Colin McRae: DiRT PLAYSTATION 3 playable demo out now!

It's time to get your hands dirty and test drive Colin McRae: DiRT for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system as Codemasters launches the European playable demo, now available to download from PlayStation Store.

Wii - the fastest ever selling UK console

1 million sales - Landmark home console sales figure reached to further highlight Nintendo's resurgence in the UK video games market.

SingStar PlayStation2 Pack

SingStar Pack to Include Exclusive Ceramic White PlayStation2, SingStar Pop and Two USB Microphones

Brighter Minds Unleashes New Jurassic Park DVD Game

Brighter Minds Media, LLC in conjunction with Universal Pictures Digital Platforms Group, announces the release of Jurassic Park Explorer, a new DVD game based on the top dinosaur brand of all time.

SIMs Castaway screenshot

Earn money playing games

IGG (igg) has released a brand-new Promoter System, which allows Players to earn money while playing.

Brighter Minds Unleashes New Jurassic Park DVD Game

Brighter Minds Media, LLC in conjunction with Universal Pictures Digital Platforms Group, announces the release of Jurassic Park Explorer, a new DVD game based on the top dinosaur brand of all time.

DivX to Offer Gaming Services

Funspot Service Makes Casual Games, Puzzles and Quizzes Available in the Living Room through DivX Connected Devices

EA offers more support than Ubisoft

Crytek CEO Cevat Yerli has told GamesIndustry.biz that having Electronic Arts as a publisher means the studio has both more support and more freedom than it did when working with Ubisoft.

Plenty of life after Warcraft - PC

In a pFour of the industry's leading online game developers discussed the prospect of Life After World of Warcraft - and all agreed that there's a lot more to come for the genre.

Ferrari GT Experience

Thrustmaster introduces its newest racing wheel, produced under Ferrari license: the Ferrari GT Experience. The device's name alone is a genuine statement of intent: it aims to offer gamers a unique experience by allowing them to enjoy intense racing sensations with a racing wheel proudly bearing the legendary "prancing horse" emblem... nothing less!

Need for Speed ProStreet

Prove Yourself On the Highest Level of Street Racing Competition Against the World's Best Racers

Electronic Arts announced today that Need for Speed™ ProStreet, the latest version of the blockbuster franchise, will hit stores in North America on October 31 and across Europe on November 1, 2007. In Need for Speed ProStreet, you have to build the ultimate battle machine, take it to multi-disciplinary showdowns and pit your skills and reputation against the world’s best street racers. This is your chance to prove that you have what it takes to be crowned the next street king.

BioShock Enters UK Charts

All formats
(Full price) Week ending 25 August 2007
POS. TITLE PUBLISHER LAST
WEEK
1 BIOSHOCK TAKE
2 TRANSFORMERS: THE GAME ACTIVISION
3 POKEMON DIAMOND NINTENDO
4 HARRY POTTER & THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX EA
5 BLUE DRAGON MICROSOFT

Mercury - new deal with Atari

Mercury Games today announces that it has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Atari UK. Atari UK are now responsible for the distribution of upcoming titles ‘Paint by DS’ for Nintendo DS, ‘Warriors of the Lost Empire’ for Sony PSP and ‘Jamster Allstars’ for PS2 and PC. These titles will be distributed by Atari in the UK, Ireland, Scandinavia and South Africa.

Mercury Games and Atari UK will combine PR and Marketing skills to deliver comprehensive launch campaigns for each new title, the first title being Jamster Allstars in quarter 3.

Jeremy Wigmore, MD Atari UK & Nordic said "Atari are pleased to be partnering Mercury Games. It has an exciting and varied product line up and we are looking forward to a long and fruitful relationship"

Spencer Pratt, CEO, Mercury Games added "Mercury Games are delighted to have secured this distribution deal; Atari have one of the best distribution networks in the gaming industry. Atari are as enthusiastic and excited about the fourth coming releases as we are and we looking forward to working with them.”

SBK-08 Superbike World Championship will reach stores in May

Black Bean today announced that its highly anticipated videogame SBK-08 Superbike World Championship, will storm the market for all key formats next year.

FIBA Basketball Manager 2008

Are you ready to play?

In FIBA Basketball Manager 2008, to be released on 14th September 2007 in the UK, you have to decide the best team, the most effective tactics and the right formation to slice through the opposition and put points on the board.

Your team could go on the offensive with penetrating tactics such as the ‘Hawk’ or ‘Horns’, using your strongest dribbler to dance through the defence whilst the rest of your team make darting runs to distract and make space. If your team’s style is to pass, you could try the ‘Zipper’ or ‘UCLA’ tactics, harnessing the passing accuracy within your players to make the opposition look amateur.

If, as the manager, you have traded players well and have the power and size in your team to dictate a game, you could set up for ‘Slam Dunks’, as you intimidate the opposition through power tactics. Alternatively, you may have traded with accuracy in mind as you try to rack up those ‘3 pointers’, leaving the defence with the ‘swoosh’ sound ringing in their ears as your team gets ‘nothin’ but net’.

Basketball is not all about the offence, you need players who are going to fight for every rebound and block every shot as your team comes under pressure. The team needs to be able to disrupt, shadow and deny the opposition in the right places at the right time; this is not the players’ call, this is your call!

Basketball’s not just bouncing and dribbling, FIBA Basketball manager 2008 tests your tactical capabilities as you set out to clock some points and win some managerial accolades……good luck and try not to get sacked.

The trailer is now available at Games press

Xbox 360 Brings Video Games Live Concert

Royal Festival Hall On The 22nd October 2007

A spectacular, interactive evening of music, visuals and games

Video Games Live, the premier concert celebrating the most memorable music from the biggest video games, is brought to London by Microsoft Xbox 360, IMG Artists, and Raymond Gubbay in association with the Southbank Centre, as the opening event of the London Games Festival. The biggest scores from the most iconic games will be performed by members of the Philharmonia Orchestra at the Royal Festival Hall on 22nd October 2007, at 7.30pm. Tickets can be bought from the Royal Festival Hall box office on 0871 663 2500, or South bank centre

Video Games Live is not just a concert, but a musical, visual and interactive celebration of gaming that will enthral anyone who has ever played a video game. Whether it's the power and passion of forthcoming Xbox 360 blockbuster Halo 3, or nostalgia for the days of Pong and Space Invaders, Video Games Live is sure to be a hit with gamers and non-gamers alike.

Hosted and Conducted by co-creators Tommy Tallarico and Jack Wall, members of the prestigious Philharmonia Orchestra and a Choir will perform live alongside exclusive video footage and music arrangements, synchronized lighting, solo performers, electronic percussion, live action and unique interactive segments to create an explosive one-of-a-kind entertainment experience. Special events surrounding the show commence at 5.30pm, including a pre- and post-show festival, featuring all the Xbox 360 blockbuster Christmas titles. Guests will enjoy game demos, a cosplay contest with exclusive prizes for the best outfit, game competitions and meet-and-greets with Tommy Tallarico, Jack Wall, and other leading industry names.

Video Games Live features the biggest and best-loved video games of all time including such beloved and popular franchises as Halo, Mario, Zelda, Final Fantasy, Warcraft, Myst, and Sonic. There's even a special retro Classic Arcade Medley featuring over 20+ games from Pong to Donkey Kong including such classics as Dragon's Lair, Frogger, Space Invaders, Duck Hunt & Tetris!

This event will also feature a special arrangement from the iconic Halo 3, composed by Marty O’Donnell, to be performed live by members of the Philharmonia Orchestra for the first time.

The London Games Festival, running from 22nd - 26th October, is a celebration of gaming and interactive entertainment featuring diverse events for different audiences across the capital. Visit London games festival. for more details.

Action from previous Video Games Live concerts can be viewed at:

Hollywood Bowl: Video games live

San Jose: Video games live..

Nokia - Crash Bandicoot Franchise For N-Gage

Nokia, the world leader in mobile communications, announced today that they are teaming up with Vivendi Games Mobile, a division of Vivendi Games, to bring the legendary Crash Bandicoot ® franchise to Nokia’s new N-Gage mobile gaming platform launching this fall.

“Vivendi Games Mobile is one of the most respected publishers in mobile gaming,” said Gregg Sauter, Nokia’s director of third party publishing. “Crash Bandicoot is a gaming icon as well as a global powerhouse, having sold more than 33 million units worldwide. With its fun appeal to people of all ages and incredible graphics, the Crash Bandicoot franchise is the perfect fit for N-Gage.”

“We are excited to offer Nokia customers the opportunity to enter the thrilling world of Crash Bandicoot and play a number of award winning titles from the popular Crash® franchise,” said Paul Maglione, president of Vivendi Games Mobile. “We look forward to working with Nokia to offer entertaining, innovative mobile games that tap into the performance and innovation of the N-Gage application and Nokia’s mobile devices.”

Crash Bandicoot follows the original storyline where the crazy marsupial must save the world. Jam packed with action and comedy, the player must take on the role of Crash to defeat the game’s villain and mad scientist, Dr. Neo Cortex.

2K Games Releases Free Score to BioShock

K Games released the original score to BioShock as a free download on The Cult of Rapture website. The score was created by film, television and video game composer Garry Schyman and features a combination of early twentieth century writing, aleatoric elements, musique concrete, traditional tonal and late romantic styles that capture the distinct retro-futuristic aesthetic of the game. To download the score for free, please visit The Cult of Rapture at: Cult of rapture.

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Beta

Activision, announced today that Infinity Ward’s Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare multiplayer beta will launch via Xbox LIVE on Monday, August 27 at 12:00 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time. Users can visit Charlie Oscar Delta
The beta will enable players to experience the most advanced and powerful arsenal of modern day firepower in customizable multiplayer battles from the world’s most treacherous hotspots. Players will be able to customize their experiences by utilizing new features including create-a-class, player-ranking and the new perk system. Gamers will also be able to ease seamlessly into multiplayer matchmaking with the party system or even join games in-progress. New recruits will enlist for battle across a series of action-packed maps and dynamic game modes to test their mettle in the ultimate multiplayer gameplay arena.

“From day one we’ve set out to make Call of Duty 4 the best multiplayer experience ever,” said Grant Collier, Studio Head, Infinity Ward. “We’re excited to bring to our fans around the world this early look at Call of Duty 4 multiplayer. The gameplay possibilities are limitless from leveling-up and utilizing perks, to creating-your-own class and matchmaking. We’re only days away, so get ready!”

Aspiring soldiers can go to www.charlieoscardelta.com for the latest information about the worldwide beta including how to become a part of it, specifics on perks as well as the eventual end date of the beta. Entry to the beta and availability will vary by territory. U.S. residents will able to log on for a chance to receive a token on a first come basis. Updates for International soldiers will become available on Charlie Oscar Delta, where details will be shared about the International rollout of the multiplayer beta. International players will be able to take part in various promotions in the following countries:

• Australia
• Austria
• Belgium
• Canada
• Denmark
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Ireland
• Italy
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Norway
• Portugal
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products. Founded in 1979, Activision posted net revenues of $1.5 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007.

Best of GC 2007: The winners Are Announced!

The Leipziger Messe has named this year's winners of Best of GC, the fifth time the distinction has been awarded. The awards were made to nine products at a press conference. A total of 85 hardware and software titles in ten categories were submitted by exhibitors at the GC - Games Convention.

The awards were made for the following:

In the PC category: Crysis (Electronic Arts GmbH)

Jury: "Developed in Germany, CRYSIS is an exciting, futuristic battle against alien invaders. The CryENGINE 2 sets a new technological standard, with breathtaking special effects. Intelligent opponents represent a challenge to even the most experienced gamers."

In the Xbox category: BioShock (Take 2 Interactive GmbH)

Jury: "Underwater survival in a sunken Art Deco city, countering crazy inhabitants, and constantly faced with the dilemma of what is right and what is wrong: "BioShock" is the most intelligent, most bizarre shooter for years."


In the PSP category: God of War: Chains of Olympus (Sony Computer Entertainment GmbH)

Jury: "'God of War' elevates the action genre to an art form, including on the PlayStation Portable: where other titles descend into brutish slaughter, God of War lends the battlefield a sombre beauty."

In the PS2 category: Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 (Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH)

Jury: "Once again, PES 2008 sets new standards as far as game play is concerned: the long-distance shots crackle, the one-on-ones are even more intensive and the opponents adapt to the style of play."

In the PS3 category: Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 (Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH)

Jury: "Football is coming home: the best current football game celebrates its PS3 premiere with diving, wall building and complete online support - including leagues and rankings."

In the Wii category: Mario & Sonic bei den Olympischen Spielen (SEGA Germany GmbH)

Jury: "We finally discover who can run faster and jump higher. The game unites the former archrivals from Sega and Nintendo, renewing the old feud in the form of a sporting contest. Mario and Sonic manage to translate Olympic disciplines into easily mastered, entertaining games fun."

In the NDS category: Eye Training (Nintendo of Europe GmbH)

Jury: "Open your eyes and train like a top sportsman! Eye Training trains hand-eye co-ordination, reflexes, visual acuity - and is great fun as well. A non-prescription DS game to be taken daily."

In the Online category: Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures (Eidos GmbH)

Jury: "Finally, an online role-play game for adults. Set in the world of the Barbarians, the adventure combines offline and online game experiences for the first time. Age of Conan could present a challenge to World of Warcraft."

In the Best Hardware Accessory Product category: Wii Balance Board (Nintendo of Europe GmbH)

Jury: "Press-ups, headers and aerobics: Nintendo manages to combine video games with physical fitness and bring them closer to a new audience. Having already converted the remote control into a controller, the manufacturer now turns scales into a games accessory."

In the category Mobile:
No prize was awarded in this category due to a lack of participants.

The title of "Best of GC" is awarded each year by the GC - Games Convention for the most outstanding product performances of the computer and video game sector. GC exhibitors were able to submit their nominations for the categories of Hardware Accessories and Best Game PC, Xbox 360, PSP, PS2, PS3, Wii, NDS, Mobile and Online by 01 August 2007. Participation was open to all companies exhibiting playable products at the GC, the launch of which was not planned before the beginning of the convention.

Rise of the Mage

In anticipation of the official release of their dynamic fantasy Action RPG game for the PC, AVENCAST: Rise of the Mage, leading Publisher Lighthouse Interactive today revealed the final box shot featuring the hero performing one of his devastating magical spells while being hunted by demonic monsters.

Scheduled to release in October 2007, this new Action RPG successfully combines fast-paced and dynamic combat elements with a solid RPG foundation to create a compelling story-driven gaming experience that’s a blast to play! AVENCAST will also be Windows® Vista™ compatible.

GAME SUMMARY:

As the sun rises over Avencast, the renowned academy of magic; a young adept begins his perilous journey. In a world of wizardry, wonder and untold mystery, you must undertake some of the most diverse quests to hone your abilities in spell casting, weaponry and melee combat. Your martial skills are soon put to the test as demonic monsters of unknown ancient origin descend upon Avencast turning the academy into a horrific state of chaos and destruction.

Armed with over 50 combat moves and spells, and a vast arsenal of equipment items, you must uncover the source of these ominous happenings while vanquishing an onslaught of fiendish enemies. Treachery and deceit reveal themselves as the vicious army of adversaries beleaguers your frail haven threatening Avencast’s very existence. Amidst the mayhem, an astonishing truth unfolds which will forever change the battle scarred Wizard.

AVENCAST: Rise of the Mage is accessible to novice RPG game players, but it will also challenge core RPG and Action fans. Both combat and non-combat interactions create a perfect balance between brains and brawn. By requiring players to bring their own combat and strategic skills to the forefront, they will have the excitement of crafting a powerful character unleashing their hero’s potential.

FEATURES:

• Cast Lethal Spells from Different Skill Trees – Surrounded by vicious foes, unleash a mighty soul magic spell. The pure agglomeration of energy alone produces a warp in the surrounding atmosphere before the catastrophic nova demolishes your enemies. Blood Magic (elementally charged blows with varying speeds, ranges, and damage properties) and Soul Magic (covers all kinds of ranged magic spells allowing better area control) – both allow players to summon reinforcements during combat.
• Perilous Quests – While brawn and agility will win most battles, acumen and strategic thinking are necessary to survive challenging quests.
• Fluid Combat System – Chain together spells and easily execute lethal attacks using an innovative system that favors skillful gameplay over dull mouse clicking. Unleash your hero’s potential as you bring your own player skills to each intense battle.
• Strong Player Personification & Character Development - Acquire new equipment, armor, weapons and spell casting skills to craft a powerful character.
• Over 30 Nightmarish Monsters with Advanced AI – Each with versatile combat strategies, attacks, and defensive moves dependant upon the player’s behavior and attack strategy.
• State-of-the-art 3D Engine – Stunning graphics enhanced with advanced visual effects make for an impressive display of devastating spell casting.
• Many Hours of Exciting Gameplay – Set in diverse worlds with both indoor and outdoor environments to explore.
• Attractive to a Broad Range of Players – An Action RPG at its core, but dynamic gameplay and adventure-like quests make AVENCAST attractive to a broad range of game players.

Castlevania: Order of Shadows, available in September

Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. underscored its commitment to the mobile games market today by announcing the development of original content specifically for mobile phones, based on the company's legendary videogame brands. Featuring never-before-seen game play, storyline features and original music, Castlevania: Order of Shadows for the mobile platform will be available on September 18 on most major carriers, including AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon Networks.

"As a worldwide leader in high quality, multi-platform videogames, Konami is looking to raise the entertainment standard of games for mobile phones," said Joe Morris, Vice President of Konami Mobile. "Mobile technology has exploded, providing powerful new tools to enhance today's mobile gaming experiences. Konami's esteemed game developers will be creating original titles based on the company's top franchises including Castlevania, Metal Gear Solid Mobile, Contra and others."

Castlevania: Order of Shadows is the latest chapter in the popular videogame series, designed exclusively for the mobile platform. Developed in collaboration with franchise mastermind Koji Igarashi (aka "IGA"), the game breathes new life into the Belmont family bloodline with fresh adventures, characters and perils. Featuring updated abilities and spells, unique enemies, original songs and full screen particle effects, the title takes mobile gaming to new heights.

To give consumers a direct connection to Konami Mobile's development team and insight to upcoming game titles, the company has launched the "Developer's Corner" on its Web site, www.konamimobile.com. The first installment of the Developer's Corner will feature a blog written by Castlevania: Order of Shadows' lead game designer, Tyrone Rodriguez, discussing the genesis of the title, working with IGA on his vision for a mobile Castlevania game, and Konami's aspirations for improving mobile gaming experiences. Also featured on the website will be mobile game emulators as well as art and video, so consumers can sample the new games before purchasing them.

Mario Party 8 returns to number one position

Nintendo continues to dominate the charts in Japan, with 25 of the top 30 best-selling games in the region for the DS or Wii formats.

The top ten best-selling games for the week ended August 19 follow:

1. Mario Party 8 (Wii)

2. SD Gundam: G Generation Cross Drive (DS)

3. Donkey Kong: Jungle Climber (DS)

4. Wii Sports (Wii)

5. Wii Play (Wii)

6. My Housekeeping Diary (DS)

7. J-League Winning Eleven 2007: Club Championship (PS2)

8. The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass (DS)

9. New Super Mario Bros. (DS)

10. Hot Shots Golf 5 (PS3)

Microsoft replace official wheel following overheating

Microsoft is retrofitting its official Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel after reports the peripheral overheats and releases smoke.

The company said a component in the wheel chassis overheats when the AC/DC power adaptor is used to power the wheel.

"There have been no reported incidences of fire, personal injury or property damage resulting from the component failure in the wheel," said the company in a statement.

Microsoft advices that owners of the peripheral in the US should contact the company for a retrofit and stop using the AC/DC adaptor, although it's safe to use the wheel using battery power.

The company has notified the the US Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Microsoft Europe was not available at the time of writing to advise on any retrofitting for European consumers.

Sony - no plans to cut the PlayStation 3 price

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe has no plans to cut the price of PlayStation 3 according to president David Reeves, but the company will introduce new bundles with different games to help drive sales.

"What we're going to allow, and it doesn't need an announcement, is simply that we'll probably put out more hard bundles than the Starter Pack," Reeves told GamesIndustry.biz in an interview published today.

"We're not making any pricing announcements at Games Convention at all. There's none. And we don't have any plans in that regard. We're really happy with the way that things are going for the PAL business. We really are. It's on track."

Reeves also said that Sony chose not to announce new PS3 games during its press conference in Leipzig last night because it wants to make sure people are "focused on five or six games".

"We're not going to try and overload - I'm not trying to escape the question, I'm just saying we're not going to overload the consumer with too many new ones."

"It's important to get a window so that someone's played a game and they're ready for the next one, because they don't have huge wallets and they can't go out and buy five games at 59 Euros all the time. So we're trying to do pillar titles every month.

The top ten best-selling games

The top ten best-selling games on all major formats:

Multiformat

1. World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade (PC)

2. Pokémon Diamond (DS)

3. World of Warcraft (PC)

4. Counter-Strike 1: Anthology (PC)

5. Guitar Hero 2 Rock the 80´s (PS2)

6. The Sims 2 H&M Fashion (PC)

7. Pokémon Pearl (DS)

8. Motorstorm (PS3)

9. Resistance: Fall of Man (PS3)

10. Singstar 90's (PS2)

PC

1. World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade

2. World of Warcraft

3. Counter-Strike 1: Anthology

4. The Sims 2 H&M Fashion

5. The Sims 2

6. Warcraft III Frozen Throne

7. Warcraft III Reign Of Chaos

8. The Sims 2 Året runt

9. Battlefield 2

10. Counter-Strike Source

Playstation 2

1. Guitar Hero 2 Rock the 80´s

2. Singstar 90's

3. Singstar Svenska hits

4. MX vs ATV Unleashed

5. Singstar Pop Hits Skandinavisk

6. FIFA 07

7. Need for Speed Carbon

8. Guitar Hero 2

9. Singstar 80's

10. Harry Potter och Fenixorden

Playstation 3

1. Motorstorm

2. Resistance: Fall of Man

3. The Darkness

4. Rainbow Six Vegas

5. Ninja Gaiden Sigma

6. Elder Scrolls IV Oblivion

7. Transformers The Game

8. Harry Potter och Fenixorden

9. Fight Night Round 3

10. Ridge Racer 7

Xbox 360

1. Guitar Hero 2

2. Colin McRae Dirt

3. Perfect Dark Zero

4. Forza Motorsport 2

5. Gears of War

6. NHL 07

7. Kameo Classics

8. The Darkness

9. FlatOut Ultimate Carnage

10. Call of Duty 2

Wii

1. Resident Evil 4 Wii Edition

2. Legend of Zelda: The Twillight Princess

3. Wii Play

4. Mario Party 8

5. Harry Potter och Fenixorden

6. Rayman Raving Rabbids

7. Trauma Center: Second Opinion

8. Mario Strikers Charged Football

9. Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree

10. Red Steel

Nintendo DS

1. Pokémon Diamond

2. Pokémon Pearl

3. New Super Mario Bros

4. Harry Potter and the Order of the Fenix

5. Rayman DS

6. Nintendogs: Dalmatian & Friends

7. Madagascar

8. The Sims 2 Pets

9. Rayman Raving Rabbids

10. Super Mario 64 DS

PSP

1. Pro Evolution Soccer 6

2. Need for Speed Underground Rivals

3. Harry Potter och Fenixorden

4. Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters

5. Scooby Doo: Who's Watchin' Who?

6. Tekken Dark Resurrection

7. Daxter

8. Rainbow Six Vegas

9. Transformers The Game

10. GTA Vice City Stories

Guitar Hero III: Legends Of Rock

Activision has today announced an official journalist-only Guitar Hero play-off at the forthcoming Games Media Awards.

The Awards will honour the very best videogames journalism across specialist and non-specialist media – print, broadcast and online – at the first ceremony of its kind.

And, thanks to Activision, there’s an even bigger accolade: that of best journalist Guitar Hero player.

With over 150 press attendees at this inaugural event, competition is likely to be fierce, but once the Awards have been concluded, Guitar Hero will take centre stage. Rival magazines, publications and broadcast media will battle against each other for the ultimate bragging rights: being better than the competition at the best game of the year.

“Guitar Hero III introduces competitive online play for the first time in the series,” says Gary Sims, Brand Manager, Activision UK, “so the special journalist-only play off at the Games Media Awards are particularly relevant. And with the greatest selection of songs a music game has ever had, the performances will ensure the party concludes with a bang.”

Guitar Hero III will be released on PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii during Q4 2007. Featuring a vast collection of worldwide-recognised rock tracks, all new multiplayer modes alongside the classic Guitar Hero gameplay, thrilling boss battles with the greatest guitarists of all time, and superlative sound and vision, the game will prove to be the definitive guitar simulation of all time.

The GMAs are being hosted by Intent Media, and will take place at the Soho Revue Bar, London, on October 11th 2007. Attendance is free to qualified media. The shortlist for the 16 categories will be announced soon.

Mario smashes his way back onto virtual console

Prepare for a smashing time as Mario returns to the Virtual Console in one of his wackiest adventures to date. Originally released on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1987, Wrecking Crew sees Mario take on the unique role of demolition engineer. Players must identify the most effective route through the many enemy infested levels before demolishing all the structures. With a level editor allowing players to save and play their own creations as well as support for two players, Wrecking Crew™ is a blast for 500 Wii Points.

If you’re looking for something more traditional, why not have a go at Lunar Pool originally released on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1991? Lunar Pool reinvents the classic game of pool by giving it a quirky and futuristic flair. Simply hit the cue ball with your cue and get as many of the other balls into the pockets as possible. With interchangeable features including different ball arrangements, multi-player and a varying degree of friction on the table, this game is sure to bring out the competitive side in anyone. Lunar Pool is available on Virtual Console this week for 500 Wii Points.

Rounding off this week’s Virtual Console offering is 1990 Turbografx classic Neutopia. This classic action RPG follows a young boy who sets off on an epic adventure to free a captive princess and recover medallions stolen by an evil Demon. Players must travel across land, sea and sky, solving puzzles and navigating through labyrinths as they hunt for hidden treasure and powerful equipment to aid them in their quest. Neutopia is available now for 600 Wii points.

These great games join the list of 125 classic titles already available for Virtual Console in Europe.

Jolt keeps an eye out for innovative new MMO

As part of its commitment to groundbreaking, independently developed massively multiplayer games, Jolt Online Gaming, Europe's largest independent online gaming network, is pleased to announce a partnership with Eyes Out Entertainment that will help see the innovative MMO Tatsumaki: Land at War enter its next stage of development.

Shunning genre conventions such as races, classes, experience points and even monsters, Tatsumaki offers players a unique role-playing experience, where real-time PvP combat, detailed crafts and even idle pursuits take place against a backdrop of player-built towns set in feudal Japan. Striving for the perfect balance between realism and action, and featuring a novel system of family ties, the game allows players to be as notorious or as anonymous as they please. Furthermore the game will offer players an innovative and highly competitive pricing structure, including a limited free-to-play option.

Following an intensive testing and development period, Tasumaki has entered early beta stages, with the first of many towns along with several visual enhancements now in development. Jolt’s involvement sees the game hosted on its cutting-edge servers located at a state-of-the-art data centre facility, and with an overhauled website to keep the game’s growing community informed and up-to-date.

As part of the development team’s ongoing efforts to broaden and diversify its capability to provide the best gaming experience possible, openings have been made available for talented and passionate programmers, modellers, artists, animators and musicians.

For more information about the game, visit www.landatwar.com.

For a list of available positions, head to www.eyesoute.com/apply.

“We’re very excited to be working with Eyes Out Entertainment on a game that we’ve come to be as passionate about as they are,” said Jolt’s CEO, Dominic Silk. “With our world-class server technology and years of experience in the MMO community, we hope to see Tatsumaki go from strength to strength over the coming years.”

“Jolt’s proven track record and commitment to independently developed online games makes them the ideal partner to help bring our first MMO to a wider online audience,” said EOE’s founder Jonathan Rush. “Our relationship so far has been great and we look forward to working with them in the future.”

Halo 3 Special Edition Xbox 360 Console

Limited Edition Xbox 360 Will Have Estimated Retail Price of £279.99, Available From 26th September


Microsoft today announced estimated retail pricing and availability for the Xbox 360 Halo 3 Special Edition Console, launched in anticipation of this year’s largest blockbuster gamer launch, Halo 3.

The Xbox 360 Halo 3 Special Edition console, with an authentic Spartan green and gold finish, will carry an estimated retail price of £279.99 when it comes to retail on 26th September. The Xbox 360 Halo 3 Special Edition console comes with the following features:

· Halo 3 Special Edition Wireless Controller

· Halo 3 Special Edition 20GB Hard Drive

· Halo 3 Special Edition Wired Headset

· Halo 3 Special Edition Gamer Pics and Theme (Exclusive download via Xbox LIVE®)

· Component HD AV Cable

· Ethernet Cable

· HDMI Port

· Play & Charge Kit

· Xbox LIVE Silver Membership

· One-month Xbox LIVE Gold Membership

“We are pleased to offer the cool Halo 3 Special Edition console for the huge Halo fan community,” said Stephen McGill, Microsoft’s Head of Gaming and Entertainment. “It’s a great way for Halo fans to show their allegiance to one of the most popular and successful entertainment franchises ever. Halo 3 is just one of the amazing games coming to Xbox 360 this Christmas. Combine the best games lineup of any console ever, including the universally acclaimed Bioshock launching this week, with today’s new affordable estimated retail pricing that makes it easier for more people to enter the world of Xbox 360, and it’s clear there has never been a better time to be a gamer.”

Commodore Gaming Announces European Retail Partners

At the Leipzig Gaming Convention, Commodore Gaming today announced its current retail and distribution partners for Europe, including both retail and e-tail outlets.

While in some countries the higher specification models (GX, XX) will only be available through www.commodoregaming.com, retail is confirmed as hugely important in Commodore Gaming’s efforts to bring PC gaming to the mainstream, with affordable gaming PCs available in retail stores across Europe.

“We’re delighted to offer the thrill of PC gaming to a much wider audience than anyone has previously”, commented Bala Keilman, CEO Commodore Gaming. “While it’s possible to buy online, the specifications involved and the customisable options can make it a daunting task for newcomers to the PC gaming scene. With our entry level models in-store, customers can get advice, as well as see the product they are buying”

For all retail sales, customers will also receive a voucher for a free additional set of c-kin panels, in case the one available in-store does not suit their personal style. Choosing online, customers have over a hundred c-kins to choose from, including street art, photography, and other designs.

Gothic 4

JoWooD Productions Software AG is proud to present Spellbound Entertainment AG as the official developing team for Gothic 4.

One of the most convincing and central arguments for choosing Spellbound, was the scope of RPG experience brought in by Spellbound team member Jochen Hamma, who was involved in creating the legendary „Nordland Trilogy“ based upon the Pen & Paper RPG „Das Schwarze Auge“.

Furthermore, Spellbound has created own tools for achieving exceptional standards in Quality and Quality Assurance. Both parties are confident to produce a game of highest quality, and Spellbound intends to focus on the traditional strengths of the brand, setting new standards in the original, authentic Gothic essentials.

At the Games Convention 2007 in Leipzig, Mr. Jochen Hamma, Spellbounds Executive Producer, is showing the first facts and plans to curious fans and special interest media, outlining which strengths are essentially to be intensified, and which weaknesses are tagged for elimination.

Gothic 4 is being developed for PC and Current Gen console systems, a release date will be announced in the coming weeks.

Caveman Survival

Dutch publishers Xing Interactive are pleased to announce the release date of their latest casual RTS games called "Caveman Survival". This Windows XP and Vista ready title will be part of the Xing Benelux and U.K. line-up for the 1st week of October 2007. In this game you lead your clueless band of rugged cave people to victory over their enemies and cope with daily necessities like food and who gets to pet the baby Mammoth first. It'll be a challenge to survive pre-history so don't think this will be a walk in the park!

SteelSeries Ikari Optical And Laser Professional Gaming Mice

SteelSeries, a leading manufacturer of innovative professional gaming gear, today announced the SteelSeries Ikari Optical and SteelSeries Ikari Laser professional gaming mice. The new, ergonomic right-handed multi-grip mice mark the company’s entry into the market for gaming mice. Adding the gaming mice line compliments an existing portfolio of professional gaming gear that consists of headsets, keyboards, surfaces, accessories and security software designed for competitive gamers.

The SteelSeries Ikari mice are the result of 15 months extensive research of ergonomics, technology, shape, motion, hand grip and play styles by gamers. The SteelSeries Ikari mice sets a new industry standard for input, research and co-development with professional gamers for gaming mice. The shape, materials and specifications of the SteelSeries Ikari mice are based on input from professional players from Team 3D, compLexity, mousesports, SK Gaming, Team NoA and other world-class gaming organizations, who collectively represent the world’s most accomplished gamers in Counter-Strike and other gaming disciplines. The development of SteelSeries Ikari was also driven by community input and feedback from more than 5,000 gamers from the competitive gaming segment.

The SteelSeries Ikari chassis is shaped to accommodate the three predominant methods of grip utilized by gamers today: Swipe, Claw, and Palm. The chassis features five buttons with high quality gaming grade contacts. The SteelSeries Ikari mice also have an anti-sweat and slip-resistant surface coating to improve mouse control during intense gaming sessions. The SteelSeries Ikari mice boast the largest SteelSeries Glide surface ever utilized on gaming mice (more than a 300% increase over traditional gaming mice) that is specifically designed to reduce friction between the pressure points on the mouse and the surface under the mouse.

Both models of the SteelSeries Ikari mice feature plug-and-play features that will allow gamers to play at LAN events and tournaments without the need to install specific mouse drivers. The SteelSeries Ikari mice operate at 500 Hz and feature “on-the-fly” DPI settings.

Special features of the two SteelSeries Ikari models:

SteelSeries Ikari Optical
• Specific design for FPS gamers
• Driverless, plug-and-play feature for LAN gamers
• Pressure points that reduce friction for optimized glide
• Ability to toggle between 2 DPI settings

SteelSeries Ikari Laser
• Specific designed for RTS & MMO gamers
• Programmable macro buttons with driverless plug-and-play feature
• Pressure points that reduce friction for optimized glide
• Ability to toggle DPI range with LCD readout

The SteelSeries Ikari Optical was designed as a no-bullshit, top performer for FPS gamers. The research and development emphasized a “no nonsense, no crap” approach with proven optical technology that allows gamers consistent, fast movements without technical difficulties of any kind.
The SteelSeries Ikari Laser mouse was specifically designed for RTS and MMO gamers in mind that features programmable macros and custom settings designed to increase the users Actions Per Minute (APM) count. The mouse can be programmed from home and will remember the settings for tournament use even without installing drivers.
The new gaming mice from SteelSeries will be released Q4 2007.

Alison Carroll - Lara Croft - Tomb Raider - Sexy High Kick

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The City of the Kings for The Lord of the Rings online

The second free update for subscribers to The Lord of the Rings OnlineTM: Shadows of Angmar. Book 10: The City of the Kings, the second of many planned free updates to the world of Middle-earth, continues the epic story, adds over 100 new quests, implements significant enhancements to monster play, and introduces the Reputation and Bartering systems.

Amarthiel, introduced in Book 9: Shores of Evendim, has reclaimed the palantir of Carn Dûm and is now seeking to make Annúminas her new seat of power as she searches for her lost ring of power: Narchuil. The Dúnedain stand against her as the Rangers mount a last, desperate attempt to wrest the palantir from Amarthiel. Before she can find Narchuil, a most dangerous opportunity presents itself that may give the Dúnedain the advantage they need to blind the eye of Angmar.

Beginning today, heroes can adventure to The City of the Kings in The Lord of the Rings Online.

The Lord of the Rings Online delivers an interactive experience brimming with life and filled with the familiar people, places and monsters from the most beloved fantasy adventure of all time. From the quaint surroundings of the Shire to Angmar, the vile kingdom of the Witch-king, players will experience the world of Middle-earth as never before. The Lord of the Rings Online is now available for purchase at major retailers across North America and Europe. For more information about The Lord of the Rings Online, please visit www.lotro.com.

"The Lord of the Rings Online," "Shadows of Angmar," "Middle-earth," "The Lord of the Rings," and the names of the characters, events, items, and places therein are trademarks or registered trademarks of The Saul Zaentz Company d/b/a Tolkien Enterprises under license to Turbine, Inc. Turbine and the Turbine logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Turbine, Inc. in the United States and/or other jurisdictions. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Firby on mobile phones

OrangePixel releases Firby, the cute pink ghost ready to help the good Witch with finding her key's back in this action packed platformer.

The game features 48 levels spread over 3 different graphical worlds and many various creatures ready to stop Firby from completing the task of key-collecting. With the game and level design tailored for mobile game play, the game is easy to pickup and have a few plays during the boring moments of the day.

“Although the game is a fairly fast paced action game, we tried to keep the level of difficulty pretty much open to anyone. Good player will be able to reach much higher scores and compete on our RumbleX (www.rumblex.com) high score and community system, and less skilled players can still enjoy the game by simply completing the main task: collect all the keys!” - Pascal Bestebroer CEO of OrangePixel

Firby sports smart mobile game play, colourful graphics, non-intrusive sound effects, online high scores, and a lot of fun.

Firby will be available worldwide on operator and web/wap portal sites, for more information visit www.orangepixel.net, with a free demo version available and a free AdWrapped version coming soon.

Hello Kitty's Birthday Surprise in Malaysia and South East Asia

Today MOffY Limited and Ozura Mobile announced the launch of Hello Kitty Mobile Game, ‘Hello Kitty’s Birthday Surprise’ in MaxGames. MaxGames (www.maxgames.com.my ) is the largest mobile gaming community portal in Malaysia.

MOffY is currently publishing and distributing Hello Kitty and other Sanrio characters mobile contents in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Ozura Mobile is a leading game developer and publisher of mobile entertainment in Asia.

"Hello Kitty’s Birthday Surprise was developed under cooperation between MOffY and Ozura. The game provides fans with an extraordinary gaming experience that encapsulates the character’s attitude and style. Upon launching, we’re hoping to capture the attention and responsiveness of Maxis subscribers,” stated H.E.Mah, Ozura’s Chief Marketing Officer.

The game will exclusively be launched in MaxGames Community in Malaysia. Various campaigns will be run throughout a period of time based on the game itself.

Hello Kitty’s Birthday Surprise features 2 exciting game modes – Story and Tournament. The story mode allows players to collect only an amount of ingredients needed in order to proceed to the next round. In the tournament mode however, requires players to collect as much ingredients as possible to obtain a high score for uploading purposes.

Players who are interested and would like to find out more about Hello Kitty’s Birthday Surprise campaign, kindly visit MaxGames WEB or WAP @ www.maxgames.com.my.

As described by Alan who is the General Manager of MOffY, “we sought to extent the mobile contents featured with Hello Kitty and other Sanrio characters in the South East Asia market, and we believed that Hello Kitty will bring enormous fun to its fans in the region.

Hello Kitty’s Birthday Surprise is another new addition to the existing portfolio of 40+ Hello Kitty and Sanrio mobile games published by MOffY. MOffY currently hold one of the largest Sanrio mobile game libraries in the mobile market.

A New Beginning: New adventure game announced

Telling emotionally captivating stories is the declared aim of Daedalic Entertainment. At this year’s Games Convention, the publisher unveiled the first internally developed project.

A New Beginning is a cinematic, interactive eco-thriller. In the classic adventure game an impending global climate cataclysm threatens the world, in a story ripped from today’s headlines, dealing with the defining issue of our time. At locations all around the globe, players will have to try and stem the tide – with the whole world hanging in the balance.

In A New Beginning, players take control of two protagonists and explore the detailed, hand-painted backgrounds. The more than 30 characters are rendered in a realistic 2D style and are painstakingly animated by hand in feature film quality. Many challenging puzzles and adventurous situations have to be overcome to prevent the impending climate chaos. The ambitious adventure game project is in development for PC, Nintendo DS and Nintendo Wii.

Scientist Bent Svensson has had to give up on his life’s work of trying to engineer an eco-friendly alternative energy source. But his existence as a reluctant retiree is interrupted by a most peculiar visitor: The young Fay claims to have been sent from the future to prevent an impending environmental catastrophe. The only remaining hope is Bent’s research which is about to fall into the hands of an unscrupulous energy magnate. Bent decides to trust the young woman – but is she really telling the truth?

Daedalic Entertainment will present A New Beginning exclusively at this year’s Games Convention in Leipzig, Germany (August, 22-25) to international press and trade visitors.

Overview

Title: A New Beginning
Format: PC / Nintendo DS / Nintendo Wii
Developer: Daedalic Entertainment
Publisher: Daedalic Entertainment
Release Date: Q4/2008

Atari Brings Classics to PSP

Atari, Inc., one of the world's most recognized brands and a third-party video game publisher, today announced that Atari Classics Evolved, an homage to Atari's landmark catalogue, is in development on the PSP (PlayStation Portable) system. Developed by Stainless Games Ltd., Atari Classics Evolved is schedule for a Fall 2007 release.

Atari Classics Evolved will feature such timeless games as
Asteroids,
Asteroids Deluxe,
Battlezone,
Centipede,
Lunar Lander,
Millipede,
Missile Command,
Super Breakout,
Tempest,
Warlords and
Pong.

These titles, presented in both an original and an evolved version, will maintain the original gameplay while adding beautifully rendered up-to-date graphics.

"We are looking forward to providing gamers with the experience of the iconic Atari catalog on a handheld platform," said Matt Rush, Producer, Atari, Inc. "Offering these Atari classics in both their elemental and contemporary forms should excite both old-school and next-generation gamers alike."

In addition to the 11 evolved classics, more than 60 original Atari 2600 titles will be available for gameplay such as the memorable

Yar's Revenge,
Night Driver,
Canyon Bomber and
Crystal Castles

to name a few. Atari Classics will feature online Leaderboards for the original 11 coin-op games, allowing players around the world to compare scores, and will also feature peer-to-peer wireless compatibility for titles that have multiplayer capabilities.

World in Conflict Demo - out tomorrow

Sierra Entertainment will release a public demo of World in Conflict™, the award-winning action-strategy PC game developed by Massive Entertainment, on August 24 - during both the Games Convention in Leipzig, Germany and the Penny Arcade Expo in Seattle, WA. The World in Conflict Demo will contain both single-player and multiplayer modes.

World in Conflict will be available at retail outlets across North America on September 18.

The World in Conflict Demo, which will be available as a free download, will give PC players a taste of the innovative gameplay and next-generation graphics that made World in Conflict the unanimous choice of E3 judges and media as the Best Strategy Game of E3 2007.

Included in the World in Conflict Demo will be:
Multiplayer combat for up to 16 players in a match
Map: "Seaside" (US vs. USSR)
Exclusive Bonus Map: Customers who have pre-ordered the game will also be able to play a second Multiplayer map: "Ruins" (US vs. USSR)
First public experience with World in Conflict's epic single-player campaign
Tutorial: US Airbase
Single-Player Mission 3: "The Battle of Pine Valley"
Skirmish Mode: For the first time, players will be able to hone their combat skills versus bots (available only on "Seaside")
Fully enabled online support through Massgate, including:
Few-player-mode
Clan matches
Full access to Massgate forums

World in Conflict will be available September 18 in both Standard and Collector's Edition formats. The World in Conflict Collector's Edition will include limited edition extras for hardcore fans and Cold War enthusiasts, including an authentic piece of the Berlin Wall, a bonus DVD from The History Channel®, behind the scenes videos and special packaging. Additional pre-order bonuses for the Collector's Edition and Standard Edition versions of World in Conflict are now available at participating retailers across North America, including an additional bonus DVD from The History Channel® and other added content.

For more information about World in Conflict or to find participating pre-order retailers, please visit World in conflict

2K Games Announces BioShock Now Available

2K Games, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), announced today that BioShock is now available in North America for Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Games for Windows®, and will be available in Europe beginning August 24. Developed by 2K Boston and 2K Australia, BioShock is a "genetically enhanced" first-person shooter that lets players do things never before possible in the genre.

Gamers enter the game as a castaway in Rapture, an underwater utopia torn apart by civil war. Caught between powerful forces and hunted down by genetically modified "splicers" and deadly security systems, players have to come to grips with a deadly, mysterious world filled with powerful technology and fascinating characters. No encounter ever plays out the same and no two gamers will play BioShock the same way.

"With the release of BioShock, we are redefining the shooter experience by providing players with the freedom to decide how to proceed and which actions to take," said Christoph Hartmann, President of 2K. "The teams at 2K Boston and 2K Australia have captured the essence of this underwater world and brought it to vivid life in the art design and open-ended storyline. Welcome to Rapture."

In the decaying art deco underwater city of Rapture, players can turn everything they encounter into a weapon, biologically modify their body with plasmids, hack devices and security systems, upgrade weapons, craft new ammo variants, and experiment with different battle techniques.

"The development team has been working on BioShock for years to push the limits in every way possible, so we are excited for gamers to finally experience BioShock as we've always imagined it," said Ken Levine, President and Creative Director of 2K Boston. "We delivered on our promise of bringing gamers a unique and enriching first-person shooter experience that not only challenges their capacity to adapt and survive, but tests their values and commitment to the inhabitants of Rapture."

BioShock's features include:
Biologically modify your body with plasmids which are genetic augmentations that empower you with dozens of fantastic abilities including: send Electrobolts storming from your fingertips, unleash a swarm of hornets hatched from the veins of your arms, or strategically turn enemies against one another with irritants.
Take control of your world by hacking devices and systems: reprogram enemy security bots into personal bodyguards, modify vending machines to change prices, and transform machine gun security turrets into powerless pieces of metal.
Upgrade your weapons at Power-to-the-People stations located through Rapture: craft variants of ammo and plasmids by picking up materials in the city to modify them at U-Invent kiosks.
Turn everything into a weapon: the environment, your body, fire and water, and even your worst enemies. BioShock's free form combat options allow gameplay scenarios to be approached with a variety of weapons, active and passive plasmids, environmental objects utilization, exploitation of political alliances, or a combination of techniques. Find your style but know when to adapt.
Explore an incredible and unique art deco world hidden deep under the ocean, vividly illustrated with realistic water effects and truly next generation graphics.
Make meaningful and mature decisions that culminate in the ultimate question: Do you exploit the innocent survivors of Rapture to save yourself...or risk it all to become their savior?

BioShock is rated "M" for Mature and is now available for Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Games for Windows®. For more information, visit the BioShock website at www.BioShockGame.com, and the community site at www.TheCultofRapture.com.

Project Gotham Racing 4 Fact Sheet

"Project Gotham Racing 4" is the highly anticipated next installment of the blockbuster "Project Gotham Racing" (PGR®) franchise, developed by Bizarre Creations exclusively for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system. With a dramatic new weather system, revamped career mode, revised Kudos system, new tracks and locations as well as the world's most iconic vehicles, "PGR 4" takes racing to a new level of thrill and excitement.

For the first time in "PGR" history, drivers will have the option of racing a variety of motorcycles from top manufacturers, such as Ducati, BMW and Honda. Whether on two wheels or four, players must perform daring and stylistic moves to win over their fans, who will cheer them on as they follow their road to racing notoriety.

In addition, through a new content server, drivers can save their favorite races and search over Xbox LIVE® for race content that is specific to their interests. Players can find out who has the longest slide or wheelie in Shanghai or St. Petersburg, for example, through the innovative new content server.
A unique and exciting racing experience compatible with the Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel. "Project Gotham Racing 4" will redefine the "PGR" franchise by delivering a unique, exciting racing experience where dramatic racing action is captured in cinematic style and players are rewarded for showing off their skills and performing precise and jaw-dropping skills and maneuvers while winning over the hearts of adoring fans online and off.


More than 120 iconic vehicles, including motorcycles, from the world's top manufacturers. "PGR4" puts gamers behind the wheel of the world's most iconic cars, including the 1957 Maserati 250F, 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray, 1978 Lamborghini Countach LP400, 1993 Toyota Supra Turbo, and 2006 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano. In addition, for the first time motorcycles from top manufacturers, such as Ducati, BMW and Honda, will be included in the game. Whether in single-player mode or playing with a team of up to seven other drivers,* players can choose to race two motorcycles side by side or race with a combination of cars and motorcycles. The game's unique physics engine enables drivers to pull off incredible driving maneuvers not found in any other racing game.
The information contained in this fact sheet relates to a pre-release product that may be substantially modified before its first commercial release. Accordingly, the information may not accurately describe or reflect the product when it is first commercially released. This fact sheet is provided for informational purposes only, and Microsoft makes no warranties, express or implied, with respect to the fact sheet or the information contained in it.

ULTIMATE NINJA 2 This Monday At HMV!!! Prizes To Be Won!

head of the official release at the HMV anime day at Oxford Street on Monday 20th August! Atari will displaying playable demos of the recently released NARUTO UZUMAKI CHRONICLES and NARUTO: ULTIMATE NINJA 2 which releases this October exclusive to Playstation 2. There will also be the chance to enter the NARUTO ULTIMATE NINJA Challenge - a live combat game tournament on the HMV stage. There will be hundreds of pounds worth of HMV gift vouchers in prizes available to the winners and runner ups. Come and show us your skills!

Game playing commences from 1 pm on the Ground Floor by the stage at HMV, 150 Oxford Street London. The Atari NARUTO ULTIMATE NINJA TOURNAMENT will kick off from 2 pm and finish by 4 pm so make sure you arrive on time!

More information on NARUTO: ULTIMATE NINJA 2 –

Based on the hit Naruto anime TV series which continues to grow in popularity around the globe, Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 2 delivers a knock out Ninja punch for all fans of fighting games. Published by NAMCO BANDAI Games and distributed in Europe by Atari, Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 2 for PlayStation®2 is scheduled for release across Europe in autumn 2007.

Taking the experience to new heights of excellence, Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 2 lets players choose from over 30 playable characters from the hit TV show including Naruto, Sasuke, Kakashi and more, play through over 60 thrilling missions, take on a series of challenging mini-games, and test their skills with head-to-head combat on 16 unique battle stages. The Ultimate Road story mode takes players through key plots from the TV show to ultimately unlock a brand new original storyline, while Vs mode lets players do battle with the computer or go head-to-head with their friends to see who has what it takes to be the ultimate ninja.

Bringing a new level of depth to the gameplay, Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 2 introduces RPG elements to the series for the first time, with a system of character upgrades which lets players earn points to enhance strength, defence, chakra, agility and even special abilities to give them the edge over their opponents in battle. Players can unleash their chakra to perform multi-level super attacks capable of laying waste to even the most deadly of enemies.

With tons of unlockable features including characters, movies, music and more, a dazzling array of gameplay modes, and an authentic Naruto experience with moves, story and original Japanese voiceover straight from the TV series, Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 2 packs a devastating punch for fans of the franchise and anyone looking for a damn good punch-up on PS®2.

Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 2 for PlayStation 2 is scheduled for release across Europe in autumn 2007.

Ascaron and Deep Silver sign agreement for Sacred 2 – Fallen Angel

Ascaron and Deep Silver, Koch Media's game label, today announce their signing of an agreement for the action RPG Sacred 2 – Fallen Angel. Sacred 2 – Fallen Angel is being developed for PC and is planned for the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft®. The agreement includes the rights for the PAL and SECAM countries (with the exception of the PC version in Germany, Austria, the German-speaking part of Switzerland and the Commonwealth of Independent States).

"Sacred has developed into an international top seller and one of the strongest names in the action RPG segment. We are therefore particularly proud to be able to publish this title with Ascaron. Sacred 2 is already receiving much praise in the special interest press and will be able to set new standards on the console too", says Dr. Klemens Kundratitz, CEO of Koch Media. "We are happy to be able to present this title to the public at our stand at the Games Convention."

Holger Flöttmann, Managing Director of the Ascaron Entertainment GmbH, says: "In Koch Media, we have found a Europe-oriented partner with a German background who has proven its distribution strength many times over. Koch Media's sales and distribution concept is oriented towards multiple platforms, distribution and marketing. 'Sacred 2 – Fallen Angel' will profit from this. We are looking forward to working with them."

Six unique characters, a breathtaking story told in separate Light and Shadows campaigns and a comprehensive multiplayer part are sure to provide players with a truly superb virtual experience. In the gigantic game world, which may be explored without loading times, a vast variety of enemies and adventures await players. The NPC's realistic behaviour and individual daily routine provides Sacred 2 - Fallen Angel with an authentic flair and fills its game world with life. With its dynamic day and night cycle, weather effects, wind animations, intricate ragdoll elements and breathtaking surprises Sacred 2 – Fallen Angel has all the ingredients to captivate players with its unique atmosphere.

The Bojo Game – Home Edition

The Montreal area’s newest independent games producer, The Bojo Group, has announced that it will start selling as a download its first animated casual computer card game and casino simulation program – The Bojo Game – Home Edition©™ on or before Saturday, August 25.

In doing so the game becomes the newest entrant in the burgeoning casual computer games market, expected by industry analysts to gross more than $1.3 billion this year alone – more than a five-fold increase in sales since 2002 when the young industry sold more than $200 million worth of casual games.

The Bojo Game – Home Edition is easy-to-learn and easier-to-play. It creates a virtual on-line Internet casino game in progress with up to 99,999 other simulated or virtual players.

Besides being a new solitaire-type card game, it notches two firsts in the history of card games. Extensive research has revealed that it is the first new way to play draw poker in many years. At the same time, it is also the first new type of card game that could be offered by casinos in many years. Casinos currently seem to offer only three types of betting card games, in many variants: poker, blackjack and baccarat.

However, the Bojo group’s game is not being offered to casinos anywhere for now. It is being sold strictly as a home edition casino simulation game, one which can be played by one person only on one computer only - all in the security and privacy of one’s own home: no real gambling, no real money. It is a risk-free skills game, not requiring a licence.

Repeated player testing has shown that the game’s simulated casino atmosphere provides hours of safe fun and enjoyment. A simulated five-card draw poker hand, one of the game’s many features, captivated avid poker players for hours on end, some of them choosing to play the game manually with a pen, a grid pad and a deck of cards, claiming that they were happy to wait for the play-at-home computer version.

It’s here. Card game enthusiasts can check it out for some serious fun - a free downloadable 15-minute playable trial version and demo are available at www.bojogame.com/trial.

The download game will sell for US$ 19.95 plus applicable taxes. The Bojo group is also looking at the potential for sales through affiliated casual games providers on the Internet, retail level CD game kits, commercially-sponsored editions containing embedded advertising for brick-and-mortar gaming outlets and licencing on-line casinos to offer it as a free-to-play game that simulates the real thing.

The rules of play for this home edition make it the newest un-modified card game in recent years. In addition to being animated, it also has its own sound effects and original music score – The Theme >From Bojo created by Studio 910 Inc. technicians, composers and performing artists in Laval.

Tragnarion Studios Announces Only For Nintendo DS, Their New Magical Title "Doodle Hex"

Developer Tragnarion Studios announces their new magical Nintendo DS game “Doodle Hex”, which will be available in Q1 2008.

Doodle Hex is an original game designed specifically for the Nintendo DS, utilizing unique features like the touch screen and dual screens perfectly to create an addictive and fun title for both single and multiplayer gaming.

Doodle Hex is a game of magical dueling where aspiring “Doodlers” compete head-to-head for fun and glory. Two “Doodlers” fight by drawing runes onto the DS touch screen, in real time, to create powerful and fun spells to inflict on their opponent, such as blasts of fire or curses that shake the opponent's screens, turn their own spells back on them and even turn them into a frog!

Speed of thought, tactical choices and accurate drawing of simple shapes are all important to progress through the game and succeed in Doodle Hex.

Completing tournaments and challenges in the puzzle mode of the game unlocks further runes and spells, allowing players to collect runes to create their own customised spell book. With over 200 runes to collect and swap with friends over wi-fi, Doodle Hex offers over 100 hours of gameplay to budding magicians.

Doodle Hex also features beautiful comic artwork of some of the coolest characters yet seen in a DS game, including: Strat an Emo Rockstar Elf and Fey, a Goth Witch. Tragnarion are providing a sneak peek at some of the fantastic characters and the visual style of the game at www.doodlehex.com.

Carl Jones, head of Tragnarion Studios said: "Like classic fighting and puzzle games, Doodle Hex offers a rewarding single player experience and the fun increases massively when dueling against other people. We're delighted with how Doodle Hex is coming together - the game looks fantastic on the DS, is really addictive and the work our team have done on the characters and art style is amazing. We're showing some examples of this work on our teaser site doodlehex.com, where you can see the doodlers Cassie, Strat, Fey and Kaleb, for now, but we'll be putting a lot more content up there after we take Doodle Hex to the Leipzig Game Convention."

"Doodle Hex" is due for release in the 1st Quarter of 2008 and will be distributed only for Nintendo DS, check it out at www.doodlehex.com.