08/06/08

Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Rockstar Games Announces Grand Theft Auto IV for the PC

Grand Theft Auto IV will be arriving on the PC on November 18th and 21st in North America and Europe, respectively.

"We are very excited to be releasing the PC version of Grand Theft Auto IV," said Sam Houser, Founder of Rockstar Games. "The whole team is dedicated to bringing an amazing gaming experience to the PC. The game looks and plays beautifully on PC and we can't wait for people to play it."

Developed by series creator Rockstar North and set in Liberty City, the latest installment in the enormously successful Grand Theft Auto series features a painstakingly detailed and life-like city for players to explore; a rich, immersive narrative experience; an original soundtrack highlighting the cultural eclecticism of Liberty City; and newly expanded multiplayer just for the PC.

International Athletics Out now on the Sony PSP soon on Nintendo DS

International Athletics on PSP just in time for the Olympic Games in Beijing, with the Nintendo DS version coming soon.

International Athletics is the most realistic athletics title on any handheld console and the only athletics title available on the PSP. The title boasts a wide range of events from the 4 key disciplines; running, jumping, throwing and shooting. Thumbs will be wagging and DS stylus’ wiggling as players compete in the single player or four-player multiplayer modes in their quest for multi-disciplined glory.

With full character customisation, gamers will be able to recreate their heroes with startling accuracy and then progress through a compelling career mode, competing for medals and unlocking world famous venues and events.

Speaking on the International Athletics trade stand at the recent London Grand Prix, British Olympic medal hope, Greg Rutherford said “The accuracy and realism of International Athletics is fantastic, certainly better than anything I’ve played on the DS or PSP before. The game is also a great way for children and adults to learn about the different track and field disciplines – I’ll certainly be testing my skills on the long jump before I head to Beijing”

Greg went on to win the long jump at the Crystal Palace event on the 25th & 26th July which was sponsored by Ghostlight and International Athletics. The event attracted 32,000 spectators over the 2 days and reached a television audience over 20 million viewers worldwide. Marketing Account Manager, Adrian Clews commented “The event was a huge success with record numbers attending and watching the action live on TV. The Ghostlight stand was a hive of activity with families taking the opportunity to play International Athletics on both DS and PSP demo pods. The multiplayer functionality and unique realism, which only International Athletics can offer on handhelds, was a massive hit with the largely family based audience.”

Puzzloop puzzle game for Apple iPhone and iPod Touch

Image representing iPhone as depicted in Crunc...

Image by via CrunchBaseSimultaneous global release of the popular game 'PuzzLoop' as a new title at the App Store, which sells software for Apple's iPhone and iPod touch.

Available today, PuzzLoop ($7.99,) has enjoyed world-wide popularity on several different platforms. With user friendly direct controls, this game makes use of the iPhone and iPod touch's unique touch screen interface, just as did Hudson's 'BOMBERMAN TOUCH - The Legend of Mystic Bomb' ($7.99,), a game released at the opening of the App Store on Friday, July 11, 2008.

Audiences from all backgrounds can jump right into the new PuzzLoop and its many features, including an uncomplicated interface, fun onscreen action, and addictive playability.

Hudson will continue to explore the possibilities in new devices like the iPhone and iPod touch, while releasing games that support them.
Along with quickly establishing its brand, Hudson will provide customers of these devices with new and compelling gaming experiences.

'PuzzLoop'
Release Date: Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Price (including taxes): $7.99
Copyright: HUDSON SOFT 2008

"Fire, Connect & Clear!" Introducing the ultimate 'looping puzzle'
game.

After PuzzLoop began as an arcade game in 1998, the immensely popular puzzle action game has been ported to numerous game platforms. The uncomplicated controls require only touching the screen and aiming at the colorful balls rolling on a rail. Clear the balls by connecting three or more of the same color. String combos together to raise the maximum points awarded. Master the numerous items too, and clear them all!

Puzzloop puzzle game for Apple iPhone and iPod Touch

Simultaneous global release of the popular game 'PuzzLoop' as a new title at the App Store, which sells software for Apple's iPhone and iPod touch.

Available today, PuzzLoop ($7.99,) has enjoyed world-wide popularity on several different platforms. With user friendly direct controls, this game makes use of the iPhone and iPod touch's unique touch screen interface, just as did Hudson's 'BOMBERMAN TOUCH - The Legend of Mystic Bomb' ($7.99,), a game released at the opening of the App Store on Friday, July 11, 2008.

Audiences from all backgrounds can jump right into the new PuzzLoop and its many features, including an uncomplicated interface, fun onscreen action, and addictive playability.

Hudson will continue to explore the possibilities in new devices like the iPhone and iPod touch, while releasing games that support them.

Along with quickly establishing its brand, Hudson will provide customers of these devices with new and compelling gaming experiences.

'PuzzLoop'
Release Date: Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Price (including taxes): $7.99

"Fire, Connect & Clear!" Introducing the ultimate 'looping puzzle' game.

After PuzzLoop began as an arcade game in 1998, the immensely popular puzzle action game has been ported to numerous game platforms. The uncomplicated controls require only touching the screen and aiming at the colorful balls rolling on a rail. Clear the balls by connecting three or more of the same color. String combos together to raise the maximum points awarded. Master the numerous items too, and clear them all!

Insaniquarium Deluxe for Palm OS and Windows Mobile smartphones

Insaniquarium Deluxe offers hours of frantic aquarium fun as you feed your fish, watch them grow and protect them from alien invaders!

Insaniquarium Deluxe is the craziest aquarium game ever - tend to your fish and keep them happy and they'll reward you with precious coins and jewels. Use the money you earn to buy upgrades for your tank or egg parts which hatch lots of different in-tank pets with special powers. These pets can help you feed your fish, collect coins, or even protect against the aliens that will invade your tank and wreak havoc. You can also use the money you earn to buy better weapons to see the aliens off quicker!

Insaniquarium Deluxe includes 3 fun ways to play:
Adventure - keep your fish healthy and protect them from aliens through 4 fun aquarium stages each with multiple levels of mayhem; Time Trial - feed your fish and fight off the alien invaders to make as much money as possible against the clock. A new time trial is unlocked as you complete each stage in Adventure Challenge - once you've mastered Adventure, face the ultimate challenge as you feed your fish and try to protect them from ever increasing alien attacks. The challenge ends when the last fish is zapped!

Insaniquarium Deluxe is available for Palm OS 5 smartphones and PDAs with at least a 320x320 screen, and for smartphones and PDAs running Windows Mobile 2003 and later. For more information, to try and to buy, visit http://www.astraware.com/insaniquariumdlx.

Warhammer Online - Age of Reckoning out 18th September

The release date of 18th September 2008 for the eagerly awaited MMORPG, Warhammer Online - Age of Reckoning (WAR), is confirmed for retail launch offerings and subscription fees.

Based on Games Workshop’s epic and longstanding tabletop fantasy war game which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning features a unique Realm vs. Realm (RvR) gameplay that immerses players in a world of perpetual conflict.

“GOA is thrilled at the prospect of opening the doors to the world of Warhammer Online very soon", said Ghislaine Le Rhun, Managing Director of GOA. "As the development of Warhammer Online continued to accelerate, we have been gearing up to support the launch, building a massive server infrastructure, localizing millions of words and recruiting a top notch team of experts in their fields. We look forward to sharing the fun we're having on the battlefields of WAR".

“The countdown has officially begun. Mark your calendars! September 18th is the Day of Reckoning”, said Mark Jacobs, founder and general manager of Mythic Entertainment. “For the last three years, the entire team at Mythic has poured their hearts into making Warhammer Online the next great MMORPG. We are so excited to open up this world and share it with the fans that will live in it, quest in it, go to war in it and make it come alive.”

From launch, subscriptions can be purchased online and within the game:

- 1 month for 12.99€ (£10.31)
- 3 months for 35.97€ (£28.55)
- 6 months for 65.94€ (£52.34)

Alternatively, pre-paid Game Card packs for a 60-day subscription will be available through participating retailers for 29.99€ (£23.81).

From the 28th August, the regular edition of the game can be pre-ordered at 5€ (£3.97), and this special pre-order pack will entitle players to a key for ‘Live Game Head Start’ access ahead of the full commercial release on the 18th September, as well as bonus in-game items.

The regular edition of the game will be priced at 49.99 € (£39.69) RRP with a 30-day subscription included.

Very few copies of the Collector’s Editions are still available for pre-order. Gamers pre-ordering the Collector’s Edition will have access to the Open Beta, as well as the ‘Live Game Head Start’ and bonus in-game items. For more information on these, please visit www.war-europe.com/collectorsedition

The Chronicles of Spellborn - Fourth chapter published

Spellborn NV has just published the fourth chapter of their weekly lore series for The Chronicles of Spellborn. Since the beginning of July, the Dutch developer explains the deep rooted background story of its upcoming fantasy MMORPG. Today’s part has gone online with a competition for 15 one-day tickets for the Games Convention and 15 Spellborn t-shirts. Publisher and Developer are showcasing The Chronicles of Spellborn at the international games exhibition from 21st to 24th August in Leipzig, Germany at their stand A10 in hall 5. To win an access to a first tour through the previously unrevealed zone Cairnkegg on the Ringfell shard and cross swords against other players in the Quarterstone Arena, fans need to answer a question about previous chapters of the lore series. It can be found easily together with details of the competition within the recent news on the official website www.tcos.com.

What lies hidden, must be found

With The Chronicles of Spellborn players enter into an impressive online scenario with scenic landscapes, majestic cities and the remnants of an ancient civilization. Alone or with a party of allies, PC adventurers step into a huge fantasy realm consisting of varied shard worlds floating in the magic Deadspell Storm. Those who want to prevail in the grippingly staged combats of The Chronicles of Spellborn need to apply their mighty arsenal of spells, melee and ranged attacks skillfully. Battles with bloodthirsty creatures, hostile peoples and human opponents in PvP battles are waiting. An innovative and tactically challenging combat system with shooter-like controls and rotating skill deck provides a fresh breath of air for the dusty MMORPG genre. Thanks to the largely extended Unreal Engine 2.5, The Chronicles of Spellborn boasts stunning 3D graphics, spectacular effects and countless elaborate details. More information, images and videos can be found on www.tcos.com.

About Spellborn NV

Spellborn NV is a computer games company residing in the Netherlands. It has grown from a midrange internet company to the top of the Dutch games industry. With a team of 50 game-designers and programmers Spellborn NV has developed ‘The Chronicles of Spellborn’ over a period of more than 3 years now.

Frogger game now on Apple iPhone and iPod touch

Frogger for the iPhone and iPod touch is available on the Apple App Store. As the company's first title for the App Store, Frogger has been re-designed to take full advantage of the platform's capabilities, including the innovative Multi-Touch Interface and accelerometer.

"We see the iPhone platform as an opportunity to showcase the legendary Konami brands in a truly unique fashion," said Joe Morris, Vice President of Konami Mobile. "Konami is committed to providing players with games that leverage the latest technology. Fans of the best-selling Frogger franchise can now experience the title like never before, and we look forward to releasing more of our popular titles for the iPhone soon."

Konami Mobile's Frogger for the iPhone and iPod touch is the latest edition of the 27-year old successful series that includes the classic Frogger, a top ten best-selling mobile game. For more information, please visit www.konamimobile.com.

Frogger is available for $9.99 from Apple's App Store on iPhone and iPod touch

20 Years of Madden NFL Football games with Hall-of-famer John Madden

Next Week's Release of Madden NFL 09 Marks the 20th Year of the Most Critically Acclaimed and Best Selling Sports Video Game in the Industry

The highly anticipated release of Madden NFL 09 is only one week away! This year’s installment of the award winning Madden NFL franchise will be in stores nationwide on August 12, 2008. In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the franchise, EA SPORTS sits down with legendary broadcast analyst and former NFL head coach John Madden to discuss the number one selling football video game in history - his namesake – Madden NFL Football.

In this video interview, Madden discusses his involvement with the game and his vision for the franchise. Madden has always insisted the franchise be an authentic representation of professional football. In 1988, consistent with his vision, John Madden Football debuted as the first-ever football video game to offer 11-on-11 action.

“I’ve been in the development of this game since day one,” says Madden, the forefather of the franchise. “One of my goals was to make the videogame look like television.”

Today, Madden NFL is one of the best selling video game franchises of all time, garnering numerous accolades for its realistic depiction of NFL football. Madden NFL 09 showcases the franchise’s authenticity better than ever before with a brand-new broadcast-style presentation package, featuring Cris Collinsworth and Tom Hammond, complimented by the most realistic graphics in franchise history. Madden NFL 09 is “The First Sports Game That Adapts To You” and introduces over 85 new features and enhancements.

Madden NFL 09 will be available on August 12th for the Xbox and Xbox 360 video game systems from Microsoft, PlayStation 2 and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment systems, Nintendo DS, PSP (PlayStationPortable) handheld entertainment system and is rated E by the ESRB. Madden NFL 09 All-Play, featuring easy-to-use gameplay controls and an all-new playcalling system tailored to fit the playing style of all skill levels will be available on Wii.

Nikopol: Secrets of the Immortals out in September

Got Game Entertainment confirms a September 10, 2008 in-store date for highly anticipated adventure game

new release date of September 10, 2008 for “Nikopol: Secrets of the Immortals” (PC), an immersive, richly detailed adventure game based on the stories and art of famed graphic novelist and filmmaker Enki Bilal. Developed by White Birds Productions, founded by adventure game legend Benoît Sokal, “Nikopol: Secrets of the Immortals” promises a dramatic and thrilling adventure set in a futuristic Paris where a father returns, a son searches, and Gods rule.

“Nikopol: Secrets of the Immortals’ will definitely wow adventure gamers and certainly surprise ‘point and click’ doubters,” said Got Game Entertainment President Howard Horowitz. “The story, graphics, and gameplay by White Birds, and under the discerning eye of Enki Bilal, make this game truly something to behold.”

About “Nikopol: Secrets of the Immortals”
It is Paris 2023 and for citizen Nikopol the city is now a maze of mysteries, secrets, and clues that must be explored. He learns his missing father may be alive, a possible pawn in a looming political battle of revenge and death between a power hungry dictator and the Immortals. As Nikopol, you find yourself in a suspenseful adventure to find your father and thwart a dangerous conspiracy. Entangled in political intrigue you are caught between two worlds, one of anarchy and one of Immortality.

Features:

+ A thrilling mental challenge in a rich futuristic universe inspired by famed graphic novelist Enki Bilal; + As Nikopol, you must use cunning and logic to protect yourself from the Immortals’ plans and thwart a dark conspiracy; + Interaction with 8 characters in 6 different environments, each made with several settings; + Visually stunning graphics; + Immersive gameplay; and + Classic point and click interface.

“Nikopol: Secrets of the Immortals” will make its retail debut at $29.99 (USD)

First Branded Scavenger Hunt in Ubisoft's Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: - Vegas 2

In-game scavenger hunt promotes upcoming movie "Tropic Thunder" with interactive experience that engages and rewards gamers.

A first-of-its-kind dynamic in-game advertising promotion has been created to promote the upcoming film “Tropic Thunder,” the companies have placed an interactive scavenger hunt in “Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six - Vegas 2,” published by Ubisoft, which encourages gamers to actively interact with the dynamic in-game campaign, take action from the clues, and get rewarded at the final stage of the hunt.

“This innovative scavenger hunt enables us to reward our target audience and give them a direct call to action to go see ‘Tropic Thunder,’” said Amy Powell, senior vice president of Interactive Marketing for Paramount Pictures. “We’ve had a track record of success working with Massive since the business started. This is taking our in-game advertising campaigns to the next level by making them interactive and actionable. Gamers are motivated to seek out the next ad, which is an amazing way for us to build awareness and excitement for our new release.”

Gamers see a series of nine branded “clues” within “Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Vegas 2,” each leading them to the next clue, until they successfully reach the end of the scavenger hunt. Everyone who completes the scavenger hunt will receive an invitation to join Ubisoft’s VIP club and the chance to download a free digital VIP map for “Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Vegas 2,” and will be entered into two prize drawings. In the first drawing held July 31, 25 winners received a “Tropic Thunder” Gift Pack: two tickets to “Tropic Thunder” and a “Tropic Thunder” T-shirt and hat.* The second drawing, on Aug. 22, will award one grand prize winner an Xbox 360 Elite system as well as a one-year Xbox LIVE subscription and a collection of Ubisoft’s upcoming video game releases.**

“This is a new and highly innovative use of dynamic in-game advertising and really demonstrates the creativity and marketing power of this medium,” said Cory Van Arsdale, CEO of Massive.

The scavenger hunt began on July 18 and will run through Aug. 25 to drive awareness leading up to the movie opening on Aug. 13.

Breaking: Final Fantasy XIII Xbox 360 Asia Version Announced

During E3, Microsoft announced that Final Fantasy XIII was coming to the Xbox 360 — but only for North America and Europe. However, the Xbox 360 was not announced for Japan. Add another country to the list!

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Wednesday, August 06, 2008