MONOPOLY VIDEO GAME - Most Played Board Game in the World Reinvented With a Party Twist For Next-Gen Video Game Platforms

The Casual Entertainment Label of Electronic Arts today released additional details on MONOPOLY (working title), the first Hasbro-branded video game set to launch on next-generation consoles including Wii and the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system. MONOPOLY will also be appearing on the PLAYSTATION 2 computer entertainment system as well as mobile phones and Pogo.com™. The multiplatform video game is inspired by Hasbro’s highly anticipated MONOPOLY HERE & NOW: The World Edition board game. Currently, the MONOPOLY video games are set to release this year simultaneously with the global launch of the new board game.

The MONOPOLY video games promise a fresh take on the timeless classic with accessible gameplay for players of all ages and skill levels. The all-new digital gaming edition brings a party twist and features 4-player simultaneous play, ensuring that everyone is engaged and allowing the whole family to get involved in the fun and play together. Faster gameplay eliminates downtime freeing up players to wheel and deal their way through some of the most recognizable cities and landmarks from around the world. Families can fill up their passports as they try to unlock new and never-before-seen game boards or challenge each other to fun interactive mini-games like breaking out of the jail cell and running away with all the loot. Play in offline single or multi-player mode and compete to own it all and win!



“EA is taking MONOPOLY’S core gameplay and bringing it to life in a way never before imagined,” said Chip Lange, Vice President and General Manager of EA’s Casual Label. “With this dynamic take on Hasbro’s classic board game, we’ve accelerated the pace of play, added new interactive mini-game sequences and integrated multi-player moments designed to make MONOPOLY a non-stop party for the whole family.”

“It promises to be a very exciting fall for MONOPOLY fans worldwide,” said Mark Blecher, General Manager of Digital Media and Gaming at Hasbro. “EA has done a tremendous job of re-imagining the world’s most popular board game by remaining true to the traditional gameplay that millions of consumers have come to love while also creating new digital twists that can only be achieved in an interactive world. Rolling the dice and passing go will never be the same.”

Age of Conan beta! - PC video game

U.S. Residents Only
Join the beta to participate in the Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures Beta Leveling contest!

Qualified applicants that join the beta will have a chance at winning some great prizes for the retail game release. Level as high as possible or be the first to hit the level cap in the Age of Conan beta.

Subscribers: Get ready for the
Age of Conan beta!

Go to FilePlanet, grab your key and start downloading this MASSIVE beta client immediately! Be ready to play the beta, day 1.
Pre-Load the Beta Client on your PC NOW!

FilePlanet site here

Little League World Series 2008 - for Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS

Activision, announced today the upcoming release of Little League World Series 2008 for Wii and Nintendo DS. Players will have the ability to bat, pitch and field using intuitive controls developed exclusively for Nintendo's platforms. Little League World Series is the perfect game to play with your friends and family. The game hits shelves August 5, 2008.

"Little League baseball fans, players and families simply haven't had a videogame made just for them, so our goal is to fill this niche," said Dave Oxford, Activision Publishing. "Creating this game with the Little League organization has been a pleasure and we look forward to paying homage to the three million Little League players around the world today."

Little League World Series is the first officially licensed Little League video game to hit next-generation consoles. Bat, pitch and field your way from local sandlot slugger to Little League World Series Champion. Featuring eight U.S. and eight international teams, extraordinarily deep character customization, World Series Mode, and various skill based challenges, Little League World Series offers an exciting, authentic baseball experience. Motion-sensing controls on Wii make it accessible for Little League players and parents, while the DS version gives players the freedom to get on the diamond anywhere.

"Activision has captured the essence of what makes Little League so wonderful for players and spectators alike," Jud Rogers, Sr. Marketing Executive, Little League International. "We look forward to working with them in the upcoming months to help polish the game and bring it to Little Leaguers and fans."

Wireless Nunchuck for Nintendo Wii - Wii want one!

Go Wireless - Stop Getting Whipped

No more messy wires – just gaming full on

Get the full benefit from your Nintendo Wii gaming experience

Zappies Ltd is proud to announce another in the range of Wireless peripherals. This Wireless Nunchuk allows you to play your favorite Wii games without being limited by the Remote-to-Nunchuk cable. Compatible with all games requiring a nunchuk. Simply snap the wireless receiver to the bottom of your Wii Remote, press the synch button on your wireless nunchuk and you are ready for non-stop, wireless gaming.

An integrated LED status indicator on the receiver lets you know when you are connected, synched and ready to game. No need to buy batteries. Built-in rechargeable Lithium Ion battery and USB cable included. 4-player compatible. This is all you need to take your Wii gaming to another level!

Devil May Cry 4 arriving on PC in Summer

Capcom's Devil May Cry 4 Coming To PC This Summer

Demo With System Benchmark Mode Will Be Available Before The Game's Release

Capcom, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced that the highly anticipated PC version of Devil May Cry 4 is ready for release this summer. Devil May Cry 4 is already a certifiable hit in the console world, having shipped over two million units worldwide since its European release in February. A demo of the game will be released for PC players before the retail version ships, allowing PC gamers to try the game ahead of time as well as testing their system’s prowess with the included benchmark mode. The PC version of Devil May Cry 4 will feature new modes, enhanced graphics options and some additional content. Devil May Cry 4 has been rated 16+ by PEGI.

Good things come to those who wait as PC owners will benefit from having more modes and more visual customisation options to help enhance their demon-slaying action. Turbo mode will turn up the action to insane speeds, while Legendary Dark Knight Mode will harness advanced PC processing power and fill the screen with an unbelievable number of enemies for extra difficulty. Moreover, familiar enemies from the console versions will show-up in new locations in the PC version. The high resolution screen settings allow the cut scenes of the game to run at up to 120 frames per second (up from 30 frames per second in the console version of the game). Slider options are available to manage various visual effects seen throughout the game. Devil May Cry 4 for the PC will have both DirectX 9 and DirectX 10 modes and will also be compliant with the Games For Windows® program.

From the producer of the original Devil May Cry and Resident Evil® 4 comes the next instalment in the hugely successful stylised action series that has so far achieved global sales of nearly seven million units. Devil May Cry 4 immerses gamers in a gothic supernatural world where a new protagonist clashes with a familiar hero. As the new leading man Nero players will unleash incredible attacks and non-stop combos using a unique new gameplay mechanic: the powerful “Devil Bringer” on his right arm.

Sherlock Holmes - Nemesis is a new adventure game for PC

Explore 19th Century London Through The Eyes Of Sherlock Holmes

HISTORIC CITY LOCATIONS ACCURATELY RECREATED IN NEW GAME

Sherlock Holmes: Nemesis is a new adventure game for PC that takes place in 19th century London. Sherlock Holmes and his sidekick, Dr. Watson must solve puzzles to stop French gentleman burglar Arsène Lupin from stealing priceless objects from five famous London locations. Providing the player pays close attention to detail, the path to Lupin’s undoing is elementary.

The game starts at the famous 221B Baker Street address in Marylebone where Sherlock Holmes receives a letter from Lupin, challenging the London detective to foil his latest robbery. To complete the mission and stop Lupin in his tracks, players must explore Holmes’ neighbourhood, trawling Glentworth Street and Melcombe Street to find clues, even meeting the locals at Barnes bookstore and the Golden Lion pub.

Famous London landmarks are rendered in accurate historic detail, including the National Gallery, where players can view faithfully recreated works of art from all over Europe. Holmes will also need to peruse the exhibits of the Egyptian and Babylonian Halls in the British Museum. The mystery will eventually take Holmes to the Tower of London, where he must scour the renowned Bloody Tower and dungeons.

Play as Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Watson and even Inspector Lestrade in the race to stop one of literature’s most notorious crooks. The quest requires interaction in real-time 3D with more than 40 characters on Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson’s travels, including a very private interview with the Queen of England.

Fast facts:
Publisher: Ascaron Entertainment / Focus Home Interactive
Web: www.Ascaron.com
Developer: Frogwares
Release date: 16th May 2008
Price: TBC
PEGI: 3+
Format: PC
Genre: Point and click adventure

PS3 gets GTA bundle in Europe - gamespot today

As reported here on 7th April...

Hardware-and-software package announced for Rockstar's crime-'em-up; £319.99 deal will land on April 29.

It's fair to say that Grand Theft Auto IV's April 29 release date is a big day in the gaming calendar. Janco Partners' Mike Hickey said that the game could "conceivably" ship 9.5 million units in one week, while Variety said that GTA IV could make $400 million in revenue in the same period.


Such performance is also sure to drive sales of consoles, and while the game will land on both the PlayStation 3 and the Xbox 360, Sony has made the first move to bundle hardware and software together at launch. A package of its 40GB PS3 console, a Sixaxis controller, and the standard edition of GTA IV will hit European stores on April 29, with a recommended retail price of £319.99 in the UK (approx $635) and €439 in Europe.

Sony's package represents a £30 saving ($59) on the recommended retail price of the game and the console when sold separately, as they retail for £49.99 ($99) and £299.99 ($595) respectively. The news follows a similar announcement in Australia, where the exact same bundle is being offered for A$749.95 ($713).

David Reeves, president of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, said, "We are delighted to offer the millions of PS3 and GTA fans the ultimate gaming package."

GameSpot contacted Microsoft UK to see if a similar bundle will be offered for the Xbox 360 in the UK, but had not had a reply by the time of publication.

Source: Gamespot

Wii Fit sold out before launch in UK

All Gamezplay Wii Fit posts here...


A quick check round the retailers in the UK found that they all stopped taking orders for the Nintendo Wii Fit game well before launch.

There appears to be a shortage... as with the Nintendo Wii they cannot supply as demanded.

This isn't a shortage in the UK it's worldwide - the US cannot supply demand.

Great game no product another Nintendo blunder...

Sony PlayStation 3 including Gran Turismo 5 prologue plus choice of game plus HDMI cable for £305 (UK) Bargain

Just bought this package from Amazon UK...

Sony PlayStation 3 Console (40GB) £289.99
Gran Turismo 5 Prologue

add a game for £15
(code PS3GME15)

Choose from:

Burnout Paradise - £37.48 (my pick)
Assassin's Creed - £24.97

FIFA Street 3 - £34.96
Devil May Cry 4 - £24.96
Smackdown v Raw 2008 - £26.96
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 - £39.99
Tom Clancey's Rainbow Six Vegas - £39.98

Plus:

Add HDMI Cable £19.99
(FREE when ordered with bundle)

Plus:

FREE UK delivery

All for £304.99

Full instructions on how to get this deal are on the Amazon page below....

ENEMY TERRITORY - QUAKE WARS Fact Sheet for Xbox PlayStation and PC

ENEMY TERRITORY - QUAKE WARS

FACT SHEET

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:

Serving as the prequel to id Software’s legendary QUAKE II, Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars is the ultimate online team and objective-based experience, delivering a new depth of multiplayer action to next generation consoles. Set within the epic QUAKE universe in the year 2065, the game pits the Allied troops of the Global Defense Force (GDF) against a sinister new Axis – the marauding, technologically advanced Strogg - during their initial invasion of Earth.

Brand new to the console environment, gamers choose to play offline or online modes as Human or Strogg in one of five unique character classes. Employing an arsenal of weapons, vehicles and deployable armaments, players engage in an action-packed test of skill and coordinated teamwork through a series of combat objectives. Persistent character growth and achievements reward players for teamwork, while clearly defined mission and class objectives guide new players to meaningful contributions on the battlefield.

Based on the critically-acclaimed PC game developed by Splash Damage, Nerve Software and Underground have collaborated with id Software to optimize Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars for the console environment (Xbox 360 and PS3), creating an intuitive experience that allows console players of every skill level to jump into a match and make a valuable contribution to the overall mission. Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars brings id Software’s new MegaTexture graphics technology to consoles for the first time, delivering large outdoor battlefields of unrivaled detail.

KEY FEATURES:

• Team-Based, Strategic Missions – Gameplay in Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars is all about conquering and securing enemy territory, either advancing or holding your team’s front line. Players must work together using their vehicles, deployables, and character class abilities to complete objectives, defend valuable installations or execute massive assaults. Whether playing online or in the game’s single-player mode, every player’s choice of character class and tactical action plays a critical role throughout as they gain rank, upgrade skills and provide specialist skills necessary for victory. Campaign proficiencies, persistent achievements and nearly a thousand stats are tracked to enable players to improve their class abilities, earn ranks and medals and track their progress.

• Weapons, Vehicles, Deployables – The weapons, vehicles and deployables in Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars are much more than standard issue equipment. Each selection truly affects gameplay and is integral to a team’s success or failure. Set in the relative near future, the Human arsenal is based on ultramodern updates to today’s conventional Earth armory (i.e. machine guns, rocket launchers, armored personnel carriers, hover-copters, etc.), while the Strogg utilize a more advanced energy and gravity-manipulation technology suitable for conquering vastly different alien worlds (i.e. the HyperBlaster and Lightning Pistol, the giant Cyclops mech-walker, Desecrator hover-tank, the insectoid Tormentor aerial attack craft, etc.). The game’s intuitive controls will also allow players to easily utilize unique strategic assets like radar, auto targeting anti-personnel or anti-vehicle turrets, artillery or strategic strike missiles – all of which are realistically deployed onto the battlefield when and where you choose.

• Unique Teams and Character Classes – With “asymmetric gameplay,” the characters of both the GDF and the Strogg look, move, and behave uniquely, while advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology provides formidable friends and foes in online and offline play, allowing new players to ease into the game, while intuitively challenging more advanced ones. Bases, characters, vehicles and weapons demonstrate the different technologies and behavior of each side and require distinctive approaches to combat from each player.

• Ground-Breaking Technology – Using id Software’s new MegaTexture rendering technology, Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars renders large, highly-detailed and un-tiled outdoor environments all the way to the horizon, providing a seamless experience that accurately simulates shadows, atmosphere, vegetation and weather for a graphically immersive gaming experience. Advanced real-time physics and all-new network code support large-scale military combat for up to 16 players through real-world locations, including deserts, glaciers, mountains and countryside.

Developer: Executive produced by id Software
Additional development: Nerve Software (Xbox 360) and Underground (PS3)
Publisher: Activision, Inc.
Release Date (Consoles): When it’s done.
Platforms in Development: Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft
PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system
Rating: Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars has been rated 15+ by BBFC

PRINCESS ON ICE - NOW ONLINE

With a twist, followed by a triple open axel and a wink to the judges, 505 Games today skated over to announce the launch of the official Princess On Ice web site. Due for release on 25th April, Princess On Ice recaptures all the magic and spectacle of figure skating on the portable Nintendo DS format.

The all-new supporting web site details everything a budding Suzanne Shaw needs to know about this Spring’s most coveted DS title. Performing as Kelly, Gabrielle, Alyssa and Madison, players must dance their way from the humble local rink to the world’s greatest arenas, all the way mastering the most spectacular tricks and spins to impress the ever-watchful judges.

Friendship amongst your fellow performers is also key to making your way to the top, and the Princess On Ice web site profiles each of the characters in the game, listing their likes and dislikes, quirks and traits. Tricks and stunts are all performed by using the stylus alone, and the screen shots and exclusive video will explain just how this works in the tried and tested mantra of ‘easy to pick up, hard to master.’

The perfect gift for any mourning Dancing On Ice fan, pre-orders are available now and listed online, along with the soon to be announced competition to win the prize of a lifetime that no skating fan will ever forget!

Princess On Ice will be published by 505 Games on 25th April, exclusively for Nintendo DS, priced £24.99.

Smash Court Tennis 3 on Microsoft Xbox 360 Xbox live

Smash Court Tennis 3 - for Xbox 360 Warms up For European Release

Atari Announces Forthcoming European Launch of NAMCO BANDAI Games' Latest Star-packed Tennis Smash, Coming June 2008

Atari today announced the forthcoming European launch of Smash Court Tennis 3 for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the latest star-packed tennis smash in the renowned series from NAMCO BANDAI Games. Featuring the biggest names in tennis including Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova, highly realistic visuals, a host of gameplay enhancements, and online play via Xbox Live online game service, Smash Court Tennis 3 will be lobbing and smashing its way into European retailers in June 2008.

The first in the revered tennis simulation series for the new console generation, Smash Court Tennis 3 for Xbox 360 tests the player’s skills against 16 of the world’s finest international tennis players. From established stars such as world number one Roger Federer, Maria Sharapova, Rafael Nadal and Martina Hingis, to rising talents including Italy’s Andreas Seppi and Nicole Vaidisova of the Czech Republic, each player has their own strengths and weaknesses which come into play on the game’s painstakingly rendered courts.

Making the most of the power of Xbox 360, Smash Court Tennis 3 boasts enhanced graphics including improved player animations, realistic shadows, skin shaders and High Dynamic Range rendering which combine to deliver a greater level of realism and immersion for the player. A host of customizing options allows players to choose rackets, shoes, hairstyles, skin tone and clothing to create their own unique star of the courts. New gameplay includes a system which lets all players, no matter what their skill level, benefit quickly from the powerful shots and finely honed skills of the star players.

Gameplay modes include Tutorial, Arcade, Pro-Tour, and Exhibition mode where up to four players can go head to head offline. The game also features an Online mode allowing players to play online via the Xbox Live® online game service. In addition to Xbox Live voice chat and rankings, players can take on opponents in online tournaments and in a range of different matches. Online doubles matches let players team up side by side for a long distance match against another pair, bringing the action and interaction alive like never before.

Target - Terror comes to Nintendo Wii Utilizing the Wii Zapper

Target - TerrorTM Ships To Retail

Arcade Classic Returns on the Next-Gen Console Utilizing Wii Zapper

Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. today announced Target: Terror has shipped to retail stores across North America. Developed for the Wii™, Target: Terror brings to North America the classic arcade shooter with features including unlockable mini games and the new "Justice Mode," allowing a single player to use two weapons. Fans can experience this classic one-of-a-kind game with updated controls for the first time in their own living room.

"Konami is excited to bring Target: Terror to the Wii," said Anthony Crouts, Vice President of Marketing for Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. "Fans of the original arcade classic can experience this thrilling light-gun shooter on a next-generation console while maximizing the gameplay experience with the Wii Remote."

Target: Terror puts players in the place of an elite counter-terrorist agent who is charged with protecting the U.S. from all terrorist activities. With a full-scale assault spanning the entire U.S., players are given the chance to show terrorists who's in charge by eliminating the seemingly endless waves of enemies with an assortment of high-tech weapons in their arsenal.

Utilizing the motion sensing controls of the Wii Remote™, fans can experience a seamless transition of the arcade's light gun to the Wii. The arcade experience is enhanced when used with the Wii Zapper™ peripheral to provide total immersion in the game by replicating both the arcade light-gun as well as the elite, tactical weapons used by counter-terrorist agents.

Target: Terror is rated "M" for Mature by the ESRB and available for an SRP of $39.99.

Official site.

Falling Music Video And The Bourne Sessions - The Exclusive Concert Event - For Upcoming Video Game The Bourne Conspiracy

Sierra Entertainment And Yahoo! Present World Broadcast Premiere Of "Falling" Music Video And The Bourne Sessions - The Exclusive Concert Event - For Upcoming Video Game The Bourne Conspiracy

Captured During This Year's Winter Music Conference, Paul Oakenfold, members of the Florida Classical Symphony and Special Guest Appearance by Cee-Lo Perform Music From This Summer's Hottest Video Game

Sierra Entertainment and Yahoo! today announced that the concert event that kicked-off this year's Winter Music Conference, The Bourne Sessions, is now online. The 80 minute set, featuring world renowned DJ, remixer and producer Paul Oakenfold was filmed during a live performance in front of a packed house at one of Miami's most renowned super clubs, Mansion. The full concert is accompanied by the exclusive premiere of The Bourne Conspiracy's music video for the single "Falling," produced and performed by Oakenfold and featuring Atlantic recording artist Cee-Lo Green.

As co-presenter of "The Bourne Sessions," Yahoo! will host the event and music video to viewers worldwide through Yahoo! Music http://music.yahoo.com.

"It goes without saying that The Bourne Sessions was an incredible experience for anyone who was able to attend and it was the perfect way to kick-off The Winter Music Conference," said Paul Oakenfold. "I think it's brilliant that we'll be able to share the excitement and energy we created that night with the rest of the world."

A veteran in film and video game scoring, Oakenfold's intense soundtrack to The Bourne Conspiracy, features his distinct style of up-tempo and high-energy music that delivers a key component to the game's cinematography techniques, presentation and pacing inspired by the Bourne films. As an added feature to the game, players will be able to unlock original tracks scored by Oakenfold and play them on demand by completing levels and achievements.

Created in collaboration with Ludlum Entertainment, and with story and character development in conjunction with Bourne screenwriter Tony Gilroy, The Bourne Conspiracy is a companion to the blockbuster series with an original story that uncovers the details of Jason Bourne's past. The third-person action game, developed by High Moon Studios, blends hunter-prey gameplay through a seamless mix of hand-to-hand fighting, gunplay and dramatic escapes. The action in the game is designed around Jason Bourne's signature combat style, with a combat system co-designed by renowned Hollywood stunt choreographer and Bourne fight coordinator, Jeff Imada.

"The Bourne Sessions was a tremendous success. We are proud to be able to take that once in a lifetime experience and bring it to all the fans," said Al Simone, senior vice president, global marketing for Sierra Entertainment. "To take The Bourne Sessions a step further, we've created a music video for the game's single, 'Falling.' With the collaboration of Paul and Cee-Lo, we believe it's a song that will be one of the hottest songs of the summer."

POSTAL III a Major Force at Moscow's KRI Conference and Gameland Awards

With Russia’s top game conference and its leading awards show scheduled to occur simultaneously in mid-April, Running With Scissors’ CEO Vince Desi and Marketing Moyel MikeJ wasted no time boarding a jet and getting drunk as they sped to one of gaming’s fastest-growing international hotspots.

“Russia is the new America, and Moscow is the new New York, I love coming here,” enthused Comrade Desi said upon arriving in the former Soviet Union. “The people here are fantastic and the Russian gamers are like groupies at a rock concert. Thank God I don’t look like Elton John.”

The KRI Conference, now in its sixth year, is the Russian equivalent of the GDC, complete with awards, deal signings and surprise announcements. The conference ran from April 18-20 at Moscow’s Kosmos Hotel, where POSTAL III (updated since GDC) was displayed running on the Xbox 360 and a special lecture centered on POSTAL III’s simultaneous development in America and Russia was a highlight of the event.

"There's so much unique about the POSTAL-series, we feel it is our duty to bring POSTAL III to the next level,” vowed producer Andrew Belkin of Akella-TrashMasters, which is co-developing the project with Running With Scissors. “Not an ocean, a continent, 11 time zones or language barriers can stop us from being truly united and dedicated to the big goal —making the best POSTAL game ever," Belkin promised.

Meanwhile, the 2008 Gameland Awards celebrated its fourth anniversary as the gold standard in Russian video and computer game awards at the Club Leningrad on April 19th. The awards honor both Russian and foreign game developers based on gamer polls.

The 2008 GLA's, which are broadcast on the MTV-Russia and Gameland TV, included Vince Desi presenting the nominees for Best Russian Game of the Year and Mike J announcing the Best Xbox 360 Game nominees.