Sony PSP Redesign Confirmed By FCC

The FCC has come through again, giving up testing info on Sony's upcoming PSP-3001 redesign. It's still the same generation PSP and still has most of the same parts (802.11b Wi-Fi) and still plays the same games, so we're guessing most of the changes will be internal and focused on lowering costs and making the thing harder to hack.

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Rock Band 2 Bundle on Xbox 360 delayed until October

While the Rock Band 2 game and individual instruments are set for an exclusive Xbox 360 release on September 14, it now appears that Harmonix's Special Edition bundle will not make it to stores until October 19, a full month later.

The official Rock Band store and retailer GameStop both list the bundle as shipping on October 19--the same day the PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3 and Wii versions are set to arrive.

Full story on Shacknews...

Ragnarawk video game free RPG - wins BAFTA

Ragnarawk is a rhythmic RPG adventure game set in a fantasy world based around the many genres of music, developed during Dare 2007 by Voodoo Boogy. The player takes control of Rift: a young, aspiring guitar player who through a twist of fate has found himself swept up in an epic battle of good vs. evil. Wielding a mystical guitar Rift must battle and defeat an evil that is slowly consuming the land. With the teachings of Stratos, an ancient Rock God and the support of “Save Girl” – Rift’s one and only fan – can you defeat the source of the evil and save the day? If this sounds like your sort of game, you can play it here for free.



Voodoo Boogy’s success story with their game Ragnarawk
Voodoo Boogy are an extremely talented group of young games designers from a range of disciplines. Malcolm Brown and Robert Clarke are graduates in Computer Games Technology, Peter Carr and Finlay Sutton are graduates in Computer Arts, and Lynne Robertson is currently in her fourth year of Computer Arts. Voodoo Boogy have won no fewer than three awards for their game Ragnarawk: the Dare to be Digital Award for Commercial Potential, the Dare ProtoPlay Audience Award and the much coveted BAFTA Ones to Watch Award.

Free download here at Dare to be Digital...

Heaven to Ocean video game

Description: Heaven to Ocean (H2O) is a 2D puzzle platformer physics game where the user mnipulates the game environment in order to move a drop of water across the screen. The objective is to drive the droplet into the ocean while preserving as much of the water’s original volume as possible.

This is a student entry into the Dare to be Digital video game competition from the UK. Here are some notes on this game:

The storyline: your are a drop of water (more like a cupful, actually) just released from a cloud onto some sort of construction site. Your mission is to find your way back and re-unite with the Ocean (actually, a sink on the ground floor which, we assume, drains into the ocean).
The droplet size: occasionally you may extend your droplet in such a way that it will separate into multiple parts. The camera will always focus on the largest chunk. You can manoeuvre the parts so they’re back together however be careful; once any of the other parts drifts out of camera view they are lost for good. Your goal is to get as much of the droplet to the end as possible.

Vapor and snow: should you come across a source of heat (or refrigeration) your droplet temporarily turns into either vapor or snow. Vapor levitates, which could get you out of a tight spot, but since it drags upwards rather than downwards your controls are temporarily reversed. When your droplet turns into a (rather large) snowflake it moves about the environment easily and does not splinter into parts.
Interaction with the environment: you will need to set certain events in motion in order to be able to progress further.

Production qualities: are generally very good.
This game is very accessible and fun. It is the type of casual game that can be picked up instantly without a huge learning curve. The reason I am giving it 4.5 rather than 5 stars it that it is very short (I was able to finish it in about 15 minutes); however, the game allows for loading and playing other levels, even when only one is available, so I will keep my fingers crossed that new levels are released in the future.

Compatibility: Windows XP, VISTA.

Sword of the Stars: A Murder of Crows PC video game

A Murder of Crows, the latest add-on to their highly acclaimed 4X space strategy game Sword of the Stars (PC). This exemplifies Kerberos Productions' continued commitment to the dedicated Sword of the Stars community. Players are required to have either Sword of the Stars: Collector's Edition or Born of Blood in order to play this new addition to the franchise. A Murder of Crows will be available at retail stores across the United Kingdom in September 2008 and is available for purchase online at www.GamersGate.com.

GAME SUMMARY

While the four civilized races battle back the voracious Zuul and seek advantage over each other, a ghost from the past returns to the galaxy in the form of the manipulative Morrigi. Already known for their dark crow-shaped attack drones and deadly traps, this race once thought long extinct, returns looking for vengeance.



Using never-before-seen weapons, ships and tactics, the Morrigi fall upon the other five races of the Sword of the Stars universe, who must now adapt to the ancient masters of space or be destroyed.



Time is of the essence as world after world falls to the black winged ships that surge out of the dark like A Murder of Crows.

FEATURES

• A New Sixth race – The Morrigi, who appeared as a series of mysterious random events in Born of Blood (the first Sword of the Stars expansion pack), continues to evolve the ever-expanding Sword of the Stars universe • New Ship Sections - Over a dozen new ship sections for all races to match against your opponents • Unique 'Grav Flock' Drive System for Morrigi Ships – The more Morrigi ships in a fleet, the faster they can travel, continuing the racial diversity unique to the Sword of the Stars gameplay experience • 15 new weapons • 27 new technologies and the new Xeno-Cultural and Drones tech trees • Sword of the Stars gameplay continues to deepen with Civilian populations, independent worlds, Espionage options, and demands for planetary surrender
• Drone carrying ships in all three size classes • Construction ships, a variety of orbital stations, spy ships, Police Cutters, and more • A whole new set of GUI enhancements and additions

Wizard101 School of Life Magic

There are six main schools of magic and a meta-school that modifies the use of the other six. The three external schools are Fire, Ice, and Storms, and they relate to the ancient Titans that ruled the world in the Days Before (dragons, giants, and tritons). There are three internal schools, Myth, Life, and Death, which encompass the internal powers of the mind, body, and spirit. The school of Balance blends all of these. Each of the six major schools exhibits a feel and philosophy, in rhythm with its own nature. In addition, each of the three inner schools dwells in the midst of two outer schools, drawing some small part of themselves from those framing forces.

Inner Schools
The spells of the inner or internal schools focus their energies on channeling your own power, drawing on your life force to create what you need. Each school has its own particular method of doing such, but each one is fed by an internal force.

School of Life (Spirit)



"As we have been Created, so must we Create."

Life is spirit, the force of awareness and existence. Practitioners of the Life Arts, known as Theurgists, are positive, enthusiastic people who seek to appreciate the simple pleasures. At times, however, they can be too flighty or frivolous when circumstances demand otherwise. Theurgists use Songs to breathe life and spirit into a vessel. Life sits between Fire and Storms, for the spark of life comes from those two forces.

About Wizard101
Wizard101 is an elaborate 3D virtual world in which magic and sorcery come to life as players embark on a quest that involves a massive cast of good, evil and frequently silly characters. Designed to fill the void between online play sites for the very young and Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) games with mature ratings, Wizard101 puts players in the fantasy role of a Wizard apprentice at the Ravenwood School of Magical Arts.

X-Blades coming to PlayStation, Xbox and PCs

Fearless Treasure Hunting Beauty To Fight Darkness On PLAYSTATION 3 Computer Entertainment System, Xbox 360 and Windows-Based PC

Anime-inspired X-Blades follows Ayumi, a brave and beautiful thrill seeker, whose obsession with hunting lost treasures lands her in a fight for her life.

"One of the greatest challenges we face with multi-platform games is how to deliver an equally fantastic experience across each platform," said John F. Kaiser, III, Producer at SouthPeak Games. "With X-Blades, we've taken time to ensure the same intense hack-and-slash gameplay is delivered seamlessly on all platforms."



Ayumi, a stunningly seductive yet tenacious heroine, travels the world hunting highly coveted artifacts. After finding an ancient treasure map she sets off on the most dangerous adventure she's ever faced and quickly finds herself outmanned and outgunned. Armed with only her fighting skill, magic spells, guns and blades, Ayumi must fend off rival treasure seekers, hordes of evil creatures and powerful dark forces in order to survive.

Colour Cross unique puzzle game on Nintendo DS

Colour Cross set to be part of a two pronged assault on casual DS owners.

Rising Star Games will be unleashing a double assault on casual Nintendo DS owners this autumn with Colour Cross backing up the previously announced Cradle of Rome. Both titles will be released on the same day in early November 2008 and available in all PAL territories.

Colour Cross is a unique puzzle game where the goal is to uncover the hidden picture by applying the right colour to the appropriate square. Utilising the familiar paint by numbers mechanic, completing a grid will reveal a portion of a larger hidden image as well as unlocking increasingly difficult challenges. With over 150 individual grids to unlock, Colour Cross provides hours of brain-teasing gameplay which is colourful in more ways than one.

Yen Hau, product marketing assistant: “Both these titles represent a different part of the casual gaming spectrum, with Colour Cross a brain teasing game requiring thought and puzzle solving skills. On the other hand, Cradle of Rome is a highly addictive, fast-paced casual game ideal for those pick-up-and-play moments. These titles are also the first non-Japanese developed projects Rising Star Games will publish and represent an opportunity to expand our catalogue to encompass all types of gamers.”

New modes and gameplay additions in PES 2009

Konami unveils new modes and gameplay additions as PES 2009 strives to band together PES players in the quest for football perfection

Revealed - further details of the many gameplay additions in its forthcoming PES 2009 title, and has explained its unique ‘PES Unites’ slogan that has been designed to band together fans of the beautiful game via its new game modes.

Due for release on PLAYSTATION 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation 2, PC-DVD, PSP (PlayStationPortable) and mobile phones in Autumn 2008 (followed by a Wii version in spring 2009), PES 2009 has been reworked from the ground up. New player models, AI elements and physics routines all combine to create the most advanced and realistic football game ever, but at the heart of PES 2009 are two new modes designed to make players rethink the way they approach the game.

‘PES Unites’ is the key phrase Konami is using to sum up the ethos of the new game. PES 2009 also improves on its many existing game modes and adds a number of new ways to play the game. Central to this is the new ‘Become a Legend’ solo mode, which casts the user as a midfielder or striker within a match. Using a default vertical camera view, the player starts as a rookie pro at the start of their career, and charts the many highs and lows of becoming a professional player. An extension of the popular ‘Fix’ mode, the ‘Become a Legend’ mode sees the player operate in their favoured attacking position, and work as part of the overall team as opposed to controlling every member as in a normal game.

If successful, the player must first cement their place in the starting line-up with strong performances, before catching the eye of bigger clubs and earning a move to top flight teams. Of course, results are everything in modern day football, and players must force their way into contention or face lengthy stints as a substitute or eventually be forced to take a step down to a smaller club if performances are not good enough. The ‘Become a Legend’ mode has already proved a massive hit in Japanese versions of PES since 2007, and is certain to enjoy similar status across Europe.

PES 2009 also boasts an online variant of the ‘Become a Legend’ mode, entitled simply ‘Legends.’ Players can use their saved player in online matches with like-minded friends, and can show their skills on the larger online stage.

The PES series has always been famed for its deep yet accessible control system, but the new game is aiming even higher. PES 2009 offers an unprecedented level of control, redefining the intricacies of first touch, close control and ball distribution, while also enhancing its shooting and AI mechanisms to create an all-round footballing experience. Konami’s Tokyo-based Pro Evolution Soccer Production Team has introduced new control systems wherein the player can now perform tricks and feints without the use of special moves, but within the context of the player’s run and via rapid turns and movements of the Dpad or analogue stick.

Likewise, the way the player guides the ball has been changed. The PES series has always treated the ball as a separate entity, but new calculations related to the air resistance and friction of the ground make passing and movement in PES 2009 a great deal more realistic. Different weather conditions will now have a more pronounced effect on the weight and movement of passes, with players having to compensate for more heavy conditions in poor weather.

Producer Shingo ‘Seabass’ Takatsuka and his team have also worked to extend the remit of their Teamvision AI routines, with on-screen team mates adapting their tactics according to current situations, and moving into space to assist the player in attacking and defensive situations. Teamvision also recognizes strategies that work for or against it, and will accumulate the data for use in Master League and League mode.

“It is an honour to know that our game is enjoyed by so many people from different backgrounds,” said Takatsuka of the new additions. “From top professional players, to football enthusiasts and kids who just want a kickabout in the streets, its appeal is widening all the time. The new Become a Legend and Legends Modes are designed to convey the pressure and pace a real pro experiences, with players working as part of a strong side and working to prove their merit as a player. I feel great and motivated when people enjoy our games, and feel the new modes will open up new ways to enjoy PES.”

The ever-present Master League has also been reworked, with negotiations now a lot simpler and conducted on a two-tier club and personal basis, while loyalty now plays a part with disaffected players’ moods having an adverse affect on their performances.

Adding an all-new layer of gloss to PES 2009’s much-enhanced realism, the game has also undergone a radical aesthetic upgrade. Stadiums now have more realistic environment and atmospheric elements, while the PLAYSTATION®3 and Xbox 360 versions will also showcase LED hoardings. Likewise, the way distance is shown has been changed, with the use of contrast adding a depth field to the action, while there is also a new vertical camera angle that automatically switches to a closer proximity during key one-on-one situations.

Every player in the game has also been totally redefined, with all new face and body detail, with further facial animations and kit detailing adding to the realism. The game’s Edit mode has also been boosted with the ability to create bespoke matches via the importing of faces, kits, and even sound files for specific music and crowd chants for any team. A new Pixel Paint system has also been integrated, allowing players to create their own club crests and badges to add to their home-grown kits.

“We have pulled out all the stops to make PES 2009 a landmark in footballing games,” commented Jon Murphy, PES Project Leader for Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH. “From the most basic controls, through to the wide-ranging additions to game modes such as ‘Become a Legend’, all-new visuals, sound, and the Edit mode, Seabass and his team have strived to cram as much as they can into the new game. And with more online announcements to follow, there is every reason to believe that PES 2009 is the football game everyone has been waiting for.”

Deal or no Deal mobile cellphone game

UK's top television series to gain new direction on the mobile platform

Deal or No Deal. The agreement gives EA Mobile, a division of EA’s Casual Entertainment Label, the rights to develop, market and publish brand new mobile games based on the Deal or No Deal TV series for the UK mobile market. The first game is scheduled to be released in November 2008.

Deal or No Deal first launched in the UK in October 2005 and has pervaded UK popular culture since then. The hugely popular show attracts average daily audiences of over 2.3 million on Channel 4 and the format has aired in over 80 countries worldwide. EA Mobile will build on the brand values that have created this success to develop games that deliver an experience that faithfully reflects the elements the fans love from the TV show – the contestants, the camaraderie and the nail-biting drama.

“We are excited to have the chance to work on one of the most successful TV properties of recent years,” said Javier Ferreira, VP of European Publishing, EA Mobile. “Deal or No Deal is a phenomenally successful programme, particularly in the UK, and we look forward to creating games that will bring the true spirit of the series to a new audience on mobile platforms.”

“At Endemol, we have been looking for a partner in the mobile space to help bring this phenomenal property to an even broader audience,” said Jurian van der Meer, Head of Products & Brand Exploitation, Endemol Digital Media. “We want to focus on our core strength, that of creating incredibly popular IP for a mass broadcast audience and work with global partners, such as EA Mobile, to take our TV proposition to new pervasive platforms.”

Jackass video game on Nintendo DS

Empire Interactive announces Nintendo DS version of Jackass the Game for European Gamers will launch on 19th Septmber 2008

Jackass The Game for the Nintendo DS and will be available across EU territories and Switzerland on 19th September 2008.

Jackass the Game is inspired by the popular MTV television series and hugely successful MTV Films Jackass and Jackass number two. Jackass the Game DS will give players the ability to take on the roles of Johnny Knoxville, Steve-O and many others from the Jackass gang as they maneuver through the types of off-the-wall madness and stunts that fans have previously only been accustomed to watching on their televisions and movie screens.

You take on the role of Dickhouse Productions new intern. Your job is to do whatever the jackass crew wants you to do and like it. Throughout the game, the members of the Jackass gang will send you out to complete a huge range of stunts, pranks, and tricks. The game takes place in Mianus. You and the crew will explore 5 unique parts of Mianus (City, Suburbs, Mountains, Beach, and Industrial Park), each with unique obstacles and challenges.

Empire Interactive will bring all the outlandish hijinks and sheer stupidity made famous by the Jackass crew to the Nintendo DS on 19th September 2008.

Harvest Moon - Island of Happiness video game for the Nintendo DS goes gold

Harvest Moon: Island of Happiness for the Nintendo DS has gone to gold master.

When the title ships on August 26th, its launch will kick off the ten-year anniversary for the franchise. The anniversary celebration will include various retail promotions with special collectible pre-order items, a 10th anniversary DS Lite Kit, strategy guides and more.

“To have such a remarkable following and support for the Harvest Moon series is wonderful, and we think fans will be very pleased with this new handheld addition,” said Hiro Maekawa, President and CEO of Natsume.
“Island of Happiness stays true to the elements of the series that fans love, and will provide players an exciting Harvest Moon universe that will continue to elevate the series to new heights.”

Harvest Moon: Island of Happiness (DS)
Harvest Moon: Island of Happiness brings the largest portable Harvest Moon experience ever to the Nintendo DS.

Starting off with an abandoned farm, a handful of seeds, and the determination to start a new life, it's up to the player to develop a mysterious, abandoned island into a bustling tropical paradise. By harvesting crops, raising animals, and mining for precious gems, gamers will help the island grow into a vibrant town filled with people, businesses, and eligible bachelors and bachelorettes. Players can take on the role of a male or a female, and choose who they want to fall in love and start a family with. Gamers can also test their farming skills against each other and compete for prizes via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.

Harvest Moon: Island of Happiness will ship on August 26th, 2008 and will retail for $29.99. Players who pre-order the game through select retailers will receive a free chicken plush.

Harvest Moon: Island of Happiness is rated E for everyone by the entertainment software rating board (ESRB).

Deep Silver announces Mytran Wars on PSP

Exclusive Title for PlayStationPortable is being developed by Stormregion.

Publisher Deep Silver continues to expand its portfolio of handheld games. An exclusive title for PlayStation Portable from Sony, which is being developed by Stormregion in Budapest, is in development amongst other projects. The well-known developer has made a name for itself with its prize-winning strategy games such as Rush for Berlin, S.W.I.N.E. and the Codename: Panzers series and would now like to capitalize on these successes with the round-based strategy game Mytran Wars.

It’s the 23rd century: The earth’s natural resources are virtually exhausted and the ruling multinational conglomerates are searching for new raw material deposits in space in order to avert the impending catastrophe. One planet turns out to be a real El Dorado, full of natural resources. But as the human conquerors in their armed mecha encounter the extraterrestrial inhabitants a dreadful war breaks out.

The player researches into new technologies and continues to rearm his mecha in Mytran Wars. Battles are thereby fought in wonderful 3D landscapes – against the merciless AI or other human opponents in various multiplayer modes.

About Deep Silver
Deep Silver develops and distributes interactive games for all platforms. The Deep Silver label means to captivate all computer and video gamers who enjoy and share a passion for thrilling gameplay in modern game worlds. Deep Silver works with its partners to achieve a maximum of success while maintaining the highest possible quality, always focusing on what the customer desires. Deep Silver products are designed to equally appeal to professionals and beginners, children and adults.

Deep Silver has published around 40 games since 2003, including the most successful adventure of 2006, Secret Files: Tun-guska, the bestseller ANNO 1701 (co-published with Sunflowers), the challenging CrossworDS knowledge puzzle game, the horse simulation Horse Life DS, and the soccer MMO World of Soccer Online. Current developments include Warhammer - Battle March (in cooperation with Namco Bandai), the action role-playing game Sacred 2: Fallen Angel (in cooperation with Ascaron), S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky, the sinister Chernobyl shooter for PC, and the new game from the Piranha Bytes team. Deep Silver's own developing studio Deep Silver Vienna opened in 2007.

Overlord II - Sequel for PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, DS and PC

Codemasters announces blockbuster Overlord sequel for the PLAYSTATION 3 system, Xbox 360, Games For Windows, plus exclusive extensions for Wii and Nintendo DS
Marking the return of the bad ass game brand that champions a despotic tyrant and sets loose the most vicious, yet lovably insane critters in gaming, Codemasters today announced that the Overlord and the Minions will headline a series of three new Overlord titles for multiple platforms in 2009.

Overlord II is the sequel to the original twisted fantasy action adventure and is now in development at Triumph Studios for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Games For Windows. True to form, the Overlord and the Minion horde have their sights set on supremacy and 2009 will also see the series debuting on new formats. Exclusive extensions include the action title Overlord Dark Legend for Wii, featuring minion control through Wii Remote movement, and Overlord Minions, a dedicated puzzle action title, for Nintendo DS.

“As a million-plus seller Overlord is now a significant brand in the ever-growing Codemasters portfolio,” says Barry Jafrato, Senior Vice President of Brand, Codemasters. “With specific titles published across major formats and download content available, Overlord has established a huge cult following and won widespread critical acclaim. We’re delighted to have the despot back for this three-game, five-format product line. With Triumph’s hugely impressive vision for Overlord II and bespoke titles for Wii and Nintendo DS, Overlord is set to dominate in 2009.”



“Epic battles, all new Minion play mechanics, a stunningly detailed new visuals and a fresh theme – Overlord II’s really packing a punch,” says Lennart Sas, director and Overlord lead at Triumph Studios. “We’re really excited about shifting the world to a new era where a Roman-inspired Empire rises as the arch-enemy of the Overlord, which leads to an epic clash between the regimented forces of a sprawling state and the faster, harder, more manic minion horde. It’s also great to see the series reaching new formats. The creativity being packed into the design for Overlord Dark Legend on Wii and Overlord Minions on Nintendo DS make great use of the platforms’ unique features and are perfect extensions to the Overlord series.”

OVERLORD TITLES FOR 2009:

OVERLORD II
• PLAYSTATION 3 system, Xbox 360, Games For Windows.

Overlord II is the sequel to the hit warped fantasy action adventure that had players being delightfully despotic. In Overlord II, a new Overlord and a more powerful army of Minions take on an entire empire in a truly epic adventure, inspired by the rise of the Roman Empire. As the Glorious Empire conquers kingdoms and destroys any sign of magic it finds, it’s time to go Minion Maximus and send in the horde.

The Minions return smarter, deadlier (and funnier) and are ready to fight in large scale battles that will see their wild pack mentality squaring up to the organised legions of the Glorious Empire. As ever, they’ll do anything and everything the Overlord commands of them, especially now that they can run ravage and wreck buildings and scenery. They’ve also learn to ride: In Overlord II Minions will be able to mount up and ride wolves and other magical creatures around the landscape and take them into battle, making our band of merry fighters faster and fiercer than ever before. Coming in 2009, Overlord II is now in development at Triumph Studios in Delft, the Netherlands, for the PLAYSTATION 3 system, Xbox 360 and Games For Windows.

OVERLORD DARK LEGEND.
• Wii

Designed and developed exclusively for Wii, Overlord Dark Legend is a brand new action adventure steeped in fairy tale lore with sinister, satirical twists. Set in a time before the original game, players take the role of a new young Overlord. As he revels in command of the Minions, our trainee tyrant will be able to take his growing pains out on the local fairy tale inhabitants as he protects his castle and lands.

Connecting players to the game world in three dimensions, the use of the Wii Remote gives unprecedented control over the minions. For example, individual Minions can be plucked from the horde, held by the neck and then, by vigorously shaking the Wii Remote, throttled to imbue him with some Overlordly power and turn him into a manic minion missile. With a now-explosive body, the insane little critter can be guided into enemies with hilarious, if rather fatal, consequences.


Backed by a rich, tongue-in-cheek story from award-winning games author Rhianna Pratchett, the game features Overlord favourites including Halflings, trolls, elves, and dwarves and introduces wicked witches, gingerbread men and Lil’ Red Riding Hood, the seeming sweet girl with a very personal lupine secret. Coming in 2009, Overlord Dark Legend is now in development at Climax Studios, exclusively for Wii.

OVERLORD MINIONS
• Nintendo DS

Meet Giblet, Blaze, Stench, and Zap – an elite Minion crew who, assisted by minion master Gnarl, get star billing in Overlord Minions, an irresistible and accessible puzzle action game, designed exclusively for Nintendo DS. In Overlord Minions, the Overlord commands the Minion team remotely. The Nintendo DS stylus becomes an extension of his evil will and every precise Touch Screen command is the player-as-Overlord directing, commanding and combining minions in battle, pointing and sweeping them to attack enemies and solving puzzles to execute his dastardly plans.

Controlling the Special Farces team of four, players negotiate fiendish levels and take on a huge range of warped enemies to hunt down the Kindred, a cult dedicated to resurrecting the mighty Dragon Kin, a race of humanoid dragon hybrids, determined to replace the Overlord’s despotism with their own. Extending the Overlord series’ trademark humour, gameplay focuses on the mischievous physical comedy of the minion’s antics and is delivered in a stylised cartoon visual style. Scheduled for release in 2009, Overlord Minions is now in development at Climax Studios exclusively for Nintendo DS.

With a rousing cry of “Veni, Vidi, Vici per Minions”, prepare to face the Glorious Empire in Overlord II and the rather grim fairy tales of Overlord Dark Legend and Overlord Minions when the terrific tyrant returns in 2009.

New Celetania PC video Space game - screenshots

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Asda Story events going on now until August 19

In addition to the Guaranteed Fun Promotion Where players can win $30 for playing the game, Several In-game events offer great prizes including Campus Cash, iPod Nano's, an Xbox 360 and a Wii, and much more.

Celebrating the open beta for Asda Story with several in-game events and lotteries with great prizes including iPod Nano's, Xbox 360 and Wii consoles and tons of campus cash for the winners.

Also, Don't forget! Gamecampus and Asda Story are hosting the Guaranteed Fun Promotion. The company is certain that players will be satisfied with their Asda Story game experience, so much so, that they are staking money on it. Any player who signs up for and plays the game (for free) for 30 days and reaches Level 40 and isn't satisfied with their experience can ask the company to pay them $30 USD. For the full details visit http://asdastory.gamescampus.com/event/fun.html.

The events going on now in-game include:

Asda Story Cartoon Event:
Create your own 4 panel cartoon using screenshots of Asda Story and post it in the official Cartoon Contest forum section for a chance to win Campus Cash prizes! The Event will take place over two separate periods, so if you don't win the first time players can create another and try their luck again. The first event is taking place now through August 19 with a second event starting August 20th to September 2.
The First Place winners of each event period will receive 10,000 Campus Cash, the Second Place winners will receive 5,000 Campus Cash, and the two Third Place winners will receive 3,000 Campus Cash each.



'Give a Tip to the Beginners' Event:
Post the best tip or piece of advice for your fellow players in the official Tip Event forum section and have a chance at receiving Campus Cash prizes! The first event is taking place now through August 19, with a second event providing players another shot at the prizes starting August 20th to September 2nd. The First Place winners of each event period who post the best tip, piece of advice, or guides will receive 10,000 Campus Cash, Second Place winners will receive 5,000 Campus Cash, and the two Third Place winners will receive 3,000 Campus Cash.

In-game Digging Event:
Grab a shovel and start digging for items! All Asda Story players are invited to join the dig for rare items that are usually only available through the item mall. The items include a number of Nimbus cloud vehicles to ride, useful in-game items such as HP Potions, Teleportation Scrolls to meet up with friends, and Gold Exchange Tickets to get rich in-game more quickly!

Attendance Lottery:
Asda Story players who join in the Event and pick up daily Attendance Tokens from the Event NPC will be put into a lottery to win prizes including Gold Exchange Tickets, 4GB iPod Nanos, and one lucky person will win a Nintendo Wii! Remember to pick up a token each day because the more a player has at the end of the Event period, the more chances they will have to win the drawings.

Level-up Event:
All users are encouraged to level up as far as they can during open service to receive a number of great prizes.
Any and all users are able to win prizes for reaching specific levels.
All players that reach Level 5 will receive Event Teleport Scrolls to quicken their travels around the maps. All characters that reach Level 10 by the end of the Event Period will be entered into a lottery where two characters will win a 4GB iPod Nano for the owners of their accounts.

Gold Wolf Event:
Users can get Event Raffle Tokens from killing special Golden Wolves and be entered into a lottery for a number of prizes including 50 sets of headphones and one lucky winner will get an Xbox 360. The more Raffle Tokens on a character, the more chances they have to win one of the prizes.

About Asda Story:
Based on a colorful, bright and cheerful world, Asda Story is a free to play exciting fantasy-style anime 3D MMORPG game that features a unique 'Soul Mate System.' The unique party system offers two players the ability to align to become 'soul mates' and allows them to wear unique costumes and use special skills. Another key feature of the game is the 'Real Costume System,' which gives players some of the most extensive personalization and design options ever seen in an MMORPG.

Both unique systems ('Soul Mate System' and 'Real Costume System') were credited for helping to generate a high female user ratio for Asda Story (more than 20% of the total players are female) when launched in Korea and Japan. With these systems, players are able to personalize the design of their items and make the look of their characters stand out. Gamescampus.com is expecting to see similar ratios with females for the launch of Asda Story in the United States.

Capture the spirit of China Free Demo of Romance of the Three Kings XI

The complete version of KOEI's historical simulation game for Windows-based PC will be available beginning September 9, 2008 exclusively through digital download

Free demo of Romance of the Three Kingdoms XI (RTKXI) for Windows-based PC is available now. Gamers can visit www.koei.com/rtkxipc to view the official trailer and download the demo.

The complete version of the game will be available to consumers in North America and Brazil beginning September 9, 2008 exclusively through digital download.

About ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS XI
From legendary video game producer Kou Shibusawa comes another historical simulation masterpiece. Rediscover an ancient civilization with an explosive history in the most stunning edition of Romance of the Three Kingdoms.



Set during the end of China’s Han Dynasty and the 2nd and 3rd centuries A.D., RTKXI presents the most visually captivating evolution in the history of the series. Blurring the line between video games and art, RTKXI features visuals evocative of classical Chinese ink-paintings along with debates and duels rendered in real-time 3D animation.

As the ruler of a kingdom, each player will have complete control over their territories. More than 40 base commands give players the power to govern cities, manage their personnel, practice diplomacy and much more. Complete freedom to develop markets, shipyards, outposts, forts and military units expand on the already substantial benchmarks established by previous editions of the series. Furthermore, players will watch the era come to life through the uniquely individual personalities of the more than 780 officers and supporting characters they will encounter.

Players will need to dig deep within to prove themselves adept at both the military and political arts in order to bring China under one rule. Domestic affairs, diplomacy and warfare are all conducted on a single vast 3D relief map, dramatically bringing to life the eight massive scenarios that lie before them.

For improved control over each military campaign, RTKXI’s turn-based game play allows the player to plan their movements without undue time constraints, and then execute their battle tactics when ready. RTKXI also introduces an entirely new system for researching military techniques, as well as an Advanced Tactics System that allows players to drive or lure enemies into devastating ambushes. Skilled players will be able to link together tactics for maximum damage.

Produced by Kou Shibusawa and developed by KOEI Co., Ltd, Romance of the Three Kingdoms XI is rated “E10+” (Everyone 10 and older – Alcohol Reference, Mild Blood, Mild Language, Violence) by the ESRB. The suggested retail price is US$19.99. Media can find assets at gamespress.com.