DK to publish Halo the video game encyclopedia

DK announced today that the company will publish the officially licensed encyclopedia to Halo, one of the most successful video game franchises in history. The Halo Encyclopedia will be a comprehensive guide to the characters, weapons, vehicles, equipment, and locations from Halo - Combat Evolved, Halo 2, Halo 3, Halo Wars, and Halo 3 - ODST.

Created in full collaboration with Microsoft, the book, which is scheduled for publication in November 2009, will give fans unprecedented insights into the Halo universe in 352 full-colour pages and it includes a Foreword by Halo franchise development director, Frank O’Connor.

“Microsoft approached DK to discuss a ‘Halo’ book project after San Diego Comic-Con last year, where they saw our impressive array of Star Wars, DC Comics, Marvel and other licensed reference titles,” says Alex Allan, Director of Licensed Publishing for DK. Halo has always fascinated the creative team at DK, many of whom are avid gamers,” Allan continues, “and we had the full support of Halo’s very experienced team to create this spectacular book.”

“We were struck by DK’s thorough treatment of other licensed properties and we turned to them to create the definitive reference to the ‘Halo’ universe for the legions of devoted fans,” said Microsoft Game Studios' Frank O'Connor.
The Halo Encyclopedia is DK’s first foray into publishing a comprehensive reference book for a video-game property. DK secured a world language deal and expects to publish the book in many territories, and in foreign languages.

Unleash your inner SingStar with new Wireless Microphones

• Feel total freedom as you sing, dance, and perform wire-free with new Wireless SingStar Microphones
• Compatible with PlayStation 2 and PLAYSTATION 3
• Coinciding with the launch of brand-new SingStar Pop Edition

Get ready to unleash the SingStar within - with the launch of brand-new Wireless SingStar Microphones from Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE). Rated as ‘excellent’ by the SingStar community, Wireless SingStar Microphones will have you and your friends performing from couch to table-top - completely leads-free! Coming to UK stores on 20th March, the launch of Wireless SingStar Microphones coincides with the release of SingStar Pop Edition for PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3).

With full focus on the SingStar community, SCEE asked community members to trial the new Wireless SingStar Microphones and offer their feedback. An amazing 99% of participants rated their microphones as ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’, while SingStar community member Stuart from the UK said “Wireless Mics kick ass!” Dave Ranyard of Executive Producer of the SingStar franchise says “We’re excited with the community’s response to Wireless Mics. Now SingStars can enjoy their experience wire-free – and test them out with the exciting launch of SingStar: Pop Edition along with hundreds of new tracks in SingStore. We’re looking forward to seeing your brand-new wireless videos at My SingStar Online or www.singstargame.com.”;

Easy to pass around or keep to yourself; Wireless SingStar Microphones are lots of fun and easy to use. Test them out with brand-new SingStar Pop Edition, with brand-new voice control feature. Unleash some attitude with P!nk’s So What? Then grab your best mate for a pop duet with Jordin Sparks feat. Chris Brown’s No Air , rock out with Bon Jovi’s Livin’ on a Prayer or perform a sexy solo with Sam Sparro’s Black and Gold. Here’s the international playlist:

Alphabeat 10.000 Nights Of Thunder
Amy Winehouse Rehab
Black Kids I'm Not Going To Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance
Bon Jovi Livin' On A Prayer
Chris Brown With You
Chris De Burgh Lady In Red
Cyndi Lauper True Colors
Gloria Estefan Rhythm Is Gonna Get You
Jordin Sparks feat. Chris Brown No Air
Kaiser Chiefs Never Miss A Beat
Kate Nash Mouthwash
Kings Of Leon Sex On Fire
Klaxons Gravity's Rainbow
Little Jackie The World Should Revolve Around Me
N*E*R*D Sooner Or Later
P!nk So What!
Queen Bohemian Rhapsody [DSCIMG]
Robbie Williams Angels
Robyn Be Mine
Rockwell Somebody's Watching Me
Sam Sparro Black And Gold
Solange I Decided
Sugababes Girls
The Feeling Rose
The Killers Human
The Police Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic
The Script The Man Who Can't Be Moved
Will Young Changes
will.i.am Feat Cheryl Cole Heartbreaker
Yazoo Don't Go

Meanwhile the brand-new Voice Control function[1] available with SingStar Pop Edition means you won’t need to worry about picking up your PS3 controller as you sing along. Simply speak into your Wireless SingStar Microphones and announce which track you want to sing next - and it will appear on your screen! Plus you can even shop and search through your SingStore Carousel using your voice! Being a SingStar’s never been so much fun…

Wireless SingStar Microphones come with improved high-quality sound and are compatible with both PS3 and PlayStation 2. So cue the lights, turn up the volume and get ready to unleash the SingStar inside you when Wireless SingStar Microphones are launched 20th March whilst SingStar Pop Edition hit stores in April.

Add-On Content for Magic Ball, Mahjong Tales - Ancient Wisdom and Cuboid Coming Soon

TikGames and Creat Studios announce the upcoming release of premium downloadable content for their hit PLAYSTATION Network (PSN) games, Magic Ball, Cuboid and Mahjong Tales: Ancient Wisdom. Booster Packs will be available for download on the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system, offered via the PLAYSTATION Network, beginning Thursday, April 16th with the release of the Magic Ball Booster Pack, with additional Booster Packs to follow in the coming weeks.

Magic Ball, a fresh spin on classic brick-breaking gameplay in which players bust apart 3D environments, offers gamers new action with the release of the Magic Ball Booster Pack, featuring a whole new world to destroy. Players will be able to smash their way through 25 all new magical, witch-themed levels, earning a series of new trophies along the way. Custom music support will also be made available via a free patch download.

Cuboid, a mind-bending 3D puzzle game, will offer gamers three different options for add-on content. The Cuboid Booster Pack contains 33 new levels that will test even the best players’ skills, rewarding gamers with new trophies. The Cuboid Level Editor allows players to become level designers and challenge others with their own custom levels. Players can either create a brand new level from scratch, or improve upon any existing level, created by other players or taken from the original campaigns. User-created levels can be uploaded to the PSN where they will be made available to other players (who have downloaded the free patch). Players can also earn trophies for creating their own levels, and for rating the levels created by others.

“Gamers are going to thoroughly enjoy the Cuboid Level Editor,” said Anatoly Tikhman, founder and CEO of TikGames. “With this new add-on, anyone can take on the role of game designer to create and share levels with the rest of the Cuboid online community. Gamers can choose to create simple yet entertaining levels, or try to build levels that will challenge even the most cunning Cuboid players.”

The Cuboid Bundle Pack includes both the Booster Pack (33 new levels) and the Level Editor. Custom music support for Cuboid is also on its way via a free patch download.

The Mahjong Tales: Ancient Wisdom Booster Pack features 25 all new layouts to beat in Infinity mode, as well as a level editor that allows players to create their own layouts from scratch and share their creations with other gamers by hosting an online multiplayer game on their custom-created level. Players can then save any new customized level that they have created or played via online multiplayer invitation to their HDD. Also included is a series of new trophies, obtainable by only the most dedicated Mahjong players. Highly-requested mouse support will also be made available via a free patch download.

“We are thrilled with the response that our first three PlayStation Network titles have received from both the PlayStation community and the media, and we are excited about releasing these Booster Packs to add to the great gaming experiences that so many PSN players are already enjoying,” said Vladimir Starzhevsky, CEO of Creat Studios, Inc. “We have listened to our gamers who have repeatedly asked for more levels, level editors and new trophies, and we’re thrilled to be able to deliver on so many of their requests.”

Magic Ball, Mahjong Tales: Ancient Wisdom and Cuboid additional downloadable content will include PLAYSTATION Trophy support and have been rated “E” for Everyone by the Entertainment Software Rating Board for this platform.

Hello Kitty present Angel Cat Sugar Nintendo DS video game

The first Character from Hello Kitty Creator in 28 Years. Already a Massive Brand in Asia & Europe.

From Yuko Shimizu, the Japanese creator of the internationally successful Hello Kitty, comes Angel Cat Sugar, a worldwide merchandising phenomenon which has seen the introduction of over 200 products in Asia and Europe across most categories.

Angel Cat Sugar’s first foray into videogames will arrive in Europe* just in time for the summer school break, publisher Rising Star Games confirmed today. Released on the Nintendo DS™ and PC-CD, Angel Cat Sugar sees the ambitious publisher releasing both formats in July 2009, further strengthening its award-nominated Home of Japanese Games campaign throughout the summer months.

“We are thrilled to be working with Yuko Shimizu on this important new franchise. Angel Cat Sugar demonstrates that our position as the Home of Japanese Games extends across all markets and reaches into the mass market pioneered by Nintendo,” commented Martin Defries, managing director of Rising Star Games. “As a young and ambitious company, we feel perfectly placed to help in building this new brand and realising its enormous potential in the games market.”

About Angel Cat Sugar

As a princess of Angel Land, Sugar has the power to heal hurt feelings. With the help of three young mice, Thyme, Parsley and Basil, Sugar spends her time spreading her love throughout the kingdom, studying, listening to music and reading books. A big lover of nature, naturally she adores the forest, the stars in the sky, the beautiful moon, the birds, the river and the fish that swim in it.

Why did Riri run away? - Gobliiins 4 video game

Riri is an orycterope and has a thirst for action. As a youngster he always had enough toys and even the king himself played baball with Riri. But the orycterope never liked baball and he only played along unwillingly…

The tiny orycterope had always dreamt of going out into the world and experiencing exciting adventures. One day, Grand Steward Galantz came to Riri and told him about a life of freedom without King Balderon. Riri decided to take his chance. He left a note to the king hoping the three Gobliiins wouldn’t be right behind him trying to bring him back again.

But soon Riri found out that Galantz had his own agenda, because he arranged the kidnapping of his beloved fiancée and Riri has now found himself on another planet!

Riri can only hope that the three Gobliiins solve his riddles and save him and his fiancée. Will the Gobliiins find Riri and his fiancée? Find out on 24th April 2009!

Gobliiins 4 will be released on 24th April 2009 for a recommended retail price of £19.99.

Gobliiins 4 was developed by Société Pollene and is published by Kalypso Media and Snowberry Connection.

Dutch Radio 6 to broadcast hour long special - The audio from The Chronicles of Spellborn video game

As Midnight passes on the night of Tuesday the 14th of April, Dutch Radio 6 will broadcast an hour long special about the audio in The Chronicles of Spellborn.

Listen on the internet here...

The program will feature sound, music and voice-overs from the MMORPG that has only just been released in Europe and the United States.

Audio in games is often taken for granted, but the achievements made in The Chronicles of Spellborn are recognized in many reviews, previews and player feedback, and now also in this unique broadcast.

Unlike film, sound in video games is not linear, as it is not the passing of time that decides the sequence of events; instead player's actions directly influence the sound that us heard. A player's location is the primary storytelling device and The Chronicles of Spellborn certainly takes this to heart.

Says Audio Director Matthew Florianz; "It certainly was a goal to create sound in such a way that players could close their eyes while traveling, and still get a sense of movement.

To achieve this, Spellborn features well over 15 hours of specifically composed ambiences. Forest, roads, and fields can all exist in the same zone, yet all will have their own specific sound as player move between them. To create these ambiences, over 500 hours of layered sounds, effects and synthesizer recordings where used".

However, sound generated by the environment is only one part of the equation and the radio broadcast will also feature music by award-winning composer Jesper Kyd, who wrote the musical score for Spellborn.

Says Jesper Kyd; "My approach to this score is to not make it sound like predictable fantasy music, but to write a more hybrid score, to complement the mystical world of Spellborn".

His music is carefully restrained and, like the universe in which Spellborn is set, it conveys its message slowly. The opening title representing the games first hero, Graidlon Marrow, is a minimal piece, tragic even. The music chooses not to score the epic conflict and struggle, but the tragic destiny of a hero whom in the end sacrificed himself for the greater good of the peoples living in the game world. Solo instruments and a human voice often represent an individual’s place in this post-apocalyptic world.

The human voice is also used for the games introduction, voiced by Dutch actress Anna Drijver, her capricious voice is as unpredictable as the universe she inhabits.

Equally to how Spellborn unfolds its game play, the initial simplicity may be deceptive. In today’s world, artistic endeavors often strive for instant gratification but Spellborn is a rare exception. Like a good book or masterfully composed symphony it takes its time, revealing its depth, sophistication and story only for those that patiently engulf themselves in the experience. The execution of sound in the game represents this approach.

Download Chronicles of Spellborn wallpaper here...

New Wii MotionPlus and Wii Sports Resort arrive June 8th

Advanced Motion Controls Arrive June 8 - Wii Sports Sequel to Follow

Nintendo is setting the stage for a blockbuster summer with the announcement of two hotly anticipated product releases. The new Wii MotionPlus accessory will hit U.S. retailers on June 8, taking the motion-sensing controls of the popular Nintendo Wii system to new levels of precision and performance.

What's more, these control enhancements will be on vibrant display when the Wii Sports Resort game launches on July 26, offering a beach-themed follow-up to the groundbreaking Wii Sports game. Wii Sports comes packed with the Wii console. It grew into a worldwide phenomenon and continues to attract millions of new players to the world of video games. Each Wii Sports Resort game comes packed with a single Wii MotionPlus accessory.

When used with specially designed games, Wii MotionPlus tracks players' movements in finer detail and with greater accuracy than ever before, building upon the innovative wireless function of the motion-sensing Wii Remote™ controller. Even the slightest twist of the wrist or turn of the body is replicated exactly on the TV screen, allowing users to become even more immersed in Wii game play. Designed for easy attachment to the Wii Remote controller, the Wii MotionPlus accessory will be offered at an MSRP of $19.99.

Wii Sports Resort takes the inclusive, fun and intuitive controls of the original Wii Sports to the next level, introducing a whole new set of entertaining and physically immersive activities. With the deep control enhancements of Wii MotionPlus, veteran Wii users and newcomers alike can enjoy unprecedented gaming precision as they cruise on a water scooter, duel with swords, throw a Frisbee® and much more. Wii Sports Resort and Wii MotionPlus will be offered together at an MSRP of $49.99.

"Wii MotionPlus represents a new evolution in video game control. The variety of fun games in Wii Sports Resort show off its incredible precision," said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. "Developers around the world are busy working on new ways to incorporate Wii MotionPlus controls into inventive experiences for consumers."

Remember that Wii features parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other Wii features.

Levels and Environments for Damnation video game relealed

Unveiling the variety of the incredible open-world expanses in Damnation’s levels, Codemasters release an all-new video with developer commentary for the steam-punk themed shooter. The “Levels & Environments” video features developer commentary from Blue Omega’s Jacob Minkoff and offers an insight into how Blue Omega created such awe-inspiring game environments and the vertical nature of the expansive levels on offer in Damnation.

With a new release date set for 22nd May 2009 on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and the PC, Damnation distances itself from the linear nature of most modern day shooters and offers players true choice in how to traverse the massive streaming environments. Players will duck, dive, leap, shoot and fight through vast, streaming levels teaming with hostile troops - from industrial towns, through lush, sun kissed, leafy mountainside ruins and into the frozen tundra’s of the north.

“All the environments have multiple paths through them, giving players real freedom in deciding how to go about tackling the enemy,” says Jacob Minkoff, Lead Game Designer. “Some will prefer to run straight at them with their trusty Railroad Spike Gun. Others would prefer to climb and leap right to the top, avoiding direct fire fights by sniping and raining down death from above.”

In addition to the extensive single-player campaign, Damnation also delivers drop-in-drop-out co-operative online play and innovative multiplayer modes. Taking advantage of the scale and height of Damnation’s levels, new game types and traditional deathmatch and capture the flag modes are given a vertical twist, where players have to balance firepower and agility and can kill or be killed from any direction.

Currently in development at Blue Omega's facilities in Annapolis, USA, Damnation will be available for Xbox 360, the PLAYSTATION 3 system and PC on the 22nd May 2009.

Women’s Murder Club - Death in Scarlet new James Patterson novel crime adventure PC video game out 1st May

Women’s Murder Club: Death in Scarlet is a thrilling new crime adventure due for release on 1st May 2009.

Avanquest Software Publishing brings the excitement and suspense of the best-selling James Patterson novels to the PC in this engaging and interactive mystery combining hidden objects, light adventure and crime solving puzzle games.

The story begins when the body of a murdered woman washes up underneath the Golden Gate Bridge. In order to solve the murderous crimes, gamers must choose one of the three main characters to play as; homicide detective Lindsay Boxer; medical examiner Claire Washburn; or crime reporter Cindy Thomas. Players must scour the city for clues, scrutinise murder scenes and complete laboratory work in order to progress through the enigmatic storyline and untangle a web of ancient culture, corruption and greed.

In Women’s Murder Club: Death in Scarlet, mystery fans will need their investigative skills to identify victims, examine evidence and interrogate suspects as they dig further into the killer’s mind. Players must use their contacts to cross examine and decipher each victim’s story in order to stop the ruthless killer before the time runs out and another victim dies.

Women’s Murder Club: Death in Scarlet features a compelling storyline written by James Patterson himself, combined with a unique blend of adventure and puzzle gameplay. Players can explore 18 beautiful settings throughout San Francisco whilst solving nine challenging investigations. Clues can be collected in the various hidden object levels to aid the solving of over 90 puzzles that are critical to the case.

Women’s Murder Club: Death in Scarlet puts player’s observational skills, puzzle solving and logic to the test, making it an ideal game for fans of James Patterson novels, murder mysteries and crime investigation.

Fast facts:
Publisher: Avanquest Software Publishing
Developer: Valusoft
Distributor: GEM, Centresoft, Interactive Ideas and Ideal Software
Release date: 1st May 2009
PEGI: 7+
Format: PC
Genre: Crime Adventure
SRP: £19.99

Titan Online free-to-play MMORPG open beta starts April 28

EYA Interactive announce that Titan Online, its free-to-play, massively multiplayer online role playing game (MMORPG), will enter into the Grand open beta on April 28. Players can get a taste for this martial arts fantasy by logging in at http://titan.eyagames.com.

An epic title based on traditional Asian culture, Titan Online is a fusion MMORPG that boasts a unique combination of martial arts and robots that takes place in a spectacular fantasy world. Titan Online is based upon the Korean best-selling novel, “Mo Siang.” Set in ancient China, players will experience historic Chinese locales, meet influential figures from various dynasties, experience mysterious aspects of various ancient Asian cultures, all while trying to save the martial arts world by engaging in intense real-time battles.

This milestone will contain lots of new game content, including special field items and armor packages, never-before-seen in the world of Titan Online. There will be 11 new special event weapons available for give-away at various online game sites, as well as support of larger resolutions. All participants will have the opportunity to start from the beginning to maintain balance and fairness. However, there are no plans to wipe the accounts from this Grand Open Beta moving forward.

Developed in-house by EYA Interactive, Titan Online offers a very real picture of ancient China with 75 maps of historical sites, including Dun Hwang, Chang An, Kai Feng, Beijing, Shu Zhou, Shao Lin Temple, Chin Shi Huang mausoleum, Hang Zhou, Tai Shan, The Great Wall, and Hwang Her. In order to create the most true-to-life experience, the EYA development team spent time in China researching the ancient and historical cities so they could accurately reproduce them in the game.

The upcoming Grand open beta, which will begin on April 28, 2009, will allow users to tap into a world that has already birthed a veritable civilization of fans in Asia. It will offer players an opportunity to discover enthralling characters in a beautiful 3D, cell-shaded world filled with unique characters. The Grand open beta will continue until the commercial launch and is not limited to a specific number of participants.

Miami Crisis, a new action-adventure title for Nintendo DS

Konami and Hudson Soft reveal all-new cop partnership for Nintendo DS: Law and Starling

Konami announce it will release MIAMI CRISIS, a new action-adventure title for Nintendo DS created and published by Hudson Soft, in September.

A mix of crime-scene detection and action elements, MIAMI CRISIS offers the player to guide one of two characters – Martin Law from the Miami PD or FBI Agent Sara Starling – as they are charged with solving a series of linked crimes in the US city. Law is an intense officer who will use any means necessary to make a bust, while Sterling is an intelligent agent with an eye for detail, and both will face different challenges as the game unfolds.

Playing as Martin Law, players will experience a more action-orientated game, wherein the Miami PD officer becomes embroiled in the hard-edged side of law enforcement, with MIAMI CRISIS throwing up car chases, intense shoot-outs and face-offs. Alternatively, playing as Starling presents a more puzzle-solving side to the game, with the FBI agent using forensics and detailed examination techniques to search for clues. Both are working to uncover a shadowy terrorist conspiracy, but their successes and failures along the way will have an ongoing effect on the plot.

With its evolving gameplay and varied content, MIAMI CRISIS is a unique Nintendo DS title that will continually surprise and enthrall. With additional unlockable sub-games located as a game progress award, and a unique control interface, Hudson Soft has delivered the ultimate cop show for the Nintendo handheld.

Konami Driifts on to WiiWare Eight-player racer roars on to Wii this July

Konami announce a new multi-player racing title entitled Driift (working title), which will be released as a WiiWare title from July.

Viewed from above, Driift is a fast-paced racer that allows up to eight players to race each other, using cartoon-style chars.

Featuring twelve different tracks based on four themed environments – cityscape, hills, snow and a desert oasis – players can also select one of 32 vehicles from four categories. Each category is tailored for use within the different environments, with variations of speed, acceleration and handling and grip levels making specific vehicles ideal for particular locations.

Driift’s multi-player modes allow users to play using combinations of Wii Remotes, Nunchucks and Classic Controllers, and seven game modes are on offer. These range from the single-player and multi-player championships, and Team Race, wherein participants are divided into two teams, with the winner determined by those that accrue the most points. The VIP mode elects one player per team as a VIP vehicle, who must be protected at all costs from the opposition cars, with the removal of the VIP car resulting in a win for the attacking team.

Driift also uses ‘Contamination’ where a player is marked contagious and must contaminate very other player within a set period, while the ‘Cold Potato’ mode charges the user with collecting said vegetable and holding on to it for as long as possible! Finally, the ‘Meteorite’ option sees players embarking on a normal race, while trying to avoid a series of meteors as they fall from the sky.

“We established our European development studio to create games for mobile phone devices. After a successful start and positive, high-value products, they are now moving to other formats, too,” commented Martin Schneider, European Marketing and PR Director for Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH. “This WiiWare title offers a new approach in a more traditional console business and we are looking forward to this download title and further contributions from our European development studio.”

Droplitz video game on Xbox LIVE, PlayStation Network, PC and iPhone

Droplitz is all about connecting dials to save the precious droplitz dripping from the top of the screen. If you create multiple paths at the same time, you earn score combos and generate more droplitz.

Steve Stopps, Blitz Arcade Project Director, says: “We’re all really exctited about Droplitz, not just because it’s originally our own idea, but because we believe it’s a really great game. When you find out that the people who’ve been working on the game all day are still playing it in their own time you’ve got something special. We’re also very fortunate to have found a partner like Atlus, who share our passion and excitement about bringing Droplitz to the world.”

Droplitz is the latest original concept by a Blitz Arcade staff member to hit the market. Everyone at Blitz has the opportunity to pitch their own game idea, with the very best concepts selected for production.

Tim Pivnicny, VP of Marketing and Sales at Atlus, comments: “Droplitz represents the very best in satisfying casual gaming. We’re very thrilled to be able to work with Blitz Arcade in bringing this original, easy to play, and highly addictive title to multiple platforms. The game clearly represents its developer’s attention to detail, creativity, and dedication to quality.”

DROPLITZ:

• Infinitely accessible, instantly addictive – Turn dials, open paths, and don't let the droplitz go to waste! Casual and hardcore gamers alike will be mesmerised by Droplitz as they rotate and connect puzzle pieces to let the droplitz flow and earn high scores.
• Four unique game modes – Distinct layers of complexity keep the challenge fresh with Classic, Zendurance, Power Up and and Infection. Learn how to deal with sluggish, infected dials; strategically use bombs to clear sections of the game board or speed up the action.
• Endless replayability – The timeless satisfaction of making combos, clearing boards, and earning top scores will keep players coming back for more. Ever increasing speeds and larger boards ensure that there will always be a challenge ahead.
• Compete for high scores – Online leaderboards and 12 trophies/achievements mean that when you're the best, everyone will know it. High score-based gameplay makes every game a competition to get to the top of the charts.

Raving Rabbids Break Out with First Standalone title on Nintendo Wii

Ubisoft announce that the Rabbids will receive their own standalone brand with the release for Holiday 2009 of the comedy-adventure Rabbids Go Home. Developed by Ubisoft Montpellier, the team behind Beyond Good & Evil, Peter Jackson’s King Kong: The Official Game of the Movie and the original Rayman Raving Rabbids, the game will benefit from a new engine designed specifically for the Nintendo Wii home video game system from Nintendo, offering the Rabbids a hilarious adventure in a brand new universe.

The Rabbids are already beloved the world over, selling 6.5 million copies of their raving adventures and starring in their own series of videos that have kept web surfers laughing for years. Moving up to star billing in their own brand of games was a logical next step and fans will now be able to enjoy the fun in this humorous adventure game where the Rabbids unleash their insanity onto the human world as they attempt to return to their Rabbid home.

Look for more information on Rabbids Go Home in the May edition of Official Nintendo magazine.

NHL 09 video game predicts Boston Bruins will win the Stanley Cup

The Boston Bruins will win the Stanley Cup for the first time in 37 years, defeating original six rival Chicago Blackhawks in a six game series, according to the official EA SPORTS simulation of the 2009 NHL playoffs on the award-winning NHL 09 videogame.

Boston, led by shutdown defenseman Zdeno Chara, outmuscled the Blackhawks and received timely scoring from Conn Smythe Trophy winner Phil Kessel to capture its sixth Stanley Cup, and first since 1972. Kessel, playing on the Bruins top line with playoff leading scorer Marc Savard, delivered two overtime game-winners during the Finals. He finished with 14 goals in the playoffs, including five in the Finals.

The EA SPORTS simulation predicts Boston and Chicago will appear in the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time in 17 and 15 years, respectively. Boston last appeared in the Stanley Cup Finals in 1990, losing 4 games to 1 to the Edmonton Oilers. Chicago lost in four straight games to Pittsburgh in the 1992 Stanley Cup Finals.



2009 Stanley Cup Finals
Game 1 – Boston 4 Chicago 2
Game 2 – Boston 3 Chicago 2 OT
Game 3 – Chicago 3 Boston 1
Game 4 – Boston 4 Chicago 3 OT
Game 5 – Chicago 4 Boston 3
Game 6 – Boston 5 Chicago 3

Boston reached the Stanley Cup Finals with 4-2 series wins over Montreal, and Carolina, and a thrilling seven games series victory over the Washington Capitals in the Eastern Conference Finals, according to NHL 09. Chicago, making its first playoff appearance since 2001-02, upset President’s Trophy winner and top seed San Jose in seven games in the Western Conference Finals after series wins over Calgary (4-2) and Vancouver (4-2).

The defending Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings were upset by Columbus Blue Jackets, who were making their first playoff appearance, in a seven game first round series.

The NHL 09 computerized simulation is conducted using artificial intelligence that uses real-life data from each team, such as player ratings and line combinations, and includes variances such as injuries and hot streaks to predict a realistic outcome of each game and series.
EA SPORTS NHL 09 has won 12 Sports Game of the Year awards and is the highest rated* sports game on Xbox 360. Feel what it’s like to be an NHL superstar in Be A Pro mode. Create yourself in game, choose your position, insert yourself onto the roster of your favorite team and then lead them to the Stanley Cup in NHL 09.

Assets:
B-roll footage of the EA SPORTS Stanley Cup Final playoff simulation between Boston and Chicago is available by contacting Steve Frost. Screen shots of the playoff simulation are available at info.ea.com.

Eastern Conference Finals
Game 1 – Boston 3 Washington 2 OT
Game 2 – Boston 4 Washington 3
Game 3 – Washington 4 Boston 1
Game 4 – Washington 4 Boston 2
Game 5 – Boston 2 Washington 1
Game 6 – Washington 4 Boston 3 OT
Game 7 – Boston 3 Washington 2

Western Conference Finals
Game 1 – Chicago 5 San Jose 4
Game 2 – San Jose 5 Chicago 3
Game 3 – Chicago 4 San Jose 3 OT
Game 4 – San Jose 3 Chicago 1
Game 5 – San Jose 4 Chicago 3
Game 6 – Chicago 4 San Jose 2
Game 7 – Chicago 4 San Jose 3

Eastern Conference
Round 1
(1) Boston defeats (8) Montreal , 4-2
(2) Washington defeats (7) NY Rangers, 4-2
(4) Pittsburgh defeats (5) Philadelphia, 4-3
(6) Carolina defeats (3) New Jersey, 4-2
Round 2
(1) Boston defeats (6) Carolina, 4-2
(2) Washington defeats (4) Pittsburgh, 4-3
Eastern Conference Finals
(1) Boston defeats (2) Washington, 4-3
Western Conference
Round 1
(1) San Jose defeats (8) Anaheim, 4-2
(3) Vancouver defeats (6) St. Louis, 4-2
(4) Chicago defeats (5) Calgary, 4-2
(7) Columbus defeats (2) Detroit, 4-3
Round 2
(1) San Jose defeats (7) Columbus, 4-1
(4) Chicago defeats (3) Vancouver, 4-2
Western Conference Finals
(4) Chicago defeats (1) San Jose, 4-3

Stanley Cup Finals
Boston defeats Chicago, 4-2
Playoff Scoring Leaders
Player GP G A PTS
Marc Savard 25 8 19 27
Alexander Ovechkin 20 15 11 26
Patrick Kane 25 10 14 24
Phil Kessel 25 14 9 23
Joe Thornton 19 7 15 22
Patrick Marleau 19 10 11 21
Jonathan Toews 25 10 11 21
Alexander Semin 20 9 12 21
David Krejci 25 6 14 20
Martin Havlat 25 12 8 20
Nicklas Backstrom 20 6 14 20
*according to metacritic.com

Deca Sports 2 video game out soon on Nintendo Wii

Athletes of all shapes, sizes, and skill levels wanted! Hudson Entertainment, the North and South American publishing arm of HUDSON SOFT, announced that DECA SPORTS 2 will be released in Fall 2009, following the landmark success of DECA SPORTS, the exclusive title for Nintendo Wii that shipped two million units.

“Due to the massive popularity of sports games on Wii, the demand for in-game variety and online gameplay has never been greater,” said Mike Pepe, Director of Marketing at Hudson Entertainment. “With online play and 10 new sporting events, we believe DECA SPORTS 2 will delight fans and new players alike.”

As the only Wii sports compilation game with Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection online multiplayer, DECA SPORTS 2 will allow players to compete against other ‘DECAthletes’ from around the country. Featuring diverse sports such as synchronized swimming, motorcycle road racing, speed skating, ice hockey, mogul skiing, dodge ball, tennis, and darts, as well as lesser known international sports such as petanque and kendo, DECA SPORTS 2 will continue the original game’s credo of “the Everybody Sports Game.” Besides the new play, gamers will also be able to design their own teams, customizing uniforms, athlete skill sets, and even the looks of the athletes themselves.

Saw video game coming to PlayStation 3 Xbox 360 and PC

The Company that Invented the Survival Horror GenrePartners with Lionsgate and Twisted Pictures to Bring SAW, the Most Popular Horror Film Franchise of All-Time to Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3 and Windows PC.

Konami announce SAW is being developed for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system, PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC. SAW will invite players to engage in a horrific game inside the treacherous corridors of an abandoned insane asylum that has been transformed into a gauntlet of terrors by Jigsaw, SAW's maniacal antagonist. SAW will expand the survival horror genre by allowing players, for the first time to experience the terror of SAW on the game console, by pitting them against Jigsaw, his brutal traps and the mind bending puzzles that have become synonymous with the film franchise.



"Konami, partnering with Lionsgate and Twisted Pictures to create SAW was a very organic synergy," said David Daniels, Director of Marketing for Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. "As the leader in the survival horror genre, it only made sense to align with one of cinema's most iconic horror franchises to create an entirely new survival horror experience."

"We are always looking for exciting opportunities to extend the SAW experience beyond the theater. Partnering with Konami, the creators of the survival horror genre, to bring Jigsaw to the video game console was great way to accomplish that." says Aubrey McClure, Vice President, Promotions and Licensing for Lionsgate.

Producers Mark Burg and Oren Koules of Twisted Pictures added, "Through the years, it has been important to us to consistently find new ways to engage and thrill horror audiences, this game is the next step, transporting fans directly into Jigsaw's labyrinth."

Developed by Zombie Studios and based on the incredibly successful film franchise from Lionsgate and Twisted Pictures, SAW uses the incredible graphic capabilities of the next generation consoles, to create a terrifying experience that offers truly unique gameplay features that will allow players to pit their wits against Jigsaw and make their choice...live or die.

SAW will be released in North America this fall.

Silent Scope video game soon to the iPhone and iPod Touch

Konami’s Popular Rail Shooter Permeates the iPhone and iPod Touch with Multiple Gameplay Modes, Touch Screen Capabilities and Plenty of Action

Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. announced today that Silent Scope is coming soon to the iPhone and iPod Touch. Based on the popular arcade game originally released in 1999, players take on the role of the world’s top sniper who must defeat terrorists to save the American First Family, including the President of the United States, who have been abducted by terrorists in Chicago.

“With the release of Silent Scope on the iPhone and iPod Touch, we’re substantiating our commitment to developing quality content that takes our top franchise titles and turns them into a portable gaming experience,” said Anthony Borquez, Vice President of Konami Mobile and Online. “Silent Scope allows players to perfect their sharpshooting skills wherever they go.”

Designed to take full advantage of the iPhone’s unique touch screen capabilities, Silent Scope will feature tap-to-shoot game controls. In this rail shooter, players can choose from different gameplay modes, including Arcade Mode and Training Mode. Inexperienced marksmen can practice precision shooting in the Training Mode, while veteran snipers can go straight to the Arcade Mode featuring up to three stages of gameplay: Story, Shooting Range and Time Attack. Additionally, the Arcade Mode allows players to change the game settings to Difficulty, Player Life and Branch Select.

Silent Scope is coming soon and will be available for download from the Apple App Store on iPhone and iPod Touch.

Dance Dance Revolution iPhone and iPod Touch video game Fact Sheet

DanceDanceRevolution, Konami’s popular music and rhythm franchise, boogies onto the iPhone and iPod Touch, bringing the classic arcade experience to an all-new platform.

In this addictive music rhythm game, players can choose from up to three gameplay modes, including Shake Mode, Game Mode, and Training Mode.

In Shake Mode, players can utilize the Accelerometer to shake the device in the direction of the arrows. While DDR experts can go straight to the Game Mode featuring non-stop dance action to their song of choice, novices can get their DDR training wheels with basic lessons in the Training Mode.

The Training Mode also allows players to grasp the tempo in the game with various tools, including a metronome. Accompanied by a soundtrack packed with both new and old tracks from past DDR titles and features unique to the iPhone and iPod Touch, no dance party is complete without DanceDanceRevolution S.


Key Features
Next iteration in the popular music rhythm franchise re-designed to take full advantage of the iPhone’s capabilities by utilizing the Accelerometer and Multi-Touch
Featuring 26 songs and 18 playable characters
Three gameplay modes including Shake Mode, Game Mode, and Training Mode
Featuring soundtracks with both new and old tracks from previous DDR titles


Publisher: Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc.
Developer: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.
Platform: iPhone, iPod Touch
Genre: Music Rhythm
Release Date: March 5, 2009
Players: 1

VIRUS WAR Xbox 360 video game

Braintonik today announced the release of its first game entitled VIRUS WAR. This game was developed for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. Virus War is an intense and fast paced shooter game that will keep gamers on adrenaline. Players will control a nano-ship while fighting attacking viruses.

“We are quite proud of achieving this milestone” said Nicolas Michaud, Founder of Braintonik, ”and we believe that players will enjoy the pumped up environment that Virus War offers. This game started as my kid’s dream and has now become reality”.

NosTale – New Addition to NeoFun Free to play video games

Tale of the Nomads of the Silver Spirit launches on April 16, 2009.

NosTale, a fantasy MMORPG, will be added to the list of games available on NeoFun, the global free-to-play game portal operated by Lizard Interactive.

NosTale has colorful and bright graphics with an easy to use interface. The characters and backgrounds are very pleasing to look at and add to the enjoyment of this fantasy adventure.

Nostale is a tale about the adventures of the Nomads of the Silver Spirit. It is free-to-play with a variety of things for players to do such as chat, quest, train, party, set up shops, go on raids and many other activities. Players start off as Adventurers and then branch off into one of three classes – Swordsman, Archer or Sorcerer. The quest system in NosTale has a story line and is divided into acts. Players can have companions in the game, a pet and Nosmate (NPC) which are also able to attack and defend. There are many raid maps and up to 15 players may take part in raids. There are also Mini Lands that players may decorate and entertain guests. Four types of mini-games may be played in these Mini Lands. In addition, NosTale offers several varieties of Player versus Player combat including dueling and fight arenas.

With well established fan bases around the world in all the major countries, NosTale’s global server is certain to be a favorite destination for all gamers. For free download, please visit the global game portal - www.neofun.com.

LUNA Online Expansion: Rise of Spirit

LUNA Online announces new expansion, Rise of Spirit. A 3rd Job change has open up and players have a choice of 12 different jobs to select. Other than that, 4 new maps are up for characters of higher level to explore.

During the launch of expansion, all players will get a chance to get a free skill reset, providing players an opportunity to rebuild their character.

LUNA Online is an MMORPG with many social interactive functions such as Match-Making, farms, couple instances and many more for players to explore.

To further provide a better gaming experience for players from around the world, LUNA Online will be upgrading their internet connection in May 2009. Players will be able to roam the Blueland with low latency and higher performance.
Official English Website: http://luna.runup.com.sg

LUNA Online Team

LUNA Online
Luna online is a MMORPG where Elfs and Humans must bond together to fight the evil that invades their Blue land. Game characters are super cute style, with very manga-like (cartoon-like) facial expression. The game also provides the unique “Friendship system” and “Family system”, and it has a very convenient trading, dating, family and community system for everyone. You can also build up your farm, plant, business, train and feed your own lovely mounts and pets.
Official Site: http://luna.runup.com.sg