11/19/07

Monday, November 19, 2007

STAR TREK: Conquest Now Shipping in North America

STAR TREK: Conquest to be Available This Week for Wii and PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system

Bethesda Softworks, a ZeniMax Media company, today announced that STAR TREK: Conquest for the Wii home video game system from Nintendo and PlayStation 2 system is shipping to North American retail stores. Conquest features a blend of strategy and intense action set in the STAR TREK: The Next Generation era and will be available on store shelves throughout North America as early as tomorrow.

Take control of Federation, Klingon, Romulan, Cardassian, Dominion, and Breen forces and lead them in a campaign to control the Galaxy, one planet at a time. You can build and manage your growing empire in turn-based strategy, fully utilizing the Wii Remote™ as you select and maneuver your Starships throughout the large, galactic map.

Strategically, you must effectively manage limited resources to expand your empire. You decide how to best achieve objectives by ordering your fleets and admirals, building support structures, researching technology, and engaging your enemies in combat.

Once battle is initiated, Conquest switches to a ship level tactical view allowing direct command of your ships as you engage in real-time combat. While maneuvering your Starship with the Nunchuk™, you can take direct aim and fire away with the Wii Remote.

Conquest has been rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and will retail for an estimated MSRP of $29.99 on the Wii™ and $14.99 on the PlayStation®2 system. For more information visit http://startrek.bethsoft.com.

Disney Mobile Games Studio

The Walt Disney Internet Group (WDIG) is extending its global mobile games business by increasing the size of its development studio in Prague. The studio is to become WDIG’s largest European location for the global development of mobile games and supports The Walt Disney Company’s growth strategy of leveraging technology to create entertainment content for global distribution.

The facility, which is being renamed the Disney Mobile Games Studio, will officially open in its new location today. Cindy Rose, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of the Walt Disney Internet Group, Europe, Middle East & Africa: “The mobile gaming market is developing at a rapid pace. With the strength of Disney’s brand, the depth of our content offering and our mobile gaming expertise, we feel that we are well positioned to capitalise on the growth potential of this sector across the EMEA region.”

The decision to invest in mobile game development in Prague is part of WDIG’s strategy to extend its mobile games business across the region and the world. An important factor in the decision to expand the studio in Prague was the fact that there is a large pool of talented young game developers in the country. Jiri Rosenkranz, Managing Director of Disney Mobile Games Studio, s.r.o.: “Our team specialises in what we call ‘end-to-end development’ and works on the entire creative process - from conception to the finished game which typically runs on over 400 different handsets. For young programmers, this provides an exciting career development opportunity. In the Czech Republic, there is a wealth of indigenous programming expertise, which combined with our long-standing Czech animation tradition, provides the ideal foundations for developing high-quality mobile games.”

Recent industry research revealed that the mobile gaming industry is a developing market with strong growth potential as mobile devices become the primary electronic interface for consumers. Handsets are increasingly attractive for gamers as larger screens and new generation platforms enable more complex and better-quality gameplay. The global penetration of mobile gamers is expected to increase rapidly from 2006 to 2010. The mobile gaming industry is expected to reach USD 8.4bn in 2010, compared to 2.1bn in 2006.

WDIG is already one of the leading providers of mobile content today and has game development centres in four locations worldwide: Los Angeles, Tokyo, Prague and Beijing. Disney began operations in Prague with the acquisition of Living Mobile in 2005. Living Mobile, which is headquartered in Munich, had a game development studio based in Prague. As a result of its investment in game development, Disney plans to increase the workforce in Prague by the fall of 2008. In the Czech Republic, Disney cooperates with Telefonica 02, T-Mobile and Vodafone and is among the leading providers of mobile games.

Dynamo Games Wins BAFTA

Championship Manager Creators Win Interactive Award

Mobile gaming experts Dynamo Games walked away with a prestigious BAFTA trophy last night, after their mobile phone version of Championship Manager was voted the best interactive title at the Scottish BAFTAs.

The company's mobile version of the best-selling football management simulator has been picking up critical acclaim, excellent review and awards from the media since it was launched in October this year.

“We could not be happier,” said Brian McNiccoll, the managing director of Dynamo. “Championship Manager has been very well received across the board, but we were up against some very tough competition, including Crackdown which is an Xbox 360 game, so we didn't imagine for a minute that we'd win against such a sophisticated console game.”

Championship Manager has been universally praised for it's depth and playability on the tight confines of mobile phone handsets. Championship Manager 2008 is the [fourth] game in the series which Dynamo has created.

Dynamo is also moving outside the simulation area and creating a number of titles based on cult TV quiz shows. Earlier this year the company launched a mobile version of Channel 4 favourite Countdown. Dynamo is put the finishing touches to it's latest title – The Crystal Maze, for a release in early 2008.

The BAFTA Scotland award rounds off a fantastic year for Dynamo Games, alongside the critical acclaim for their games, the company has garnered nominations in a number of other competitions including two nominations in the International Mobile Games Awards – the only UK company in the competition and one of only two companies worldwide to receive multiple nominations.

“The Interactive Scottish BAFTA trophy is a great honour,” says McNicoll. “Unlike the mobile specific awards, this competition is open to all areas of the Interactive world. To be voted the best Interactive title from a Scottish company, given the range and quality of content which has been on the market this year is just staggering. We'll make sure this award takes pride of place in our boardroom.”

Wii-kly Update: Three New Classic Games Added On The Wii Console's First Anniversary

Wii celebrates its first anniversary today, and big stars from past consoles are coming out to help Nintendo celebrate. Luminaries walking the Virtual Console red carpet this week include Mario and Luigi, Sonic The Hedgehog and Zonk. So throw on your best tuxedo or finest gown, and get ready to party with these video game A-listers.

Three new classic games go live at 9 a.m. Pacific time. Nintendo adds new games to the Wii Shop Channel 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:

Wrecking Crew (NES, 1-2 players, rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): In the days before Mario and Luigi became sports stars in their downtime between plumbing and saving the Princess, they tried their hands as one-man wrecking crews. With a hammer as their only tool, players take control of the brothers and set out to destroy ladders, rip out pipes, knock down walls and detonate explosive devices. But make sure to plan your path of destruction carefully, as each building is designed as its own clever puzzle—if you're not careful, you can easily trap yourself in a dead end. Adding to the excitement and challenge are fireballs, enemies and an angry foreman roaming the buildings. They're all trying to stop you from moving on to the next stage. With 100 buildings to demolish and the ability to construct your own, it's a wonder Mario and Luigi ever got back to saving the Mushroom Kingdom.

Sonic 3D Blast (Sega Genesis, 1 player, rated E for Everyone, 800 Wii Points): The evil Dr. Eggman (aka Dr. Robotnik) stumbles upon an alternate dimension where some odd birds called Flickies have the ability to travel anywhere. In order to get help in his search for the Chaos Emeralds, Dr. Eggman transforms the Flickies into robots that will help him track down his coveted gems. Of course, it's up to our favorite blue hedgehog, Sonic, to step in and save the day. Jump into this 3-D adventure as Sonic or his buddy Tails, and collect the golden rings to help free the Flickies and defeat the doctor.

Super Air Zonk (TurboGrafx16 CD-ROM, 1 player, rated E for Everyone – Mild Cartoon Violence, 800 Wii Points): Zonk is back in Super Air Zonk, the sequel to the shooting game spin-off of the Bonk series, Air “Zonk.” Now moving to a rockabilly beat and able to transform into nine different characters, Zonk lets loose through seven action-packed stages in another battle against his arch nemesis, SandroVitch. Power up Zonk with the classic Meat item, eventually turning him into the champion of justice, Ultra Zonk, or the fearsome Tyrano Zonk in the latter stages of the game. After rescuing his friends from enemies, Zonk can also morph with them to combine powers. Fight enemies with killer tunes belted out from a trusty microphone. Hurl freshly made sushi at them. With its variety of wacky attacks, Super Air Zonk has a sense of humor all its own.

For more information about Wii, please visit wii.com.

OFFICIAL DAKAR RALLY 2008 video game

Welcome to the greatest Rally in the World

Electronic Arts today announced the release of the officially licensed Dakar 2008 game. Dakar 2008 has been created exclusively for mobile phones and will be available for download to compatible handsets across Europe from the 14th December 2007, allowing fans ample time to enjoy the adventure before the real-life rally begins in January.

Dakar 2008 captures the spirit of the amazing Dakar rally adventure with a race comprising of 15 different stages spread over 5 countries. Gamers must practice their navigational skills whilst on the lookout for traps that could mean losing precious seconds in their quest for victory.

“Following the success of Dakar 2007, and the continued popularity of this famous race, we’re delighted to bring Dakar 2008 to rally and mobile gaming fans across Europe,” said Javier Ferreira, VP European Publishing. “Thanks to our continued relationship with the Dakar rally, EA Mobile is recreating the excitement of the rally for the mobile platform.”

Dakar fans will storm through Lisbon, Morocco, the Western Sahara, Mauritania, Mali, Senegal and eventually Dakar itself on their mobile phones. With a brand new 3rd person perspective, gamers will take to the Dakar rally via three exciting game modes: Rally, Quick Race and Flag Chase. Rally mode brings the Dakar race to life with a mix of endurance, speed and control, ensuring a thrilling and fun experience. Quick race mode offers one-off races so players can kill five minutes with a quick spin, or beginners can get used to the individual tracks before entering the championship. Flag Chase mode provides five exclusive race circuits on which gamers capture flags.

Dakar 2008 video game Fact Sheet

Two continents, five countries, fifteen circuits, countless hazards…one winner. Take on drivers from around the world in the ultimate test of speed and stamina. Plot your route through Portugal, Morocco, Mauritania and Senegal, balancing distance and danger. Then storm the desert at top speed in one of the world’s most demanding competitions. Dakar Rally 2008 on your mobile – it’s more than a rally, it’s the ultimate auto adventure.

• The official licensed game and the only place to Play the Dakar Rally 2008

• See the Sights… in a Blur – Pit yourself against drivers from around the world as you burn through Portugal, Morocco, Mauritania, Mali and Senegal.

• The World’s Most Demanding Race – 15 circuits, five countries, two continents, countless hazards, one winner. How will you measure up?

• Three gameplay modes

– Rally: Where the player will race all the 15 stages consecutively with increasing difficulty. The main objective of this mode will be finishing the circuits within a minimum required time. Once a circuit is passed, it will be unlocked to be used in the quick race mode.
– Quick Race: In this mode the player will be able to replay any previously unlocked circuit to achieve better times, collect all the flags dispersed through the circuit, or find the hidden souvenir pieces to complete the souvenir collection.
– Flag Chase: This mode will have 5 exclusive circuits, in whose the player will have to catch all the flags scattered through them. Unlike the Quick Race mode, there will be many more flags like in a slalom, the vehicle will not receive any damage, and there will not be bonus items or time limit.

• 15 different circuits for the Rally - Portugal – 2 stages, Morocco – 4 stages, Mauritania – 5 stages and Senegal – 4 stages

• Spectacular gameplay based on exaggerated jumps, skids and crashes

• Trophy room, Souvenir and flag collection feature

Sony Computer Entertainment Boosts PLAYSTATION 3 Game Development Environment

Strongly Supporting PS3 Game Developers by Contributing to the Improved Efficiency of Game Development

Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) today announced that it would enhance the game development support environment for PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3®) by integrating programming tools developed by SN Systems Limited (SN Systems)(*1), as part of the PS3 Software Development Kit (SDK)(*2).

By building on the well-established line-up of SN tool products, including the core programming tool ProDG, and offering it as part of the PS3 SDK, SCEI is committed to strongly supporting the game development community. Additionally, SCEI will enable the Debugging Station for PS3 (DECHA007J/ DECHA007A) to take part in the programming process, effectively assisting PS3 game title development on the Reference Tool (DECR-1000/ DECR-1000A) (*3).

Along with these measures to improve efficiency in PS3 game development, SCEI has also almost halved the price for its PS3 Reference Tool, effective immediately. The Reference Tool will now become available at JPY950,000 in Japan, US $10,250 in North America and €7,500 in Europe(*4).

The distinguished high-quality line-up of SN Systems’ programming tools to be integrated into the PS3 SDK include(*5):

1. ProDG:
Effective immediately, ProDG, a highly regarded and powerful programming tool developed by SN Systems, renowned for its highly customizable superior user interface, will become available free of charge as part of the PS3 SDK. Additionally, through the improvement of its functionalities, ProDG, which used to be available for use only on the Reference Tool, is now available for use on the Debugging Station as well, contributing to reduction in development costs.

2. SN Distributed Build System (SN-DBS):
On October 12th, license and support fees for SN-DBS were eliminated. SN-DBS is a distributed build system that improves productivity by dramatically reducing compiling time by distributing source code builds to multiple PCs on a local area network, allowing them to process in parallel. Compiling time is reduced by approximately 80% when using 6 PCs.

3. SN LINKER:
A program that is used during the building process for linking compiled programs. Compared to the existing linker, linking speed is significantly improved and can be up to eight times faster. The release of this program has already started through the SDK’s system software update released on November 2nd.

4. SN Compiler (SNC):
A new compiler that will be provided as the standard compiler for PS3. It is optimized for use for PS3 by adopting the industry standard C++ front-end and will significantly elevate game quality as well as improving productivity through its improved code generating efficiency. Release of the beta version of SNC will start from mid December as part of the SDK.

In addition to the provision of these powerful tools as part of the SDK, SCEI has also added the capability for the Debugging Station to take part in programming, thus assisting PS3 game title development on the Reference Tool, instead of using it only as a quality assurance system for games under development. Game developers are able to power up Debugging Station by simply updating to the latest version SDK provided on November 2nd. Adding this new capability to assist game title development will contribute to cost efficiency and overall productivity.

The PS3 Reference Tool is optimized for the creation of entirely new interactive entertainment that is only available on PS3, taking full advantage of state-of-the-art technologies such as Cell Broadband Engine™ (Cell/B.E.) and RSX®. As more and more new titles are developed for the PS3 format, SCEI will significantly reduce the price of the Reference Tool in order to contribute to the cost saving measures of the development community.

Along with this boost to the PS3 game development environment, SCEI will further reinforce its support system to the development community, and continue to further expand the PS3 platform.

Digital Download Of Unreal Tournament 3 Available Worldwide Exclusively At IGN Entertainment's Direct2Drive

Famous First-Person Shooter Franchise Available Today for Preload via Digital Download

Direct2Drive, IGN Entertainment’s digital retail store, today announced that Unreal Tournament 3 for PC, developed by Epic Games and published by Midway, is now available digitally for preload on Direct2Drive (http://www.direct2drive.com). Starting today, consumers can download the encrypted version of the game days before its release to retail outlets. Preloading Unreal Tournament 3 provides gamers instant access to unlock the game the minute it is released on Direct2Drive, scheduled at 12:01am EST on November 21 and start playing immediately. Unreal Tournament 3 is expected to be available in North America for digital download via Direct2Drive on November 21 and worldwide on November 23.

Unreal Tournament 3 marks the return of the industry's premiere online first-person shooter franchise. In the latest installment of the award-winning Unreal franchise, players assume the role of a futuristic warrior engaged in contests of intense warfare against dedicated and skilled opponents, controlled either by human contestants online or by A.I. These brutal contests are fought with the most powerful military weapons and vehicles known to man. In Unreal Tournament 3, players can go face-to-face with devastating close quarters weapons like the flak cannon and rocket launcher, or pick off their enemies from a distance with a high-caliber sniper rifle. Players will also be able to fully access the universe's most capable and advanced set of vehicles in their quest to dominate and overwhelm opponents.

“Unreal Tournament 3 is one of the most anticipated games of the year, and Unreal Tournament is surely one of the greatest PC game franchises of all time,” said Jamie Berger, SVP consumer products and technology for IGN Entertainment. “By offering the immediate preload of Unreal Tournament 3 today we can satisfy the many thousands of Unreal Tournament fans who want to be the first online to play this incredible game. Direct2Drive offers the broadest selection of AAA games for download anywhere, and adding the worldwide exclusive to preload Unreal Tournament 3 is a big win for our loyal customers.”

“We are pleased to add the latest AAA video game, Unreal Tournament 3, to Direct2Drive’s download lineup,” said Steve Allison, chief marketing officer, Midway. “Our working with Direct2Drive allows consumers the ability to pre-load the game via digital download and be ready to get online on day one, which is crucial to the core Unreal Tournament fan base.”

“When people see all the great mods that are going to be available for Unreal Tournament 3, they are going to want to get a copy of the game immediately,” said Mark Rein, vice president of Epic Games. “Offering instant access to our content through Direct2Drive is the perfect way to meet our customers’ needs.”

Since launching in October 2004, Direct2Drive has allowed gamers to conveniently purchase and download the latest premium games from the world’s top publishers. Consumers can download Unreal Tournament 3 today at http://www.direct2drive.com. Unreal Tournament 3 for Windows PC is rated “M” by the ESRB and carries a suggested U.S. retail price of $49.95.

Quazal Rocks Out with Harmonix and Rock Band

Music mega-game goes online with Quazal technology

Quazal, makers of the award-winning Net-Z, Rendez-Vous and Spark! online multiplayer middleware today announced that Harmonix Music Systems, Inc. will be using Quazal’s multiplayer gaming technology to bring online play to its next-generation music game, Rock Band, to be released this fall.

Among the most anticipated games of this year, Rock Band combines the voice and vision of the best-selling music game developers at Harmonix, the music industry powerhouses of its publisher, MTV Games and the non-stop might of its distributor, EA Partners. The upstarts at Quazal will tie it all together to form an arena-filling online supergroup that’ll rock your teeth right out of your jaw.

“Having been a fan of Harmonix’ titles for years and years now, it’s incredible to work directly with them,” said Mike Drummelsmith, Developer Relations Manager at Quazal. “Rock Band is ambitious, the userbase is going to be huge, and I look forward to jumping online and rocking out with friends and strangers alike.”

With cooperative 4-player online play, head-to-head battles, online bands and more leaderboards than you can imagine, Rock Band will deliver a definitive online experience that will only grow over time with new songs, and some surprises as well.

“When working with any game of this scale online, there are a million and one different challenges to overcome, on both design and pure technology fronts,” said Mike Verrette, Producer at Harmonix. “Working with Quazal to address and solve these challenges lets us know that we’ll be delivering an incredible experience to our users this fall, and that we’re ready to bear the brunt of the onslaught of online gamers come launch day.”

Rock Band will be using Quazal’s Rendez-Vous technology for lobby and matchmaking services on both Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system (via LSP), as well as using Quazal’s Net-Z technology for enhanced connectivity.

For more information on Rock Band and Harmonix Music Systems please visit www.rockband.com and www.harmonixmusic.com

Mass Effect Original Soundtrack From The Blockbuster Xbox 360 game

THE EPIC SOUNDTRACK TO THIS YEAR'S HOTTEST ROLE-PLAYING GAME

Sumthing Else Music Works, Inc., through its licensing relationship with BioWare and Microsoft Game Studios, proudly presents Mass Effect Original Soundtrack. Featuring over an hour of original music from the game, the soundtrack CD will be released on November 20 to US retail outlets through Nile Rodgers’ Sumthing Else Music Works label www.sumthing.com. Sumthing Else Music Works is the industry leader in licensing and distributing video game soundtracks.

Inspired by classic sci-fi movies such as ‘Blade Runner’ and ‘Dune,’ the Mass Effect soundtrack was composed by Jack Wall and Sam Hulick with additional music by Richard Jacques and David Kates. The score blends 80’s electronic music with modern orchestral scoring to enhance the dramatic storyline and beautiful visuals set in an epic futuristic universe.

"From the earliest stages of its conception, Mass Effect was meant to be an original artwork about the future, inspired by the great science fiction experiences of the past," said Casey Hudson, Project Director for Mass Effect. "This synthesis of originality and familiarity called for a truly unique soundtrack, with ambitious goals and unprecedented challenges."

From the creators of the critically-acclaimed Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and Jade Empire comes an epic space saga exclusively for the Xbox 360 that spans the entire galaxy. Combining a rich and engaging narrative with intense sci-fi tactical combat, Mass Effect features an immersive and cinematic gameplay experience rarely seen before in video games. For more information on Mass Effect, visit www.masseffect.com.

About BioWare
BioWare Corp. is an electronic entertainment company which develops computer, console, handheld and online video games focused on rich stories and memorable characters. Since 1995, BioWare has created some of the world's best-selling titles including the award-winning Baldur's Gate™ and Neverwinter Nights™ series, as well as the 2003 Game of the Year, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic™. Original BioWare-created IPs include the 2005 RPG of the Year, Jade Empire™, with next-generation titles Mass Effect™ and Dragon Age currently in development. Mass Effect will ship to retailers globally in November, 2007. The game has received more than 50 awards, including the 2007 Game Critics Awards for “Best Console Game” and “Best RPG” at the Electronic Entertainment Expo. With studios in Edmonton, Canada, and Austin, Texas, BioWare is also hard at work on a new title for the Nintendo DS™ based on Sonic the Hedgehog, as well as several unannounced projects including a massively multiplayer online game. For more information on BioWare, visit www.bioware.com.

*BioWare, BioWare Corp., Mass Effect, Dragon Age and Jade Empire are trademarks or registered trademarks owned by BioWare Corp. in the U.S. and other countries. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords Scoops the Field in Australia

MELBOURNE

At the conclusion of GDAA’s highly successful Game Connect: Asia Pacific 2007 Conference and Expo, the GDAA held its Annual Industry Awards Dinner at which the following winners were announced before 200 guests including GDAA members, industry and government representatives.

Best Game – 2007
Winner: Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords (Infinite Interactive)

Best New Startup (Adam Lancman Award)
Winner: Redtribe
Special Commendation: Acheron Design

Best Console Title – 2007
Winner: Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords (Infinite Interactive)

Best PC Title – 2007
Winner: Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords (Infinite Interactive)
Special Commendation: Fury (Auran)

Best Handheld Title – 2007
Winner: Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords (Infinite Interactive)

Best Mobile Title – 2007
Winner: The Fast & the Furious: Fugitive 3D (Firemint)

Best Gameplay – 2007
Winner: Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords (Infinite Interactive)

Best Graphics – 2007
Winner: Viva Piñata: Party Animals (Krome Studios)

Best Audio - 2007
Winner: Viva Piñata: Party Animals (Krome Studios)

Releases Patch 1.02 For Culpa Innata

Software Publisher Strategy First Inc., a subsidiary of Silverstar Holdings, Ltd. (Nasdaq: SSTR), released a new Patch for “Culpa Innata” today. The Culpa Innata patch version 1.02 will solve and/or improve the following in-game issues:

1-A rare, but major bug which resulted in the game crash while mostly seen in PA inventory screen because of some graphics cards driver incompatibility with the DirectX optimized functionality has been fixed. This bug is rare but nearly consistent on some graphic cards, graphic card drivers and the DirectX version configurations. The rework of the optimization pipeline of the game is now compatible with these and any other configurations.

2-A few rare logic bugs have been fixed.

Please note that Players’ saves will not be affected by this patch and can be installed at any point during gameplay.

The patch 1.02 can be downloaded directly from our website at:

Strategyfirst Download

Exclusive EQ2 Offer in Online Gamer

Limited Edition In-Game Item Only Available Though Magazine

Fans of the new EverQuest II (EQII) expansion, Rise of Kunark, have something else to be excited about as Sony Online Entertainment and Beckett's Massive Online Gamer (MOG) magazine are offering a once in a lifetime opportunity to EQII players and MOG readers. A secret access code has been added to the latest issue of Massive Online Gamer magazine available on newsstands the week of November 28th that will provide all readers with a limited edition portrait of the infamous warlord Venril Sathir. For fans who cannot wait for the magazine to hit the newsstand, the first 1000 people to subscribe to Massive Online Gamer will receive a unique code via email that can be redeemed for the in-game item.

"We have set up a subscription service that will allow new subscribers to get the code almost instantaneously. EQII players can either wait for the magazine to hit the newsstands or get the code now. When you subscribe, you'll get the code as well as a great discount on our annual subscription," said Doug Kale, editor of Massive Online Gamer.

Fans of EQII will want to nab this exclusive Venril Sathir in-game item as quickly as possible since it is a limited edition item. This marks the first time that Sony Online Entertainment, the makers of EQII, has offered an item of this level through a magazine.

"We are excited that Sony has partnered with Massive Online Gamer. Our readers are interested in every angle of the massive online community, so rewarding both existing as well as new readers is a tremendous opportunity for everyone," added Kale.

Magazine link

Xbox Brings Friends And Families Together In Latest TV Ad

New campaign showcases the fun for everyone available on Xbox 360

Microsoft today reveals details of its latest advertising campaign, currently hitting TV and cinema screens across Europe. The ads showcase the great range of games and products available on the Xbox 360 console to a wider audience – whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a complete novice.

The new advertising dramatises this thought, by bringing people together around the Xbox experience in unexpected places. The TV ad shows people’s day-to-day lives disrupted by the appearance of a band of renegades who appear in hot air balloons. The squad assemble a living room, complete with TV, an Xbox 360 and a range of games. The bystanders then crowd round the Xbox experience unfolding.

The UK TV campaign, which has seen a multi-million pound ad spend, is being supported with lifestyle-based advertorials across print and online. Xbox has also secured a four-week Virgin Radio promotion giving away hundreds of games in the run up to Christmas.

In addition, the campaign will be accompanied by some guerrilla marketing tactics to bring the TV ad to life. The ‘Sofa Tour’ will travel the length and breadth of the country, and will see the Xbox team setting up the makeshift living room as seen in the TV ad on high streets around the UK. Consumers will be encouraged to experience the games first hand and will also have the chance to win the full living room set up for themselves.

This buzz will also be replicated in-store, with a major push at retail to showcase and promote the fun range of games that everyone can play.

Xbox 360 was the first next-generation console to launch back in November 2005. Given the growth and success the console has seen since then, an important next phase is already underway for the brand – broadening the appeal of the console. Whilst the original Xbox, which launched in November 2001, was targeted at hard-core gamers, Xbox 360 vision is much more universal.

Commenting in the campaign, Stephen McGill, Microsoft UK head of Gaming and Entertainment said: “The TV ad really sums up what Xbox is all about. Whilst we pride ourselves on offering the very best titles for a devoted gaming audience, we also have a number of titles that literally anyone can pick up and play - whether they’ve played a computer game before, and this campaign is all about our broadening message in the run up to Christmas.”

The TV ad is being broadcast now.

Escape from Paradise City - Traits and Skills Overview No1 Available

Learn more about the RPG elements of the newly released strategy/RPG game

Today cdv Software Entertainment USA released part one of a four part guide to their recently launched strategy/RPG title - Escape from Paradise City. In part one of the guide, readers will learn more about the general traits and skills available to players throughout the game. In Escape from Paradise City, gamers play as three unique characters -- an ex-con, a streetwise hand-to-hand expert and a corrupt FBI agent – who find themselves forced to help the government infiltrate the criminal underworld of the most corrupt city in America. Players must use each character’s unique skills and traits in their quest to defeat local gang leaders and make their way to the final showdown with the city's mysterious crime bosses to get to the root of their stranglehold on power. For more information, please visit http://paradisecity.cdvus.com.

Part one of the guide is available at -
http://paradisecity.cdvus.com/content/powers

Escape from Paradise City drops players into a dystopian world that combines a dark underworld and elements of the supernatural. In the game, the player is required to infiltrate the gangs of Paradise City on behalf of a powerful government agency that, despite its influence, has been unable to introduce even a glimmer of law and order to this horribly corrupt city. In an intertwining chapter-driven story, the player takes turns controlling one of three gritty characters that, for their own reasons, have “volunteered” to get to the bottom of the mystery behind the controlling crime syndicate’s power.

Bomberman Live - Free update

A free title update is now available for Bomberman Live. The update addresses issues some players have experienced and tweaks other aspects. Here are just some of the many improvements players can expect to see:

. Costumes come correct: If users have Bomb-Up Pack 2, but not Bomb-Up Pack 1, costume changes now save correctly.

. Less waiting between matches: The in-between match timer has been reduced to 20 seconds and is now visible to users.

. No more power-up lag: Previously, due to network lag, some power-ups that had already been picked up by one user remained on the ground on another user's screen. This is no longer the case.

. Know what you're getting yourself into: Users can now preview match settings from the game lobby.

. Brag for a minute: Online end of match screens now show gamerpics instead of Bomberman heads. There's also a timer of 60 seconds for the winner to brag.

. 1 bomb + 1 bomb = dangerous bomb: Kicking two bombs together now makes dangerous bombs more often.

. Over six figures of bombing: Leaderboards now show numbers beyond 100,000.

. Plunder some more: Scavenger can now be turned on for the "Plunder Isle" level.

Akella Announces City of Abandoned Ships

The makers of Sea Dogs, Pirates of the Caribbean, and other critically acclaimed naval titles are working on another swashbuckling RPG.

Akella, a leading developer, publisher and distributor of video games in Russia and CIS, has announced its forthcoming naval title, City of Abandoned Ships. Developed by Seaward.ru, City of Abandoned Ships will combine compelling gameplay and wonderful graphics thus bringing a new experience to all the fans of daring sword duels and ship-to-ship combats.

“Akella has a good track of records in developing a diverse lineup of maritime titles. City of Abandoned Ships is one more step to build upon our capacities in creating the paradise world of pirates as it was in the 17th century”, said Dmitry Arkhipov, VP Development of Akella. “Our new RPG will deliver an exciting storyline and attract new fans to naval games genre”.

About City of Abandoned Ships

Developer: Seaward.ru
Publisher: Akella
Genre: RPG
Release date: Q1 2008

Starting out your buccaneering career you can choose to go it alone and become the most feared pirate on the seven seas, terrorizing Spaniard and English gentleman alike. Or prove your loyalty and take the coin of one of four different navies: French, English, Spanish or Dutch.

Sailing the high seas as a swashbuckling dread pirate or as a dashing naval captain, you will explore strange new countries and alien civilization, raid and plunder fortified ports and cities, and search for ancient treasures. But beware, the dead do not sleep easy and in the dark South American jungles myth and reality intertwine.

Solve the ancient mysteries of a vanishing tribe, cross swords with the most notorious swashbucklers ever to sail the ocean blue and make sure that no foe ever sets foot on land again.

Key features:
Explore the accurately-mapped paradise of the Caribbean. Sail your tall ship around the islands of Cuba and Jamaica to Belize and Bermuda.
Vast array of land-based locations, from dense South American jungle to dark Caribbean cave complexes.
Meet real-life historical characters, such as Jamaican governors Colonel Thomas Lynch and Thomas Modyford.
Take your part in quests based around actual historical events.
Experience mirrored missions for different states – defend a Spanish territory in one instance and orchestrate a ruthless attack in another.
Unique P.I.R.A.T.E.S system of character progression: Power, Impression, Reaction, Authority, Talent, Endurance and Success.
Face fierce ship-to-ship combat or stand toe-to-toe with the most feared swordsmen in the Caribbean.

Silent Hunter 4: U-Boat Missions

FAQ

1. Explain what you mean by “strategic support” in Silent Hunter?
With the arrival of the German campaign in U-Boat Missions, players gain control over additional strategic resources other than their own submarines. These resources can be used towards the goal of sinking enemy shipping by either helping the player locate enemies – i.e. the scout planes – or by directly attacking them.

2. Are there any new features connected to this strategic support system?
The most important feature is that the units controlled by the strategic gameplay now report contacts and combat the enemy even when away from the player’s location. This is a great tool in attacking enemy ships, but on the other hand the player has to exercise caution and be careful not to cause the indirect loss of said units. In other words, do not direct your Armed Merchant Cruisers to intercept enemy battleship groups, if you care for the lives of those brave sailors that is.

3. Is the strategic support feature of U-Boat Missions historically accurate or just something you invented?
The actual concept of a submarine commander giving direct orders to aircraft or surface warships is admittedly a little stretched from reality, but not by much. In a grand scale war there’s always information flowing to and from submarines, and commanders often reposition their battle groups or divert resources based on feedback from the units in the field. Submarines benefit greatly from sighting reports from scout planes (one needs only to read the memoirs of Grand Admiral Doenitz to see how many times he requested scout planes for support) and it makes perfect sense for a form of collaboration similar to what we’ve modeled here to take shape.

4. Are the strategic support elements available only for the new German campaign?
As of now the strategic support features are available only for the new German campaign in U-Boat Missions. However, there is nothing stopping enterprising modders from adding it to the U.S. campaign.

5. What are the tactical steps for a successful mission utilizing the new strategic support features?
The same steps one takes in hunting as a lone submarine apply here. Find the target, position for attack and then deliver a crushing blow. With scout planes, finding a target is obviously easier since their speed and detection range is much greater than yours. Positioning your cruiser groups is an exercise in the art of interception. The final part, the actual battle, is simply a matter of bringing enough resources to overcome the enemy. Don’t take chances and you won’t be surprised by the results.

6. What new units are available for you to command in the strategic game?
Units available to command: Recon plane (from land bases), German auxiliary cruiser, German heavy cruiser, Japanese carrier group (call recon plane), Japanese cruiser group, Japanese taskforce.

7. What are the requirements for unlocking new units and abilities?
Unlocking the auxiliary units is based on the player’s rank, and the rank is achieved based on the number of successful patrols and renown what has been gained.

8. Can I turn off the strategic gameplay?
The strategic game cannot be turned off except by modding the game, but there’s nothing forcing the player to use the new abilities. So, if you prefer a “traditional” Silent Hunter experience, commanding only your own submarine, you can choose to do that.

SEGA Announaces The House Of The Dead 2&3 Return

Renowned Horror Arcade Game to Bring Non-Stop Shooting Action to your living room

SEGA Europe Ltd. today announced that THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD 2&3 RETURN is coming to the Wii home video game system from Nintendo. Combining two zombie shooters, THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD 2™ and THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD III™, this new compilation gives gamers the full arcade experience of battling hordes of rabid zombies in the comfort of their homes.

In THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD 2&3 RETURN, players will be able to play both versions of the game, battling the relentless attack of bloodthirsty zombies with steady aim and a quick trigger finger. Utilising the innovative new Wii Zapper™ or the Wii Remote and Nunchuk, players will experience branching storylines with over six game modes including Arcade Mode and Time Attack modes that will test their shooting skills. THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD 2&3 RETURN features an engaging single-player campaign, plus a co-op multiplayer mode for up to two players for countless hours of zombie shooting action.

“THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD franchise has been revamped for today’s gamer looking for fast-paced shooting action on the Wii” commented Gary Knight, Marketing Director of SEGA Europe. “Utilising the new Wii Zapper, the player can get the renowned light gun experience in their own home.”

THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD is famous for its heart-pounding pace and the great visual detail of the vast armies of unique enemies. Blasting through legions of grotesque zombies and mutated monsters, players eventually face-off against colossal boss creatures that will test the accuracy and skill of every Wii gamer.

THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD 2&3 RETURN will be available for the Wii home video game system from Nintendo in spring 2008.

Beowulf: The Official Mobile Game release

Action, Adventure and Excitement Await Movie Fans and Gamers via Mobile Devices

Gameloft, a leading publisher and developer of video games for mobile phones, is announcing today the launch of ‘Beowulf: The Official Mobile Game,’ based on Academy Award®-winning director, Robert Zemeckis’ new feature film “Beowulf” by Paramount Pictures and Shangri-La Entertainment which is in theaters this Friday, November 16th.

Groundbreaking director Robert Zemeckis offers a vision of the “Beowulf” saga that has never been told before. In a legendary time of heroes, the mighty warrior Beowulf battles the demon Grendel and incurs the hellish wrath of the beast’s ruthlessly seductive mother. Their epic clash forges the timeless legend of Beowulf. “Beowulf” stars Ray Winstone in the title role and Anthony Hopkins as the corrupt King Hrothgar, as well as John Malkovich, Robin Wright Penn, Brendan Gleeson, Crispin Glover, Alison Lohman and Angelina Jolie as Grendel's mother. Paramount Pictures, in association with Shangri-La Entertainment, Presents an ImageMovers Production of a Robert Zemeckis film, “Beowulf.”

The new mobile game allows you to play as the legendary warrior Beowulf. Players have the ability to fight the most gigantic monsters ever seen on mobile and use the environment around them to easily destroy enemies. The game features 14 levels of exciting hack and slash environments and more than 15 incredible fight moves with various objects as weapons that can provoke massive damages to numerous enemies within a blink of an eye.

“We are proud to translate the exciting thrills of this famous epic to mobile handsets worldwide,” explains Gonzague de Vallois, senior vice president of publishing, Gameloft. “The game not only stimulates players visually, but immerses them into the intense, action-packed world of Beowulf that is sure to intrigue and captivate players for hours.”

“Gameloft captured the essence of the movie and extended the experience that can be played anywhere, anytime allowing consumers to engage in the movie in unique interactive ways,” states Sandi Isaacs, senior vice president of interactive & mobile for Paramount Digital Entertainment.

Beowulf: The Official Mobile game is available now through most carriers worldwide.

Beowulf opens in theaters November 16th.

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Monday, November 19, 2007