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Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Online Golf Simulation game Shot-Online New graduation system

shot online video game
Gamescampus.com, announce the launch of the much anticipated new graduation system for its popular MMO golf simulation game Shot-Online. Beginning today, players can participate in the all-new system which allows players to reach up to level 120 and become a Master Pro.

Graduates will earn a host of benefits including graduation memorial clothes, new titles, graduate-only tournaments and much more. The game can be downloaded and played for free at http://shotonline.gamescampus.com/index.asp.

To qualify for this exciting new level of competition, players must be Level 100, have a Tour Pro title and complete the qualification test where they must play four courses with a specific score. They will then play against a selected non-playable-character (NPC) and then go to NPC Anthony Bestra and he will certify the player's qualification.
Once certified, players will go to NPC Harold; tie or score better than Harold and then become a graduate of Shot-Online.

The benefits of being a graduate include graduation memorial clothes that only graduates can wear, new titles of "Senior" for level 101 and "Master Pro" for level 102 or above, graduate classmates (this group will now show up on a player's friends list), graduate-only courses, tournaments, class tournaments and so much more. Another key feature of the graduation system is the "Master Pro and Student Relationship" where Master Pros (level 102 or above) can take a player under their guidance as his or her student. By forming the Master Pro/Student relationship, players, both the Master Pros and the Students, will receive more EXP and key items such as "Magic Cubes". For more information on these new features please visit http://shotonline.gamescampus.com/event/graduationsystem.asp

"We're excited to bring this level of competition to Shot-Online," said Tony Liu, producer of Shot-Online. "We think that players will find the new graduation system not only challenging, but also highly rewarding."

About Shot-Online
Shot-Online, developed by Gamescampus.com, is a hybrid massively multiplayer online game. This golf simulation game incorporates elements of traditional role-playing and is enhanced by proprietary physics software. This software allows for real-world golf ball behavior based on environmental factors. Detailed 3-D graphics and realistic animation enhance the user-experience as players help their characters grow in skill and capability. Team and solo competitions allow players a chance to win game currency with which users can purchase skill-enhancing items.

Banjo Kazooie - Nuts and Bolts - Lord of Games' Lost Challenges download on Xbox Live April 7th

Banjo-Kazooie Nuts and Bolts
A new download for Xbox 360 video game Banjo Kazooie - Nuts and Bolts titled Lord of Games' Lost challenges will be available for download from Xbox Live on April 7th.

The download update will include a new Klungo's Arcade Game, when you complete 12 new challenges and seven new multi-player games! You can achieve a total of 250 points. The update will be available for 400 Microsoft Points.

More on Nuts and Bolts on Gamezplay.org here...

Special Charachter screenshots trailer...


Game trailer...


Polish up that toolkit and prepare to dive back into the vivid world of “Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts,” where invigorating new challenges await with the Lord of Games’ (L.O.G) Lost Challenges Game Add-On pack! Worried that Banjo and Kazooie may be falling back into their lazy ways, L.O.G has created a fresh series of tests and seven additional multiplayer modes for players to continue building their own distinctive vehicle creations. Although Spiral Mountain has been rightfully won, L.O.G. has an enticing reward for completing his new challenges: another version of Klungo’s Arcade game.

Additionally, L.O.G.’s Lost Challenges will include the blueprints from seven lucky Xbox fans from the United States, Canada and Japan whose winning creations were selected by RARE from the recent “Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts” fan vehicle design contest. The winning contraptions can be unlocked by Banjo fans upon completion of the Stop ‘N’ Swop feature within “Banjo-Tooie” on Xbox LIVE Arcade later this spring. These incredible machines ranging from a beetle to a carousel and a robot prove that “Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts” is a game where the only limits to your adventure is your imagination.

L.O.G.’s Lost Challenges offers players the ability to earn up to 250 achievement points as they immerse themselves into 12 new challenges and 7 new multiplayer games. Releasing on April 7th, it will be available on Xbox LIVE Marketplace for 400 Microsoft points.

EverQuest II’s Elements of Corruption video game update - with videos

EverQuest II’s game update “Elements of Corruption” features conflicts rising between old enemies as the island of Lavastorm is invaded by Void creatures. Players will be treated to multiple feature updates and changes to Lavastorm itself.



This update also brings new solo content, robe appearance, and weapon slots, along with new sets of armor that will be available for purchase, featuring new stats and appearances.



“Elements of Corruption” Features:
• Lavastorm Revamp: Lavastorm has undergone a huge make-over. The beach areas at the entrance have been extended as the Void creatures encroach on Najena's territory. In her efforts to fight back, it appears that Najena decked out the Lavastorm elementals with some eye-catching new armor! There are more than 20 new quests available for levels 45-55 and a whole new set of level 80 solo content.

• New Dungeons: Players will notice three new dungeons in this update. Groups of tradeskillers can provide emergency help to a stranded raid by building the escape portal in their own version of the Palace of the Ancient One. Up to twelve adventurers can enter Najena’s Ward of Elements in an attempt to save Najena from the agents of Munzok. Full raid groups will be asked to venture into Munzok’s Material Bastion and find ways to defeat Munzok the Corruptor himself.

• Guild Hall Trophies: Want to show off your guild’s awesome fighting skills? Now you can display a trophy mounted with the head of the raid mob you killed to display in your Guild Hall.


Have fun, stay healthy and get fit using Yoga for Nintendo Wii

wii fit yoga
DreamCatcher Games and JoWooD Productions, leading publishers of interactive entertainment software worldwide, are pleased to announce that Yoga for Nintendo Wii is under development and set to be released October 2009.

Fans of yoga and those interested in improving their overall fitness and well-being will be able to practice Yoga from the comfort of their own home.

Utilizing the Wii Balance Board™ and following step-by-step instructions from a variety of in game Yoga Gurus, players will be guided through a variety of popular Yoga exercises.

Players will be able to monitor their progress with a dynamic tracking system and set up a schedule to follow. The yoga guru, acting as your own personal trainer, will make suggestions to you based on your progress and computations taken from the Balance Board. The Wii Remote™ and Balance Board will be used for many poses to determine the player’s balance and any movements or shifts in weight by the player will be detected and recorded once the pose is complete.

Yoga for Wii has three play modes – Story Mode where players start the game as a beginner and finish as a yoga guru; Training Mode where players have the opportunity to learn new poses to add to their routines; and Routine Mode, a set of consecutive yoga poses either user-created or pre-created routines. There are mini-games to test the player’s knowledge of yoga and predetermined routines created to help alleviate common ailments. Yoga for Wii is beneficial to anyone wanting to try Yoga and discover its unique way of providing strength, flexibility and endurance training while at the same time creating a powerful connection between mind and body.

The expected ESRB rating is E for Everyone.

Sony register PS Cloud could it be for their PlayStation 4?

playstation 3
Sony have patented the 'PS Cloud' with the US Patent and Trademark Office, following the announcement of a number of new 'cloud gaming' services such as OnLive and Playcast Media at this year's Games Developers Conference.

The patent has lead to speculation that Sony Computer Entertainment may well be looking to 'cloud gaming' – where the processing power of a home console is replaced by that of a remote server outside of the gamer's home – as a strategic move forward for its PlayStation division.

The future of PlayStation?

Or, put in more straightforward terms, is PS Cloud the PlayStation 4? Is the 'next' PlayStation going to resemble a server-based system that allows gamers to play and save games to a user account via a range of devices such as their PlayStation 3, their PC or even their TV set-top box?

Sony filed the patent for 'PS Cloud' on 24 March, describing PS Cloud as a provider of "entertainment services, namely, providing an online videogame that users may access through the internet".

You can see further details on the filing here.

TechRadar spoke with a SCEE rep this morning who declined to comment on the story.

Source: TechRadar

Operation Flashpoint Dragon Rising Open World Warfare video game trailernew

From the initial deployment of a US Marine Corps fireteam through to the moment when a 155mm Howitzer strike blasts the landscape, Codemasters today revealed Operation Flashpoint : Dragon Rising in action with the release of the Open World Modern Warfare gameplay video.

Presenting tactical, immersive warfare on a scale never seen before in a shooter, the new video demonstrates how Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising takes gamers to the vast 220 km² island of Skira, a rigorously researched and meticulously recreated battlefield, located off the eastern coast of Russia and north of Japan.



The game authentically recreates conflict on a 360-degree theatre of war, allowing players to approach objectives on Skira from any direction. On this immense and realistic battlefield, where one bullet can kill, players face the fear and mortality felt by soldiers immersed in deadly modern warfare as they are challenged to survive the rapidly evolving situations of battle.

As the epic campaign unfold, players will fight as US Marines Infantry and Special Operations Forces fireteam leaders against the military might of a division from the Peoples Liberation Army of China, in an attempt to prevent a flashpoint engagement over oil erupting into a full blown international war. From intense fire fights through to paced tactical decision making, Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising recreates the brutal reality of the modern combat experience with serious attention to the detail of the weapons, equipment and tactics of the armed forces.

PlayStation 2 now officially $99 in US

playstation 2 $100That's right, looks like the PS2 is going to be available throughout the US for 99 dollars. 

John Koller, director of hardware marketing at Sony US just confirmed the news via PS Blog:

"Hi everyone, the last time you heard from me, I talked about the huge milestone that PlayStation 2 achieved - reaching 50 million units sold in North America. Today I'm excited to talk about another milestone in PlayStation 2's lifespan. For the first time ever, PlayStation 2 will be offered at a price point under $100 (that's $99.99 MSRP, to be exact), starting April 1!"

Encrypted Security Token Provides Additional Protection to FINAL FANTASY XI Players

final fantasy securityAnnouncing the upcoming launch of the Square Enix Account System and Square Enix Security Token to be implemented in Europe, Japan and North America on 7th April, 2009. 

Offering additional account safeguards to players of their flagship MMO, FINAL FANTASY XI, these new initiatives provide for a higher level of account security.

The new system will utilize the Square Enix Security Token, which will be available to purchase for €9.99 and £7.99 via the PlayOnline Viewer.

Creating a Square Enix Account is free and can be done by anyone via the official Square Enix website. With this new system in place beginning on 7th April, 2009, Square Enix Accounts will be compatible with FINAL FANTASY XI and PlayOnline, as well as future online services.

After registering a Square Enix Account and purchasing the Square Enix Security Token, players can then assign the token to their PlayOnline ID(s). The token generates a unique password every time it is activated, ensuring complete security. The implementation of these new features is an extension of Square Enix’s commitment to continuous service for our customers.

Additionally, players who purchase a security token will also receive the brand new in-game bonus, the “Moogle Satchel”. The Moogle Satchel provides additional inventory space and benefits all characters on the PlayOnline account(s). The space provided by the Moogle Satchel is equal to the character’s Gobbie Bag capacity and can also expand along with it. In order to utilise the bonus, it will be necessary for the customer’s PlayOnline ID to be linked to a Square Enix Account.

1 Square Enix Account
Registration Launch: - 7th April, 2009 (Tue)
Registration Location: - Square Enix website (*1)
Compatible Services (Initial): - FINAL FANTASY XI, PlayOnline.
*1 Initially players can register via the FINAL FANTASY XI official website.

2 Square Enix Security Token
Release Date: - 7th April, 2009 (Tue).
Price: - €9.99 and £7.99 (Includes tax and shipping).
Where to Purchase: - Available for purchase via the PlayOnline Viewer.
Bonus with Purchase: - The “Moogle Satchel” will be included as an in-game bonus for FINAL FANTASY XI players who purchase a security token (*1). The “Moogle Satchel” will provide up to 80 additional inventory slots and can be accessed anywhere regardless of if the player is in their Mog House or out adventuring in Vana’diel (*2).

*1 It is required for the PlayOnline ID to be linked to the Square Enix Account that has a security token associated.
*2 The space provided by the Moogle Satchel is equal to the character’s Gobbie Bag capacity.

Ys Online: The Call of Solum - 2nd Closed Beta Signup!

Ys Online The Call of Solum
  • You can now apply for a Closed Beta Key
  • New features available
  • Brand new Ys Online website
Starting now, you can register your interest in taking part in the Ys 2nd Closed Beta. The keys to test the game are limited and are restricted to the list of supported territories. Go to Ys Online website, choose your language and press the ‘Join the Beta’ button to apply.

The 2nd Closed Beta will be live on April. This new phase will include various new features, such as new class specializations and a raised level cap, up to level 40 instead of 30. Amongst some of the more important changes you'll find the activation of the PVP system and some new maps: 4 more instances and 3 instance dungeons.

While you wait to find out what new contents the 2nd Closed Beta will bring, Key To Play has launched a complete new website, available in 4 languages, with a brand new design.

Ys - Call Of Solum

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

Ys - Call of Solum arrives in Europe thanks to of Key To Play.
With Man of Wings’ ascent to the sky, chaos reigned in the continent of Eresia. The central region known as Europe was divided into two enemy realms: Romun, dominating the centre and south of the region and Etruria, in the north.
After one hundred years of constant battles all over the continent, several kingdoms fell, one after the other, against the fearful monsters emerging from the chaos. This way, 12 soldiers of different races, Eresians, Kimoans and Afrocans, joined Grey the hero, to defeat the monsters and establish a new empire under the name of Romun all over the continent.

Key To Play

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

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

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

Gardening Mama video game on Nintendo DS - 1st May 2009

gardening mamaHighly anticipated next chapter in the Mama Brand, Gardening Mama will launch on 1st May across Europe.

Developed by Cooking Mama Ltd, Gardening Mama will be available exclusively for Nintendo DS.

In Gardening Mama, players must dig soil, plant seeds and harvest crops to turn their simple plots into a garden paradise.

Strong performance unlocks rare plants, fruits and vegetables, as well as ornamental objects such as swings, benches, flower pots and garden gnomes for decoration. There are over 28 different plants to unlock and grow with a host of fun and accessible mini games and if that’s not enough there is even wireless multiplayer for up to 4 players.

Gardening Mama is from the same developer as the Cooking Mama series of games, the original of which has gone on to ship over one million copies and counting. The accessible and colourful nature of this quintessentially Japanese series has made the eponymous ‘Mama’ an instantly recognisable favourite amongst casual gamers and Japanophiles alike.

Baseball Superstars 2009 mobile phone game

baseball superstars 2009
“Baseball Superstars has become our trademark game over the years. This is the 2nd Baseball Superstars series we are launching on the Android Market, and we are excited to see where this will take us.

The depth and details we've put into this game is beyond any other baseball game out in the market." says Eusoon Han, marketing manager at GAMEVIL.

In Baseball Superstars 2009 for the Android G1, users can select from 10 teams, 4 stadiums, and unlock 12 hidden characters. There are 5 game modes to play: Normal Mode, My League Mode, Season Mode, Homerun Mode, and Mission Mode. The game is a full baseball simulation, but also includes RPG elements where users can create their players, manage their team, and enhance player’s abilities such as hitting, power and speed - either by training or by purchasing special items and equipment with their salary every season.

Compared to Baseball Superstars 2008, which is already available on the Android Market, Baseball Superstars 2009 has major graphical updates with vibrant colors and has special effects to add excitement. Also, there has been a major overhaul in controls and game interface, optimized for the G1's touch screen.

Baseball Superstars 2009 is now available and G1 users can find it under the Arcade/Action category.

The Baseball Superstars series, GAMEVIL's top seller, has sold more than 8 million copies worldwide since its launch in 2002, establishing itself as one of the best mobile baseball games.

Sign Up To Play The New 3D Pool Simulation Game Cue online Now Through April 2nd

3D Pool Simulation cue onlineCue Online offers competitive billiards games including straight pool, nine-ball, eight-ball, carom and three-cushion billiards. Developed by Happy Nation, Cue Online delivers realistic billiards gameplay with a custom physics engine and was recently nominated as "Best Game of the Month" by the Korean Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Happy Nation's exclusive engine was designed to create as realistic of an environment as possible. Each ball's movement will depend on each player's style, including stroke power, table contact, spin and strike quality with other balls, the cloth friction of the table and more.

The closed beta will run from 3 p.m. PST to 6 p.m. PST today, March 30 and tomorrow, March 31. The closed beta will then be open all day April 1st and 2nd.

Cue Online offers five different skills that players can increase and improve upon while training. The game's skills include: Power, Spin, Push, Pull and Masse. Unlike other games where players automatically increase their skills as their average scores increase, Cue Online players will see their skills improve only after they successfully use that skill over time.

As a result, two players in the same average score can each possess different main skills, just like in real life pool play.

PSP Class of Heroes RPG video game delayed until June 9th

Class of Heroes RPG video game
Atlus announce that Class of Heroes, the upcoming first-person dungeon crawler for PSP (PlayStation Portable) system, will be delayed until June 9th. The anticipated RPG, an homage to the genre classics, promises to bring expansive character and party customization options and deep, involved dungeon crawling to PSP system owners across North America.

"Just days prior to manufacturing, a show-stopping bug was discovered," explained Aram Jabbari, manager of PR and Sales. "We will under no circumstance ship a product with foreknowledge of such an issue, and so we must delay the game to resolve the problem and deliver a final product to our fans that lives up to the high standards we aspire to and that they deserve."

Class of Heroes is now scheduled for release on June 9, 2009 with an MSRP of $39.99.

Jonathan Kane - The Protector PC Xbox 360 video game

Jonathan Kane The Protector
Casual shooter, Jonathan Kane: The Protector, will be coming to North American retail! Now players will be able to take the role of a hardened British mercenary charged with protecting both his beautiful comrade Jennifer from capture and the world from certain destruction!

Scarlet Vengeance, a fanatical terrorist faction, is searching for a powerful ancient artifact to unleash its devastating power on the planet’s most historic peace conference. But before these villains can find the artifact and thrust the world into darkness, they must kidnap the one person who knows its location: beautiful US archaeologist Jennifer Guile.

The only thing standing between these fanatics and Jennifer is you – Jonathan Kane: The Protector!

Packed with action, suspense, intrigue, love and betrayal, Jonathan Kane: The Protector is a searing first-person shooter featuring intense and visceral fire-fights combined with stunning stealth interludes. When faced with an immutable malevolence like the terrorist group, Scarlet Vengeance, you are the planet’s only hope for survival! The thrilling plot unravels through riveting in-game and cinematic cutscenes that immerse you in a living, breathing world where danger lurks around every corner.

Features include:
• Outsmart and outmaneuver your enemies during tense, tactical stealth missions.
• Utilize cover as you engage highly trained, heavily armed enemies in intense and tactical combat!
• Battle your foes in a living, breathing world, which responds to your actions with stunning realism.
• The player can use the environment as cover, lean out from behind it and shoot at enemies with minimal exposure, and even blind fire around corners when severely pinned down.
• Superb world physics where the player is able to shoot enemies – and be shot- through thin walls, adding a further tactical element.
• Enemies intelligently seek out and utilize cover – just like the player – making for some intense and tactically challenging combat.
• The player can disarm enemies by shooting the weapons from their hands, leaving the AI vulnerable. Once an enemy has been disarmed, they must either reach for a sidearm or run for cover – both of which take time.
• Enemies can grab civilians and use them as human shields, requiring the player to shoot with even greater precision in order to save the innocent.
• Fight the forces of Scarlet Vengeance, ranging from cannon fodder recruits to the faction’s elite guard as you seek to find the ancient and powerful artifact before the terrorists do.
• Titanic boss battles with a difference. Highly skilled and intelligent super enemies rather than stereotypical giants with endless hit points and just one or two weak spots.
• No more searching for unrealistic health packs and armor upgrades. Take too much damage too quickly and it’s game over. Find some cover and you’ll slowly recover.
• Numerous entertaining puzzles to solve, which challenge but never frustrate.
Jonathan Kane: The Protector will hit your favorite download portals & retail stores nationwide in June 2008.

Final Fantasy The Crystal Chronicles - The Crystal Bearers

Final-Fantasy-The-Crystal-Chronicles-The-Crystal-Bearers
Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of Square Enix interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, today announces that the official teaser site for the forthcoming Nintendo Wii release FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES -THE CRYSTAL BEARERS is now open.

The teaser site www.crystalbearers.com is a global gateway to information about FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: THE CRYSTAL BEARERS, so visitors from around the world can learn about the game from a choice of seven different languages.

The upcoming FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: THE CRYSTAL BEARERS provides a fresh take on the FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES series as it combines the storytelling depth, expansive world and graphical quality of FINAL FANTASY with motion-driven, real-time action gameplay. Players are offered a glimpse into the fantastical world of this highly anticipated adventure for Wii with the launch of a global teaser website.

Please look forward to the forthcoming release of FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: THE CRYSTAL BEARERS and expect more news soon.

Monday, March 30, 2009

Ken Block - Subaru driver signs for DiRT 2 video game

dirt 2 video game screenshotsKen Block, the multi medal-winning Subaru Rally Team USA driver and co-founder of DC Shoes, has been signed as one of the key motorsport athletes who will feature in the eagerly anticipated Colin McRae: DiRT 2, Codemasters revealed today with the release of the ‘Ken Block Gets DiRTy Too’ feature video, now available from www.dirt2game.com.

X Games team-mate of the late Colin McRae, Block is at the forefront of a new breed of pro drivers, competing as Subaru Rally Team USA Driver #43 in the Rally America National Championship and the world-famous X Games. He has also gained notoriety for his mind-blowing stunts in his Subaru WRX STI. For Colin McRae: DiRT 2, Block is working with the development team at Codemasters Studios as technical consultant, lending his wealth of knowledge to the game and advising on car handling.

“Colin McRae is one of the main reasons that I am a rally driver. He is a big inspiration to me and the way I drive my rally car,” said Ken Block. “It’s really an honour to be a contributor to the creation of Colin McRae: DiRT 2 and to be able to continue the passion that Colin had for rally and for these videogames”



In the video released today, Block discusses his relationship with McRae, how he was inspired by the rally legend to pursue his own career and his involvement in the creation of Colin McRae: DiRT 2. Clips from some of Block’s best known videos and rally exploits showcase the supreme control he has over his car and the style, finesse and sheer audacity of his stunts, which has ensured that views of his online videos number in the multiple millions and made him a hero amongst motorsport aficionados worldwide.

“As one of the most talented and exciting drivers on the rally scene today, Ken is a perfect fit for Colin McRae: DiRT 2,” said Gavin Raeburn, Senior Executive Producer, Codemasters. “His insight into car handling and track design has already been invaluable to the development team and his endless enthusiasm for the game and rally as a great sport is absolutely priceless to us.”

Gamers will be able to join Ken Block for mud, gravel, dust and dirt too in Colin McRae: DiRT 2, coming this September for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and Games For Windows LIVE, Wii, Nintendo DS and PSP (PlayStation Portable) system.

Nintendo Wii downloads update - Bonsai Barber and Super Punch-Out!! now available

A pair of excellent games based around completely opposite vocations. Newly available on the Virtual Console is Super Punch Out!!, the classic boxing title that pits players against tough pugilist rivals such as Bald Bull.

Speaking of baldness, the unique new WiiWare game Bonsai Barber invites players to take off the gloves and work their clippers instead, giving new hairstyles to a colorful cast of fruits and vegetables. Both are yours for the downloading via the Wii Shop Channel.

Nintendo adds new and classic games to the Wii Shop Channel at 9 a.m. Pacific time every Monday. Wii owners with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points™ to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets. This week's new games are:

WiiWare

Bonsai Barber (Nintendo, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone-Comic Mischief, 1,000 Wii Points): The village residents are hungry for the latest in foliage fashion, and it's up to you, the new barber, to fix them up. Use the tools of your trade: scissors, clippers, spray can, and more in this humorous, first-of-its-kind "first-person-groomer" game. Bonsai Barber features a colorful cast of 12 intriguing customers, including a temperamental shallot starlet (don't call her an onion), an oddball strawberry boffin, a cactus cowboy, a daredevil carrot, and a suave banana with top-secret clearance. Each day, five customers arrive to test your stylistic skill. If the customer requests a specific style, you'll plow that furrow, or you can rely on your expertise to pick from more than 30 popular fashions. Or, why not turn over a new leaf? Be creative and see how they react. They're a demanding bunch, so if you miss an appointment, you'll hear about it-on your Wii Message Board. If you do a good job, you may receive a gift or even a postcard from an exotic destination as your happy customers travel to distant lands and show off their exquisite coifs.

Virtual Console

Super Punch-Out!! (Super NES, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 800 Wii Points): Featuring the tight game play and humor the series is known for, this sequel to the NES classic sees Little Mac return to the ring with the World Video Boxing Association belt once again at stake. Slug your way through the grueling, sweat-pounding matches of the Minor, Major and World Circuits as you face off against some of Little Mac's greatest rivals, such as Bear Hugger, Bald Bull and Super Macho Man. With a cast of new challengers waiting, do you have what it takes to identify their unique patterns and exploit their weaknesses? Go to your corner and come out fighting, but remember what Doc Louis would say: "It's not about brawling-it's about finesse!"

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

This weeks video game releases - Guitar Hero Metallica and Duke Nukem on April Fool's Day!

duke nukem trilogy video gamesMarch 29
  • Guitar Hero: Metallica (PS3, Wii, 360)
March 30
  • King Arthur (PC)
  • Last Flight (Wii)
  • CID The Dummy (Wii, PSP, PC, PS2)
  • Burger Island (Wii)
  • World of Battles (PC)
  • ARMA II (360)
  • Train Simulator 2009: World Builder Edition (PC)
  • Troll & Armor (PC, 360, PS3)
  • Deer Hunter Tournament (360)
  • Conquest! Medieval Realms (PC)
  • OutRun Online Arcade (360)
  • Lawn Games (Wii)
  • Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 (PC)
  • Burn Zombie Burn (PS3)
  • Sudoku Ball Detective (PC, Wii, DS)
  • The Humans (PC)
  • Age of Pirates 2: City of Abandoned Ships (PC)
  • 7.62 mm (PC)
  • Dawn of Fantasy (PC)
  • ARMA II (PC)

March 31
  • SpongeBob SquarePants Frantic Fry Cook (DS)
  • Super PickUps (Wii)
  • Ocean Commander (Wii)
  • Totally Spies! Totally Party (Wii)
  • Cradle of Rome (Wii)
  • Jake Power: Policeman (DS)
  • DinoPets (DS)
  • Monster Pals (Wii)
  • Pipe Mania (Wii)
  • Chicken Hunter: Jewel of Darkness (DS)
  • Sarah: Keeper of the Unicorn (DS)
  • Paint by (DS) (DS)
  • Hot n Cold (DS)
  • Our House (DS)
  • Cave Story (Wii)
  • Empire Deluxe (DS)
  • Major Minor's Majestic March (Wii)
  • CellFactor: Psychokinetic Wars (360)
  • Gardening Mama (DS)
  • Vacation Sports (Wii)
  • Matchstick Puzzle by (DS) (DS)
  • Tokyo Beat Down (DS)
  • Don King Boxing (DS, Wii)
  • Leisure Suit Larry: Box Office Bust (360, PC)
  • Dungeon Hero (PC, 360)
  • Air Conflicts: Aces of World War II (PSP)
  • The Humans (DS)
  • Heracles: Battle With The Gods (DS)
  • M&Ms Adventure (PS2)
  • Offshore Tycoon (Wii)
  • Solitaire & Mahjong (Wii)
  • Monster Pals (DS)
  • DT Carnage (Wii)
  • Banjo-Tooie (XBLM)
  • CellFactor: Psychokinetic Wars (PS3)
  • Ski Doo: Snowmobile Challenge (360)

April 1
  • 18 Wheels of Steel Big City Rigs (PC)
  • Nancy Drew: Double Dare 6 (PC)
  • Duke Nukem Trilogy (PSP, DS)

Arpil 2
  • Dance Dance Revolution: Disney Grooves (Wii)


Source: Kotaku

Ferrari Challenge - Trofeo Pirelli Five new cars andtrack to download this May - Scuderia, GTB Fiorano, Scaglietti Sessanta, P4 and Enzo Ferrari

ferrari download content
London-based publisher System 3 today re-affirmed its PlayStation 3 downloadable content plans for racing simulation game Ferrari Challenge: Trofeo Pirelli. This content will come in the form of five brand new Ferrari models and one new track, and is set to launch in May 2009 (PAL territories – NTSC details tba). Each car also provides gamers with a brand new Trophy to race for.

The DLC pack includes:

Car 1: 430 Scuderia

The 430 Scuderia is just one of five stunning new Ferraris available to download and throw around the tracks of Ferrari Challenge! Visually striking with a distinctive exhaust sound, every last detail of the Ferrari 430 Scuderia exudes uncompromising sporting finesse as a direct result of its close links to Ferrari Challenge racing. And with the car’s development process aided by none other than Michael Schumacher, it’s not hard to understand why it’s been such a hit with Ferrari enthusiasts.

It’s both lighter and more powerful than the standard F430 and can achieve 0-60mph in 3.1 seconds, with a top speed of 198mph! It can also complete a lap at Fiorano (Ferrari’s test track) in a time comparable to that of the Enzo, the car that has come to epitomise Ferrari's philosophy of transferring F1 content to its road cars.

Car 2: 599 GTB Fiorano

Introducing the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano. It might present a bit of a mouthful but the car’s name sums it up perfectly. Fiorano is the circuit Ferrari uses to hone the performance of its track and road cars; GTB refers to ‘Gran Turismo Berlinetta’ (the most famous Ferrari berlinettas ever built); and 599 reflects the 5999cc, V12 engine. With all that hype it’s a good job that the car doesn’t disappoint! In fact, we’d say it sets a high benchmark of excellence in the sports car world.

The 599 GTB Fiorano sprints from 0 to 60mph in under 3.7 seconds and boasts a top speed in excess of 206mph! In 2006 the car won Evo’s Car of the Year award and Top Gear Magazine’s SuperCar of the Year award. However, it’s still the new model's uniquely innovative and luxurious inners that guarantee superior driving pleasure.

Car 3: 612 Scaglietti Sessanta

The 612 Scaglietti Sessanta is just one of 60 truly unique 60th anniversary celebration cars. Based on the 612 Scaglietti, the Prancing Horse's range-topping Gran Turismo combines blistering performance and superb handling with superior comfort, sumptuously handcrafted trim, state-of-the-art accessories and meticulous attention to detail. It’s a beautiful but powerful machine made even more desirable by its extremely limited availability. The 2-door coupe can reach speeds of 195mph.

A few years ago it was featured on UK car program Top Gear, where host Jeremy Clarkson raced against, and beat, his plane and train-faring co-hosts in a race from the UK to Switzerland. We can’t offer you the opportunity to re-enact that race but we can allow you to download the car and race on any track in Ferrari challenge!

Car 4: 330 P4

Presenting the ultra curvaceous and instantly recognisable Ferrari 330 P4. As one of the most revered cars in Ferrari’s long and illustrious history, the 330 P4 remains one of the most evocative shapes ever created. Powered by an F1-derived, 4-litre V12, it produces 450bhp and is capable of speeds of over 200mph. The sexy motor grabbed the headlines in 1967 when Ferrari beat the Ford GT40 in the ‘24 Hours Of Daytona’ event with a 1-2-3 finish! Company founder Enzo Ferrari kept a picture of the winning trio’s final approach for as long as he lived.

To this day only one completely original car remains. This fact, combined with the car’s obvious historical significance, has made it one of the most sought after, rare and valuable cars in the world today! Now there’s a story to be thinking about when you’re racing it around Monza…

Car 5: Enzo Ferrari

May we present another of System 3’s brand new DLC Ferrari motors: the awe-inspiring Enzo! Built to celebrate four years at the top of the F1 Constructors’ Championship, the car is a marriage of cutting edge technologies and is named after Ferrari’s founding member. Combining an F1 gearbox with a 5998cc, V12 engine and a carbon fibre body, the Enzo is a formidable drive that can achieve a top speed of 227mph and accelerate from 0-60mph in just 3.14 seconds! Its super-stylised chassis and gutsy roar are unmistakable and, six years on, it still drops jaws.

Whenever the car turns up at auction it regularly sells for over $1 million with the famed 400th charity auction car selling for $1.27 million in 2005! All of which, in our humble opinion, makes the Enzo a pretty special car. Coveted by collectors and the stuff of owner-drivers’ dreams, the Enzo is now ready for Ferrari Challenge owners to enjoy. And trust us, you won’t be disappointed!

Track 1: Nürburgring

System 3 are proud to present the awesome German GP race track Nürburgring! The 5.15km-long ‘GP-Streke’ section of the track is most notably used for GP2 and F1 racing, with many drivers claiming it to be one of the most challenging purpose-built circuits in the world. As a booster for German pride, Michael Schumacher set the lap record of 1.29.468, a time achieved in the F2004 Ferrari F1 car in the 2004 F1 season.

Nürburgring is well known for its long home straight, which is closely followed by a blind, narrow and barrier-laden first corner. It’s just the beginning of what is an extremely demanding circuit. As long as the GP-Streke section of the track is, it’s actually only a fraction of the 28.26km-long Gesamtstrecke (‘whole course’), a track which takes over 6 minutes to drive around in the average supercar! So get downloading and master one of the most demanding tracks on the racing circuit!

Cars and the track will be available individually or as a pack. An exact launch date and price for this DLC pack will be announced in the near future.

PlayStation 3 users who have not previously taken their console online will also be prompted to download the latest patch for the game, which address various minor issues and improve certain aspects of the game. These include:

Ferrari Challenge PS3 Patch Version 02.20
- adjustable steering wheel resistance added.
- multiplayer collision option added.
- 30-minute race duration option added in Multiplayer.
- minor Multiplayer connection issues resolved.
- Trophy support added.
- XMB background music support added in single player.
- Photo mode added to Showroom.
- lap split-times added to Time Trial mode.
- gear indicator added to in-car view.
- ‘Legend’ A.I. difficulty added.
- Host & Friends options refined.
- reservation system in Private lobbies implemented.
- frame rate improved in 1080p mode.
- improved detail in 1080 modes.
About Ferrari Challenge: Trofeo Pirelli
Released in late 2008 on DS, Wii, PS2 and PS3, Ferrari Challenge was a labour of love for System 3 founder and professional race driver Mark Cale. Combining 60 years of sumptuously detailed Ferrari car models with a handling engine tuned by GP2 and soon-to-be F1 driver Bruno Senna, Ferrari Challenge was a hardcore racing fan’s dream game.

Magic Ball video game soars to the top of the PlayStation Network's sales charts

magic ball video game playstation
Alawar Entertainment and Creat Studios are excited to announce the success of the PlayStation 3 version of Magic Ball, a 3D Breakout-style game custom-made to thrill arcade fans. Released in January, the game jumped to the number three spot among the top 10 best-selling titles on the PlayStation Network and remained in the top 10 for two months.

To take advantage of the large number of consumers with game consoles, Alawar commissioned Creat Studios to port Magic Ball 3 to the PlayStation 3. Alawar chose to port the game to the PlayStation 3 to further its phenomenal success. To date, fans have purchase over two million Magic Ball games on various platforms.

To meet the high technological standards of the PlayStation 3, Creat completely redesigned the PC version of Magic Ball 3. The game now supports resolutions of up to 720p and uses Havok, an advanced physics engine, adding unprecedented visual appeal when playing the game on a high definition television. Creat also enhanced the game's music and audio. To date, no other casual release has as many original songs and sound effects.

Magic Ball for PlayStation 3 also features a multiplayer mode in which friends and family members can challenge each other online. In addition, the game supports expansion packs and allows users to buy new game modes and levels online. The creators of Magic Ball for PlayStation 3 will be adding new content on a frequent basis.

"It's a pleasure to see Magic Ball 3 reborn on the PlayStation 3,"said Kirill Plotnikov, Alawar's VP of publishing. "Owners of the console can now enjoy the breathtaking graphics and exciting gameplay this title offers. Even better, the release of Magic Ball through the PlayStation Network is just the beginning of a larger undertaking. Due to the ongoing success of the series, Magic Ball 4 is now in development and we are close to releasing an iPhone version. I fully believe casual game fans worldwide will enjoy these innovative new products."

Political Platform Puzzler Clover on Xbox Live

clover xbox liveNew screenshots of début title Clover featuring a newly redesigned lead character Sam and also announce a revised release window of April. Clover is to be released via Xbox LIVE Community Games for 400 Microsoft Points.

The screenshots feature new artwork, new locations and a new dynamic sky-blending system that means that the player's view of the game world is constantly changing. Lead character Sam has been given an overhaul based on community feedback.

Clover features so much artwork that some is destined to be left on the cutting room floor, after the game hit Microsoft's mandatory 150mb maximum size limit imposed on Community Games. Gamers anticipating Clover's release can now follow Binary Tweed on Twitter and the Clover Facebook Group.

About Clover
Clover is a plot-driven platformer in the style of classic titles such as Fantastic Dizzy that sees the player solve logical puzzles by collecting items, talking to a diverse cast of characters and exploring artistically realised environments. Clover is to be released in early April via Xbox LIVE Community Games for 400 Microsoft Points.

Dragonica video game website launches on Monday 30th March

dragonica video gameThe world of MMORPG’s goes sideways as the official European Dragonica website launches on Monday 30th March

Dragonica is the brand new free arcade-style 3D side-scrolling MMORPG. It will be available to download across Europe in English, French and German this Spring from the www.gpotato.eu gaming portal. As the gPotato Europe team prepares for the Closed Beta, we are proud to announce the launch of the brand new Dragonica website at http://dragonica.gpotato.eu.

The brand new website covers everything you need to know about the world of Dragotaka ahead of the Closed Beta. Find out how a modern arcade-style 3D side-scroller plays with lots of gameplay footage and fantastic screenshots. Immerse yourself in Dragonica storyline’s by reading about the game or watch the rendered cinematic trailer as the witch Paris frees the evil Dragon Lord Elga from his prison.

Dragonica also includes this year’s most frantic multiplayer mode in the classic ten player PvP mode. Find out how to set up your own Guild in the game, how you’ll be able to hook up with another player and form a couple, and how easy it is to use the game’s friends list to find and form a party with other players. Learn about the different characters and see how you’ll be able to use the game’s character creation tool to build your online identity, decorate your own in-game house and raise a pet and bring into battle with you.

But wait, there’s more! The next generation of online MMORPGs shifts the gameplay from clicky mouse-controlled combat to precise combo-based action where you have to land every hit and get your timing right to keep the combo going. Dragonica’s keyboard only control system allows you to bring console style gaming to your PC, notebook or netbook!

You’d be silly not to try Dragonica, 2009’s brightest and most frantic arcade-style MMORPG! Pre-registration is now open for the English, French and German Closed Betas at the official European Dragonica website, http://dragonica.gpotato.eu.

Kraze a multi-genre racing video game for the PC

kraze pc video game
Armed with an array of the most powerful cars ever designed, players compete for the Kraze Championship which includes racing modes such as Off Road, Rally, F1 and Street Race.

Kraze challenges the player's concentration, car handling and racing skills on a variety of environments from narrow city lanes, perilous mountain cliffs to the shimmering sands of a mirage-strewn desert.

The salient features of Kraze include:

• 13 different vehicles with varying speed and handling
• 8 different locations around the world
• Off-Road, Rally, F1 & Street Race modes
• Championship, Quick Race & Time Trial
• Individual profiles and vehicle customisation
• Slow motion action replays and recording of races


Kraze on the PC will be available to buy this summer.

Wheelman enters UK video games charts - Resident Evil 5 stays at No 1

ChartTrack UK video game s chart week ending 28th March

resident evil five game

1 RESIDENT EVIL 5 CAPCOM
2 WII FIT NINTENDO
3 STREET FIGHTER IV CAPCOM
4 PROFESSOR LAYTON AND THE CURIOUS VILLAGE NINTENDO
5 WWE LEGENDS OF WRESTLEMANIA THQ
6 FIFA 09 EA SPORTS
7 CALL OF DUTY: WORLD AT WAR ACTIVISION
8 GRAND THEFT AUTO: CHINATOWN WARS ROCKSTAR
9 CALL OF DUTY 4: MODERN WARFARE ACTIVISION
10 TOM CLANCY'S H.A.W.X. UBISOFT
11 WHEELMAN MIDWAY
12 WII PLAY NINTENDO
13 MARIO KART WII NINTENDO
14 KILLZONE 2 SONY COMPUTER ENT.
15 DR KAWASHIMA'S BRAIN TRAINING NINTENDO
16 MARIO & SONIC AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES SEGA
17 BEN 10: ALIEN FORCE D3P
18 GRAND THEFT AUTO IV ROCKSTAR
19 CARNIVAL: FUNFAIR GAMES 2KPLAY
20 SEGA MEGA DRIVE ULTIMATE COLLECTION SEGA

Make a video game and get a degree - in Sweden

video game degree course
At Gotland University in Sweden the students spend one year developing one large game to earn their degree. All lectures and literature received during the one year course IGPS (International Game Production Studies) are connected to the game they make. Since the course is on-line based, anyone in the world with the right qualifications can apply.

Gotland University has several game related educations. The course IGPS, takes the students through different focus areas from idea, concept development, via planning and production, to release. All of the assignments given to the students are applied to the game they are developing. -”Learning by doing is by far the best way of learning. That’s why everything in this course is related to one game project that the students do. That means that all your efforts during the education will go to improving the game” says Troels Linde, teacher at Gotland University.

One of the games this year is “Penalty of Heroes” a game that will be released on Xbox Live this fall. -“This is a large project with over 10 people involved and we have to manage it like any other big budget project such as the games made by Blizzard or Valve. It’s a great way to get experience and education at the same time” says HÃ¥kan Mattsson, producer of the game.

Many of the former students at Gotland University are now working at well-known game studios such as DICE, Grin, Avalanche and Massive Entertainment. The cooperation with these established game studios is one of the key factors to good education. -“We get mentors from successful game studios that give us feedback and share their experiences regarding game development. It’s a true privilege” says Nicklas Johansson, student at IGPS.

Some students start their own game companies after their education. The well reviewed PC game “Penumbra – Overtune” released in 2007, was one of the first games developed at IGPS.

April 14th is the last application day for the class of IGPS starting in September 2009.

Rick Nielson (Cheap Trick) to provide music for Wii video game The Conduit

Rock Legend to Lend Unique Musical Talents to Upcoming Sci-Fi First-Person Shooter

SEGA announce that Rick Nielsen, guitarist and founding member of the musical group Cheap Trick, would provide guitar tracks for the anticipated title, The Conduit, for the Wii home video game system. 

Nielsen, who has penned and performed such hits as I Want You to Want Me and Surrender, is known for his distinctly powerful riffs and for his signature five-neck custom guitar and crowd-pleasing live performances.

"Rick Nielsen is a rock legend who just happens to be a really likeable guy,” said Sean Ratcliffe, Vice President of Marketing, Sega of America. "It is a testament to the growing word of mouth surrounding The Conduit that he took an interest in this project and was gracious enough to lend us his expertise."

"We were very excited to get the chance to work with Rick on The Conduit," said Eric Nofsinger, Chief Creative Officer of High Voltage Software. "Even though he's known for driving rock guitar, he was able to provide great ambience and textural qualities that perfectly fits the mood of the game and helps it become a truly unique experience."

The Conduit unfolds in a near-future Washington DC after a set of inexplicable events leave the city in a state of panic. As new recruits of a shadowy government agency, players will investigate strange occurrences upsetting the city, all while trying to keep one step ahead of a mysterious and lethal enemy.



"I hope these lunar notes float with you," Rick Nielsen said on adding guitar to The Conduit.

The Conduit is slated to release in summer 2009 exclusively for Wii.

Sky Kingdoms arcade puzzler from best-selling Luxor series of marble popper video games

sky kingdoms arcade puzzle video game
Sky Kingdoms, an arcade puzzler featuring advanced graphics and gameplay that challenges the best-selling Luxor series for the title of best marble popper.

Sky Kingdoms transports the player to a visually stunning realm where a chain of magic crystals holds dozens of islands in place above a yawning chasm.

Unfortunately, an evil dragon has broken the chain and disturbed the balance of the world by stealing one of the gems. If the player doesn’t reclaim the crystal before the left over magic runs out, the islands will plunge into the abyss.

To defeat the beast, the player must gather mana by firing colored spheres at chains of rolling marbles in an attempt to create matches and destroy the orbs. If the player is skilled enough to create several matches in a row, he’ll earn bonuses that will allow him to incinerate spheres, roll the chain backwards and even freeze time.

In a new twist for marble poppers, Sky Kingdoms features boss levels in which the player confronts the minions of the dragon and must dodge their attacks. These adrenaline-pumping sequences are packed with explosive visual and audio effects, creating the feel of a spectacular action game.

"Sky Kingdoms was in development for two years," says Denis Sedovich, producer. "We used that time to optimize the graphics engine, polish the gameplay and create as much eye candy as possible. We also focused on creating inventive bonuses that allow gamers to set off spectacular chain reactions that can destroy an entire chain and trigger a deluge of coins. Plus, as players advance through Sky Kingdoms, they can purchase upgrades that will increase the power of the bonuses even more."

Global Agenda - Fast-paced Combat System Highlighted in Hands-On Previews at GDC

MMO Global Agenda video game
Hi-Rez Studios gave the first hands-on demonstration of its spy-fi action MMO Global Agenda at the San Francisco Game Developers Conference, which wraps up today. Media and guests experienced fast-paced combat, in both PvE and PvP missions, using stations within the Hi-Rez exhibition booth and playing real-time with remote players.

"Our combat system was inspired by modern multiplayer shooters", says Executive Producer Todd Harris. "But in addition to firearms, we've added melee, hundreds of other high-tech player-usable devices, and jetpacks! We find it a refreshing change from the standard tab-targeting found within fantasy MMOs and we've been thrilled to see the reaction from others here at the show. And while we think our combat system is a major differentiator, we're equally excited about the RPG advancement system and the opportunity for player-groups to compete for territory control."

Booth guests also got a taste of Global Agenda's sophisticated, face-customization system and the introductory game sequence in which the player's special agent character escapes from the clutches of an oppressive world government called The Commonwealth.

"Players begin as a fugitive", Todd says. "But after choosing a class and advancing their agent skills via PvE or PvP missions, they encounter other groups within the world and choose which ones to align with. We expect most players will eventually participate in our Campaign mode which allows player groups to acquire territory within the world, construct facilities, defenses, and bases on that territory, produce resources, and engage in the player-driven drama to dominate a region."

Hi-Rez Studios also announced that they are still accepting applications toward their upcoming closed Beta. Players looking for a refreshing take on the MMO genre were encouraged to apply at www.globalagendagame.com.

Second Warhammer Online - Age of Reckoning novel in bookstores now

The original Warhammer novel DARK STORM GATHERING is now available in stores. 

The second in a series based on the award-winning MMORPG, Warhammer Online - Age of Reckoning (WAR), DARK STORM GATHERING is a tale of blood, treachery, and Chaos in a world perpetually at WAR!

Penned by Black Library author Chris Wraight, DARK STORM GATHERING tells the story of an unlikely party of adventurers forced to form an uneasy alliance with the armies of the Empire to repel the forces of Chaos. With the grim march of the Tchar’zanek, Champion of the fell powers of Chaos, underway and the Empire of Man suffering from plague and mutations, only the intervention of the High Elves offers respite. However, they are beset by foes of their own, the murderous Dark Elves. When the prospect of treachery behind Imperial lines looms, four heroes – Archmage, White Lion, Witch Hunter and Knight of the Blazing Sun – must work together to uncover the corruption before all is lost.

“Chris Wraight has crafted a dark tale that thrusts players into the frontlines of the war between Order and Destruction. It’s packed to the brim with blood, battles, and all the things that make the Warhammer world so gripping,” said Mark Jacobs, VP and General Manager at Mythic Entertainment. “DARK STORM GATHERING captures the essence of WAR perfectly.”

For further information about the WAR novel, DARK STORM GATHERING, visit www.blacklibrary.com.

Based on the popular tabletop war game from Games Workshop, Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning features revolutionary Realm vs. Realm™ conflict that will provide players with an engaging battleground for years to come. Available now for PC, WAR is rated “T” for Teen by the ESRB. For more information about the game and to download the 10-day free trial, visit www.warhammeronline.com.

Mount and Blade - Warband combat game demo at GDC - HD video

Mount and Blade Warband combat game
Following on from the recent announcement that a Multiplayer expansion was in development for the widely lauded Mount&Blade, Paradox Interactive have today revealed the first detailed information for the newly titled Mount&Blade: Warband.

Demonstrated publicly for the first time at GDC in San Francisco by the development team at Taleworlds, the expansion introduces a number of features that players have specifically requested and which will vastly improve the gameplay experience.

The key features revealed:
• Multiplayer – previously announced, the ability for up to 32 players to play simultaneously on a single map in Team Death-Match style battles
• Faction Rulers – A new in-depth system allowing the player to gain followers even as a rebel and to become the ruler of their own faction and recruit Lords as their vassalals
• Accessibility – Improved and additional detailed game information for players.
• Improved Graphics and optimisation – The introduction of state-of-the-art rendering technologies including HDR (High Dynamic Range), as well as significant improvement in the level of detail on characters, armour and weapons
• Increased interactivity - New interactivity implemented in the environments that the AI will recognize and adapt to, directly impacting the Siege mode


Commenting on the development of Mount&Blade: Warband, Armagan Yavuz, Producer at Taleworlds Entertainment said, “As a development team, we are used to short development circles, fast feedback from our users and the ability to have our gamers in the development loop. That is why we decided to create this expansion. We have received a large amount of requests from players for multiplayer and when we had published the game we saw an opportunity to explore this as well as additional improvements that our gamers requested. I feel that the multiplayer mode adds tremendously to the game experience.”

A summary of additional features includes customizable quick battles, extended diplomatic options and new weapons, armor and animations. Other aspects introduced in Mount&Blade: Warband are improvements to the combat system with more physically accurate horse archery, a variation in horse sizes, and more options when embarking on sieges.

Mount&Blade: Warband is scheduled for release in Q3 2009.

Marvel Universe Online, the comic book superhero MMO, will be released in 2012

Marvel Universe Online
Simon Philips, Marvel's president of worldwide consumer products, said the MMO wouldn't be out until after the Captain America movie in 2011 and the Avengers film in 2012. He explained that time would be used to work with Gazillion to create "the next generation of storytelling".

"It sounds like a long way away, but it's not," Philips told MTV. "We've got to create, together with [game publisher] Gazillion, that environment that is going to be a totally immersive experience and a perpetual storytelling experience as well."

"Every day, every week, and every month, there is a new element of technology that comes about," Phillips added. "So whatever plans we had for an MMO two years ago have now evolved to embrace that new technology."

Earlier this month, Gazillion announced that its studio, Gargantuan, would be developing Marvel Universe Online, as part of the publisher's 10-year deal to create a series of virtual worlds based on the comic book giant's IP.

Source: GamesIndustry

Alien Hominid HD - award winning Xbox Live Arcade game - Half-price deal of the week...

Alien Hominid HDAlien Hominid HD, the award winning Xbox LIVE Arcade game from The Behemoth, will be “Deal of the Week” beginning March 30th.

The game will see a 400 point price drop during this time. As an added bonus, players who own Alien Hominid HD (and have received at least one achievement) will unlock the playable Alien character for Castle Crashers, Xbox LIVE Arcade’s Game of the Year for 2008.

“There has never been a better time to get to know our little yellow friend who started it all!” said Kelly Revak, Mayor of Behemothtown and Community Ambassador. “Charge up your power shot and go chomp some heads!” Accused of being the hardest but funniest game in the universe by five different species of sentient beings, the oft-overlooked “easy mode” can be used by hominids in training.

About Alien Hominid HD
As a feisty yet adorable alien, gamers must fend off FBI agents in search of their coveted spacecraft. With unique, hand-drawn characters and weapons, this award-winning title is the epitome of quirky humor and intergalactic fun. Sixteen levels, seven mini-games, and jump-in anytime multiplayer capability adds to the cosmic mayhem. Alien Hominid HD from The Behemoth is a side-scrolling extraterrestrial experience like no other, and is available now for download on Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360.

Game Features
• Sixteen levels and seven mini-games, including “All You Can Eat” and “PDA Games,” now with online multiplayer support.
• Main and Mini-games high scores are tracked on the Xbox LIVE Leaderboards.
• Multiplayer modes enable co-op play and per controller difficulty.
• Earn up to 12 Achievements and 200 Gamerscore points.

Fans vote Castle Crashers Game of the Year in Xbox Live Arcade awards

Castle Crashers, the most downloaded Xbox LIVE Arcade title released in 2008, is also the fan favorite according to the 2nd Annual Xbox LIVE Arcade Awards. Over 185,000 Xbox LIVE Arcade community members cast their votes awarding Castle Crashers the top honor of “Game of the Year” as well as “Best Original Game” and “Best Co-op Mode.”

Four-player online capabilities, deep replay value, and downright fun gameplay helped Castle Crashers stand out among the excellent games released in 2008.

“These awards are particularly meaningful to us because they were decided by the players themselves.” said Kelly Revak, Mayor of Behemothtown and Community Ambassador. “A BIG thank you to all who voted, you are the wind beneath our chicken wings! Seriously, we have the best fans in the whole world.”

Castle Crashers continues it’s record-breaking pace, remaining in the top five most downloaded titles since its August 2008 release. With over 800,000 players now on the leaderboards, Castle Crashers is on track to attract 1 million players within a year of launch, a feat few Arcade titles have achieved.

About Castle Crashers:

As Xbox LIVE Arcade’s top hit of 2008, Castle Crashers has attracted a wide-ranging audience with its engaging art style, easy control system, and simple yet addictive game play. From seven-year-olds playing their first video game to hardcore older gamers looking to recapture the 2D arcade games of their youth, this game has something for everyone. Hack, slash, and smash your way to victory in this red-hot arcade adventure! Featuring hand-drawn characters, Castle Crashers delivers unique hi-res illustrated visuals like nothing you've ever seen before. Play with up to three friends locally or over Xbox LIVE to save your princess, defend your kingdom, and crash some castles with an arsenal of combos and magical attacks to choose from! Priced at 1200 Microsoft points, Castle Crashers boasts 20 levels, over 40 weapons, and 20 unlockable characters, making this one of the largest games available on Xbox LIVE Arcade.

First Shakespeare video game - Romeo and Juliet Free demo download

Shakespeare video game
So, does Shakespeare's play really work as computer game? That's what the folks at Baby Eish Games are hoping. A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.

Independent game studio Baby Eish Games has unveiled the first in its series of Shakespeare-based computer games, Most Romantic Tales?

Romeo and Juliet. Unlike previous adaptations, this visual novel adventure game boasts a line by line translation of Shakespeare's original text. While the story has been translated into colloquial English, all of the key elements of Shakespeare's romantic tragedy are still in tact. Players can decide between different dialog options, but ultimately, the story is linear.

A Baby Eish spokesperson has this to say, "Shakespeare was an entertainer, not an academic. Frankly, we think he'd be pretty appalled at how we teach his plays at school. They're meant to be enjoyed, and translating his works into computer games is a great way to reach the modern audience on their own ground."

You can find a free, one hour demo of Most Romantic Tales Romeo and Juliet at http://www.babyeishgames.com/Romeo-Juliet.html.

Exclusive video game range based on Giochi Preziosi best-selling toy range

Giochi Preziosi
Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH has announced it has entered into an exclusive, global licensing agreement with Giochi Preziosi and Marathon Media to develop and publish video games based on the hugely successful Gormiti action figure and entertainment franchise.

The new agreement expands the Gormiti phenomenon into the interactive entertainment software category with the first Gormiti titles to be released for Nintendo DS and Wii gaming systems.

Gormiti is the story of the never ending battle on the ‘Island of Gorm’ between vast armies inspired by the elemental forces of nature. Created and first launched by Giochi Preziosi in 2005, the expansive product line inspired by the heroes of Gorm is Europe’s fastest growing action figure brand. With over 100 million figures sold to date, Gormiti ranks among the category best sellers in all major European markets and is quickly gaining speed following its launch in the US earlier this year.

All new Gormiti adventures are featured in the Giochi Preziosi/Marathon Media co-production of a 52 episode, animated TV series entitled ‘Gormiti - The Lords of Nature Return’. The animated series premiered in Italy to record ratings via the Mediaset network in September 2008 and will launch in fall 2009 on M6 in France and on RTL 2 in Germany. Broadcaster for other countries, including UK and Spain will be announced after MIP TV 2009.

“The Gormiti licence is one that is ideally suited to video games,” commented Kunio Neo, President for Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH. “The collection side of it and the eternal battle between these elemental forces opens up a wide range of exciting possibilities. The games will be entrusted to our European development studio, and we look forward to unleashing the Gormiti armies on DS and Wii in the near future.”

“Konami’s global reach and marketing expertise combined with their proven ability to translate an action packed and character rich property like Gormiti into an exciting and sustainable video game franchise makes them a perfect partner to compliment and expand upon the Gormiti phenomenon” said Giochi Preziosi’s CEO Dario Berte. “Konami understands the magical appeal of Gormiti. We are excited and proud to be partnering with a company that shares our passion for creating a gaming experience that will bring these amazing characters to life for dedicated Gormiti fans and video game enthusiasts of all ages.”

Vincent Chalvon Demersay, President of Marathon Media, said, “The stories and characters that make “Gormiti - The Lords of Nature Return” such a unique and fascinating television series also make it a great candidate for adaptation as an exciting interactive gaming adventure. Konami has an exceptional track record of developing high quality games that capture the imagination and extend the entertainment experience into the gaming arena.”