Monster Madness - Grave Danger Challenge modes on PlayStation 3

INTRODUCING: CHALLENGE MODES

White Water Swanning - Unlockable Costume: French Maid Jennifer
Swans are big, stupid birds. A blonde riding a rental swan is an equally strange combination. Take your blonde and her novelty rental boat out for a ride on the white water rapids. Make fastest time while riding through the gold markers to make top score. Be careful though since these rental boats are susceptible to hitting rocks and other obstacles.

UFO Shooter - Unlockable Costume: Cowboy Zack
Fly the unfriendly skies in your very own UFO! Stolen directly from the alien invaders of Planet X, your trusty flying saucer is a state of the art kick-butt machine. Maneuver through enemy fire and set your plasma guns to destroy as you plow through the ranks of Planet X, and even take on the Prince of Darkness himself.

Slice N’ Dice - Unlockable Costume: Secret Service Zack
How to make a Super Zack; 1) Give him mushrooms 2) Throw him down a drain pipe 3) make him run through this training course. Teach Zack to jump and duck like his favorite video game plumber as he attempts to prove that he is a video game hero. Avoid the amputation of your legs, or head by learning to time your jumps just right. Master this training course and you too will be rescuing princesses and jump punch floating blocks of bricks in no time.

Witch Hunt - Unlockable Costume: Nurse Jennifer
Life is a witch in Witch Hunt. Stop these sexy dark magicians from turning our sexy blonde into something inhuman, like a food service worker. Punch these broomstick flying ladies by slapping them frozen until they disappear. Be hasty however since their fellow witches are quick to break the ice. Use this to your advantage to ambush as many witches as possible.

Lava Battle - Unlockable Costume: Pirate Andy
Battle your way out of hells entrance. Since hells entrance is known as the toilet bowl of existence, be sure packing a plunger. Actually, the plunger is your only weapon in Lava Battle. Defeat all 93 guardians of hell within the time limit to rank high score. Where is the Toilet Duck from heaven when you need it?

Monster Race - Unlockable Costume: Forest Gal Carrie
Improvising of weapon making is vital when busting up the walking dead, but a souped up lawn mower with nitrous-oxide is just plain fun. Learn to steer and stunt jump your monster killing machine. There are markers scattered throughout the course. Collect as many markers as possible before time runs out. There is no traffic or pedestrians. Just you, the open road, speed and lots of jumps!

Match ‘Em - Unlockable Costume: Valley Girl Carrie
Monster slaying takes a lot of training in awareness and focus. Monster slayers must be able to recognize his foes with quickness and accuracy. Teach Carrie to recognize your enemies accurately and fast with this Monster Madness rendition of the classic game Concentration.

Jack Attack - Unlockable Costume: Surfer Dude Andy
Like a Tim Burton nightmare, your town is infested by untalented, pumpkin headed zombies with no resell value what so ever! Control Andy as he attempts to show these pumpkin-heads how to make pumpkin pie the easy way, with a heavy stationary turret and lots of bullets. Keep these festive vegetables away from Andy though as they will try to tear his gun apart.

Monster Onslaught - Unlockable Costume: Amazon Jennifer
The monsters are on to you and your support in the form of Larry, the local handy man and supplier of upgrades. Fight off the hordes of monsters to defend your only means of escape, Larry’s truck. Remember, you are only second prize so be sure to keep the monsters away from the truck while gaining weapon upgrades after each wave of enemies, you will need them.

Castle Brawl - Unlockable Costume: Wizard Zack
Hail to the king, baby! So your stuck in a medieval castle, there are broods of walking dead things all around and you have your trusty shotgun. Now what? It is time to turn these deadies into zombie Swiss cheese. Eliminate all 54 monsters using only your 12 gauge before time or ammo runs out. Shop smart…..

Hill Defense - Unlockable Costume: Astronaut Andy
So there you are, on top of a green hill on a beautiful afternoon. All of a sudden the screeches of rusty Radio Flyers are all around. A mob of legless zombies begin their mass assault on your position. Its time to jump into your fully loaded turret and take these crippled and lifeless creeps out for good.


Zack-Man - Unlockable Costume: Deathgame Zack
As if Zack hasn’t played or fantasized about enough video games to begin with, he now finds himself in one. This Monster Madness take on the classic Pac-Man has our protagonist, Zack, in a maze trying to collect pellets. However, there are no ghosts to be found here, just your average machete wielding zombies. Being the hardcore gamer Zack is, he refuses to bend the rules why attacking, so he only has to avoid the monsters hes stuck with.

Dodgeball - Unlockable Costume: Samurai Andy
These zombies have got some balls, literally. Learn to master dodging and throwing like millions of unfortunate school children all across America; through Phys. Ed dodge ball. Don’t expect the zombies to follow dodge-ball regulation; they just want to take you out. Aim and fire at these agile zombies while dodging their corroded and deadly balls.

Leprechaun Round-up - Unlockable Costume: Devil Carrie
Nothing is worse than a broke Leprechaun with a bad attitude. Its time you showed these green wearing midgets what happens when you don’t pay up. Seek out and flash freeze these stingy creeps with back slaps as cold as ice. Hit each Leprechaun to freeze them in place just long enough to score. Be sure not to stray to far away from the cold-cocked Leprechauns, their buddies are quick to thaw them out to annoy you in stereo.

Suburban Warfare - Unlockable Costume: Scuba Zack
Take an isolated teenager, give him a chain-gun, throw him into a zombie infestation and you have suburban warfare. Survive the zombie assault by spraying bullets wherever direction you want. Destroy all 119 undead creatures within the time limit to make high score. Suburban Warfare is carnage in 360 degrees.

The Gauntlet - Unlockable Costume: Lumber Jack Andy
Take your character through a killer obstacle course to win this challenge. Sound too easy? Then how about some trash compactors for a little change of pace? Let’s also add some circular saw blades to work out that dexterity. Easy still you say? Then we will also throw in some fire, just for kicks. Not as easy as it sounds, is it?

Carnage – Unlockable Costume: Black Leather Carrie
Zombies can really make your late night drive suck! In said situation there is only really one fun solution to the zombie problem, run these bastards over. Drive around your suburban neighborhood taking out zombies, witches and a whole mess of dead things. Put as many monsters under your four wheels before the time limit expires, and be sure to hit that boost before the ramps to score big time air.

Sort or Explode - Unlockable Costume: Boy Scout Andy
Andy is stuck at his new job sorting out explosive barrels from dynamite. Dispose of the explosive items by picking them up and tossing them into their corresponding disposal pit. However, placing an explosive into the wrong pit will cause the volatile pit to explode and damage Andy’s ego, as well as his body. Be hasty as each item thrown to you for disposal will count down to its explosion.

Zombie Cats - Unlockable Costume: Dinosaur Zack
Sent back to earth by the Prince of Darkness (even he could not stand to be around stray cats), these evil felines are conjured up by the old cat lady from hell! Time grab your flame thrower and turn up the heat. Like amateur back alley chefs you have to fry the strays from hell and send them screeching back to hell. Authentic dying cat noise included.

Death School - Unlockable Costume: Cheerleader Jennifer
There is no way for you to enter your school. Dozens of zombies are blocking your entrance and you only have one weapon, your nail-gun. Run around the front steps of your high school while turning all 59 zombies into failing grade Shop Class projects.

Home Run Derby - Unlockable Costume: The One Zack
It’s just you and a zombie, an empty baseball field and too much time on your hands. Swing away as the zombie pitcher attempts to relive his baseball glory while trying to take you out, literally. Swing at the good pitches or jump away from the bad pitches. Zombie pitcher throws the fastball from hell, complete with a hellfire trail. Score big time with long distance drives.

Pizza Delivery - Unlockable Costume: Ballerina Jennifer
It is business as usual for the local pizza spot. Through rain, sleet, snow, inter-dimensional invasion, the local pizza joint still delivers. Take Jennifer around the neighborhood delivering pizzas and make as much tip money as you can since monster busting equipment is pricy. This isn’t one of those chain pizza joints with their 30 minute of less motto, this is Pizza Delivery evolved.

Zombie Dance-Off - Unlockable Constume: Belly Dancer Jennifer
So you’re a lonely zombie, fresh out of brains and looking for a good time. The local night club is pumping as usual. Teach the other zombies on the dance floor new moves in this timed rhythm minigame. Press the corresponding buttons displayed on screen and on point. DISCO ISNT DEAD! It’s just undead.

Monster Survival - Unlockable Costume: Prisoner Carrie
Some chainsaw wielding maniac has challenged you to a competition, a zombie slaying competition that is. Varied waves of diverse monsters will keep you occupied as you try to out do your demented counterpart. Feel free to grab something to drink if you get thirsty, soda vending machines are scattered throughout this stage. Be alert, the monsters are relentless and your counterparts attacks are deadly to the zombies, and you.

Contraction Destruction - Unlockable Costume: Construction Worker Carrie
Stay on the construction platform and away from the toxic sludge down below. Take Carrie and her disc shooter and take out whatever hellish minion happens to materialize. Be sure to look out for the ‘Creature from the Black Latrine’. Get as many kills in as little time possible to pass this event.

The Sims 2 apartment life expansion pack

International line-up of artists who are set to rock on The Sims™ 2 Apartment Life Expansion Pack soundtrack. Hit groups such as Good Charlotte and hot newcomer Katy Perry add flavour to the adventure, fun and drama of close quarters of apartment living. International pop stars also sizzle on the soundtrack including Vanilla Sky from Italy, Ranetki Girls from Russia and Lola, a Hungarian pop star gaining fame and recognition across Europe as well as Artwerk artists Chromeo, Ladytron and Junkie XL. To top it all off, Australian singer and songwriter Gabriella Cilmi sings her hit debut title, “Sweet About Me.”

In The Sims 2 Apartment Life, excitement and surprise await your Sims as they move out of the suburbs and into a brand new busy apartment building! Set your Sims up in an artsy converted loft, swinging studio bachelor pad or posh penthouse with their own butler. Close quarters mean new opportunities or unexpected surprises. And now for the first time, there is the ability to control multiple households so that neighbouring Sims can live in happy harmony, or comical conflict. Your Sims can advance their career with the right social network, cope with domestic drama when roommates clash or find true love just down the hall!

The Sims 2 Apartment Life, the latest expansion pack is slated for launch on August 22 in European and Asia-Pacific regions and August 26 in North America.

In-Game Soundtrack Includes:
“Everything”- Performed by A Cursive Memory
“Getting Better” - Performed by Bob Schneider
“Radio” - Performed by Castaneda
“Fancy Footwork” - Performed by Chromeo
“Battle Royale” - Performed by Does It Offend You, Yeah?
“Sweet About Me” - Performed by Gabriella Cilmi
“Club Soda” - Performed by Ghostland Observatory
“Where Would We Be Now” - Performed by Good Charlotte
“Violet Stars Happy Hunting!” - Performed by Janelle Monae
“Crazy” - Performed by Jem
“Mad Pursuit” - Performed by Junkie XL feat. Electrocute
“Hot N Cold” - Performed by Katy Perry
“Ghosts” - Performed by Ladytron
“Mozdulj Mar (Mondulo Mar)” - Performed by Lola
“Ona Odna (She's Alone)” - Performed by Ranetki Girls
“This Is Not A Test” - Performed by Shock of Pleasure
“Brainless” - Performed by Sunny Day Sets Fire
“Good Day” - Performed by Tally Hall
“Come My Sunshine” - Performed by The Comas
“Divebomb” - Performed by The Whip
“Not A Love Song” - Performed by Uh Huh Her
“On & On” - Performed by Vanilla Sky
“Can't Believe My Eyes” - Performed by Wainwright

21 Upcoming Wii Games to Drool Over

t has come to GamePro's attention that certain parties on the Internet want you to believe that there are no decent games coming out on the Wii. You should not believe them. The Wii has so many great games coming out for it in 2008 and 2009 that we had a hard time narrowing it down just to this list of the twenty-one best, most promising titles.

read more | digg story

11 iPhone Tricks You Might Not Have Known

Whether you're an iPhone rookie or a weathered pro, take a look at these quick-and-easy iPhone tips and tricks which not only save you time, but ease your overall iPhone experience.

read more | digg story

Hit Japanese Title Neverland Card Battles for the PSP

YUKE'S Company of America to Publish Hit Japanese Title in its North American PSP Debut

Neverland Card Battles for the PSP (PlayStationPortable) system in North America. The new title makes its debut on the PSP system, riding on the success of the original PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system hit for the Japanese market. Boasting an original Japanese art style and a cast of super-powered heroes and monsters, Neverland Card Battles will hit retail shelves across North America in October of this year, courtesy of an exclusive distribution agreement with Atlus U.S.A., Inc.



Neverland Card Battles for the PSP will be enhanced with all-new cut-scenes, controls, and ad hoc multiplayer modes. This card-based strategy RPG will shine on the small screen with updated sound and graphics, and a fully optimized 16:9 widescreen display. New ad hoc multiplayer modes will allow two players to battle in real-time for a card war experience unlike any other game.

“The original Japanese version of Neverland Card Battles was extremely well received and caught our attention as the best trading card game out there,” said Ken Koyama, Manager of Product Development at YUKE’S Company of America. “We have enhanced and optimized NCB for the portable experience, and will offer one of the finest card-strategy games ever created for the PSP this Fall.”


“We are honored to have a strong relationship with YUKE’S Company of America and serve as exclusive North American distributor of Neverland Card Battles,” said Tim Pivnicny, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Atlus.

Off Road video game on Nintendo Wii

The official release date for the long awaited WiiTM version of Off Road as 15th August 2008.

Bringing the multi-million selling license to Wii for the very first time, Off Road offers racing fans an exciting rough-tough driving experience set against stunning environments and wide sweeping, extreme terrain.

Sean Walsh, Empire Interactive Product Manager said “Off Road is a perfect fit for Wii. I think it will be refreshing to play a game where the Wii RemoteTM is genuinely integral to game play. Adding the Wii WheelTM will further enhance the excitement, allowing racers to simulate a real off road racing experience and really get to grips with the powerful Land Rover and Ford vehicles.”

Clive Kabatznik, CEO of Silverstar Holdings, added, “The release of Off Road for the Wii illustrates our commitment to developing appealing software for the leading console formats. We’re confident of building on the success of previous formats and are thrilled to be bringing Off Road to the Wii audience.”

Off Road has been re-developed for Wii with extensively revised vehicle handling and enhanced graphics for both cars and tracks. With re-tuned game balancing and features to test players driving prowess at high speed, the racing has never been this exhilarating!

Key Features

• 18 officially licensed Land Rover and Ford off road vehicles.
• 24 detailed tracks encouraging high speed racing.
• 3 off road environments, Desert, Water and Ice.
• Real time, on-the-go damage repair.
• Two player split screen mode.
• Exciting Wii Remote steering mechanism.
• Pick up and play handling.
• Discover hidden routes to gain a racing advantage.
• Power sliding; throw powerful 4x4s around the tracks.
• In-game pickups: Discover repair pods, time extensions, artefacts & cash.
• 12 race modes.

Land Rover:
2005 Defender 90 Station Wagon
2006 Range Rover Sport Supercharged
2007 Discovery 3
2007 Freelander 2
Range Stormer Concept
SVX Concept

Ford:
2009 Ford F-150 FX4 pickup
2008 Ford Ranger FX4 Level II
2008 Ford F-250 Super Duty
2008 Ford F-350 Super Duty
2008 Ford F-450 Super Duty

Licensed Vehicles
2008 Ford Escape
2008 Ford Explorer
2008 Ford Expedition
2007 Ford Explorer Sport Track
Ford Bronco concept
Ford Equator concept
Ford Mighty F-350 concept

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Fable UK release date set for October 24

Critically-Acclaimed Xbox 360 Exclusive "Fable II" Arrives at 

UK Retailers on Oct. 24

Begin the Epic Journey! Critically-Acclaimed Xbox 360 Exclusive “Fable II” Arrives at UK Retailers on Oct. 24

“Fable II” Pub Games get release date and Limited Collector’s Edition contents are revealed

Today, Microsoft Game Studios and Lionhead Studios announced that the highly anticipated action role-playing game “Fable II” will ship to U.S. retailers on Oct. 21, 2008 and UK retailers on Oct. 24, with subsequent release dates throughout the rest of the world in the coming months. Combining thrilling action, heart-wrenching emotional experiences and a genre-bending Xbox LIVE multiplayer mode, “Fable II” is the must-have blockbuster for 2008.

Developed by Peter Molyneux and Lionhead Studios, the creators of the critically-acclaimed “Fable” and “Black & White,” “Fable II” offers an infinite amount of choice in an open world environment, allowing gamers to become the most heralded of all heroes or reviled of all villains. Ringing in new heights of innovation for the genre and expanding upon the rich experience of the first title, “Fable II” immerses players in the expansive world of Albion.

“Fable II” pioneers a new combat system designed to allow players to truly master hand weapons, ranged combat weapons and magic, each using a different single button on the Xbox 360 controller, making the game approachable and accessible to both casual and hardcore gamers. Players will live out personal and emotional experiences like never before, whether playing solo or co-op together with a friend or over Xbox LIVE, with their constant dog companion by their side.

Fans eager for a head start will have the opportunity to test their luck in the Xbox LIVE Arcade title developed exclusively for “Fable II,” available on Aug. 13; those who pre-order a copy of “Fable II” at participating retailers will be given free access to download the “Fable II” Pub Games, or they can be downloaded without pre-order via Xbox LIVE for 800 Microsoft points. The high-stakes casino-style pub games, titled “Fortune’s Tower,” “Keystone” and “Spinnerbox” will offer players the opportunity to start earning a bounty of gold and treasures to fund their adventures in “Fable II,” ahead of the title’s release on Oct. 24.

In addition to the standard retail version, “Fable II” will be offered in a Limited Collector’s Edition through participating retailers and will feature:

• Bonus DVD – Includes new ‘Making-of Feature’ with Peter Molyneux and the team at Lionhead Studios and concept art viewer
• Bonus In-Game Content (Requires LIVE account) – Includes “The Hall of the Dead” Dungeon, “The Wreckager” Legendary Cutlass Weapon and Otherworldly Bonus
• Collectible Hobbe figure with accessories – From the Qee Collection comes this one-of-a-kind Hobbe figure. Nasty, brutish, and short, he roams the countryside, preying on travelers and spiriting away the children of the unwary.
• 48-hour Xbox LIVE Gold Trial Card – With Xbox LIVE Gold, players can show off their individual hero by inviting friends into their unique version of Albion or they can visit their friends’ Albion, and earn additional gold, experience and renown to take back into their own.
• Five printed Fate Cards – These five beautiful cards foretell the Hero’s great destiny to journey across all of Albion, encountering deadly enemies and enigmatic allies. The path leads to a choice that will change the world forever.

The standard edition “Fable II” will have an estimated retail price of £44.99 and the Limited Collector’s Edition will retail for an estimated price of £49.99. “Fable II” is rated PEGI 16+.

Equestrian Training on Nintendo DS

Think you know everything about horses? Now is the chance to test your knowledge on Nintendo DS with Equestrian Training!

Today Atari UK announced the forthcoming release of ‘Equestrian Training’ on Nintendo DS in the UK. The title will offer horse and riding fans the chance to learn everything about the equestrian world and test their knowledge through various exercises and exams. The game is scheduled for release in October.

If you fancy yourself as an equine expert or if you have just started riding, Equestrian Training is the best way to become truly knowledgeable on all things horse related!

The training mode will allow you to revise all of the facts required to achieve optimum Horse knowledge and care. When you feel confident enough select the exam mode and see how well you do! Your progress will also be tracked in the game so you will see your knowledge grow as you play.

The games mode will give you the choice between three different games - Endurance: achieve the best average speed for each course; Obstacle Course: win the obstacle courses without making mistakes and while beating the instructor’s time; Grooming: change the horse’s grooming according to circumstances including trek, dressage test and competition.

Key Features

• Training: Revise all of the knowledge required to achieve stages 1 to 4.
• Exams: Put your brains to the test and see how much you really know about horses.
• Vocabulary: Learn definitions of equestrian terms.
• Games: Three different equestrian games modes will help you have fun while you learn.
• Statistics: Watch your progress rise as you gain further knowledge.

Ship Simulator free patches download - free demo download

Download free patches here...

Ship Simulator Developer launches The Shipyard: online vessel & environment shop for Ship Simulator 2008!

“The Shipyard”, an online vessel and environment shop for Ship Simulator 2008. In this online webshop, players can customize their version of Ship Simulator 2008 with new ships, environments, harbours and new features for the game.

VSTEP’s CTO Pjotr van Schothorst: “The Shipyard is the next step in the development of our acclaimed simulation series. By giving players easy access to high quality new vessels, environments and features, we aim to give Ship Simulator fans the best value for money and give them the option to customize their version of the game with environments and vessels of their choice.”

The Shipyard can be reached at www.shipsim.com/shipyard/
The Shipyard’s product catalogue will be frequently updated with official new vessels, environments and features being added by the developers.

Other Ship simulator posts on Gamezplay.org

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Damnation Shooter video game video released

"A World without justice… but vengeance is alive and well" – Explosive new Damnation trailer now available at www.damnationthegame.co.uk

Showcasing the captivating story and acrobatic combat of the blockbuster that’s taking the shooter vertical, Codemasters today released the first trailer of Damnation. Set for release on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and Games For Windows in winter 2008 and produced using a mix of gameplay footage and in-game cut-scenes, the trailer is now available to view and download from www.damnationthegame.co.uk.



The trailer gives an exclusive insight into the dark world of Damnation, where a 40 year conflict has waged across historic America between the Nationalist and the Coalition forces. With resources exhausted, Prescott Standard Industries, led by industrialist magnate W.D. Prescott, have unleashed a new army and swept across the country destroying the shattered remnants of the remaining militia and mercilessly crushing the civilian population underfoot in their quest to establish a new order. Players assume the role of a member of the Peacemakers, Rourke, and embark on an epic journey to take on this sinister industrial-military complex, reveal the sinister truth behind Prescott Industries, locate his lost love and save the country from Damnation.

The video showcases the huge scale of the magnificent landscapes, each with up to three hours of streaming gameplay and thousands of vertical feet. Flooded with enemies, players can negotiate these immense levels using any of the numerous paths available whilst avoiding the brutal destruction caused by PSI’s advanced forces as their wave of terror drives civilians into hiding with the overwhelming scale of their awe inspiring military might.


The stunning open environments provide the backdrop for the frenetic combat, daredevil acrobatics and vehicle based stunts that power Damnation’s exhilarating, fresh and revolutionary gameplay. The antithesis of the generic corridor shooter, the trailer shows Rourke engaged in slick, high-octane gun battles with PSI troopers, the drug-enhanced regimented footsoliders of PSI ‘s forces and engaged in deadly acrobatic combat against the Revenant, a mysterious being able to leap huge distances wielding its deadly steel blade. Rourke’s stunning acrobatic abilities are also demonstrated in-game as he crashes through windows, scales buildings and uses zip-wires, while the battle rages through the environment. Highly intelligent enemy AI allows enemies to hunt down Rourke and his comrades across the vast landscapes and attack from any direction: In Damnation, there’s no safe place to hide.

In addition to the single player experience, Damnation is complimented with an extensive multiplayer game that uses the towering scale of the levels to take multiplayer shooting vertical. Currently in development at Blue Omega Entertainment’s facilities in Annapolis, USA, Damnation will be available for Xbox 360, the PLAYSTATION 3 system and Games for Windows in late 2008. For more information and to catch a glimpse of what the future of gaming has in store, visit www.damnationthegame.co.uk.

Inside Nintendo's Classic Famicom Game Console

Lots of Americans know the Nintendo Entertainment System. Fewer know the Japanese console it was based on, the Nintendo Family Computer, also known as the Famicom. We'll take a look inside the Famicom and its accessories, including a unique disk system attachment.



Source: PCWorld

Wii cheer cheerleading game for Nintendo Wii

We Cheer gives players the chance to jump, shout and shake it all about just like a real cheerleader. By using two Wii Remotes as virtual pom-poms, wannabe cheerleaders follow on-screen commands to perform a variety of high-energy spins, kicks and twists, while taking part in professionally choreographed routines.

What’s more, you can dance to some of the hottest music from artists of the past and present. So, whether you like to groove to teen sensation Hilary Duff, 70s disco darlings KC & The Sunshine Band or rock out to Paramore and Boys Like Girls, We Cheer has got something to satisfy your cheering needs.

If you want to take your cheering to the next level, you can play the special Workout Mode that helps you burn calories as you cheer and dance. Fitness buffs can choose the exercise program they want to take part in before hitting the gym with a specially chosen trainer who encourages them throughout the workout.



We Cheer will be exclusively available for Nintendo Wii throughout Europe in Q1, 2009.

KEY FEATURES

• Use two Wii Remotes as virtual pom-poms in a championship cheerleading contest
  
• Licensed songs from a variety of artists, including Hilary Duff and Paramore
  
• Create your own cheerleader and customise them with a variety of tops, bottoms, shoes and more
  
• Form your own super squad of cheerleaders by unlocking new teammates and outfits
  
• Unique Workout mode, with extended and quick workouts.
  
• Compete to be the best cheerleader with two-players, or cheer with up to four friends in the Cheer Off Mode
  

Nintendo hint they're working on a Wii replacement...

Nintendo have redefined the video game console with various innovative controllers including motion sensors and exercise boards.

Their Nintendo DS portable games device has attracted all ages to gaming, launched in November 2004 it's touch sensitive screen was the first of it's kind. Now Apple's iPhone, iPod touch and various mobile phone have this input device as standard.

The Nintendo Wii, when launched introduced a cheap ($200) platform that turned into global phenomenon with games like Wii Fit and Wii Sports.

Ten years ago Sony dominated the video games market - Sega was soon to disappear and Microsoft would take the baton and race ahead of Nintendo. The introduction of the Nintendo DS and Wii platforms propeller Nintendo back to the No 2 slot.

Games consoles only survive if customers purchase lots of games and Nintendo has successfully managed that with innovative games and controllers to tempt the market. From steering wheels to zapper guns their games and controllers are in short supply years after they first appeared.

Now Nintendo admit they have no intentions of resting on their laurels - the next console was started as soon as the Wii was released.We'll have to wait and see what innovations that will bring.

Wizard101 pc video game enters final public beta

Beta Testers Find Virtual World Brings the Family Together For Shared Playtime

The final beta testing phase has now been opened to the general public at www.wizard101.com. Wizard101, which emphasizes magical adventure and card-collecting in an online 3D world of Wizards, is expected to officially launch within the next month.

"We more than doubled our anticipated beta audience for Wizard101," said KingsIsle CEO Elie Akilian. "It turns out that the solid game mechanics and whimsical fantasy environment appeal even beyond the tween audience. We've had a great response from testers that included everyone from grandmas who play with a grandchild sitting in their lap to twenty-something traditional gamers."

Wizard101's collaborative play style supports an environment where players benefit from working together in adventure quests. A tiered chat system and pre-defined character name generator create a safe community for younger players while an Arena provides a spot for more traditional gamers to show off their player versus player spell-casting skills. As they adventure, players can upgrade their costume and magical accessories, adopt bizarre pets, solve puzzles and play mini-games. At launch, Wizard101 will be free to play, with advanced play content available by subscription.

KingsIsle had Wizard101 under development for three years before the beta period, which means testers experienced a very fully fleshed out game with detailed graphics, fantastic worlds and fully-functional game play. There has been an increasing online buzz about Wizard101. Testers, including those below from esteemed virtual community The Syndicate® have been saying things like:

"Wizard101 is a great game for the whole family, especially for kids. I watch my 6 year old AND my 14 year old laughing with each other instead of irritating one another, as brothers tend to do. I play right along side of my kids."

"Having been a gamer for 30 years now, playing with my kids has to be the most fun I have ever had ... They enjoy the ability to get many different spells and see all the amazing animations, and both are always wanting to start new wizards to try the others. I think the variety of schools and the spells that goes with them makes Wizard101 stand out over -other online games."

Anyone with a PC who would like to join the final beta testing phase can now sign up at www.wizard101.com and instantly download and install the initial software to join the large cast of good, bad, and frequently silly in-game characters and other players. Beta testers play the game for free and provide feedback to the game's creators leading up to the official launch.

Sony don't want Nintendo's old gamers...

Sony say they have no intention of competing for the older gamer "we will leave that market to Nintendo".

Sony want to concentrate on converting PlayStation 2 users to the PlayStation 3 platform. "The potential is already there to expand our market share from existing Sony customers."

Sony also say they have no intention of copying the Wii controller - "We lead - we don't follow" says Steinberg.

"The Blu-ray option on PlayStation 3 consoles alone should help convert games to that platform.

Our ten-year plan to create the PlayStation dominate the console wars is on track.
The PlayStation 3 is full of future proof technology and other platforms are already starting to show their age.."

- Scott Steinberg of SCEA

Video games to go open source?

Indie games companies are developing open source projects to produce video games...

An increasing number of mainstream video game veterans have abandoned big-budget, big-business game development and "gone rogue" as small, self-funded, often self-published independent game developers, or "indies." Some see indie development as an entry point into a career in the majors. But for some jaded professionals who love gaming but are dissatisfied with the mainstream industry, indie development offers an escape - and a unique opportunity.

The video game market is dominated by large vendors, as discussed in this Portfolio article about Disney's efforts to lead Hollywood into video games. A bit of surprise to me was just how many games and studios Disney has acquired over the last few years, even creating a new business unit.

This isn't terribly different from what we've seen in the enterprise as big vendors Oracle have consolidated smaller vendors while frustrated developers (and business folk) have created open source companies to go against the corporate grain. Open source has flipped the enterprise market on it's head, can an open source-like model for game development help the growth of the independent gaming world?

Best I can tell is that console and downloadable games have some specific technical challenges that most people don't have experience with. It seems like there are some big opportunities in gaming right now.

CNet

Race Driver - Grid on Nintendo DS - new video

Now shipping - the smash hit racer returns this Friday in handheld form on Nintendo DS complete with circuit creation system.

New video available from http://community.racedrivergrid.com/

RACE DRIVER - GRID returns in portable form this week as Codemasters today announced that the Nintendo DS edition of the game is now shipping and will launch this Friday, 8th August.

An all-new video of the Nintendo DS edition in action is now showing online .

The Nintendo DS edition of the game that Top Gear magazine called “the racing game of the year” has been specifically designed for the handheld and offers the most complete pick-up-and-play pocket racing package. Players can take inspiration from competing in the world’s most exciting racing cars on legendary circuits and iconic city streets and then get creative with the most powerful track editor in portable gaming.

RACE DRIVER: GRID delivers intense, incident-packed wheel-to-wheel racing against aggressive AI opponents to create a breathtaking race experience. Accessible handling enables gamers to jump straight into the action, while a huge career mode includes championship and race events. Quick fire Challenges offer a fast fix of racing for gamers on-the-go and include Time Trials, Speed Tests and Chase events.

Bringing a new world of motor sport to life, players race at beautifully realised and diverse locations across three continents. In Europe, race prestige marques on the world’s most famous circuits including Spa and the Nurburgring. In America, compete in powerful muscle cars through the streets of San Francisco to Washington DC. Taking the race to Japan, experience the unique exhilaration of drift racing on the neon lit streets of Shibuya and then compete in Touge events, downhill races that operate on the fringe of legality.

Exclusively for the Nintendo DS edition, RACE DRIVER: GRID features a multi faceted track editor, enabling gamers to create their own dream race track. With over 60 individual pieces, the creation system offers near-limitless design options, including the ability to personalise trackside hoardings and billboards. Players can craft complete championship circuits in detail or, using the simple Free-Draw tool, create and race within minutes.

Extensive online and multiplayer options has players competing in four-player races, climbing to the top of global online leader boards for every race event, or sharing up to four individually created tracks with up to four players in the ultimate custom race series.

With a stunning selection of real-world settings, outstanding racing cars, a powerful track editor and incredible graphics, RACE DRIVER: GRID is the most exciting, fun and feature packed racer you can fit in your pocket. Developed by Firebrand Games, the team responsible for the award-winning Race Driver: Create and Race, the Nintendo DS edition of RACE DRIVER: GRID launches this Friday, 8th August. See the new video and for all the action from the track visit http://community.racedrivergrid.com/

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New website with games, movie and music reviews - Win a TV

The Leisure Lab is a new website from Haymarket Consumer Media that reviews the latest games, movies and music.

Aimed at home entertainment enthusiasts, the Leisure Lab's unique approach is to assess new releases not only on their creative qualities, but also on their technical achievements. We help readers to find the games, movies and music that best showcase the power of their home cinema system or HiFi.

The Leisure Lab's reviews are presented by a huge team of experienced journalists from Stuff.tv and WhatHiFi.com, who add new podcasts several times each week.



Visitors to the site also have the opportunity to enter The Leisure Lab's competitions where prizes worth £1,500 are on offer, including a 46in LCD TV, a Home Cinema System and a Blu Ray Player.

The Leisure Lab's editor, Jamie Ewbank, says: "Not only does the Leisure Lab cover music, games and movies all in one place, but all our reviews have a little something extra.

The Leisure Lab stands out because our reviewers not only know films, music and games, they also know about the kit you have in your living room. So when we review a game, we don't just ask how good the gameplay is, we ask how good it looks and sounds, how well it uses your equipment to immerse you in the game world.”

The Leisure Lab launches on Friday 8th of August at http://www.theleisurelab.co.uk .

Guitar Hero Nintendo DS may surprise you

GUITAR HERO-  ON TOUR Imagine someone came to you and said "Hey, I just invented a cheetah that dispenses napkins!" You'd be pretty impressed at first, I'm sure. But then you'd just be confused, because you wouldn't be able to figure out exactly why anyone would want to do that.

That's Guitar Hero - On Tour

If someone had to put a version of the music game (which is typically played with an undersized plastic guitar controller) onto Nintendo's portable DS system, this is probably the best way of doing it. A DS add-on (included with the game) applies four buttons to the side of the console, and players must hold in the right combination of them and strum along with the music.

The songs (all full pop/rock songs) sound really great, it's shocking that they all fit on one DS cart. But as my wife and I (both music game fans) played around with it, the question we kept coming back to was "Why?" Why would one want to play this party game without a big TV and the faux-guitar controller?

Speaking as two people who've spent endless hours with plastic guitars, we both agreed it was infinitely less fun watching someone strum a pick-shaped stylus across the DS's tiny screen.

If you're at home, I imagine you want to actually play "Guitar Hero." If you're on the go, I imagine you don't want to look like a doofus. If you don't fit into either of these categories though, "Guitar Hero: On Tour" is probably the best you're going to do.

Guitar Hero - Metallica Lars Ulrich on MTV news

We know that Activision is contemplating more band-themed Guitar Hero games, but they are mum as to which bands they are working with. With the recent deal to make the next Metallica album available on Guitar Hero III the same day it is released to the public for purchase, one has to wonder if they are working with the band for their own Guitar Hero title. Lets see what Las Ulrich has to say about the matter.

I think at some point a band can actually get big enough to just not care what they say. Take for instance this recent interview with Metallica rocker Lars Ulirich where he all but says “they’re making Guitar Hero Metallica”.


There’s an Aerosmith game out there that’s super successful, and if somebody’s gonna follow that up…we’re talking, and its exciting, and the people at ‘Guitar Hero’ and Activision are rapidly becoming our best new friends in the world. You can put the rest of it together yourself.

My puzzle-solving skills aren’t what they once were, so I’ve contacted my crack team of specialists, and we’ve translated the text to mean that either Lars just confirmed a Gutiar Hero: Metallica title, or that the band is planning on buying the Guitar Hero franchise and will rule the gaming world with an iron fist. I’m not sure, but I think I’m leaning toward the latter.

Watch the MTV interview here...

Source: SlashGear

Video games make $18 billion last year

The one-day record holder for a movie premiere is Spiderman 3, which brought in $59 million in ticket sales on its opening day.

Spring's opening blockbuster brought in $500 million in sales. It was the biggest entertainment opening ever. But it wasn't a movie…

Grand Theft Auto IV, a video game, recorded sales of $310 million… on its first day.

It's not the first time video games have made a one-day killing like that. Game sales have outpaced movies for some time now. For the first time last year, the video game industry surpassed the movie industry in gross sales.

Last year's game industry grew to $18.8 billion. That's a 40% increase from the prior year. Software sales represented $9.5 billion of that figure, and it's not hard to see why.

The video game industry of today looks nothing like it did 10 years ago. Gone are low-tech games and disconnected users. Today's video game players are all ages, demographic and geographic backgrounds. And there's a lot of money at stake…

Sixty-eight percent of households in the United States play computer or video games. Game software sales were $2.6 billion in 1996, and by 2006 they had reached $7.4 billion.

In 2007, the industry sold 267.8 million games. That's 540 games sold every minute.

Profiting from the video game industry isn't as simple as investing in the company making a blockbuster game. You also have to know about the machines these games are played on…

The Video Game Industry Profits from Multiple Platforms

The video game industry is broken down into games and consoles. Games can come in many different formats. Most are console games, meaning they only play on a specific company's game system - called a console, while the PC versions can play on any computer.
PC games represent only a small sales segment in the game market, but they have an incredible reach with users. Last year, 40% of all U.S. residents two years of age or older played an online game.
The console market is concentrated among a few game systems like Nintendo's Wii and DS, Sony's Playstation 3 and Microsoft's X-Box 360. Consoles represent $9.35 billion in sales for the industry.
Aside from the tremendous time that goes into the coding and construction, labor is the largest cost in producing a game. Programmers can make $90k annually, or more. With the ability to locate offices in economical locations, and the ability to sublet work wherever it's cost efficient, the game industry can produce games for less.
The cost to make an average game can run from $10 to $50 million. When you compare that to the average 2007 movie cost of $106 million, you can see why the profit margins are so attractive.
Diverse platforms have given rise to a multitude of games as companies have rushed to meet the demands of numerous demographic segments.
New Players Have Opened up Huge New Markets
The stereotypes of video games being the domain of teenage boys, as well as being ultra-violent, are changing. Gamers are more likely to be older, young professionals who can afford to purchase games and consoles. The average gamer has been playing for roughly 12 years.
And men aren't the only ones playing these days…
Forty percent of all game players are women, and there are more women playing games (30% of all gamers) than there are boys under 17 years old (23%). Women represent a larger and larger population of game players every year.
Companies are tailoring their games to this growing audience, making games less violent and more family friendly. While the news likes to report that video games are getting more violent every year, the small number of violent-rated games is proof that the industry gets more bad press than it deserves.
Only 15.5% of last year's games were rated "M" for mature. The majority of games - 56.5% - were rated "E" for "Everyone 10+." The fastest growing segment in the games industry is the family segment that grew 110% from 9.1% to 17.6%.
As younger generations grow and have children of their own, more parents are playing video games than ever before - 36% of parents play video games. "Families that play together stay together" can now mean playing video games.
Eighty percent of gamer parents play video games with their kids.
Forty-seven percent of video game players are between the ages of 18 and 49. The fastest growing demographic is the 50-plus crowd. This doesn't mean that kids aren't playing video games anymore; far from it… they still represent 28% of all gamers out there.
More and more older Americans are playing video games than ever before. Video games are perfect activities for seniors by providing activity without physical stress. They offer health benefits with coordination, balance and endurance. 24% of Americans over age 50 played video games last year, and that number should only increase.
The average game buyer is 38 years old, five years older than the average player. This gap in age represents the scores of parents buying games for their children, and the tremendous influence parents have on sales.
Regardless of age brackets, entertainment traditionally declines during economic downturns and recessions. But the video game industry has defied conventional wisdom.
Why the Video Game Industry Does Better During Recessions
Economists haven't called our current downturn a recession yet, but there's no shortage of bad economic news to help support that argument.
The last recession the United States had was after Sept. 11, when technology demand crashed. Despite that, sales of video games during that period increased 43%. 2002 became a record year in video games, posting $7 billion in sales.
And it's happening again…
Retail sales in February fell by 0.06, but video games and equipment increased sales 34% over January to $1.33 billion. But this sales boom hasn't stopped.
Game sales hit $1.7 billion in March 2008. That's a 57% increase from the same time last year.
In the same way people 'cocoon' themselves during winter storms, consumers stay home more when the economy is down.
It may sound counterintuitive, but the increasing costs for entertainment have encouraged people to spend less, and as a result they are purchasing games that cost much more than the average movie ticket.
Time is the reason gamers are willing to spend the money for these products. While an average movie may run two to three hours, a new game may take an expert player 100 hours to finish.
A $50 to $60 cost for that game starts to look very reasonable. Especially when you consider the time spent playing these games means less time for spending money on more expensive entertainment options.
Even when hard times end, the game industry will continue to profit. Today's gamer is a devoted player logging an average of 7.5 hours a week playing games.
That's a dedicated player who will continue to buy and play games for years to come.

Source: Seeking Alpha