Crayon Physics Deluxe Interview and download

Petri Puhro is an indie game developer. He gained an internet following by developing a series of small games over the course of a year - inspired largely by the experimental games project.
He posts these games on his blog - Kloonigames.com.
Recently he started work on a deluxe version (you can see a gameplay video here) to one of his most popular experiments, Crayon Physics, and he was kind enough to answer a few of my slightly rubbish questions that I sent his way.
Hi Petri - let’s start with the basics - who are you, where do you come from, and what’s your favourite hot beverage?
Petri : I’m a Finnish computing science student. I was born 83 in Kouvola (New Jersey of Finland) and right now I’m living in Helsinki. My favourite hot beverage… that’s a though one. I drink a lot of coffee, but I have to say that my favourite is hot blackcurrant juice. It’s cool, because if you spill it, the stains look like blood splatters.

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GAME and GameStation to merge...

GAME merger given greenlight by Competition Commission

Second-hand sales proved to be the real sticking point of inquiry

The merger of High Street specialists GAME and Gamestation has been given the all clear by the UK's Competition Commission.

However, the sticking point for the inquiry was the subject of second-hand software sales, with the body revealing that the inquiry Chairman had to use her casting vote to give the merger the go ahead.

"There are fewer alternative retailers engaged in trade-ins and the sale of pre-owned [games]. However, we see that several competitors are expanding rapidly and customers are increasingly making use of alternative retail channels," noted Diane Coyle, chairman of the inquiry.

"We also found that competition for new gaming products effectively sets a cap on prices for pre-owned products, as customers could easily switch to new products sold elsewhere were the merged company to increase pre-owned prices.

"Two members of the Group disagreed with the conclusion in relation to the potential for a substantial lessening of competition with regard to the trade-in and sale of pre-owned gaming software. As this meant a split 2:2 verdict, the Chairman has exercised her casting vote in favour of a provisional clearance," said Coyle.

The amount and variety of retailers taking advantage of the lucrative game business was another reason for the provisional greenlight, with the Commission noting that there isn't a great deal of customer loyalty for retail brands.

"Even though customers view GAME and Gamestation as the next best alternative for each other, if the merged company was to raise prices, for example, we think it is likely that customers could move a significant amount of their business to alternative retailers such as independents, high-street retailers, supermarkets and Internet retailers.

"Customers appear to switch between different types of retailers to look around for the best deals," said Coyle.

The Competition Commission carried out research by speaking to various retailers – from specialist games stores to electrical, online and entertainment retailers.

Although the merger has been provisionally cleared, the final report is expected to be published by late January 2008.

Aion: The Tower Of Eternity Q&A

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Interview with Senior Game Designer Kyoung Won Choi

NCsoft is pleased to release an in-depth interview with Senior Game Designer, Kyoung Won Choi about its forthcoming MMORPG, Aion: The Tower Of Eternity.

1. How extensive will Aion character customization be?
In the game client, which was being showed at the Games Convention Leipzig ‘07, the player had the ability to choose between several different hairstyles, colours, shapes of their face, skin colours, character height and voice. It is also possible to alter eye colours and to add tattoos to the character face. A character build feature is currently being planned, which will affect the size of the character, ranging from skinny to big.

2. “Tradable wings” have been mentioned. Exactly what does it mean?
It was most likely a misunderstanding. Wings are not bought in Aion, but changed by other factors such as a rising PvP-rank.

3. What will you do in order for Aion to appeal to casual players?
We want to have short-term goals in the game, such as quests fitting within shorter timeframes. There will also be appropriate rewards for completing those. Very powerful game items (weapons and armours) will be attainable in different ways, making it easier for casual players to gradually work towards them.

4. Are the Asmodians significantly different from the Elyos?
It is possible to see that the Asmodians and Elyos come from the same origin. They have the same, fundamental humanoid shapes. An analogy would be to compare elves with dark elves.

5. Will there be player housing?
Not at launch, but definitely as soon as possible. It is likely to be in the first expansion.

6. Will there be mounts in Aion?
No. There are currently no plans to implement regular mounts in Aion. Transport will be done by foot or by flying. There will also be a long-range teleport system and short-range travel-services in which you let the game control the flight to your destination.

7. Will flying timer and cool-down change with character level?
No, probably not. There will, however, be items and skills which can enhance these abilities. In practice, this could mean that as the character progresses to higher levels – it also gains access to these skills and items.

8. How do sieges work in Aion? Are there any guild-specific advantages to controlling a castle?
The main PvP area in Aion is the Abyss. There are several castles in Aion, all which can be captured by player guilds on behalf of their faction. A siege is in its very fundament a raid. Initially, each castle is controlled by the Balaur, who will not gladly give it up. A guild leader would gather his or her troops and initiate an attack on the castle and its defenders. After defeating the NPC defenders, the castle changes ownership. Since the battles take place in the Abyss, it’s always possible that the other PC faction might interfere to either defend or attack. Once the castle has a new owner, there are a few hours during which no PvP can take place on the island. After this period, however, the castle is again open to attacks from the opposing faction.


There are many benefits to be gained from controlling a castle. The castle will have NPCs who vend unique items, whose sales the controlling guild may put taxes on in order to gain a bit of extra income. Guilds will also have direct access to the hunting grounds and resources surrounding the castle.

9. Will Aion battles and sieges be as massive and monumental as in Lineage II?
The Abyss is an open area with many strategic points. There are no set times for sieges or battles, but instead something that the players themselves may decide. It was one of our goals to not require the vast amounts of players as sieges in Lineage II did. While there are no technical limitations and a charismatic leader could well gather hundreds of players for a siege, 2 or 3 groups should be enough too, if circumstances are right.

10. What role does PvP have in Aion?
PvP is very important in Aion. To get out most of the game, one should definitely participate in PvP at some point. We want to gradually introduce even non-PvPers to the PvP.

It is, however, not necessary to participate in PvP. One can go from level 1 to 50 without participating in a single PvP-battle. It will take a little bit longer, though, as the most rewarding hunting grounds often are those found in the Abyss.

A feature that is currently on a planning stage is to randomly open teleportation portals in the Elyos and Asmodian lands. This would allow for very random, occasional battles where even lower level players get a chance to experience PvP, without it being a constant threat and presence.

11. What are the rewards and encouragements for PvPvE?
The basic reward in PvPvE is the same as in all other combat, experience. You will gain experience from killing both mobs and PC opponents in the Abyss. By collecting “PvP-points”, players can also gain access to very good high-end items, which otherwise can only be crafted.

There are also indirect benefits, since PvPvE in a way is a method to gain control of castles which come with a wide array of benefits themselves.

12. Will there be potions in Aion? If so, how will they work?
There will be health and mana recovery potions with instant effect. They will, however, have a re-use timer to prevent an excessive usage. There will also be foods with different effects on your character. Food will practically work as a buff, of which only one can be active at the same time.

13. How will larger game updates be implemented?
There will be big, regular expansions once or twice a year. How they are to be distributed depends on the area.

14. Will weather be affecting game play?
This feature has unfortunately been dropped. Weather will however affect some NPCs and monster spawns.

15. In terms of content, what will be done to prevent Aion from being “just another grinder”?
The problem with Asian games, we believe, have been a design which is not overly complicated - very basic. With the exception of Japan, RPG’s have until recently not been a mainstream game type at all in Asia. In order to introduce players to the genre, games were deliberately made rather simple in their design. At the time, it was probably the right decision, as it introduced many new players to the genre. The demands on a game and its amount of content have, however, risen substantially lately in Asia. To survive on the market today, a very high amount of content is required. Due to this, it’s not an option to make “just another grinder”. Players need other things to keep them occupied while developing their characters. We have approached this issue partly by putting more focus on quests, allowing people to pursue professions and gather resources, and by incorporating an advanced combat system.

16. What will be done for Role-players?
Except from the extensive character customization, Aion will have a wide array of emotes to be used in various situations. We also plan to put some fun and cute “items” in there that don’t have much actual value except for role-playing. Other activities that could appeal to the role-players out there are resource gathering, crafting and of course cooking.

17. Will there be specific Role-play servers?
Not in the Asian market, but if this is deemed a good addition in a specific area, it’s up to the service provider in that area.

18. Will there be specific quests for guilds?
Yes, it is being considered.

19. Will there be statistics available online, outside the game?
We are still working on what information will be available for others to see. Character stats, guild status and castle/guild hall control are some of the things that probably will be available to see online. There might also be some sort of “score board”, with player scores reflecting many different game aspects.

Although not entirely related, we are also working on a “Hero” system. Becoming a hero will require a lot of work. Heroes will act as human boss mobs, much more difficult for enemies to kill than ordinary players. People will know when a hero enters an area.

NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. and DEEP SILVER sign co-publishing agreement

The leading game publisher and developer NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. and DEEP SILVER today announce the signing of a co-publishing agreement, as a result of which Koch Media will market three further titles in Europe, the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Baltic, Africa, Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East.

These include in particular Warhammer: Battle March for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft (where Koch Media/Deep Silver acts as the publisher in Europe), Warhammer: Mark of Chaos - Battle March for the PC and The Fast & The Furious for the PlayStation Portable. Koch Media has already published the PC real-time strategy game Warhammer: Mark of Chaos together with NAMCO BANDAI in December 2006.

“The PC version of Warhammer: Mark of Chaos was received with great critical acclaim in the press. We are very pleased to be able to continue the successful cooperation with NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc as the grim Warhammer world offers the player a unique playing experience on Xbox 360," said Dr. Klemens Kundratitz, Managing Director of Koch Media. “And with The Fast & The Furious, we have a another strong and well-known license on the PSP.”

Debuting the series’ tactical real-time action on Xbox 360 and delivering all-new content to 2006’s critically acclaimed Warhammer: Mark of Chaos for the PC, Warhammer: Battle March brings the brutality, strategy and drama of warfare to life with six unique playable armies, fully customizable units and intense online clashes.

An expansion to Warhammer: Mark of Chaos for the PC, Warhammer: Mark of Chaos - Battle March builds upon the game’s tactical foundation to offer new units for each army as well as an original campaign and new online modes.

The Fast & the Furious on the PSP system will allow players to feel an unparalleled sense of power as they drift their way through beautiful visuals and new modes exclusive to the PSP system. Trade your customized rides through wireless in the Swap Meet, stop neglecting your car and give it an oil change in the Tuner Shop for a temporary performance boost, challenge up to 3 friends in multiplayer drift battles in the Road Sweeping mode and visit the Extras menu to view tricked out rides from the movie and real world.

Dazzling new Lineage II: The Chaotic Throne - The Kamael trailer unveiled

Play on the server now...

NCsoft Europe is pleased to unveil a fantastic new introductory trailer of its forthcoming MMORPG, Lineague II: The Chaotic Throne - The Kamael.

Due for release to online subscribers on 12th December, The Kamael introduces a mysterious new race to the world of Lineage and offer players a brand new way to experience the game. With the inclusion of fortress sieges, new quests, updated pets and terrifying new powers, The Kamael update is by far the largest ever introduced to Lineage II. Over 17 million gamers have experienced Lineage II and the game remains the firm favourite for those players who wish to demonstrate their advanced PvP skills.

In addition to the added features, The Kamael has also redefined the user interface, making the game even easier to get into as a new player, yet still preserving its addictive challenge for the existing player base.

Lineage II: The Kamael is currently available to play on the PTS (Public Test Server). Details on the server can be found here: http://www.lineage2.com/pds/game_ts_dw.html

Kalypso forge a deal for "AGON – The Lost Sword Of Toledo"

"AGON – The Lost Sword of Toledo" will be released in the UK by Kalypso Media Ltd and Hungarian developer Private Moon Studios. Following on from the previous adventure, "AGON – the Mysterious Codex", the game takes place in the historical Toledo and sees the player unravelling an age-old mystery which underlies the calm atmosphere of the historical Spanish town.

Professor Samuel Hunt, arrives in the picturesque Spanish city, where time seems to slow down, and is intrigued by the narrow streets, squares with an atmosphere of the Middle Ages, the silence and calm. But does this peaceful atmosphere conceal some longstanding dark secrets? A young man, formerly known for his honesty, has recently been caught stealing treasures, and now some local families have renewed wounds of past grievance, the secrets of which have been taken to the grave. However, if the professor is to find the answers he seeks, he is compelled to unravel the entangled threads. Professor Hunt finds a mysterious music box, an iron door in the church which has not been opened for a hundred years, and a series of strange letters - but will the Lost Sword of Toledo be found?

The Lost Sword of Toledo is the fourth episode and the second full-disc instalment in the AGON adventure game series. It can be enjoyed as a standalone game, with new characters and original puzzles. The new title has been given a range of additional features, including more detailed, manually animated characters, more realistic graphics with new 3D effects, and dialogue-oriented storytelling, while still retaining the features of the previous instalment; integrated, story-based puzzles, authentic surroundings and background music with local elements.

Mercury Games release new Jamster Allstars screen shots

More screens of Nessie, Sweety and Friends starring in their own video game

London: 5th December 2007

Mercury Games today released new screen shots from Jamster Allstars. Jamster Allstars contains licensed characters from mobile content provider Jamba Gmbh.

The Jamster Allstars must make their way through a series of challenges to discover who has stolen the all musical notes so that they can continue to make ringtones.

The characters have to move through the platform style game with various challenges to collect musical notes and emblems, solving puzzles and beating bosses along the way. Jamster Allstars has 12 levels and is set in three distinct environments – Futuristic, Urban and Medieval.

For more information please visit www.jamsterallstars.com

SQUARE ENIX ANNOUNCES NEW NINTENDO DS TITLE FROM THE MAKERS OF KINGDOM HEARTS THE WORLD ENDS WITH YOU

Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of Square Enix interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, today announces that THE WORLD ENDS WITH YOU, an exciting new title from the makers of KINGDOM HEARTS, will be released exclusively on the Nintendo DS handheld system across all PAL territories in spring 2008.

Previously known as Subarashiki Kono Sekai™ on its release in Japan. THE WORLD ENDS WITH YOU is an innovative new title from Square Enix that fully utilizes the capabilities of the Nintendo DS, and takes major influence from Japan’s modern day culture including its people, music, clothes, food and design.

Set in Tokyo’s trendiest district, the story begins with the lead character Neku waking up to find a phone message stating he has only 7 days before he will cease to exist. Only with the coolest fashions, friends and fighting skills can Neku restore hope to the city’s population and prevent being stricken from existence altogether!

John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Ltd. comments, “Square Enix has traditionally been associated with RPG’s set in fantasy lands, but THE WORLD ENDS WITH YOU is our first ever game to be set in modern times and real-life locations. The use of the Nintendo DS functionality is second to none. We believe gamers of all ages and abilities will be able to enjoy all that THE WORLD ENDS WITH YOU has to offer.”
More…

About THE WORLD ENDS WITH YOU

Story
The story begins as our hero, Neku, wakes up amidst the hustle and bustle of Shibuya, Tokyo. Confused and disoriented, he receives a message on his phone warning him that he will cease to exist unless he completes a certain mission. With his life seemingly on the line, Neku plunges into the back streets of the urban labyrinth...

Features
- Experience the urban grit and neon of the coolest district in Tokyo with a distinctive, high quality style of in-game artwork
- Meet an achingly hip cast of characters each with an interesting personality and stylish sense in fashion, music and culture
- Highly innovative and intuitive combat system that makes full use of the Nintendo DS Touch Screen, Dual Screens and Microphone like no other game before it!
- Use fantastic psychic powers to read the thoughts of the population, put words into people’s minds, and move objects to help you progress in your adventure!
- Immerse yourself in an amazing audio soundtrack featuring a diverse fusion of bleeding-edge hip-hop, rock, and techno
- A tale of friendship, hope and overcoming your challenges, creatively told with a modern edge
- Shop till you drop! Keep abreast of the latest Trends to stay one step ahead of the fashion scene and your enemies. Trade items with friends using Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection too
- Action-packed minigame fun that can be enjoyed by up to four players via DS Wireless Play!
- Engage the Chance Encounter mode via DS Wireless Play to share data with fellow game users you bump into in the real world

EA AND NUNCHUCK GAMES TEAM UP TO CO-PUBLISH NINJA REFLEX

Party Game for Wii and Nintendo DS Will Challenge Gamers to Develop the Reflexes of a Ninja in March 2008
Chertsey, Surrey – December 5, 2007 – Do you have what it takes to be a ninja? Electronic Arts today announced it has teamed with Nunchuck Games Inc. to co-publish the unique action party game, Ninja Reflex for the Wii and Nintendo DS in March 2008. The game is being developed by Sanzaru Games and will be co-published in North America and Europe by EA Partners (EAP) and Nunchuck Games.

Ninja Reflex uses a series of martial arts challenges to test gamers’ reflexes and measure their reaction times with millisecond precision. As players develop their ninja skills, they will strive to earn a black belt from their own personal Sensei. Players can also compete for ninja supremacy against their friends in fierce multiplayer battles with up to four players.

“Ninja Reflex channels the accessible multiplayer fun of Wii Sports and the self-improvement aspect of Brain Age into a martial arts universe that is ideally suited for the Wii and Nintendo DS,” said David Luntz, President and CEO of Nunchuck Games. “Nunchuck Games is thrilled to team up with EA Partners to bring Ninja Reflex to gamers everywhere.”

“Ninja Reflex trains players to be better gamers by sharpening their speed and skill, and is exactly the kind of unique concept and creative design that EAP helps bring to market on a global stage,” said David DeMartini, Vice President and General Manager of EA Partners. “EA Partners brings the same publishing resources to bear for up-and-coming partners like Nunchuck Games as it does for legendary teams like Valve and Harmonix, helping foster the independent game development community by giving studios of all sizes a chance to publish their games around the world.”

Nunchuck Games was founded in 2006 by industry veteran David Luntz, who had previously been the founder of Z-Axis Studios.

More information about Ninja Reflex is available at www.ninjareflex.com

TAKE TO THE SKIES WITH FINAL FANTASY XII: REVENANT WINGS

Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of Square Enix® interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, today announces that the eagerly awaited FINAL FANTASY® XII: REVENANT WINGS™ will be released on 15th February 2008, exclusively on the Nintendo DS™ handheld system.

Set one year after the events of the best-selling FINAL FANTASY XII, FINAL FANTASY XII: REVENANT WINGS answers all your questions about what happens next to your heroes Vaan, Penelo, Fran and Balthier. Return to the land of Ivalice, meet new characters, visit unexplored locations and embark upon a breathtaking new adventure.

FINAL FANTASY XII: REVENANT WINGS sees the evolution of the innovative Gambit system that allows automated commands to be issued during real-time combat. Smart Touch Screen controls provide complete power over your actions and allow you to play solely using the Nintendo DS stylus.

John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Ltd. comments, “I am delighted that we are providing fans with another opportunity to enjoy the beautiful world of Ivalice. With the same high-production values including movies and music, FINAL FANTASY XII: REVENANT WINGS is a stunning sequel that expands upon the original game and that makes full use of the Nintendo DS hardware.”

More information about FINAL FANTASY XII: REVENANT WINGS can be found at ff12revenantwings.co.uk
More…

About FINAL FANTASY XII: REVENANT WINGS

Story

AN AGE WHEN MAGICK WAS COMMONPLACE AND AIRSHIPS PLIED THE SKIES…

“Purvama, the floating lands. In the border-skies they wait. Untrodden, unknown.”

So the legend went. And the children who heard it turned their eyes to the skies, and dreamed. The Cache of Glabados is the key, throwing wide the doors of fading memory.
There, above, an all but forgotten land – demesne of the winged ones.

Features

• Experience a tale that takes you beyond the amazing events of the PlayStation®2 smash FINAL FANTASY XII
• Stunning 3D graphics, music and video bring the land of Ivalice to life and push the capabilities of the Nintendo DS
• Take control of your favourite characters using the intuitive stylus and Nintendo DS Touch Screen
• Experience real-time battles using the innovative Gambit system
• Collect and synthesise items and treasures to create new rare items
• More summons than in any other FINAL FANTASY game
• Epic soundtrack from the composer of FINAL FANTASY XII
• Fully localised for Europe with French, Italian, German and Spanish translations and adjusted difficulty levels

DRAGON QUEST MAKES Wii DEBUT WITH DRAGON QUEST SWORDS

Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of Square Enix® interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, today announces that DRAGON QUEST® SWORDS: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors® for Wii™, will be released across all PAL territories in spring 2008.

DRAGON QUEST SWORDS: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors, available exclusively on Wii, is an action-packed Virtual Experience where the player becomes the hero of the story. As the hero, the player must use the Wii controller to control their legendary sword, and fight off horde after horde of monsters. Slice at enemies, parry with your shield and block attacks to launch powerful counter-combos.

DRAGON QUEST SWORDS contains all the familiar features people have come to expect from the DRAGON QUEST series, such as a system to power up weapons and the ability to perform a large array of powerful attacks. Additional mini-games add to the fun as you catch darts with your shield and try to defeat Slime monsters as quickly as possible to win bonus items.

John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Ltd. comments, “We are delighted to be announcing our first Wii title for PAL territories. The DRAGON QUEST series is a phenomenon in Japan that has already sold over 43 million units worldwide, but is still relatively new to Europe. With today’s announcement of DRAGON QUEST SWORDS and the forthcoming release of DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Joker on the Nintendo DS™, the series is set to charm more fans throughout the world.”

About DRAGON QUEST SWORDS: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors

Story
In the town at the foot of Avalonia Castle, a young man enjoys a peaceful life with his father. That young man is you. It is your sixteenth birthday at last, and time to take the Walk of the Worthy, the trial of strength which all young Avalonian males must undergo upon coming of age.

You will need to put all of your training in the ways of the sword into practice if you are to pass the test, and take your rightful place amongst Avalonia’s warriors. Should you succeed – who knows what adventures await you!

Features

- The first DRAGON QUEST title to be developed exclusively for Wii
- Use the Wii Remote as your legendary sword! Immerse yourself fully in the action as you slice at the enemy!
- Explore a rich, vibrant 3D world in first-person perspective
- Engage a variety of diverse and colourful enemies, who are brought to life with detailed animation and graphics
- Series creator Yuji Horii, legendary manga artist Akira Toriyama and renowned composer Koichi Sugiyama, team up once again to create an unforgettable gaming experience
- Become the hero in a dramatic storyline that is suitable for all
- Beautiful audio score fully immerses you into the world of DRAGON QUEST
- New International version includes revised gameplay offering a more intense and challenging experience
- In-game text is localised into English, French, German, Italian and Spanish

For more information about DRAGON QUEST SWORDS, please visit: http://www.dragonquestswords.eu.com/

Trixie in Toyland shows off her Gold badge...

Video games publisher and games developer Data Design Interactive are pleased to announce that its Nintendo Wii development team, working on their ‘Popcorn Arcade’ label, have had another game gain Nintendo approval. This means ‘Trixie in Toyland’ is the 12th of 14 games Popcorn Arcade are aiming to have reach Gold status before the end of 2007.

Trixie in Toyland
This is the mythic, magical world of the Myth Makers – and this time our story follows the fearless Trixie as she single-handedly chases down Penumbra – the new tyrant of Toyland.

The Evil Penumbra, Leader of the Acrostic Riders has stolen the Myth Makers Orbs and has hidden them in Toyland. Trixie must explore every inch of Toyland and find the stolen Magical Orbs and return balance to the Myth Realm. But it’s not going to be easy!

• Control Trixie’s movement using the Nunchuk and bash evil toys with Trixie’s magic baton by swinging your Wii Remote.

• Defeat enemies with multiple attacks. You can bunny hop on their heads or attack from a distance using the Wii Remote to target Trixie’s magical spells.

• Complete Myth Maker quests by collecting hidden objects and special pickups. Have you got them all?

• Completing levels allows you to open special BONUS levels featuring totally different modes of play.

For further information, please contact:

Frazer Nash Communications

Theatre of War "Uber" Patch details and Map Editor video released

Today we have made available a video that 1C has prepared which showcases some of the new features included in the upcoming Theatre of War 'Uber' Game Patch.

The video focuses on the updated Map Editor which now allows the player unprecedented control to edit and create playable landscapes, including full real time 3D terrain transformation, water flow modeling, surface layering, structure manipulation and object/structure/road placement among many other advanced editor elements such as modifiable terrain highlights, structure damage and variable foliage density.

The upcoming patch (more of a genuine upgrade, really) includes much more than just a newly re-engineered Map Editor and a brief list of the other new additions featured in the upcoming Theatre of War 'Uber' Patch is included below.

New components

Map Editor (Builder) with expanded functionality including landscape editing, roads and terrain type mapping capabilities;
Mission Editor (updated with multiplayer missions editing capability and new triggers).

New campaigns

Battle for Moscow (first released with 1.3.0.56 patch, newly updated);
Battle for Normandy (battles fought by German Panzer Division “Panzer Lehr”).

Multiplayer Enhancements

11 new MP missions;
11 new MP maps;
New mission type – Assault/Defend;
Timed missions;
Multiplayer game may include AIs;
Multiplayer game may be played by one player with up to 7 AIs;
In some missions player’s alliance determines their starting positions;
Player now must choose an army instead of country in multiplayer; each mission may have up to 20 different armies;
AIs choose offensive or defensive behavior themselves;
Player spawn indicator added to map in mission setup;
MP stability improved;
Load times for MP missions reduced;
Smo oth unit movement on client side;
Known multiplayer bugs fixed.

General changes

1. Visibility system redone: bushes, tree foliage and tree trunks now fully block line of sight. These obstacles do not count in very close proximity to units (“Forest ignore distance”), making hiding behind them possible;
2. LOS indicator added – color coding of the line which is drawn when player issues one of the attack orders. Solid green part of the line represent “Forest ignore distance” where foliage is ignored, red part represent zone with good visibility (it’s brightness may vary indicating quality of LOS) and black part shows area which selected unit can not see;
3. Difficulty levels changed: enemies suffer from reduced accuracy and penetration values on easy level, are equal to player units on medium difficulty level and have slightly hig her accuracy on hard level;
4. Many missions were rebalanced to account for the new visibility system;
5. Reloading bug fixed, now infantry doesn’t kneel for reloading;
6. Coaxial MG fire error fixed (after main gun breakage);
7. Bug causing indestructible coaxial MGs fixed;
8. Aiming at moving target changed;
9. Detonation time calculations for shells with base fuses changed;
10. Secondary damage calculations (internal armor fragmentation, HEAT pressure wave, etc.) are now more accurate;
11. Errors in unit properties fixed;
12. Daimler Mk I size reduced, crew animations redone;
13. IS-2 crew consists of 4 men instead of 5;
14. Damage calculations changed for tank commander cupolas;
15. Ordinary steel instead of armored steel now used for unarmored vehicles like automobiles and for some auxiliary tank parts;
16. Artillery guns dama ge model corrected;
17. Damage model for additional armor sheets and auxiliary parts changed;
18. Errors in infantry backpacks fixed;
19. DShK machinegun model corrected;
20. Ignited vehicles now burn longer;
21. Aiming accuracy dependence on skills corrected;
22. Bug which could cause disappearing of units during campaign fixed;
23. Infantry behavior in trenches corrected;
24. Air units behavior has been improved;
25. AI units now better at aiming at different spots on vehicles;
26. Error when tanks could possibly crush friendly troops fixed;
27. Wrong behavior of Wz.34 armored car fixed (it no longer can crush trees);
28. More sounds added;
29. Unit behavior in Guard state improved;
30. Weather conditions and trenches affect visibility

In addition to all of the items above, this patch includes all the fixes from the original "Battle for
Moscow Patch" which includes the following:

1. Many new hotkeys added for formations, Hold Fire and Hold Position commands;
2. Tank and SPG AI improved;
3. Units no longer stop when they receive a new order;
4. Waypoints added for units (hold 'shift' key when issuing movement orders to place waypoints);
5. Expanded sound system (hear sounds further away and louder in some cases) including Improved Sounds;
6. Improvements to the gun towing process implemented;
7. Better handling of the Reverse command for vehicles. Tanks and halftracks now automatically use reverse while moving back for short distances;
8. Game speed acceleration/deceleration feature added (accessed via the "Change time speed" hotkey currently);
9. AI much better at deciding at which unit part of vehicle to aim at;
10. Quick Saves error fixed;
11. Tow setup now automatically detects best settings for user hardware;
12. Minor errors with crew animations fixed;
13. Improved logging functions to help with determining the causes of certain crashes;
14. General performance and stability improved;
15. Numerous other gameplay fixes

Cranium Kabookii Video Game in the stores

Today Ubisoft, one of the world's largest video game publishers, announced that Cranium Kabookii has shipped to retailers nationwide and is available exclusively for the Wii home video game system from Nintendo. Developed by Ubisoft’s Quebec studio, in collaboration with five-time Toy Industry Association Game of the Year winner Cranium, Inc., Cranium Kabookii celebrates the amazing things friends and family can do as they create, perform, discover and connect with one another. Cranium Kabookii is rated “E” for Everyone and has an MSRP of $49.99.

“The Cranium brand is synonymous with creativity, expression, and fun. By bringing these attributes to the Wii, Cranium Kabookii is the perfect addition to our Games for Everyone line,” said Tony Key, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Ubisoft, “We are extremely excited to be working with Cranium, Inc., who have established themselves as pioneers in the industry by creating unique and innovative games for all ages.”

Cranium Kabookii brings a new dimension to Wii play through the use of the Wii Remote and special Kabookii Decoder Glasses. New questions and 15 activities get teams playing music, drawing, acting, puzzling and even cracking codes to win. Spray paint the solar system on a wall (you actually hear the can shaking in your hand!); use the Wii Remote as a mallet to hammer out “Auld Lang Syne” on a xylophone; solve word puzzles (what word is both a face card and car lifter?); or even trot the globe to test your knowledge of world flags, landmarks and national anthems (frequent flier miles not included!).

“Cranium Kabookii is our first family video game, and we couldn’t have found a better partner in Ubisoft,” said Cranium Chief Noodler and co-founder Whit Alexander. “The Quebec studio’s understanding of our brand, paired with their excellence in video game development, allowed us to create a play experience that’s a first for the Wii and a first for Cranium. This is an exciting milestone for us.”

Key Features:

• The family game show for your Wii: Enter the Cranium Kabookii arena, spin the carousel and land on one of 15 different activities to start the fun!


• CREATE works of art and imagination with spray paint, chalk and disappearing ink


• DISCOVER fascinating new things in true-false, multiple choice and globe-spinning trivia puzzles


• PERFORM hilarious feats by acting, playing songs and mastering the art of memorization


• CONNECT with friends and family as you crack codes, decipher clues, and remix phrases.


• Something for everyone: Unlimited players! Up to four teams, each with two or more players of all ages, can compete against each other. Engaging and hilariously entertaining, Cranium Kabookii is perfect for any combination of aspiring artists, performers, data heads or wordsmiths.


• Special Kabookii Decoder Glasses: Unveil secret clues on the TV without revealing them to other players in the room.


• Play globally, act locally: Custom built! Cranium Kabookii is the first Wii game with international questions carefully crafted to celebrate the unique culture and sense of humor of players in Canada, France, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States.

LEFT BRAIN RIGHT BRAIN FOR THE NINTENDO DS

It’s never too late to become ambidextrous as Majesco Entertainment Company, an innovative provider of video games for the mass market, today announced it has shipped Left Brain Right Brain for the Nintendo DS. Left Brain Right Brain is the only brain game that promotes ambidexterity by requiring players to flip the DS and play a challenging set of mini-games with both their dominant and non-dominant hands.

“Left Brain Right Brain uses the unique Touch Screen capabilities of the DS to give this first-rate gaming device a dual purpose as a self improvement tool,” said Gui Karyo, Executive Vice President of Operations, Majesco. “Regardless of their age, players will enjoy the wide variety of games designed to help each hand keep pace with their brain.”

In Left Brain Right Brain, players flip the DS around in book-style play to improve their hand-eye coordination in games based on speed, accuracy, association, recognition, memory and strategy. Using both right and left hands to play develops physical dexterity while also encouraging development of the right and left side of the brain.

Additional game features include:
15 different drills: Connect the Dots, Pop the Balloons, Defend Earth, Touch the Green
Square, Open the Safe, Trace the Shape, Navigate the Maze and eight more;
Five difficulty levels per activity help prepare players for ambidexterity tests;
Four single-player game modes: Hand Exercises, Balance Check, Left Hand vs. Right
Hand and Ambidexterity Check;
Development percentages for each hand let you monitor improvement;
Challenge a friend via single card DS download play.

Left Brain Right Brain is rated E for Everyone, and is now available for a suggested retail price of $19.99. For additional information, please visit www.majescoentertainment.com.

The History Channel Battle for the Pacific Video Game Bursts into Retail Stores Nationwide

Step right into the heart of combat in The History Channel: Battle for the Pacific video game from Activision. History is brought to life in this authentic, epic experience as players relive famous conflicts fought on the intense battlefields of World War II. Told through the eyes of an American GI, the game features heart-pumping action, real WWII weapons and actual documentary video footage as players fight through a variety of territories including Guadalcanal, the Philippines and Iwo Jima.

"We're thrilled to continue our collaboration with the award-winning The History Channel to deliver gamers with a new chapter in the WWII series," said David Oxford, Activision, Inc. "Everything in The History Channel: Battle for the Pacific from the combat and mission locations to the weapons and documentary footage is painstakingly researched, allowing us to deliver a cinematic war experience that is both incredibly exciting and accurate."

The History Channel: Battle for the Pacific thrusts players directly into the Pacific's most historic battles of WWII. Utilizing real combat skills and authentic allied and axis weapons, including sub-machine guns, sniper rifles, anti-aircraft guns and grenades, players will be able to relive history and fight through missions based on actual battles. Additionally, players can go online on next generation platforms and the PC and play as an American or Japanese soldier in individual or team based modes such as elimination, deathmatch, team deathmatch and capture the flag.

The History Channel: Battle for the Pacific, which is published by Activision Minneapolis, is available now on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft for a suggested retail price of $49.99 and the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, the Wii home video game system and the PC for $39.99. The game will also be available on the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system for $49.99 on December 12, 2007. The game is rated "T" (Teen) by the ESRB.

Matrix Games Releases a new Maximum Football 2.0 Gameplay Video!

A new hard-hitting gameplay video slams like a sack from the blind-side

Matrix Games (www.matrixgames.com) and Wintervalley Software (www.wintervalley.com) are excited to send out a new video showing off the revamped graphics and improved gameplay found in Maximum Football 2.0. This first 2.0 video illustrates some of the game’s statistical features in addition to some bone-crunching hits found on the Maximum Football 2.0 virtual gridiron!

Download the video below or check it out on Youtube! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKPtItkIFlw

David Heath, Director of Operations at Matrix Games, said “Football fans everywhere will no doubt be pumped up and ready to burst off the line of scrimmage when they see this gameplay video. For the armchair coach or the fan of hard hits and exciting gameplay, Maximum Football 2.0 has got it all!”

Dave Winter of Wintervalley Software added “I feel this gameplay video really lets the improvements coming with the second iteration of Maximum Football shine. Maximum Football 2.0 presents sports fans with a great blend of the hardcore strategy and statistical analysis with the fast-paced, action-oriented gameplay found on game day.”

Maximum-Football 2.0 is the latest and greatest release from the acclaimed sports management video game studio, Wintervalley Software. Bringing a whole host of new features like full Xbox 360 controller support, full DirectX 9.0 utilization, and scores of other upgrades and improvements, Maximum-Football 2.0 delivers on gameplay and fun like a bullet pass through double coverage. Like its predecessor, Maximum-Football 2.0 allows players to experience the thrill of managing a team in any league!

Design and play in leagues where you pick the size and layout. Play against others in user created leagues. The sky is the limit to how far you can take Maximum-Football 2.0. Get down and dirty with the editor as you create new plays and playbooks, design your own uniforms and helmets, and even select nicknames to appear on jerseys.

Maximum-Football 2.0 is the football fans dream. Whether you are a head coach or an armchair quarterback, Maximum-Football 2.0 has the features for you.

Get more information on Maximum Football 2.0 from its official Matrix Games webpage.

Need for Speed races into number one

Title tipped for Christmas number one moves into top spot

Need for Speed: Prostreet has moved up into pole position in the UK all formats chart, the place it's tipped to take for Christmas this year, according to sales information from Chart Track for the week ending December 1.

Dr Kawashima's Brain Training continued to sell well in second place, despite being released in June last year, while The Simpsons Game and FIFA 08 also moved up to third and fourth respectively - giving EA three of the top four chart placements this week.

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare fell to fifth place, while Assassin's Creed dropped from the previous week's number one to hold sixth place.

Mario and Sonic at the Olympics was the biggest gainer in the top ten, moving up seven places to seventh, with WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2008, More Brain Training from Dr Kawashima and Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 rounding out the top ten.

The highest new entry was Namco's Sight Training, which debuted at 22, while Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles only managed 28.

Sony boss admits to slow start for PS3, but is positive on the future.

Sony Computer Entertainment America CEO Jack Tretton says that while there were "missteps" in the PlayStation 3's first year, "19 exclusives" for Christmas and the promise of games like Metal Gear Solid 4 and Final Fantasy XIII are a reason to be positive.

"I don't think there's any question that there were missteps, but I don't think anybody is being honest with you if they say that the first year of any platform goes perfectly according to plan," Tretton told MSNBC.

"I think the biggest miss for us was the launch, in that we had easily a million consumers in North America alone that wanted to get their hands on a PlayStation 3 ... and we had roughly 200,000 units to take advantage of that demand. ... I think that that was probably the biggest disappointment for the first year."

Tretton also countered the suggestion that Sony has been charged as "arrogant toward its fans".

"I don't know that we were ever considered arrogant by consumers," he said. "I think the arrogant claims came from the press and bloggers more than true consumers. ... I think the arrogance claim comes with a leadership position and being unwilling to admit that you're failing.

"And anybody who's been through media training or been with the press isn't going to get on a soapbox and talk about their failures. If that gets construed as arrogance, then I guess that's a risk you have to take."

But Tretton couldn't resists a sideswipe at Microsoft's promotion of Xbox Live. "Another thing that I think really strikes a chord with PS3 consumers is that we're giving them everything they need, in the box, day one," he said.

"Our competition talked about the fact that they want to offer consumers a choice, but then they make it clearly apparent that if you really want to have the full gaming experience, you need to go out and invest a lot more money than you originally thought you were."

Sony's recent price cut had the desired effect on sales, with a strong post-Thanksgiving performance in the US.