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] [Posted by Bjorn on Thursday, November 30 2006 @ 17:00 CET]War Front: Turning Point Multiplayer Demo Released
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Today CDV Software Entertainment USA and 10tacle Studios AG released a new multiplayer demo for War Front: Turning Point, the alternate-history RTS currently in development by Digital Reality.
The game will be published in North America by CDV Software Entertainment USA, shipping to retail there on February 19, 2007.
The 510 MB demo contains the following key features:
- Two playable sides (Germans and Allies)
- One 1 vs. 1 map, and one 3 vs. 3 player map
- Skirmish mode – playable against the AI
- A full tutorial
- Tech level 2 and 3 units available from the start, along with several super weapons
The demo can be found at the official War Front: Turning Point website at http://www.war-front.com.
'Viva Piñata' Bursts Into Stores tomorrow
[Category :] [Posted by Bjorn on Thursday, November 30 2006 @ 16:57 CET]
Horstachios, Fizzlybears, Fudgehogs, Mousemallows, Elephanillas and Pretztails are just a handful of the 60 species of wild piñata, coming to homes this Christmas in ‘Viva Piñata™,’ the highly anticipated Xbox 360™ game for kids of all ages.
Breaking new ground in Xbox 360 family entertainment, ‘Viva Piñata’ hits European retailers from 1st December for £44.99 ERP. Created by world-renowned video game developer Rare Ltd. and Microsoft Game Studios exclusively for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system, ‘Viva Piñata’ invites game-players to escape to Piñata Island, where wild-roaming, living piñata animals are looking for a home.
“With the arrival of ‘Viva Piñata,’ we’re opening up Xbox 360 to new audiences and inviting more people to jump into the fun,” said Shane Kim, corporate vice president of Microsoft Game Studios. “This is a game that will have broad appeal. Families will play it together. Kids will play it by day, and, I’m willing to bet, their parents will play it at night. Even for the seasoned gamer, ‘Viva Piñata’ will be a great escape.”
People of all ages will enjoy the vibrant world where they can create and customise their own environment to attract, tame and nurture more than 60 species of wild piñata and make their experience uniquely their own. Packed with hundreds of personalisation options, ‘Viva Piñata’ lets people name their piñatas, choose accessories for them to wear, decide where to plant grass and flowers, and more. The colourful, fully customisable game invites people into a world with all kinds of possibilities.
‘Viva Piñata’ gameplay will be extended through the Xbox Live® online entertainment network. Xbox Live subscribers will be able to connect with friends, family or other players from around the globe to trade items from their piñata paradise — everything from the smallest plant to the largest piñata. Xbox Live will also offer accessories for download into the game to personalise piñata collections.
The genesis of the ‘Viva Piñata’ franchise came from Rare Ltd., known for such all-age-friendly games as ‘Banjo-Kazooie®’ and ‘Grabbed by the Ghoulies®’. Veteran developers of these games, as well as a new crop of talent, worked together to craft ‘Viva Piñata’ into the fun-filled game available now on store shelves.
“Right from the start, we knew we wanted to create a game that featured a garden full of customisable, tradable animals with unique appearances and behaviour patterns,” said Gregg Mayles, lead designer for ‘Viva Piñata’ at Rare Ltd. “When we were looking for a design twist to make it stand out, our concept artist came up with piñata-themed sketches, and the look immediately stuck.”
New version of Texas Hold 'Em coming for Xbox Live Arcade
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This week on Xbox Live Arcade Wednesday we offer a full-featured update to one of the most popular titles on the service – Texas Hold ‘em. We’ve listened to our community and as a result, a host of features and improvements have been added to Texas Hold ‘em to speed up game-play, eliminate cheating and ensure proper competition. As a result, the online multi-player leaderboards will be reset to eliminate the inflated scores that currently appear. In a future update in early 2007, we’ll be adding Xbox Live Vision Camera support as well.
The update will be available for download on Xbox Live Arcade for Xbox 360 beginning today, Wednesday, 29th November, after 0800 GMT
Below is a full list of the new features and changes in the Texas Hold ’em update:
Features
· Game-play is now faster:
o Post the blind and play right away! – Players can now, if they wish, start playing immediately when joining a table by posting the big blind, rather than having to wait for the blind to come to them.
o New ‘Away’ mode – Players can now set their status to ‘Away’. Hands will be auto-folded and blinds auto-posted until the player returns.
o New ‘Auto-boot’ mode – Players who continuously let the timer expire (more than three times in a game) will be booted from the table
o Faster overall pacing – Timers and messaging durations have been adjusted to speed up game-play among experienced players, but still allow novice players plenty of time to play.
· Improved blind structure – Initial blinds, as well as blind increases, are now more proportional to table stakes, ensuring more meaningful increases during game-play.
· Matchmaking improvements – Players are no longer matched into games they cannot afford
· Improved interface controls – Improvements to controls, such as increasing/decreasing stake amounts
· Leaderboard display – A player’s full winnings and rank are now properly displayed
· Art and text improvements – Game art and spelling issues have been addressed
· Online exploits addressed – Certain known exploits that enabled cheating have been addressed. As a result, the online multi-player leaderboards will be reset to eliminate inflated scores as a result of these exploits.
Psychonauts Now Available For Digital Download
[Category :] [Posted by Bjorn on Wednesday, November 29 2006 @ 11:57 CET]
Majesco Entertainment Company (NASDAQ: COOL), an innovative provider of digital entertainment products and content announced today that Psychonauts is now available for digital download through Macrovision’s Trymedia Network. Majesco has signed a digital download distribution agreement with Macrovision Corporation, which operates the Trymedia Network, which will provide the secure distribution of Psychonauts across digital channels.
The critically acclaimed title, Psychonauts, from Double Fine Productions, BloodRayne 1 & 2 and Advent Rising, are now available in a try-before-you-buy format in Macrovision’s Trymedia network which includes over 400 distribution partners worldwide including major online portals and destinations.
“As the largest distribution network for downloadable games, Macrovision’s Trymedia Network is the closest thing to ‘mass market’ distribution on the internet and we are excited to offer our titles to their worldwide audience,” said Daniel Hofbauer, business development director at Majesco. “In particular, we are excited about their “try-and-buy” feature and believe that once people get a taste of our award-winning game, they will be compelled to join the growing ranks of Psychonauts enthusiasts.”
BloodRayne is an original action-horror franchise starring the super-sexy, super-lethal, supernatural heroine Rayne. Advent Rising is a sci-fi action game that thrusts players into an intergalactic tale punctuated by stunning visuals and a gripping storyline created in
collaboration with award-winning novelist, Orson Scott Card.
Psychonauts is a unique, third-person psychic odyssey from the mind of Tim Schafer that received numerous accolades and awards, including the recent BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) award for Best Screenplay.
BloodRayne 2, Advent Rising and Psychonauts are available for $19.99 while BloodRayne 1 is available for $9.99. All titles can be downloaded on a trial basis before purchasing.
For more information, or to download demos or video trailers of the titles, please visit www.trygames.com.
1 Million Gamers Worldwide Say Hello To Scarface: The World is Yours
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Sierra Entertainment is proud to announce that Scarface™: The World is Yours, the blockbuster video game based on the 1983 classic film from Universal Pictures, has sold more than 1 million copies worldwide at retail stores.
Scarface: The World is Yours was created through a licensing agreement with Universal Studios Consumer Products Group.
"We are very appreciative of the outstanding retail and gaming community support in North America, Europe and Australia," said Pascal Brochier, president, global retail, Vivendi Games. "This support pushed the game to #1 in North America while exceeding our expectations in Europe and beyond."
In the month of October, the world was truly Tony's. In addition to the success of Scarface: The World is Yours, Tony's game for the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Scarface: Money. Power. Respect., claimed the top spot on the PSP system in North America. According to sales data from The NPD Group/Retail Tracking Service, during the month of October:
Scarface: The World is Yours was the #1 Game in America
Scarface: The World is Yours was the #1 Console Game in America
Scarface: The World is Yours was the #1 PlayStation®2 Game in America
Scarface: The World is Yours was the #1 Xbox® Game in America
Scarface: Money. Power. Respect. was the #1 PSP Game in America
Source: October 2006 Video Game Software Sales. The NPD Group/Retail Tracking Service
"We are thrilled with the fantastic response to Scarface: The World is Yours," said Bill Kispert, VP Interactive, Universal Studios Consumer Product Group. "We know that the character, the mythos, and the brand of Scarface is one that fans are extremely passionate about. The teams at Sierra Entertainment and Radical Entertainment took that to heart - showing immense respect for both the nuances and the explosive elements of the source material, while also adding to the license's mythology. This is a great example of how interactive entertainment can extend a franchise, and we love that fans feel the game has done Tony proud."
Scarface: The World is Yours presents a sequel storyline that asks "What if Tony Montana survived the mansion shootout?" The game plunges players deep into the seedy underbelly of 1980s Miami as the one-and-only Tony Montana. Players are challenged to re-enact the climactic mansion shoot-out from the original film, but in the game the player has the opportunity to help Tony fight his way out of the mansion and survive. As Tony, the player must then rebuild his fallen empire and seize vengeance on his enemies.
Nintendo Herald UK Market Leadership
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Figures released today courtesy of the UK’s leading independent music, video and software performance and sales tracking company, Chart Track, show Nintendo UK is now the 2006 UK market leader in video games hardware surpassing all competition in both the home console and handheld console markets. Chart Track Data also confirms its Nintendo DS handheld console is now in the hands of over two million people across the UK*.
Nintendo has also revealed that its software too continues to go from strength to strength with Dr. Kawashima’s Brain Training: How Old Is Your Brain? Animal Crossing: Wild World and New Super Mario Bros., currently being enjoyed by over one million people across Europe. **
The successful launch of Nintendo DS Lite and the huge success of Nintendo’s range of Touch! Generations games has secured Nintendo’s lead in the UK handheld market, in just five months following the launch of the hugely successful Nintendo DS Lite, combined weekly sales of Nintendo DS and Nintendo DS Lite in the UK continue to cumulatively outsell handheld rivals by a rate of over 2.5:1***.
Commenting on the success of Nintendo DS this year, Lisa Morgan, CEO, GAME Group Plc said: "Nintendo DS has played an increasingly important part of our business in 2006. Not only is the DS performing really well, but Nintendo are following through on their promise of expanding the gaming audience, which is key to GAME too. This is evident in the broad range of people coming into our stores to purchase both DS hardware and software. Going into 2007, with a great range of software for release, we will continue to work with Nintendo to the best of our ability to broaden the market further".”
David Yarnton, General Manager, Nintendo UK added: “The ability of Nintendo DS to appeal to both gamers and non-gamers alike through an exciting, fun and innovative portfolio of software has been instrumental in its success in the UK, with many more Touch! Generations games launching this year and into 2007, Nintendo DS will continue to be the main driving force behind the expansion of the video game market this year.”
The Nintendo DS Lite is available now in black, white and pink priced at around £99.
Review of Ninety-Nine Nights for Xbox360 ONLINE
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One of our new reviewers, Scott has made a review of Q Entertaiment, (yes those behind 'Lumines') / Phantagram hack 'n slash game for the Xbox360 named "Ninety-Nine Nights" or aka 'N3'.
If you like Dynasty Warriors, then you better read the review of N3 right here>. This is definitely something for you.
Ebooks For Nintendo Wii And DS
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Darren Reid, author of the best selling Fantasy/Science Fiction fusion novel The Lord of Darkness and Shadow: The Chronicles of the Shadow Book One, today announces the release of a free ebook library for Nintendo Wii, DS and Sony PS3.
The free ebook library contains a collection of short stories, novels and novellas which have been optimized for use with the browsers in the Nintendo Wii and DS. The first title released is The Genesis of the Shadow, a prequel novella to the best selling novel The Lord of Darkness and Shadow which is out now.
Over the coming months a number of titles will be lanuched including Two Wizards: A Chronicles of the Shadow Prequel, Xevicom Forever (a graphic novel) and an unnamed special project (TBA). These titles and others will be launched through Q4 2006 and 2007.
Darren Reid is the author of the bestselling fantasy series The Chronicles of the Shadow which has gained an international following and rave reviews from readers the world over. The story Cell was adapted into an audiobook (available on iTunes) by Parsec award winning podcast producers Variant Frequencies and the anticipated follow up to The Lord of Darkness and Shadow is due out February 2007.
Commenting on the release of Wii, DS and PS3 enhanced versions of the free ebook library Darren said "I am delighted to share my free stories and allow next-gen console owners the chance to read them as well"
The Genesis of the Shadow: The Chronicles of the Shadow Book Zero is out Monday 27th of November.
Free Christmas LocoRoco level soon !
[Category :] [Posted by Bjorn on Monday, November 27 2006 @ 16:07 CET]
It’s Christmas time, and there’s no need to be afraid in LocoRoco land. Gone are the pumpkins, bats and scary things that arrived in time for Halloween. Now the snow is falling, the trees are decorated, the jelly-like choir is singing. In fact Christmas is here and love is in the air!
The elves at Sony Computer Entertainment Europe have been working on a very special Christmas Gift for Santa to deliver to all good LocoRoco fans.
Available free on 11 December 2007 by simply going to the downloads section at www.yourpsp.com is a bumper Christmas package for all PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) owners.
Download and explore a whole new, snow-covered LocoRoco level packed with flying sleighs, loveable reindeers and Christmassy characters. Sing along to the new Christmas song that will be topping the charts for all PSP fans.
Watch out for new costumed characters. Is that a snowman, Jack Frost or something strange and round bouncing down the chimney? Make sure your LocoRocos don’t eat too much turkey. And, as with all the best Christmases, get excited about those unexpected surprises!
So why are you waiting, your first present is here and ready to be unwrapped. Have fun everyone…..
Metal Slug Antholog coming up in 2007 for Wii !
[Category :] [Posted by Bjorn on Friday, November 24 2006 @ 11:15 CET]
The 10th Anniversary of the much-loved Metal Slug franchise is upon us. To celebrate this milestone, SNK Playmore and Ignition Entertainment is pleased to announce the European release of Metal Slug Anthology for Wii.
1996 saw the introduction of Metal Slug on the NEO GEO MVS arcade system. The success of this title and its subsequent sequels – spanning the last 10 years – has made the franchise one of the most-popular arcade and console gaming franchises ever.
Including Metal Slug, Metal Slug 2, Metal Slug X, Metal Slug 3, Metal Slug 4, Metal Slug 5 and now the eagerly anticipated Metal Slug 6, this Anthology will leave you in no doubt as to why the Metal Slug franchise is regarded as the bench mark of 2D platform-shooters. This anthology delivers all of the fire power and game play you would expect from SNK Playmore.
‘The popularity of Metal Slug, whether it be on home console or Arcade is immense’ says Peter Rollinson, Product Manager, Ignition Entertainment ‘utilising the unique control method of Wii™, can only enhance the already well loved and familiar gameplay associated with the series’
Key Features:
7 Arcade Perfect conversions
2 Player Co Operative play
Full support for the Nunchuk controller
Unlockable items
Exclusive bonus games
Bonus Galleries containing classic poster and character art as well as other Metal Slug goodies.
For further information please visit: www.ignitionent.com/ultimateslug_wii
Distributed by Atari in UK, France, Germany, Italy and the Nordic countries, this ultimate Anthology will arrive on Wii™ early ‘07.
Report of Wii Move-You Party event ONLINE
[Category :] [Posted by Bjorn on Thursday, November 23 2006 @ 11:02 CET]
As promised you can now read and view all our shots (around 29!) of the Belgian "Nintendo Move-You Party Event" that was held on Tuesday 21st November in Brussels.
'Wii' were there and we had so much fun with Nintendo's upcoming new console, the Wii.
The full report can be read on this link.
Enjoy and yes, Wii rocks!
Report of Belgian Wii Party Event coming up !
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Yesterday we went to the Belgian Wii Party Event from Nintendo which we got an invitation for and we must agree, "Wii rocks" !
Plenty of food and drinks as usual with probably 40 - 50 Wii consoles with Wii Sports, Wii Play, Zelda: Twilight Princess BUT also with non-released games such as WarioWare: Smooth Moves, the new Trauma Center, Rayman Raving Rabbids and much much more!
Unfortunately due to a error with our digicam we can't put the screenshots and report online today BUT we're fixing it and everything should be OK tomorrow.
So expect tomorrow a lot of screenshots of the Nintendo Belgian Wii Party Event plus a report !
We had a blast being there and we can't wait until we "Wii" !
LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy review for Xbox 360 !
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We have updated our "Review section with a new review of "LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy" for the Xbox 360.
If it's any better then the first game, even in HD, it's all answered in our review which can be read right here.
Enjoy!
New Xbox Live Arcade game Small Arms
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The frantic multiplayer brawling game “Small Arms” will be available for download on Xbox Live Arcade for Xbox 360 from Wednesday, 22nd November, after 0800 GMT
Social gaming innovation in “Small Arms,” which begins with the four developers at Gastronaut Studios, will pass to Xbox Live Arcade gamers from around the world. “Small Arms” includes a unique social networking Achievement called “Six Degrees of Small Arms” that can only be earned by playing with someone who already has it – and which only the game’s creators will possess at launch!
In “Small Arms,” up to four players can join in the battles across many dynamic and richly detailed levels. Gamers can choose from a cast of outrageous fighters like the cyborg tabby cat, assassin truffle pig and mutant chimney sweep. While jumping from platform to platform shooting with 360° aim, gamers of all skill levels will be able to pick up and play this innovative side-scrolling action title.
“Small Arms” is available worldwide for 800 Microsoft Points.
Christmas Xbox 360 bundles
[Category :] [Posted by Bjorn on Wednesday, November 22 2006 @ 15:22 CET]
Whether you’re into wrestling, action packed World War II shooters or after the most anticipated, thrilling epic adventure you’re ever likely to see, the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft® has it all as it announces an amazing line up of Limited Edition console bundles available for Christmas.
Now’s your chance to get your hands on the fantastic next generation Xbox 360 games console along with some of the most popular games and all for an estimated retail price of £299.99*.
Wrestling fans perfect your missile dropkick, practice your choke slam and get ready for the fight of your life as the Xbox 360 limited edition WWE® SmackDown® Vs. RAW® 2007 Console Bundle is released to the nation.
All military gaming personnel should report to their local high street for the drop-off point of the new Xbox 360 Call of Duty® 3 Limited Edition bundle to experience the most realistic World War 2 shooter ever made.
And to get your hands on the most impressive, electrifying shooter out there, grab the must-have Gears of War™ Limited Edition console bundle and lead your crack team of troops into the bowels of the planet to save the world from destruction.
Stephen McGill, Head of Marketing Xbox & Games comments: “Xbox 360 has without a doubt, the most varied, exciting line up of games available this Christmas so now has never been a better time to buy. These three games look absolutely incredible, so to experience amazing graphics and stunning gameplay snap up one of these bundles.”
All bundles come with the game, an Xbox 360 console, 20GB hard drive, wireless controller, 30 Day FREE Xbox Live® GOLD membership trial and headset.
All 3 bundles will be available in stores from 24th November 2007.
Nintendo introduces Wii Play
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Are you ready to play? No matter what your gaming experience Nintendo has just the game for you to play with your friends and family.
Wii Play consists of a selection of nine very different mini-games on one game, which are designed to help you master the unique Wii Remote, whilst also providing hours of entertainment. To ensure you can enjoy Wii Play with your friends, the game comes bundled with a free Wii Remote. Wii Play launches on Nintendo’s new Wii console on the 8th December 2006.
Wii Play consists of a variety of quirky games that can be played either alone or with a friend. This includes Shooting Range, which is the first game unlocked and is reminiscent of the classic Duck Hunt (released on the NES). In order to unlock the next game the player simply needs to complete the previous one (this sequence continues throughout). When all of the games have been unlocked players can start earning medals for their performance.
Find Mii involves picking the right face out of a crowd in an environment that constantly changes - it’s a race against the clock and each other! Pose Mii requires players to make their Mii characters fit into the shapes in the Wii bubbles. To do this they must swing the remote to the right angle to make it fit inside. The psychedelic colours and quirky graphics involved in this puzzle make it instantly addictive.
Other games included are Charge, where players have to hold onto a rampaging bull and try not to fall off! Players steer their bull and make it jump by moving the Wii Remote in the right direction, attempting to knock over scarecrows on the way. Tanks, which also makes use of the Nunchuk controller, tests a player’s strategic skills encouraging them to leave trails of mines for other tanks to stumble across.
Wii Play also features faithful recreations of real sport games demanding precision and skill with the Wii Remote. In Table Tennis players hold the Wii Remote like a bat and use it to move their on-screen character’s hand and return balls. In Fishing players cast their line with similar moves as they would in real life and then wait for a bite before jerking the remote back to hook and reel in a fish. As a pub favourite, Billiards will be an instant hit with older Wii owners. In this game players hold the remote like the back of a snooker cue and use a smooth sliding motion to hit the cue ball. Finally Laser Hockey is a cross between air hockey and ping-pong. Gentle flicks of the wrist are picked-up by the Wii Remote making the pace of the game as relaxed or as frantic as required.
Wii Play takes simple concepts and demonstrates how much fun they can be by using the Wii’s unique control mechanism. The Wii’s unique Mii channel also allows players to build their own customised avatar that can then star as the central character in Wii Play and other games.
Launching across Europe on 8th December 2006, every copy of Wii Play comes with a Wii Remote, at the estimated retail price of around 49 Euros (£34 in the UK).
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess launches on 8th December
[Category :] [Posted by Bjorn on Wednesday, November 22 2006 @ 10:12 CET]
Not a big surprise since most of us already knew this but still, it's now OFFICIAL so we better post it.
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess promises to be the biggest and most intuitive to date, making use of the new controls of Wii and providing a completely unprecedented experience. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess launches across Europe on Nintendo’s new console, Wii, on 8th December 2006.
Once again we find ourselves in the mystical land of Hyrule. This time the land is threatened by the greatest danger it has faced yet and our hero must put his life as a cowboy behind him and set-out on an adventure which will take him to distant lands and parallel realms. Link is sent to bear a gift to the royal family of Hyrule but before he can leave, tragedy strikes the village and he is yanked into a twilight gloom that has covered Hyrule. When he enters that realm, he transforms into a wolf and is captured. A mysterious figure named Midna helps him break free. With the aid of her magic, they set off to free the land from the shadows.
The new and exciting control mechanism makes this Zelda the most intuitive yet. You can now really feel like you are in the land of Hyrule as each controller effectively becomes one of Link’s hands for moves such as fishing, sword attacks and projectile weapon aiming. In combat, the game puts you right into the heart of the battle - swinging your sword with the Wii Remote while blocking and parrying shots, or giving shield shoves with the Nunchuk controller. You can also perform a number of moves using the Wii’s motion sensitive controller; performing a spin attack by shaking the Nunchuk and a shield bash by locking on and tilting the Nunchuk forward. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess also features a new mounted combat system not seen before in a Zelda game - while riding, players can draw their swords and take out enemies from the saddle.
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess launches across Europe on Wii on 8th December 2006 for the estimated retail price of around €60.
Two Classic titles from Hudson now on Wii Virtual Console
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Hudson Entertainment announced today that for North America two of its classic TurboGrafx games are now available for download using the Virtual Console feature on Wii: "Bomberman 93" and "Bonk’s Adventure".
The announcement comes after a delay in the release of the games, which were originally slated to coincide with the launch date of the Nintendo Wii.
Other titles that were previously announced will roll out over the next few weeks, including "Super Star Soldier," "Victory Run," and "Dungeon Explorer." More Hudson product announcements are expected shortly.
Gears of War Shoots Straight To The Top
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One of this year’s hottest action titles, ‘Gears of War’ shoots straight to the top of the UK ‘All Formats’ retail chart, only 2 days after its release.
‘Gears of War,’ an exclusive title for the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system, has sold 99,614 copies, confirms Chart Track since its European launch on Friday 17th November, setting a new mark for the fastest-selling original game for Xbox 360™.
“We’ve seen tremendous excitement and demand for ‘Gears of War’ in Europe”, said Stephen McGill, Head of Marketing – Xbox and Games For Windows. “This title offers new and exciting content and is a key example of Microsoft’s commitment to developing original and immersive titles for gamers everywhere.”
‘Gears of War,’ developed by Epic Games Inc. and published by Microsoft Game Studios, is an intense, genre-defining third-person tactical action/horror game, which thrusts players into humankind’s epic battle for survival against a nightmarish race of creatures known as the Locust Horde. With its combination of cinematic, intuitive gameplay, dramatic storytelling and intense action, and with single-player and multiplayer online play via Xbox Live, ‘Gears of War’, provides one of the best next-generation interactive entertainment experiences.
Off to Nintendo's Wii Party !!
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In a few hours we'll be getting ourselves ready to go the "Nintendo Wii Party".
Nintendo has invited press to present their new next-gen console, "Wii" with all the launch games.
Besides playing, there will also be food, drinks, music and entertainment !
This Wii party will be pretty big and of course a numerous amount of Wii's will be available.
Expect a total report with pictures of the Wii event real soon!
Now it's time to get dressed !
March release for Garfield's Nightmare on Nintendo DS
[Category :] [Posted by Bjorn on Tuesday, November 21 2006 @ 17:04 CET]
The Game Factory today announces the UK launch date of Garfield’s Nightmare for Nintendo DS as March 9th 2007.
Garfield’s Nightmare - a rock solid platform game with gorgeous graphics - sees everyone’s favourite fat feline, Garfield, trapped in a lasagne, pizza and donut induced nightmare! A severe case of over-indulgence before bed leads to a dream so bad he can’t wake up – without piecing together his smashed alarm clock to free him from his fretful slumber. Enemies and crazy challenges litter his path so think fast and play smart to save the day – and night - for Garfield!
Appealing to gamers of all ages, but specifically boys and girls aged 7-12.
New Boulder Dash game by 10Tacle Studios and First Star Software
[Category :] [Posted by Bjorn on Tuesday, November 21 2006 @ 16:06 CET]
Since its inception in the early years of the computer game industry in the early 80s, the underground search for diamonds found in “Boulder Dash®” has made it one of the most loved, published and licensed games in the past two decades.
Now 10TACLE STUDIOS AG has concluded a Software Co-Publishing Agreement with First Star Software, Inc. for this games industry icon. 10TACLE STUDIOS MOBILE will be developing the next dexterity-puzzle game in the multi-million unit selling Boulder Dash® series for the Nintendo DS© and the Sony PSP©. Release is planned for the second half of 2007.
The development of a new “Boulder Dash®” game for the popular handheld platforms allows 10TACLE STUDIOS to expand their mobile games line-up even further.
10TACLE STUDIOS MOBILE Managing Director Alexandra Gerb, “With “Boulder Dash®” we are proud to be able to continue one of the oldest and most famous brands in computer games. The tried and true concept has already delighted generations of computer, video game and coin-operated arcade gamers, and now we want to give the brand our own accent by adding a number of innovations designed to take advantage of the capabilities these new platforms have to offer. We want to lend protagonist Rockford™'s adventures a fresh, modern style to get him into shape for the years to come.”
“Recently, the brand was successfully implemented for mobile phones, PDA’s and online platforms”, said First Star Software President Richard M. Spitalny, “and we are happy to see 10TACLE STUDIOS' promising new concepts bring the popular action-puzzle game to new target groups using current handheld consoles and the latest technologies.”
Untold Legends Dark Kingdom for the PS3 ships
[Category :] [Posted by Bjorn on Tuesday, November 21 2006 @ 15:46 CET]
Sony Online Entertainment, (SOE) a global leader in the online gaming industry, announced Untold Legends™ Dark Kingdom™ for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entrainment system, begins shipping into retail today.
Published and developed by SOE, Untold Legends Dark Kingdom will take the top-selling PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system brand onto the next generation of PlayStation systems.
“With Dark Kingdom, we looked at what made the previous two PSP titles so popular, and then took it up to the next level to make a top-quality next-gen game. We focused heavily on game play mechanics and combat, giving players more than 30 levels to hack and slash their way through,” said Michael Lustenberger, Vice President, Marketing. “Dark Kingdom will also feature online gameplay, giving players the ability to adventure alone or with up to three of their friends through multiplayer modes as well as delivering content post launch through the PLAYSTATION® Network.”
Dark Kingdom will utilize the powerful PLAYSTATION 3 system cell processors for unique physics-based game mechanics including audio, visual and special effects. Players will choose from one of three unique characters to take on their perilous journey, during which they will be able to unlock spells and abilities, and collect unique weapons, armor and other items throughout the game. In addition, the game is completely interactive with the surrounding environment, giving players the opportunity to break or smash objects or use enemy NPCs as living, unwilling weapons. Other next-gen features include support for high definition formats up to 720p, highly detailed graphics, digital surround sound, high resolution textures and detailed character models.
Six NDS Games Break the One Million Mark in Europe
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Since its launch in March 2005 the Nintendo DS has enjoyed meteoric success with a staggering seven million consoles sold across Europe and six Nintendo DS games breaking the coveted one million sales mark with ease.
Nintendo’s Touch! Generations range has sparked the imagination of people around the world. Sales of the innovative software continue to soar across Europe with Dr. Kawashima’s Brain Training: How old is your brain? shattering the one million mark. Animal Crossing: Wild World, which lets you experience a joyful and exciting second life, has also attracted over a million people to its world and puppy phenomenon Nintendogs has sold over 4 million copies in Europe.
Nintendo’s gaming titles have seen similar success with the portly plumber, Mario, enjoying three huge hits with New Super Mario Bros., and Super Mario 64 both breaking the one million sales mark and Mario Kart DS selling over 1.5 million copies.
Laurent Fischer, European Marketing Director for Nintendo commented,
“We are delighted by the success of the Nintendo DS and DS Lite and especially pleased to see that we have exceeded the one million mark with games that appeal to both non-gamers and traditional gamers. Nintendo is proud of its role in expanding the gaming market and we hope to continue this success with the launch of Wii in Europe in December.”
Since the release of titles like Nintendogs and Dr. Kawashima’s Brain Training: How old is your brain? Nintendo has seen sales to non-traditional markets increase drastically, with an impressive 44% of Nintendo DS owners being female. With a host of new and exciting Touch! Generations titles scheduled to launch in the near future, Nintendo hopes to continue to reach all new audiences.
And it’s not just Nintendo’s first party games that have excelled on the Nintendo DS this year; third party games are also enjoying success.
Tom Clancy's Rainbow SIX Vegas gone GOLD !
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The Xbox Live demo of "Rainbow Six: Vegas" rocked and we're delighted to read that Ubisoft announced that the game has finally gone gold !
More info:Today Ubisoft, one of the world's largest video game publishers, announces that Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six® Vegas for the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft has gone Gold and will be in stores from 1st December, 2006 in the UK.
The Single-Player demo is already available and a Multi-Player demo has just been released today on the Xbox Live marketplace.
The MP demo features two gameplay modes (Adversarial: Attack & Defend and Co-op: Terrorist Hunt) and one map (Calypso Casino). Adversarial modes will hold up to 16 players and Co-op modes will hold up two four players on Xbox Live or System Link.
Developed by Ubisoft’s Montreal studios, Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six® makes its next-generation hardware debut in the most dramatic instalment of the renowned first-person shooter franchise to date. Rainbow operatives take to the chaotic streets of Las Vegas as an escalating terrorist siege in "Sin City” threatens to take world terrorism to new, uncontrollable heights. The future of global security hangs in the balance as you battle to defend classic Vegas locations and environments like Fremont Street, the Strip and casinos. Experience Las Vegas like never before – through revolutionary next generation technology as you work against the clock to protect one of the world's most recognizable cities from utter devastation.
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six® Vegas will be available for Xbox 360™ at the manufacturer's suggested retail price of £49.99.
More details from Trackmania United
[Category :] [Posted by Bjorn on Monday, November 20 2006 @ 11:13 CET]
Produced by the young, talented French studio Nadeo, TrackMania United is the latest version of the most entertaining car racing game around.
Released in 2003, TrackMania has made incredible progress full of intense events that make it today one of the most popular video games on PC. 2006 was the year of TrackMania.
In the spring the game brought together more than 6,000 players in France to compete throughout 60 stores during the FNAC Trophy. The game was also part of the Video Games World Cup held in Bercy (Paris) where 40 players from around the world came to battle for the title of Best Driver. TrackMania is a worldwide success with its free version of Nations, which has today been downloaded more than 20 million times.
Drive United
Providing innovation, a system for resource sharing and exchange, in-game downloads, online records, virtual money, connecting functionalities and a closed Internet network, TrackMania United will be the inspiration for tomorrow’s interactive and online video game experience.
The immense single player campaign includes 3 game modes and almost 200 new circuits. Drive at mind-blowing speeds on today’s most spectacular tracks full of extreme jumps, loops, ramps, turbo power, hairpin turns and other crazy racing blocks.
Play United
At long last TrackMania brings together the 7 environments offered in Sunrise, Original and Nations. Each TrackMania environment has its own universe, vehicle and driving technique. All the environments benefit from new features and improvements. ‘Stadium’, the most recent version, benefits from a total makeover with new blocks, ambiances and lighting system.
Like its predecessors, TrackMania United offers various amazing creation tools that increase the interest and lifetime of the game, including the well-known circuit editor which allows anyone to make their own tracks, playable in single or multiplayer modes, using more than 1,000 different construction blocks. In addition, a video editing studio can be used to create race and stunt videos, and the possibility of converting into any format allows for open distribution. And last but not least, the paint workshop lets players customise each vehicle.
Be United
More than ever before TrackMania United is multiplayer gaming heaven since gamers now have the possibility of playing any of the existing TrackMania environments. More than 100,000 circuits created by players are already available on the Internet and offer extraordinary game play duration
Take-Two announces 20 games in development for PS3
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Take-Two Interactive Software today announced twenty games in development for the PLAYSTATION3 computer entertainment system, with more than seven titles from Rockstar Games, including Grand Theft Auto IV which is expected to be in North American stores on October 16, 2007 and European stores on October 19, 2007.
Additional Rockstar Games products include new original titles such as L.A. Noire, as well as extensions of blockbuster Rockstar Games franchises.
When the PLAYSTATION 3 system launches, Take-Two's 2K Sports publishing label will deliver NBA 2K7 and NHL 2K7, the only third party NBA and NHL titles available at the launch of the PLAYSTATION 3 system. Additionally, 2K and 2K Sports plan to publish more than eleven additional titles for the PLAYSTATION 3 system, including College Hoops 2K7 in January, followed by Major League Baseball 2K7 in late winter, The Darkness in the spring, The BIGS in the summer, NBA 2K8 and NHL 2K8 in September; and additional sports titles based on 2K Sports proprietary brands, as well as additional high profile licensed and original new franchises from 2K.
"We applaud Sony for helping raise the bar in the next generation of gaming," said Paul Eibeler, Take-Two's President and Chief Executive Officer. "As the hardware transitions to the next generation, Take-Two is working hard to position itself to emerge as a leading next generation publisher, with our focus on delivering quality titles and harnessing technologies like Sony's cell processors and blu-ray storage capacity, as well as its proprietary SIXAXIS™ wireless controller. We're not asking gamers to wait until we can evolve into the technologies. From day-one, our development team will astonish gamers with the fullest, deepest and most entertaining titles on the market."
Descriptions of select announced Rockstar, 2K and 2K Sports games for the PLAYSTATION 3 system includes: (listed in anticipated order of release)
NBA 2K7
NBA 2K7, available day-one of the PLAYSTATION 3 system launch on November 17 as the only third party NBA video game for the PLAYSTATION 3 system, storms the court as the finest next-generation basketball experience with high definition quality visuals. NBA 2K7, the #1-rated basketball video game series for five-straight years*, supports full 1080p, bring fans closer to the NBA experience with enhanced Signature Style animations and new free-throw shooting using the exclusive PLAYSTATION 3 system SIXAXIS wireless controller.
NHL 2K7
NHL 2K7 for the PLAYSTATION 3 system, available November 17 as the only NHL video game at launch for the PLAYSTATION 3 system, breaks away from the competition, bringing stunning realism and authenticity to the game. Boasting new enhanced graphic details and improved responsive gameplay, NHL 2K7, featuring San Jose Sharks center Joe Thornton, utilizes the exclusive PLAYSTATION 3 system SIXAXIS wireless controller in two key features. When using Crease Control™ - NHL 2K7's unique goalie perspective feature - goalie movements are tied to the SIXAXIS wireless controller. Also, players can check opponents by quickly moving the PLAYSTATION 3 system SIXAXIS wireless controller toward the direction of opposing players, bringing a fresh and unique hockey experience on the PLAYSTATION 3 system.
The Darkness
Infusing innovative gameplay and storytelling elements, The Darkness, shipping in spring 2007, provides a unique first-person shooter (FPS) gaming experience that takes place in a dark and gritty New York City. The Darkness is being developed by Starbreeze, who revolutionized the FPS genre with its award-winning title, The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay. With The Darkness, Starbreeze again raises the bar and delivers immersive first-person action/horror gameplay that allows players to wield an assortment of guns and utilize horrific powers like demon-summoning. The Darkness is based on the cult-hit comic book "The Darkness," which is published by TopCow and features a story written by Paul Jenkins, the famed comic-book author of Civil War: Frontlines and Wolverine: Origins.
Grand Theft Auto IV
Developed by world-class designers Rockstar North, Grand Theft Auto IV is the next-generation console debut of the genre-defining, blockbuster Grand Theft Auto franchise. Grand Theft Auto IV will be in stores in North America on October 16, 2007 and in Europe on October 19, 2007.
L.A. Noire
Rockstar Games, in partnership with Team Bondi, are developing L.A. Noire, a ground-breaking next generation crime thriller. L.A Noire is an interactive detective story set during the classic late 1940's noir period in a perfectly recreated Los Angeles before freeways, with a post-war backdrop of corruption, drugs and jazz. L.A. Noire will truly blend cinema and gaming with action, detection and complex storytelling that will draw players into an open-ended challenge to solve a series of gruesome murders.
Wild Jungle Fur Faceplates for Xbox 360 and PSP
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With the Talismoon range of Evolve ‘Wild Jungle’ edition faceplates for the PSP™ and Xbox™ 360, gamers will be treated to extreme levels of comfort thanks to a soft ‘like fur’ finish, as well as refreshing and unique new look. Both sets of faceplates for PSP™ and the Xbox 360™ controller will come complete with everything needed for a pain-free install, and each fur faceplate pattern will be unique.
Talismoon Evolve ‘Wild Jungle’ faceplates are now shipping and are priced at $14.95 (USA) or £9.95 (UK). Currently two styles are available as follows ‘leopard fur, and ‘cow fur’. The range will continue to expand and you can look forward to even more in the future. Please note no animals were hurt in the production of the Evolve ‘Wild Jungle’ edition faceplates.
More details on Rainbow Islands for PSP
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Rising Star Games today announced the first details of the next title in the Evolution series, a range of updated videogame classics for the Sony PSP. Following in the footsteps of Bubble Bobble Evolution, Rainbow Islands will be the next title to receive a modernising touch in the form of Rainbow Islands Evolution, marrying the original's much-loved vintage gameplay mechanics with the formidable horsepower of Sony’s portable wonder.
Set once again in the titular Rainbow Islands, Bub and Bob are now under the shadow of an evil record company who is polluting the ecosystem with a constant, mass-produced musical dirge. With this cacophony causing the flora to wilt and the fauna to mutate into aggressive enemies, only Bub and Bob have the experience to take on the record company and its seven bosses, setting the stage for an entirely new adventure.
The game environment itself is receiving a major overhaul. The strict vertical ascents of the original have been expanded and extrapolated into three dimensions, with each level’s building-block platforms now following perspective and disappearing into the distance. As Bub and Bob negotiate the levels, these platforms will scroll to the forefront as they become accessible. This literally opens up a new dimension for the classic Rainbow Islands gameplay and forms just one of a host of new features, which will be detailed as Rainbow Islands Evolution nears its early 2007 release date.
“We’re overjoyed to be updating Rainbow Islands for the PSP.” Says Tony Byus, producer for Rainbow Islands Evolution: “We’re passionate about keeping the classic gameplay intact, whilst updating and modernising the design without affecting that essential gameplay. In effect, our goal is to produce what Rainbow Islands could have been if the PSP’s amazing power had been available in 1987.”
New PS3 shots of Colin McRae: DIRT online !
[Category :] [Posted by Bjorn on Friday, November 17 2006 @ 14:30 CET]
We managed to get 8 new screenshots of Codemasters upcoming next-gen rally game, named "Colin McRae: DIRT" for the PlayStation 3.
If you're a rally or Colin fan, you better check out these 8 fine shot out right here.
Upgrade your DS Lite to an MP3 player !
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Lucky owners of the Nintendo DS will soon be able to enjoy more than just games from their favourite handheld console with the Nintendo MP3 Player.
Launching across Europe on 8th December 2006. Nintendo fans can use their handheld console as a fully-fledged, high quality MP3 player.
With this addition, gamers now only have to carry one device to enjoy two of their favourite pastimes – gaming and music. This simple, easy to use accessory allows Nintendo fans to enjoy around 150 of their selected songs with a 512MB SD memory card*, whilst on the move. Each song’s title information will be clearly listed on the Nintendo DS screen so songs can be easily selected.
The Nintendo MP3 Player doesn’t just work with the Nintendo DS though, it is also fully compatible with the Game Boy Advance SP and Game Boy Micro as the cartridge will slot into the Game Boy Advance port on all the Nintendo handheld consoles.
The Nintendo MP3 Player launches across Europe on 8th December 2006 at the estimated retail price of around £20.
LA Rush for PSP spees into retail
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Midway Games today announced the release of LA RUSH for the PSP system.
For the first time ever, players can feel the rush as they attempt mad jumps, high-flying stunts and arcade-style racing, all in the palm of their hands.
“With LA RUSH, players can now experience the popular arcade racing franchise on-the-go,” said Al King, European Marketing Director of Midway Games Ltd. “Players will even have the opportunity to go head-to-head with a friend in a street race or cruise mission using wireless functionality.”
Exclusive to the PSP system are several new modes including; Stunt Arena, a huge environment packed with ramps, tracks and other obstacles where gamers can show off their mad stunt skills, and Battle Race, a mode where players go head-to-head in a wireless race riddled with power-ups designed to boost performance or derail an opponent’s progress. Also featured in LA RUSH, are all-new money cruise and multiplayer missions.
About LA RUSH
For the first time on PSP® (PlayStation® Portable) system, attempt mad jumps, high-flying stunts and arcade-style racing from the newest entry in the RUSH™ franchise. Go head-to-head with a friend in a street race or cruise mission using wireless functionality, or experience Story Mode which allows you to race through five Los Angeles city re-creations while finding treacherous shortcuts and surviving death-defying jumps! Exclusive to the PSP system is an all-new Stunt Arena, where players can fly over ramps and perform stunts in the air and drive the loop-de-loop to gain massive bursts of speed, all the while collecting golden tokens to unlock extra content. Feel the rush as you race more than 36 licensed rides including muscles, tuner and exotic vehicles!
More features of College Hoops 2K7
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2K Sports announced today features emphasizing the importance of team chemistry in College Hoops 2K7, the #1 rated college basketball simulation series for four-straight years*. Emulating college basketball like never before, Team Unity encourages players to focus on team dynamics to maximize the potential of their squad and even influence team performances in Legacy Mode, College Hoops 2K7's franchise mode.
"A positively-focused, cohesive team makes all the difference when it comes to competing in any sport," said Greg Thomas, president of Visual Concepts, a 2K Sports studio. "Team chemistry is crucial in college ball as it can make or break a team and make the impossible seem possible for underdog teams. George Mason's entrance into the Final Four last year is an excellent example of how great team unity will often lead to great success. Team Unity in College Hoops 2K7 allows gamers to focus on the important factors of fundamental team basketball to maximize winning potential."
College basketball is based on a tight team-dynamic style of play with a strong emphasis on team tactics on both offense and defense. Team chemistry is a significant determinant in how college sports teams play. The better a team gels, the better they play overall; the worse the overall chemistry is for the team, the greater the likelihood of miscues and missteps when the pressure is on. In College Hoops 2K7, Team Unity is measured to help gamers gauge and predict team performance, while allowing for teams who may not be as athletically talented to take on powerhouse teams using smart plays and synergy.
Four key factors are taken into consideration when calculating a Team Unity rating-lineup consistency, individual player confidence, overall team awareness and a strong team leader. Low Team Unity can result in bad rotational defense, sloppy screen setting, and missed passes, among a myriad of other game time consequences.
Additionally, Team Unity plays a vital role in Legacy Mode, as it impacts a team's performance over the course of one or several seasons. Also new to Legacy Mode this year is HoopCast, which offers a more interactive way for gamers to simulate their games by giving them more control over their team during the simulation process. Greg Gumbel and Clark Kellogg (and their trademark colorful personalities) make a triumphant return to College Hoops 2K7, hosting College Hoops Tonight, a brand-new studio show discussing topics such as Games of the Week, Player of the Week, Coach on the Hot Seat, and Big Game Preview. Legacy Mode also boasts tournament bracketology, thousands of NCAA and school records, the post-season NIT, and so much more.
College Hoops 2K7, featuring J.J. Redick, former star player for the Duke University Blue Devils on the cover, will be available November 21 for the Xbox 360™ and Xbox® video game and entertainment systems from Microsoft. College Hoops 2K7 will be available in December for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and later this winter for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system.
EA announces Command & Conquer 3 Tiberium Wars for 360
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Electronic Arts today announced that Command & Conquer 3 Tiberium Wars (C&C 3) is in development for the Xbox 360 videogame and entertainment system.
C&C 3 boasts an intuitive console-specific control scheme, fast-action strategy gameplay, deep single player campaign, and an immersive multiplayer experience featuring massive battles where you take control of large armies on the battlefield of the future.
“The Command & Conquer series finally makes its return to the console after seven years,” said Mike Verdu, Executive Producer at EALA. “C&C 3 will help expand the RTS genre on the Xbox 360, building off of the foundation laid by the development of The Lord of the Rings, The Battle for Middle-earth II. EA is evolving the console controls so that strategy gaming plays and feels native to the platform.”
“C&C 3 is a perfect fit for the Xbox 360,“ said Mike Glosecki, Senior Producer at EALA. “Xbox 360 players will enjoy the action-packed online play and watching the epic Sci-Fi story of the game unfold as they play through the single player campaign.”
The year is 2047 and the stakes could not be higher. Tiberium—a self-replicating alien substance that has infected the Earth—is spreading like a radioactive ice age. The Global Defense Initiative, a high-tech alliance of the world’s most advanced nations, is fighting to contain Tiberium, but Kane, the megalomaniacal leader of The Brotherhood of Nod has other plans for Earth. Kane’s secret society turned superpower is bent on using Tiberium to take control and transform humanity into his twisted vision of the future. All-out war rages over Tiberium and the fate of the planet rests in the balance.
The epic story of C&C 3, set in the Tiberium Universe, is seamlessly tied together with live action, high-definition video sequences featuring top Hollywood talent including Tricia Helfer, Josh Holloway, Michael Ironside, Billy Dee Williams, Grace Park, and more!
C&C 3 will be one of the most robust titles on Xbox LIVE™**, with a steady stream of downloadable content on Marketplace. The first dashboard theme featuring amazing concept art from the development team will be available soon.
World Championship Poker Series Coming Soon to Wii
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Crave Entertainment, a leading publisher of console videogames, today announced that the third installment in the best-selling poker video game franchise in North America, World Championship Poker: Featuring Howard Lederer "All In," will soon be available for Wii.
World Championship Poker: Featuring Howard Lederer “All In” is also available for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system and XboxTM 360.
WCP: All In features some of the most recognizable and successful poker stars in the world, including Howard Lederer, his sister Annie Duke (who becomes exclusive to the World Championship Poker franchise with this installment), and Robert Williamson III. Joining the roster of this year's edition are noted international poker superstars Marcel Luske, Thomas Bihl and Erin Ness, who parlayed a victory at a Maxim Magazine office tournament into a seat at the 2004 World Series of Poker.
Over the past few years, the World Championship Poker series has developed a reputation for being a game intelligent and diverse enough to appeal to poker players of all skill levels. John Chechitelli of All- In Magazine called WCP: All In “the best poker video game available,” and said the game’s artificial intelligence is “strong enough to keep players at their best.”
About World Championship Poker: All In
Developed by Point of View, World Championship Poker: All In continues to feature the most innovative one player career mode. Career mode now includes series tournaments, mixed games, and reoccurring home games.
New Demo for Panzer Command: Operation Winter Storm Released!
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Matrix Games (www.matrixgames.com) and Koios Works (www.koiosworks.com) are pleased to release the first full demo for their World War II 3D Tactical game, Panzer Command: Operation Winter Storm, which has just arrived in retail stores this week.
Based on the latest v1.13 release of Panzer Command: Operation Winter Storm, the demo includes a tutorial scenario and a 22 page tutorial guide to introduce players to the Panzer Command system. In addition, a fully playable version of the first scenario in the German campaign is included. This is the first full-featured commercial demo for Panzer Command: Operation Winter Storm, which has just been released, look for it at your local retail store!
Panzer Command: Operation Winter Storm is a 3D simultaneous turn based strategy game where you command either the Soviet or German forces during the desperate attempt to reach the encircled German 6th Army at Stalingrad. Each side has detailed 3D units of the historical vehicles and squads, from Panzer IIIs and T-34s to PanzerGrenadiers, Artillery and Air Strikes. Two campaigns (one German, one Soviet) tie the scenarios together, allowing core units to progress from battle to battle, gaining experience, medals and special abilities. A point system allows players to “purchase” additional units for each mission in the campaign as well as replace losses, forcing decisions on management of resources.
Panzer Command: Operation Winter Storm is also the first 3D tactical WWII game where the unit and weapon data as well as the unit art is stored in easily accessible open formats to enable mod support and customized scenarios and campaigns post-release.
Download: http://www.matrixgames.com/.
Rising Star Games Confirms Rainbows For PSP
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Rising Star Games has shed light on its 2007 PSP line up by announcing that another Taito classic is bound for Sony’s handheld.
Rainbow Islands Evolution will be the third title in Rising Star’s Evolution series, which includes updates to Space Invaders and Bubble Bobble. Due to be launched in Q1 2007, Rainbow Islands Evolution will follow the Evolution philosophy of creating innovative, original extrapolations of classic game designs whilst harnessing the 3D power of the PSP.
Martin Defries, COO, Rising Star Games says: “Rainbow Islands Evolution is the first PSP title we’ve confirmed for release early next year. 2007 is going to be a busy 12 months for Rising Star and in the coming weeks we’ll show how varied our product-packed schedule really is. I doubt there’s another publisher of our size that can match the kind of catalogue we’ve put together”.
More details are expected to be announced shortly.
Dead Rising review for Xbox 360 ONLINE
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Reviewer Josh has made a review of Capcom's latest Zombie offering for the Xbox 360, "Dead Rising".
Killing hundreds of zombies on-screen with an insane amount of weapons .. can it be fun?
Find out in our review of "Dead Rising" for Xbox 360 right here.
SEGA Genesis Collections ships to North America
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SEGA GENESIS COLLECTION FOR THE PSP SYSTEM SHIPS TO SEGA® of America, Inc. today announced that it has shipped SEGA® Genesis® Collection for the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system to North American retailers.
SEGA Genesis Collection is the most comprehensive gathering of classic SEGA products ever assembled, with over 30 titles in one compilation. Rated ‘T' for "Teen" by the Entertainment Software Rating Board, SEGA Genesis Collection will retail at $29.95.
Developed by Backbone Entertainment, SEGA Genesis Collection features Altered Beast™, Sonic The Hedgehog™, Shinobi III™, Phantasy Star™, and the original SEGA Genesis® version of Golden Axe™. The games in the collection have been reproduced with the utmost detail and accuracy. SEGA Genesis Collection for the PSP system also marks the handheld debut of many of the titles and numerous titles in the collection will also be playable via wireless Ad Hoc modes, adding to an unrivalled portable gaming experience.
SEGA Genesis Collection features unlockable items that delve into the soul of the SEGA Genesis, including interviews with the developers that created the original titles, a museum area with interesting facts about the games, a hint area to help players complete their favorite SEGA Genesis games, and SEGA arcade titles from the Genesis era to unlock.
New Shot Of The Week
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Today we bring you a new "SOTW" and it's a brandnew screenshot of Codemasters upcoming "next-gen" rally game, of course "Colin McRae: DIRT".
The game is sheduled for a "2007" release on PC, Xbox 360 and PS3.
You can find the SOTW on every right side page on the site, right under "Latest Demos".
SEGA ships Sonic Riders for PC
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SEGA® of America Inc. and SEGA® Europe Ltd. today announced Sonic Riders™ has begun shipping for the PC. Sonic Riders takes gamers on an electrifying ride on air boards at break-neck speeds through a wide variety of tracks.
In Sonic Riders, players race on air boards through over 13 amazingly detailed and challenging courses in either single player or 2-player multiplayer mode. The innovatively designed tracks are filled with objects such as jump ramps for high flying acrobatic tricks and long rails for grinding action. Riders will also ride "Turbulence" – waves generated from other riders – to boost their own speed. "Turbulence" can also be used as a moving half-pipe so riders can perform aerial tricks while racing past fellow competitors.
Developed by Sonic Team, Sonic Riders for the PC is rated "E" for ‘Everyone' by the Entertainment Software Review Board, and is available at retailers nationwide for an MSRP of $19.95.
Defender available on Xbox Live Arcade
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Defender”, the classic coin-op space-shooter from Midway. “Defender” will be available for download on Xbox Live Arcade for Xbox 360 today.
It’s the future, and the galaxy has been invaded by hostile alien forces. Attacking in countless swarms, the aliens decimate all planets they encounter. Those who survive the initial invasions are harvested to serve the alien invaders. Mankind's only hope lies in the “Defender.” Blast away at alien ships while ensuring the safety of all abducted humans by safely depositing them on the planet’s surface.
The Xbox Live Arcade game includes two versions of Defender. For arcade purists, the classic game remains in its original, untouched form and a graphically enhanced version of the game is also available in the download package.
“Defender” is available worldwide for 400 Microsoft Points.
GAME FEATURES:
- Classic and enhanced modes - Choose between playing this arcade classic in its original form or with a visual facelift.
- Multiplayer mayhem – Gamers pit their skills against rivals or team up with friends.
- Local 2-player versus mode – Each player takes turns to play and compete.
- Xbox Live 2-player versus mode – Gamers play their own game, but compete against a friend and are updated on the progress of the other player.
- 2 player co-operative mode (local and Xbox Live) - Both players control their own game and work together for a combined score.
- Full Xbox Live leaderboards - Single-Player, Versus, Co-op, and Weekly
- 12 Achievements worth a total of 200 Gamerscore points
Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine is NO MORE !
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Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) and Ziff Davis Game Group announced today the companies have mutually agreed to discontinue production on the Official U.S. PlayStation® Magazine (OPM) in North America. The final issue will be dated January 2007. OPM is a publication officially licensed by SCEA.
"A key element of the OPM magazine was the playable PlayStation disc packed in with every magazine. With the launch of the PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system and its full network and Web capabilities, we are focused on delivering content via the PlayStation Network and PlayStation.com website, not discs,” said Peter Dille, Senior Vice President of Marketing, SCEA. “While we have enjoyed a very good run with the printed version of Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine, we feel it is important to shift assets online to meet the needs of today’s PlayStation consumer. This is a natural evolution of our content delivery strategy.”
Entertainment content, such as high definition downloadable game trailers and demos previously found only on the DVD disc packed in with each OPM issue, will now be available to everyone on the PlayStation.com site and on the PlayStation Network, accessible only through the PS3. SCEA will continue to work closely with the editorial staff at Ziff Davis, as well as other partners, in the development of content for the PlayStation Network and on news coverage, previews, reviews, game developer profiles and in-depth executive interviews for all Ziff Davis properties.
Sony America unveils re-designed Playstation.com website
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Sony Computer Entertainment America unveiled today its newly revamped website, http://www.us.playstation.com.
Just in time for the November 17 launch of the PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system, the site will serve as the premiere consumer destination for information and content related to the entire PlayStation family: PLAYSTATION 3, PlayStation®2, and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) entertainment systems and all PlayStation software titles.
“The re-designed PlayStation.com site will better serve our customers’ needs in terms of content and accessibility,” said Peter Dille, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America. “The heavily visited site will be our calling card for introducing consumers to the PS3™, and will continue to be the premier destination for information on all experiences found only in our PlayStation portfolio of products.”
Architecture and Design:
The sleek, modern design and deep architecture of the new site are just two of the major changes that visitors will notice. The overall experience of the new PlayStation.com highlights the creativity and innovation that consumers have come to expect from the PlayStation brand. Drawing inspiration from the PLAYSTATON 3 system’s widescreen display, the site now supports a 1024x768 browser size and cinematic game imagery. Consumers can easily access each PlayStation system’s dedicated section, which reflects its respective brand identity in both design and information.
Multimedia Content:
The new PlayStation.com “Media and Downloads” area serves up more multimedia content than ever before. Consumers can access content typically found only on magazine pack-in discs, such as downloadable screens, game trailers, PlayStation TV spots and PSP game demos and system updates. PS3 game trailers will be available in four different versions of high definition, and will take advantage of the site’s widescreen cinematic design. With a flash video player present on thousands of site pages, game action can now be viewed throughout the site. New functionality and robust searching tools also allow users to refine requests without having to reload the webpage.
Multimedia will also play a much larger role when visitors are logged into their free PlayStation Underground account. Members can easily mark content as a “favorite” and revisit it in the new “My Media” section while logged into their account, applying filters to access content by type or platform.
Education:
Aiming to increase overall awareness of PlayStation products, the site will not only delight in terms of look and feel, but by providing easy access to information about the entire PlayStation family of products. Visitors will find informational videos, console feature descriptions, fact sheets, instructional content, and high resolution images, making PlayStation.com the preeminent online destination for consumers looking to make their next gaming purchase. Additionally, by providing console informational content in three categories: “About the Console,” “Using the Console,” and “Support for the Console,” consumers can access the level of information best suited for their needs.
Twenty Wii Launch games with 30 Virtual Console titles at launch
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Sound revolutionized movies, color reinvigorated television and now Wii™ transforms video games forever. History's most interactive home video game system launches Nov. 19 in the Americas with 20 new games that reinvent and reshape the gaming experience. Wii Sports™, a collection of five sports games, comes with the system. A total of 33 new Wii games will be available before the end of the year, along with downloadable access to another 30 Virtual Console™ classics.
Pop-culture authorities already are singling out Wii as a "must-have" gift of the holiday shopping season, and Nintendo is mobilizing to meet the huge demand. At an MSRP of just $249.99, it's priced affordably, and its focus on fun brings gaming to the masses.
"The most important advance for video games in the last 10 years was the introduction of Super Mario 64, which ushered in the era of true 3-D gaming," says Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime. "Wii will have the same effect on how players connect to their games, and it is made for everyone. Simply said, games have never felt like this before."
Wii makes use of a remarkable motion-sensitive controller called the Wii Remote™, which resembles a TV remote control. It's designed to be more inviting and comfortable for non-gamers to use, unlike button-heavy controllers. It contains a speaker, which makes the experience all the more real. The Wii Remote can be swung like a racket in a tennis game or like a sword in an adventure game. One launch-day game, EXCITE TRUCK™, will have players using the Wii Remote like a steering wheel. The Wii package comes with a Wii Remote, a Nunchuk™ controller, an AC adapter, a sensor bar, a Wii AV (standard composite) cable and Wii Sports™, a collection of five sports games players can understand how to play instantly, even if they've never played a video game.
For longtime gamers, The Legend of Zelda®: Twilight Princess delivers an unprecedented experience. It's the first time a new game from this storied Nintendo franchise has been available on launch day.
Third-party publishers have announced strong support for Wii on launch day and beyond. The upcoming torrent of games represents a diverse lineup, with all the classic genres – and more than a few new ones – represented. In addition to the three Nintendo titles, the 17 third-party games available on Nov. 19 include Call of Duty® 3, Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam™ and Marvel™ Ultimate Alliance from Activision; Dragon Ball Z®: Budokai Tenkaichi™ 2 from Atari; Trauma Center™: Second Opinion from Atlus; Madden NFL '07 from Electronic Arts; Rampage®: Total Destruction™, Happy Feet™ and The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy™ from Midway; Avatar: The Last Airbender, Cars and SpongeBob SquarePants™: The Creature from the Krusty Krab from THQ; Super Monkey Ball™: Banana Blitz from Sega; and GT Pro Series, Monster 4X4 World Circuit, Rayman Raving Rabbids™ and Red Steel™ from Ubisoft.
Additional Wii games available during the five weeks after launch include Rapala® Tournament Fishing and World Series of Poker®: Tournament of Champions from Activision; Chicken Little: Ace in Action from Buena Vista Games; Need for Speed™: Carbon from Electronic Arts; Elebits™ from Konami; The Ant Bully from Midway; Metal Slug™ Anthology from SNK; Super Swing Golf from Tecmo; Barnyard® from THQ; Far Cry®: Vengeance, Open Season™ and Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Double Agent™ from Ubisoft; and Ice Age 2™: The Meltdown from Vivendi.
The main Wii Menu interface contains a variety of interactive and informational channels that serve as a convenient gateway to entertainment and information. They appeal to a broad range of consumers and enhance game play. Users can come here to create a Mii™ caricature of themselves to use in games, to download classic games from the Wii Shop Channel or to develop a photo slide show.
Nintendo is shipping 4 million Wii systems globally through the end of 2006. While shipments will be sent to retailers continuously, Nintendo cautions shoppers to act early because demand is so high. As previously announced, Wii contains built-in parental controls that let adults set the system to play only games of a certain rating and lock their selection with a PIN code. More information about the new Wii system can be found at Wii.com.
"Gears of War" Is Set To Emerge
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Hailed as the most-anticipated video game launch of 2006 and punctuated by incredible demand from gamers, ‘Gears of War’ hits European retail outlets from Friday 17th November.
Microsoft Corp. forecasts that ‘Gears of War,’ an exclusive title for the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system, is expected to sell more than 1 million copies worldwide this Christmas, setting a new mark for the fastest-selling original game for Xbox 360™. Starting from tomorrow, gamers can run for cover and crush the enemy on their own, or take the season’s hottest action title online via Xbox Live®, the world’s largest online gaming and entertainment network, which boasts 4 million members.
‘Gears of War,’ developed by Epic Games Inc. and published by Microsoft Game Studios, made its debut to great fanfare at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in 2005 and has captured the imagination of industry watchers and fans ever since. The intense, genre-defining game thrusts players into humankind’s epic battle for survival against a nightmarish race of creatures known as the Locust Horde. With its combination of cinematic, visceral gameplay, dramatic storytelling and intense action, and with single-player and multiplayer online play via Xbox Live, ‘Gears of War’ is a seminal title for Xbox 360, providing one of the best next-generation interactive entertainment experiences.
“‘Gears of War’ is a title we know will deliver on all of its promise, and we expect the game to reach 1 million copies faster than any new titles for Xbox,” said Chris Lewis, Regional VP Entertainment & Devices Division (E&D) EMEA. “This Christmas is an extremely important one for the entire industry, and Xbox 360 will offer the world unparalleled experiences available only on this console. We’ve put an enormous emphasis on bringing new and exciting titles to market, and ‘Gears of War’ is a key example of Microsoft’s commitment to developing original and immersive titles for gamers everywhere.”
‘Gears of War’ has received several highly coveted awards, including the Game Critics Awards’ Best Console Game and Best Action Game of E3 2006, and has already garnered praise in early reviews, earning a 9 out of 10 score from Official Xbox Magazine in the UK.
“The reception that ‘Gears of War’ has received has been tremendous,” said Cliff Bleszinski, lead designer for ‘Gears of War’ at Epic Games. “Designing ‘Gears of War’ has been a labour of love, and we’ve poured everything we have into the title. We expect this game to be huge, and it’s exhilarating to see that people are as excited about ‘Gears of War’ as we are.”
‘Gears of War’ from Epic Games and Microsoft Game Studios is a third-person tactical action/horror game available exclusively on Xbox 360. Available from Friday 17th November for an estimated retail price of £49.99 for a special Limited Collector’s Edition, which will include a collectible embossed metal box, the ‘Destroyed Beauty’ hardbound art book, and a bonus DVD that features the making of ‘Gears of War,’ the ‘Art of Gears of War’ trailer, and the MTV programme ‘Gears of War: The Race to E3.’
Superman: The Return demo available on Xbox Live Marketplace
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In case you didn't noticed it, EA has released a playable (but short) demo of their upcoming "Superman: The Return" game.
It's pretty decent, especially the 3 different Superman Powers. Graphically its pretty good and flying at a fast speed is nicely done.
So head over to Xbox Live's Marketplace and start downloading that demo of "Superman: The Return" now.
Final Fantasy III ships to DS retailers
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Square Enix announced today that FINAL FANTASY® III, developed exclusively for the Nintendo DS™, has shipped to retailers across North America.
Released only in Japan for the Famicom (known as the Nintendo Entertainment System® in America) in 1990, FINAL FANTASY III was the first entry in the world-renowned franchise to sell over a million units. Now, North American users can experience the untold legend for the first time.
“Until now, FINAL FANTASY III has seen no remakes or appearances on other platforms since its original release on the Nintendo Entertainment System in April 1990,” said Hiromichi Tanaka, Director and Executive Producer for FINAL FANTASY III. “Due to the game’s age, a direct port might seem a bit dated, but now FINAL FANTASY III has been made anew on the sensational Nintendo DS platform, including new graphics in 3D, rebalanced jobs, and brand-new characterization for the four young heroes, who are now more dynamic than ever. As the only game in the FINAL FANTASY series that had not previously been localized, we are very pleased to finally bring FINAL FANTASY III across the ocean to players in North America. We hope that not only FINAL FANTASY fans, but a wide variety of players in North America enjoy the new FINAL FANTASY III.”
FINAL FANTASY III takes players into the next generation of handheld RPGs by delivering an experience that takes full advantage of the Nintendo DS hardware. With an innovative interface that utilizes the DS touch screen along with the advanced Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection capabilities, FINAL FANTASY III presents an entirely new take on the only FINAL FANTASY never localized for North America. Users can also experience the title that introduced the popular moogles, summons, and the dynamic job system, which have become some of the most recognized elements of FINAL FANTASY, and experience them on the road, in the outdoors or in the comfort of their living rooms.
Story
Protected by the crystals of light, the once peaceful land has forever been changed by the great tremor. Without warning, the earthquake pulled the crystals into the earth, upsetting the world’s fragile balance. It seems as if all hope is lost—but as the Gulgan prophecy foretold, four souls blessed with the light shall once again restore balance to the world…
Near the small village of Ur, fate guides Luneth to a sentient crystal that changes his life forever. As the light of the crystal fades, Luneth embarks on a journey to seek three others who share his destiny to search for the remaining crystals, and fight the battle of light and darkness…
War on Folvos, strategy, turn based for PC
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Lonely Troops is proud to announce a new computer game experience, War on Folvos - a strategy turn-based ride set amidst the turbulent takeover of a near-defenceless desert planet.
"As the mighty Vasgalans prepare to finalise their assimilation of Folvos into their ever-expanding Empire, there is trouble brewing on the planet's surface. Different factions vie for control. A Rebel army is rising, and a wanted man flees into the barren landscape, hotly pursued by a relentless Colonel..."
Players can take control of the principal factions on each side of the conflict as they duel it out across Folvos' landscape: both the Vasgalan Empire and the Rebel Army. Each of the two campaigns contains nine scenarios which will take the player through this bitter conflict.
Despite being turn-based, the game itself is swift, fast-paced and action-packed. Simple rules, intuitive controls and a highly-developed turn-based system guarantees a high level of tactical options and high levels of playability whether you are beginner or seasoned veteran. In addition, the game contains a short tutorial campaign which immediately brings you up to speed with the game's mechanics. But remember: becoming the one true Commander is a long and challenging path. You will need to master large battlefields with many different units on each side in order to emerge victorious.
Expect exceptional visual and sound quality, all in detailed 3D with numerous visual effects; each unit has its own animations and realistic sound effects so you can see precisely what is happening on the battleground at any time, all set to a stirring musical score. For more details, visit http://www.lonelytroops.com/wof/.
Pricing and Availability
War on Folvos is now available under Windows 2000/XP and costs $19.95(USD). The registered version of the game features unlocked all campaigns and scenarios, free game updates and technical support.
The trial version of War on Folvos contains four scenarios from the full version. It can be downloaded from http://lonelytroops.fileburst.com/downloads/wof_setup.exe.
Xploder's PS3 Movie Player and Media Manager
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Fire International releases the World's first PS3 media management software to coincide with North American launch on 17th November 2006.
Convert, manage and transfer your digital media collection on both PS3 and PSP.
‘It’s like iTunes for PS3’ - comprehensive media management solution featuring an all-new user interface for PS3 AND PSP.
MOVIES - PC and DVD movies (with HD media support for PS3).
Convert movie files into AVC (.MP4) for playback on PS3 & PSP; including High Definition digital movies (PS3), non copy-protected DVDs, Xvid, DivX, MPEG 1&2, and AVI formats. Multiple video output selection allows optimum settings for both PSP and PS3, with PSP files automatically renamed in line with the PSP file format structure.
MUSIC - CDs, iTunes and digital music files.
Transfer music from your existing iTunes database. Convert your CDs to MP3 with auto completion of artist, track and album details via the online database. Attach album artwork to your MP3 music files. Simply drag-and-drop MP3, AAC and WMA files to your memory card or USB device for playback on PS3 and PSP.
IMAGES - Photos and digital images.
Manage your photo and image gallery for viewing on PS3 and PSP. Preview thumbnail images from within the Xploder software and simply copy them across to your portable memory device for viewing on the PS3 or PSP.
GAMESAVES - Access, download and manage the latest gamesaves for PS3 and PSP from the Xploder database. The in-application RSS feed sends alerts as new gamesaves become available for download to keep you ahead of the game.
Maximise your investment! - Xploder Movie Player and Media Manager is the perfect accessory to ensure that you get the most from your PS3 from DAY ONE!
Jason Cooper, Fire International, comments “As an official MPEG 4 Patent Licence holder, we’re delighted to be first to market with such an advanced media management solution. It’s a great credit to our team that it is available on day one of the North American release of PlayStation 3.”
Available from major retailers from December 1st and to download from November 17th from www.xploder.net
Titan Quest: Immortal Throne in development
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THQ today announced that Titan Quest: Immortal Throne, the first expansion to the critically acclaimed Titan Quest, is currently in development and is scheduled to release worldwide in early 2007.
Titan Quest: Immortal Throne expands on the popular original property, transporting the epic story from the swamps of the Mediterranean to the depths of Hades.
“The summer release of Titan Quest marked a strong global success for THQ on both a critical and commercial level,” said Bob Aniello, senior vice president of worldwide marketing, THQ. “Titan Quest: Immortal Throne will provide the large existing fan base with exciting new content.”
"We’re excited to continue working with THQ to provide fans with the fast-paced, story-driven gameplay that made Titan Quest a global success," said Brian Sullivan, president and lead designer, Iron Lore Entertainment. "With eight new character classes, an entirely new epic underworld to explore, and dozens of other new features, the expansion takes the game’s character development and player immersion to the next level.”
About Titan Quest: Immortal Throne
Developed by Iron Lore Entertainment, Titan Quest: Immortal Throne features a rich, original storyline with more than 12 hours of single-player content per difficulty level. New gameplay features include an all-new skill mastery that combines with existing masteries to form eight new playable character classes. Immortal Throne also adds dozens of terrifying new monsters, hundreds of unique weapons and an additional 10 levels of character and skill development.
Activision's PS3 & Wii Games ship to retail in NA
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Activision today announced that the company's key launch games for the PLAYSTATION 3 and Wii have shipped and are now available at retail locations in North America.
The robust launch lineup features some of the world's most popular game franchises, including Tony Hawk's Project 8TM, Call of Duty® 3 and MarvelTM: Ultimate Alliance for the PLAYSTATION 3 and Tony Hawk's Downhill JamTM, Call of Duty 3 and Marvel: Ultimate Alliance for the Wii.
Additionally, Rapala® Tournament Fishing and World Series of Poker®: Tournament of Champions for the Wii will ship on November 22, 2006. These titles anchor Activision's holiday offerings, which includes games for both the next- and current-generation consoles and handheld platforms.
Activision's Game Lineup:
The follow-up to the #1 next-generation game, Call of Duty 3 delivers the intensity of being closer than ever to the fury of combat during the Normandy Breakout, the historic campaign that led to the liberation of Paris. The game offers action-packed online multiplayer gameplay for up to 24 players. The game will be released on PLAYSTATION 3, Wii and the Xbox 360TM video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, as well as the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system and Xbox video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.
An all-new action/RPG, Marvel: Ultimate Alliance lets players control the world's largest army of Super HeroesTM in an epic quest that will determine the fate of Earth and the Marvel universe. The game will be released on the PLAYSTATION 3, Wii and Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, as well as PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, Xbox video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PC, PlayStation Portable Entertainment Platform and Game Boy® AdvanceTM.
Built from the ground up for the next-gen consoles, Tony Hawk's Project 8 delivers the most authentic skateboarding experience ever and will be available for the PLAYSTATION 3 and the Xbox 360TM video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, as well as PlayStation® 2 computer entertainment system, Xbox® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PlayStation Portable Entertainment Platform.
A new brand extension designed exclusively for the Wii and Nintendo DSTM, Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam lets players experience the breakneck speed of downhill skateboard racing as they tear up steep terrain while performing tricks and outmaneuvering opponents.
Coming out on the Wii platform, Rapala Tournament Fishing lets players embark on all new angling adventures in 16 of the world's most desirable fishing locales utilizing authentic gear from Rapala, the world's largest manufacturer of fishing lures and #1 fishing brand in the world.
Building on last year's #1 poker title and the #1 brand in poker, World Series of Poker®: Tournament of Champions for the Wii puts players on the Pro Circuit as a new pro and protege of Chris "Jesus" Ferguson.
2K to Bring Sid Meier's Pirates! to the PSP
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2K, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc., and its world renowned video game developer Firaxis Games, today announced Sid Meier’s Pirates! for the PSP.
In Sid Meier's Pirates!, a strategy/adventure game, players take the role of a Pirate Captain in the 17th century Caribbean – amassing fortune and fame in an attempt to seize a rightful place as one of the most revered and feared pirates in history. Players test their skills as a sea captain exploring the high seas and dueling in land and sea battles in a richly detailed 3D world. Additional features for the PSP system include wireless Ad-Hoc multiplayer for up to four players, widescreen graphics, new treasure hunts and more.
“Sid Meier’s Pirates! is already a proven success,” said Christoph Hartmann, President of 2K. “The universal appeal and compelling gameplay in Pirates! makes it a perfect match for the PSP system.”
"We love the new possibilities from handheld systems like the PSP system," added Sid Meier, Director of Creative Development at Firaxis Games. "Pirates! for the PSP system allows players to shape the heroic life of a pirate while embracing the pirate’s way of life – always on the go!”
Rated PEGI 12+, Sid Meier’s Pirates! for the PSP system is expected to be in stores on 23rd February 2007.
Everquest II: Echoes of Faydwer ships to retail
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Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE), a global leader in the online games industry and Koch Media announced that EverQuest® II Echoes of Faydwer™ is shipping to retail stores in UK.
The retail version of the game is available for a suggested retail price of 24.99 , and includes the base EverQuest II game, the Echoes of Faydwer expansion, and the two previously released expansions, Desert of Flames™ and Kingdom of Sky™.
"Our goal with Echoes of Faydwer is to solidly deliver on the best parts of the classic EverQuest feel, while adding plenty of new and exciting places to the world," said Scott Hartsman, senior producer of EverQuest II. "With its rich, vibrant environments, amazing sounds and music, brand new race to play, and the largest collection of places to adventure, Faydwer is shaping up to be a fantastic experience for all EQ2 players, new and old alike."
This new EverQuest II expansion is the first to provide content for all players, from level 1 to level 70. Echoes of Faydwer introduces a new playable race, The Fae. This winged, fairy-like race lives in the arboreal city of Kelethin, the new starting location for the Fae, as well as Dwarves, Gnomes, Half Elves, High Elves and Wood Elves. Kelethin is one of many new zones players will explore, all of them based on zones from the original EverQuest, until now separated by 500 years of conflict and cataclysm. Players can also quest through other popular zones from EverQuest, such as Butcherblock Mountains, Castle Mistmoore, Crushbone Keep and Steamfont Mountains.
A new Deity system also awaits players in Echoes of Faydwer. Adventurers can choose to worship one of eight gods from the original EverQuest, opening up a new line of quests for new loot, items and even more powerful spells. Cloaks, a highly requested item from the player community, have also been added to this new expansion, for solo players as well as customizable cloaks for guilds. Echoes of Faydwer includes over 350 new quests, armor, and new horse mounts available to players of all levels.
Players will encounter over 40 new types of creatures, more than 20 new zones and adventure areas, obtain all-new items, equipment, spells and tradeskill recipes and will be able to compete against other players for new PvP (Player vs. Player) rewards for PvP-enabled servers. The Achievement system introduced in the Kingdom of Sky expansion has been enhanced to include additional sub-class abilities, allowing players to further customize their characters’ abilities.
Halo 3 public beta and Halo 2 maps exclusively for Xbox Live on Xbox 360
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For the fifth anniversary of the release of the landmark Xbox® video game “Halo®,” Microsoft Game Studios and Bungie Studios today announced an exclusive hands-on experience with “Halo 3,” one of the industry’s most anticipated sequels.
The Xbox Live® multiplayer public beta, which is a pre-release version of the multiplayer experience of “Halo 3,” is scheduled for availability in spring 2007 exclusively on the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system.
In addition, Microsoft Game Studios and Bungie confirmed today that consumers will be able to experience the “Halo” universe this holiday season through a one-time airing of a stirring, 60-second “Halo 3” teaser ad.
Finally, it was announced that new, premium downloadable content for “Halo 2,” exclusive to Xbox 360, is scheduled for release in spring 2007.
Expanding on everything that has made the “Halo” franchise so widely recognized, the final version of “Halo 3” will provide a wealth of technical and gameplay advancements, available only through Xbox 360, the leading next-generation video game entertainment system.
Via the Xbox Live multiplayer public beta, a first of its kind for the “Halo” franchise, gamers will be able to play online via Microsoft’s premier online entertainment network and participate in a pre-release version of the multiplayer experience of “Halo 3.” This beta also represents an opportunity for gamers worldwide to participate in the development of “Halo 3.” Through the resulting feedback, Bungie Studios will be able to further refine and hone the end result of “Halo 3.”
Unveiled earlier this year at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles, “Halo 3” represents the third chapter in the “Halo” trilogy, an international award-winning action series that grew into a global entertainment phenomenon.
On 4th December , the special 60-second “Halo 3” advertising spot will be broadcast in North America and for the first time ever, gamers here in Europe will be able to view the ad simultaneously via Xbox.com. The ad, created by advertising agency McCann Erickson, will provide viewers with a unique and compelling look at Master Chief and the world of “Halo 3.” It is easily one of the most anticipated ads of the year and promises to be the biggest event in appointment advertising this year. It underscores the innovative approach and driving influence the “Halo” franchise has commanded. The ad will also be available for download exclusively for Xbox 360 users via Xbox Live Marketplace.
In addition, gamers who have jumped in to Xbox 360 will be
able to join legions of Xbox fans next spring in all-new multiplayer maps for “Halo 2” available for download through Xbox Live Marketplace. The exclusive “Halo 2” content will bring new experiences and excitement to the seminal sequel that made entertainment retail history in its first 24 hours.
“Since its original release, ‘Halo 2’ has redefined online play, delivering superior multiplayer capabilities in addition to an incredible social experience, and nurturing a constantly growing community through Xbox Live,” said Shane Kim, corporate vice president of Microsoft Game Studios. “After five years of rabid fan interest in the ‘Halo’ franchise and with more than 4 million users and counting on Xbox Live worldwide, this is the perfect time to invite fans to join the global ‘Halo’ phenomenon.”
Future version of Wii will include DVD Support !
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Sonic Solutions; the leader in digital media software, today announced that Nintendo, the worldwide innovator in the creation of interactive entertainment, has chosen Sonic CinePlayer CE DVD Navigator to bring high-quality DVD movie viewing to a future version of the company's Wii gaming console.
Nintendo plans to release this version of Wii in the latter half of 2007.
Based on the same technology trusted by Hollywood studios, CinePlayer CE DVD Navigator is a robust, software-based DVD playback engine that delivers broad playback compatibility on a variety of platforms. The proven technology offers exceptional picture quality and supports all standard video and audio formats offered in the DVD specification, as well as advanced functions such as anamorphic widescreen video, motion menus, and multiple video angles.
"To be involved in Nintendo's ground-breaking gaming console is extremely gratifying and a testament to the efficiency, flexibility and dependability of Sonic's technology," said Jim Taylor, senior vice president and general manager of Sonic's Advanced Technology Group. "Game consoles represent a fresh market and platform where we can introduce a new audience of potentially millions to the quality of our brand and the power of our digital media applications."
Created by Sonic's Advanced Technology Group, CinePlayer CE DVD Navigator is part of the company's growing portfolio of technologies that are being licensed to enable CD and DVD playback, as well as DVD recording and authoring. Sonic's technologies are licensed by leading technology companies such as Adobe, Microsoft, and Scientific Atlanta and used to enable digital media experiences in a wide variety of markets including consumer electronics, PCs, kiosks, automotive entertainment systems, and music download services. In addition to standard-DVD, Sonic recently introduced comprehensive support for emerging high-definition formats, Blu-Ray Disc (BD) and HD DVD.
Football Manager 2007 for Xbox 360 and PSP go GOLD
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SEGA Europe, Ltd. today announced that both console versions of the latest edition of the highly acclaimed sports management title, Football Manager, have gone gold. Football Manager 2007 for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Football Manager Handheld 2007 for PSP system are both ready for release across Europe on December 1st, 2006.
Football Manager Handheld™ 2007 sees many new features added making it easier to use, navigate and control. Taking a huge step forward with the inclusion of such features as international management and multiple scouts, there are now many new leagues from across the world to choose from including Portugal and Australian leagues. Network play has also been included in Football Manager™ Handheld 2007 and players can now play friendly matches against their friends or compete with strangers via wifi.
The Xbox 360™ version of Football Manager ™ 2007 makes a dash forward from the previous Xbox 360™ version with new features including Xbox Live™ Vision camera support, and Xbox Live™ “Fantasy Draft” mode. There are 50 achievements that will challenge both new and old players of the series and most importantly, an easier to use control system making the overall game much easier to play. “Fantasy Draft” is an engrossing new feature where up to eight players compete in a round-robin, picking players from the vast Sports Interactive database to build their fantasy squad from, before embarking on either a cup competition or league via Xbox Live™. In addition to these exclusive new features, Football Manager™ 2007 on Xbox 360™ includes all the key new features fr