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Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Team Fortress 2 Pyro Update Coming this Thursday 19 June


Valve has announced that the Pyro class update for its online multiplayer shooter Team Fortress 2 will be released this Thursday. 

To celebrate the update, the company is also doing a free TF2 Weekend, starting this Friday.

read more | digg story

AMD says new graphics chip makes games seem real


We've come a long way since Pong and Space Invaders. But video and computer games are still striving to be both interactive and realistic. Have you seen the "Saturday Night Live" skit of the interview with Grand Theft Auto IV's main characters, Niko and Vlad? Their arms move imprecisely, as if they're puppets underwater.

read more | digg story

"Are You Smarter Than A 10 Year Old?" Web video Game play online


Interactive software developer Bright AI today announced the creation of “Are You Smarter Than A 10 Year Old?” interactive PC web game accessible on the Sky One website. This comes just a few months after the successful deployment of the Sky web game, “Carol Vorderman’s Mind Aerobics”, also developed by Bright AI (www.sky.com/carol).

Designed to test your knowledge of various school subjects, including French, English, Maths, Science and History, ranging from the ages of 6 to 10 year olds, the game will give you the perfect opportunity to prove you are smarter than a ten year old! The interactive game is versatile enough to cater for a complete spectrum of players regardless of background, age or trivia game experience and is great to play with the family.

Using the internet as its medium, the “Are You Smarter Than A 10 Year Old?” PC game, launched in October on the Sky One website. It complements the start of Sky One’s brand new television show “Are You Smarter Than A 10 Year Old?” hosted by Noel Edmonds. The Web game recreates a faithful interpretation of the show where it is expected to have a far-reaching effect for many viewers requiring just an internet connection to have a go themselves.


The fun and addictive nature of the game is enhanced by the ability to record your score on the Leaderboard, allowing you to compare your performances with your friends. This has proved enormously popular; evident by almost 12,000 signed up users and 230,000 game plays in the 1st month alone. Bonus medals are awarded to top performers for an added incentive.

David Lane, Managing Director of Bright AI says,
“We are absolutely delighted at being involved with the “Are You Smarter?” game, the straight forward and fun nature of the game, coupled with the TV show appeal, encourages even the non-gamers among us to have a go, enjoy, learn and improve their score. The web game is ideal for all the family and friends, and is so accessible; anyone with a PC and internet can play and get started straight away.”
Rob Darvill, Games Development Manager at Sky, agrees “With versions for PC and Sky television, “Are You Smarter Than A 10 Year old?” offers a way for everyone to keep their mind stimulated and active. It also gives viewers of the show the chance to show off their knowledge and see how successful they are.”

“Are You Smarter Than A 10 Year Old?” is available on Sky One’s website from October 2007 Visit: www.skyoneonline.co.uk/areyousmarter/

About “Are You Smarter Than A 10 Year Old?”
PC/Online - simply go to www.skyoneonline.co.uk/areyousmarter/
Free to play, users must register their email address and name for the Leaderboard
“Are You Smarter Than A 10 Year Old?” is a registered trademark of BSkyB Ltd.

Space Station Sim Beta tested by NASA


Space Station Sim, a new simulation game for PC, will be released this month by Avanquest Software Publishing. The game provides an out of this world experience as players manage the creation of an international space station in true 3D construction. Space Station Sim was developed in conjunction with, and beta tested by NASA personnel, leading to the possibility of it being used for future mission planning.
Space Station Sim challenges players to embark on a new age for man amongst the stars as they build a home 240 miles high, while flying at 17,500 miles per hour. The game begins in the Mission Control Centre, where the player launches new modules and components, recruits crew members, organises supply missions and manages the project budget.

As the Chief Administrator of NASA, players are challenged to build their own space station utilising modules developed from actual NASA, ESA (European Space Agency), JAXA (Japanese Space Agency), CSA (Canadian Space Agency) and RSA (Russian Space Agency) designs.

To man the International Space Station (ISS), crew members must be recruited with certain skills, specialities and character traits by the player. During the game, these factors will have an impact; crew members with a poor work ethic may not complete repairs, while certain specialists will be required to fulfil specific tasks. Initially the crew will need to be guided, but as the game progresses, they will become more automated, allowing the player to concentrate on other objectives.
Back in the control centre, players must maintain good political relationships between the different represented countries. The budget rises and falls in relation to international goodwill, forcing players to manage the allocation of resources across research, funding and construction carefully to avoid compromising development of the ISS.
Fast facts - 
Publisher: Avanquest Software Publishing
Developer: Vision VideoGames / NASA / Japanese Space Administration
Distributor: Open
Release date: June 2008
PEGI: 12+ (TBC)
Format: PC
Genre: Simulation
SRP: £19.99

Dead Space on PlayStation 3 Xbox 360 and PC

Dead Space

Title: Dead Space
Formats: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC
Label: EA
Release date: 31/10/2008 (PS3, X360, PC)

EA Launches Players into a Chilling Universe of Sci-Fi Horror with dead Space

New Original Intellectual Property from EA Will Send Shivers up Gamers' Spines

Sci-fi horror genre. In the brilliant, bold and often-bloody Dead Space gamers will step into a third-person sci-fi survival horror experience that promises to deliver the ultimate in psychological thrills and gruesome action.

Set in the cold blackness of deep space, the atmosphere is soaked with a feeling of tension, dread and sheer terror. In Dead Space, players step into the role of engineer Isaac Clarke – an ordinary man on a seemingly routine mission to fix the communications systems aboard a deep space mining ship. It is not long before Isaac awakes to a living nightmare when he learns that the ship’s crew has been ravaged by a vicious alien infestation. He must fight through the dead silence and darkness of deep space to stay alive.


Executive Producer Glen Schofield commented, “This team has worked on some tremendous properties but we have always wanted to work on something that was darker and creepier. We are all such huge fans of the horror and sci-fi genres; we wanted to create the most terrifying game we could, and keep the player on the edge of his seat the entire time.”



Under development at EA Redwood Shores, Dead Space is expected to ship in Fall 2008 for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360 videogame and entertainment system.

UK Gamestation Stores in the Super Smash Bros. Brawl Showdown


Battle it out to prove you are the biggest and best brawler of them all at Gamestation Stores nationwide in the Super Smash Bros. Brawl Showdown

Pick your favourite character, choose your controller and get ready to jump into Nintendo’s biggest and baddest brawl ever! On 28th June, selected Gamestation stores nationwide will host the ‘Super Smash Bros. Brawl Showdown’. Be one of 64 players in each of our 20 chosen stores to battle it out not only to prove you are the biggest and best brawler of them all and be crowned a Super Smash champion, but to compete for the ultimate prize - a Samsung Home Entertainment Centre.

In order to be eligible to brawl, you’ll need to register online before the 21st June at www.gamestation.co.uk/supersmashshowdown - you’ll then be contacted by someone at Nintendo to confirm your entry into the tournament.



The tournament itself will see two draws of 32 players at each store battle it out in Super Smash Bros Brawl’s ‘Tourney’ mode where you’ll punch, kick and brawl your way, knock out style, through each round. The winners of each draw will play in a two player final for the grand prize. The winner from each store will win a fantastic top of the range Samsung Home Entertainment Centres, consisting of Samsung 40” Full-HD LCD TV and a Samsung Home Theatre System, including a DivX-compatible DVD player, subwoofer and 5 Dolby Digital stereo speakers. Runners up in each store will receive an iPod Nano.

Remember – you need to be over 12 years of age and register at www.gamestation.co.uk/supersmashshowdown to take part.

A full list of participating stores can be found below… Good Luck!



Participating Gamestation stores in the UK:

  • LEWISHAM 212 Lewisham High Street, Lewisham
  • HULL 59-60 Propect Centre, Hull
  • EDINBURGH 134A Princess Street, Edinburgh
  • BIRMINGHAM 138 New Street, Birmingham
  • SHROPSHIRE 40 Southwater Way, Telford shopping centre, Telford, Shropshire
  • BRACKNELL 40 High Street, Bracknell
  • ERDINGTON 90-92 High Street, Erdington
  • LEEDS 58 Crossgates Shopping centre
  • CAMBRIDGE 11 Fitzroy Street, Cambridge
  • MIDDLESBROUGH 108 Lindthorpe road, Middlesbrough
  • GATESHEAD Unit 112 Lower Blue Hall, Metro Centre, Gateshead
  • SHEFFIELD 37/39 The Moor, Sheffield
  • GLOUCESTER Unit 8B Market Way, Eastgate Shopping Centre, Gloucester
  • BURTON ON TRENT 6-8 Dame Paulet Walk, Burton on Trent
  • LIVERPOOL 72 Lord Street, Liverpool
  • BRIERLEY HILL Merry Hill Centre, Brierley Hill
  • DUNDEE 40 Murraygate, Dundee
  • GLASGOW 83 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow
  • CANTERBURY 33 St George Street, Canterbury
  • GWENT 46 Commercial Street, Newport, Gwent

Atari Bags Deer Hunter Tournament - The Best-Selling Hunting Game returns in the Fall 2008


Game Features Video Game Industry's First-Ever Online 
Multiplayer Hunting Tournament Gamplay

Renowned Franchise Makes Its Debut on Xbox 360 with Online Multiplayer on Xbox LIVE, in Addition to Windows-based PC Release

Deer Hunter - the biggest hunting game franchise of all time - takes dead aim at gamers once again as Atari, Inc. launches Deer Hunter Tournament for the Windows-based PC and, for the first time, the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft this fall. The evolution of virtual hunting has finally arrived as Deer Hunter Tournament gives players a chance to experience the most intense virtual hunting experience ever created. Deer Hunter Tournament is designed to create a massive network of Deer Hunter players by offering for the first time ever in hunting games organized, constantly updated online tournaments for both Xbox LIVE online entertainment network and through the Windows-based PC format. Deer Hunter Tournament will be available for a suggested retail price of $39.95 for Xbox 360 and $19.95 for PC.

Gamers and hunting fans alike will venture to most of the world's most prestigious hunting locations in pursuit of the most exotic and sought after big-game trophy animals. Virtual hunters can now enter different modes, such as stealth or adrenaline, or employ an array of master hunting strategies, including building stands and blinds, to track and shoot their targets. Deer Hunter Tournament provides numerous levels of gameplay, allowing hunters to embark on scouting missions designed to explore maps and equipment while studying animal habits. Hunters can also take part in hunting tutorials, compete in open hunting sessions and participate in either solo gameplay or the intense multi-player tournaments.



Employing some of the recent advancements in gaming technology, Deer Hunter Tournament features true-to-life animal behavior through advanced animal AI designed to mimic animal sight, hearing, sense of smell and behavioral patterns. Additional features include an arsenal of new weapons with bullet time slow motion replay and thermal scopes. Realistic effects in the game capture awe inspiring wildlife moments like hawks swooping down to snatch fish from lakes - but hunters must also be wary of bears, moose, mountain lions and other dangerous predators who will stalk and attack.
"Deer Hunter Tournament is poised to reinforce its place as the ultimate hunting video game franchise and we anticipate an even broader audience through our expansion of the brand to Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE," said Jim Wilson, CEO, Atari, Inc. "We are confident that this new edition with its first-ever online multiplayer tournament gameplay, enhanced artwork and mechanics, exotic game and locales will provide fans with the ultimate in realistic hunting experiences."

Everquest II with 'Gathering Tempest' game update


WHAT:
In “Gathering Tempest”, EverQuest II’s game update No46, players will experience an exciting live event, introduction of a new zone and a plethora of new content for both current and returning players of all levels.

The Void Storms Part 1: The Invasion
This live event runs through the middle of July, and gives players the opportunity to join in the investigation to explore the electrifying mysteries surrounding the wild energy storms appearing in Norrath. “The Void Storms Part 1: The Invasion” is one of the many scheduled live events and expansion pack themed content releasing this summer as part of the Living Legacy program. This live event is open to players of all levels and through their participation everyone can obtain a reward.

Heroic Runnyeye Zone Introduced
Players will be able to recapture the magic with a brand new experience in Heroic Runnyeye as it is introduced to the game with unique loot and exciting adventures. A worthy demonstration of the dedication and advancement of the EQII world.

Adventuring Updates
Adventuring in eighteen group instances such as Chelsith, Shard of Fear and Estate of Unrest will now yield status points when the bosses are killed!



For more details log onto www.eq2players.com

WHEN: Game Update No46 is live.

WHERE: www.everquest2.com
Art assets are available for download at www.soepress.com

Escape the Museum for Nintendo Wii

Escape the Museum for Wii. Based on the popular online hunt and find game from Gogii Games, Escape the Museum is being developed by Majesco Studios and will be available in retail outlets this holiday for only $19.99.
"Although an incredibly successful PC genre, the hunt and find adventure category has yet to be introduced on Wii," said Liz Buckley, Director of Marketing, Majesco. "Escape the Museum's online success coupled with category opportunity and an attractive price point make this an ideal title to bring to market."
In Escape the Museum, a devastating earthquake has rocked the foundations of the National Museum of History and players must help Susan Anderson, who was knocked unconscious by falling debris while searching the museum for survivors, escape from the crumbling building to the safety outside. Thwarted by doors blocked with rubble and tripped alarm systems, players wander through the museum's maze of 12 different hunt and find areas and 25 action-packed adventure scenes, using the Wii Remote to uncover hidden exits and save priceless archaeological artifacts. Along the way, players will solve puzzles, consult a map and access hints to help them inch closer to freedom and a joyful reunion with Susan's lost daughter, Caitlin.

Escape the Museum for Wii is expected to release this holiday for $19.99.

Overlord Raising Hell - Big Fights - video released


Zombies, giants and reapers line up for one hell of a beating as epic bosses and battles video opens at www.codemasters.com/overlordraisinghell

Brace yourself for epic battles and badass bosses as Codemasters today revealed the latest video for Overlord - Raising Hell, the extra evil special edition of Triumph Studios’ twisted fantasy blockbuster. The video, now available from www.codemasters.com/overlordraisinghell, takes gamers up-close-and-personal with the title’s unique selection of fearsome foes and abominable adversaries.

Prepare to make mincemeat of Melvin Underbelly, the morbidly obese glutton who, wielding a giant fork as a weapon, is unwisely swinging his weight around the Overlord’s kingdom. Give Goldo Golderson a hangover to remember in an alcohol-fuelled confrontation with the boozy dwarf who rides into battle astride a gargantuan steamroller. The chaos continues as a sultry succubus, scythe-swiping reapers, lurching-zombies and many more hysterical hostiles line up to take on the Overlord.
With some of the most fearsome and outrageous enemies in fantasy gaming queuing up to knock the Overlord from his throne, it’s fortunate that a loyal, lunatic minion army is ever-eager for action. This band of belligerent bruisers is always at the Overlord’s beck and call, ready and willing to hurl themselves into battle with kamikaze commitment.

Overlord Raising Hell is the Overlord’s definitive outing and launches this Friday, 20th June, across Europe for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system; the title is set to ship to U.S. retail on June 24th. Unleash you inner despot and ready the minions for battle with the new video and more available online available online at www.codemasters.com/overlordraisinghell.

Velvet Assassin - Fact Sheet - The weapons

Velvet Assassin

TITLE: Velvet Assassin
PLATFORM: Xbox 360 & PC
DEVELOPER: Replay Studios
GENRE: Stealth-Action
RELEASE DATE: Late 2008

Velvet Assassin is the sumptuous new stealth-action game set to deliver a breath of fresh air into the genre and up the stakes for World War II games. Inspired by the fascinating story and unbreakable spirit of British secret agent Violette Szabo, players take control of Violette Summer, a beautiful spy deep behind enemy lines with no support or official backing from the British Government. Intense stealth-action gameplay with a startling real-time lighting system and surreal visuals combine to produce an incredible gaming experience. Velvet Assassin is set to challenge gamers to win the war from the shadows come late 2008.



TOPLINE WEAPON OVERVIEW

Colt:
The Colt, or M1911, is a .45 calibre, single action, semi-automatic handgun, which was the standard-issue handgun in the combat arm of the United States Armed Forces from 1911 to 1985. The design is described as one of the most effective and reliable in the history of firearms, having a service life of over 70 years. A lot of the mechanisms used in the original Colt 45 are still used in standard issue handguns worldwide to date.


G-43 Rifle:
The Gewehr 43 is a semi-automatic German rifle used during WW2. It followed many earlier less successful designs but became popular due to its weight, reliability and its ability to be mass produced. It was given to German Army units that were in more advanced positions and was used as a Sniper Rifle due to its accuracy. It could not be fitted with a bayonet, so in close combat it was less successful.


Luger:
The Luger P. 08 is a 9mm recoil action, semi-automatic pistol, which was the standard-issue pistol for the German Armed forces from 1908 to 1938, although was still primarily used by Officers as their standard side-arm throughout WW2. It was a much coveted prize if it was found by the Allied Forces and was often traded between themselves for cigarettes and other rations.



Luger Carbine:
The Luger Carbine or ‘Zie Lange Pistole 08’ is a 9mm recoil action, long barrelled pistol which could be turned in to a rifle with a 32 round drum magazine (like the American Tommy guns made famous by Al Capone). This dual purpose weapon proved popular during ‘Blitz Krieg’ with the fast moving SS troops needing less weight to carry so having two guns in one was a great advantage.

MG-42:
The MG-42 (shortened from German: Maschinengewehr 42, or "Machine Gun 42") is a machine gun that was developed for, and entered service with, Nazi Germany in 1942, during World War II. The machine gun was a huge contributor to Allied casualties and the MG-42 was made infamous to its durability, reliability, simplicity to operate and the ease in which it could be moved and reloaded.


MP-40:
The MP40 (Maschinenpistole 40, literally "Machine Pistol 40") is a submachine gun developed in Germany and used extensively by paratroopers and platoon and squad leaders during World War II. The MP40 had a relatively low rate of fire and low recoil, which made it more manageable than other contemporary submachine guns. As it is a machine pistol the user had the ability to hold it in one hand and fire either while parachuting or in close combat so didn’t have to fully expose them and risk being shot.




Shotgun:
The Shotgun was manufactured by all sides during WW2, but was not frequently used in regular combat. It was used by the army to guard Prisoner of War camps, but proved very popular with the underground Militia forces throughout France and Belgium. It was an easy weapon to use accurately due to the ammunition spread, especially with little combat training like that of most Guerilla forces.

STG-44:
The StG44 (Sturmgewehr 44 or "Assault rifle model 1944") was an assault rifle developed in Nazi Germany during WW2 and was the first of its kind to see major deployment. It was named for propaganda reasons by Adolf Hitler himself and literally means ‘Storm Rifle’, intended to be used to storm Allied positions. It was first deployed on the Eastern Front against Russia and was very effective in long range confrontation with the enemy and more useful in close quarter combat as it had the capability to be fitted with a bayonet or provide cover fire to help the advancing troops.


Flamethrower:
The Flamethrower was a handheld or vehicle mounted weapon that consisted of three tanks, two filled with a flammable liquid and one with a pressurised gas (usually nitrogen) and a small reservoir where it’s then passed over an incendiary device before being pushed through the gun. A primitive form of the flamethrower was used by the Byzantine Empire in Greece around 673 A.D. It was fitted aboard ships and used to set other ships and rigging alight. During WW2 troops carrying Flamethrowers were to a distinct disadvantage as their movement was impaired due to the tank strapped to their back and were a target for enemy snipers. It is rumored that if these troops were captured they would be executed rather than taken prisoner due to the graphic nature of their victims’ death. It was a particularly dangerous job and was known to be given to troops caught breaking rules or disrespecting officers.

Grenade:
The word Grenade is derived from the French word for Pomegranate as it was a similar size and the shrapnel reminded troops of the seeds from the fruit. It was primarily used to attack enemy positions such as bunkers or pillboxes; it was also used as an anti-personnel weapon to move the enemy from their positions making it easier to confront them with regular weapons.

Velvet Assassin will be available across Europe from late 2008.

ChartTrack Weekly Games Charts

All formats

Week ending 14 June 2008

1 METAL GEAR SOLID 4: GUNS OF THE PATRIOTS KONAMI
2 LEGO INDIANA JONES: ORIGINAL ADVENTURES LUCASARTS
3 GRAND THEFT AUTO IV ROCKSTAR
4 MARIO & SONIC AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES SEGA
5 DR KAWASHIMA'S BRAIN TRAINING NINTENDO
6 RACE DRIVER: GRID CODEMASTERS
7 WII PLAY NINTENDO
8 SPORTS ISLAND HUDSON
9 SID MEIER'S CIVILIZATION REVOLUTION 2K GAMES
10 WII FIT NINTENDO
11 PRO EVOLUTION SOCCER 2008 KONAMI
12 FIFA 08 EA SPORTS
13 GUITAR HERO III: LEGENDS OF ROCK REDOCTANE
14 CALL OF DUTY 4: MODERN WARFARE ACTIVISION
15 NINJA GAIDEN II MICROSOFT
16 MARIO KART WII NINTENDO
17 CARNIVAL: FUNFAIR GAMES 2KPLAY
18 UEFA EURO 2008 AUSTRIA-SWITZERLAND EA SPORTS
19 GAME PARTY MIDWAY
20 DRAGON BALL Z: BURST LIMIT NAMCO BANDAI GAMES

TheSimsCarnival.com - Create-your-own-games portal enters open beta.


TheSimsCarnival.com is now in Open Beta and available online at http://www.TheSimsCarnival.com with added content, features and new game creation options. This games destination website has hundreds of games of all kinds and creators are adding more everyday. There is bound to be a game that you love -- and if not, you can make it! Since its inception in February, 2008, TheSimsCarnival.com has built an active online community where nearly 1 in 4 visitors during Closed Beta have created and published their own games. The tools provided at the site empower players to become game creators at any programming skill level, from novice to Flash developers.


Play
With hundreds of unique and cool games to play, there is a game for everybody -- you won’t find this selection of games anywhere else. Making games is so easy at TheSimsCarnival.com, so you will see new and unique games and experiences to enjoy everyday. Come and check them out!

Create

Three tools -- The Wizard, The Swapper and The Game Creator -- are your assistants in game design. The Wizard leads you through the process of creating a game step-by-step with intuitive and fun options designed to help you make the coolest game. The Swapper let’s you customize existing games – or newly made games from The Wizard - with your own selection of images, so personalizing a game is at your fingertips. With The Game Creator, and it’s easy to use library of images, animations and sounds, everyone can create cool games.

You can also upload games created in Adobe® Flash® that can be viewed, played and shared with TheSimsCarnival.com community. Flash developers interested in uploading their games to the site should go to http://wwww.TheSimsCarnival.com/portal/upload/flashgame and follow the instructions to get your game up. Flash developers will be able to retain branding and links back to their developer site, providing another way to get exposure and traffic for their games. Those interested in learning more about our programs specifically targeted for Flash developers should send an email to SimLeaderAlpha@ea.com.



Share
At TheSimsCarnival.com, create playlists of your favorite games so you can stitch together all your favorite games into one experience, send a game by email or embed a game on social networking sites or on your personal blog. Games are now truly a social experience and one that can be shared and enjoyed by others.

Visit TheSimsCarnival.com today to play, create and share games of all kinds!

Microsoft brings the Rock Band experience to Facebook


myRockBand launch adds weight to campaign highlighting the exclusivity of the videogame Rock Band this summer on Xbox 360

Microsoft launches a new Facebook application – myRockBand - to support the ‘Xbox 360 presents Rock Band Live’ campaign. The summer long series of promotional events in the U.K., France and Germany celebrates the exclusive availability of the videogame Rock Band on the Xbox 360 console.

The myRockBand application, developed by digitaloutlook, mirrors those aspects of the videogame that make Rock Band such fun. Rock Band on Xbox 360 brings friends and family together and challenges players to tour for fame and fortune by mastering lead guitar, bass, drums and vocals. On downloading the application, Facebook members create their ultimate band choosing the name, their position and, from the friends list, band mates. Their friends can interact with the application and, just like a bonafide band, fans can action ‘scream “you rock”’, ‘fling your knickers’, ‘show them rock horns’ and ‘crowd surf.‘ The critics amongst them can ‘boo the band’ or ‘put your fingers in your ears.’
Wannabe band members can also audition to join the band, challenging any band member for their position. This action launches a flash game that sets off a sequence of notes that have to be memorised and replicated by the player. If their score is higher than the original band member they will assume pride of place in the band. Every action is reported in the newsfeed of the community’s home page.


“Want to immortalise your rocker moment? Then join myRockBand on Facebook to share in our real-world Xbox 360 Presents Rock Band Live events and loads of music stuff! It’s your Rock Band destination to share, explore and invite your girlfriend or mates – it’s just like the videogame but even better,” explains Stephen McGill, Head of Gaming & Entertainment, Entertainment & Devices Division, UK.
Xbox 360 Presents Rock Band events will be held in a number of different locations in the UK, France and Germany. Fans will have the opportunity to perform songs from a variety of artists including David Bowie, The Clash, Jet, Garbage and Radiohead. Performances will be filmed with the best being loaded onto Xbox.com/rockband. Winners will be chosen by MTV and celebrity judges Maximo Park and will be treated to a week-long VIP trip to Ibiza.


Direct link to application: http://apps.facebook.com/rockbanduk/

Video games raise student math scores

Based on research conducted by the University of Central Florida (UCF), immersive educational video games can improve students' math skills and comprehension and raise scores on district-wide benchmark exams.

read more | digg story

Premiere of the worldwide reveal trailer for Call of Duty - World at War


Watch the premiere of the worldwide reveal trailer for Call of Duty - World at War only on Xbox LIVE Marketplace June 21 - June 22.
“The next Call of Duty revealed! Watch the premiere of the worldwide reveal trailer for Call of Duty - World at War only on Xbox LIVE Marketplace June 21-June 22.
Call of Duty - World at War redefines WWII, challenging players to survive the most harrowing and climactic battles of the Pacific and European theatres.”

All Girl Arcade to Reinvent Gaming for Girls


New gaming network and upcoming MMOG hopes to be a much-needed haven for female gamers

At last, young females have a dedicated gaming site to call their own. With the goal of changing the face of online entertainment for girls, Fuel Industries has developed a revolutionary gaming portal which will empower young girls to create a stronger presence for themselves in videogame culture. Dubbed AllGirlArcade.com, the site includes a host of features, including a collection of casual games, user memberships, a point and rewards system, console and handheld reviews, an online mall, and the ability to play cooperatively with other girls. An MMOG is to be released in the fall of this year. The site will also feature articles and interviews with females in the game development industry, to help create awareness and inspire young girls who may have an interest in pursuing a career in the gaming business.



Based around the intergalactic antics of three outgoing videogame champions, The All Girl Star Squad, the site invites visitors into a world filled with hilarious and unique characters. The story revolves around Mika, Jessie, and Yuki, Earth gaming celebrities, caught up in an intergalactic struggle between a group of wacky aliens and a Fire queen best on universal rule. Playing out over a series of animated webisodes, the story is the inspiration for the first series of web games available on the portal. The MMOG will be built around the universe and will feature characters and locations from the story. Third party games will also be hosted on the site in order to create a truly exceptional gaming experience for young females.



With its trophy and gem systems, AllGirlArcade.com promotes healthy competition in a safe environment online where parents are able to monitor their children’s activities and interactions. Aiming to expand the All Girl Start Squad into a 360 degree entertainment property, including television, movie and toy branches, Fuel Industries has placed some of the most impressive talent in the industry on creating a unique portal that will excite young visitors, and prove that it’s time for the boys to move over, because this Arcade is Girls Only.

Key Facts

• All Girl Arcade is a created specifically with females between 8 and 10 in mind.

• The portal features empowered female heroines who will be the focal points in the intergalactic adventures in cross-media environments, including an online MMOG in the fall.


• Site includes online games, cross-platform game reviews, user accounts, and gems which users can spend on additional content and merchandise.

• All Girl Arcade brings a powerful new female presence to the online gaming world. Female characters are strong, independent and positive role models for young girls.

• Fuel Industries intends to expand the characters from All Girl Arcade into a cross-media venture, involving movies, merchandise and television, beginning with webisodes featured on the site—a true 360 degree entertainment property.

Spore Creature Creator now available worldwide


Spore Creature Creator Kicks off the Countdown to the Release of Spore this September

Prepare to test the limits of your imagination. Maxis, an Electronic Arts studio, today released the Spore Creature Creator, an introduction to the highly-anticipated and groundbreaking video game, Spore which will be on sale in the UK on September 5.

Available today for both PC and Mac, the Spore Creature Creator is a stand-alone product and creativity toy box where players create their own unique creatures, bring them to life with entertaining animations, and share them online with friends around the world. A free trial version of the Spore Creature Creator is available today at www.spore.com, while the full version of the Spore Creature Creator will soon be available in the UK as a pre-order incentive from EA Store and select retailers. The trial version features 25% of the creature-making parts from Spore and lets players shape, paint and play with their custom-created creatures. Creatures made in the Spore Creature Creator can also be imported into the full Spore game, allowing players to populate their own galaxies when the game ships worldwide later this year.

The Spore Creature Creator lets players create their own creatures, take them on a test drive, snap pictures, and make movies of them. Sharing pictures or videos with friends is as easy as the click of a button. Players can also share their creations with others by uploading to the Sporepedia™ at www.spore.com. The Sporepedia is an extraordinarily vast online destination where people worldwide can search for and share Spore creations, comment on other player’s designs, check out celebrity creature creations and much more.


“Today is the day we begin to see Spore come to life,” said executive producer and general manager of Maxis, Lucy Bradshaw. “We’re excited to see what players will do with the powerful and intuitive creativity tools we’ve put into the Spore Creature Creator. Our team will be excitedly keeping an eye on the Sporepedia to check out creations made by players from around the world.”

The ability to upload players’ creations to YouTube has also been integrated into the Spore Creature Creator. Players can import and upload video of their creatures' moves directly to YouTube with only two clicks within the game. Spore will have its own YouTube Channel where all videos of users' creations uploaded from the game will be showcased for the YouTube community to watch, share, rate and comment on. Check it out at http://youtube.com/spore.



Spore, the highly-anticipated game from the creators of The Sims, gives players their own personal universe in a box. Create and evolve life, establish tribes, build civilizations, sculpt entire worlds and explore a universe filled with creations made by other gamers. Spore gives players a wealth of creative tools to customize nearly every aspect of their universe: creatures, vehicles, buildings, and even UFOs.

Spore will be on sale for the PC, Mac, Nintendo DS and mobile phones on September 5, 2008 in Europe and September 7, 2008 in North America and Asia. Visit www.spore.com to download a free version of the Spore Creature Creator, sign up for the Spore newsletter or check out all-new screenshots and videos from the game.

Elements of Destruction and Sea Life Safari on Xbox LIVE


Command the forces of nature in “Elements of Destruction” and dive into a family-friendly underwater adventure with “Sea Life Safari,” both launching on Xbox LIVE Arcade this Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. GMT (1:00 a.m. PDT).

Assume the role of the master of disaster! Use tornadoes, lightning, earthquakes and many other forces of nature to do your bidding in “Elements of Destruction.” Fired from your job as a top research scientist, you have built a machine that allows you to control nature and exact revenge on the corporation that fired you. Your quest for revenge takes you to locations across the globe where you must use the forces of nature in challenging ways. Shake down buildings with earthquakes, suck-up and throw objects with tornadoes, and strike down aircraft with lightning to cause mayhem in cities and towns across the earth.

Developed by Frozen Codebase, “Elements of Destruction” will be available worldwide (with the exception of Japan) for 800 Microsoft Points and is rated T for Teen by the ESRB.

Assume the role of an underwater photographer that is tasked with capturing the incredible beauty of wild sea creatures in “Sea Life Safari.” This family-friendly game features 60 animated marine life, five uniquely beautiful destinations and an easy-to-understand tutorial. Explore the tropical Coral Reef or swim towards the Ship Graveyard, capturing stunning pictures to fill up your personal scrapbooks. The underwater setting of “Sea Life Safari” also features secret routes, hidden items and special appearances by rare nighttime creatures to keep gamers coming back for more.

Angels Online - Angel Baby System Details Introduction


With IGG and the Angels Online team having released the Eden Expansion, more and more players have joined this game. However some newbie players have been wondering if they can catch up with the experienced veteran players after joining this game.

To help the newbie players level up quickly and easily, the Angels Online team has released “Angel Baby” (software) which will help players level up with ease.
For more information please visit: http://ao.igg.com/news/news.php?aid=1071

Meanwhile, to celebrate IGG Inc’s 2nd Anniversary in June, AO Item Mall will be releasing a series of New Paper Moppets. Those players who like dressing up shouldn’t miss this opportunity.
For more info visit: http://ao.igg.com/news/news.php?aid=1068

Pirates of the Burning Sea - the Official eGuide


Featuring new & updated material with a new exclusive in-game item!

Pirates of the Burning Sea Revised Edition: Prima Official eGuide (PotBS), the highly anticipated, revised companion to the game’s 1.4 patch. This revised and expanded title from Prima Games is available in digital eGuide format only, including a new exclusive code for an in-game shoulder lizard. The guide is now available online for a suggested retail price of $19.99 or may be downloaded at www.primagames.com.
“We are very excited to be able to offer a newly updated and revised guide digitally for this well-loved MMORPG,” says Debra Kempker, president of Prima Games. “Continuing in a new tradition of in-game items, we were able to once again offer exclusive content—something we hope to keep doing in the future.”



In the re-creation of the guide, Prima continued to use its previous author team along with the Syndicate, the world’s largest online gaming guild. The Syndicate team spent hundreds of hours playing the game and testing strategies alongside the game dev team in the first installment of the guide. For the revised edition, the team was kept in the game, playing along side other players, team members, and staff to expand on past strategies and cultivate new, long-term tactics.
“Our friends at Prima have created a must-have guide for every Pirates of the Burning Sea fan,” said Troy Hewitt, Director, Community Relations at Flying Lab Software. “Filled with the latest in piratical play-tips, this official guide is a tremendous resource for even the most sea-worthy captain of the Burning Sea! Let’s not forget that exclusive shoulder lizard—Yar!”
The guide contains an updated breakdown of every ship (new and past) and its stats, as well as an in-depth career guide to help players at every level on both land and sea. The guide also takes an exhaustive look at the newest class: Buccaneer. There are fully updated tables of every new skill as well.

EA Sports Fantasy Football is the Complete Fantasy Football Experience for Madden NFL 09


Fantasy Football will be launching a new website, fantasy.EASPORTS.com and will have fantasy football applications specific to the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system later this summer. The web-based service of EA SPORTS Fantasy Football is free, while members of Xbox LIVE or PLAYSTATION 3 Network will have the opportunity to download the innovative fantasy football applications for a fee. In addition, for the first time ever, gamers will have the ability to play their fantasy football squad in Madden NFL 09. EA Experts, a team of internal fantasy football gurus, returns and serves as a go-to source for all fantasy football information.
“EA SPORTS Fantasy Football this year takes fantasy football leagues to the next level,” said EA SPORTS Fantasy Football Executive Producer Jeremy Strauser. “Through our draft day and live scoring applications we have made fantasy football a truly interactive and innovative experience. In addition, we have created integration between our EA SPORTS Fantasy Football product and Madden NFL 09 which gives the football gamer the complete football gaming experience.”
Exclusive to EA SPORTS Fantasy Football customers, gamers will have the ability to download the EA SPORTS Fantasy Football Live Draft Tracker application and experience a fantasy draft that includes all of the fanfare and presentation of an authentic professional football draft on their Xbox 360 or PLAYSTATION 3. The days of paper draft boards are over and gamers can view video clips and hear the EA Experts team provide commentary on top players. Moreover, gamers will be able to track their EA SPORTS Fantasy Football teams and leagues through the EA SPORTS Fantasy Football Live Score Tracker application, which is also available via download from Xbox LIVE or PLAYSTATION 3 Network. The fantasy scores can be viewed in two ways: full screen mode with complete rosters and details or picture-in-picture mode which allows gamers to keep an eye on scoring updates while watching live football action.



If you’ve ever wanted to test your fantasy team against others in the Madden NFL franchise, EA SPORTS Fantasy Football now gives you the opportunity. Through the website, players designate which fantasy team will be imported into Madden NFL 09. This fantasy team is a fully-functional created team and can be played in all areas available to created teams, including online head-to-head games, providing the ultimate football gaming experience.

Block Breaker Deluxe joins Nintendo WiiWare

Best selling brick-breaking game, Block Breaker Deluxe for WiiWare, Nintendo’s new downloadable games service for Wii. Block Breaker Deluxe is available now for 800 Wii Points.

Block Breaker Deluxe is vastly enhanced and redone for WiiWare. This title is created to complement the Wii Remote, a motion sensing controller which allows the player to interact with the screen.

Block Breaker Deluxe is the best selling brick-breaking game, over 8 million copies sold, that has been vastly enhanced and improved for WiiWare. The longest, most feature-rich brick-breaker game created, the game is easy to navigate by moving the Wii Remote left and right to shift the pad and connect with the ball.

Game Features:

  • 50 levels, 8 locations and 3 game modes, allow for hours of endless play solo or with a group
  • Arena Mode- two players face off and attempt to destroy the most bricks. 2 pads appear on the screen with each person getting their own pad and ball.
  • Mini-games –mimicking a casino atmosphere, players have a chance to win extra cash by scoring in slots, poker and other Vegas style casino games.

Beijing 2008 - The Official Video Game of the Olympic Games Track and Field Events


The Official Video Game of the Olympic Games: Track and Field events.

Appearing on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and PC, Beijing 2008 delivers a host of Track and Field events.

Of the six Track events, the 100m is the blue-riband event of the Olympic Games and is watched by millions of people worldwide. A new analogue starting block mechanic has been added to the gameplay using the trigger buttons on the controller. After launching out of the starting blocks, players will have the choice to either waggle the thumb stick from left to right, or press the A button and B button alternately to gain speed. Other track events are the 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m and the 110m Hurdles for Men and 100m Hurdles for Women.



There are eight Field events in Beijing 2008 and new to this iteration is the Hammer Throw which is played with both analogue sticks to build up power, whilst using one of the triggers to throw the Hammer. Other Field events are the High Jump, Pole Vault, Long Jump, Shot Put, Triple Jump, Discus Throw, and the Javelin Throw. All of these events have different gameplay mechanics and are playable with both male and female athletes.

Beijing 2008 is slated for a global release on June 27th 2008 for the Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and PC.



More from www.olympicvideogames.com.