Major Update to Popular Soccer Game Power Football - download now

Upgrades and Enhancements in Power Soccer Raise the Bar for Online Sports Games

Power Challenge, creator of the popular international browser-based soccer game Power Football, has updated their game with rich new community tools, improved graphics and a brand new name: Power Soccer is now the ultimate worldwide multiplayer experience.

Substantial upgrades promote a more ample community environment, including two-sided customizable trading cards for every player, opponent ratings and active forum support to aid new and veteran players and the only online game to offer saved personal game highlights. The new release further improves the community experience by allowing participants to play within their own region, play in a level-based official Power Tour Cup or challenge other competitors from different countries!

“We are very excited about the upgrades and additions we have included in Power Soccer for this major update,” said Johan Christenson, CEO of Power Challenge. “We have created a unique platform that merges the best elements of console play into the deep community involvement of web-based gaming. With a worldwide player base our goal was to make the game more enjoyable and allow anyone to play anywhere there is an internet connection. The new user interface gives players the ability to create a personalized team in minutes, and to be ready to play a head-to-head, full-screen 3D matchup in 30 seconds or less.”

Power Soccer is currently running 50,000 one-on-one matches per day, with a projected 1 million matches daily by December 2008. With this kind of growth Power Challenge has implemented several key improvements that will help to encompass the needs of such a large audience. These upgrades include increased player detail and additional models, gamepad support for console veterans, instant rematches and live system administrators to better address unsportsmanlike conduct. For more information visit www.powerchallenge.com.

Peggle video game download for Apple iPod 50% off or Try Free

For 50% OFF go now to http://www.popcap.com/ - Limited Offer

Front-Runner for Casual Game of the Year Available on iTunes Today in Six Languages

PopCap Games, the leading developer and publisher of casual games, announced that beginning today Peggle™ is available for play on the iPod. Casual gamers can download Peggle from the iTunes store for US$4.99, and the game is available in English, French, German, Italian, Japanese and Spanish. Peggle has been downloaded more than 10 million times on the Web since its introduction in March 2007, and this enormous success prompted PopCap to accelerate development of the iPod version.

Peggle utilizes the iPod’s clickwheel and sharp high-resolution display. Another special feature of the iPod-optimized version of Peggle is the ability to listen to your own personal music playlists while enjoying the game. The iPod version of Peggle includes all 55 levels, 10 magical powers and 75 Grand Master challenges, as well as the two-player Duel Mode, of the PC and Macintosh original.

“The clickwheel input of the iPod is a natural fit for controlling Peggle, so we knew this adaptation of the game would be amazing,” said Jason Kapalka, co-founder and Chief Creative Officer of PopCap. “And with the Duel Mode included, two players can pass the iPod back and forth while battling their way to Extreme Fever!”

In Peggle, players fire a metallic silver ball from the top of the screen, relying on gravity to propel the ball downwards while it ricochets off orange and blue “pegs”. The goal is to clear all the orange pegs from the screen before running out of balls. A moving “bucket” at the bottom of the screen offers free balls, while green power-up pegs give the player one of ten different abilities courtesy of the ten “Peggle Masters” who guide players through the game. These power-ups include explosive area-clearing blasts, lobster claws which serve as pinball-type flippers, and “fireballs” that cut through all pegs in their path. “But nobody can really be told what Peggle is like,” said Kapalka, “you just have to play it for yourself.” Available on retail store shelves, on the Web and now on iPod, Peggle is the must-have game of 2007.

Illuminate Labs Joins Epic Games' Unreal Engine 3 Integrated Partners

World’s leading game engine to offer unrivaled lighting solutions

Illuminate Labs, creators of rendering and lighting technology for next-generation games, and Epic Games, Inc. today announced a licensing agreement to incorporate Illuminate Labs' global illumination system, Beast, into Epic's Unreal Engine 3 (UE3), the industry's most popular game engine. Under the terms of the agreement, Illuminate Labs will join Epic's prestigious Integrated Partners Program (IPP), and its technology will be immediately available to any publishers or developers that license UE3.

By incorporating Illuminate Labs’ Beast lighting solution into UE3, the two companies have enabled artists to seamlessly add global illumination to development environments using the renowned Unreal Editor. Beast is also a fully platform-independent baker that utilizes the open-standard FBX file format, which allows users to easily add extremely complex baking functionality to 3D asset creation tools. UE3 licensees can instantly start taking advantage of Beast’s features that are new to the engine, which include:

• Global Illumination baking
• Skylights from HDR images
• Baked soft shadows with transparency

Future feature sets developed by Illuminate Labs will be incorporated into UE3 per the partnership.

“We are very proud to be part of Epic’s Integrated Partners Program,” said Magnus Wennerholm, chief executive officer of Illuminate Labs. “Visual quality and cost effectiveness in the production process are key issues to all games studios, and with this partnership UE3 customers will benefit from easy access to our advanced lighting technology.”

“We are very pleased to give our licensees access to one of the most advanced lighting technologies available through this partnership,” said Dr. Michael Capps, president of Epic Games. “Integrating Beast into UE3 will help our licensees more easily create games utilizing best-of-breed global illumination techniques. We welcome Illuminate Labs into the partners program and look forward to empowering more developers through this relationship.”

Epic Games' Integrated Partners Program (IPP) establishes a formal business relationship with exceptional companies making cross-platform technologies which integrate with, and are complementary to, UE3. Under the IPP, Epic provides continuous UE3 source code access and full technical support to IPP members. Companies who join the IPP agree to provide a high level of technical support for UE3 licensees through Epic's established support channels, keep their implementations up-to-date with the latest engine versions and collaborate with Epic on potential promotional and co-marketing efforts.

Developers utilizing the UE3 and Beast technology integration include Gearbox Software, creators of the celebrated Brothers in Arms franchise, the upcoming first-person shooter based on the Aliens motion picture and Borderlands for PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

“Gearbox Software likes to stay on the cutting edge of video game technology,” said Randy Pitchford, president of Gearbox Software. “Gearbox licensed new technology from Illuminate Labs for several of its upcoming games. This new arrangement with Illuminate Labs and Epic Games will ensure that the technology is supported at the source and will help Gearbox Software continue to make the most technologically advanced and graphically impressive video games as a licensee of Unreal Engine 3.”

DOWNLOAD UPDATE No5 FOR WORLD IN CONFLICT PC Video game

Sierra Entertainment's Massive Entertainment, developer of the award-winning action-strategy game World in Conflict, has released the World in Conflict Update No:5 for the PC retail game. Update #005 not only fixes bugs and balancing issues, but also introduces several new features that further enhance the gameplay and online experience, including the ability to prevent team stacking.

Update No:5 will be automatically downloaded and installed when users log onto Massgate. For a rundown of changes included in Update No:5 or for updated information, please visit www.worldinconflict.com. If you own the Trymedia Digital Download version, please download the update from Massgate's website.

Sony PLAYSTATION 3 System Software Update Version 2 specification.10

Blu-ray Disc Standard Profile 1.1 (Bonus View) EnabledDivX and VC-1 Video Playback Codecs SupportedVoice Changer for Audio Chat Introduced

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) today announced the immediate availability of the latest system software update for PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3). Version 2.10 will enable the world’s most popular gaming system to expand its value as a home entertainment hub by allowing it to play the very latest interactive Blu-ray Disc™ movies, as well as broadening the number of video formats supported to make PS3 even more verstaile than before.

With the introduction of Blu-ray Profile 1.1 (known as Bonus View) PS3 will be able to fully exploit the potential of the new Blu-ray movies coming to market in 2008. With features such as Picture in Picture (PiP), the exceptional visual clarity offered by Blu-ray is further enhanced with richer features and interactive content, limited only by the imagination of the studio.

With sales of PS3 on track to have reached a cumulative global total of over 16 million by the end of March 2008, and the system software update making them all compatible with Bonus View, the market for Blu-ray discs showcasing these new interactive features is enormous. The first Blu-ray movies to take advantage of Bonus View are scheduled for release in January 2008, making PS3 owners amongst the first consumers able to enjoy the enhanced movie-watching experience that Blu-ray technology makes possible.

Many Hollywood and independent studios supporting Blu-ray will be bringing out an ever increasing range of movie titles in all genres featuring Bonus View interactivity to add to the pleasure of watching movies on Blu-ray disc.. With superb image clarity up to five times that of normal DVD video, and crystal clear Dolby 5.1 Channel audio, Blu-ray movie playback on PS3 really broadens the entertainment possibilities of PS3.

The provision of support for DivX and VC-1 video playback codecs in system software Version 2.10 will also significantly expand the multimedia capabilities of PS3 by enabling users to enjoy access to the broad library of video content available in both the the DivX and VC-1 digital media formats.

Version 2.10 also introduces an engaging voice changer feature to enhance Voice Chat on PS3, enabling users to alter the tone and pitch of their voice from the Control panel during AV Chat.

Guns N' Roses - ADRENALINE INFUSING SOUNDTRACK FOR BURNOUT PARADISE

Rock Paradise City with the Smash Hit Single from Guns N' Roses

Electronic Arts announced today that Guns N’ Roses high-intensity rock anthem Paradise City headlines the playlist in Burnout Paradise for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360 videogame system. The music propels the game into high speed action with forty major artists including Alice in Chains, Jane’s Addiction, Soundgarden, Twisted Sister, Jimmy Eat World and N.E.R.D., as well as rising stars Airbourne, Jupiter One and Junkie XL who have been signed to EA’s own music label, Artwerk.

Set to release January 25, 2008, Burnout Paradise offers a true open world environment built for intense speed, excitement, and exploration within Paradise City. Feel the aggression in the streets off and online*, as friends can connect instantly in one another’s game to heat up the competition.

Steve Schnur, Worldwide Executive of Music and Music Marketing at EA, said, “Burnout is one of the world's most popular racing franchises and demands a soundtrack that matches the game's intensity at every level. We believe we've crafted a truly volatile mix of rock's most dangerous tracks -- beginning with the iconic 'Paradise City' -- for an audio fuel as explosive as the game itself."

The complete in-game soundtrack for Burnout Paradise includes:

Adam And The Ants - Stand And Deliver
Agent Blue - Snowhill
Airbourne - Too Much, Too Young, Too Fast
Alice In Chains - Would?
Army Of Me - Going Through Changes
Avril Lavigne - Girlfriend
B’z - Friction
Brain Failure feat. Dicky Barrett - Coming Down To Beijing
Brand New - The Archers Bows Have Broken
Bromheads Jacket - Fight Music For The Fight
Depeche Mode - Route 66 (Beatmasters Mix)
Faith No More - Epic
Guns N’ Roses - Paradise City
Innerpartysystem - Heart Of Fire
Jane’s Addiction - Stop!
Jimmy Eat World - Electable (Give It Up)
Junkie XL feat. Lauren Rocket - Cities In Dust
Jupiter One - Fire Away
Kerli - Creepshow
Killswitch Engage - My Curse
LCD Soundsystem - Us V. Them
Make Good Your Escape - Beautiful Ruin
Maxeen - Block Out The World
Mexicolas - Come Clean
N.E.R.D. - Rockstar (Jason Nevins Mix)
Never Heard Of It* - Finger On The Trigger
Operator - Nothing To Lose
Permanent ME - Until You Leave
Saosin - Collapse
Seether - Fake It
Senses Fail - Calling All Cars
Showing Off To Thieves* - Everyone Has Their Secrets
Skybombers - It Goes Off
Soundgarden - Rusty Cage
Sugarcult - Dead Living
Swervedriver - Duel
The Photo Atlas - Red Orange Yellow
The Pigeon Detectives - I’m Not Sorry
The Styles - Glitter Hits (J.J. Puig Mix)
Twisted Sister - I Wanna Rock

*Winner of the second international Burnout Bandslam competition.

New adventure game Dagger

Playlogic Entertainment - an independent worldwide publisher of entertainment software - has acquired the hack and slash adventure game “Dimensity” from Bulgarian developer Dagger Games. The latest addition to Playlogics line up is set for release on PC in the second quarter of 2008. In total Playlogic expects to publish 6 to 8 new titles in Q1 of 2008.

Dimensity reveals an epic and complex tale of honor, loss and betrayal in a gritty fantasy setting. Choose between two races in massive single player campaigns to unravel the path of the heroes of the humans and the opposing ‘Triends’ to discover who will dominate the world of Dimensity in the end. Choose online play and battle up to three friends in the Multiplayer mode.

Dimensity is a hybrid hack and slash adventure game and features light RPG and RTS elements including character development. Its 3D engine features advanced terrain and particle rendering, normal mapping and per pixel lighting.

Rogier Smit, Executive VP of Playlogic: “We are very glad to be working with the Dagger team in Bulgaria. They have developed great technology and tools over several years and managed to successfully implement these in “Dimensity.” Together with the Dagger team our production department is making final changes, fine tuning and balancing gameplay and setting up the required marketing & PR activities”.

Hristo Velchev, Managing Director Dagger games: Trough all of these years of development we put a lot of effort and emotion in this title and I am very pleased “Dimensity” will be introduced worldwide by PlayLogic. We believe our collaboration will be a good starting point for a long time partnership. We hope people who play our game will enjoy it as much as we did creating it.”

Features:

• two extensive single player campaigns on a variety of unique maps, with hundreds of quests, objectives and side missions.

• Play as either a mage or a fighter, with a great variety of combo attacks and magical spells. Command up to 16 NPC units to fight at your side and level with you.

• choose to either adventure through world of Dimensity, or decide to wage war and conquer enemies with the aid of NPC units

• challenging multiplayer mode with four playable races battling in PVP or coop mode

• gain experience and levels in both single and multiplayer mode

• all items, gold and experience earned in both gameplay modes will be carried by the player as long as he keeps winning

• various unlockable extra maps for a special challenge mode, featuring extremely difficult but highly rewarding missions

• NPC units feature a wide range of troop types, from ordinary swordsmen to flying transport ships

• Dimensity uses only one resource – gold - which must be looted from dungeons complexes beneath the battlefield

Marble Arena 1.4 for PC & Mac download the update

Independent game developers Brightside Entertainment have announced the release of version 1.4 of their popular family friendly, single player and multiplayer game for PC and Mac, “Marble Arena”.

This new version adds a considerable amount of new features designed to make the game experience even better and bring players closer to the active community of map makers. Players will now be able to instantly know, right from the game, if new free maps are available for download or if maps they already have were updated. They can then rate them as they consider appropriate thus letting their creators know what playing their maps really feels like.

Version 1.4 insists a lot more on the multiplayer component, allowing players to create their own servers and automatically storing leader boards for them that register how many rounds each player has won. That information is then displayed on the website for the world to see.

For experienced players, the Master Mode feature should be a great addition. If you can finish levels without saving your progress, without ever falling over the edge and in half the original time then you truly are a Marble Master and for that you will be awarded with 5 times the original amount of upgrade points.

The community of map makers is a very important part of Marble Arena and this new version is trying to reward them for all their efforts, by allowing them to receive full games for any map that is posted on the website, even if it's outside of the weekly competition. Each map that gets posted translates into 500 fame points for its creator. Each good rating received by the map translates into even more fame points. Get enough fame points and you get a full game from the Prize Bucket. All that fame will also show in the game and in multiplayer games, letting people know immediately who you are.

These are just some of the new features version 1.4 brings. Plenty more options for players and map makers alike are included. For more information, discussions, screenshots, videos and to download the latest version of Marble Arena, please visit the official website :

Download here... http://www.Marble-Arena.com

Elf Online video game win with Player Artwork Contest

As a game which highlights individuality, creativity and popular internet culture, Elf Online could meet the need of players. Now, Elf Online Player Artwork Contest has provide a platform for the players to show themselves. This is your chance to be admired and stand in the top of the trend.

Rules
1 Content: Player Blog, sites, video, comic, article, drawing or any other art form.
2 Players could post their artwork or the link of their blog or site in the Elf Online forum event zone titled [Art Contest] followed by your work name. Players should also include their ID and character name in their post.
3 Time for the event, Dec.21st 07 to Jan.21st 08.
4 On Jan.14th 08 to Jan 21st 08, Elf Online Official will count all the works and announce the winners.

Requirement:
All works should be centering on Elf Online including Elf Online blog, site, game video, comic, review, experience, screenshot story, drawings and so on. Anything relating violence, eroticism and politics is prohibited.

Criterion:
We will select the winner accroding to the hype. Player who receive the highest reply and vote will be the winner

Prize:
First Place: 5 Players. Each of them will get 10000 Elf Online gold bullion (item mall points)
Second Place: 15 Players. Each of them will get 5000 Elf Online gold bullion (item mall points)
Third Place: 30 Players. Each of them will get 3000 Elf Online gold bullion (item mall points) Honorable Mention: 50 Players. Each of them will get 1000 Elf Online gold bullion (item mall points)

After we announce the result, we will sent out the reward in 3 working day.

Games Creation : Clickteam Announces JAVA Export Beta

New Java Export Features coming to PC versions

Clickteam is a leading "Game and Multimedia programs" creation development team, today announced, the availability of their newest Beta which includes the ability to save games and multimedia programs created with their tools to the Java format.

With Java, your applications will run on almost every computer in the world (Mac in the middle of 2008). Every computer, that includes Linux, Windows, Servers and any other platform that has Java client. The new Beata includes a feature that can save Java applets in TGF2/MMF2 as well as the ability to save as Java applications in MMF2 Dev. The export feature also allows for exporting as a webstart application.

To save your application as Java, it is very simple. Just select the option and then choose build. Now anyone with no programming knowledge will be able to create Java games and multimedia quickly and easily.

Build No248 for The Games Factory 2, Multimedia Fusion 2 and Multimedia Fusion 2 Developer is now available off our website at http://www.clickteam.co.uk.

Stroke of Fate PC video game fact sheet

A Stroke of Fate new screenshots available

As we get closer to the ship date, new facts are being unveiled from A Stroke of Fate secure archives. Our main character, a special espionage and sabotage agent, is getting deeper into Hitler’s circle, screwing into his favor and preparing to strike a fatal blow. The fascist leader being very careful though, the main character isn’t the one who gives up so easily – step by step he’s tying the knot – the enemy’s likely to approach his end of the rope…

More fresh screenshots have become available (I won’t tell you what it cost us to penetrate Hitler’s hidden dungeons and make these shots) in the game gallery. Follow us to see the gloomy vault where shocking rituals take place, watch Himmler’s office and other interesting places recreated for you according to authentic documents achieved so far…

A Stroke of Fate

Genre: adventure
Platform: PC
Publisher in Russia & CIS: Akella
Developer: Spline
Release date: Q1 2008

A Stroke of Fate is an interactive detective story framed in authentic surroundings of the fascist Germany in the 1940s. A gamer has a unique opportunity – to conduct a compelling investigation of the most mysterious secret veiled by the 20th century – Adolf Hitler’s preterm death.

The main character, a special sabotage and espionage agent is making every effort to squeeze into Adolf’s closest minions. You’ll need to act as a true patriot Germany has ever seen – attentive Gestapo eyes are watching you all the time! A most challenging task to fulfill - to prepare an assassination of “Lieber Fuhrer” himself – will show whether you have learned what it is to be a good spy! The Stroke of Fate will take you to the authentic landscapes and surroundings relevant to 1941-45 and controversial but still powerful personalities like Hitler, Himmler, Muller, and Goebbels. But what is even more important – you’ll even be able to breathe that time…

Key features:

• Compelling pseudo-historical plot;
• Ingenious brainteasers and quests to reflect German peculiarities of the 1940s;
• Realistic graphics;
• Authentic places and historically derived personalities: Muller, Goebbels, and Hitler;
• You can walk along the Secret Police building and Hitler’s private study

Angels Online

The long-awaited Angels Online（http://ao.igg.com）Open Beta Test has been launched, and in order to celebrate upcoming Christmas, IGG announce that they will hold the “Christmas Activities” between Dec 19th and Jan 2nd.

Backdrop:

Christmas is a very important festival in Eden, because it is a symbol of peace and love. In order to celebrate the most important day of the entire year, Angels will be organizing a big ceremony that will last 2 weeks.

A huge Christmas tree will appear in Eden, and it is said that when it radiates its dazzling light, Eden will be peaceful and full of happiness, and if lovers take an oath in front of the tree, their relationship will last forever.

Everyone in each city is busy preparing for the upcoming Christmas and decorating their Christmas trees, however some loathsome monsters have stolen all the ornaments on the Christmas trees when the Angels were sleeping. People are in a panic, and it’s time for the little angles to do something.

Event Duration:

From EST (GMT-5) Dec 19th 2007 to EST (GMT-5) Jan 2nd 2008

Event Contents:

1. Silvery Date

During the activity, Angels level 10+ can get a special [Night Star] from the Christmas Angel. There are two kinds of stars, one for girls and boys respectively. You can exchange it with an Angel of the opposite sex, and then take it to the Christmas Angel for a Christmas Box. If you make it successfully, you can’t do it again until 24 hours have passed. Hurry up!

2. Lost Sheen

A huge Christmas tree will appear in the open area of the Angel Lyceum, and an NPC called Christmas Angel near the Christmas tree will tell you about the event rules.
Angels will have chances to obtain Xmas Trinkets when they defeat monsters. You should pay more attention to those monsters whose levels range from 21 to 50, because they are probably the criminals. When you collect certain numbers of Xmas Trinkets you can find the Christmas Angel and exchange these Xmas Trinkets for special rewards.
Some monsters dropped trinkets in some remote places, so Angels of collection talent have chances to obtain Christmas balls when they exploit resources which require collection skills level 21 to 41. They can also exchange these Christmas balls at the Christmas Angel.

For more information please visit our official website at http://ao.igg.com/act/christmas.

Apple Mac Grimlic’s Descent expansion for PoxNora online strategy game

Octopi recently released the Grimlic’s Descent expansion for PoxNora, the critically acclaimed online turn-based strategy game,

This latest expansion, PoxNora’s fifth expansion since the core game was released in August 2006, adds 60 new runes across all factions, including the highly anticipated Grimlic, Hero of the Underdepths and a master of deception.

Other features of the expansion include more than 40 new abilities, a new map and a downloadable game client, which allows players to run PoxNora directly from their desktops instead of navigating to the PoxNora website to initiate a game. With the release of Grimlic’s Descent, the runes from all previous expansions are now available in the PoxNora single-rune store.

Grimlic’s Descent was created by Octopi, a subsidiary of FUN Technologies Inc. and the development house behind PoxNora. “I can’t wait to see what our players come up with,” said Peter Nolen, developer, PoxNora. “These new runes and gameplay will revolutionize the way existing players experience the game.”

PoxNora has more than 1.5 million registered accounts since the game’s launch just over a year ago. PoxNora combines many popular elements of collectible card games, tactical miniatures games, and role-playing games into an innovative online strategy game. PoxNora’s ground-breaking multi-faceted gameplay is not only very addictive, but also deep and complex.

The basics of the game are simple: players assemble battlegroups, or decks, consisting of champions, equipment, relics and spells. However, from the almost 600 individual runes available, only 20 may be selected at a time for use when playing an opponent. Learning how to combine runes and counter an opponent’s attack are essential for success.

Pre-constructed starter decks are available for free play, but in order to earn experience from battling opponents a player must purchase their own runes. PoxNora allows players to upgrade the attributes and skills of their champions by spending experience points earned through gameplay with runes they own. This makes it possible for the same champion owned by two different players to be quite different in advanced skills and abilities.

PoxNora was developed on a modified Octoplex engine and was designed for cross-platform gaming. PoxNora will run on any Java-enabled Internet browser on Windows, Macintosh and Linux computers.

For more information visit www.PoxNora.com

Update for Penguins Arena free demo download

Frogames releases an update for "Penguins Arena - Sedna's World": “Christmas update”. This update is totally free. All registred users will get this new version for no additional fees and for future users, the price of the game hasn't changed ($19.95 USD).

This update brings new hilarious costumes for your penguin, two new maps and a great new “unlimited weapons” game mode. Of course we also fixed some bugs and optimized the game.

See what we mean by downloading the new version of the Demo at http://www.frogames.com/penguins_arena/

This “Christmas Update” for "Penguins Arena - Sedna's world" is our special gift for you ... Frogames wishes you a Merry Christmas!

About Penguins Arena

It all begins when a penguin legend comes to life in the form of Sedna, the ancient Penguin Goddess. Global warming, pollution... Penguin tribes are endangered. Sedna utters them that there is room for but one tribe. And so the purging begins.
Now it's your turn to join the snowball battles and drive the other tribes into the sea.

Penguins Arena is a thrilling and innovative First Penguin Shooter with very short rounds and where the magic of reincarnation, combined with the supernatural ability to return to the game as a ghost, ensures that your character has every chance to change your tribe's fate. And you can do it all for just $19.95!

Penguins Arena is a prize-winner of the 2007 Intel Game Demo Contest! It has won the 1st-place prize in the Best Game on the Go category and an award in the Best use of Torque in a game demo category.

Penguins Arena is also in the list of the top 12 Casual PC Games of the year released by Bob Mandel from www.avault.com.

What’s new with Penguins Arena? Stay tuned on www.frogames.com!

CHARTTRACK UK WEEKLY CHARTS

All format

(Full price) Week ending 15 December 2007

1 MARIO & SONIC AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES SEGA
2 CALL OF DUTY 4: MODERN WARFARE ACTIVISION
3 FIFA 08 ELECTRONIC ARTS
4 NEED FOR SPEED: PROSTREET ELECTRONIC ARTS
5 THE SIMPSONS GAME ELECTRONIC ARTS
6 WWE SMACKDOWN VS RAW 2008 THQ
7 ASSASSIN'S CREED UBISOFT
8 PRO EVOLUTION SOCCER 2008 KONAMI
9 SUPER MARIO GALAXY NINTENDO
10 THE GOLDEN COMPASS SEGA
11 GUITAR HERO III: LEGENDS OF ROCK ACTIVISION
12 LEGO STAR WARS: THE COMPLETE SAGA LUCASARTS
13 MARIO PARTY 8 NINTENDO
14 KANE & LYNCH: DEAD MEN EIDOS
15 THE SIMS 2: CASTAWAY ELECTRONIC ARTS
16 UNCHARTED: DRAKE'S FORTUNE SONY COMPUTER ENT.
17 RATATOUILLE THQ
18 NEW SUPER MARIO BROS. NINTENDO
19 HALO 3 MICROSOFT
20 HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL: MAKIN' THE CUT! DISNEY INTERACTIVE STUDIOS

MTV Games and Harmonix Ship Rock Band for the PlayStation 2

PlayStation 2 Owners Set To Start Bands and Rock the World with the Most Sought After Music Videogame of the Holiday Season

Harmonix, the leading worldwide developer of music-based games, and MTV Games, part of Viacom’s MTV Networks (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), along with distribution partner Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS), announced today that the Rock Band™ Special Edition Bundle for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system will ship to U.S. retail stores on Tuesday, December 18, 2007.

Developed in collaboration with Pi Studios, Rock Band for the PlayStation 2 system showcases many of the same challenging modes and rock music featured in the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360 video game entertainment system from Microsoft versions, including Band World Tour and Score Duel, which allows drum vs. drum, guitar vs. guitar and vocal vs. vocal play.

“Our team was honored to work side by side with Harmonix to create Rock Band for the PlayStation 2 and extremely proud of the result,” stated Robert Erwin, CEO of Pi Studios. “Together, we were able to deliver the addictive nature and brilliance of the core Rock Band gameplay while giving PS2 owners the ultimate rock experience just in time for the holidays.”

Rock Band invites players to interact with music like never before, challenging them to join a band and set out on tour – all while learning to master lead/bass guitar, drums and vocals. Featuring the most master recordings of any music game ever by the world’s biggest rock artists, Rock Band for the PlayStation 2 system includes 58 tracks and spans every genre of rock ranging from alternative and classic rock to heavy metal and punk.

The Rock Band Special Edition Bundle for the PlayStation 2 system features a wireless Fender Stratocaster guitar controller, an electronic drum kit, real drum sticks, a microphone and software and has a suggested retail price of $159.99. Standalone Rock Band software for the PlayStation 2 system is also available for the suggested retail price of $49.99. Rock Band for PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3 use the same instruments so players do not need to buy new instruments if they upgrade their console.

Rock Band is rated “T” for Teen (lyrics, mild suggestive themes) by the ESRB.

Rock Band is also available on Xbox 360 and the PLAYSTATION 3 system in North America. Rock Band will ship to retail stores in Canada on December 20th for the Xbox 360 and the PLAYSTATION 3 system. Rock Band will ship in Europe for the Xbox 360, the PLAYSTATION 3 system and the PlayStation 2 system in the first quarter of 2008.

EA is the exclusive distribution and marketing partner for Rock Band, managing distribution for the game in the US, Europe and Australia.

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

LINKIN PARK, MASTADON, THE USED plus free download 'We three kings' for GUITAR HERO

Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock Set List Expansion Also to Include Hit European Singles, Free Rock Rendition of Christmas Classic

Master recordings from Warner/Reprise artists Linkin Park, Mastadon and The Used will be available as a downloadable track pack for Activision, Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, during the month of December. Additionally, Activision will offer single song downloads from such popular European bands as Extremoduro, Trust and Die Fantastischen Vier, as well as a free, exclusive rock rendition of the holiday classic "We Three Kings," recorded by Steve Ouimette. The Warner/Reprise Track Pack, single song downloads, and free holiday classic will be available for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system.

The Warner/Reprise Track Pack includes master recordings of "No More Sorrow," by Linkin Park, "Sleeping Giant," by Mastadon and "Pretty Handsome Awkward," by The Used. The single song downloads offer such popular singles as "So Payaso," from Extremoduro, "Antisocial" from Trust, and "Ernten Was Wir Säen" from Die Fantastischen Vier.

After downloading the new tracks, Guitar Herofans are encouraged to visit www.guitarhero.com to enter fret-bending competitions with the opportunity to win various prizes.

Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock contains explosive new content and features including a multiplayer action-inspired battle mode, grueling boss battles, a host of exclusive unlockable content and visually stunning rock venues. Expanded online multiplayer game modes allow axe-shredders worldwide to compete head-to-head for true rock status. The game features a star-studded soundtrack including master tracks by legendary artists such as Aerosmith, Guns 'N' Roses, The Rolling Stones, Beastie Boys, Rage Against the Machine and Pearl Jam, as well as original songs by guitar icons Slash and Tom Morello. While continuing to retain all the key features from their prior legendary performances, fresh downloadable content will be available on multiple platforms, and players can now shred to a killer set list from many of the most popular rock songs ever recorded.

For the first time ever, Guitar Hero fans are able to thrash and burn with new wireless guitar controllers available for each platform, including exclusive Gibson Guitar's Les Paul model for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Wii home video game system from Nintendo, and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system. PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system gamers also get to shred on a new exclusive shape, Gibson's Kramer guitar, popularized by hard rockers and known for its body design, pickups, electronics and construction for furious finger fretting.

Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, developed by Neversoft, is rated "T" for Teen by the ESRB, and is currently available at North American retailers. For more information about the Guitar Hero franchise, please visit the dedicated community site: www.guitarhero.com.

Sensible World of Soccer and Tempest Head to Microsoft Xbox LIVE

The game that inspired a generation, Sensible World of Soccer, and a game that will have players reliving their quarter dropping days, “Tempest,” arrives on Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360 this Wednesday, 19th December, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. GMT.

Sensible World of Soccer draws on the 96 / 97 original to re-create one of the most influential games of all time for the first time in HD. Challenge friends over Xbox LIVE, kick it solo in Career mode or flex your managerial muscles by leading a team to the Champions league! The game also features a helpful tutorial mode to bring players up to speed on the most popular sport in the world.

A true classic, “Tempest” is an intense shooter game requiring skill and lightning quick reflexes. Players must harness their firepower to shoot and destroy enemy hordes in a desperate fight for survival across fluorescent geometric battlefields. “Tempest” contains both the original and enhanced gameplay modes.

Where can I get “Sensible World of Soccer” and “Tempest “ from?

Sensible World of Soccer: available for 800 MS Points from 9:00 a.m. GMT, Wednesday 19th December 2007



Tempest: available for 400 MS Points from 9:00 a.m. GMT, Wednesday 19th December 2007



They are rated 3+

More information is available at http://www.xbox.com/games/livearcade.

Sensible World of Soccer and Tempest Head to Microsoft Xbox LIVE

The game that inspired a generation, Sensible World of Soccer, and a game that will have players reliving their quarter dropping days, “Tempest,” arrives on Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360 this Wednesday, 19th December, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. GMT.

Sensible World of Soccer draws on the 96 / 97 original to re-create one of the most influential games of all time for the first time in HD. Challenge friends over Xbox LIVE, kick it solo in Career mode or flex your managerial muscles by leading a team to the Champions league! The game also features a helpful tutorial mode to bring players up to speed on the most popular sport in the world.

A true classic, “Tempest” is an intense shooter game requiring skill and lightning quick reflexes. Players must harness their firepower to shoot and destroy enemy hordes in a desperate fight for survival across fluorescent geometric battlefields. “Tempest” contains both the original and enhanced gameplay modes.

Where can I get “Sensible World of Soccer” and “Tempest “ from?

Sensible World of Soccer: available for 800 MS Points from 9:00 a.m. GMT, Wednesday 19th December 2007



Tempest: available for 400 MS Points from 9:00 a.m. GMT, Wednesday 19th December 2007



They are rated 3+

More information is available at http://www.xbox.com/games/livearcade.

Nintendo Wii -kly update: Cybernator - Alien Storm - Monster Lair added for download

It's sci-fi/fantasy week on the Virtual Console™, and you know what that means. The Cybernators are deadly, the aliens are ruthless and the monsters are...cute. It's a collection of three classic action games designed to keep your blood boiling as the weather gets cooler and the days get shorter. Virtual Console: your winter security blanket.

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:

Cybernator (SNES, 1 player, rated E 10+ for Everyone 10 and Older - Mild Fantasy Violence, 800 Wii Points):

It is the near future. Resources are dwindling, and the major powers of the world are in dispute over territory. Pilot the Cybernator G5-E for the 95th brigade of the mechanized marines and throw yourself into the war. Get briefed before each mission to confirm your targets, and then do your best to clear each of the seven stages, freely using the suit's equipped tools and four types of weaponry. By collecting the "power chips" left by defeated enemies, it is also possible to reinforce each weapon up to a maximum of three levels. It is left to your judgment as to whether to reinforce a specific weapon or to power up all weapons simultaneously, adding a bit of strategy to the nonstop action. The powerful background music, military-like atmosphere (look for bullet marks on the walls and the strained communication during combat) and intense story development combine to give the world of Cybernator a gritty, sci-fi feel that you won't soon forget.

Alien Storm (Sega Genesis, 1-2 players, rated E 10+ for Everyone 10 and Older - Mild Fantasy Violence, 800 Wii Points):
Shape-shifting aliens have infiltrated the city, creating chaos and panic! Fortunately, a trio of heroes called the Alien Busters has agreed to wipe out the invading creatures. The members of the team wield their own special attacks, and they unload a world of hurt on the Martian menaces from the city streets to the mother ship. Gordon, a tough guy with a bazooka, has a special gunship attack, while Karla has a flamethrower for alien crisping, though she prefers to use her special ballistic-missile attack. Finally, Slammer the robot can self-destruct at will and attacks the intruders with an electric whip and other devices. Take the aliens by storm and save your city.

Monster Lair (TurboGrafx16 CD-ROM, 1-2 players, rated E for Everyone - Mild Cartoon Violence, 800 Wii Points):
Join young Adam and Laura as they embark on a fantastic adventure in this comical action/shooting game. Featuring beautiful music brought to life by the power of the CD-ROM, the game consists of 14 rounds packed with cute monster enemies. Players can either play alone as Adam (or play with a friend controlling Laura) as they battle their way through round after round. The first half of each round is the action scene, where players must avoid obstacles and pits. Use your Power Boost weapons against enemies and restore your Life Force with food as you head for the gate at the end. The second half is the exhilarating shooting scene, where players must shoot down flying enemies. Take out the boss at the end to clear the round and move to the next one.

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

New NVIDIA nForceE 780I SLI MCP top Gaming Platform on Intel Yorkfield CPUs

Support for NVIDIA 3-Way SLITM and Extreme Overclocking Make Gamers' Wishes Come True This Holiday Season

Just in time for the big guy’s annual holiday sleigh ride, NVIDIA, the world leader in visual computing technologies, today introduced the Company’s next-generation NVIDIA nForce 780i SLI media and communications processor (MCP), designed specifically for 1333FSB Intel QX9650 (Yorkfield) processors. The new nForce 780i SLI MCP brings a multitude of new functionality to Intel platforms, including support for the new Enthusiast System Architecture specification and PCI Express Gen 2.0. It is also the first motherboard solution to also support the Company’s new 3-way SLI™ technology, the industry’s preeminent multi-GPU platform solution based on NVIDIA GeForce graphics processing units.

“Our customers aren’t going to bed with visions of sugar-plums dancing in their heads. They’re dreaming of playing games like Crysis in their entire splendor, running on NVIDIA SLI technology,” said Kelt Reeves, president of Falcon Northwest. “With nForce 780i and an Intel Yorkfield CPU under the hood, those visions will quickly become a reality. We’re excited to offer our customers fully-equipped rigs with not one, not two, but three of NVIDIA’s most extreme gaming GeForce graphics processors, the perfect platform for experiencing the most advanced games ever developed.”

NVIDIA 3-way SLI technology offers an unmatched PC gaming experience, delivering up to a 2.8x performance boost over traditional single graphics card platforms. For playing this year’s most cutting-edge games, including Crysis and Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, 3-way SLI technology lets gamers ratchet up the resolution to 1900x1200 and 2500x1600 respectively, while partaking in all of the tasty eye candy, including high-dynamic range lighting, motion blur, and realistic environmental effects.

“You can forget the cookies and milk this year,” said Alabaster Snowball, administrator of the North Pole’s naughty & nice list. “What Santa really wants is the ability to play Bioshock on a new gaming rig configured with an nForce 780i SLI-based motherboard and 3-way SLI graphics.”

Global system integrators and industry-leading motherboard partners planning to offer NVIDIA nForce 780i SLI MCP-based products include: Arlt, Asus, Atelco, Biohazard Computers, Chiligreen, Colorful, CyberPower, Digital Storm, Ditech, EVGA, Falcon Northwest, Gigabyte, HP, Hypersonic, Ibuypower, K&M Elektronik, Maingear, Meijin, MSI, Puget, Rombus, Vigor Gaming, Voodoo PC, Warmachine, XFX, Xi, and more.

For more information on the NVIDIA nForce 700-series, which today include the nForce 780i SLI and nForce 750i SLI MCPs, please visit: www.nvidia.com/object/nforce7_intel.html

Top video games of 2008 for Wii XBox 360 and PS3

These are the games we are all waiting for in 2008. From Wii Fit to Resident Evil 5 - watch them all.



Watch them here... HOOQS

Indianapolis 500 Legends Video Game for Nintendo Wii and DS

Destineer’s Indianapolis 500 Legends video game for the Wii and Nintendo DS, which lets players relive the traditions, rivalries and terrifying speeds that characterized one of the most unique, exciting eras of racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, will ship to retailers Wednesday, Dec. 19.

Developed in close cooperation with IMS, Indianapolis 500 Legends puts players behind the wheel of cars driven by real-life legends like A.J. Foyt, Parnelli Jones and more. Experience the advancement in racing technology as you drive the last of the front-engine roadsters, experiment with the first turbine cars and strap on the first sets of bolt-on wings. Relive the greatest crashes, upsets and thrills with mission-based racing that puts you in control of some of the Indy 500’s most famous and infamous moments.

On both the Wii and Nintendo DS, Indianapolis 500 Legends includes exciting features such as:

• Draft, dodge and slingshot through packs of cars at speeds of up to 180 miles per hour!

• Arcade-style, pick-up-and-play action with the Wii Remote™ or Nintendo DS stylus.

• Mission-based racing highlighting the most famous moments in Indy 500 history, including Qualify, Race, Pit Stop, Pass, Time Trial, and Challenge driving missions.

• Come from behind, swerve through terrifying crashes and recreate the most exciting victories of all time!

• More than 30 Hero cars, 16 drivers, unlockable Indy memorabilia and more!

• Use the Wii Remote or Nintendo DS stylus to complete pit stop minigames like changing tires, refueling or putting out fires.

• Debris and smoke from damage turn cars into on-track hazards for other racers!

“The cars look the same, and it’s cool to see all the old drivers out there,” Indianapolis 500 veteran A.J. Foyt IV said after playing as his legendary grandfather in the game. “It’s going to be cool to be my grandfather and race against them.”

Indianapolis 500 Legends features 30 of the best drivers of the era, including Foyt, Jones, Eddie Sachs, Johnny Rutherford, the Unsers, Mario Andretti and many more.

Combining the edge-of-your-seat thrills of Indy racing and exciting technological advances of the 1960s with the all-ages accessibility of the Wii and DS, Indianapolis 500 Legends is perfect for racing fans young and old. Indianapolis 500 Legends races into stores in January 2008 from Destineer and developer Torus Games. Start your engines!

Dad Sells Son’s Guitar Hero III for $9,100 on eBay to punish him!

A 15 year old Canadian lad was caught smoking Pot in the families backyard by his father.

To teach his son a lesson the father decided to sale his “hard-to-find” Christmas gift, Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, on eBay.

eBay auction listing here... http://cgi.ebay.com/Guitar-Hero-III-3-Legends-of-Rock-Wii-NEW-WITH-RECEIPT_W0QQitemZ200181539427QQihZ010QQcategoryZ62053QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem#ebayphotohosting

The game retails for somewhere around $90… to the amazement of pretty much everyone… the game sold for $9,100 on eBay.

Even though he was trying to get a message across to his son… he can’t argue with making $9,000 profit. But, everyone don’t worry - the kids Christmas won’t be ruined by his “experimenting” ways… the father has stated the following.

I am still considering getting him a game for his Nintendo. Maybe something like Barbie as the Island Princess or Dancing With the Stars. These games are in stock everywhere I go, and I know he will just love them.

This whole situation is quite comical… but if you want to read the whole ordeal head over to eBay .

Rock Band v Guitar Hero video game comparison

There is no more succinct way to say it. Where Guitar Hero offered the slightest taste of what it feels like to be an ax-shredding musical demigod, Rock Band goes further by adding drums and a microphone in what's likely the closest approximation to the feeling of being in a real band without, you know, actually having to learn to play real instruments.

It's also one of the few games that becomes less fun as the number of players decreases. Make no mistake: As a party game, this one's a blast.

For now, the game is sold only as a bundle, which includes the game disc, one guitar, a microphone, drumsticks and a drum kit that has four paper plate-size pads arranged in a semicircle with an attached foot pedal that sits on the ground. (Sometime next year, there are plans to sell each piece separately; however, the Xbox 360 version of Rock Band supports the wireless guitar used for Guitar Hero III.)

The guitar in Rock Band is heftier and has more buttons than the one for Guitar Hero, but the game play is similar (in other words, it's still fun, but nothing close to playing a real guitar). The singing portion is along the same lines as the Karaoke Revolution or SingStar series, although at times, you're asked to tap the microphone to simulate the playing of a tambourine or cowbell.

Where the game really shines is the drums. On the easiest level, the game eases you into the drumming by basically asking you to keep the beat while you learn the layout - the snare is on the left, with two tom-toms in the middle and a cymbal on the right. At the middle levels, you're required to mix in the bass drum (foot pedal) and perform more complicated beats, while at the highest difficulty, you're basically doing the actual drum work. Despite being a video game, the "fake" drumming isn't far off from the real thing.

While the game has solo modes for singing, lead guitar, bass guitar and drums, the best option by far is the band "world tour" mode, where two to four people form a band and play cooperatively. New bands start out in no-name dive bars, but the better your performance, the more fans you attract and the more gigs become available. Moreover, the game includes 45 licensed songs (many of them master recordings), with extra tunes available as paid downloads.

ROCK BAND. Rated "teen." For the Sony PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3 and Microsoft Xbox 360.

Bottom line: At $170 ($160 for the PlayStation 2 version), the fun doesn't come cheap, but as party games go, it really doesn't get much better.

Source: Newsday

Characters Get Tattooed by Brooklyn Heights Artist for MTV Video Game Rock Band

Suerte’s Designs Featured in ‘Rock Band’

The blood and the ink were still fresh, and a paper towel was taped to his chest, when Adam Suerte sat down for the interview.
He was sipping on a Jack Daniels-and-Coke to relieve some of the pain. For nearly three hours, the tattoo gun was in someone else’s hand, for a change -- and it was Suerte’s skin that was getting pounded and pierced with needles.

The local tattoo artist, who works out of his shop at 99 Atlantic Ave., got his chest tattooed with a drawing he had sketched over the summer. A cartoon rendering of a streetlamp with sneakers hanging from it, it is the exact same design that millions of video-game enthusiasts from around the world are getting “tattooed” on them this month.

The streetlamp tattoo is just one of Suerte’s designs that appear on the “skin” of the video-game characters in “Rock Band.” The new hit game, which was released several weeks ago, as a more complex successor to the popular “Guitar Hero” games, allows several players to play instruments in a rock band, rather than just play guitar.

“It replaces karaoke for the most part,” Suerte, said. “Before the game was even finished being designed, there was five million pre-sold.”

The “Rock Band” video game, available for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, was designed by Harmonix Music Systems, which is now owned by MTV Networks, having acquired the corporation after the worldwide success of the “Guitar Hero” games.

Suerte, 38, who admittedly doesn’t play video games, knew of the “Guitar Hero” craze from local neighborhood bars, such as Camp on Smith Street, which actually hosts weekly competitions. So when Suerte was approached this summer by one of the game’s designers who was familiar with his artwork, Suerte immediately agreed to illustrate the fictional tattoos.

More from: Brooklyn Eagle

Best 30 games of the year 2007 - Next Gen

They're calling it the best year ever. If so, which games really made it one to remember? Next-Gen picks out and ranks the best 30 games of 2007.

2007 was a great year for videogames. This year saw some of the best games hit store shelves and online storefronts, and in the US, we’re on track for a record sales year.

What we have on the following pages are the 30 games this year that we consider best-of-the-best. With so many strong titles available, it was at times almost physically painful to cut certain games from the list. We took a variety of factors into consideration for this particular list, such as a game’s innovation, execution of technical components, commercial and cultural impact, and above all, how fun and/or memorable a game is. Sometimes where genres overlapped, the lesser representations had to be axed, unless of course those "lesser" games also achieved something remarkable this year.

30 Contra 4—DS Konami, WayForward

29 Pokemon Diamond/Pearl—DS Nintendo, Game Freak

28 Peggle—PC PopCap

27 Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock—multi Activision, Neversoft

26 MotorStorm—PS3 SCEA, Evolution Studios

25 Skate—Xbox 360, PS3 EA, EA Black Box

24 MLB Power Pros—Wii, PS2 2K Sports, Konami

23 Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaro’s Treasure—Wii

22 Warhawk—PS3 SCEA, Incognito

21 Virtua Fighter 5—PS3, Xbox 360 Sega, AM2

20 Super Stardust HD—PS3 (PSN) SCEA, Housemarque

19 Supreme Commander—PC THQ, Gas Powered Games

18 Forza Motorsport 2 Microsoft

17 Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords—multi D3, Infinite Interactive

16 Mass Effect—Xbox 360 Microsoft, BioWare

15 Assassin’s Creed—PS3, Xbox 360 Ubisoft, Ubisoft Montreal

14 Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction—PS3 SCEA, Insomniac Games

13 Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune—PS3 SCEA, Naughty Dog

12 Metroid Prime 3: Corruption—Wii Nintendo, Retro Studios

11 Crysis—PC EA, Crytek

TOP TEN

10 Pac-Man Championship Edition—XBLA Namco Bandai

09 World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade—PC Vivendi Games, Blizzard

08 God of War II—PS2 SCEA

07 The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass—DS Nintendo

06 Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare—PC, Xbox 360, PS3 Activision, Infinity Ward

05 Halo 3—Xbox 360 Microsoft, Bungie

04 The Orange Box—PC, Xbox 360, PS3 EA, Valve

03 BioShock—PC, Xbox 360 2K Games, 2K Boston/2K Australia

02 Rock Band—Xbox 360, PS3, PS2 MTV Games, EA, Harmonix

01 Super Mario Galaxy—Wii Nintendo

Source: Next Generation

BioShock video game Triumphs at TV Video Game Awards

BioShock, the moody, elegant adventure from Take-Two, continued its romp through the year-end video game awards season on Monday as it took the top prize in the awards presented by “X-Play,” the G4 television channel’s video game program.

BioShock emerged in August with relatively little advance publicity to captivate players with its tense yet melancholy mood, rich voice acting and exciting action. The title, which is available for PCs and the Xbox 360 console, won the top prize at the Spike network’s annual awards earlier this month.

The “X-Play Best of 2007” awards broadcast was scheduled to have its premiere on Monday with the program’s regular hosts, Adam Sessler and Morgan Webb. The network plans to unveil a new format for “X-Play” next month, adding more news and demonstrations to its range of reviews.

In addition to the top prize, BioShock also won the award for best art direction, writing and original soundtrack. The other nominees for best game were Assassin’s Creed, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Halo 3, Mass Effect and Super Mario Galaxy.

Each of those games was released after BioShock, perhaps overwhelming gamers. The industry is usually focused on the holiday season, but by coming out in the summer, BioShock appeared to generate momentum among fans before the autumn deluge.

Perhaps the biggest surprise of the G4 awards, which are chosen by staff members of “X-Play,” was that the much-ballyhooed Halo 3 was shut out after being nominated in six categories. Thousands camped outside of stores in September to buy that game when it was first released, and it has sold millions of copies as the flagship title for Microsoft’s Xbox 360.

Yet despite its enhanced graphics, Halo 3 has come to generate a “more of the same” feeling for many players. While Halo focuses on high-octane futuristic combat, BioShock is a more intimate, psychologically engaging experience built around a provocative, intellectually mature story.

In addition to BioShock, two other titles won multiple awards. Activision’s Call of Duty 4 won for best shooter and sound design. The puzzle game Portal (from Valve) won for most original and for best new character.

Source: New York Times

ONLINE TEAM PLAY RELEASED FOR NBA LIVE 08

Online Team Play Enables 5 Friends To Play On One Team

Electronic Arts has released a free downloadable feature called Online Team Play for NBA LIVE 08 that will enable 10 people on 10 different consoles anywhere in the world to connect online to play a single match. The new feature is automatically available for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system when connected online. It will be available on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system later this month.

In NBA LIVE 08, all 10 players on the floor can now be controlled by individual users on 10 different consoles, removing the use of artificial intelligence altogether. Player movement, decision making and game outcome can now be completely dependant on how you play as an online team, bringing you closer to a real life game of basketball than ever before. This new game mode enables any number of players from one to five on different consoles to connect and play online against another team of up to five players on five different consoles. The CPU will take control of any players not controlled by users.

NBA LIVE 08 is available at retailers everywhere. The game’s official website is www.easports.com/nbalive08.com.

EA - Tiberium video game tactical first-person shooter set in the Command & Conquer universe due in 2008

EA ANNOUNCES DEVELOPMENT OF TIBERIUM

Tactical first-person shooter set in the Command & Conquer universe due for autumn 2008 release

Electronic Arts today revealed it is developing Tiberium, a new game that brings a rich, original fiction to life through intense tactical action and visceral first-person shooting. Set in a stunning sci-fi world with spectacular visual effects and dramatic environments, Tiberium takes players on an adventure through a devastated Earth and places them in the heart of an epic battle for control of a powerful energy source.

Tiberium is a mysterious extraterrestrial crystal that shatters the energy output of traditional fossil fuels. It has the power to save our civilization; it also has the power to destroy it. For eleven years, an alien tower has stood dormant, looming like an unholy mountain over a wasteland once known as the Mediterranean Sea. The tower was thought to be a relic of the Third Tiberium War; a devastating war fought for control over Tiberium crystal. It is not a relic. It is not dormant. Deep within the tower, plans are in motion for an alien invasion. This is where the Tiberium adventure begins.

Players step into the shoes of Forward Battle Commander Ricardo Vega and will assemble an assortment of elite squads to combat the global crisis. Armed with an arsenal of weapons including a transforming personal weapon system, multi-launch homing missiles, capital ship bombardments and tactical ion cannon strikes, Vega will lead the fight from the front lines.

Featuring a unique blend of first-person shooting and tactical squad combat, players will control multiple infantry, armour, and air squads as the fight escalates. In Tiberium, Vega is the most powerful presence on the battlefield, and the squads are his most decisive weapon. Players can take multi-squad control combat into single-player or bring the action into online multiplayer battles.

Chris Plummer, executive producer at EA Los Angeles, said: “After two years of pre-production, it is exciting to finally reveal this game and its rich fiction to the world. We’ve put a lot of effort into evolving the tactical shooter experience by taking core gameplay compulsions like commanding, choice and dominating your enemies and delivering them in first-person. Some of the weapons and mechanics are truly innovative for a first-person game. We’re very proud to be part of a project that has the potential to really make a mark on the canon of sci-fi fantasy fiction.”

Mike Verdu, VP and General Manager at EA Los Angeles added, “EALA has a long history of developing groundbreaking real-time strategy games with the Command & Conquer series. That series also originally introduced the Tiberium universe to gamers worldwide. Now, we are growing Tiberium from a simple backdrop to a fully realized universe with its own unique, hybrid squad-based shooter gameplay. This is the birth of a new franchise - we couldn’t be more excited.”

Developed at EA Los Angeles, Tiberium will be available worldwide in autumn 2008 for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system, and PC. The game has not yet been rated by PEGI.