Shuttle introduces attractive Mini-PC solution for demanding gamers

Shuttle introduces attractive Mini-PC solution for demanding gamers

XPC P2 3500G ensures games run smoothly through its high-grade components and delivers a unique gaming experience

Shuttle Inc., the market leader in the Mini-PC sector and manufacturer of Multi-Form-Factor solutions, in the run-up to CeBIT is now supplying a Mini-PC Complete System specifically suited to gamers with its optimally-tuned configuration.

"The high performance of the specially selected components is particularly striking", explained Tom Seiffert, Head of Marketing & PR at Shuttle Computer Handels GmbH. "Our proven Heatpipe-Cooling System with its automatic rotational control is supported in this Mini-PC through the 'OASIS' chipset cooling which is also based on Heatpipes."

The XPC P2 3500G is based on the aluminium-manufactured XPC Barebone SP35P2 Pro and uses an Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 processor with four cores. Four Gigabyte DDR2-800 quality memories from takeMS (Model: TMS2GB264C081-805) ensure no waiting times in dual-channel mode. A fast 750 GB Serial-ATAII Samsung hard disk (Model: Spinpoint F DT Series HD753LJ) with 32 MB cache also contains additional memory capacity. It easily accommodates the HD-capable ATI Radeon HD3870 graphics card with 512 MB and also the current DirectX-10 games.

Shuttle provides an integrated fingerprint scanner for those enthusiastic users who use the high system performance for better working and who value the extra security highly. The Mini-PC with its high-quality finish is available now as a bundle package with Wireless-LAN, a DVD burner and a 25-in-1 card reader and pre-installed Windows Vista.

For servicing the Complete System purchaser of the can make use of the 24 month Pick-up-and-Return-Service and a Europe-wide free telephone hotline. Shuttle's recommended price is EUR 1,450 (ex VAT). The configuration of the Complete System can be individually adapted in the Shuttle Systems Configurator.

Samurai Warriors 2 Xtreme Legends Moves Online

Samurai Warriors 2 Xtreme Legends Moves Online

Xbox 360 version available only as a download on the Xbox LIVE online entertainment network.

KOEI today announced the release of Samurai Warriors 2 Xtreme Legends as an additional download for Samurai Warriors 2. It will be available on the Xbox LIVE Marketplace for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. Featuring new characters, levels and play modes, Samurai Warriors 2 XL greatly enhances the Samurai Warriors experience, adding a multitude of new features to this legendary series. Samurai Warriors 2 Xtreme Legends is scheduled for release on Xbox 360 via Xbox Live download on March 21, 2008.

The release of Samurai Warriors 2 Xtreme Legends sees KOEI’s first moves into download content for European gamers. The game is only available to owners of Samurai Warriors 2 on Xbox 360, who will be able to download an entire new game’s worth of content to enhance and expand their Samurai Warriors experience.

Samurai Warriors 2 XL will also be available on PS2 as a standalone game which can also be used to power up the Samurai Warriors 2 experience or be played on its own as an entirely new Samurai Warriors experience. Samurai Warriors 2 Xtreme Legends on PS2 will be available in stores on March 21, 2008.


About SAMURAI WARRIORS 2 XTREME LEGENDS

Samurai Warriors 2 Xtreme Legends introduces brand new levels, play modes, characters and challenges, whilst also enhancing the Samurai Warriors 2 experience. It enables owners of SW2 to power up all of the original characters with new charge attacks and a fifth new weapon and increase their growth level from 50 to 70. Players are also able to use the brand new SW2 XL characters in SW2’s Survival, Story and Sugaroku modes.

Samurai Warriors 2 Xtreme Legends also features 36 new scenarios, including the new battlefields of Okehazama and Shikoku, and the brand new Mercenary mode, where players get the chance to hire other samurai to fight alongside you. 2 player co-op mode can be played in Story mode and Free mode and the game now has two new difficulty modes for beginners and veterans alike, leading to six in total.

And most significantly Samurai Warriors 2 Xtreme Legends introduces six new legendary characters: Kojiro Sasaki, Yoshimoto Imagawa, Katsuie Shibata, Toshiie Maeda, Motochika Chosokabe and Gracia.


Chosokabe Motochika

He looks calm and unflappable but always has passion in his heart. His weapon is a Shamisen. It is a traditional Japanese guitar and he uses the sound waves from this weapon to attack his enemies.

Gracia
She is a daughter of Mitsuhide Akechi. She has a curious and innocent character. On her travels through Japan she met Magoichi Saiga and built a great relationship with him. Her weapon is her martial arts ability and agile movement coupled with her magical power.


Imagawa Yoshimoto
He is a man of refined taste such as his love of Kemari (an ancient Japanese sport similar to football) or poems rather than War or politics. He is very proud of his lineage but is always pretty idle on the battle field and keen to avoid dangerous situations. His weapons are the Katana and the ball of Kemari.

Maeda Toshiie
A hot-blooded man who makes much of bonds of friendship. He respects Katsuie Shibata and treats him like a father. His weapons are the Katana with a wide blade and two spears. He overwhelms enemies by super quick attacks with his sword and wide-range attacks with spears.

Sasaki Kojiro
He is Musashi Miyamoto’s rival and a man who wants to master the way of sword. He understands the sword is just a weapon for killing people and he believes defeating people in battle is the only way to be a true sword master. His weapons are the Katana with a very long thin blade and the gigantic Katana which is summoned from a parallel world.

Shibata Katsuie
He is a fearless soldier who belongs to Nobunaga Oda. He tries to teach the way of the Samurai Warrior to Toshiie Maeda whom he treats as a real son throughout his battles. His weapons are two gigantic axes. His powerful attack can sweep all opponents in front of him.

About Koei Ltd.
KOEI Ltd. is a subsidiary of Japanese company KOEI Co., Ltd. and has had offices in Hertfordshire, UK since 2003. KOEI maintains operations in Japan, the US, UK, Canada, China, Korea, France, Taiwan, Singapore, and Lithuania. KOEI employs over 900 people worldwide with sales exceeding $250 million. The company constantly seeks to achieve a fine balance between entertainment, technology, art and education and provides games that will mesmerize gamers globally.

Victorious Boxers Challenge on Nintendo Wii Fact Sheet

Ubisoft presents:

Victorious Boxers Challenge

Release Date: 28th March 2008
Website: www.ubi.com/uk
Formats: Nintendo Wii

Enjoy several rounds with your friends or play through the deep and compelling Story Mode as you follow the story of Ippo Makunouchi, a high school student who is bullied by his classmates, while he tries to rise to the top of the professional boxing ranks.

Key Features:

Live a realistic boxing experience in first person view:
• Your boxing moves are replicated on the screen

Choose among 3 different control modes:
• Swing Mode: very realistic
• Pointer Mode: very precise
• Classic Controller Mode : easy to play

Improve your boxing skills:
• Battle your way up the ranks through the Story Mode to claim the Pro Boxing Championship

Enjoy the Sparring Mode with your friends:
• Variety of adjustable settings : number of rounds or KO limits

Unlock and choose your fighter among 25 different boxers:
• Each of them has his own devastating special moves

Discover a variety of stages:
• 10 different rings, from the local boxing gyms to the Las Vegas Arena

Developer: Grand Prix

Dynasty Warriors 6 Website Is Ready For Action

The Dynasty Warriors 6 Website Is Ready For Action

More Dynasty Warriors info and eye teasing visuals than you can shake a pointy spear at and free Japanese Artbooks when pre-ordered at Game website.

KOEI today launched the Dynasty Warriors 6 website ahead of the game’s release on March 7th. The website details all of the characters and new weapons along with info on every facet of the game. Learn about the new RENBU system and discover some of the new techniques that will need to mastered in order to defeat the tooled up armies that await. Discover how the new skill allocation system works and see the game in action with a multitude of exclusive videos that reveal the games stunning new character animations in spectacular fashion. Dynasty Warriors 6 will be available for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system on March 7, 2008. The full list of playable characters, currently hidden on this site, will also be revealed on this day.

To view the site head to www.dynastywarriors6.co.uk

Dynasty Warriors 6 will also come with a free high quality Japanese Artbook when pre-ordered at Game.co.uk. This hardback collector’s item details all of the characters from the game in stunning, full page, hand drawn artwork. A fantastic addition to the game experience and completely free when pre-ordered at Game.co.uk.

About DYNASTY WARRIORS 6

Set in Ancient China during the 3rd century, Dynasty Warriors 6 immerses gamers in a truly cinematic kung-fu action experience. Celebrated characters have been completely re-imagined with new weapons and fighting techniques motion-captured from some of today’s leading stuntmen and women in Asia. With the game’s new “Renbu” attack system and game controls, players can execute lightning-fast combos and the most dazzling fighting moves with ease.

Developed from the ground up exclusively for next-generation platforms, the game’s proprietary engine delivers the most chaotic and challenging Tactical Action experience to date. Players can use the landscape to elude the thousands of soldiers swarming the battlefield. But as players move and attack, adaptable enemy A.I. devises offensive and defensive combat tactics, and can retaliate with packs of fierce hunting dogs and patrol boats. All of the explosive action comes to life in high definition, 60 frames per second graphics.

Based on the epic novel, Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Dynasty Warriors 6 depicts the massive battles ignited by the fall of the Han Dynasty when three rebellious states moved to overthrow the Emperor of China.

Use Your Wits to Restore the Glory of the Ancient Persian Kingdom

Use Your Wits to Restore the Glory of the Ancient Persian Kingdom

Awem studio announces the release of version 1.0 of Cradle Of Persia, an astonishing match 3 puzzle that lets you become the creator of the greatest architectural treasures of Persia. Use your wits to build some of the most amazing monuments in the Middle East history.

The Earth has known many great empires, but none of them had as many tales as Persia. The legends say it was a place of amazing architecture and culture, the land of golden palaces and almighty genii. The story of the Persian kingdom had its rises and downfalls and composed of several epochs. And it's is your destiny to guide Persian people towards prosperity and wealth with your final goal of possessing the greatest artifact you can ever imagine. You are to restore some of the most significant places on the Persian map, solving intriguing puzzles to find out what's hidden behind the sacred doors of the Cradle of Persia. And so your journey begins.

Welcome to Persepolis, this is where you start off. It's the capital of the Empire but there's little left of its former glory, the precious pearl of Persia has turned into faded ruins. The only hope to restore the noble city is to collect scattered resources presented by tiles. To do so, you need to link three or more similar tiles by clicking on the first piece and dragging cursor over the adjacent ones. But to get the job done, you also need to get rid of all marble plaques underlying some tiles. That won't be easy with all the obstacles to face with, such as chains, boxes and walls preventing tiles from sealing. There's also a timer giving extra challenge to the player.

As there are plenty of obstacles standing on your way, there are even more means to avoid them. Cradle Of Persia awards nice matching with bonuses. At first you can only use dynamite but as the game progresses you will gradually enlarge your collection up to eight bonuses, facilitating your challenge in various ways. That includes the power of lightning, hourglasses, magic wands, etc. Moreover, you can double the fun by upgrading bonuses by playing well and make series of strikes using several bonuses together.

Still, there's much more to do after you handle a puzzle. Cradle Of Persia wouldn't be so extremely addictive without the city construction part. Certain types of tiles bring you resources that may be spent on erecting various structures, each giving you some sort of advantage for the upcoming challenges. You decide how to rebuild the city and select which buildings should appear. This feature has a serious impact on the gameplay - to success in restoring the city you have to remember gathering resources even when the timer rushes fiercely.

In Cradle Of Persia, it takes a long road to fulfill your role, but the prize for your effort is great. On your path comprised of over 100 levels you will witness 7 historical epochs and reveal 20 most valuable architectural treasures of Persia, and finally, discover the secret of the Cradle of Persia. Altogether the game offers a good old match 3 entertainment with impeccable visuals and a catching background story. Make the history of Persia with your own hands. Please, try out the free trial right now from http://www.awem.com/cradle-of-persia.html.

Pricing and Availability

Cradle Of Persia runs under all versions of Windows and costs $19.95 (USD) for a single-user license. Licensed customers are entitled to the fully-functional version of the product, free technical support and free upgrades. Further information on Cradle Of Persia, as well as a free trial copy is available free of charge from http://www.awem.com/cradle-of-persia.html.

New screenshots for Combat Mission Shock Force released

We've added a new small gallery showing a selection of 15 screenshots taken from just some of the 32 (!) new Quick Battle Maps that were included in the recently released v1.07 patch, and also reflecting some of the improvements which went into the new updated demo based on the latest version of the game.

Check out the CMSF Screenshots section!

Become a dedicated BETA tester for the new BullGuard Internet Security Gamer’s Edition

BullGuard wants gamers!

BullGuard is offering gaming enthusiasts the opportunity to become dedicated BETA testers for the new BullGuard Internet Security Gamer’s Edition, a security solution designed to provide gamers online security without compromising game play.

Many gamers today either switch off their protection or are continuously frustrated by the way different security applications interrupt their game (e.g. by updating virus definitions, firewall messaging and/or excessive resource consumption).

When a popular game is launched, BullGuard Gamer’s Edition will automatically enter the game mode and activate the corresponding game profile. The game profile consists of optimised security settings specifically developed for that particular game, ensuring that game play remains smooth and secure. This means that the game mode is not merely a generic mode, but rather consists of different preconfigured game profiles to suit specific games.

BullGuard Gamer’s Edition also provides complete security when the PC is not used for gaming, allowing it to replace existing security products.

Those that would like to participate in the BETA test for BullGuard Gamer’s Edition are asked to sign up here: http://www.bullguard.com/why/bullguard-gamers-edition.aspx. Testers will receive a free subscription for the duration of the BETA test.

BETA testers will be asked to provide feedback on the product as well as make suggestions to ensure the product provides the very best solution for gamers. BullGuard will select the BETA testers from the pool of people that sign up and will reward the best testers with a free subscription to the final product.

The Gamer's Edition has been developed by BullGuard in collaboration with SteelSeries, creators of performance enhancing gaming gear.

Sony Computer Entertainment America To Unleash Kratos In Limited-Edition God Of War PSP Entertainment Pack

Sony Computer Entertainment America To Unleash Kratos In Limited-Edition God Of War PSP Entertainment Pack

Package Includes "Deep Red" PSP with Kratos Silkscreen, God of War: Chains of Olympus, Superbad on UMD Video and Voucher to Download Syphon Filter: Combat Ops

Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) today announced the God of War PSP (PlayStationPortable) Entertainment Pack, a limited-edition offering that celebrates the debut of the best-selling God of War franchise on PSP. This special bundle will feature a limited-edition “Deep Red” PSP with the God of War himself, Kratos, silkscreened on the back of the unit; the highly anticipated God of War: Chains of Olympus game; the hit comedy movie from Columbia Pictures, Superbad, on UMD™ (Universal Media Disc); and a PLAYSTATION Network voucher to download the Syphon Filter: Combat Ops from the PLAYSTATION Store for free*.



“God of War is one of the biggest PlayStation franchises, and with its portable premiere on PSP just around the corner, we wanted to offer something special that would appeal to both loyal God of War fans and non-owners who want to enjoy PSP’s multi-functionality,” said Scott A. Steinberg, vice president, product marketing, SCEA. “This bundle delivers great value, starting with the ‘Deep Red’ PSP – one of the most highly sought-after colors based on our consumer research – and the Kratos silkscreen. We’re also showcasing the diverse entertainment experience PSP offers, centered on a UMD game in God of War: Chains of Olympus that’s every bit as impressive as its console sequels, a free download of IGN.com’s 2007 PSP Multiplayer Game of the Year – Syphon Filter: Combat Ops, and a box office hit movie in Superbad.”

The standalone version of God of War: Chains of Olympus launches on March 4. The God of War PSP Entertainment Pack will be available for $199.99 (MSRP) in June 2008 and includes the following components.

• “Deep Red” PSP system with an image of Kratos silkscreened on the back of the unit; this is the only time that this special PSP color will be offered in North America.

• God of War: Chains of Olympus, developed as a joint collaboration by Sony Computer Entertainment’s Worldwide Studios (WWS) Santa Monica Studios and the team that created Daxter™, Ready At Dawn® Studios, is a must-have for PSP owners, and retailer pre-order sales have been very strong. Developed from the outset as an original story, God of War: Chains of Olympus takes place before the events of the original
God of War, delivering yet another adventure in the dark and brutal world of Greek Mythology that fans of the franchise have come to know and love.

• Superbad UMD video – This 2007 box-office comedy hit from Columbia Pictures is a gut-busting coming-of-age comedy for a new generation.

• Syphon Filter: Combat Ops voucher – Download the PLAYSTATION Network exclusive title, Syphon Filter: Combat Ops, to your Memory Stick PRO Duo™ for free* with the included voucher. Developed by SCE’s WWS Bend Studios, this latest edition to critically acclaimed stealth action franchise was named the 2007 PSP Multiplayer Game of the Year by IGN.com. The title is currently available for $9.99 on PLAYSTATION Store (http://store.playstation.com).

Momentum for the PSP platform has soared since the fall 2007 launch of the slimmer and lighter PSP system and the introduction of new colors in the Daxter and Star Wars Battlefront PSP Entertainment Packs. Over the holiday season, more than 1.4 million PSP systems were sold in North America, demonstrating strong consumer interest in limited-edition bundles that combine new colors and exciting content or accessories. The God of War Entertainment Pack will build on this trend, and SCEA will support the bundle with an integrated marketing campaign that ties into the God of War: Chains of Olympus software campaign. Dedicated print, online, and direct marketing, as well as public relations support and targeted promotional opportunities, will drive the God of War Entertainment Pack campaign. SCEA will continue to offer the PSP Core Pack.

DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Joker on Nintendo Wii Official Website Now Live

Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of Square Enix interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, today announces that the official website for DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Joker is now live. The content-packed site will let you discover more about the weird and wonderful monsters that inhabit the islands of Green Bays and also download exclusive content including wallpapers and podcasts. Best of all is an exciting web game that lets you to prove your monster hunting skills and also challenge friends with your monster collection – make sure you quest for the best as the winner of the game will win a trip to Japan for two! To join in the fun make sure to visit www.dragonquestmonstersjoker.co.uk

DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Joker provides the ultimate monster-hunting challenge with over 200 marauding monsters to scout and battle. Train your team to be the best by mastering countless spells and abilities, and crush all who stand in your way. You can also synthesise amazing new monsters that can develop rare new abilities.

DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Joker is not just about battling though. There’s a colourful 3D world full of treasures and surprises to explore. On your travels you’ll meet a cast of quirky characters that can help you make it to the top. There’s fun to be had in multiplayer and online use too. Challenge your friends and their monster teams with DS Wireless Communication, or compete against players from North America and PAL territories in the Wildcard World Cup, via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.

DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Joker will be available across all PAL territories from 14th March 2008 exclusively on the Nintendo DS system.

About DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Joker

Story

Welcome to Green Bays, a cluster of mysterious islands that sparkle like jewels in the shimmering ocean! But travellers beware!
The islands are not as peaceful as they seem, for they teem with a multitude of monsters both great and small. Green Bays is also home to the famous Monster Scout Challenge. This renowned contest, held once every few years, determines who will be crowned the world’s greatest scout. The challenge is organised by the Monster Scout Organisation, whose headquarters are located on Domus Isle, which lies at the centre of the archipelago.
Now a new challenge is about to begin, and the crème de la crème of the scouting world are converging on the islands…
It is time for you to begin your quest to become the greatest monster scout in Green Bays, and in history!

Features

•Collect over 200 monsters to create the ultimate team
•Train your monster squad to be the strongest by mastering countless spells, abilities, and more. The combinations are almost endless
•Synthesise amazing new species of monsters that inherit the best abilities of their parents and perhaps some rare new skills too
•Battle other teams of monsters to see who is the best
•Explore a stunning 3D world filled with monsters, treasures and surprises. Graphics use the same techniques as seen in •DRAGON QUEST: The Journey of the Cursed King
•Challenge friends and their monster teams via DS Wireless Communication
•Compare your team and compete against players from North America and PAL territories in the Wildcard World Cup, available via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection
•The DRAGON QUEST “big three” – comprising series creator Yuji Horii, legendary manga artist Akira Toriyama, and renowned composer Koichi Sugiyama – come together once again to create an unforgettable gaming experience

WWII comes to America as Turning Point: Fall of Liberty ships to U.S. stores

WWII comes to America as Turning Point: Fall of Liberty ships to U.S. stores.

Now shipping in the U.S.; UK launch fixed for March 14th.

Presenting explosive action in a unique and provocative World War II scenario, Turning Point: Fall of Liberty, the alternate reality shooter from Spark Unlimited, is now shipping to U.S. retail stores nationwide Codemasters announced today; the title’s UK launch will follow on March 14th .

Pitching gamers into a WWII like no other, Turning Point: Fall of Liberty is set in an alternate 1953 where, following the fall of Europe, Nazi forces launch an invasion on the gateway to the United States. Opening with decimating attack on New York, players assume the role of construction worker Dan Carson caught in the middle of the blitzkrieg.

As the city is taken block by block, players must survive the initial assault before regrouping with a team of resistance workers and lead a fight back against the oppressors. With the Third Reich’s sights set on the seat of government, the action takes players to Washington D.C. and, eventually, to a startlingly different London, which has been flying the Swastika under Nazi rule for over a decade.

Prepare to fight afresh on these very different WWII battlegrounds when Turning Point: Fall of Liberty arrives for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and Games for Windows. See Carson in action and join the resistance online at www.turningpointgame.com

Sony Computer Entertainment America Introduces Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots PS3 Bundle Available In Late Q2 2008 In North America

At its annual retail and publisher conference Destination PlayStation, Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) announced details of upcoming PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3) and PSP (PlayStation Portable) (PSP-2000) hardware bundles with two of the most highly anticipated 2008 titles. The company also announced the April 2008 availability of DUALSHOCK 3 wireless controller in North America.

To coincide with the much-anticipated North American launch of Metal Gear Solid®4: Guns of the Patriots in late Q2 2008, SCEA will introduce a PS3 bundle, which will include an 80GB PS3, the upcoming blockbuster Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots and a DUALSHOCK 3 wireless controller for $499 (MSRP).

“Working closely with our retail and publishing partners and sharing our hardware and software roadmaps at Destination PlayStation gives us a great opportunity to outline some key milestones for the year. In response to incredible demand, we will be manufacturing more 80GB PS3s for North America and the Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots 80GB PS3 bundle is an ideal way to offer that continued value to our consumers,” said Jack Tretton, president and CEO, SCEA. “With Blu-ray having won the format war, our stellar software line-up and a broad product portfolio, we will continue to drive the incredible momentum we’ve been generating since last fall.”

SCEA will introduce the DUALSHOCK 3 wireless controller for the first time in North America in April 2008 for $54.95 (MSRP). DUALSHOCK 3, which incorporates both rumble and motion sensing SIXAXIS technologies, maintains the award-winning design and precise, responsive features of PlayStation controllers. The added rumble feature, combined with the SIXAXIS system, enhances the gamer experience with more interactive, intuitive and immersive game play experience and will work with more than 100 current PS3 titles.

In additional news coming from Destination PlayStation, SCEA announced Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots will be available in North America in late Q2 2008. A Metal Gear Online “Starter Pack” will also be launched to support online game play. Gamers can select a single player experience or take the action online with up to 16 players and battle it out using the latest weapons and stealth techniques. For those eager to take on Solid Snake’s nemesis, Liquid Ocelot, a nationwide pre-sell promotion will enable gamers to pre-order Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots and be guaranteed access to a multiplayer beta test for Metal Gear Online scheduled for late April.

NINTENDO DS ON ICE!

New ice dancing simulation game Princess on Ice on Nintendo DS across Europe.

Princess on Ice sees you jump, spin and pirouette your way to fame as you follow the fortunes of Kelly, Gabrielle, Alyssa and Madison - four young ice dancers. Plucked from obscurity by a mysterious dance trainer our heroines are trained and in turn audition for the Princess on Ice Tournament, the most prestigious ice dancing event of the year. Follow the girls through their journey as they dance their way through the world’s premier ice skating stadiums perfecting all the moves and striving to impress the judges. Do our four dancers have what it takes to be crowned ‘Princess on Ice’?

The game play is based around rhythm and action using the stylus to follow dance prompts on the lower screen. Tap circles before the time runs out to skate, follow arrows as quickly as you can to spin, touch matching shapes as they meet to jump and tap shapes before they disappear to step. Your skater will react on the upper screen to how well you are doing in the game. Drop too far down the ‘heat’ meter and she will stumble losing valuable points with the judges.

In addition to all the ice dancing fun you can totally customise your character with fashionable accessories, clothing and headwear. There are hundreds of different combinations across the four characters giving a unique look for each. As you progress through the game you will also be rewarded with a whole host of un-lockable extras including new levels, accessories, special moves and storylines adding yet more life and fun into the game.

Princess on Ice will be published by 505 Games for Nintendo DS in April 2008.

iZ3D Sponsors 3D Monitor Prize for the CGArena.com Ancient Times 3D Digital Art Challenge

iZ3D Sponsors 3D Monitor Prize for the CGArena.com Ancient Times 3D Digital Art Challenge

One Talented Graphic Artist Can Win the Grand Prize of an iZ3D Monitor Plus Four 3D Digital Art Software Packages Valued at $7323; Second Place is valued at $1164.

iZ3D, LLC, designer, developer, and marketer of advanced 3D visualization systems, is pleased to announce that its 22-inch widescreen 3D monitor is among the five Grand Prize sponsors for the CGArena.com “Ancient Times” 3D Challenge. The contest began on February 15, 2008 and ends April 28, 2008. Contestants are to create a 3D image that addresses any city, culture, war, mystery etc. in the theme of Ancient Times.

“The commercial 3D image quality of the iZ3D monitor is an ideal solution for graphic artists to view their 3D art in actual 3D as they’re creating it. Many digital artists are embracing the new 3D graphics and video software programs in response to the growing 3D trend. So why design 3D objects on a flat 2D monitor? Our monitors offer smart capabilities so they can easily hot switch between 2D and 3D viewing to see their work in either dimension,” remarked Thomas Striegler, CEO of iZ3D, LLC.
Contest entries must be based on a time period that is at least 60 years old, but contestants can show time period from a current viewpoint. The challenge is a WIP (Work in Progress) Challenge. The purpose of a work in progress challenge is that everyone involved learns from the experience. The community offers critiques and everyone benefits from the discussions. Each challenger is required to regularly submit Work In Progress (WIP) images, from initial concept sketches to the final render.

"CGArena.com firmly believes in the intensity 3D graphics can bring to the viewer. Adding the iZ3D monitor to our other four 3D software prizes shows how popular designing in 3D has become, commented Ashish Rastogi, CEO of CGArena.com. “This is our 14th challenge contest. Our contests have consistently grown in size and there are already over 110 entries in our current challenge,” he added.

The iZ3D 22" monitor offers the first S-3D drivers to be compatible with popular dual output cards, including the NVIDIA GeForce 8 Series and the ATI FireGL V3600 workstation graphics accelerator. These drivers also are optimized to take advantage of Intel’s latest Core 2 Duo and Intel Core 2 Quad processor technologies. iZ3D also features drivers that support Microsoft DirectX 8 and 9 graphics in both Windows XP and Microsoft Windows Vista.

iZ3D developed this unique technology to create an adjustable 3D environment without causing eyestrain, spatial disorientation, or headaches. In 3D mode, viewers can see bright, sharp 3D images and video simply by wearing a pair of iZ3D passive polarized glasses.

Most current PC’s equipped with a dual-output video card easily power the unit. Specifications include: 1680 x 1050 resolution; up to 170-degree 3D viewing angle; 5ms response time; 700:1 contrast ratio; and 16.7-million colors. The iZ3D 22” widescreen, 3D gaming monitor is available now via newegg.com or the iZ3D.com website for $799.00.

Running With Scissors Previews POSTAL III At Game Developers Conference

Running With Scissors Previews POSTAL III At Game Developers Conference

Next-Gen Edition of Classic Franchise Elicits Raves fromVideo Game Press and Mainstream Publishers

Running With Scissors (RWS) broke with tradition this year and took a meeting room at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in order to showcase the first public viewing of a demo for the long-awaited POSTAL III, “just like normal, loveable developers,” declared RWS CEO and world class charmer, Vince Desi.

POSTAL III running on Valve’s SOURCE engine was presented as an Xbox 360 demo, with both major and mid level publishers expressing strong interest in acquiring the World Wide rights to the game.

This time out, however, both publishers and the press enjoyed and respected the franchise’s history and durability, as well POSTAL III’s ongoing joy at being a first-rate action adventure as well as a sharp-witted comedic expression aimed directly down the throat of Political Correctness. “This is no longer a teens-only zone,” Desi explained in reference to the video game marketplace. “And mainstream companies were willing to look at POSTAL III objectively, with the major publishers strongly supporting the idea of a PS3 sku in addition to the 360 and PC editions.”

The game press was similarly impressed. Brad Hilderbrand from WorthPlaying.com declared: “"POSTAL III promises to be one of the most twisted, hilarious, and depraved games I've ever seen... and I can't wait to get my hands on it."

"They say the demo is about 1% of the finished product... and it's STILL funny,” wrote Abbie Heppe on J2Games.com. “You can play [as] a model citizen, a somewhat worse citizen or a truly awful one. However the game penalizes you for making blatantly amoral choices. Pedestrians, cops... even the army will try to stop you if you become a one-man killing machine. AWESOME."

Other journalists, including Patrick Shaw from Gamepro and Chris Faylor, editor at shacknews.com, agreed with that assessment. And for the first time in its notorious ten year history, “the world’s most dangerous video game company” was given props for producing a game that promises not only the expected assault on the bastions of political correctness but a game that is state of the art in terms of both design and execution.

“This GDC for RWS was different,” Desi marveled. “It was inspiring! We showed the world of publishers, press, and, most importantly, gamers the console premier of POSTAL III. It has been an uphill battle since the press and others have consistently misrepresented the franchise’s content. POSTAL was, is and always will be an Action Comedy Adventure! Ten years of fan support, over one million copies sold, and now POSTAL III is running on the Xbox 360. Do I hear PS3?”

Xbox LIVE wins Arcade Awards For Castlevania: Symphony Of The Night

Other Ocean Interactive Wins Xbox LIVE Arcade Awards For Castlevania: Symphony Of The Night

Prince Edward Island Studio Begins Legacy of High-Quality Award-Winning Games with its First Title

Other Ocean Interactive, the leading Prince Edward Island-based videogame development studio, announced today that Castlevania: Symphony of Night has won two Xbox Live Arcade Awards. The title developed by Other Ocean and published by Konami Digital Entertainment won awards for Best Classic Game, and Highest-Rated Game from Microsoft at this year's Game Developers Conference in San Francisco.

"To win 2 out of 10 of the awards with a single title in the inaugural year of the Xbox Live Arcade Awards is an honor and a testament to the hard work and commitment to quality of our team," said Deirdre Ayre, studio head of Other Ocean Interactive. "Creating the game in Prince Edward Island signals the growing influence of Atlantic Canada within the game development industry as we continue to attract top-tier talent to the region to work on marquee titles."

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night for Xbox Live Arcade was Ocean Interactive's first released title, and has already received Editor's Choice Awards from IGN, TeamXbox, and Game Chronicles. The game had an unprecedented 100% of its reviews scoring over 80% on both metacritic.com and gamerankings.com. It had 23 reviews featured on Gamerankings.com with 13 of the 23 reviews scoring the game above 90 percent for an average of 93%.

Gameloft Launches "Bubble Bash" video game for Apple iPod

Gameloft Launches "Bubble Bash" for iPod

Gameloft, a leading publisher and developer of video games for mobile phones, today announced that "Bubble Bash", a tropical island puzzle game is now available on the iTunes Store (www.itunes.com) for players to purchase and download on the new iPod nano, iPod classic and fifth generation iPod. "Bubble Bash" is available immediately for purchase for $4.99.

“'Bubble Bash' has been a massive hit for Gameloft and we’re thrilled to bring this fun, exciting puzzle game to the iPod,” explains Gonzague de Vallois, senior vice president of publishing, Gameloft. “The success of the game goes to show how original titles can really enhance and create a fresh experience in gaming for iPod owners who seek entertainment on the go.”

"Bubble Bash" has been one of Gameloft's most popular original titles, joining the million mark club. iPod owners can now join characters, Malia and Kale in their quest for treasure in an island paradise. Players can explore a vibrant tropical island, from the beach to the rainforest, in this exciting puzzle game. The game lets players toss multi-colored bubbles into the sky to pop three or more of the same color by simply aiming and firing into the cluster before it drops or time runs out. "Bubble Bash" is guaranteed to captivate audiences as it features more than 100 evolving levels that lead to new treasures. Players also face challenging opponents such as angry monkeys, spiders and parrots that try to keep you from reaching your goal. Bubble Bash is an ideal game for the iPod and will appeal to fans of all ages.

LOST PLANETTM: EXTREME CONDITION FOR PLAYSTATION 3 SHIPS

THE ULTIMATE COOL: LOST PLANETTM: EXTREME CONDITION FOR PLAYSTATION 3TM SHIPS TO RETAIL TODAY

Capcom Entertainment, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced that Lost Planet™: Extreme Condition, the riveting sci-fi action shooter for PLAYSTATION®3, has begun shipping to retail stores across North America. Lost Planet carries a suggested retail price of $39.99 and is rated “T” for Teen by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB).

Lost Planet is an epic gaming masterpiece combining a gripping single player campaign and intense multiplayer modes. Lost Planet contains sophisticated visuals, with an unmatched level of detail as advanced light sourcing is used to ensure a realistic presentation that enhances every explosion, smoke and particle effect. Enormous world maps unfold as players battle hostile creatures in blistering weather conditions across vast snowfields and blazing volcanic areas either on foot or in armed, robotic Vital Suits.

Lost Planet: Extreme Condition for the PLAYSTATION®3 system will release with a number of specific features not previously available in retail editions of the 360 or PC versions of the game:

PS3 Specific Features:

• All 16 previously released multiplayer maps (including the extra downloadable content from Xbox LIVE) included on the disc.
• New unlockable characters for single and multiplayer mode, including Frank West from Dead Rising, Megaman, and others.

Lost Planet also features:

• Intense multiplayer modes with support for up to 16 players online.
• Frenetic action - Lost Planet is a fast-paced third-person shooter with all the depth, intrigue and intensity of a science fiction classic.

Connect to gamers around the world via PLAYSTATION®Network and participate in a variety of cooperative and versus battles with up to 16 players:

Elimination - It’s every snow pirate for themselves in this death match mode where the victorious are rewarded for the most points earned.

Team Elimination – You’re only as good as your teammates so strategy and cooperation is key in eliminating the opposing side.

Post Grab - Teams are tasked with capturing and holding as many Posts as possible.
Fugitive - One player is assigned as the “Fugitive”, and he or she will earn points for various actions (staying alive, killing enemies, capturing Posts). Dying deducts points and winning is determined when a maximum total is reached or when the score ticks down to zero.
• Foot and robotic Vital Suit-based gameplay – Command high powered VS and weapons not only to help players traverse the treacherous terrain, but to eliminate enemies that lie ahead. Strategically switch between VS and on foot gameplay to best face each situation and challenge.
• Vast environments - Snowstorms, arctic winds, towering buildings and mountains of ice are all stunningly realized as battles occur above and below ground, creating a truly immersive and cinematic event of epic proportions.
• A premier team of developers – The creators of the critically acclaimed Onimusha® and Devil May Cry® series have come together to create the expansive world of Lost Planet.

For more information on Lost Planet, please visit the official site at Lost Planet or join the growing community of fans at Lost Planet Community

Disney mobile - CRITTER CRUNCH WINS BEST GAME AWARD AT IGF MOBILE & CELLPHONE

CRITTER CRUNCH WINS BEST GAME AWARD AT IGF MOBILE

Disney Mobile Studios is delighted to announce that Critter Crunch has been awarded Best Game of 2007 at the Independent Games Festival (IGF) Mobile, held last week in San Francisco as part of the 2008 Game Developers Conference.

Developed by Capybara Games, and published in Europe by the Walt Disney associate company, Critter Crunch is a mobile original, which is only now being converted for next-generation consoles. Initially released last August, it achieved critical acclaim for its originality and absorbing gameplay.


“Critter Crunch is a superb game which exemplifies the best values for mobile play: beautifully designed with great graphics, easy to pick up and play and yet endlessly challenging,” says Sunil Gunderia, VP Mobile EMEA, Walt Disney Internet Group.

While the IGF, which aims to encourage innovation in game development, is now in its 10th year, this is the first year that the festival has made awards specifically for mobile games.

Games Grads is a career fair designed for all students on computer games degree courses.

It’s your chance to get in front of some of the leading companies and studios in games development to find out what vacancies are on offer and show them you’ve got what it takes to be part of their team.

Some of the biggest names will be there, all looking to recruit the talent of tomorrow - people like you.

It’s free to attend Games Grads and this year, we've added a number of seminars that'll run throughout the day, where you can get practical advice on how to get into the industry and what to expect when you're there. So make sure you grab your opportunity!

Whether it’s an informal chat with a developer or publisher, or the chance to show off your portfolio – make sure you grab this opportunity and come along to Games Grads. This one day could make all the difference to your future!

Why not take a look at the type of companies you can meet at Games Grads.

SOUTH
Thursday 24 April 2008
London

11.00 – 16.30

Visit the Games Grad site here

NORTH
Tuesday 29 April 2008
Manchester

11.00 – 16.30

2K Sports Puts Fans in Touch with the Action in Major League Baseball 2K8 Fantasy All-Stars for Nintendo DS

2K Sports Puts Fans in Touch with the Action in Major League Baseball 2K8 Fantasy All-Stars for Nintendo DS

Never before has a baseball video game been so fun and addictively interactive

2K Sports, the sports publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), in partnership with Deep Fried Entertainment, today officially announced Major League Baseball® 2K8 Fantasy All-Stars, an exciting new baseball title that will put fans into the action like never before. Available exclusively for Nintendo DS, Major League Baseball 2K8 Fantasy All-Stars will offer fans of all ages a wildly fun experience featuring starting lineups from all 30 Major League Baseball clubs, a variety of exhibition and tournament modes, All-Star training mini-games, along with fantasy-themed baseball stadiums.

Utilizing the functionality of the Nintendo DS touch screen, Major League Baseball 2K8 Fantasy All-Stars will provide fans the unique opportunity to control the power and technique of their swings and the speed and accuracy of their pitch by performing specific gestures and intuitive usage of the stylus. Fielding, baserunning and other controls will also utilize the DS touch screen, as players drag and trace lines to execute these specific baseball actions.

Adding to the addictive gameplay experience, players will also have the ability to obtain special “power ups” to complete incredible batting, pitching, and fielding performances. Players can force their opponents to chase after the “chicken ball” that runs away from fielders once it’s on the ground, or confuse them with a “crazy ball” that takes an unpredictable flight path. Pitchers can throw amazing new pitches such as a “super splitter” that splits the ball into two pieces to confuse the batter or a “fireball” that screams over the plate at rocket speeds while engulfed in flames. Fielders can join in the power up fun with the “brick wall” that causes a wall to instantly rise out of the ground to stop the ball in its tracks or the “super jump” that allows them to jump incredibly high toward the ball in flight.

“It’s exciting to continue expanding our wide number of baseball offerings with Major League Baseball 2K8 Fantasy All-Stars,” said Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K. “With all new fun and innovative gameplay features, fans will now have the great opportunity to step up to the plate and enjoy playing baseball like never before.“

“We’re proud to offer fans a unique and interactive baseball experience on Nintendo DS that is both fun and appealing for all ages,” said Brenda Bailey, chief operating officer of Deep Fried Entertainment. “With Spring Training™ right around the corner, Major League Baseball 2K8 Fantasy All-Stars comes at the perfect time to put players in touch with the action on a new level.”

Some of the fun and exciting features included in Major League Baseball 2K8 Fantasy All-Stars include:

• Unique Interactive Experience - All aspects of the game will be controlled on the Nintendo DS touch screen, including batting, pitching, fielding and baserunning.
  
• Exciting Gameplay Modes - Exhibition mode will allow players to quickly choose their favorite teams so they can immediately jump into the intense baseball action, while Fantasy Pennant mode will offer various tournaments to compete in. All-Star Training will assist players in learning the fundamental DS control functions wrapped up in a variety of fun and challenging mini-games.
  
• All-Star Lineups - Players can create their own unique baseball teams by choosing from the different starting lineups and putting together their favorite All-Stars.
  
• Uniquely Themed Stadiums - Set in extreme environments that portray the diverse North American environment, uniquely themed stadiums are in locations ranging from the Everglades in Florida to the Frozen North, locations that can only be mastered by the best.
  
• Multi-player - Supports two-player DS Wireless and Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. For added competitiveness, Major League Baseball 2K8 Fantasy All-Stars will utilize DS Wireless and Nintendo Wi-Fi Connections so players can go head-to-head in intense worldwide multi-player gaming.
  

Major League Baseball 2K8 Fantasy All-Stars, developed by Deep Fried Entertainment and published by 2K Sports, will be available exclusively for Nintendo DS this April and is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB. For more information about this title, please visit: www.2Ksports.com.

Mobile multiplayer game Kodo from Jadestone wins IGF Mobile Cellphone award

Mobile multiplayer game Kodo from Jadestone wins IGF Mobile award

Swedish developer Jadestone last week won the Achievement in Art award at the Independent Games Festival (IGF) Mobile, held at the 2008 Game Developers Conference in San Francisco.

The original mobile game Kodo was released in early 2006 and was awarded as a highly original puzzle game. Up to 8 players can compete, using one button each on the same mobile phone, in a race to eat the others before becoming eaten yourself.

For the new version of the game, Jadestone decided to not only move from isometric 2D to full 3D, but to really push the limits of mobile graphics. Given truly state-of-the-art tools, the visual artists went wild and took a quantum leap with the design of the Kodos and their world.

Tommy Palm, designer of Kodo, comments: “Over the next year, a far richer graphical experience will become available in mobile phones, approaching the 3D quality of PCs. Kodo represents an early example of the kinds of experience mobile players will be able to enjoy. We’re very happy and proud that our work on Kodo has been recognized by the IGF Mobile jury”.

Jadestone designers started the development of the game on PC emulators and then moved on to prototype hardware featuring the OpenGL ES 2.0 graphics platform. As phone models with large screens gain momentum, it is expected that 3D hardware acceleration will gradually become the norm for rich media phones.

League gaming tournaments - Counter-Strike: Source, Call of Duty 4, Pro Evolution Soccer 08 and Unreal Tournament 3.

Omega Sektor Launches The OSPL GAMING LEAGUE FOR PRO, SEMI-PRO AND CASUAL GAMERS

Omega Sektor today unveils plans for its new Omega Sektor Professional League and details of the League’s official website.

The OSPL comprises league gaming tournaments around four games - Counter-Strike: Source, Call of Duty 4, Pro Evolution Soccer 08 and Unreal Tournament 3. The leagues and tournaments are open to gamers of all skill levels, and sign-up is on a first-come first- served basis. A number of individual pro gamers and team pro gamers have already signed up for the tournaments. Registration is available at www.theospl.com

The website will also list all leagues and table positions, along with regular tournaments updates, forum discussions, and official rules on playing the games.

Omega Sektor will offer league gamers ongoing spot prizes and rewards for most outstanding displays of gaming talent, including most number of kills in a season. This will allow teams and individuals of all gaming abilities to be in with a chance of winning throughout the league season.

The OSPL is being headed up by pro gamer and ex games journalist Richard Lewis, known throughout the online gaming community as Gonzo. Richard comments, "I'm confident that the new way we're approaching the league format will give something for gamers at all levels. It has been great so far to see how many people have signed up and I'm sure the league is going to grow and grow. We have a committed team at the OSPL, all of whom are passionate about gaming, so we fully expect this to be a success with the support we're receiving from players and sponsors alike.

Merscom Releases East Side Story Download Online

Merscom Releases East Side Story Online

Merscom's fourth top-10 title in less than 6 weeks

Merscom announced today it is the online publisher of East Side Story, the popular adventure game developed by MDNA Games. Released over the weekend on a major casual game portal, East Side Story has already risen to number 7; this follows on Merscom's success with Blood Ties, Ghost in the Sheet and My Farm, all of which were launched earlier this year and reached the top-10 on major casual game sites. Merscom is also publishing East Side Story at retail in selected European territories and Russia.

East Side Story is the fourth game in the popular Carol Reed adventure series, it finds Carol immersed in the mysterious death of a vagrant in a friend's apartment. Comparable to the highly popular Nancy Drew series of games, it involve simple point-and-click gameplay combined with thought-provoking puzzles.


Key Features:

• 100% mouse driven point-and-click gameplay
  
• A wide variety of luminous environments and unusual characters
  
• Games can be saved and loaded at any time
  
• Engaging ambient music and sound
  
• A bypass feature for the more complicated puzzles
  

East Side Story can currently be downloaded at http://www.bigfishgames.com/download-games/2819/east-side-story/index.html

EA ANNOUNCE NFL HEAD COACH on Microsoft XBox 360 and Sony PlayStation 3

EA ANNOUNCES THE NEXT INSTALLMENT OF NFL HEAD COACH

Indianapolis Colts Head Coach Tony Dungy Will Grace the Cover of NFL Head Coach 09

Put on your headset, grab your clipboard and see if you have what it takes to be a head coach in the National Football League. Today, Electronic Arts Inc, (NASDAQ: ERTS) announces NFL Head Coach 09, featuring Indianapolis Colts’ head coach Tony Dungy on the game’s cover. Released under the EA SPORTS™ brand, NFL Head Coach 09 is a unique NFL experience that gives gamers the power to make decisions that define their career and ultimately the fate of their franchise as a head coach in the NFL.

“In NFL Head Coach 09, the gamer has complete control of their franchise’s destiny,” says NFL Head Coach 09 Executive Producer Jeremy Strauser. “From draft day to game day, the gamers’ decisions impact their team’s success and make or break a team’s road to the Super Bowl.”

In 2007, Dungy became the first African-American coach to win a Super Bowl when the Indianapolis Colts defeated the Chicago Bears 29-17 in Super Bowl XLI. Since Dungy’s arrival to Indianapolis in 2001, the Colts have earned six playoff berths and have won more than 70 regular-season games. Dungy has an impressive .661 winning percentage as a head coach over the past 12 seasons.

NFL Head Coach 09 provides a complete NFL experience, offering a variety of different ways to control an NFL franchise, on and off the field, in-season and off-season. With strategic game planning features, NFL Head Coach 09 places gamers in the coach’s seat by allowing gamers to comprehensively scout the opponent, build playbooks, and develop a team that will adapt to the philosophy and system of an NFL franchise.

The sideline is your playing field in NFL Head Coach 09 - gamers can make adjustments to plays and game strategies in an instant. The outcome of every game depends on game-time decisions made on the sideline. Success depends on proper preparation and knowledge of the opposing teams’ strategies, as well as expert and timely play calling.

Developed in Orlando, Florida by EA Tiburon, NFL Head Coach 09 will be available for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360 video game system from Microsoft EA SPORTS is the leading interactive sports software brand in the world, with top-selling titles and franchises including Madden NFL Football, FIFA, NHL hockey, NBA LIVE basketball, NCAAFootball, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR and NASCAR racing.

Stream PC video games to your Sony PlayStation 3

StreamMyGame.com is a community website that incorporates a new online
technology called Game Streaming.

It will revolutionize the core fundamentals of
the computer games industry because its members can record, watch and share
games without the need to install them.

Basically...It allows you to stream from your PC to any Linux Box (your PS3).

Streaming plugin here

Automated Guitar Hero Hack: How Bad Do You Want to Stop Sucking?

Watch the video on Gismodo
David Randolph of SYSTM has developed a hack for Guitar Hero that will turn even the most rhythmically challenged among us into virtual virtuosos.

In fact, it will do all of the work for you by playing each note automatically.

Now, before you get all excited about the gambling potential of a hack like this, keep in mind that it will take skill, a lot of time, and around $500 in parts alone to pull off.

Then again, you could always make up the cash by betting your friends you can hit 100% of the notes on expert.

Watch the video on Gismodo

Source: Gismodo

Want to Run Linux on Your Nintendo Wii?

You can, and it's actually called "homebrew," which is one of those words that always sounds like a neologism (a newly coined word) but in fact originated in the mid-nineteenth-century, meaning "an alcoholic beverage made at home." Go beer, then, and what's more, go who'd-a-thunk-it hacks that let you for-real load Linux and "embrace your inner penguin" on an unassuming white box half the size of a toaster.

Complete instructions and files are here.

You'll need a GameCube SD card adapter, a 1GB (or higher) SD card, a copy of Zelda (for the Wii), and of course, a Nintendo Wii itself. Next, you'll need to make sure your version of Zelda is one of the anointed -- apparently not all copies of Zelda are created equal. Finally, you'll have to do a bunch of extracting, copying, renaming, deleting, saving, etc., load the game, load a hacked save file and actually talk to a guy in-game to trigger the loader, which drops you out to a black and white screen, at which point you get to have fun figuring out how to load Linux itself. I don't pretend to understand it, nor do I have any intentions of trying it, but if you just want the thrill of getting away with something Nintendo doesn't want you to, by all means go for it.

See earlier story here

Source: PCWorld

Check Video Games prices daily new and second hand Wii PlayStation XBox 360- over 10,000 listed

VideoGamePriceCharts.com brings accurate and up-to-date video game prices to your finger tips.

over 10,000 video games all with prices updated daily from across the Internet and charts showing every video game's pricing history.

VideoGamePriceCharts.com allows you to know exactly how much your video games are worth.

Games price news...

The Wavebird is a great controller and because it is wireless it was always my favorite way to play Gamecube games. Getting rid of all those wires made my gaming room much less cluttered and I didn't have to worry about someone tripping on the cord and bringing my Gamecube to an early death.

Visit: Video game price charts