5 Rare & Expensive Nintendo DS Games

The Nintendo DS has been available for less than 3 years, but there are already five rarities that collector's clamoring for.

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Ankh - Curse of the Scarab King on Nintendo DS

Ankh: Curse of the Scarab King on Nintendo DS. Following the success of the popular PC versions, this fun and colourful adventure will be available to play on DS in September 2008. Travel through ancient Egypt as young Assil, a bold young adventurer trying to save himself from a Mummy’s deadly curse.

Ever the party animal, Assil’s wild ways lead him to break into a pyramid to enjoy an all night party with his friends. However, on disturbing a peaceful, sleeping Mummy he was immediately punished with a lethal curse. Enjoy classic gameplay using the stylus to help Assil discover the remedy and break the curse within 24 hours to avoid his fate.

Feel the sand beneath your feet and the hot sun blazing down from above as your adventures begin in the mysterious land of ancient Egypt. Become immersed in the beautiful and vibrant Egyptian locations, travelling through bustling dusty cities, exotic bazaars and tropical dense undergrowth.

Ankh: Curse of the Scarab King features many colourful and humorous characters, including the lovable delinquent Assil; the Pharaoh, who would rather party than govern; his beautiful daughter Thara; the gossip loving Mummy, George; and Thor, the practical joker. Not all the characters are good natured though; beware of Seth, who enjoys a good ruckus, and Osiris, God of the Underworld.

Providing fun and excitement for players of all ages, Ankh: Curse of the Scarab King features many engaging puzzles that must be solved in order to progress. Enjoy and experience the vivid and enchanting surroundings on your adventure, but don’t forget the task in hand, Assil’s life must be saved before his time is up!

Fast facts:

Publisher: XIDER Games
Web: www.XIDER-games.com / www.Ankh-game.com
Release date: September 2008
Price: TBC
PEGI: 3+
Format: Nintendo DS
Genre: Adventure RPG

Silverfall Earth Awakening new fantasy RPG on PC

Fantasy RPG Silverfall Earth Awakening Coming Soon

Silverfall Earth Awakening is the new fantasy RPG for PC from Monte Cristo Games. A stand alone extension for Silverfall, this exciting action game launches in August 2008, taking place in a mysterious fantasy world. Whilst travelling across the unknown territories of Nelwë, players will need to battle with an impressive array of formidable creatures in order to save the realm.

Players can choose to play as one of six races - Humans, Elves, Goblins, Trolls and two new tribes, the stocky Dwarves and treacherous Lizardmen. Each race has skills specific only to them. Elves are skilled archers, Trolls have great strength and Goblins are dexterous and intelligent.

There are over 150 skills and magic spells to be mastered including 8 ‘Ultimate’ skills and 12 unique ‘High Level’ skills used to cause devastating effects. Players can also use object crafting skills to create armour, weapons and enchantments. A special crafting tool creates thousands of items by combining shapes, textures, colours and types of magic. Players can completely customise their equipment, design weapons for other players and exchange certain items when in multiplayer mode.


Fans of the original Silverfall game can import their character into Earth Awakening, making the most of any previous skills and equipment they have gained. Alternatively, newcomers can start the adventure from the beginning with a new character.

Silverfall Earth Awakening allows up to eight players to play together in the cooperative multiplayer mode or to battle against each other in the Player vs. Player (PVP) multiplayer mode via LAN or via the Internet.


Fast facts:

Developer and Publisher: Monte Cristo
Distributor: Ascaron Entertainment
Web: www.Ascaron.com
Release date: 15th August 2008
PEGI: 16+
Format: PC
Genre: Hack’n’Slash

About Monte Cristo

Created in 1995 Monte Cristo is a leading game production company with over a decade of experience, having successfully published 30 games worldwide. Backed by leading international venture capitalists, we are currently focusing a team of over 80 people on the development of CITIES XL which merges video gaming with social networking and virtual worlds.

East India Company Real-time Strategy War Game delayed

East India Company will be releasing in Q1 2009. Originally scheduled for release in Q4 2008, both parties have decided to extend the release date in the best interest of fans and the game. This dynamic real-time strategy war game for Windows PC is based on the exploits and adventures of the infamous 18th century East India Companies. It challenges players to build the World's most powerful trading empire as they engage in fierce open sea battles in both single player and multiplayer modes.

"The development team at Nitro Games is very passionate about this project. They are dedicated to delivering the best gaming experience possible for strategy fans," said Raymond Snippe, Senior Development Manager of Lighthouse Interactive. "Once gamers get their hands on EIC I'm sure they'll agree it was worth the wait."

East India Company promises to take Real-time Strategy War games to new levels with its technically advanced proprietary game engine and breathtaking cinematic game environment. Players will have the opportunity to fight, manage and rule one of eight nations spanning Europe to the Far East.

6 never-before-seen print quality screenshots accompany this press release. To download the screenshots, visit www.lighthouse-interactive.com.

For more information on East India Company, bookmark the official website at www.eic-game.com and also visit www.lighthouse-interactive.com to keep up with the latest breaking news.

GAME SUMMARY

In East India Company, players will assume the role of Governor Director of one of the East India Companies or other rival companies. There are eight nationalities to choose from: British, Dutch, French, Danish, Portuguese, Swedish, Italian or Spanish – with the goal of bringing new colonies and wealth such as: tea, spices, gold, diamonds and other precious cargo back to Europe, but they must dominate the other rival empires along the way. Wars will be waged and blood will be spilled. Players will also conquer the open sea and explore 40 different cities, towns and villages.


Starting modestly, you will build your fleet, establish connections to far away countries, and keep the rivaling nations at bay. Choose from an array of ship classes and types of transport and military vessels: small sloops, schooners, brigantines, frigates and ship-of-the-line. Create different fleets and assign them to specific trading routes. Controlling well situated ports and upgrading them is one key to success.

Conflicts and wars are inevitable. When hostile fleets engage each other, the spectacular naval battles are fought at a real-time tactical level. Devastating broadsides are fired with a deafening roar and cannon balls tear through enemy ships and their crew. At a tactical level, you have direct command over your ship and give independent orders to each of your other fleets. Fight against the other European powers to create a trading empire that will rule above all others!

FEATURES

Fight!

• Declare war on rival empires fought at a real-time tactical level
• Command ships and fleets independently
• Wage war on the vast open sea
• Sink your rivals' ship or board them to take control in bloody hand-to-hand combat

Manage!

• Hire and manage your own crew
• Buy guns and ammo
• Repair and upgrade your ships at port
• Buy and sell goods
• Establish profitable trading routes
• Open diplomatic relations or declare war
• Negotiate tense political situations

Rule!

• Lead the most powerful company in history
• Take over colonies and expand your empire
• Build a powerful fleet to rule the seas
• Conquer strategic ports
• Accomplish tasks ordered by your company or the Crown

Multiplayer (Internet or LAN) Features

• Supports up to 8 simultaneous players
• Player statistics tracked on the EIC game server
• Raise your ranking by thwarting your opponents
• Head-to-head missions are a true test of strategic skill

NavyField Europe, Submarine detail release and New Server Events

Submarines - a new sailor tree and new submarine tree will be created and 16 submarines have been preparing for now.

Submarines are a bit slower than other normal ships and the torpedo of submarine has a shorter range and more damage.

Small ships like destroyers and light cruisers can detect submarines. They will have a new role in battle and of course submarines can detect other submarines.

eFusion expect that big battleships need to corporate more with small ships and team-work will be even more important.


Submarines can use guns and torpedoes on the sea but it can only use torpedoes while being submerged.

The Submarine patch date is planned in September and eFusion expect many players will enjoy this addition.


New “Hood” Server launching date will be 24th of July and many events are prepared. 3 months Ranking Event, 50 Level Challenging Event, Nomination Event and Bonus Item for First buying Users Event will be started on launching day.

Event participants have a chance to win Model-ship, NF Crystals, NF T-Shirts, NF Posters and Premium Items.

July patch has been implemented as planned on 17th of this month and host wakeup function, macro-blocking, CV EXP boost and gun power boost added.

New Billing Method "PaySafeCard" will be added in this month, so gamers will have diversity of methods.

GNGWC European Preliminary League applying is finished and the battle will be started from 26th of July.

World of Kung Fu - Free-to-play Martial Arts Online Game

Wallpaper from site below

The Free-to-Play Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game (MMORPG) from VestGame Entertainment opens up new cities to explore, with new quests, monsters, and numerous improvements to gameplay. New version represents the final test of the Open Beta prior to its official release.

Starting today, World of Kung Fu players will be able to explore a dramatically enhanced and expanded virtual world. The popular 3D martial arts game is based on the arts and mythology of ancient China. The new version is the last in a series of upgrades leading to the official launch of the game on August 1st. A new server has been added to handle the increase in traffic.

The most noticeable new feature is the addition of 8 new maps including the new country of Qinchuan, its capital city Jingchuan, a huge, accurate replica of the Forbidden City (populated by dragons), a Dragon Maze, a large Hot Spring area, Qigong Temple, and more. The new maps expand the game’s playable area by about 25%.

Many quests have been added, as well as a new treasure hunting system. The new “Divine” weapons class has been activated. Ferocious enemies like the Tang Serpent and the Mojia Warriors will make their appearance. In addition, the level cap has been raised to allow players to achieve level 80.

“The new features and additions to gameplay as well as numerous ‘under the hood’ technical enhancements really add polish to World of Kung Fu, and that is being reflected in the numbers of new registered users we see signing up every day”, says David Clarke, the game’s Producer.

A great deal of play balancing combined with technical enhancements such as improved integration with Windows Vista and other versions of the Windows operating system will make it easier for new players to get involved with the game. The addition of a new server will also make the game more accessible to many people.

More detailed information about the many new features mentioned above can be found on the official World of Kung Fu website: http://www.worldofkungfu.com

YouTube videos here

Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness coming to PlayStation 3 and PS Network

Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, Episode One is currently in development for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and will debut on PLAYSTATION Network late fall 2008.

Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness is an RPG-Adventure game series set in the comic-book-meets-pulp-horror-meets-H.P. Lovecraft deranged 1920s universe of New Arcadia, delivered to gamers via accessible episodic releases. Players join Gabe and Tycho, the crime-solving team of the Startling Developments Detective Agency, to combat savage enemies and solve mysteries hidden deep in the sinister heart of New Arcadia. The game is the result of close collaboration between Hothead Games and Penny Arcade, featuring distinct artwork and characters designed exclusively by Mike "Gabe" Krahulik, story and dialogue by Jerry "Tycho" Holkins, and all brought to life by the Hothead team.

"We keep getting emails asking why our Penny Arcade game is not on PSN," said Hothead's CEO, Vlad Ceraldi. "We have always said we wanted to have our games on as many platforms as possible to give choice to gamers. All good things take time and we are very excited to be debuting our first PS3 title and look forward to bringing more games to this platform in the future."

Sam & Max Season Two Collector's DVD

Special package featuring five complete games, hours of video bonuses, and original cover art by Sam & Max creator Steve Purcell available for order now at www.telltalegames.com

Collector's DVD for the acclaimed game series Sam & Max Season Two is available for ordering today. Telltale has given the second season of "gaming's first sitcom" the premium boxed-set treatment that has become common for television favorites, with behind-the-scenes extras and loads of special features. Telltale is also introducing new merchandise today to celebrate the release, including a signed commemorative print, a 2-CD Season Two soundtrack, and several special bundle offers.

Sam & Max Season Two has garnered critical acclaim from numerous sources, including two Editor's Choice awards from PC Gamer and positive reviews from mainstream press ranging from the New York Times to Playboy. The series is based on comic book characters created by Eisner award-winning cartoonist Steve Purcell, who has been publishing stories starring the offbeat dog and "rabbity-thing" crime-fighting duo for over twenty years. Purcell contributed an original painting inspired by the games' events to serve as the cover for this unique DVD release.

In addition to all five games from the award-winning episodic series, which play on a PC with a DVD-ROM drive, the Season Two Collector's DVD contains hours of region-free video viewable on a PC or in any standard DVD player. Special features on the disc include game footage reels with audio commentary from the development team, the 20-minute holiday video feature "Sam & Max Nearly Save Christmas," outtakes and promotional trailers, concept art, desktop wallpapers, and an MP3 soundtrack sampler. Samples of the video content can be viewed at http://www.telltalegames.com/samandmax.

Customers who already bought the downloadable Sam & Max Season Two set from Telltale can get the Collector's DVD for just the cost of shipping and handling. For new customers, the Season Two Collector's DVD sells for $34.95 and comes with free downloadable copies of the games. The DVD is expected to start shipping in August. More details are available here: http://www.telltalegames.com/store/samandmax-season2-disc


To celebrate the arrival of the Season Two DVD, Telltale's store has been stocked with new Sam & Max merchandise and great value bundles. The following new items are now available for preorder:

• The complete Sam & Max Season Two soundtrack, a 2-CD set featuring nearly three hours of jazz music from the games and another Steve Purcell original on the cover, retailing for $19.99
• A limited edition case file stuffed with "evidence" from each Season Two episode, priced at $5.99
• A poster print based on the Season Two DVD cover art, available unsigned for $14.99 or signed for $19.99
  

10 Undergarments Worn by Women in Video Games

Crazy things happen all the time in video games. People get shot, die, then come back to life. Plumbers traverse magical pipes and fight grumpy mushrooms. Monkeys voluntarily enter giant plastic balls and roll around collecting bananas...

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Microsoft Drops Player Fees On Games For Windows Live

Games For Windows Live is "now offering completely free online multiplayer" service, Microsoft said in a statement posted on the service's Web site. The company previously charged a monthly fee of $7.99. However, the emergence of several free online gaming services may have prompted Microsoft to drop the monthly charge.

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MidEast Crisis 2 - Blackhawk video game mod

The total conversion for CnC3 MIDEAST CRISIS 2 marches onward to its now confirmed August 2008 release date in style with the new transport unit known as the Blackhawk. The Blackhawk carries infantry across the map in style.

Also, if you've ever wondered how some of this mod's unique features pan out in the field, wonder no more! The lead dev explained how to survive as GOI against a Merkava attack in a recent forum post and screenshot 

"See a large force of Merkava's approaching your base? Your MiGs are busy reloading. What do you do?


It's simple. Hit the 'Mr.Stop' and 'Production Boost' powers, halting the enemy units and drastically increasing your production speed and letting you crank out T-90's with ease. Something to note: when your production is increased, the smoke stacks of your factories spew fire (you can see it on the production building in the screens)."

Inkheart movie becomes Nintendo DS video game

Inkheart video game coming to Nintendo DS. Based on the Hollywood movie starring Brandon Fraser, the game will release in conjunction with the movie during the fourth quarter of 2008.

Inkheart is the first installment in the Inkheart trilogy, written by Cornelia Funke and successfully published in 23 languages. In addition to the novels, audio books and tabletop games based on the franchise are sold.



JoWooD Productions and Tivola Publishing are working together in creating an extensive PR & marketing campaign, targeting both gamers and the movie audience. In cooperation with film distributors throughout the territories, sales figures and sell-through ratio will be optimized. A special bu ndle offer for the DVD release is being prepared together by Tivola and JoWooD.

Release: Q4 2008
Plattform: Nintendo DS

WATCHMEN - episodic download movie based game

WATCHMEN, an episodic downloadable game based on the upcoming Warner Bros. Pictures’ film for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC in 2009.

The game captures the action and intrigue of the Watchmen feature film, directed by Zack Snyder, who previously helmed the blockbuster 300. The screenplay for Watchmen is by David Hayter and Alex Tse, based on the award-winning graphic novel illustrated by Dave Gibbons and published by DC Comics. The film is produced by Lawrence Gordon (Die Hard), Lloyd Levin (United 93) and Deborah Snyder (300), with Herbert W. Gains (The Brave One) and Thomas Tull (The Dark Knight) serving as executive producers. Watchmen is a presentation of Warner Bros. Pictures and Paramount Pictures in association with Legendary Pictures.

A complex, multi-layered mystery adventure, Watchmen will take us to the brink of destruction. In alternate 1985 America – in which costumed superheroes are not only real but have ultimately been outlawed – one former hero goes looking for the truth behind the murder of one of his own, but uncovers a devastating conspiracy to drag the world implacably closer to its own end.

Playing the film’s core group of “masks,” the masked adventurers at the center of the story, are Malin Akerman (The Heartbreak Kid), Billy Crudup (The Good Shepherd), Matthew Goode (Match Point), Carla Gugino (Night at the Museum), Oscar nominee Jackie Earle Haley (Little Children), Stephen McHattie (Shoot ‘em Up), Jeffrey Dean Morgan (TV’s Grey’s Anatomy), and Patrick Wilson (Little Children).

“We’re bringing the Watchmen universe to gamers in a distinct episodic game revealing action and combat for a great overall experience for fans,” said Samantha Ryan, Senior Vice President, Production and Development, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “The filmmakers have been extremely helpful in developing the high-quality game story and we are working to match the outstanding visual style of the film.”

The videogame based on WATCHMEN will go beyond the film and delve into the characters, rivalries and challenges in a mature action-brawler. The game provides gamers with visceral superhero combat as urban vigilantes Rorschach and Nite Owl.

Jimi Hendrix video game debut on Guitar Hero - World Tour

Video Game to Feature Music and Likeness of One of Rock's Most Influential Guitar Legends

The iconic legacy of late singer/guitarist Jimi Hendrix continues in the upcoming Guitar Hero World Tour video game from Activision. One of the most creative and influential musicians of the 20th century, Hendrix will be featured in the game as a playable character, along with two of his most recognisable master tracks, “Purple Haze (Live)” recorded in 1969 at the San Diego Sports Arena and “The Wind Cries Mary.” Additional exclusive songs from the legendary artist will follow as downloadable content.

“Guitar Hero games have become the virtual rock stage for the industry’s most beloved artists and Guitar Hero World Tour continues that tradition by honoring the great Jimi Hendrix and celebrating some of his greatest work,” said Tim Riley, Vice President of Music Affairs for Activision Blizzard. “His presence in the game will serve to satisfy multiple generations of his fans and Guitar Hero devotees, as well as create new fans by reintroducing his genre-defining guitar style through the unique Guitar Hero experience.”

Guitar Hero World Tour is being developed by Neversoft Entertainment for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system. The Nontendo Wii version is being developed by Vicarious Visions. The PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system version is being developed by Budcat. The game is not yet rated by the ESRB. For more information on Guitar Hero World Tour, please visit www.guitarhero.com.


About Activision
Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision, Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products.

Activision Publishing maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, the Netherlands, Australia, Japan and South Korea. More information about Activision Publishing and its products can be found on the company's website, www.activision.com.

OPERATION Mania - a new twist on the classic Operation board game

What do you do when you are the doctor and someone comes into your hospital with butterflies in their stomach, water on the knee, and a frog in the throat? Operate of course! From EA’s casual games site Pogo.comTM comes OPERATIONTM Mania - a new twist on the classic OPERATION board game from Hasbro. Become an expert surgeon as you admit, diagnose and treat patients with the zaniest ailments in healthcare history. Play as Dr. Humerus who is an up and coming surgeon as he builds his reputation and is called in to save the day at five different hospitals in fun and wacky locations.

Race against the clock to send a variety of patients including well-known and beloved Cavity Sam through a series of treatment stations. Perform surgery and become an expert surgeon by completing micro-games reminiscent of the board game. Be quick and effective with treatment before the patient’s nose starts flashing and time is up! OPERATION Mania will be available online at Pogo.com in North America and the U.K. in August and at retail in North America in September for $19.95.

Key features of OPERATION Mania include:

• Hospital management: Diagnose and treat both standard and emergency patients, and run them through a gauntlet of medical procedures including admissions, x-ray and of course operations!
• Unique hospital settings: Advance through 35 levels and five hospitals in different regions on a wacky continent.
• Two game modes: Rise through the ranks in Story Mode or go for a challenge in Marathon Mode to care for patients as long as possible and experiment with endless upgrade combinations.
• Micro-games: Show surgical finesse by completing micro-games with a steady hand. The bite sized challenges are reminiscent of the board game that people have come to know and love.
• Upgrade the hospital: Spend money earned curing patients to buy upgrades for the hospital, including better equipment, faster service and additional staff.
• Multiplayer: Overcrowded waiting rooms can be alleviated by referring patients to friends and family online.

Mister Slime - Revolutionary adventure puzzler on Nintendo DS

Mister Slime for Nintendo DS is available now on retail shelves in North America. The revolutionary adventure puzzler is rated “E” for everyone.

Tucked away in the deepest, darkest corner of the universe lies a seemingly peaceful world inhabited by strange and fascinating creatures. The Slimes and the Axons are the chief inhabitants of the planet, and they have brought chaos to the planet with constant bickering over the limited resources available to them. Every 40 years there are ritual battles held to redefine the territorial boundaries for each clan. No one, Axon or Slime, has had the courage to step up and stop this viscous cycle - until now.

Players enter the world as Slimey, a young slime determined to stop the violence between the warring clans. Using the touch screen and microphone capabilities of Nintendo DS, players must navigate the levels by stretching and manipulating Slimey’s arms to grab hold of small anchor points scattered throughout each level.

Mister Slime is available at an MSRP of $19.99.

Mata Hari Dances On the Internet: Adventure Game's Official Homepage Online

There´s still some time left to go until her great performance: Mata Hari, legendary danceress and spy, will be seducing the gamer community in the up and coming PC Adventure Game by Cranberry Production and dtp entertainment, which is scheduled for release in Fall 2008.

However, on the Internet, Mata Hari has already found herself a stage: she is currently practicing her dance moves on the official website of the Adventure, www.matahari-game.com. This is where Adventure Game fans will find extensive information about the game and its characters, as well as attractive graphical material. What makes this website special is that it will also feature background information about some of Mata Hari’ s famous contemporaries such as, for example, Marie Curie.



With the Point & Click Adventure Game Mata Hari, dtp entertainment will be telling a compelling story surrounding the legendary danceress and spy.

Mata Hari’s daring performances at lavish parties during the so-called “Belle Époque” attract influential political and economic leaders, among them the handsome Swiss Oscar Samsonet. He soon reaches the conclusion that the exotic dancer is the perfect tool for reaching his goals. Samsonet panders to Mata’s sense of adventure and lures her with fast money: she turns into a spy.



Her finesse, charm, and seduction skills aid Mata Hari in learning explosive secrets. Yet she soon finds herself in the crossfire: the Entente and the Mittelmächte are caught in a merciless arms race and the first World War looms on the horizon.

Adventure Game icons Hal Barwood (e.g. “Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis; LucasArts) and Noah Falstein (e.g. “Indiana Jones and the last Crusade; LucasArts) are responsible for story and game design. The game is developed by the Hannoverbased team Cranberry Production.

dtp aims to release Mata Hari in October 2008.