Action PC puzzle game A-B-O-O now available + demo download

Fireglow Games announced today that the action puzzle game "A-B-O-O" is available for sale.

Leading video game publisher, Fireglow Games™, today announced that the action puzzle game "A-B-O-O" is available for sale.

You can download a one hour demo (11.4mb) of "A-B-O-O" or buy it here.

About "A -B-O-O"

"Plumeboom" is a great traveler, and he has many friends in numerous fabulous worlds. Country of Aboo is one of such worlds. It is settled by hard-working wormlings, who day after day quarry Magic Crystals that may be converted into any possible item! They've recently faced a real disaster. The two evils, Crowbeak the wizard and the mad scientist Cornix, that had expelled from Orniland, got to know about the Magic Crystals and decided to grab these from the defenseless wormlings, in order to create the Weapon of Darkness. The evils' forces are stronger, but our kind friend Plumeboom is assisting settlers of Aboo. The Magic Crystals shouldn't fall into the evil claws.

• Match 3 puzzle style.
• Captivating creatures.

CrossOver Games extends Mac Windows game connection

CodeWeavers has officially launched CrossOver Games, a new version of their virtualization technology for Intel-based Macs that enables them to run Windows games without actually having Windows installed. CrossOver Games costs $39.95.

Like CodeWeavers’ CrossOver Mac software, CrossOver Games leverages work done on Wine—an open source project with roots in Linux developed to act as a compatibility layer for Windows applications, to help Windows apps run without having Windows installed.

What makes CrossOver Games different is that it’s been especially optimized to help Windows games run on Mac OS X without requiring Windows; the “regular” CrossOver product is instead aimed at Mac users who want to run general Windows applications.

CodeWeavers’ official list of supported games includes several titles that actually have official Macintosh versions, including World of Warcraft, EVE Online, Civilization IV and Prey. Other titles include Guild Wars and games that are distributed using Valve Software’s Steam service, including Half-Life 2, Team Fortress 2, Counterstrike, Counterstrike: Source and others. CodeWeavers has posted a compatibility center to its Web site for more details.

Source: MacWorld

Dreamfall Now An Xbox Original

This week's addition to the Xbox Originals library is an interesting choice: Dreamfall, Funcom's sequel to the much-beloved adventure game The Longest Journey.

Although the adventure gaming community has much affection for The Longest Journey, Dreamfall's blend of classic adventure game mechanics with action elements didn't really resonate with the Xbox crowd when it was released in 2006.
Its story and characters are simply superb, but Dreamfall does suffer from a bit of a split personality. It still has the puzzle elements of a classic adventure game, but tries to update the genre by throwing in combat and stealth sequences that never feel quite right.

About a year ago, Funcom announced that it would be creating episodic content for the game in the form of Dreamfall Chapters, though that never seems to have come to fruition. It's probably too much to hope that we might see some new content appear on the Marketplace in the future, but my fingers are crossed, anyway.

Dreamfall is certainly not without its flaws, but don't let that dissuade you from giving it a try, especially if you enjoyed its fellow Original, Indigo Prophecy, which similarly blurs the line between adventure and action games. Dreamfall: The Longest Journey will cost you 1200 Microsoft points ($15) to download.

Image courtesy Funcom.

Source: W.I.R.E.D.

Microsoft Cracks Down On 'Dirty XBox 360 Cheaters'

Microsoft is making good on a promise it made last October to make "bad things happen" to anyone caught tampering with their Gamerscore or Achievements, and the plan includes a bit of public humiliation.

The slap from Microsoft starts by resetting the offender's Gamerscore to zero, and rendering them unable to re-earn any previously obtained Achievements. So no replays of King Kong or Gun for a quick 1000 point boost.

An appropriate punishment for the crime, but just to make sure everyone knows why your Gamerscore is suddenly so low, your GamerTag will also clearly label you as a 'dirty cheater'. (Apologies that this representative sample of a cheater's GamerTag is, ironically, not clear at all.)

Smacking down people who are unfairly tweaking their Gamerscores is all well and good, so long as only guilty people get punished. Microsoft says it uses "specific and automated" criteria to determine who's fudging the numbers, and says that anyone earning Achievements the old-fashioned way will be completely unaffected.

Microsoft is also using a very specific definition for cheating, only targeting those players who "gain achievements through avoiding game play and the use of external tools" and will only wipe the Gamerscores of players who meet their 100% of their "cheater" criteria.

There's no way to appeal a Gamerscore correction or to remove the "cheater" label, so here's hoping that criteria is extensive and leaves no room for reasonable doubt.

Source: W.I.R.E.D.

World First Wii Freeloader Review - Over 22 games tried and tested

Now the incredibly popular and anticipated Super Smash Bros Brawl is at best a 3 month delay between Japan release and the Australian release. We PAL gamers are again left in the lurch. That is, until now, with the recent release of the Wii Freeloader, a device that will unlock your Wii to the world of games that are cheaper, uncensored and not delayed.

Owners of this generations other consoles will be well aware that their consoles are region free, Nintendo’s own DS and the Sony PSP also employ no region mechanism. Only the Wii has such a prehistoric, unnecessary feature included. Thankfully, the Freeloader has hit and, like it’s GameCube brother, promises to open your Wii to the world - and it does.

So what did we test?

• Super Smash Bros Brawl (US & JP) - Booted fine after following alternative method
Note: Did not boot with system with modchip

• No More Heroes (US) - Booted and plays
• Metroid Prime 3: Corruption (US) - Booted and plays
• Super Mario Galaxy (US) - Booted and plays
• Super Paper Mario (US) - Booted and plays
• Trauma Centre Second Opinion (US) - Booted and plays
• Ghost Squad (US) - Booted and plays
• Rayman Raving Rabbids (US) - Booted and plays
• Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles (US) - Booted and plays
• Zack and Wiki: Quest Barbaro's Treasure (US) - Booted and plays
• Wario Ware Smooth Moves (US) - Booted and plays
• Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz (US) - Booted and plays
• Nitrobike (US) - Booted and plays
• Trauma Center: New Blood (US) - Booted and plays

We also had a handful of GameCube games on hand to test with varied results. While the box of the Freeloader never actually mentions GameCube compatibility it does work in limited cases. Please note that we had the console set to 60 Hz which is what a NTSC GameCube or Wii in GameCube mode would have to put out.

• Timesplitters 3: Future Perfect (US) - Booted and works
• Resident Evil 4 (US) -Booted and plays
  

Sadly, that’s all the games we had on hand that worked, other games we tested included (all US versions) did not load...

• Alien Hominid
  
• Battalion Wars 
  
• Chibi Robo
  
• Geist (loads but crashes on loading screen)
  
• Killer 7
  
• Viewtiful Joe 2
  
• Viewtiful Joe: Red Hot Rumble
  

Read the full post on Vooks here...

Web hoax - Nintendo Wii update trashes Freeloader

Reported yesterday on some games sites this UNTRUE report...

Nintendo released a second update for the Nintendo Wii (America only) and it seems that this update voids the Freeloader - just after a week of it being released!

The update Nintendo sent out on Friday in Europe DOES NOT block the Freeloader, but I would recommend NOT to update you Wii just yet.

It's also invertible that this update will be on copies of Mario Kart Wii and Wii Fit. This also means it’s either ‘Brawl or Wii Ware for most of you. If this update hits Europe, we’ll let you know.

I'll keep you posted on the latest news on Nintendo update.

Welcome to Zombie BBQ for Nintendo DS

Once upon a time there was a fantastic world where fairy tale creatures dwelt and all was peace and harmony… till the zombies came to eat out their brains! Welcome to Zombie BBQ for Nintendo DS!

Our story begins with the invasion of this fairy tale land by hordes of ravenous zombies. And they won’t stop at anything: from the succulent legs of ham of the Three Little Pigs to the sawdust brain of Pinnochio, they are all tasty morsels for the living dead.

Grotesque aberrations plague the enchanted forests. Prince Charmings wake up Sleeping Beauties with a real love bites and ferocious wolves die when they attack abandoned little girls. Only one heroine can stop this babbling army. Her name is Red, Little Red Riding Hood, and now she’s armed and dangerous!

Zombie BBQ is a really fun shooter for Nintendo DS, where you have to move forward by shooting down every living (or dying) creature in your path! Use the great arsenal of weapons at your disposal to do away with the savage hoards of zombies.

Shoot, blast, massacre, bombard and burn your enemies to the bone with a simple touch of your stylus on the console screen. Can you save fairy tale land or will you let its creatures live an unhappy-ever-after-life?

The story begins in October!

Two New Gears of War 2 Videos Available on Xbox LIVE Marketplace

Epic Games and Microsoft Game Studios Offer Fans a Front Row Seat at GDC with Two New "Gears of War 2" Videos, Now Available on Xbox LIVE Marketplace

Go behind the scenes and on stage with Epic Games as they show off "Gears of War 2" and the updated Unreal Engine 3 at the 2008 Game Developers Conference

Gamers can see what it takes to prepare for a second “emergence” with two brand new videos now available for free on Xbox LIVE Marketplace.

In the videos, Epic Games President Mike Capps and Lead Designer Cliff Bleszinski reveal the nerves and excitement involved in making a major game announcement, and provide backstage messages to fans before and after the official reveal of “Gears of War 2” at the Game Developers Conference earlier this month.

Additionally, the GDC Unreal Engine 3 technology demo video is now available, which shows off the impressive features of the updated Unreal Engine 3 via an on-stage demonstration during the Microsoft keynote at GDC by Epic Games CEO and Technical Director Tim Sweeney.

“Gears of War 2” is the highly anticipated follow up to the best-selling Xbox 360 exclusive “Gears of War,” and will be available this November from acclaimed developer Epic Games.

Stay tuned for further announcements on “Gears of War 2” in the coming months, and remember – the only good Locust is a dead Locust.

LINUX CLIENT FOR SAVAGE 2: A TORTURED SOUL

Who Says There Aren't Games For Linux?

S2 GAMES ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF HIGHLY ANTICIPATED LINUX CLIENT FOR SAVAGE 2: A TORTURED SOUL

Independent game developer S2 Games today announced the release of the highly anticipated Linux client for Savage 2: A Tortured Soul. Linux gamers can download the client and sign-up for a FREE account at www.s2games.com.

The original Savage: A Battle for Newerth was a gem among the Linux gaming community and won Independent Game of the Year in 2004. Savage 2 builds upon the revolutionary game play defined in the first game, which combines elements of Real-Time-Strategy, First-Person Shooter, and Role-Playing Games into a whole new type of game that defies genre.

“Linux gamers are a whole different crop of players,” said Marc DeForest, co-founder and lead designer of S2 Games. “They are tech savvy, out of the box thinkers who relish creativity and originality. That is one reason why the first Savage was such a hit with them. We couldn’t be more excited to invite them back to Newerth for some savage good times.”

In addition to the release of the Savage 2 Linux client, S2 Games also released the first in a series of Free Content Updates. The completely free content update will bring many new features to Savage 2, including:

· Level Armor Progression

· Full Clan Implementation

· Commander VoIP

· New Hellbourne Unit “Devourer”

· Achievements

· New Community Created Maps: “Dusk” and “Lost Valley”

· Among others…

Savage 2: A Tortured Soul is available for download now at www.s2games.com. More information on this title can also be found at www.s2games.com.

Yakuza 2 Confirmed By SEGA Europe

Earn Respect In The Definitive Japanese Story About Honour

Yakuza 2 Confirmed By SEGA Europe For A 2008 Release

SEGA Europe Ltd. today announced that Yakuza 2 will be hitting shelves in Europe during 2008 exclusively for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system. The sequel to the critically acclaimed 3rd person action adventure Yakuza features enhanced combat, larger environments and a thrilling storyline continuing a year after Yakuza ended. Yakuza 2 will plunge players deeper into the world of Japan’s notorious underground organisation, where honour and respect are not earned easily.

Kazuma Kiryu, the protagonist of the first Yakuza, is named Fourth Chairman of the Tojo Clan but unexpectedly retires from life in the clan the same day. However, his personally chosen successor is assassinated by a former allied gang called the Omi. These events set in motion an engrossing storyline that sees Kazuma travelling through Japan, on what could be the last opportunity to stave off an all-out war between the Tojo and Omi clans.

“We are thrilled to treat the gamers in Europe to the sequel of the critically acclaimed Yakuza,” said Gary Knight, European Marketing Director, SEGA Europe Ltd. “Yakuza 2 is one of the most requested Japanese titles in our portfolio and we’re delighted to finally announce a European version.”

Yakuza 2 will be available in stores throughout Europe during 2008 exclusively for PlayStation 2.

For more information on Yakuza 2 or other SEGA products, please visit www.sega-europe.com.

X-BLADES OFFICIAL WEBSITE LAUNCHES

X-BLADES OFFICIAL WEBSITE LAUNCHES

Fast-Paced Anime-Action Title Hacks and Slashes onto the Interwebs

SouthPeak Games today announced that the official website for X-Blades is now live. As a hack-and-slash masterpiece with a captivating Anime style, X-Blades will provide breathtaking combat scenes and truly fantastic worlds. Its official website will serve as an ideal source for information on both the game’s features and its final stages of development.

X-Blades stars Ayumi, a dynamic young relic hunter in search of a mysterious artifact. Relying solely on her fighting skill, pistol blades and mystical abilities, Ayumi must battle against armies of creatures and other fortune-seekers determined to stop her from escaping with the relic alive.

“You'll get a first impression of the game from the wide range of materials on the new website - and there's a lot more to come in the next few weeks” said James Seaman, Managing Director at TopWare Interactive. “The site will contain backgrounds on all of X-Blades’ major heroes and villains as well as current news on the development stages of the game.”

In addition to the ever-growing encyclopedia of all things X-Blades, another feature planned for the site includes a mini-manga from the world of the heroine Ayumi - with new stories appearing regularly.

X-Blades will be gunning its way to shelves in autumn 2008.

For the latest up-to-date news on X-Blades check out www.x-blades.com.

Nintendo DS - Powershot Pinball Constructor – out now

Powershot Pinball Constructor – out now!

Release date set for Powershot Pinball Constructor for the Nintendo DS.

Get ready for Pinball with a difference as Oxygen’s latest addition to the Nintendo DS collection, Powershot Pinball Constructor, will be in-store tomorrow.

Powershot Pinball Constructor brings an exciting new challenge of reaching the “hi-score” with a unique multiplayer sabotage feature! Engage either ‘versus’ or ‘team battle’ mode to utilise various pinball mechanisms and impair your opponent’s view of the screen among other things…

Create and design your very own individual pinball table using the table editor. With the ability to store up to six exclusively created pinball tables at any one time, Powershot Pinball Constructor is perfect to pick up and play by anyone, anytime, anywhere.

Play it...with multiple modes. Create it...with the unique table editor. Share it...wirelessly with friends!

Powershot Pinball Constructor looks set to be an instant success when it hits the shelves on the Nintendo DS on 28th March 2008.

Fish Fillets 2 PC video game - Editor download

Fish Fillets 2: Editor

One year after the release of the brilliant puzzle game Fish Fillets 2, the eagerly awaited level editor is here.

You can download it at http://editor.fish-fillets.com.

Did you finish Fish Fillets and waited for more challenges? Do you think you can create better riddles and levels then game developers? Or do you just want to experience this great game in a different way? If yes, your time has come. A year from the release of the original game, there comes the editor that allows you to create your own levels or even whole campaigns!

Fish Fillets 2 is a puzzle game about secret fish agents, orphaned sea horse and sinister . The player controls up to eight different sea animals, figuring out a way for them to escape from more than 110 levels of increasingly fiendish difficulty. The game is full of witty dialogues, wisecracks, and comments.

Fish Fillets 2 official website – www.fish-filets.com

Fish Fillets 2 editor website – http://editor.fish-filets.com

Clues and Hidden Secrets Revealed for DARKNESS WITHIN: In Pursuit of Loath Nolder

Clues and Hidden Secrets Revealed for DARKNESS WITHIN: In Pursuit of Loath Nolder

Leading publisher Lighthouse Interactive and developer Zoetrope Interactive today released a full list of additional clues and hidden secrets for their psychological horror Adventure game, Darkness Within: In Pursuit of Loath Nolder. This chilling PC CD-ROM game, inspired by the works of H.P. Lovecraft, is available in major retail stores across Europe.

Erik Schreuder, CEO of Lighthouse Interactive said, “Darkness Within has a very unique scoring system that indicates to players how much of the game’s mystery they have successfully revealed. After receiving an overwhelming number of requests from the Adventure game community, we have decided to release the complete list. Players can now re-enter the world of Darkness Within and uncover the secrets they missed while bettering their gameplay scores.”

To download the complete list, visit:
www.lighthouse-interactive.com

GAME SUMMARY:

As police detective Howard E. Loreid, players are tasked to solve the murder of Clark Field, a wealthy man involved in the occult. At the top of your list of suspects is Loath Nolder; a highly respected private investigator who mysteriously abandoned his last case for reasons unknown. Rumor had it that he ventured to several exotic places around the world learning from tribe shamans and sorcerers. It remains a great mystery as to why Loath Nolder disappeared so suddenly, resurfacing five years later and resuming his investigations just as abruptly as he had left them. Why does this venerated P.I. now sit on the other side of the law?

Your seemingly routine investigation takes a dramatic twist as strange and terrifying happenings begin to plague your psyche. You experience lucid horrifying dreams and are tormented by paranormal happenings. Why do days pass instead of hours when you sleep? What’s real and what’s not? As you pursue fugitive murder suspect Loath Nolder, you must face dire truths hidden deep within a haunting darkness and the recesses of your mind.

FEATURES:

• Built-in Hint System with 3 Difficulty Levels – Players can choose to play in Standard, Detective or Senior Detective modes.
  
• Unique Inventory System – Utilizing the ‘thinking screen’ allows players to collect and examine items, and thoughts. Clues can also be researched, combined or used.
  
• Dynamic Puzzles and Features – Traditional adventure game puzzles are complimented by deciphering dreams and underlining excerpts in documents to garner critical clues.
  
• Enhanced Gameplay Experience – The proprietary game engine enables compelling special effects, stunning visuals, and dynamic lighting and shading, in a panoramic first person game environment.
  
• Eerie Gameplay Atmosphere – An immersive experience is created by a fascinating story, chilling real-time cut scenes, and haunting music.
  

To find out more about Darkness Within: In Pursuit of Loath Nolder and to keep up with the latest news on the game, visit www.lighthouse-interactive.com and www.zoetropeint.com/In/gameinfo.htm.

Release Of The Blue Dragon Original Soundtrack From The Xbox 360 Video Game

Sumthing Else Music Works Announces Release Of The Blue Dragon Original Soundtrack From The Xbox 360 Video Game

Original Music by Final Fantasy Composer Nobuo Uematsu

Sumthing Else Music Works, through its licensing relationship with Mistwalker proudly presents Blue Dragon Original Soundtrack. The 2 disc soundtrack album is now available at US retail outlets through Nile Rodgers’ Sumthing Else Music Works label www.sumthing.com and digital download service www.sumthingdigital.com and will also be released on iTunes.

Blue Dragon is created exclusively for the Xbox 360 by famed game producer Hironobu Sakaguchi of Mistwalker game studio. Featuring the character design of Akira Toriyama, who designed Dragon Ball Z, and music by Nobuo Uematsu, the composer for Final Fantasy, Blue Dragon is an epic role-playing game (RPG) centered on a young boy named Shu and several of his friends. These unlikely heroes possess the power to control phantom shadows that mirror the actions of their masters, giving Shu and his comrades miraculous strength and magical powers.

Taking full advantage of the power of Xbox 360, Blue Dragon engages players in a world and characters that are brought to life with vibrant colors and detail, from Shu's wild hair to his martial arts-style garb, conveying the beautiful simplicity and sense of adventure found in this truly next-generation RPG. For more information on the game, visit www.xbox.com/bluedragon.

Obscure: The Aftermath Win A Nintendo Wii Contest

Ignition Entertainment And Draven Launch "Obscure: The Aftermath Win A Nintendo Wii" Contest

Lucky Winner to Receive a Nintendo Wii, Obscure: The Aftermath And Draven Gear

Marina del Rey, CA–Ignition Entertainment USA has partnered with Southern California apparel company Draven to sponsor the “Obscure: The Aftermath Win a Wii” contest. Ignition Entertainment and Draven will award the winner with a Wii console, along with a copy of the survivor-horror videogame Obscure: The Aftermath and a complete Draven outfit. Obscure: The After math will be released for Wii, PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system and PC DVD-Rom on March 25, 2008.

“We’re nearing the big launch of Obscure: The Aftermath and the excitement is growing,” said Ajay Chadha,president of Ignition Entertainment USA. “This contest gives horror fans and gamers alike the chance to win an awesome game on a great console, while scoring some very cool Draven clothing.”

Draven recently supplied shoes and clothing for a groundbreaking series of live-action videos based on Ignition’ s upcoming survival-horror videogame Obscure: The Aftermath. The videos can be viewed by visiting www.obscureaftermath.com.

“Draven is thrilled to be a part of Ignition’s Obscure: The Aftermath launch,” said Chad Romiti, Marketing Director for Draven. “We’ve always felt a kinship with the gaming community and are excited to deliver one of the hottest gaming consoles into the hands of one lucky Obscure fan.”

“Obscure: The Aftermath Win a Nintendo Wii”

Competition Prizes

Grand Prize:
One Wii game system, one copy of Obscure: The Aftermath Wii software, one Draven tee shirt, one Draven hoodie, one pair of Draven shoes, one Draven hat, and one Draven backpack.

First Prize:
One Draven hoodie, one Draven tee shirt and one copy of Obscure: The Aftermath Wii software.

Second Prize:
One copy of Obscure: The Aftermath Wii software.

The contest is now open and entries may be submitted to the official contest website at www.draven.com/contest.php from March 24 until April 24, 2008. All entrants must be 18 years or older at the time of entry and a U.S. citizen.

Published by Ignition Entertainment and Playlogic International N.V. and developed by Hydravision Entertainment, Obscure: The Aftermath is rated “M” for Mature. For more information about Obscure: The Aftermath please visit www.obscureaftermath.com.

For more information about Draven please visit www.draven.com.

Rock Band for Nintendo Wii will be released as a Special Edition bundle

Wii Will Rock You!

The number one selling game in February 2008 is coming to Nintendo Wii

Harmonix, the leading developer of music-based games, and MTV Games, a division of MTV Networks, which is a division of Viacom, along with distribution partner Electronic Arts, today announced plans to release the award-winning music video game Rock Band on the Wii home video game system from Nintendo in the U.S. and Canada on June 22, 2008 for the suggested retail price of $169.99.

Rock Band for Wii will be released as a Special Edition bundle including the software, drums, microphone and a wireless guitar. Stand alone instruments will also be available on June 22nd for people who want to build their band one instrument at a time or want to play the drum versus drum game mode. The game will feature 63 songs including five bonus songs for Wii gamers to enjoy.

“The Wii’s success among casual and core gamers of all ages makes it an ideal match for the cross-generational appeal of the music featured in Rock Band,” says Bob Picunko, Vice President of Electronic Games and Interactive Products, MTV

“The social interaction and addictive nature of the Rock Band experience is a perfect fit for the Wii and will undoubtedly be fun for the entire family,” says Steve Singer, licensing VP from Nintendo.

Rock Band is an all-new platform for music fans and gamers to interact with music like never before. The game challenges players to put together a band and tour for fame and fortune – 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 includes tracks that span every genre of rock ranging from alternative and classic rock to heavy metal and punk. Rock Band has garnered over 40 awards this year including Game Critics Award: Best of Show E3 2007 and three awards at The 11th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards including Outstanding Innovation in Gaming, Family Game of the Year, and Outstanding Achievement in Soundtrack.

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

Rock Band is currently available on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft®, the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system, and on the PLAYSTATION 2 computer entertainment system.

Maximum Football 2.0 is Updated to 2.2

Maximum Football 2.0 is Updated to 2.2!

Strap on the helmet head into the game – A major Maximum Football Update is ready!

Matrix Games and Wintervalley Software are proud to announce that a major new v2.2 update is now available for Maximum Football 2.0. The new update brings plenty of improvements and enhancements in areas like editing, managing and combining playbooks, improved quick simulation features, new trackable statistics, and much more.

David Heath, Director of Operations at Matrix Games, said “It may not be prime football season these days but this new Maximum Football 2.0 update is just the thing I need to get me back into the spirit of gridiron fun!”

David Winter from Wintervalley Software also stated, “Our goal with each new iteration of Maximum Football is to improve and augment this great game system. Anyone who’s already a fan and those who like football management sims should download this update to see how far Maximum Football has come since the original release.”

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

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

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

Get more information on Maximum Football 2.0 from its product page. This update is comprehensive and will bring the version of the game up to 2.2.

Wii-kly Update: Two New Classic Games Added To Wii Shop Channel - KING'S KNIGHT - POWERBALL

Wii-kly Update: Two New Classic Games Added To Wii Shop Channel

It's a mad season for basketball lovers, but even the most hardcore hoops fan needs a break from the action this time of year. While they're a far cry from basketball, the latest additions to the Wii™ Shop Channel offer plenty of fast-moving fun and high-scoring thrills of their own. Check them out and get a fresh taste of gaming excitement that can last well into April and beyond.

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

KING'S KNIGHT (NES, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone - Mild Fantasy Violence, 500 Wii Points): In the kingdom of Izander, the fair Princess Claire has been kidnapped by a foul and insidious dragon, and it is the mission of four brave fighters to save her. Through five thrilling, fast-action stages, our gallant heroes-a knight, a wizard, a monster and a thief-will take on an army of incredible enemies. You must help them reach their goal, as you are now part of the team that will fight to free the princess from her imprisonment. Keep your wits about you, plan your strategy and set off on an exciting adventure.

POWERBALL (Sega Genesis, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone - Mild Fantasy Violence, 800 Wii Points): Eight different teams representing various nations are vying to become the POWERBALL champions, and you control one of the eight in your quest for the championship. A hybrid of games like rugby and football, POWERBALL is played on a 100-yard field. Try to score by either carrying the ball into your opponent's end zone or kicking it into your opponent's net for points. This one- or two-player game offers both exhibition and league play. Jump into a game of POWERBALL and try a brand new sport.

Ubisoft Announces Imagine Rock Star For Nintendo DS

Ubisoft, one of the world’s largest video game publishers, announced the newest game to launch within its highly successful Imagine video game series: Imagine Rock Star. The Imagine line, part of Ubisoft’s Games for Everyone division, is the first-ever dedicated brand of video games that allows girls ages 6 to 14 to explore their favorite interests and hobbies in an interactive and entertaining way.

Since the launch of the new franchise, Imagine sales have exceeded expectations with more than three million units sold globally. Following the successful launches of Imagine Figure Skater, Imagine Fashion Designer, Imagine Animal Doctor, Imagine Master Chef and Imagine Babyz, Imagine Rock Star is the sixth game in the Imagine line-up and will be available in June 2008, allowing young players to form their dream band, climb the charts and become music legends.

“Ubisoft has established itself as the leading publisher for girls and we are extremely pleased with the success of the first series of Imagine games,” said Tony Key, senior vice president of marketing and sales at Ubisoft. “By allowing them to play, create and dream of the possibilities, Imagine Rock Star strengthens Ubisoft’s position in this category and provides more DS options for young girl gamers.”

Imagine Rock Star allows players to create a rock band and select who plays the drums, guitar, bass and piano. Each instrument has its own unique control using the Nintendo DS stylus. Players have the ability to customize the look of each band mate in order to become the most stylish rockers. Players can wirelessly jam with up to four of their friends, perform in concerts and earn money as the band works its way up the charts to the No. 1 spot to land its dream recording contract.

Warfare launched in Germany, Austria and Switzerland in German language

Warfare goes on German Market

Game Factory Interactive is happy to announce that we have entered into a 3-year agreement with Rondomedia, one of the leading publishers in the German-speaking market, on publishing and distribution of our strategy headliner Warfare in Germany, Austria and Switzerland in German language.

About Warfare

In this title you have to take command over US armed forces in order to fight back terrorists and restore local government control in Saudi Arabia.

Hired Guns - The Jagged Edge soon available in Poland

Hired Guns soon available in Poland

Game Factory Interactive is happy to announce that we have entered into a 3-year agreement with Top Ware for Polish territory, on publishing and distribution of our fascinating Hired Guns: The Jagged Edge title.

About Hired Guns: The Jagged Edge

The game puts you in command of a squad of specialists for hire in the genre’s biggest game-world.

Choose friends wisely, buy an army of ruthless mercenaries and unleash mayhem on the African countryside.

With multiple story lines and endings, you are in total control of your own fate.

Free 2 Play - Knight Online Update Twin 14th Worlds are now LIVE!

Knight Online Update
Knight Online - Twin 14th Worlds are now LIVE!

K2 Network a global online game publisher, announces today that Knight Online has just gone live with their record 14th world CARNAC! This world is special, as it is divided into two major regions (East and West). There will be some exciting updates and upcoming announcements concerning the new world of Knight Online.

Knight online is a Free2Play MMORPG and can be found at www.gamersfirst.com


About Knight Online -

Knight Online is a fantasy MMORPG in which players must choose to play as an orc and side with the nation of Karus or play as a human and side with the nation of El Morad. There are four classes to choose from (Warrior, Rogue, Magician or Priest), and a second class may be chosen at level ten. This MMOG features many different zones (which can be reached via Warp Gates for a price) to adventure in and events (some scheduled, some spontaneous) to participate in.

Forming a party of two to eight players is encouraged in Knight Online as doing so grants more experience points in combat. Clans can be formed in this MMO which grants the ability to party with other members of the same clan without level restrictions and without them being close enough to manually select them. One expansion has been released for Knight Online, called The Reign of the Fire Drake, which added several new maps, quests, monsters, and bosses, changed the user interface, introduced a “Post-Office” system, and increased the level cap from 70 to 80.