Rogue Trooper - Quartz Zone Massacre on Nintendo Wii coming February 2009

Reef Entertainment, the publisher responsible for Free Running, is proud to announce that Rogue Trooper - Quartz Zone Massacre will be launched across Europe on Friday 27th February 2009.

Rogue Trooper, a genetically engineered super-soldier from the pages of iconic UK sci-fi comic 2000 AD, represents Reef’s first foray onto the Nintendo Wii platform and promises to be one of the Wii’s most exciting and engaging 3rd person shooter titles yet.

Peter Rezon, managing director of Reef said, “We have high hopes for Rogue Trooper. The tactical use of stealth as well as the all-out action fit perfectly with the Nintendo Wii interface, providing exciting and immersive gameplay. Rogue has a cult following from when he first appeared in 2000 AD and we have returned to the original storyline for the Wii version of the game to remind people how Rogue came about, but it is the strong characters and storyline which will have great appeal for gamers of all types. We believe this will become one of the very best shooter titles ever available on Nintendo Wii.”

The supporting website www.roguetrooper.com is now live and provides a truly in-depth introduction to the game. Packed with intelligence on tactics, enemies, characters and weapons as well as the essential screenshots, wallpapers, artwork and high-octane videos, Reef is confident gamers will be back to the site again and again.

Rogue Trooper is being released through Reef partners in the major European countries,
Ubisoft in the UK and Ireland, Digital Brothers in Spain and Atari in France, Germany and Italy.

Top-Down Racing Game Roadclub Released

- AIKA Online scheduled to launch services in the first half of this year via "Redbana"

- Receives calls from not only Taiwan but also many countries such as China and Europe

- Confident of success in the Taiwanese market considering the strengths of AIKA

Enjoying continued popularity while seeking to represent large-scale war (1,000 vs. 1,000), "AIKA Online" sets its sights on the global market starting with Taiwan.

Hanbit Soft announced that it has signed a local service contract in Taiwan for AIKA with the local Taiwanese branch of T3 Entertainment, "Redbana". AIKA's service in Taiwan is scheduled to be launched in the first half of this year.

"We have taken our first step in targeting the global market of AIKA with Taiwan. AIKA's large-scale war presents an exceptional experience unlike any other. Because of this, we strongly believe it will be successful not only in Taiwan but also in other countries as well," said Hanbit Soft CEO Kim Gi-yeong. He notes how many countries including China and Europe are showing interest in AIKA even now and looks forward to good results in the near future.

"We have high expectations for AIKA since there are many MMORPG games out there with war as its main theme and are already successful in Taiwan. We are confident that AIKA will succeed in the Taiwanese market since it features a huge war unlike any other games launched to date, a solid system, and a client optimized for the local environment," said Redbana CEO Yun Bong-jin.

AIKA, which was in open service in the country for over a month, has been performing updates every week following its open service and concentrating on game balance and optimization.

Grand Ages Romae - Demo download

Kalypso Media are pleased to announce the demo version of their forthcoming city building strategy game GRAND AGES: ROME, the sequel to the bestseller “Imperium Romanum”.

The demo version of GRAND AGES: ROME introduces two tutorials and two missions from the full game. In the first mission “Bread and Circuses” the player will have to build a small city, while “Legio VIII”, the second mission, demands strategic and martial skills.

Also, the demo allows you to play two out of the five families. You can choose between the families Aemilii and Valerii. Nevertheless, the character development and variation of the buildings are limited. As a whole, the demo version comes to 875 MB.

Your Empire needs you! Can you lead the greatest civilisation in the World?

Download here...

GRAND AGES: ROME will be released in the UK on 6th March for a recommended retail price of £29.99. For further information please visit the website: www.grandages.com

Brain Training for Dummies PC video game

Boost your brain power with Brain Training For Dummies for the PC. Sharpen your intellect with brain-building games that are fun and challenging. These games aim to help increase your reaction time and improve your memory. You can also track your progress with the interactive Brain Gauge that shows how smart you've become!

Key features

• More than 350 puzzles to play.
  
• 15 interactive games to strengthen your brain power.
  
• Test for 6 skill sets: Math, Language, Spatial, Logic, Reflexes & Memory.
  
• Interactive lessons for each game allow you to play while you learn.
  
• Play and progress at your own pace with practive and play modes.
  
• Progress through muliple difficulty levels.
  

Blast your mates with NERF n-Strike video game on Nintendo Wii

EA Casual Entertainment and Hasbro bring the action and chaos of the popular NERF brand to the digital world.

In a world specifically created to be the perfect landscape for NERF pandemonium, players can wreak havoc and perfect their blasting skills or challenge friends to clashes.

With the brand new SWITCH SHOT EX-3 custom NERF blaster players can take the blaster from real life playing with friends outside to the digital world, where they can continue to play and challenge friends in a high octane digital console environment and back again

NERF is the number one toy for boys 9-11 with over 6 million blasters being sold last year. 2009 will mark the 40th anniversary of NERF.

Key features

• Blast Through Danger! Explore a top-secret NERF facility and unravel the mystery of the unknown threat that awaits.

• Many Ways to Play! With the unique SWITCH SHOT EX-3 NERF blaster, exchange the dart chamber for a Wii-mote to bring a realistic NERF experience to a world specially suited for blasting.

• Over the Top NERF Blasters! Play with over 25 NERF Blasters including the MAVERICK REV-6, VULCAN EBF-25, LONGSHOT CS-6, and many never seen before!

• Multiplayer! Go head-to-head with up to 4 players using additional Wii Remotes and SWITCH SHOT EX-3 Blasters.

The Sims 3 on PC Vampire Screens

DC Universe Online Video Game screenshots

DCUO offers a dramatic online setting where players can enter the DC Universe and battle alongside or against their favorite DC Comics heroes and villains including such icons as Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and The Joker, as well as many other fan favorites such as Green Lantern, The Flash, Catwoman and Martian Manhunter.

The action and drama will play out in such well-known locations as Gotham City and Metropolis among others.

The Punisher - No Mercy - Marvel's Renowned Super Hero video game

ZEN Studios Reveals New The Punisher: No Mercy Screenshots and Confirms Spring Launch on PlayStation Network of Game Based on Marvel's Renowned Super Hero

ZEN Studios released six new screenshots from their upcoming arena-based first-person shooter, The Punisher: No Mercy, inspired by Marvel’s cult favorite Super Hero. The studio also confirmed that the game is set for an exclusive release on the PlayStation Network in Spring 2009. To view the latest screens from the game, visit www.marvel.com.

Powered by Unreal Engine 3, No Mercy was designed with fast-paced online multiplayer FPS action in mind. With inspiration rooted in the Punisher’s rich Marvel Comics history, the game allows players to choose from an eclectic mix of Punisher allies and villains. Battle arenas span from shipyards rife with contraband to the “birthplace” of the Punisher’s archenemy, Jigsaw, and up to eight players can blast away at each other in a variety of solo and team-based missions.

In addition to exceptional online play, No Mercy also offers a single-player Story mode featuring exclusive artwork from acclaimed Marvel artist Mike Deodato.

Marv Wolfman Joins Creative Team Developing DC Universe Online Video Game

Wolfman To Lend Storytelling Talent To DCUO Saga

In another sign of Sony Online Entertainment LLC’s (SOE) commitment to the upcoming DC Universe Online (DCUO) massively multiplayer online video game, the company today announced that award-winning writer Marv Wolfman has joined the creative team at WildStorm Productions that is working with SOE to bring the DC Universe to life on the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and the PC.

Wolfman will write compelling story arcs, exciting quests and in-game events for DCUO. Wolfman’s seminal run on The New Teen Titans is a favorite among comic book fans, and along with his work on series such as Crisis on Infinite Earths, Batman and Superman, he has become one of the most recognizable names in comics of the last three decades. His illustrious comic credits also include creating and writing Blade, The Vampire Hunter.

Wolfman joins an all-star roster already at work on DCUO, including legendary comic book artist Jim Lee, who serves as the game’s executive creative director, and renowned DC writer Geoff Johns, who is crafting the game’s overarching story. DCUO is currently in development at SOE’s Austin studio in collaboration with DC Comics and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment.

“Getting Marv on board with DC Universe Online shows just how passionate and determined we are about making sure this franchise delivers for both video game players and comic book fans alike,” said John Smedley, president of SOE. “This is a true collaboration between the top talent at DC and SOE, and I believe the result of this creative alliance will be one of the most exciting, memorable online game experiences to date.”

Wolfman has been a creative force both on and off the pages of comic books. Wolfman recently worked as a writer for the popular Teen Titans animated series. In addition to Blade, which was turned into a TV series and three hit movies starring Wesley Snipes, he created Bullseye, the prime villain in the 2003 movie Daredevil. Wolfman has received numerous awards and recognition for his work, including the SCRIBE award for best speculative fiction novel adaptation for Superman Returns, and a special commendation by the White House for his work on three anti-drug comics for the “Just Say No” program.

“As a gamer, this is a dream project in many ways,” said Wolfman. “I get to create new stories in the DC Universe that will make this video game world a truly unique, unforgettable experience.”

About DCUO

DCUO offers a dramatic online setting where players can enter the DC Universe and battle alongside or against their favorite DC Comics heroes and villains including such icons as Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and The Joker, as well as many other fan favorites such as Green Lantern, The Flash, Catwoman and Martian Manhunter. The action and drama will play out in such well-known locations as Gotham City and Metropolis among others.

Scottish band The Fratellis add tracks to Rock Band video game

Harmonix and MTV Games announced today that Scottish alternative rock band The Fratellis will make its Rock Band debut with the addition of three tracks to the Rock Band Music Store catalog of downloadable content.

The 3-pack setlist includes “Creepin Up the Backstairs,” “Flathead,” and “Henrietta,” all featured on the band’s 2006 debut album Costello Music. The Glasgow-based indie rock trio has garnered several awards including the 2007 BRIT Award for Best British Breakthrough Act.

Release Date: Tuesday, February 10, 2009 (Xbox LIVE Marketplace for Xbox 360)
Thursday, February 12, 2009 (PlayStation Store)

** Dates for Rock Band game tracks are tentative and subject to change **

Tracks:

The Fratellis “Creepin Up the Backstairs”
The Fratellis “Flathead”
The Fratellis “Henrietta”

(All tracks are original master recordings)

Locations: Xbox LIVE Marketplace for the Xbox 360
PlayStation Network

Globulos.com reopens free to play!

The multigames multiplayer website Globulos.com, who won the Flash Festival, Flash Film Festival New York and Independent Game Festival finalist, reopens with a "free to play" model.

The 20 games and the 50 playing fields are playable 100% for free. Games are 1 against 1 player, 2 against 2 or melee of 4 players. The gameplay is a mix between arcade fun and simultaneous turn based strategy. The kawaii style was noticed by the Japanese Nintendo official magazine, Nintendo Dream with a full page article.

Some options like character customization or power-ups (teletransportation, invisibility and a lot more) can be purchased using Globbies, the website currency.

The 20 games are: Arena, Football, Croquet, Tic-Tac, Save the King, Darts, Funky Foot, Bomber, Rally, Volley, Sumo, Flipper, Pétanque, BomberKing, 4-Square, Snooker, PacGlob, Basket, DartsKing, Monster.

A Nintendo DS game is being developed and is targeting the upcoming DSiWare channel.

For additional information on the news that is the subject of this release (or for screenshots), contact Alex Houdent or visit http://www.globulos.com/press/

GlobZ started in january 2000. A Flash web specialist, the company develops games for clients around the globe as well as its own games. Globulos.com is one of them.

Nintendo DS 101 games 101 games in 1 cartridge

Atlus U.S.A., Inc. today announced that it has secured the North American publishing rights from European developer and publisher Nordcurrent for 101-in-1 Explosive Megamix for Nintendo DS, a collection of 101 addictive mini-game types including: puzzles, sports, racing, cooking, shooting, balancing, juggling, and much more. There is practically no end to the fast-paced arcade action!

Players of all ages will have hours of fun earning gold coins by successfully completing challenges and spending their tokens to reveal dozens of exciting new games, striving to unlock more and more each time. Simple to play, these addictive and unique games will keep players engrossed in activities such as shooting hoops, completing puzzles, sticking sushi, shooting paintballs, dodging fish, and more.

101-in-1 Explosive Megamix is the perfect game to take on the road because players can enjoy a game whenever they have a spare moment. In addition, 101-in-1 Explosive Megamix takes full advantage of the unique capabilities of Nintendo DS, meaning players can easily manage the dual-screen fun using the intuitive touch controls. On top of all this, players can challenge a friend to multiplayer competition through local wireless play, making 101-in-1 Explosive Megamix for Nintendo DS a never-ending supply of fun and excitement!

101-in-1 Explosive Megamix is scheduled for release on April 21, 2009 with an MSRP of $19.99. (With one hundred and one titles, the price averages out to less than twenty cents per game!)

Key Features

• One hundred and one games on a single cartridge - No other game for Nintendo DS offers players this much bang for buck. It averages out to less than twenty cents a game, and that's not including the fun of unlocking new challenges and the ability to play with a friend!
• Unlock dozens of exciting new games! - Collect gold coins by setting high scores, and then spend them to unlock dozens upon dozens of exciting new games. The more you play, the more gaming enjoyment you'll uncover!
• Compete with friends in local wireless - Challenge friends to head-to-head action through multi-card local wireless play.

Poker for Dummies PC video game

Poker For Dummies for the PC is sure to entertain and educate poker novices and enthusiasta alike! Learn to master three of the most popular Poker games; Texas Hold'Em, Omaha and Seven-Card Stud. Review the basics including rules and vocabulary. Then, participate in a practice mode where a coach offers tips and advice. Finally, engage in game play on your own and put your new skills to use!


Key features

• Play and master three popular Poker games: Texas Hold'Em, Omaha and Seven-Card Stud 
  
• Easy-to-follow lessons allow you to learn at your own pace.
  
• Practice with a Poker coach who can advise whether to fold, call, or raise.
  
• Use the odds calculator to tip the scales in your favour.
  
• Test your skills against up to five virtual opponents.
  

Peter Chung creates graphic novel of The Velvet Assassin video game

Official Graphic Novel Available with Game Purchase at GameStop – Limited Time Only

SouthPeak Games announced today that it has partnered with world-famous animation artist Peter Chung to create all-new, original work based on the upcoming stealth-action game Velvet Assassin. Chung is best known as the creator and director of Aeon Flux, and has worked on a number of animation projects, including The Animatrix and The Chronicles of Riddick: Dark Fury. The 15+ page digital graphic novel will be available as an exclusive, limited-quantity bonus item to those who purchase the game at GameStop.

Chung will be working with the Velvet Assassin team to contribute to the remarkable story of Violette Summer. His work can be seen in a graphic novel that focuses on Violette’s early years and tells the story of how she became an undercover part of the war effort.

Velvet Assassin provides an intense stealth action experience set deep in Nazi territory during World War 2. With its strong basis on real historical events, Velvet Assassin’s rich universe easily lends itself to additional back stories like Chung’s. Players will be able to get their hands on both the digital graphic novel and the game later this year.

Travel Games for Dummies Nintendo DS video game

EA Casual Entertainment provides a fresh way to master and play fun games on the go with Travel Games For Dummies for the Nintendo DS. Travel Games For Dummies is the first DS title in a series of For Dummies video games from EA developed in collaboration with Beanbag Studios and inspired by the world famous For Dummies brand. Travel Games For Dummies will be available in North America October 28, 2008 and in select countries across Europe in 2009.


Travel Games For Dummies allows you to get hands on with three popular games: Solitaire, Sudoku and Crosswords, all in one game. An easy to navigate interface allows you to comfortably and easily learn how to play, improve, or find better ways to play these popular travel games.

Begin by reviewing the basics through a simple tutorial mode. Then, participate in practice modes where you can get hints while you play. Finally, engage in full game play on your own, putting your new skills to use!

PC versions of additional For Dummies games from EA will be available for download on EA’s online destination Pogo.com in the coming months including Poker For Dummies, Solitaire For Dummies, Brain Training For Dummies, and Sudoku For Dummies. Poker For Dummies and Brain Training For Dummies are also available for the PC at retail stores beginning in October 2008.

Key features

• Three Games in One! – Enjoy three of your favorite travel pastimes on the go: Solitaire, Sudoku and Crossword Puzzles!

• Hundreds of Puzzles – Engage in hundreds of challenging games and puzzles with multiple difficulty levels from basic to brain-twisting!

• Tons of Solitaire Fun - Play 10 different Solitaire games including Klondike and Pyramid.

• Become a Sudoku Master - Full-featured Sudoku practice mode with highlighting option, candidate hints, and more.

• Take Crosswords to the Next Level - Advance from beginner to pro with Crosswords, with multiple hint options including additional clues and letter inputs.

Konami to bring Saw movies to video games

Konami has reportedly entered into a deal with Lionsgate to bring the Saw movie franchise to videogames in time for the sixth movie instalment.



The publisher picked up the title from the movie studio after Brash Entertainment, originally at work on the adaptation, closed its doors and abandoned the project, reports Variety.

Set for release in the fall, the Saw videogame was supposedly a candidate for self-publication by the movie production company and will feature voice acting from the series antagonist Jigsaw, played by Tobin Bell.

We Cheer - Cheerleading game on Nintendo Wii

505 Games has called in the pros to run an expert eye over the upcoming Namco Bandai cheerleading title, We Cheer available exclusively for Nintendo Wii. Three of the Sheffield Storm All-star Team’s finest launched promotional activity for the game last week by wowing press at Nintendo’s Wii Flat in anticipation of the 6th February release date. The Storm girls took a break from their recent recruitment drive to take some time getting familiar with the game as well as showing off the title, and their skills, to members of the press and retail.

“We’re more than happy to be involved with a game which will hopefully give more publicity to our sport, which is always growing in popularity in this country,” commented Coral Head, Storm All-stars founder. “I’m a bit of a gamer myself but this was the first time I’d played a Wii. Now I have no excuses!”

We Cheer allows all future all-star recruits to brush up on their techniques using two Wii remotes as virtual pom-poms to reach the top of their game. Following on-screen commands, players spin, shimmy and shake their way through a choice of 30 high-energy songs spanning over four decades of music. Taking cheering to the next level, the special Workout Mode helps to 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.



“I personally like the fact that the developers have taken the time to choreograph real cheerleader moves,” added Coral. “It’s a cool way for kids to get a bit of a work out too. We certainly had to throw ourselves about a bit on the harder songs, the lads here didn’t seem to mind too much though.”

We Cheer is out today, exclusively for Nintendo Wii.

KEY FEATURES

· Use two Wii Remotes as virtual pom-poms in a championship cheerleading contest –no need for any extra peripherals.
· 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 team-mates 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.

Free PES 2009 update download for PS3, Xbox 360 and PC

Konami has confirmed the content of its latest free download for PES 2009 for PLAYSTATION 3, Xbox 360 and PC-DVD.

Due for download at the end of February, the update will bring all club sides' rosters in line with all the moves and transfers made before the end of the January 2009 transfer window. Hundreds of players have been updated and corrected in line with their moves, with approximately 200 new players added to the game for the first time. The stats of thousands of players have also been refined, in line with their performances so far this season.

The download demonstrates Konami’s commitment to continually updating PES 2009, with further exciting downloadable content set for release in the coming months.

Street Fighter IV Championship mode expansion pack and download content

Capcom Europe is pleased to announce the first expansion pack for Street Fighter IV. Championship Mode expansion pack will add several unique and gameplay enriching options to Street Fighter IV’s already robust feature set free of charge post launch. Street Fighter IV’s Championship Mode Expansion Pack will include:


* Replay Mode – Record, upload, and download top matches to share with the Street Fighter IV community. Players can analyze top tiered fighters matches, leave voter feedback for others, and share their own triumphant victories.
* New Points System - Two new points systems to measure your skill (Championship and Tournament Points)
* Enhanced Tournament Matching System - Skill level matching system offers improved tournament match making for beginners and mid-level players. Competitors earn Grade Points (GP) to earn entry into more advanced tournaments.

Additionally, we are announcing the DLC alternate costume expansion packs for Street Fighter IV to customize your fighters. Each DLC pack offers an alternate costume for your favourite Street Fighter IV character. The packs are grouped by themes and will be available for 320 MS points for Xbox 360 or £2.72 / €3.84 on PlayStation 3 post launch.


* 2/17 – Brawler Pack DLC Pack will include alternate costumes for: Zangeif, E.Honda, Rufus, El Furete, and Abel.
* 2/24 – Femme Fatale Pack will include alternate costumes for: Chun-Li, Cammy, Sakura, Rose, and C.Viper.
* 3/3/09 – Shoruken Pack will include alternate costumes for: Ryu, Ken, Akuma, Gouken, and Dan.
* 3/10/09 – Shadowloo Pack will include alternate costumes for: Seth, M.Bison, Sagat, Balrog, and Vega.
* 3/17/09 – Classic Pack will include alternate costumes for: Guile, Dhalsim, Fei-Long, Blanka, and Gen.

Need for Speed World Online in Asia

Electronic Arts announced today that EA Asia will publish Need for Speed World Online in Taiwan and Hong Kong. Jointly created by EA Black Box, the developer of the Need for Speed franchise, and EA’s online studio in Singapore, EA’s blockbuster racing franchise comes to Asia with a free to play, multiplayer PC-only online game The first phase of technical testing is scheduled to start in March 2009.

The game offers numerous race tracks and game modes where players are able to form teams to take on the competition and the police. Players can collect and customize racing characters alongside authentic real-world licensed cars and will be able to track their progress via online leaderboards, all in the largest free roaming environment in Need for Speed history. Need for Speed World Online is a new entertainment experience that delivers excellent gameplay, stunning graphics and sophisticated online matchmaking features that emphasize social interaction between players.

“Need for Speed is one of the world’s best-selling franchises, and is especially popular among gamers in Taiwan and Hong Kong. We’re thrilled to bring this EA-owned property to Asia and to begin our self publishing model in Taiwan and Hong Kong. We look forward to the results of this testing phase for continued improvement in providing the best service to online gamers across Asia,” said Jon Niermann, President of EA Asia.

Need For Speed World Online is a multi-player PC game jointly developed by Black Box, the developer of the Need for Speed franchise, and EA’s online studio in Singapore. Need for Speed World Online joins EA’s roster of online games in Asia including the successful launches of EA SPORTSTM FIFA Online 2 in Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand, and Warhammer® Online: Age of Reckoning® across Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore.

For further information about Need for Speed World Online, please contact the local office.

WWII - GENERAL COMMANDER demo available now!!

Welcome to “WWII: GC”, the first RTOS (Real Time Operational Strategy) game for the PC platform. The RTS world’s mode breaks with the conventional way of playing and puts the player in an authentic WWII tactical and strategic decision making simulation. Moreover, the operational mechanics of the traditional turn-based strategy game have been optimised and also enhanced by a 3D engine that allows powerful zooms: it provides a continuous 300 square km real playing field, covering Belgium, southern Holland and north west France. The players will be able to direct their divisions, regiments and battalions attempting to occupy the most strategic positions and develop authentic and very close-to-reality manoeuvres.

WWII: GC. Operation: Watch on the Rhine is the first of several scenes that will cover the most important bellicose settings of WWII. The Battle of the Bulge introduces a new concept of game play, but more than anything it’s a game to be played online, challenging one against another in the many scenarios that will be available, or to even create new ones to share with other players.

DEMO AVAILABLE: http://www.stragames.com/gc/downloads.html