively on Linux (requires an x86 CPU, SDL 1.2 and SDL_mixer-1.2);
* avoids the restart of the whole program upon theme change (very useful when playing in full screen, as the monitor does not need to re-sync);
* adds themes randomization options;
* adds the "USE ENHANCED WEAPONS" option (makes killing enemies easier);
* slows down the blinking of the automapper direction indicator;
* adds video mode suggestions;
* fixes a minor bug in the zoom selection handling (in rare cases it could cause an illegal memory access);
* fixes bad centering at 4x zoom (a couple of parentheses were missing);
* links the AmigaOS version to the latest SDL;
* links the Windows version to a fresh build of the custom framework (by mistake an outdated framework had been used with the consequence that, on some machines, input handling was partially broken);
* includes some graphical retouches to the themes "castle" and "warm";
* adds synopses to the phases of the mission "tougher and tougher";
* updates and improves the user's manual;
* improves some translations;
* applies some other changes.


BOH owners can enjoy the update by downloading it for free from the DOWNLOADS page of the official website at www.bohthegame.com.

The demos available on the same page have been updated to reflect the changes.

About BOH:

BOH is an original, retro-flavoured game of exploration and action.
You move in claustrophobic, traps-packed, mind-boggling battlefields searching for the Evil Masters, who throw countless enemies at you until you discover and face them in the final battle. Although your quests are made slightly less hard by the bonuses and power-ups scattered all around, carrying out the missions demands lots of concentration and quick reflexes.
With BOH the fun never ends: new missions can be added anytime and you can even create your own! And, as if that was not enough, you can also customize entirely its audio-visual aspect!
BOH has been created with lots of passion and care to offer, with its oldschool style, a fascinatingly different videogaming experience.

To learn more about BOH, please surf to the official website at www.bohthegame.com.

With just under 100 days remaining until the World Cyber Games (WCG) Grand Final kicks-off in Chengdu, China, the WCG has announced key dates leading up to the showcase event for the world's largest and most inclusive international computer and videogame festival. This year, over 700 of the world's top eSports players from more than 70 countries are expected to represent their countries and battle it out for honor and glory at the Grand Final, known as the Olympics of gaming.

The road to the exciting and intensely competitive five-day journey that will determine the best eSports players in the world kicks into high gear as all participating Grand Final countries conduct their National Final. Included amongst them will be TEAM USA, who won the overall tournament in 2007 and finished third last year. The U.S. will determine its team for the 12 official WCG titles at the National Finals held in conjunction with the New York Anime Festival on September 25-27. Anyone who wants to participate in the USA WCG National Final this year still has time to qualify by visiting www.WCG.com/USA to register for the WCG Online Tournaments to qualify for your shot at TEAM USA.

Fans can follow all of the action for the U.S. National Final, and all other National Finals, by logging onto www.WCG.com. Additionally, if they log on in September, they can watch live as the WCG unveils the group drawings. During the live event, fans can find out the match-ups for the Grand Final.

In October, online press registration will be open during October for all media interested in attending the event. Media members can save time by obtaining their press pass on-site directly during the event, guaranteeing admission to all WCG 2009 Grand Final events.

Here comes the HERO!

Come and meet the heroes!

See you in Chengdu!

WipEout HD Fury is an expansion pack for WipEout HD, Sony Liverpool's blisteringly fast-paced anti-gravift craft racer in which you use a mixture of speed and weaponry to compete against other racers across some funky, futuristic-looking tracks. Available exclusively as a downloadable title from the PlayStation Store, HD Fury offers a wealth of new content, which is reflected in its lofty £7.99 price tag and 700MB file size.

‘Fury’ is an appropriate word to use in the expansion’s title. The menu interface has had a makeover that reflects the game's title, with the clean white and blue menu of WipEout HD making way for a fierce looking red design that gives the expansion a unique look. New audio tracks have also been added which incorporate the ‘Fury’ theme well by throwing into to the mix some bouncing techno beats that replace the likes of Kratwerk’s hypnotic ambient sounds from Wipeout HD.

HD Fury boasts four new tracks, all of which are playable in reverse, and 13 new ship models, alongside online play and 13 new trophies to unlock. The biggest entry however is the three new game modes, including Eliminator, Zone Battle, and Detonator, plus an 80 event Fury campaign mode.

The Fury campaign offers the bulk of the new content, incorporating all of the new game modes. In the weapon-enabled Eliminator mode, the focus is heavily placed on destruction as you zip around the tracks until a player reaches a set score. Zone Battle makes use of boosting pads and as you attempt to be the first player to reach set zones. And finally, Detonator plays like an on-rails shooter where you need to score points by destroying the mines that have been strewn along the track, while attempting to take out the bomb on each stage to earn additional points.

Just like the original WipEout HD, the new content in HD Fury is displayed in 1080p resolution and runs at a silky smooth 60fps.

Marking a first for the Call of Duty franchise and its millions of dedicated fans, Activision Publishing, Inc. and Call of Duty - World at War developer Treyarch, will launch the first iPhone application as a companion for the blockbuster game today via iTunes- for free. The Call of Duty: World at War Companion allows fans who own iPhones to remotely access important news and updates from the palm of their hand.Additionally, players with linked accounts on www.CoDWaW.com (for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system from Sony) will be able to see key stats from the game. The application will support unique registered player accounts for Call of Duty: World at War fans by providing:

* Stat-Tracking: Check your rank on key stats like K/D ratio, win/lose record and more.
* Performance Tracking: Gain quick access to all of your weapon usage.
* Link with Friends: Monitor online activity, and the stats of friends with linked accounts on www.CoDWaW.com to compare progress.
* News: Access the latest news/blogs, Treyarch’s community Twitter feed (Twitter: JD_2020), as well as the latest on new maps, double XP weekends and contests.


The Call of Duty: World at War iPhone application also will be supported via a robust website (www.CoDWaW.com) providing a wide range of statistics and information for the site’s 1.75 million registered members. Members can easily link their web accounts to their in-game statistics and view live multiplayer-based leaderboards and compete against other players for prizes in private community tournaments. In addition, the site offers daily tips and exclusive information via the Community Blog and provides global statistics allowing players to see how they rank against others worldwide.

According to The NPD Group, Charttrack and Gfk, Call of Duty: World at War has sold more than 11 million units to date worldwide across all platforms. Additionally, Treyarch’s first two downloadable map packs have surpassed more than four million paid downloads on both Xbox LIVE and the PlayStation Network (combined), with a third map pack on the way this August.

Call of Duty: World at War is rated “M” (Mature) by the ESRB for Intense Violence, Strong Language, Blood and Gore.

Natsume announce that Reel Fishing: Angler's Dream has gone to gold master and will launch for the Nintendo Wii this month. The Reel Fishing franchise is known for setting itself apart from the competition by delivering the most true-to-life fishing experience.

"We can't wait for people to get their hands on Reel Fishing: Angler's Dream this month," said Hiro Maekawa, President and CEO at Natsume. "It offers a fun and challenging fishing experience for novice fishermen and master anglers alike!"

Reel Fishing: Angler's Dream features picturesque environments, soothing environmental sounds, and a realistic fishing engine where fish flee, dive, and jump just like they would in real life! Players will travel to pristine lakes, raging rivers, and tropical oceans filled with the biggest fish around. With a variety of realistic stages, tons of fresh and salt water fish, and over 100 pieces of tackle to unlock, Reel Fishing: Angler's Dream has something to offer every angler! Players can raise their catches in aquariums, then release them back into the wild for an even bigger challenge! Players can also test their fishing skills against family and friends in the 2-4 player Versus Mode!

No matter whether players are casual anglers or seasoned veterans, Reel Fishing: Angler's Dream offers tons of fishing fun! It's the closest you can get to the real thing without putting on your waders!

Headup Games, a recently founded and independently financed publishing company for core PC titles located near Cologne in Germany reveals the final pack shot and new screen shots for GearGrinder, a bone crashing action/arcade racing-game, to be released September 17th 2009.

Buckle up and enjoy fully motorized mayhem with GearGrinder, the new incarnation of an underrepresented genre of arcade racing action. Take full control of your powerful truck, mounted with the most devastating weapons available, malicious mines and more nifty gadgets, and complete over 45 versatile and thrilling missions, leaving a trail of devastation wherever you go. Need something extra? Just transform your vehicle from combat to racing mode, deploy your jet engine and smile at your opponents while they watch your rear light disappear in the distance.
With destructible race environments ranging from shabby industrial circuits and cramped city tracks to the most gorgeous countryside, multiplayer modes for up to 8 players (LAN) and a thrilling story about a lot of money, hunger for power, corruption and friendship, GearGrinder will trigger the surge of adrenalin every man needs at regular intervals…

GearGrinder is scheduled for release September 17th 2009.

Red Eagle Games announced today that film industry veteran Chris Morgan has been engaged by Red Eagle Games as Story Director for the company's forthcoming video games derived from the rich assortment of characters and storylines from Robert Jordan's beloved fantasy book series, The Wheel of Time.

Based in Los Angeles, Morgan has worked in the film industry for nearly a decade. His films have grossed nearly one billion dollars in worldwide box-office receipts. Morgan's screenwriting credits include Cellular, The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, Wanted and Fast and Furious. In addition to his involvement with Red Eagle Games, Morgan is currently working on the big-screen adaptation of video game Gears of War, the next installment in the Fast and Furious franchise, and samurai action movie 47 Ronin.

In addition, Morgan will be joining veteran Electronic Arts Executive Tom Frisina; Barry Hirsch, a leader in the field of entertainment law; entertainment consumer products marketing and branding expert Peter Dang; Keith Boesky, founder and principal of video game consultancy Boesky & Company; and IBM Serious Games Program Manager Phaedra Boinodiris on the Red Eagle Games Advisory Council. Red Eagle Games has carefully assembled the Council to complement and support the Red Eagle Games management team's skills and backgrounds, and the council members represent decades of experience in new media, entertainment and technology.

"As a massive fan of The Wheel of Time series, and a lifelong gamer, I jumped at the chance to be part of the Red Eagle Games team," Morgan said. "The world that Robert Jordan created is so rich, the characters and storylines so varied and inventive, that I feel like a kid in a candy store. It's really a dream opportunity for me."

Along with the Universal Pictures feature film, to be produced by Red Eagle Entertainment executives Rick Selvage and Larry Mondragon, a line of stand-alone Wheel of Time games is in the works for all major videogame platforms, including consoles, personal computers, handheld systems and wireless devices, to be distributed by Electronic Arts. In addition, Red Eagle Games intends to launch and operate a massively multiplayer online role-playing game encompassing the themes, characters and world of The Wheel of Time novels.

The details of Jordan's meticulously crafted series have captivated readers since 1990, when The Eye of the World, the first book in the series, was published. Eleven additional books, including one prequel, have since been added to the series and have consistently appeared on the New York Times Bestseller List with the last four of his novels in the series debuting at No. 1. Jordan passed away in 2007 at the age of 58, but his publisher, Tor Books, recently announced that a final trilogy of novels will bring his epic series to its long-awaited climax. The next installment in the series, entitled The Gathering Storm, is expected to be published in November of 2009 by Tor Books. This novel is being finished by fantasy writer Brandon Sanderson using notes, audio recordings and draft materials left with Jordan's wife and editor, Harriet Rigney.

Jordan's wildly popular books have been translated into 24 languages, and have sold about 44 million copies worldwide. According to Tor Books, the publisher of The Wheel of Time novels, there are about 65,000 The Wheel of Time fan Web sites as a part of a vast global on-line fan community.

About Red Eagle Games
Based in Southern California, Red Eagle Games is a new video game studio initially undertaking the transformation of Jordan's literary masterpiece "The Wheel of Time" into high-quality interactive gaming products for the personal computer, game consoles, mobile and wireless devices, and online play. Red Eagle Games was founded by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Rick Selvage and Chief Operating Officer Larry Mondragon, who are also producing a live-action motion picture for Universal Pictures based upon The Wheel of Time.

SouthPeak Games is pleased to announce the European PC beta for its upcoming sci-fi shooter Section 8 will launch on August 10. Wannabe recruits for the 8th Armoured Infantry can register their interest at www.joinsection8.com before preparing themselves to burn into multi player matches from 15,000 ft above the battlefield.

The draft process for the beta has limited spaces, so those who want to take part in huge multiplayer matches – thanks to the game’s dedicated servers – should sign up as soon as possible. The recently re-launched JoinSection8.com also contains vital intel about the game and is the place to stay active within the Section 8 community.

Developed by TimeGate Studios and heading to PC and the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft this September, Section 8 evolves many of the tried-and-tested elements of multi player shooters. Players can burn into the map anywhere they want, change their character’s stats with in-depth customisation options, alter the flow of multi player matches by completing dynamic missions and even call in their own vehicles or weapons turrets.

NewU Fitness First Personal Trainer isn’t just about fitness; it also contains a comprehensive, user friendly healthy eating program designed by the nutritional experts of well known TV show and book range You Are What You Eat.

Interest in wellness and nutrition is ever growing and today more than ever as people lead busier lives; it’s even more important to eat well. NewU Fitness First Personal Trainer considers well-being as a perfect balance between physical exercise and a healthy eating, the latter having been designed by the experts at You Are What You Eat.

NewU Fitness First Personal Trainer has 138 recipes, which equates to 20 weeks of different meals. These customised nutrition plans, combined with the right amount of exercise, can lead you to a better and happier lifestyle. NewU Fitness First Personal Trainer even caters for those with special nutritional requirements. For example if you are a vegetarian then in the profile set up, simply unselect the meat groups.

For each of the five meals (breakfast, snack, lunch, dinner & desert) you can choose from two different options and upon selecting one of them you will then have displayed all the ingredients and preparation steps. You can even set the meal selections for the entire week.
Moreover, setting again your profile in the NewU website, you can have access to the recipes and to other useful functions connected with your nutritional plan.

“Creating NewU Fitness First Personal Trainer we have thought about an easy and fair approach, instead of a demeaning or an un-motivating one. You won’t be asked for your weight or size and you will never find references to calories but you will have the guidelines to take control of your eating and enjoy the rewards of a healthier and happier life” says Carina Norris, journalist, MSc (Dist) Public Health Nutrition and contributor for the best seller You Are What You Eat.

Carina has provided her experience on nutrition and healthy lifestyle to create customized nutritional plans which added to a suitable exercise plan may lead to a real benefit and stimulate a newer and more positive way of life.

Revolutionary game for all the family - Squeeballs Party – will launch in October 2009 for the Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS and Apple App Store.

The Squeeballs are 12 small, cuddly toy characters that are manufactured on a remote and secret island somewhere in the Pacific Ocean. As part of the requirements, before they can be sold to children around the world, Squeeballs must be fully put to the test…to the point of destruction! You can blow up, cook, slice, bat, bowl, shoot and skim the Squeeballs through over 170 mini-game challenges.

“Squeeballs Party is unlike any other game out there,” said Harry Holmwood, VP, Software Development and Publishing of PDP Ltd. “The graphics and visual elements are incredibly realistic, and controlling the game through motion control really puts users at the heart of the action. Squeeballs Party will keep friends and family entertained throughout Christmas!”

On the Wii, Squeeballs Party can be played in head-to-head challenges with two players or in party mode for up to four competitors. On the Nintendo DS, players can choose to play on their own, or compete head-to-head against others with another Nintendo DS. The Nintendo DS game will also come bundled with an exclusive stylus, making the gameplay more interactive and engaging.

As an added bonus for Christmas, the Nintendo Wii games will come bundled with a soft plush Squeeballs toy featuring the most popular characters in the game.

Pricing

Nintendo Wii: RRP of £29.99
Nintendo DS: RRP of £24.99 (bundled with character stylus)
Apple App Store: TBC

The games will be available nationwide in October 2009 from all major retailers.

ZeniMax to publish WHEELSPIN a futuristic racing game developed by Archer Maclean’s studio, Awesome Play, for Nintendo Wii. Due out in autumn 2009, WHEELSPIN is a high-energy racing, high-impact game spread across a wide range of inter-planetary tracks and features three engaging modes as well as robust multiplayer options.

Whether you play in Solo, Race, or Battle Mode, you will find yourself racing around unpredictable race tracks at exhilarating speeds of up to 650kph! While Solo mode challenges you to beat times to unlock stages, discover short cuts, and find secret spanners dotted throughout the levels, Race mode throws you into a frenzied race against seven other cars across tracks that twist, turn, and launch cars through the stratosphere. Battle mode is an all out test of aggression versus mobility as you use an arsenal of weapons at your disposal in an all-against-all battle.

WHEELSPIN also features impressive split-screen multiplayer Race and Battle modes that allows for up to eight players to compete concurrently. The game supports a combination of Nintendo Wii Remote, Classic Controllers, Nunchuk, Nintendo GameCube controllers, and force feedback racing wheels.

“WHEELSPIN is a frantically fast-paced game which pushes the Nintendo Wii to its maximum capabilities. With nothing but your own reactions and the tilt of the Nintendo Nintendo Wii Remote between you and victory, this game is a truly thrilling experience”, said Sean Brennan, Managing Director, ZeniMax Europe Ltd. “Archer Maclean and Awesome Play have delivered a great game which we believe gamers will relish the chance to get to grips with. WHEELSPIN makes great use of the controllers supported by the Nintendo Wii and players will find that there’s the perfect control set up for their individual gaming styles”.

"WHEELSPIN was designed exclusively for the Nintendo Wii - with the intention of pushing the hardware further than any other Nintendo Wii racing game to date. You have to see the graphics moving to believe its coming out of a Nintendo Wii - the visuals rush past smoothly at 60 FPS all in widescreen 480P mode", said Archer Maclean, Managing Director of Awesome Play. "We are very pleased to be working with Sean and his team at Bethesda, many of whom have been involved with my previous titles going back 20 years".

WHEELSPIN will be released for Nintendo Wii across Europe in autumn 2009.

When it comes to graphics and audio in Galaxy Online (http://go.igg.com), good just isn’t good enough. The development team has been working hard to improve the graphical and audio effects in the game. In fact, players can look forward to new background music and 3D projector support in the future.

Recently, the Galaxy Online dev team has been running demonstrations featuring more diverse audio effects, including new background music. Soon players will be able to evaluate them and offer feedback on what they’d like to hear in the game. The team will take players’ suggestions into account when deciding on the final audio improvements.

The big news from the graphics side of the development team is that they’re now working with ViewSonic’s latest PJD-series video projectors to improve Galaxy Online’s graphics. If the idea of immersing yourself in an all-out space battle with an affordable hi-res projector sounds intense, wait until you see it with your own 3D-spectacled eyes. When these astonishing new graphics and kicking new sounds finally go live, Galaxy Online will take you out of your chair and into a universe of fun.

To commemorate the ongoing popularity of DECA SPORTS and the upcoming release of DECA SPORTS 2, Hudson Entertainment, the North American publishing arm of HUDSON SOFT, has lowered the game’s retail price from $29.99 to $19.99. With 2 million units shipped to date, gamers around the world have been enjoying the fun and exciting games in DECA SPORTS for Nintendo Wii.

“We’re so grateful to the millions of gamers who have enjoyed DECA SPORTS in the past year,” said Dai Kudo, Director of Consumer Products at Hudson Entertainment. “By reducing the price, we are inviting all Wii players to experience the diverse games in DECA SPORTS and get pumped for 10 more exciting games coming soon in DECA SPORTS 2.”

DECA SPORTS offers 10 complete sporting events that get players active in the living room while providing entertainment for hours. With activities such as Soccer, Beach Volleyball, Supercross, Kart Racing, Basketball and Snowboard Cross, as well as atypical sports games such as Badminton, Figure Skating, Curling and Archery, DECA SPORTS offers more than the average sports game. Designed with intuitive controls for the Wii Remote and the Nunchuk, DECA SPORTS also includes advanced gameplay options for power spikes, curls and mid air tricks. Each sport supports both single player and multiplayer modes with up to 4 players and in several events, co-op on the same team. The Locker Room feature even allows players to keep track of their medals and trophies. DECA SPORTS has been rated E (Everyone) by the ESRB.

Characters include Zephyr, the unlikely hero, Nimbus, the squad leader and the sinister boss Omegaton

Konami revealed new details and character descriptions from Tornado Outbreak, the new action adventure game launching this fall on Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system.





Harness the power of a raging tornado as you tear through open environments, chewing up the landscape and spitting out everything in your path. Tornado Outbreaks revolutionary new game mechanic puts some of the Earth's most powerful elements in your hands. The characters you will play and do battle with include:

Zephyr: Zephyr, leader of the Wind Warriors, possesses the power of wind and the ability to transform himself into a raging, column of air that can level anything in his path. He worked to create atmosphere on lifeless planets but a chance meeting with a strange being named Omegaton changed the game. Zephyr's mission dictates that he helps those in need but meeting this purposefully deceptive anti-hero will challenge all that he knows. His strength, wits and abilities will be put to the test as a cosmic battle for supremacy lands on Earth. No one is safe.

Nimbus: Once the fearless leader of the Wind Warriors, he is now the wise leader second in command. Nimbus stands strong beside his protégé Zephyr passing on the knowledge and abilities he's learned over the years. Nimbus also possesses an innate ability for mechanical know how which is invaluable to the existence of his team. His ability to calibrate and decipher the L.O.A.D STARR which provides cloud cover on Earth and allows his sidekick Zephyr to possess his destructive abilities are vital to their mission.

Wind Warriors: They are the unnamed, fearless and elite squad that stands proudly behind their leaders Nimbus and Zephyr. The Wind Warriors sole purpose is to lend support to whatever mission the leaders deem necessary. Later in the story the Wind Warriors become an integral tool in the ultimate defeat and destruction of their earthbound nemesis Omegaton. Without the Wind Warriors Zephyr and Nimbus would be nearly defenseless.

Water Whirls: Zephyr born from wind, calls upon all forces of nature to accomplish his Earthly duties. Seemingly delicate to the point of being fragile, Water Whirls are calm, tranquil creatures. The Water Whirls donate their ability to traverse large areas quickly and smash objects like a tidal wave. Only through the Elemental forces working together is there any hope of capturing the Fire Fliers and restoring balance to save the Earth.

Fire Fliers: Wreaking havoc on two worlds might make the Fire Fliers seem evil by nature but maybe they're just misunderstood. They are mischievous little buggers with no capacity to understand the consequences of their actions. To them the incursion of Earth is nothing more than an endless game of hide and seek, but their actions on Earth cause more chaos and challenges for our unlikely hero than he'd hope for. Fire Fliers posses important powers which is why Zephyr needs to find them, collect them and ultimately destroy them.

Omegaton: Once the greatest hero of his universe, until his enemies joined forces and exiled him to another universe. Omegaton has been slowly dying after being stripped of his orbs of power and without them his fate is sealed to a cosmic grave. Dispersed somewhere on Earth, the Wind Warriors lead by Zephyr have been tasked to help find his sources of power through Omegaton's deceptive coercion. The story will reveal that all that's known about Omegaton may not be true and his mission is not what it seems.

Developed by Loose Cannon Studios, Tornado Outbreak lands September 15th 2009 for Wii, Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3

Customise your car, take corners at 150 mph, and own your opponents. Need for Speed Nitro delivers the fun and exhilaration of high-speed racing with deep and challenging gamezplay, where racing skills are not the only way to victory. Master advanced techniques such as building up boost by taking risks on the road, then use it at the right moment to take the lead. But don’t forget about the cops, who will do everything they can to disrupt the race. However you choose to race, never count on victory until you’ve crossed the finish line.

FEATURES

Impose Your Style—When you’re in first place, the walls of the city become covered with your graphic style. Now everyone knows that you’re the one leading the pack.

Pick Your Ride—The style and spirit of the game are rooted in car culture, with 30 classic and modern licensed cars including muscles, exotics, tuners, and more. Plus, race on 15 tracks featuring traffic, jumps, canyons, and events.

Battle to the Finish Line—Increase other racers’ heat levels to sick the cops on them, manage car damage to maintain maximum speed, and build up nitro with skilled driving to take the lead. The race is never over until you cross the finish line!

Extreme Customization—Trick out your car’s appearance using an incredibly deep yet intuitive customization system unlike anything seen on the Nintendo Wii. Never before in a Need for Speed game have you had this much control over the look of your ride.

Coop World Tour Campaign—Take part in illegal street races across five cities to unlock new cars, parts, tracks, and challenges. Up to three players can also join you to play cooperatively.

Nitro-Charged Multiplayer—Up to four players can take part in intense races across nine race modes: Race, Team Race, Own It!, Eliminator, Traffic Run, Drag Race, Speed Cameras Challenge, Drift Challenge, and Time Attack Challenge.

Expect to be playing NITRO in Fall 2009. It will be available on Nintendo Wii and the Nintendo DS.

Rage of the Gladiator, a bold and innovative video game for the WiiWare service for the Nintendo Wii.

Rage of the Gladiator is a fantasy fighting game. You control a gladiator, fighting for your life in an arena. Armed with your magical warhammer and a trusty shield, you must defeat fantastic bosses including a Chimera, Beholder, and a Dragon. The game is set in first-person perspective.

“Rage of the Gladiator is a series of epic boss-battles,” said Ed Roman, CEO of Ghostfire Games. “There are no ‘fodder’ enemies – its all bosses, which we find to be the most fun part of games!”

In Rage of the Gladiator, each boss has unique abilities and powers that you need to pay close attention to. Exploit the weakness of each enemy by jumping, dodging, or shield blocking with the proper timing and agility. Then unleash your rage by brutally pounding your enemy with your warhammer and bashing them with your shield, and you will triumph.

Features of the game include:

• Insane “finishing moves.” You have 14 finishing moves that destroy your opponent in over-the-top cutscenes:
o Leap to the skies, then plunge your warhammer into the ground, creating a pillar of fire that burns your enemy to a crisp.
o Transform into a hulking colossus 10 times the size of your opponent, pounding him into the ground.
o Darken the skies with a solar eclipse, sending a beam of light to fry your enemy.
• Customize your character. As you defeat bosses, you earn skill points. You can apply those skill points to one of three skill trees: Offense, Defense, and Magic. This gives you new powers. It also provides great replay value since you can replay through the game with different skill tree decisions.
• Fantastic 3D-graphics. Fully rendered and realistic, you do combat in a fully lit 3D arena. This polish level is rare for a downloadable title.
• Extremely realistic animations. When you attack bosses, the impacts and hits feel “real.” Each boss has been painstakingly animated to react properly to each of your attacks.
• Outstanding replay value. Once you’ve beaten the first 10 bosses, you must face them again in Challenge Mode, which is a completely new experience – the bosses are more difficult with new powers. There are 21 total battles.
• Epic soundtrack. The music has been designed to be exciting and memorable, and really gets your blood pumping.

“Rage of the Gladiator is a monumental undertaking.” said Mr. Roman. “It has content comparable to a full $50 store title, yet has a budget title price. We’ve tried to make a game that blows the lid off what people expect from WiiWare.”

The game is slated to be released later this year.

What is Rage of the Gladiator?
Rage of the Gladiator is a fantasy-based fighting game. You play the role of Gracius, battling for his life in the arena.
Your equipment consists of a magical war-hammer and a trusty shield. Wait for the right moment, then dodge, jump, or block your enemy’s attacks. Next, unleash your rage by brutally pounding your enemy with your war-hammer and bashing them with your shield. Each opponent has a unique style and pattern that you need to pay close attention to. Learn to exploit the weakness of each enemy with the proper timing and agility, and you will triumph.

When is the game coming out?
While it’s impossible to provide an exact release date, we expect Fall 2009.

What platform is the game available on?
Rage of the Gladiator will be exclusively available on WiiWare, the downloadable game service for the Nintendo Wii.

How much does Rage of the Gladiator cost?
The price is still to be determined as it is set by Nintendo.

How do I purchase Rage of the Gladiator?
You can’t buy this game in stores - its only available as a download onto the Wii. To do this, first make sure your Wii is connected to the Internet via the wireless Internet device built-into the Wii (you need a Wireless router or Wireless hub for this to work). Then navigate to the Wii Shop Channel. Rage of the Gladiator is available in the WiiWare section of the Wii Shop Channel.

How much replay value is in the game?
We have spent a lot of time focusing on building value into Rage of the Gladiator.

There are 11 unique bosses. Each boss has its own behavior and patterns that will take some time to understand and conquer.

Once you’ve beaten the first 10 bosses, you must face them all again in Challenge Mode. In this mode, the bosses gain new powers and are much more difficult. Challenge Mode is essentially a completely new experience when playing the game. The final boss is only unlocked at the end of Challenge Mode. This results in a total of 21 battles in the game. In addition, there are 3 tech-trees for you to explore, and so replay value also comes from exploring different builds of your character.

How large is the download?
Rage of the Gladiator fits into 40MB.

How are you able to fit all that content into 40MB?

We’ve learned a lot since we made our first game, Helix. Through compression, clever programming, and taking advantage of some cool tricks on the Wii, we have managed to include voice acting, 4 unique music tracks, and full lush 3d graphics with vivid animations.

How does the combat system work?

Rage of the Gladiator is a game of avoiding attacks, and then executing a well-timed series of hits. Some boss attacks require precise timing to avoid, and others require that you avoid the attack in the right way (dodging left, dodging right, jumping, blocking, or counterattacking).

How does the skill tree work?
The skill-tree allows you to customize your character. These skills grant you new combos, as well as make your character more powerful. Each time you defeat an enemy, you gain additional skill-tree points.

There are three paths you can choose, each one having different rewards along the way:

Offense: Focuses on hitting harder, gaining critical strikes, leeching health from opponents, and conjuring firey pillars and meteors.

Defense: Focuses on taking less damage, improved blocking, the ability to heal yourself in combat, and the ability to resurrect from death.

Magic: Focuses on generating more energy to perform combos, channeling electricity into opponents, and summoning the wrath of incredible forces such as lightning and tornados.

At the bottom of each skill-tree, there are very powerful combo finishers. For example, the Magic tree has the ability to transform you into a hulking colossus. You must heavily invest in one skill-tree to gain access to these superpowers.

How do combos work?
The combo system in this game is a way for you to unleash devastating power against your enemy, using your stored energy to cast spells and perform complicated physical attacks.

Early on, you may learn how to leap into the skies and plunge your warhammer into the ground, creating a pillar of fire that burns your enemy to a crisp. As you progress you may learn more deadly combos, such as conjuring an ancient tornado to lay the ground asunder.

However, this is just the starting point. Prove your worth in the arena and you will earn devastating finishers such as a savage lightning storm or a fiery meteor.

To perform a combo, you need to have the minimum amount of energy in your meter. You earn energy when you connect with your hits, and lose energy when you get hit. More powerful combos require more energy, and some combos even take all of your energy in one shot!

You unlock the combos via the skill tree.

Is there a multi-player mode?
Rage of the Gladiator is a single-player only experience. We decided in advance that we wanted to focus on making the most enjoyable single player experience possible, rather than making a game that was just OK at both single and multiplayer.

*About Rage of the Gladiator*

Rage of the Gladiator is a fantasy-based fighting game. You play the role of Gracius, battling for his life in the arena against 11 unique enemies.

Your equipment consists of a magical war-hammer and a trusty shield. Wait for the right moment, then dodge, jump, or block your enemy's attacks. Next, unleash your rage by brutally pounding your enemy with your war-hammer and bashing them with your shield.

Each opponent has a unique style and pattern that you need to pay close attention to. Learn to exploit the weakness of each enemy with the proper timing and agility, and you will triumph.

As you advance past each battle, you will gain access to devastating combos. Early on, you may learn how to leap into the skies and plunge your war-hammer into the ground, creating a pillar of fire that burns your enemy to a crisp. As you progress you may learn more deadly combos, such as conjuring an ancient tornado to lay the ground asunder.

*Story*

This is the story of a land distant from your own. A beautiful land filled with lush rivers, rolling hills, and majestic mountains. We humans live in this land, and we are constantly at war with each other, striving for conquest.
But unlike your world, in this land we are not the only dominant creatures. Our land is also a savage land, teeming with mystical creatures such as dragons, beholders, and demons.

This is the story of the greatest of all the human cities, the majestic city of Avalance. Avalance is awe-inspiring in its scale and prosperity, and its ruler has been my father, King Marius.

Marius has always been a strong liege, protecting his people from the outsider humans and foul beasts that stalk us in the dark of night. However, not all is well in Avalance.
Over the last few weeks, darkness has descended on us, and we may not be able to escape it. I am Gracius, noble prince of Avalance, and this tale is my story.

This is a story of betrayal, greed, and power. This is the tale of how I was forced to fight against my will, a fight for my very life.

This is the tale of how I fought for my life in the arena.

Epic Games announce that Intel Threading Building Blocks (Intel TBB) 2.2 has been incorporated into Unreal Engine 3. The newly released version of the popular parallel programming abstraction has been integrated with the 64-bit Unreal Editor, and as part of this collaboration, Intel has joined Epic’s premier Integrated Partners Program (IPP).

Intel TBB 2.2 is now available to publishers and developers licensing Unreal Engine 3, making it easier than ever for studios to leverage Intel’s scalable memory allocator for multithreaded computing. As with all new engine features and enhancements, Epic’s distribution of Intel TBB is available to Unreal Engine 3 licensees at no extra cost.

Intel TBB is an award-winning runtime library that simplifies the writing of multithreaded applications. Just as the C++ Standard Template Library (STL) extends the core language, Intel TBB offers C++ users a higher level abstraction for parallelism. To implement Intel TBB, developers use familiar C++ templates and coding style, leaving low-level threading details to the library. It is also portable between architectures and operating systems. With Intel TBB, developers get the benefits of faster programming, scalable performance, and easier to maintain code.

“Bringing Intel into the Integrated Partners Program and integrating Intel TBB into Unreal Engine 3 ensures our licensees are within reach of the best development tools available,” said Dr. Michael Capps, president of Epic Games. “This partnership will help minimize the work required to author multithreaded applications for Unreal-powered games and, in the long term, provide developers with greater access to Intel Tools.”

“Intel is committed to providing the very best tools for parallel programming like Intel TBB and our new Parallel Studio suite,” said James Reinders, marketing director and chief evangelist, Developer Products Division, Intel Corporation. “By integrating Intel TBB in the Unreal Engine and sharing it with their licensees at no additional cost, Epic is facilitating parallelism to spur greater multi-core innovation among game developers.”

Download your free poster here...

Midway Games France SAS, développeur et éditeur de loisirs interactifs, est fier de vous annoncer la sortie du jeu L’esprit du Loup le 20 novembre 2009 sur Nintendo Wii et PC.

Tel un loup, apprenez à vivre en harmonie avec la nature, et développez vos connaissances sur l’écologie avec Nicolas Vanier, voyageur du Grand Nord, qui vous guidera tout au long de cette aventure d’initiation à la protection de l’environnement.

L’esprit du Loup est le deuxième titre développé par le studio Strass Games s’inspirant des aventures de Nicolas Vanier. Les 2500 questions posées dans le jeu sont réparties en 4 thèmes inspirés des voyages de ce dernier : Cap sur le Grand Nord, Survis dans le Grand Nord, Défends ta planète, Ecolo fun.

Ce jeu séduit un grand public avec sa large palette de différentes activités. Créez votre profil, choisissez votre personnage, répondez aux questions, construisez un igloo, pêchez du poisson, descendez un torrent en kayak... Testez-vous à travers 6 modes tels que le Quiz Flash qui a pour but de répondre aux questions le plus rapidement possible, le Quiz éliminateur où les joueurs ne devront pas se tromper dans les réponses pour rester le dernier en course ou jouez encore aux 8 mini-jeux proposés.
Faites des parties seul ou jusqu’à 4, entre amis ou en famille, en alliant compétition et convivialité. Inspiré du film « Loup » de Nicolas Vannier, ce quiz vous enseigne la philosophie du développement durable : comprendre et aimer sa planète afin de mieux la protéger.

Fast-paced Space Combat Title Released for Download Today

Prepare yourself for an intense battle to save the Earth from total annihilation with the release of Bomb Commander today in the App Store.

Developed by ANIMA Entertainment, Bomb Commander rests the fate of the world on your fingers as you seek to end a massive alien invasion from completely eliminating the human race.

Armed with the fiercest arsenal of bombs ever to hit mobile gaming, battle treacherous foes in outer space using both smart tactics and quick, precise maneuvers on your iPhone/iPod Touch.

Features:
• Ultimate Bombing Power — Use blast-bombs, lightning bombs and black-hole bombs to create chain reactions and conquer your foes.
• Unique Gaming Mechanics — Providing a whole-new spin on the “space invasion” genre, take advantage of precision touch controls that one can only experience on the iPhone!
• Beautiful Space Environments — Marvel at the chaos and destruction as you bomb your way through the scenic depths of space.
• Track Scores via Online Leaderboards — Show off your bombing skills to the world through online leaderboards and the tracking of your scores.

Bomb Commander is available for purchase today in the App Store for $1.99.

Almost every gamer in the world knows about Microsoft's Project Natal and how it might just transform the way we play our games and make controllers an obsolete notion. We saw at E3 a few tech demos that showed just how responsive and fun the new technology can be.



But, speaking with Eurogamer, Epic Games' Mark Rein revealed that a few of those demos were powered by the company's Unreal Engine 3, meaning that his team already knows the ins and outs of the new system from Microsoft. Rein went on to say that the whole concept was quite amazing and that a change was coming, sooner than we might expect.

“The two games they showed on stage used our engine, so we're really excited about that,” Rein said. “I'm very pro-Natal. There are a lot of interesting things you could do with it and I'm really excited to be involved with it.”

“We're working closely with Microsoft to spread the enhancements they made with Unreal Engine 3 to other developers,” the executive continued. “If people out there are interested in doing really cool games for Natal, they should contact me and I can put them in touch with Microsoft.”

Rein emphasized his point of view and revealed: “The whole concept of playing a game without a controller is very intriguing. That's going to open up a lot of stuff.” He then took EA Sports Active as an example, as the fitness game requires a special strap for the Nintendo Wii Remote, in order for the console to track your movements. “If you made a game like that for Natal - and I'm sure EA is doing it - Natal could just look at you and tell if you're doing the exercises properly.”

So it seems that even hardcore developers like Epic Games are taking things like Natal quite seriously and, at least for their Unreal Engine tool, it will certainly offer another avenue for profit in the long run. Hopefully though, we won't get to play future installments of Gears of War or Unreal Tournament only by waving our arms at the TV screen.

From GTPlanet; one of the more dignified Gran Turismo sources on the ‘Net and certainly worthy of our attention. That doesn’t mean you should treat this as fact, just know that here at PushSquare we trust GTPlanet as a source.

While hesitant about giving concrete details (for credibility’s sake), GTPlanet are reporting that they’ve been tipped off regarding the tentative release date for Gran Turismo 5 and it hits this year. According to the site the date will be announced as a part of Sony’s three hour GamesCom conference in Cologne this August 18th.

The smartest move for Sony would be a Christmas bundle of the rumoured PlayStation 3 Slim and Gran Turismo 5.

Don’t get that hype meter flowing until Sony make an official announcement though.

Source: PushSquare

The consumer demo for Batman: Arkham Asylum, published in the United Kingdom by Eidos Interactive, will be available for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION 3 entertainment system and Games For Windows LIVE worldwide on August 7. The full game will be available at retail stores nationwide in the United Kingdom beginning August 28th.

The demo will be offered on Xbox LIVE Marketplace for Xbox 360 and PlayStation Network for the PLAYSTATION 3. Fans can visit www.batmanarkhamasylum.com for details on how to download the Games For Windows LIVE version.

The Batman: Arkham Asylum demo opens as the DARK KNIGHT and COMMISSIONER GORDON return The Joker back into confinement at ARKHAM ASYLUM. But things soon fall apart as THE JOKER gains the upper hand and springs a trap, setting Arkham Asylum’s occupants upon Batman. The demo offers gamers a taste of the fierce FreeFlow combat system, the cunning stealth of the Invisible Predator mechanic, and the feeling of becoming the WORLD’S GREATEST DETECTIVE as they navigate Arkham Asylum’s imposing Intensive Treatment facility. Players can unlock character bios, as well as get a sneak peak at some of the infamous foes that BATMAN will encounter within the cavernous and macabre confines of Arkham Asylum.

Featuring amazing graphics within an intense, immersive setting, 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, including Harley Quinn, Bane, Killer Croc and Poison Ivy, and the newly revealed Scarecrow, who have taken over the asylum.

Batman: Arkham Asylum has been rated BBFC 15 in the United Kingdom.

Following its recent and highly successful launch in Japan with day one shipment numbers exceeding one million, Capcom, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, is pleased to confirm that Monster Hunter Tri will be released in both Europe and North America for the Nintendo Wii in early 2010. Monster Hunter Tri will set the bar in the action/adventure genre with the introduction of new features and gameplay elements as the multi-million selling franchise makes its debut on the Nintendo system.

One of the most strikingly beautiful titles ever developed for the Nintendo Wii, Monster Hunter Tri depicts a living, breathing ecosystem where man co-exists with the fantastic beasts that roam both the dry land and the brand new sub-aqua environment - a first for the series.

Living the life of a hunter need never be a solitary experience with the option of split-screen mode where two players can hunt co-operatively or form a team of up to four hunters via the game’s custom online Wi-Fi mode. Even solo players do not have to face Monster Hunter Tri’s challenging quests alone as they will be ably accompanied by Cha-Cha, an AI hunting partner whose skills will prove invaluable. New items, weapons and armour sets will be also available to assist the hunters as they embark on the most epic Monster Hunter adventure to date.

Laurent Fischer, Managing Director, Marketing & PR, Nintendo of Europe, commented “The popularity of the Monster Hunter franchise in Japan is undeniable and the Day 1 shipment number indicates that the release of Monster Hunter Tri on Wii will be another major hit for the series. We are therefore really excited that Capcom is bringing this title to Europe so the Wii audience here can also experience the thrill of the hunt. “

Visitors to this month’s GamesCom - taking place in Cologne, Germany from the 19th-23rd August - will be the first to sample a localised version of the title on Capcom’s stand as it makes its debut to a western audience. GamesCom attendees will have the opportunity to play the same game that took last year’s Tokyo Game Show by storm, with queues that stretched around Capcom’s stand so long they nearly shut down the show; eager gamers waited in excess of two hours to play.

This desire to be one of the first to experience Monster Hunter Tri is indicative of the impact the Monster Hunter franchise has made on videogame culture in Japan. With series sales totalling well over 10 million units and 3.5 million sales of Monster Hunter Portable 2G alone, it’s no surprise to find that Monster Hunter has given rise to dedicated “Monster Hunter Summer Training Camps”, ”Monster Hunter Festivals” and numerous licensed products. The franchise doesn’t just top the charts, it’s become a social phenomenon.

On the 10th November get ready for more high-speed action, as Activision Publishing, Inc. revealed plans today to deploy Call of Duty: Modern Warfare: Mobilised for Nintendo DS. Developed exclusively for the Nintendo DS by n-Space, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare: Mobilised will deliver an arsenal of cutting-edge weaponry, vehicles and tactics, arming players with precision controls for battle across the world’s most dangerous hotspots.

Gamers will fight on the ground in intense building-to-building tactical combat, hack into enemy computer terminals, take the controls of military vehicles like Battle Tanks and UAV spy drones, or man the guns of an AC-130 gunship.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare: Mobilised will bring the epic Call of Duty intensity of Modern Warfare to Nintendo DS fans through a unique storyline and companion narrative. The title will also serve up a array of features, including a six-player online multiplayer mode that allows friends to host their own server, as well as the brand new Survival Mode, giving players a variety of weapons to hold off waves of oncoming enemy forces and an expanded six-player online multiplayer mode. Also, Arcade Mode will allow gamers to replay the game’s single-player with a time limit and running score, with extra points awarded for specific achievements.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare: Mobilised will release worldwide on 10th November, in conjunction with Infinity Ward’s highly-anticipated Modern Warfare 2, the next instalment to the record-breaking Call of Duty series and is rated 12+ by PEGI.

Nintendo DSi owners have even more ways to share their experiences with friends and family. Using an Internet-connected Nintendo DSi system and the Nintendo DSi Camera application, Facebook members can take pictures with either of the system's two cameras and upload their photos directly to their Facebook profile. This function will be available after 5 p.m. Pacific with a free downloadable system update.

While reviewing pictures they've stored in the Nintendo DSi Camera album, which includes photos taken by users and manipulated using the built-in interactive lenses, users can simply tap the Facebook icon on the system's touch screen to instantly transmit photos to the user's Facebook profile. The user's system must be configured to a wireless broadband Internet connection for the transmission of photos.

"Facebook and Nintendo DSi build on the trend of personalization that is so important to consumers," said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. "We're giving people the tools to express themselves in creative new ways and show off the results to their friends and family on Facebook."

Nintendo DSi has sold more than 1.7 million units in the United States alone, according to the NPD Group. The third iteration of the world's best-selling portable video game system includes photo- and voice-manipulation features that allow users to customize their experiences like never before.

Remember that Nintendo DSi features parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access.

The onset of August means summer is winding down, but the downloadable action at the Nintendo Wii Shop Channel and Nintendo DSi Shop just keeps on heating up. Two new WiiWare offerings deliver futuristic robot foes and sultry poker opponents, respectively. On the Virtual Console, there's great news for football fans as the arcade classic TECMO BOWL makes its way to the Nintendo Wii system. And on Nintendo DSiWare, you'll find a fresh addition to the eye-pleasing, mind-bending Art Style game series.

WiiWare

OVERTURN
Publisher: Studio Zan Inc.
Players: 1-4
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older) - Fantasy Violence
Price: 800 Wii Points
Description: OVERTURN is a futuristic robot-versus-robot fighting game. Choose from eight different robots to pilot and master, using various close-range and long-range weapons to blast away enemies in six single-player tournaments. Unlock secret modes and up to 12 new weapons. Customize your robot's color and weapons to prepare for your next battle. Then take the action online to play in a two-player Versus battle or a four-player Battle Royale match. Search the world for Friends or other players who are online and ready for battle. Players with the optional Wii Balance Board™ can use it to control their robots by shifting their weight.

Sexy Poker
Publisher: Gameloft
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: M (Mature) - Simulated Gambling, Suggestive Themes
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: Get your pulse racing with a game of strip poker against a selection of six lovely manga-style women who may wind up in nothing but swimsuits or underwear when the final hand is dealt. Choose the classic Texas Hold'em Poker to be thrilled as the bets increase, or try the Black Jack game for a mix of chance and strategy. Discover the girls' personalities: they'll bluff you! Enter the photo gallery to see the pictures you've unlocked by playing and winning. If you're good enough, Emi, Sakura and their seductive girlfriends will bet their clothes to stay in the game.

Virtual Console

TECMO BOWL
Publisher: Tecmo
Players: 1-4
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 600 Wii Points
Description: Released in 1987, the football game that took America by storm is back. This arcade version required a custom-made dual-screen cabinet and was popular for its large characters and intense graphics. The game is filled with great action as players take control of receivers and running backs, quickly moving the controller to break a tackle. Play alone or with up to four players in a two-on-two match. Experience the best moments of both competitive and cooperative play, finding holes in your opponent's defense, then savor the thrill of receiving a pass thrown by your teammate. In addition, game options such as play time, team division and difficulty level can be adjusted.

Nintendo DSiWare

Art Style: precipice
Publisher: Nintendo
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) - Comic Mischief
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points™
Description: The sky is falling in the form of cubes in the action-oriented Art Style: precipice. Watch for the telltale shadow to avoid seeing your character get crushed by a falling cube while climbing the stacked cubes to ascend to the floors above. Push, pull or shove cubes to make your climb easier. Try to gain extra points by stepping on five cubes in a row on the same floor. In addition, you'll encounter special cubes that can either be helpful or harmful to your effort. Choose from either TEN FLOORS mode, which challenges you to reach the tenth floor while scoring as many points as possible, or TOWER mode, which gives you the chance to climb as high as you can. Do you have what it takes to make it to the top, or will you be crushed?

Nintendo adds new titles to the Nintendo DSi Shop and the Wii Shop Channel at 9 a.m. Pacific time on Mondays. Users with broadband Internet access can redeem Wii Points or Nintendo DSi Points to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel. Nintendo DSi Points can be purchased in the Nintendo DSi Shop. A Nintendo Points Card can be purchased at retail locations. All points from one Nintendo Points Card must be redeemed in either the Nintendo DSi Shop or the Wii Shop Channel. They are not transferable and cannot be divided between the two systems.

Remember that both Wii and Nintendo DSi feature parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit Wii.com or NintendoDSi.com.

Deep Silver, the games label of Koch Media, has announced an exclusive partnership with one of the UK’s top DJ academies.

Sub Bass DJ Academy, founded by respected DJ and producer Graeme Lloyd, is on board for the promotion of the new Nintendo DS game DJ Star, due for release on 18th September 2009.

The companies have joined forces to tap into the continuing consumer trend of mixing the music that they love into a fresh new sound.

DJ Star lets music lovers do just this!



There has been a massive uplift in the number of people taking DJ courses, whether they are learning for fun or as a career change. The Sub Bass DJ Academy offers a full range of courses to suit all music lovers and are supervised by professional DJs and producers who work at the heart of the music industry. “The partnership with Graeme Lloyd and the Sub Bass DJ Academy is a perfect fit for DJ Star” stated Paul Nicholls, Director of Sales and Marketing at Koch Media UK “the game mirrors the attitude of the academy by teaching wannabe DJs from backroom beginnings to headlining at top clubs in front of massive crowds.”

With a huge selection of original and cover versions from an array of musical genres DJ Star provides something to suit various musical tastes. In career mode, players start out by performing at small, private parties. The innovative Creation Studio features an additional 200 samples to enhance their set and keep them at the centre of the party as they work their way up the career ladder to ultimately become the world's best DJ playing to crowds of thousands in the world’s hottest party locations.

About DJ Star:

Players of DJ Star get to scratch in real-time using the Nintendo DS Touch Screen. The innovative title includes several genuine DJ features, well-known songs from the genres of electro, R&B, and more, as well as numerous mini-games. DJ Star enthrals players with its excellent sound quality, and is easy to learn even for players who have never set eyes on a turntable before. A step-by-step introduction and easy-to-use interface enable fans to learn how to mix and create their own songs in just a short space of time. With more than 200 samples, musicians in the handheld world can compose great hits with just a few moves of the Nintendo DS stylus. They can also exchange their best songs with friends using DS Wireless Communications.

The Sims are off on an adventure to famous destinations around the world! The EA Play Label of Electronic Arts announce that The Sims 3 World Adventures, the first expansion pack* to the No1 best-selling PC and MAC game in June 2009**, The Sims 3, is in development and will ship to retailers worldwide the week of November 16, 2009.

“We’re thrilled with the global success of The Sims 3 over these last few months and are looking forward to expanding on the gameplay experience with one of the most robust expansion packs to The Sims yet,” said Scott Evans, General Manager of The Sims at EA. “Players will be able to take their Sims on the adventure of a lifetime and explore lands outside of Sunset Valley and Riverview, pursue thrilling new life destinies in locations around the world inspired by famous destinations, and immerse themselves in the open-ended gameplay where they’ll discover new cities in China, France and Egypt and share new stories.”

Players can take their Sims on new journeys to famous real-world inspired destinations around the globe for the first time ever and seek out new adventures. While exploring the landmarks of an exotic city, there is no telling what the Sims will find. From mastering martial arts in Shang Simla, China, discovering rich culture and famous landmarks on a romantic getaway to Champs Les Sims, France or exploring the depths of ancient tombs in Al Simhara, Egypt, players can take their Sims on a journey that will change their Sims’ lives. Players can accept challenges to search for secret treasures, learn new skills and chase down new personal opportunities, meet new Sims with unique personalities, share their culture and bring them home, discover new styles on their travels, and share everything they encounter on their adventures with the world through personal photographs, movies, and stories. Additionally, players will receive 1,000 SimPoints to be used online in The Sims 3 Store*** for the PC/MAC versions of the game. Exclusive online content, available only for the expansion pack at launch, will be revealed soon.

The Sims 3 World Adventures will also be available for feature phones, the iPhone and iPod touch in early 2010 from EA Mobile. These versions will have customized mobile gameplay features which will be revealed in the coming months. For information on carrier availability and pricing for all EA Mobile games, please visit www.eamobile.com.

For more information about The Sims 3 World Adventures or The Sims 3, please visit www.TheSims3.com. Developed by The Sims Studio, The Sims 3 World Adventures has not yet been rated by PEGi.

*Requires The Sims 3 for PC/MAC to play.
**According to NPD data.
**INTERNET CONNECTION REQUIRED, see product pack or digital distribution rules for details

Leading Eastern and Central European publisher 1C Company is excited to announce a new game in the Theatre of War series of tactical World War II titles. Theatre of War 2 is considered to be one the most realistic simulation of modern battle ever played on a PC. The new game is currently in development and is titled Theatre of War 2 - Kursk 1943.

The Battle of Kursk lasted for forty nine days, from July 5 till August 23, 1943 and has made its way into history as one of the most crucial conflicts of WWII. It was the last strategic offensive the Germans were able to mount in the east. The resulting decisive Soviet victory gave the Red Army the strategic initiative for the rest of the war.

The Motor Panzer Division "Greater Germany"and the 3rd Mechanized Corps of the USSR Army will face each other in two large-scale campaigns in southern Kursk. From the first moment of the battle until the very last shell is fired players will be in charge of whichever side they choose. Players will have to carefully plan each conflict and work both tactically and strategically. The accomplishment of an objective will affect the outcome of the entire battle like the direction the player's detachment will be forwarded in the next combat, and also so will their reinforcements, artillery and air support. The game will feature over 20 new story-based missions with realistic military commanders such as Lieutenant General Ivan Chistyakov and Major General Walter Hoerlein. 40 types of military weaponry (including air defense guns, missile launchers, mortars), new vehicles and thirty types of small arms will be available in both the single player campaigns and the brand new multi player modes. The title will also ship with a built-in campaign generator to create numerous game scenarios for amazing value and replayability.

The Clique - Queen Teen videogame website is now online and all wannabe GLU’s (Girls Like Us) can download custom wallpapers, buddy icons, and Clique screensavers, as well as a collection of MP3s and ring tones based on popular music from the game. “Ah-mazing!”

You can visit the site by “clique”-ing the following link: http://www.thecliquequeenteen.eu

This website is the go-to spot for all the latest gossip regarding The Clique: Queen Teen videogame. Check out exclusive screen shots and even customise the website’s wallpaper to cater to your personal style. It’s a given that this site is the “it” place for all things Pretty Committee.

The Clique: Queen Teen videogame, developed by Gorilla Systems and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, is based on the popular book series by Lisi Harrison.

The Clique: Queen Teen lets fans assume the role of the new girl on campus at Octavian Country Day School (OCD). Players can give their character her very own signature look, scheme and gossip with friends - or take a break from the action and play mini-games that will help them reach their goal of becoming a member of the Pretty Committee. Like all fans of the books know, the only thing harder than getting in is staying in!

So, potential alphas - stay in the know and spread the juicy news by telling everyone who’s anyone about the Pretty Committee’s latest adventure, which will be released on Nintendo DS™ on Friday 18th September 2009.

Koch Media announce further details of its forthcoming sports release World Snooker Championship Real 09. The game is being developed by Blade Interactive and will be available on Nintendo Wii from 28th August 2009.

The official video game series of World Snooker returns in style for the 2009 season. Featuring the sport’s best players, world-famous venues and tournaments including all-new Bahrain, and with commentary from Snooker legends John Virgo, Steve Davis and John Parrot, the game is an essential for any fan.

WSC Real 09 is snooker as you’ve never seen it before, where the player uses the Wii Remote TM as their cue to battle it out against the sport’s best players as the battle to become world number one ensues. Players will feel like they’re actually in the Crucible as the unrivaled graphics bring the locations and tensions to life.

Play for real this autumn with WSC Real 09.

Features:
• The official tournaments of the 2009 season, including the all new Bahrain.
• Commentary by John Virgo, Steve Davis and John Parrot.
• The world Pool Championships and a mixed cue event called “Golden Cue”.
• Unrivaled graphics bring the stunning locations to life.
• Use the Wii Remote for superlative cue control.
• Play snooker, 8 ball, 9 ball, 3 ball and a variety of other cue sports.
• Practice your shots with the depth coaching modes.
• Watch your achievements mount up as your player rises through the ranks.

* 32 top players in the world
* All the official tournaments in the 2008 championship
* Play against other snooker champions around the globe
* 3 professional commentators
* Trickshot challenges
* Knock around pool and bar billiards

Virtual Fairground (www.virtualfairground.com) announce that it is developing Wonderland MMO (www.wonderlandmmo.com), a virtual world and MMO game for teenage girls based on the famous story Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll.

Wonderland MMO started development in 2008 and is set for launch mid-2010. As is the case with Virtual Fairground’s other MMO game production Club Galactik (www.clubgalactik.com), the world and game are entirely Flash-based and will run directly from any browser.

With Wonderland MMO Virtual Fairground aims to create an online hang-out with a darkly romantic and mysterious style. “We really want to create a different kind of online game experience for girls”, says Ilja Goossens of Virtual Fairground. “There are already so much sugary sweet virtual worlds for this demographic or those that are just about shopping and buying things. We believe girls have more varied interests and preferences. Something that is clearly proven by other media such as books, tv-shows and movies.”

“As a company we have a philosophy of building worlds and MMO games based on existing brands and stories”, continues Maarten Brands. “So we looked at some of the classics and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland was one of the stories that popped out, something that we could really use to create our vision of an alternative online game for girls.”

Today version 1.0 of Hive Rise has finally been released. You can download and play it now for free.

http://www.HiveRise.com

Hive Rise is an extremely fast running real time strategy game. It takes place on huge maps, each providing space for over 1000 human players.

There are 12 different play modes, each offering a unique trophy. What makes it even more outstanding is the fact that the short matches (about 10 minutes) can be started at once without having to wait for your teammates. You can start playing at once, no registration is needed.

Collectable Dark Horse All-Stars part of Limited Edition set for Baseball Boss

It's no secret that Dark Horse loves comics, but perhaps lesser known is the fact that Dark Horse loves baseball, too!

In celebration of the summer season and America's greatest pastime, Dark Horse Comics and Challenge Online Games have teamed up to create the greatest sports franchise ever. In a move that will have agents talking for weeks, Baseball Boss will now feature Dark Horse players, including Concrete, Hellboy, Abe Sapien (B.P.R.D.), X, Rumor and Kraken (The Umbrella Academy), the Mask, Conan, King Kull, Cal McDonald (Criminal Macabre), SpyBoy, Ghost, the Goon, Grendel Prime, the Occultist, Go Boy 7, and Heath Huston (Fear Agent).

The free-to-play online electronic trading card game combines the collectability and trading aspects of collectible cards with the competitive excitement of multiplayer games. Harnessing Web 2.0 applications and asynchronous, short-form design, Baseball Boss and Dark Horse will set the bar for this emerging entertainment sector.

Plus, players can win a full set of virtual cards of the Dark Horse All-Stars team!

* First, players need to complete their free registration for the online game Baseball Boss and finish a quick account setup. (www.baseballboss.com)
* Then, each time their team beats the Dark Horse All-Stars in a best-of-five game series, they can randomly win a card of the Dark Horse All-Stars for their collection. (www.baseballboss.com/darkhorse)
* Players get three free packs of virtual baseball cards when they register for free for Baseball Boss.

The Dark Horse All-Stars can be challenged at baseballboss.com/darkhorse

Baseball Boss has been described by GameZone as "iTunes meets baseball cards." The addition of Dark Horse superstars will allow players to create the ultimate dream team to go head to head with other players in a way never before imagined.

Dark Horse President Mike Richardson has this to say about the new program: "Being a longtime baseball fan, it's great to see so many Dark Horse characters taking part in an online version of our national pastime and playing alongside some of my favorite real-life players."

Jeff Petry, Vice President of Sports and Licensed Properties at Challenge Games, said, "Adding key characters from the Dark Horse universe creates a fun activity for our players. We hope that both sports fans and comic fans alike enjoy these highly collectible virtual cards. We're looking forward to a great partnership with Dark Horse and to creating many more fun activities for all our players."

Paradox Interactive release the first demo for East India Company. The demo, which sets players in the time span of 1650-1660, offers fans a great preview of the trading action and intense naval combat sure to satisfy their anticipation for the release of the strategy title.

Players start with access to some ports & fleets, enabling them to immediately compete for the game’s main trading items. In addition, the demo also features two naval battle scenarios, allowing players to jump right in and try out the ocean warfare for themselves!

East India Company is now available for purchase via digital distribution channels, with the boxed release available from retailers on August 14th. For more information about East India Company, please visit the official website at http://www.eic-game.com.

World Premieres and Internationally Developed Titles Take Centre Stage

Square Enix Europe announce today its exciting line-up of combined titles which will be on show at GamesCom 2009, Cologne, August 19th – 23rd.

GamesCom 2009 will mark the first time Square Enix and Eidos titles will be showcased together; highlighting the growing diversity of the expanding global entertainment company. This year’s stand features games developed from around the world offering highly-anticipated experiences across genres and platforms.

The playable world premiere of SUPREME COMMANDER® 2 will be joined by the eagerly-awaited BATMAN™: ARKHAM ASYLUM, DISSIDIA® FINAL FANTASY®, FINAL FANTASY XIII, FINAL FANTASY XIV, KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 DAYS, MINI NINJAS™ and ORDER OF WAR™.

“We are delighted to be a part of GamesCom 2009. As the largest European games show it is the perfect event for our newly created European organisation to showcase the combined strength of our product line up for the very first time," said Phil Rogers, chief executive officer for the new organisation.

“This year’s show promises to be unforgettable with world premieres and our most diverse range of titles to date,” said Larry Sparks, Vice President of Brand, Square Enix products. “GamesCom 2009 gives us a great opportunity to share our most exciting upcoming games directly with consumers.”

To experience the latest titles from Square Enix first-hand, visit booth B54 in Hall 6 of GamesCom 2009. To find out more about Square Enix’s titles at GamesCom, please visit our official website at http://www.eu.square-enix.com/gamescom

GAMESCOM 2009 LINE-UP

BATMAN: ARKHAM ASYLUM
Developer: Rocksteady Studios
Brand: Eidos
Platform: PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system / Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft / Games for Windows® LIVE
Genre: Action-Adventure
Release Date: 28th August, 2009
www.batmanarkhamasylum.com

Featuring the world-renowned characters of DC Comics, Batman: Arkham Asylum, developed by Rocksteady Studios, will offer show visitors a journey into the depths of Gotham City’s psychiatric asylum for the criminally insane as Batman faces his greatest challenge yet.

Visitors will also have the chance to experience a selection of the game’s extensive FreeFlow™ Combat and Invisible Predator™ Challenge Maps. Also playable will be one of the eight maps that allow fans to play as The Joker, a character that is playable exclusively in the PLAYSTATION®3 Challenge Maps that will be made available as a free download for owners of the game through PlayStation®Network.

DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Brand: Square Enix
Platform: PlayStation®Portable (PSP®) system
Genre: Fighting
Release Date: 4th September, 2009
www.dissidia-finalfantasy.com

DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY does what no other FINAL FANTASY title has done before, bringing together an all-star cast to give players a chance to see their favourite FINAL FANTASY characters engage in high-intensity battles. Experience this renowned franchise, which has shipped over 85 million units worldwide, in a brand new light with this dramatic 3-D action game. Soar through expansive environments and participate in gripping combat, all while enjoying RPG-based character development that adds a rich layer of depth to the story behind the clashing forces. The battle between good and evil begins – What will you fight for?

FINAL FANTASY XIII
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Brand: Square Enix
Platform: PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system / Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft
Genre: RPG
Release Date: 2010
www.finalfantasy13game.com

Square Enix proudly presents FINAL FANTASY XIII, the latest instalment in the world-renowned FINAL FANTASY series. To celebrate the 13th numbered release in the series, Square Enix has undertaken a colossal project involving the development of various content for multiple platforms. FABULA NOVA CRYSTALLIS®, defined in Latin as “the new tale of the crystal,” is made up of several different titles based on variations of the FINAL FANTASY XIII universe. While each title in the project features different characters, different worlds and different stories, all are ultimately based on and expand upon a common mythos.

In FINAL FANTASY XIII, players will embark on a journey through the cityworld of Cocoon and the outerworld of Pulse, encountering and fighting alongside a diverse group of allies. Execute powerful attacks with weapons and magic, and summon the enigmatic Eidolons with an evolved Active Time Battle™ system. Experience seamless transitions between real-time gameplay and in-game cinematics. Do you have the courage to face your destiny?

FINAL FANTASY XIV
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Brand: Square Enix
Platform: PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system / Windows PC
Genre: MMORPG
Release Date: 2010
www.finalfantasyxiv.com

The surprise announcement of E3 2009 is set to be one of the main attractions at GamesCom 2009. An all new massively-multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG), planned for a simultaneous global release with language support in German, French, English and Japanese.

Adventure begins anew in the vast realm of Eorzea!

FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES®: THE CRYSTAL BEARERS™
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Brand: Square Enix
Platform: Wii™
Genre: Action-Adventure
Release Date: This Winter
www.thecrystalbearers.com

FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: THE CRYSTAL BEARERS provides a fresh take on the FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES series as it combines the storytelling depth, expansive world and graphical quality of FINAL FANTASY with motion-driven, real-time action gameplay. In this world, realistic gameplay and fantastical art direction are brought together for a truly unique experience for Wii users around the globe.

FRONT MISSION EVOLVED™
Developer: Double Helix Games™
Brand: Square Enix
Platforms: PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system / Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft / Windows PC
Genre: Third-Person Shooter
Release Date: TBA
www.frontmissionevolved.com

From the creative minds of Square Enix and Double Helix Games, FRONT MISSION EVOLVED brings the classic FRONT MISSION® franchise into an action-packed third-person shooter that gives players full control of a massive humanoid war machine—the wanzer. Players will battle through intense combat situations as they explore an immersive world in both the single player campaign and online multiplayer.

KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd./h.a.n.d.
Brand: Square Enix
Platform: Nintendo DS™
Genre: Action-RPG
Release Date: Autumn 2009
www.kingdomheartsdays.com

Uncover the events that took place during the year Sora was asleep regaining his lost memories. KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days revolves around Roxas, the "other" hero from KINGDOM HEARTS II, and his days as a member of Organization XIII. Follow Roxas and the rest of Organization XIII across the various Disney Worlds, and discover the connection between him, Sora, and the mysterious 14th member, and the reasons behind his eventual departure from the organization. KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days also features a multiplayer mode for the first time, allowing players to control their favourite Organization XIII members!

MINI NINJAS
Developer: IO Interactive
Brand: Eidos
Platform: Wii / Nintendo DS / Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft / PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system / Games for Windows
Genre: Action-Adventure
Release Date: Autumn 2009
www.minininjas.com

Mini Ninjas, from IO Interactive, will take you on a journey to feudal Japan where you’ll join Hiro, Futo, and the rest of the ninja clan on their biggest ninja adventure ever, as they embark on an epic and electrifying quest to restore harmony to a world on the brink of chaos.

Visitors will have the chance to get a free PC DVD containing the very first demo of Mini Ninjas to enjoy at home.

NIER™
Developer: cavia, Inc.
Brand: Square Enix
Platforms: PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system / Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft
Genre: Action-Adventure
Release Date: 2010
www.niergame.com

Nothing is as it seems in Square Enix’s latest action adventure game, set in a crumbling world plagued by disease and dark, unrecognizable creatures. Players assume the role of the unyielding protagonist, NIER, resolute in his quest to discover a cure for his daughter, who is infected with the Black Scrawl virus. With powerful allies and a mysterious book, NIER encounters things that will confound even the mightiest of warriors.

ORDER OF WAR
Developer: Wargaming.net™
Brand: Square Enix
Platform: Windows PC
Genre: Real-Time Strategy
Release Date: 18th September, 2009
www.orderofwar.com

Square Enix teams up with strategy game specialist Wargaming.net to present ORDER OF WAR, a brand-new IP set for a simultaneous release across multiple territories. Developed exclusively for Windows PC, the game features massive-scale battles brought to life with a cinematic intensity never seen before in a WWII strategy game. Players will take command of an entire army including ground troops, artillery, tank divisions and aircraft in all-out strategic assaults. The single-player mode can be played out in two campaigns – American versus German forces on the western front and German versus American and Russian forces on both fronts. Missions will be based on key historic events and operations from 1944.

PONY FRIENDS™ 2
Developer: Tantalus Games
Brand: Eidos
Platforms: Wii / Nintendo DS / Windows PC
Genre: Virtual Pet
Release date: Winter 2009
Official website coming soon.

Pony Friends 2 allows players the chance to create their perfect Pony and take part in fun activities. Featuring 12 Pony breeds players can customise every aspect of its appearance, along with its own unique personality. Players can choose all their Pony’s accessories and even design some of their own. Taking special care of their Pony to keep it clean and healthy, players can take it on trail rides across different landscapes and environments. Grab the reins, photograph wildlife and unlock a whole host of secrets on your journey.

Pony Friends 2 features an exciting and energetic competitive mode across all formats: players can compete in races and trick competitions alone or with a friend on the Wii and DS (single cart play).

SUPREME COMMANDER 2
Developer: Gas Powered Games®
Brand: Square Enix
Platforms: Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft / Windows PC
Genre: Real-Time Strategy
Release date: 2010
Official website coming soon.

Set 25 years after the events of the original game, Supreme Commander 2 begins with the assassination of the newly elected president of the Colonial Defense Coalition. The CDC members – the United Earth Federation, the Order of the Illuminate, and the Cybran Nation – deny involvement, blame each other, and a galactic war ensues! Experience brutal battles on a massive scale! Players will wage war by creating enormous customizable armies and experimental war machines that can change the balance of power at any given moment. Take the role of one of the three enigmatic commanders, each representing a unique faction with a rich story that brings a new level of emotional connection to the RTS genre, or fight the battle online. Where do your loyalties lie?

Fallout 3 is getting one last piece of DLC called Mothership Zeta this week. This DLC actually takes on a sci-fi look and is totally different than what we have become accustomed to in the Capital Wastelands. In an interview, Fallout 3 DLC Producer Jeff Gardiner describes the new DLC...

"Mothership Zeta begins with the player being abducted and held captive aboard a huge Alien craft hovering high above the Earth. The player will have to escape the craft; along the way they’ll meet other captives, have to solve difficult puzzles and secure new high-tech weaponry to employ against their captors."

If you have bought Fallout 3 and all the DLC episodes...."Operation: Anchorage", "The Pitt" , "Broken Steel", "Point Lookout" and "Mothership Zeta", this becomes around a 100 hour game, not to mention a $110 dollar game. But in all honesty, I would say that Fallout 3 deserves to be a contender for one of the greatest games of all time...

Get your kicks shooting little green men this upcoming Monday August 3rd for $10 dollars (800 MS points). Check out the HD trailer below...

Age gate trailer...



Source: Examiner

Four tracks from The Beatles: Rock Band. Better yet, we've got the videos from the game as well for your viewing pleasure, just after the break. While we're partial to the video for "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart's Club Band," who are we to go all willy nilly suggesting what you choose to enjoy? Kick off your slippers and get ready for sheep counting with a handful of Beatles music from us to you.

SORRY: VIDEOS REMOVED FROM YOUTUBE BY VIACOM

Source: JoyStiq

The PlayStation 2 outsold the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable during Sony's first quarter, according to the firm's fiscal report.

Both current generation platforms saw a decline in sales from the previous quarter, with the PS3 dropping from 1.6 million units to 1.1 million, and the PSP falling from 2.1 million to 1.3 million.

The ten-year-old PlayStation 2 was the only Sony platform to experience a sales increase during the quarter. The console sold 1.6 million units, up from 1.4, with analysts attributing this to a recent price drop.

Software sales for all platforms saw a decline. The PS3 sold 14.8 million titles, dropping from 18.9 the previous quarter. PSP sales fell to 8.3 million, down from 11.2, while PS2 software came in at 8.5, down from 11.3.

PlayStation 3 sales are expected to rise during the next quarter, with the platform's long-rumoured price drop due later this year.

Speaking to CVG in a new feature on id Software's new post-apocalyptic game, Rage, John Carmack has confirmed that the PlayStation 3 version of the game will run noticeably slower that on the Xbox 360 or PC.

The game, which is projected for a 2010 release on all platforms, will be a free-roaming RPG and FPS hybrid with a heavy focus where players are able to compete in races through the wasteland in order to unlock car and weapon upgrades.

According to Edge magazine the game runs at a smooth and brisk 60 FPS on the Xbox 360 and comparable PCs, but struggles to keep things at 20 - 30 FPS on the PlayStation 3. In a series of candid comments about the capability of the PlayStation 3 hardware, Carmack squarely places the blame on the GPU.

"The PS3 lags a little bit behind in terms of getting the performance out of it,[i]" Carmack admits. "[i]The rasteriser is just a little bit slower - no two ways about that. The RSX is slower than what we have in the 360."

Carmack also says that the architecture of the CPU is a bit of a hassle to design for too and, while the PS3 processor is "about the same" as that in the Xbox 360, the Xbox 360 is just simpler to work with.

"The 360 makes it easier to split things off, and that's what a lot of the work has been, splitting it all into jobs on the PS3," Carmack says.

This isn't the first time that developers have said the PlayStation 3 is difficult to work with either - a number of developers in the past have made such claims, though Sony hasn't issued a formal reply that we know of.

Carmack promising that the PlayStation 3 version of Rage will be up to scratch before the game is released.

"Everything is designed as a 60 hertz game. We expect this to be 60 hertz on every supported platform," said Carmack.

Only days ago, that gamers started freaking out over a release date of “never” for Yakuza 3. According to The Examiner, a friend working at SEGA said the title was never coming stateside. It looks like that information was false.

The website has since run an update for that article, stating that the statements that were made were not official Sega statements. Here is the full update:

“To clarify: It was earlier reported that Sega has no plans to release Yakuza 3 stateside. By viewing upcoming release list, Sega still hasn’t made any mention of an upcoming release or revealed plans to release it stateside. However, the statements made earlier are not official Sega statements. Based on Yakuza 2 sales figures, it’s his personal opinion that the game will not sell if it sees release stateside.”

Source: PlayStation Lifestyle

After reports of a listing for the new PlayStation 3 Slim console appearing on Amazon Germany the listing has been updated with a picture here...

I wonder how long it will take Sony to have it removed?

Reports on CVG...

With the arrival of every new console comes a race for hackers to crack their way through the new toy's security, and the PS3, after just over six months, has finally been defeated.

An exploit has been found in versions 1.10 and 1.11 of the PS3 firmware which has allowed one cunning hacker to boot up copied versions of PS3 games.

The fight isn't over though - the game boots, but it doesn't actually play, so there's some way to go. And the exploit doesn't allow for the running of unofficial (homebrew) programs, which is where the real meat of modding lies.

Homebrew fans hope the PS3 scene will go the same way as PSP, which has become one of the most thriving homebrew scenes in videogame history thanks in part to easy connection with PC (USB), and its huge storage potential via Sony's universal Memory Stick Duo.

Be warned though, if you mod your PS3 you'll kill your warrantee, face being banned from the PlayStation Network, and causing problems with running new games. Even worse, you could brick your PS3 altogether.

Plus, copying games is bad, so don't do that either, ya' hear?

In the world of Professor Layton, the only way to get past the hordes of mailmen, mad dogs, and other crazed denizens that block your path is by solving fiendish brain bending puzzles. In this follow-up to last year's curious adventure, Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box continues the top-hatted adventurer's story as he once again investigates a suspicious murder and explores other mysterious goings on.

In most respects, the Diabolical Box isn't much different than the Curious Village. The sequel maintains the same sepia-tinged, European art style, soothing puzzle music, and excellent voice work of the original. But this new adventure introduces a whole new slew of puzzles, and plenty of extra diversions in the Professor's suitcase. While the Curious Village limited you to building a mechanical dog and decorating your hotel room, Diabolical Box lets you put together a camera piece-by-piece, make various teas, and help an overweight hamster get in shape.


The extras add even more encouragement to seek out and solve each little puzzle, since some reward you with items like new camera parts and workout motivators for the hamster. But, like before, you don't have to worry about getting in a hurry and leaving puzzles behind. Granny Riddleton returns to sweep up any puzzles you miss and store them in her shack for you to finish later. No matter where the game takes you, you always have a chance to visit Granny and collect the puzzles you miss.

Click here for more images from the game...

And collecting all of the Picarats (the game's reward for solving puzzles correctly) earns you even more bonuses this time around, with one piece of unlockable content that's only available after collecting 4,500 of the miniature medallions. Though Nintendo hasn't talked about it yet, the game's menu also has a spot for downloadable puzzles. So, once again, you'll be able to connect to the Internet and nab even more riddles, if the game's already hefty assortment isn't enough to satiate your puzzle-solving lust.

Too many other quality Japanese titles, like Yakuza 3 and Retro Game Master 2, haven't made it to the States, so it's exciting that Diabolical Box is on its way here. Layton followers don't have much longer to wait either, as the game's set to release on August 24. Hopefully, it will sell well enough to bring its already-out-in-Japan sequel, Professor Layton and the Last Time Travel, State-side as well.

Overall, the game is just an excuse to solve puzzles wrapped loosely around a murder mystery story, but searching out and solving those puzzles is almost as addictive as trying to get the right answer the first time. If you think the only way to solve the world's problems is by staring down the sights of an automatic rifle, Layton may not be your cup of tea. But if you're looking for an adventure game that works great on the DS, then Diabolical Box should be on your short list of must-have Fall releases.

Source: 1UP

New 14-Day Free Trial Entices New & Returning Players with Vast RPG World and All Seven Ultima Online Expansion Packs

Mythic announce that Ultima Online - Mondain’s Legacy, is now available at no charge to subscribers of Ultima Online. Launched in the summer of 2005, the 7th expansion to the legendary MMORPG Ultima Online (UO) introduces the Elven race and several sprawling dungeons to the vast game world. For current Ultima Online subscribers that do not have Mondain’s Legacy, the game client will be automatically updated with the expansion content.

For players that are new to Ultima Online or for those interested in returning to the world, they can download the 14-day free trial which now features all seven expansions, including Mondain’s Legacy. Now all players can experience the Elves, new human racial abilities and new dungeons with dozens of new monsters to battle and weapons to wield.

“Mythic is extremely excited about offering Mondain’s Legacy as a free upgrade to all Ultima Online subscribers, as well as new players who sign up for the 14-day free trial,” said Jeff Hickman, Executive Producer for Mythic Entertainment. “Our goal is to continually provide fresh and rewarding experiences for our thriving UO community. By opening up our 7th expansion to all players, we hope to get everyone excited for the upcoming summer release of our 8th addition, Stygian Abyss.”

Coming this summer, Ultima Online™: Stygian Abyss™, the game’s 8th expansion, revolves around the introduction of the playable Gargoyle race. Players will find expansive new areas to explore, including Ter Mur, the Gargoyle homeland, and the Stygian Abyss – the largest dungeon area ever introduced to Ultima Online. This sprawling dungeon will contain new boss monsters of unparalleled difficulty, including the Medusa, Primeval Lich and the Stygian Dragon, as well as Player vs. Player zones where adventurers will be turned against one another.

Ultima Online: Stygian Abyss expansion requires the original Ultima Online game to play and will be available in the summer of 2009 via digital distribution only. To download Ultima Online at no charge or to find out more information about Ultima Online and the additions from Mondain’s Legacy and Stygian Abyss, please visit: http://www.uo.com.

The website for Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box has gone live.

Visit the site here...

Not too much going on over there at the moment, but there’s some cute wallpapers if the game is one of your things.

It will land in the US on August 24 and on September 25 in Europe for Nintendo DS and DSi with Level-5 releasing downloadable puzzles every week for 33 weeks.

Cyanide and Focus Home Interactive are pleased to unveil the second video of the new series of trailers.

This week, the Lizardmen show their skills on the Blood Bowl field! Mixing team players of brutal strength and nimble runners, the Lizardmen show they can overcome any obstacle either by dodging the opponents... or simply running over them.



An ultra-violent strategy game based on Warhammer Fantasy and American football, Blood Bowl allows players to create the ultimate “fantasy” sports teams. Coaches can build bone-crushing teams of Orcs, Wood Elves, Humans, Dwarfs and many more fantastic creatures – then throw them into the stadium for the ultimate blood sport! Blood Bowl is strategic, action-packed and violent, requiring coaches to use their best tactics, team design – and a dose of pure ruthless bloodlust always helps too!



All of these charming creatures are waiting for you to play in highly contested games soon on PC, Xbox 360 and handheld consoles.

War of Angels offers a complete and beautifully designed fantasy world, whose graphic style -a blend of a Japanese comic book style and western elements – is just one of War of Angel’s revolutionary features. Winged characters have exciting battles not only on land but also underwater and in the air. An intuitive town building system allows guilds to create cities according to their demands – but battles decide who rules these cities in the future.

Players can rear pets and mounts – their traits and characteristics will depend on the food fed to the player’s companion as it grows. Obviously, War of Angels comes with a variety of trading and community functions as well as a sophisticated crafting system. Finally, this unique RPG has a non-linear storyline – one that directly affects the character’s development. Players can decide whether they will choose the path of righteousness or descend into the darkness.

A truly exceptional title

"We are very pleased that we have secured this innovative title for the western gamer scene" says Patrick Streppel, member of the gamigo AG board. "An exceptional graphic style, the ability to fight under water and in the air as well as an innovative city building system set War of Angels apart from other MMOGs."

Pre-registration for the closed beta phase of the German version is open at http://warofangels.gamigo.com.

Nintendo announced sales numbers for some of its titles in the last quarter not bad figures especially considering four titles sold over one million copies between April and July.

* Pokemon Platinum DS, moved 1.91 million copies during the quarter and has sold 5.66 million worldwide
* Wii Fit sold 3.6 million copies, making LTD 21.82
* Mario Kart Wii sold 2 million with LTD 17.39 million
* Wii Sports sold 1.91 million copies, bringing total sales to 47.62 million which includes the sales of bundled versions

Activision has confirmed that Xbox avatars will be playable in its forthcoming Guitar Hero 5 - the latest in the long series of music games. It means that you'll be able to rock out alongside Lars Ümlaüt and Judy Nails.

You'll also be able to customise that avatar further in Guitar Hero 5's "create-a-rocker" mode, which will let you add clothing and accessories that are a little more rock'n'roll than the Xbox defaults.

As previously reported on Pocket-lint, Guitar Hero 5 has 85 tracks from more than 80 bands, 25 of whom have never been in a music game before. You'll also be able to combine any number of guitarists, bassists, vocalists and drummers to match whatever instruments you have.

Source: PocketLint

Outspark, the premier North American publisher for free-to-play massively multiplayer online games (MMO), today announced that it will launch and operate the North American adaptation of Debut, a casual, online rhythm and dancing game developed by EA’s J2M studio in Seoul, Korea. It is EA’s first Korean-developed game to come to the online gaming market in the west.

Working with J2M’s development team, Outspark will not only customize the game for North American audiences, but also build enhanced design and interfaces, social networking features, and regular content updates. Outspark will also be responsible for the operation of the title – including monetization, marketing, community management, support, and customer service support for the game.

Outspark has pioneered proprietary analysis-based game publishing that applies real time gamer data to dynamic retail management which responds to player perceptions, interactions and gaming patterns. Outspark uses this information to create an enhanced, engaging gaming experience that entices its more than 5 million gamers to “stay ‘n play” in their Virtual Playground, resulting in an industry-leading Average Revenue Per Paying User (ARPPU) of $50-60 per month.

The new title will leverage the power of the music genre in a free to play, casual MMO offering. Players who are accustomed to single player music and dance games will be able to experience the fun of a rich multi-player experience with deep community, highly customizable characters and great songs.

“We’re delighted to work with EA to bring this title from J2M to North America,” said Susan Choe, CEO of Outspark. “EA’s scale and strong heritage combined with Outspark’s online platform and unparalleled capability to provide real-time feedback and enhanced customization will bring unrivaled fun to millions of gamers as they play and connect in real time. Our players and EA fans will be eager to get their hands on this game.”

"Debut has been operating in Korea since 2008, and we're looking forward to bringing its adaptation to a broad North American audience," said Savannah Hahn, General Manager of EA Korea. This is a fun, immersive music rhythm game, and with Outspark's expertise in creating rich, social online gaming experiences, we think it will bring a new type of gaming environment to entertainment seekers online."

The new title is expected to be launched this fall.

The iPhone is a more powerful platform than Nintendo's Wii, and frame rate issues experienced in the Wii version of Tales of Monkey Island are down to hardware and file size restrictions, according to a Telltale Games developer.

Complaints over frame rate issues in the WiiWare version of the game on the developer's official forums triggered the response from a TellTale programmer going under the name of Yare, reports GameZine.

"The voices and textures are the way they are because we're limited to 40 megs for WiiWare titles," he stated. " The PC versions of our games are usually 150+ megs, and most modern games range anywhere from one to ten gigabytes or more. Talk to Nintendo about this one.

"Frame rate issues will probably get sorted out eventually, but keep in mind that the Wii is just not a powerful console. An iPhone is much more powerful than a Wii, even."

In a later post, the alleged representative said he stood by his comments, adding:

"The Wii and DS are extremely underpowered and their popularity doesn't remove the hardware limitations."

Even with the technical issues it experienced on Wii, Tales of Monkey Island has been one of Telltale's most successful launches, as Telltale founder Dan Connors told VideoGamer.

"It’s been pretty shocking how much love there is still out there for the Monkey Island series. It seems like a generational thing as well.

"Unfortunately I can’t get into the specific numbers, but I would definitely say it’s our strongest performing franchise to date. We’re pretty excited. It was number one on Steam for a few days. It did really well. It’s been our best performing title from our side as well."

Source: GamesIndustry

The Nintendo DS and DSi is said to be struggling to entice more punters, Nintendo has admitted its disastrous financial figures are down to the new–found status of the iPhone and iPod Touch as handheld gaming’s great new hope.

Nintendo’s profits have slumped in recent months by a massive 66%. And while the recession is clearly giving the Japanese giant a money–based migraine, it also says games from Apple’s App Store on the iPhone and iPod Touch are also wreaking havoc with sales of the Nintendo DS and DSi games.

In an otherwise dull conference call about their dire results, a Nintendo representative claimed the Nintendo DS and DSi were suffering, “due to harsher competition in the portable arena stemming directly from Apple devices.”

The Nintendo DS outsells all consoles combined

There are a lot of reasons why the iPhone and iPod Touch are giving the Nintendo DS a beating. On the most basic level though, Apple doesn’t have to shift games to shops before selling them, keeping the costs low. The Secret of Monkey Island only costs £4.99 on the App Store. And games can be free or cost just pennies.

How the PSPgo comes into this handheld play remains to be seen. But with direct downloads, Sony should be able to undercut Nintendo when it comes to price. The battle for your daily commute’s gaming time is well and truly on.

Source: ElecticPig

The manufacturing costs of the PlayStation 3 have dropped by 70 per cent, Sony Corp CEO and executive vice president Nobuyuki Oneda has revealed.

Speaking during a conference call for overseas investors following Sony's Q1 2009 results, Oneda revealed the company is on track to meet its cost reduction forecasts.

"The cost reduction since we introduced the PS3 is very substantial and this is on schedule," said the exec when questioned on the console's manufacturing figures. "We don't disclose how much of the PlayStation 3, specifically the cost deduction, was achieved during the past two years. But that is on schedule."

When pressed further for specific figures, Oneda replied: "About 70 percent, roughly-speaking."

Exact manufacturing costs for the PlayStation 3 haven't been made public by the company, however it was estimated the console originally cost Sony $800 (£485) per unit when released, resulting in a loss on every one sold.

In January 2008, reports indicated that manufacturing costs had been reduced by 50 per cent to around $400 (£243).

A further 70 per cent drop on this figure would suggest costs now sit at around $240 (£146) per unit. A figure which could indicate room for the widely rumoured price cut due later this year.

The 80GB PlayStation 3 currently retails for £299.99; $399.99 (£243) in the US.

Source: GamesIndustry

TOMY unveil the first gameplay trailer for NARUTO Shippuden: Clash of Ninja Revolution 3 revealing footage of the new special jutsu attacks for Naruto and Temari as well as previously unseen special jutsu for new characters Deidara and Granny Chiyo, as featured in the game. Each character within the game comes equipped with unique special jutsu attacks, enhancing the lightning-speed versus fighting action with beautifully rendered cinematic finishing moves.



Exclusively for the Nintendo Wii, the classic 3D fighting game features new and improved gameplay mechanics, more than 35 characters, multiple gameplay modes, and for the first time, Wi-Fi multiplayer functionality.

About NARUTO Shippuden: Clash of Ninja Revolution 3
NARUTO Shippuden: Clash of Ninja Revolution 3 is an exciting new fighting game based on the hit NARUTO Shippuden animated series from VIZ Media. Exclusively for Wii, the 3D fighting game features new and improved gameplay mechanics, a plethora of gameplay modes, and for the first time, Wi-Fi multiplayer capabilities. The game follows the storyline of NARUTO Shippuden and features more than 35 characters who have been upgraded with new looks and character-specific jutsu moves. The game also offers 40 3D environments to choose from, including nine completely new stages.

NARUTO Shippuden: Clash of Ninja Revolution 3 hits stores November 16, 2009 for the Nintendo Wii for $39.99 SRP.

Harmonix and MTV Games today announced they will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of the theatrical release of This is Spinal Tap, by making available newly recorded versions of the songs featured in the cult classic film and its 1984 soundtrack album. The songs will be available in the Rock Band Music Store of downloadable content next week on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and Nintendo Wii system. With the addition of the Spinal Tap tracks, the Rock Band music platform now offers more than 800 songs to consumers via disc and download, and has surpassed more than 50 million paid downloads to date.

Additional tracks from Black Sabbath and Foo Fighters will be available in the Nintendo Wii Rock Band Music Store, and tracks from Jane’s Addiction and Styx will be available for Rock Band Unplugged.

Rock Band DLC Additions for Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 Systems and Wii Console

The 11 songs that comprised the film’s original soundtrack were recently re-imagined and newly interpreted by the band for its latest CD Back From The Dead. The end result is that England’s Loudest Heavy Metal Band, Spinal Tap, has never sounded better. Back From The Dead also features six brand new songs including “Back from the Dead,” “Rock ‘n’ Roll Nightmare” and “Warmer Than Hell” which are already available in the Rock Band Music Store and an hour-long DVD featuring band commentary. This is Spinal Tap is now available on Blu-Ray from MGM Home Entertainment.

Tracks available on Xbox 360 and Wii (Aug. 4) and PLAYSTATION 3 system (Aug. 6):

Spinal Tap “(Funky) Sex Farm”
Spinal Tap “(Listen to the) Flower People (Reggae Stylee)”
Spinal Tap “America”
Spinal Tap “Big Bottom”
Spinal Tap “Cups and Cakes”
Spinal Tap “Gimme Some Money”
Spinal Tap “Heavy Duty”
Spinal Tap “Hell Hole”
Spinal Tap “Rock ‘n’ Roll Creation”
Spinal Tap “Stonehenge”
Spinal Tap “Tonight I’m Gonna Rock You Tonight”

(All tracks are original master recordings from Back From The Dead recording sessions.)

These tracks will be available for purchase as part of the “Spinal Tap’s TAP TEN” or as individual tracks on Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 systems.

Price: $1.99 USD, £.99 UK, €1.49 EU (160 Microsoft Points for Xbox 360) per track
$17.99 (1440 Microsoft Points for Xbox 360) for “Spinal Tap’s TAP TEN”
$2.00 USD, (200 Wii Points) per track

Wii Back-Catalog Additions
Additionally, tracks from Black Sabbath and Foo Fighters will be available Aug. 4 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 450 tracks in the Wii Rock Band Music Store.

Additional tracks available for Wii (July 28):

Black Sabbath “N.I.B.” *
Black Sabbath “Sweet Leaf” *
Black Sabbath “War Pigs” *
Foo Fighters “Doll”
Foo Fighters “Enough Space”
Foo Fighters “February Stars”
Foo Fighters “Hey, Johnny Park!”
Foo Fighters “Monkey Wrench”
Foo Fighters “My Hero”
Foo Fighters “My Poor Brain”
Foo Fighters “New Way Home”
Foo Fighters “See You”
Foo Fighters “Up in Arms”
Foo Fighters “Walking After You”
Foo Fighters “Wind Up”

(* Denotes cover version)

Price: $2.00 USD, (200 Wii Points) per track

Rock Band Unplugged Tracks for PSP System
Rock Band Unplugged fans will enjoy the addition of Jane’s Addiction’s “Had a Dad” and Styx’s “Renegade” to the 25 tracks already available via the Rock Band Unplugged in-game music store for the PSP (PlayStation Portable) system.

Tracks available for Rock Band Unplugged (July 30):

Jane’s Addiction “Had a Dad”
Styx “Renegade”

Price: $1.99, £.99 UK, €1.49 EU per track on the PSP system

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

Be the first to crack the conspiracy exclusively on Nintendo Wii with The Conduit Special Edition.

Set in the near-future of a fictional America, this fast paced shooter action allows you to battle a range of devious and cunning enemy forces in a highly detailed 3D world, using a dynamic control scheme only possible on Nintendo Wii.

For the collectors among you, the special edition comes in an exclusive embossed, metallic slipcase and includes a secret agent in-game multiplayer skin, unlockable Drone single player skin and a unique All Seeing Eye.

Bethesda Softworks, a ZeniMax Media company, announce that WET will hit European retail shelves on September 18th for Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system. The game’s highly-stylized mix of action and acrobatics is showcased on the newly revamped web site that can be found at http://wetthegame.com.



“We are extremely excited to bring WET to gamers on September 18th,” said Vlatko Andonov, president of Bethesda Softworks. “A2M has created an explosive gaming experience and the action is non-stop from start to finish.”

Developed at Artificial Mind and Movement, WET throws players into a heart-pounding, adrenaline-pumping adventure of double crosses and paybacks in which they’ll take on the role of problem fixer, Rubi Malone. Use Rubi’s dual pistols or samurai sword during any acrobatic move as you take on countless enemies in a number of exotic locations around the globe.

“We’ve worked really hard to make WET different from any other action game available”, said Patrick Fortier, Creative Director at A2M. “When players experience the game’s unique blend of gunplay, sword combat and acrobatics, they won’t want to put the controller down.”

On a mission to find the man that left you for dead, you’ll master the controls that will allow you to create the most incredible fight sequences - limited only by your own imagination. Once you are able to chain together a number of moves, including sliding down ladders, running on walls, jumping and flipping, you will be rewarded with auto-lock and slow motion advantages. Featuring the perfect mix of humor and violence, WET is a third-person shooter experience unlike any other.

WET is a highly-stylized third person shooter that seamlessly blends gun play, sword kills and over-the-top acrobatics to create the ultimate interactive action experience. The game allows you to shoot anywhere, anytime. You will have the freedom to shoot while running, sliding down ladders, sliding across the floor, or performing any number of acrobatic moves. Featuring an ironic mix of humor and violence, unique retro film visual treatment, and original 70’s inspired music, WET is a third- person shooter experience unlike any other.

STORY:
When Rubi Malone, a gun-for-hire, agrees to fix a wealthy man’s problem by finding and bringing back his wayward son, she thinks the job is going to be cut and dry. She thought wrong. The job turns out to be more complicated than expected and the man who hired her isn't who he appears to be. On the run and looking for the man who betrayed her, Rubi is leaving a massive body count in her wake.

KEY FEATURES:

Three Types of Gameplay – Seamlessly combines three types of gameplay: 360 degree slip-aiming mechanics, sword fighting and acrobatic abilities.

Acclaimed Writer Duppy Demitrius – Written by Demitrius who is best known for his work on the action-packed TV series 24.

Ultimate Interactive Action Experience – Over-the-top acrobatics with constant action that features aerial sword attacks, fantastic sword skills and high body count.

Cinematographic Style – Unique retro film visual treatment with stylized over-the-top characters, an original 70’s inspired soundtrack and locations that span three continents.

New Iconic Character – Rubi combines attitude, style and killer instinct!

NFL training camps are in full swing and the release of Madden NFL 10 is only two weeks away! Will Tom Brady return to his MVP level? Will the Dolphins build on last year’s success? How will T.O. affect the Bills? Will new coach Rex Ryan lead the Jets to the post season? See how your favorite team and players will fair – according to the Madden NFL 10 Season Preview.

We continue our look at each team’s overall rating and individual player ratings with a focus on the extremely competitive AFC East division. In addition to the player ratings, a wealth of team-specific assets are now available, for both the Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3, and Wii versions of Madden NFL 10.

Everything culminates next week, where Madden NFL 10 will predict the 2009 NFL division winners, season MVP, and more.

To view the overall team ratings for the Jets, Dolphins, Patriots, and Bills, as well as download the complete team roster ratings, visit the official Madden NFL 10 website below:

• Madden NFL 10 Season Preview

Up next week: The Madden NFL 10 Season Preview

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

Create your very own 3D character and then go and explore your new fun environment. You can then create your own 3D friends and keep them happy by playing games with them and giving them gifts! The happier your friends are, the more games you will unlock… you will even unlock new locations to go and explore and play games in!

You can share gifts and friends, and also chat with up to three friends via DS Wireless Communications. Will you be able to keep your friends happy and be the best friend ever?!

This summer, let My Friends take you to a whole new world of fun & games!

My Friends for the Nintendo DS is out now!

Apple gaming has come a long way in a short time, and estimates suggest there are over 13,000 games on the App Store. This means if you've just got yourself a new iPhone 3GS, 3G or iPod touch, the choice may be overwhelming.

Here is our pick of the best iPhone and iPod touch blockbuster games so far, with direct links to the App Store should a game take your fancy.

Link to games and full post here...

Evidence has emerged that Warren Spector's Junction Point Studios is working on a game codenamed "Epic Mickey" for the Wii, offering a dark, steampunk-style take on Mickey Mouse and the Magic Kingdom.

Most of the evidence comes from the rumour-hunter's faithful friend - concept artists' websites - and appears to corroborate a Gamasutra report from late last year that first identified the "Epic Mickey" codename.

Tireless digger Superannuation has turned up the website of concept artist Tony Pulham, whose resumé reveals he recently joined Junction Point to work on "Epic Mickey", and identifies it as a Wii game.

Another Superannuation post unearthed some beautiful concepts for "Epic Mickey" on the website of artist Fred Gambino. Pictures show the Mickey Mouse ears adorning a gigantic, crumbling paddle-steamer, the spires of the Magic Kingdom castle perched atop a twisted tower of rock, and a semi-mechanical "Zombie Goofey" [sic].

Meanwhile, a poster on the NeoGAF forum has found what appear to be the same concepts described in the original Gamasutra report, showing more distorted, nightmarish, mechanical versions of classic Disney characters, including the Seven Dwarves. They come from the artist Gary Glover's site.

Disney Interactive Studios bought Junction Point - which Deus Ex mastermind Spector formed with several other Ion Storm alumni - two years ago. Not long after, it was rumoured - notably in American gaming magazine EGM - that Spector was working on a Mickey Mouse platform game intended to rival Mario.

Last year, Spector said that he was "tired of making games about guys in black leather carrying guns" and that "100-hour games are on the way out". He also revealed that Disney Feature Animation and Pixar were collaborating on Junction Point's game.

And there's more. In an archived Edge interview from E3 2006 - before the Disney acquisition - Spector said: "I want to do a cartoon game really bad - well, really good. People don't realise that I did my Masters thesis on Warner Brothers cartoons, you know - I used to teach animation classes, I've been a Disney stockholder since I was 19. I'm a cartoon freak, I've met a bunch of the old WB directors, and did Toon, the cartoon [pen-and-paper] RPG… And I've been trying to get somebody to let me do a cartoon game for the entire time I’ve been in the videogame business."

In that same interview, Spector even alluded to a project that sounds an awful lot like "Epic Mickey". "I did some concept work on a license with a media company that was very cartoony, and boy, we did some great work," he said. "It was the most fun I'v