Official European Street Fighter IV Championship details

Capcom has joined forces with Xbox 360® to find the Street Fighter IV champions, of France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK and then the chance to be crowned Ultimate European Street Fighter Supreme Master AND win some amazing and unique prizes.

With the new free ‘Championship mode’ update for Street Fighter IV, you can truly test yourself against the very best. The new mode will be available to all SFIV players through a free update through your console.

Entering the tournament couldn’t be easier. Registration is open to all Street Fighter players on Xbox LIVE® from 17 th April until 17 th May and can be done through this link.

www.capcom-europe.com/sfivofficialtournament

Lets us know your contact details and Xbox Gamertag and we’ll track your progress in the new automatic Championship Mode leader boards.

You don’t have to set up matches and can play at times that suit you. All you need to do is win as many matches as possible and build up your score of Grade Points (the new reward system in ‘Championship Mode’).

The top 30 Grade Points scoring players will be invited to an exclusive live final in their respective country to be held on the weekend of 30/31 st May. National champions will be sent on (all expenses paid) to a secret European location for the Euro final weekend 13 th/14 th June.

Full details can be found on the www.capcom-europe.com website

FREE ONLINE PLAY TO ALL XBOX LIVE GAMERS
You don’t even have to have Gold membership play in the tournament. From the 1 st to the 4 th of May, Xbox is running the Xtival weekend which gives all silver live members full access to online gaming. Street Fighter IV is a top featured game for the Xtival and a perfect chance for everyone to start winning the all important ‘Grade Points’ and a chance to win the title.

Prizes and glory await!!

Final Fantasy XIII video game demo HD and Analogue TV compared

Kotaku have done the work...

Not all televisions are built the same. For kicks, Japanese site Intermezzo compared the Final Fantasy XIII Blu-ray PS3 demo on two televisions (one HD, one analog). Let's have a look.

One of the televisions was a US$200 model 14-inch Sony WEGA from the year 2000. It was connected to the PS3 with composite cables.

The other was a US$4,000 50-inch Pioneer plasma panel from 2006. It was connected to the PS3 with composite cables.

See the full post with images here on Kotaku...

Trash Panic video game for PlayStation 3 announced on Earth Day

Don't let the planet get swamped by rubbish think quickly to dispose of it properly in this fast, fun, environmentally-aware brainteaser!

April 21st 2009 is Earth Day, a day when people put their heads together to think about the issues facing the planet – and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe is challenging gamers to get to grips with rubbish with the announcement of Trash Panic for PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3) – a new, downloadable puzzle game that challenges players to stop a virtual environment being swamped by an ever-flowing tide of rubbish.

A game that takes the puzzle genre and gives it an environmental twist, Trash Panic challenges players to dispose of the rubbish by arranging it strategically in a giant rubbish crate before it overflows. Players have to think quickly, dropping heavy rubbish on crushable items to compact it – or placing biodegradables together so that they rot – meanwhile, the clock keeps ticking and the tide of rubbish keeps advancing.

It’s fast, furious – and socially responsible – what more could you want on Earth Day? Available exclusively for PS3 as a download from PlayStation Network, Trash Panic will be released later this spring.

Tiger Woods PGA tour 10 and Grand Slam Tennis to ship with Wii MotionPlus

EA SPORTS, a label of Electronic Arts, today announced that the Nintendo Wii versions of both Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 10 and EA SPORTS Grand Slam Tennis will be bundled with Nintendo’s new Wii MotionPlus accessory when the titles ship to stores this summer in Europe. In North America, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 10 will be bundled with the Wii MotionPlus accessory at launch.

“This exclusive and limited-time offer is exciting news for sports fans who want to enhance their Wii experience for a great value with the new Wii MotionPlus right at launch with both Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 10 and EA SPORTS Grand Slam Tennis,” said Peter Moore, President, EA SPORTS.



“The functionality of the Wii MotionPlus will help us deliver the authentic, true-to-life sports motion that will redefine the sports experience on the Wii.”

Both Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 10 and EA SPORTS Grand Slam Tennis have been rated 3+ by PEGI and will have an RRP of £49.99 when bundled with the Wii MotionPlus.

EA SPORTS has at least five products in development that will launch before the end of 2009 designed specifically for the Wii, including:

Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 10
Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 10 coupled with the Wii MotionPlus accessory gives players an unprecedented authentic golf swing experience and the ability to control and work their golf ball around the course. The Wii MotionPlus accessory also adds to the gameplay experience with an all-new disc golf mode in Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 10. With Wii MotionPlus, gamers have increased fidelity and complete free motion of their disc and can throw it in any manner they choose. Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 10 is developed by EA Tiburon in Orlando, Florida.

EA SPORTS Grand Slam Tennis
EA SPORTS Grand Slam Tennis, launching first on the Wii, makes users feel like they are playing championship tennis in the comfort of their living rooms. Wii MotionPlus elevates the authentic tennis experience to a higher level with precise ball placement and added shot depth. With the accessory, tennis fans will appreciate the freedom to control the backswing of champions like John McEnroe, Serena Williams, Roger Federer or any one of their in-game players, as well as have the ability to run around a forehand or backhand. EA SPORTS Grand Slam Tennis is developed by EA Canada in Vancouver, B.C. The product will ship on additional platforms later in the year.

LEGO Rock Band coming to Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3

Rhythm Based Music Game Snaps Together Best-Selling Franchises to Create Fun Family-Friendly Experience for All Ages

Two of the most popular videogame franchises with the creation of LEGO Rock Band. The unique family-friendly music experience is currently in development by TT Games in partnership with Harmonix, and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment.

The game, which will allow families, tweens and teens to experience a wild journey to rock stardom where they can “Build a Band and Rock the Universe”, will be available for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and Nintendo Wii home videogame console. LEGO Rock Band for Nintendo DS will be co-developed by TT Games and Harmonix in partnership with Backbone Entertainment, a Foundation 9 Entertainment studio. All versions are scheduled for 2009.

LEGO Rock Band combines the multiplayer music experience of Rock Band with the fun, customization and humour of the LEGO videogame franchise packed with brilliant chart-topping songs and classic favourites suitable for younger audiences, including:

Blur: “Song 2”
Carl Douglas: “Kung Fu Fighting”
Europe: “The Final Countdown”
Good Charlotte: “Boys and Girls”
Pink: “So What”

Players will become rockers as they embark on a journey to stardom that the whole family can enjoy as they work their way through local venues, stadiums and fantasy locations on Earth and beyond, that mimic the imaginative settings that the LEGO world offers. Also continuing the LEGO “build-and-play” gaming experience, players will be able to create their own LEGO Rock Band style as they customize their minifigure avatars, band and entourage, including roadies, managers and crew. LEGO Rock Band supports Rock Band instruments, as well as other music game controllers.

“LEGO Rock Band combines two compelling properties and creates an experience that family members of all ages will enjoy playing together as a group,” said Tom Stone, Managing Director, TT Games. “Harmonix and MTV Games are the world experts in music gameplay, and we’re genuinely thrilled to bring the unique and humour-filled LEGO experience to their Rock Band universe.”

“We’re thrilled to offer another LEGO branded gaming experience that will deliver humorous and social play for families and friends,” said Henrik Taudorf Lorensen, Vice President, the LEGO Group. “LEGO Rock Band is built around the same values of imagination and family-friendly creative role play that is present in other LEGO videogames. It will deliver innovative new elements of game play that complement the fun of the Rock Band experience.”

“Rock Band is a social game experience that crosses every generation and every genre of rock,” said Bob Picunko, Senior Vice President of Electronic Games for MTV Games. “Harmonix and MTV Games are big fans of the LEGO game franchise and excited to work with TT Games to develop a new take on Rock Band that focuses on great music and LEGO humour that’s fun for the whole family.”

Officers - World War II video game out 15th May

It’s 1944, you are part of Operation Overlord and your mission is to liberate Northwestern Europe. To achieve your mission you will have to gain a foothold in Europe and smash the steely grip of 61 battle-hardened German Divisions on Holland, Belgium and France. To make your task more difficult 10 of these Divisions are armoured. To be successful you will have to break through Rommel’s Atlantic Wall and destroy the overwhelming German forces….

Officers provides World War II real-time strategy gamers with warfare on a previously unseen scale. Formidable battles are possible, with more than 1,500 units fighting simultaneously across up to 10 square miles of battlefield.



You command the US combat units; your aim is to smash the Germans’ western front. In multiplayer mode, you can also command Russian or German troops. Historical battles such as Operations Overlord, Millennium and Cobra will put your tactical abilities to the test, as you will have to skillfully combine infantry, tank, artillery and airborne troops.

Officers: World War II will be available on the 15th May 2009 at a RRP of £24.99

Beta testers wanted for East India Company PC video game

Here is your chance to control one of the most powerful companies in history. Paradox Interactive and Nitro Games Ltd. are looking for beta testers to play their upcoming strategy game, East India Company, which is due to release in Q3/2009.

In East India Company, the player assumes the role of Governor General, a leader of one of the East India Companies. The goal of the game is to bring wealth and new colonies to your company and make it the dominant force within a given time limit. This is accomplished by organizing profitable trade routes to East Indies and back, as well as using political skills. However, being that there are seven other companies with the same intentions, armed conflicts and outright wars are unavoidable. East India Company features spectacular naval battles fought in RTS-fashion and also the revolutionary Direct-Command mode that puts the player right in the middle of the action on the ship’s deck.

Testing will include playing the single player campaign modes, and fighting naval battles in various multiplayer modes. Please note: Internet connection is required.

To apply as a beta-tester, please go to: http://www.paradoxplaza.com/beta/

Beta-tester applications must be received by 7th of May.

Street Gears free-to-play inline skating game gets its first major update on the 30th of April

Update will include new playable character, new tracks and extended gamepad control.

Free-to-play inline skating game Street Gears, available at the gPotato.eu portal since March 2009, will be updated on the 30th of April with a major content update. Available for free to all European players, this content addition will feature a brand new playable character, a new track, as well as new versions of existing tracks and other system and content updates and fixes.

Street Gears is a free-to-play inline skating game where players can become “riders” fond of freedom and extreme experiences. From the 30th of April, players will be able to discover a brand new playable character: Tippy. Tippy is a young and energetic teenager. Usually very shy, she focuses all her energy in the skating tracks where she can compete with the best riders of Park Town.

Whether they have chosen the Rookie, Luna, Rush or Tippy avatars, players who have reached the pro-license level will be able to discover a very exciting new track: Warehouse. Taking place in the modern environment of an abandoned warehouse, this track leads the riders through a maze of pipes, stairs and corridors in which they will need all their acrobatic skills to reach the final line.

Altogether with this new track, Pro-Licenses will also have the possibility to race the tracks they already know in “Mirror” mode, giving a brand new twist to well known racing environments. A number of new tweaks and fixes will also be available in this update, including a new windowed mode, extended gamepad support which now allows vibrations on supported pads, UI and graphical improvements, and lots more!

Strategic Options Game Add-on Pack Delivers Dynamic New Gameplay to Halo Wars

Halo Wars, the best selling real-time strategy game on any current generation console, mixes up the battlefield like never before with the “Strategic Options” Game Add-on Pack, available in the coming weeks exclusively on Xbox 360.

“Strategic Options” ushers in the next wave of battle for “Halo Wars” fans with three new game modes which dramatically change the multiplayer experience and challenge players to rethink their battle tactics.

The three new modes include:

• Keepaway Mode is the “Halo Wars” adaptation of Capture the Flag. Teams will battle it out to capture a free-roaming Forerunner Sentinel to score points before the other team. Capture three sentinels to claim victory.
• Tug of War Mode is all about having a stronger army than the opponent. Defeating enemies is essential, but success is determined by a combination of the army, buildings and resources left standing in the end.
• In Reinforcement Mode, all active battle units are provided in successive waves. Players must adapt their tactics and use the ever-changing set of units to outwit and outlast the enemy.

“Strategic Options” also adds four new Achievements worth a total of 100 points:

• “One and Done” (30 points): Score the winning point in a game of Keepaway against Legendary A.I.’s
• “Pull Hard, Pull Deep” (20 points): Win and never trail in a Tug of War game
• “Freak on a Streak” (20 points): Gain at least 15 population from a single wave in a Reinforcement game
• “Living Loving Bug” (30 points): Obtain a Scarab during a Reinforcement game

More information on “Strategic Options” including release date and pricing will be available soon. “Halo Wars” is rated T for Teen by the ESRB and 16+ PEGI and is available worldwide. A demo is also available on Xbox LIVE in all LIVE enabled regions worldwide.

DJ Star - DJ music game for Nintendo DS

DJ Star for Nintendo DS for Europe and Australia. The DJ game for Nintendo's handheld console will be released later this year.

In DJ Star, music lovers get to imitate their idols and realize their dreams of becoming heroes and heroines of the turntable. Players begin their careers as local turntable novices, and work their way up step by step as they gain experience.

If they are successful, they will soon be appearing in big cities such as Paris, Berlin, Miami and London, until they can finally spin the discs live in a stadium filled with 100,000 fans.

Scratch in real time in DJ Star, using the Nintendo DS Touch Screen! This innovative title includes several real DJ features, 40 famous tracks (Electro, R&B, etc.), as well as a number of mini games. DJ Star offers an excellent quality of sound and is easy to learn, even for players who have never seen a turntable before. A step-by-step introduction and the easy-to-use user interface ensure that fans will quickly learn how to mix and create songs. So players can even make their own tunes in the "creation studio” and save them on the biggest Nintendo Game Card available at the moment. Moreover, players can swap their favorite creations with their friends through DS Wireless Communications.

Free to play World of Kung Fu Martial Arts Online Game Gets New Server and New Version

The Free-to-Play Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game (MMORPG) from VestGame Entertainment will open a new server in Seattle of the United States. World of Kung Fu players will benefit from enhanced performance and increased access speed. The new server is planned to begin operation on April 28th.

[Shanghai, April, 21st, 2009] –VestGame Entertainment will open a new server to keep pace with the large number of new accounts. The new server will increase speed and access times for all players. The new server will be endowed with a special name “Emerald Tiger”.

At the same time, a new version1.0.46 expected by players is about to release on April 28th. This coming version will give players absolutely fresh experience in the new adventure.

The most amazing section is that there will be two brand new maps and two Instances. The two new maps are separately named Mangrove and Piao Miao Zhou.

Mangrove used to be an import part of our beloved Middle Kingdom. A river goes around it used to be the only way to get into and out of Mangrove, the most beautiful forest in the world. As soon as Mangrove was occupied by monsters, danger stealthily comes to this river. And the Ship names "Piao Miao Zhou" is the last merchantman in this river.

The two Instances are coded Ancient Hill of Mixiang and Stone Fort.

Ancient hill is in the deep of mangrove. A famous couple, Sui Feng and Ting Yu tried their best to beat monsters and protect the villagers on the hill. Before they left, they took some rosemary to villagers. In order to thank them, villagers get the name from the special flavor of rosemary and called the hill "Ancient Hill of Mixiang".

About Stone Fort, there is another heroical story. The Wans was once the landowner of the Liuli Pool. The suzerain of Wans built a stone fort and trained many soldiers. So they can climb and protect villagers around the fort when they were attacked.

Puppy Playtime and Kitten Corner on Nintendo DS video game trailer

Discovery Communications and global videogame publisher 505 Games announce their line of Discovery Kids-branded pet simulation games have shipped to retail outlets nationwide. Exclusive for the Nintendo DS, the new titles include Dolphin Discovery, Puppy Playtime, Pony Paradise and Kitten Corner.



All four titles have an MSRP of $29.99 and rated E for Everyone.

It is a privilege for 505 Games to work with such a prestigious brand as Discovery Kids, said Adam Kline, president of 505 Games U.S. Our new line of pet simulation games serves up the perfect combination of entertaining game play and pet-care problem solving skills that make this new series a great extension of the Discovery Kids experience.



Dolphin Discovery invites kids to plunge into training and caring for one of the most awe-inspiring animals in the ocean. Players need to earn the trust of their pet dolphin in order to teach them amazing tricks by using the DS Stylus. Mastering a wide selection of tricks will fully prepare their dolphin for performing in front of huge crowds of appreciative spectators. Players can gauge their success by the reaction of the audiences watching the shows at the aquatic park, and are rewarded with even more dolphins to train. The game features realistic scenery that changes with the time of day, offering clear blue skies, spectacular sunsets and dreamy night views.

The life of a rescue dog is much more than fun and games! In Puppy Playtime, players raise and train their very own rescue dogs to eventually take on more than 30 missions alongside the police force, fire department and lifeguards. Three of the most popular rescue dog breeds are featured in the game, including the Dalmatian, German Shepherd and beloved Labrador Retriever. Players train their puppies from two months to one-year-old through a series of 20 mini-games, helping them become the best rescue dogs they can be!

Pony Paradise gives kids the unique chance to care for and train a pony from birth to adulthood. Players can choose from four realistic horse breads to groom, feed and take on rides in five different 3D environments, including the meadow, forest, circus, pony school and stables. More than 60 special items can be collected and used to customize the ponies, making them the most stylish in the stables.

In Kitten Corner, kids can own and raise their very own kitten. Players can select from a variety of favorite feline breeds and through 35 unlockable features, customize their adorable new friend with distinctive coloring and markings. Playtime begins as soon as the game begins, with 20 different mini-games, and 15 unique and challenging levels. Players care for their kitten with trips to the veterinarian center for check-ups, making sure it is in good health for entering contests and competitions.

SBK 09 Superbike World Championship video game packshot

New edition of the official videogame of the World Superbike Championship: SBK 09 Superbike World Championship. Developed by Milestone, one of the best developers in motorbike racing games, it will be available for Microsoft Xbox 360, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PSP (PlayStation Portable) and PC at the end of May.

Based on the official licence owned by Infront Motor Sports, SBK 09 Superbike World Championship offers the ultimate experience of the championship. Tracks, teams, riders, it’s all there unaltered to make the player feel the adrenaline rush of real motorbike competition.

Every feature of the game has been dramatically improved from the previous year. New 3D environments, new teams, complete track overhaul, new gameplay structure, new game modes, revamped user interface. The pits have been redesigned to be as close to reality as a picture could be. The performance of the motorbikes is based on exact data from their real counterparts and the player can fine-tune every single setting a real race engineer can. Not to mention the podium, which is there, waiting for the winner.



Five gameplay modes designed for single player: Quick race, Training, Race Weekend, Championship and Challenges; and for those who love the adrenaline of multiplayer sessions SBK 09 Superbike World Championship offers 3 online gameplay modes, starting from Quick Race moving on to the Championship and Team Championship.
Last but not least, the competition can become even more thrilling with the downloadable Online Time Attack game mode.

For the first time ever in a motorbike racing game, SBK 09 Superbike World Championship will feature visible damage on fairings and rider leathers!

SBK 09 Superbike World Championship has a huge number of customisable realism settings making it perfect for beginners as much as for simulation enthusiasts. It’s not just a game. It’s a complete riding experience.

“SBK 09 Superbike World Championship is the result of a painstaking attention to detail during the game design phases. – commented Antonio Farina, Founder of Milestone – More than last year, our main focus has been to recreate a realistic environment as much as possible. We introduced some crucial elements that help feel the exhilaration of the race and we deeply analysed the 3D environment on the track. Every turn has been designed from real CAD data and we also had the chance to have a real SBK™ rider playtesting them all, helping us to reproduce them perfectly.”

“As a fan of motorbikes and races, I do not think this year there is a better championship than WSBK. Despite this unusual and unpredictable moment for motorsports championships, Superbike is facing a new era with the introduction of BMW and Aprilia, nothing can be taken for granted and more and more people are becoming interested and passionate. With SBK 09 Superbike World Championship, we try to reach both new motorbike enthusiasts as well as hardcore riders offering them a real championship whenever they fancy jumping on a virtual bike, improving their performance and competing against turns and time.” Said Fabrizio Vagliasindi, Black Bean Games Head of Marketing.

RailSimulator announce the Rail Simulator 2 - RailWorks Platform A Bright Future for Rail and Train Enthusiasts

RailSimulator.com, today announced the launch of Rail Simulator 2 - RailWorks, the highly anticipated sequel to Rail Simulator published by Electronic Arts.

RailWorks will provide the best looking and most realistic train and rail simulation platform for rail enthusiasts and modelers. Players will be able to take control of historic and contemporary trains across a range routes and scenarios, design their own tracks and download new content

Key features of the game include:

• A variety of exciting routes including: 3 fictional routes covering the UK, Europe and US.A plus Oxford Paddington, Bath Templecombe, Cajun Pass, York Newcastle and Hagen Siegen
• 13 locomotives including all new US class F7, UK Class 37 and German class V200
• Over 50 scenarios
• Incredibly high levels of realism, both visually and technically
• Powerful new tools for defining and modifying train performance and controls
• An array of new 3D assets for building your own routes
• The ability to share content and creations
• The ability to add new locomotives, scenarios and routes
• Platform based software that will be continuously updated as time goes on
• Backward compatibility with the original Rail Simulator
• Technically more advanced than anything before

Listen out for further RailWorks announcements throughout the coming weeks.

Product Info
Release date: June 12th 2009
Format: PC
RRP UK: £39.99
Pegi rating (tbc) 3+
Website (product specific): www.railsimulator.com

Technical requirements OS: XP/Vista, Processor: 1.7GHz or greater, Disk space: 6 GBytes, DVD-ROM: 8 Speed, Video card: 64 MByte with pixel shader 2, Sound card: DirectX 9.0c compatible, DirectX 9.0c (included), Input: Keyboard & Mouse

Brütal Legend Xbox 360 PlayStation 3 video game update

Electronic Arts  and Double Fine Productions announce that Brütal Legend will be available for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system and the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system on October 16 in the UK. 

From the mind of Tim Schafer and Double Fine Productions, Brütal Legend is a third-person action game rich in combat, imagery and storytelling, and delivering lighter-flicking fun sure to melt your face off.

Those ready to rock can start today by visiting the newly re-launched Brütal Legend website (www.brutallegend.com), the best online source for all things Brütal Legend, from trailers, screenshots and concept art to exclusive blogs from the Double Fine studio team, epic polls and more. Over time, the site and its content will evolve and grow, so remember to check in whenever you feel the Metal Gods calling you. Sign up for exclusive updates through the Brütal Legend newsletter, or follow Brütal Legend on Twitter for intimate access and new information nearly every day.



"Wooo! Having an official release date is awesome,” said Tim Schafer, President of Double Fine Productions. “And how cool is it that EA threw down the dough to have the name of an entire month changed to Rocktober?"

Brütal Legend tells the tale of Eddie Riggs, played by Jack Black. The ultimate roadie, Eddie is the first person anyone calls when they need guitars tuned or stages rigged, and has a love for hot rods and a photographic memory for every heavy metal album cover, and the lyrics those albums contained. One night, a stage accident knocks Eddie unconscious, and he awakens in a world that looks very strange yet oddly familiar, a world where every heavy metal album cover and lyric Eddie knows has come to life, and where the evil emperor Doviculus and his demon army, The Tainted Coil, have enslaved the last remaining humans. When an oppressed people request Eddie’s knowledge of modern warfare, he pulls from his own experience in the only occupation he’s ever had, a roadie for a heavy metal band, and under his command, this barbaric force of hot-rods, Marshall stacks, leather, and chrome will bring this ancient world into the age of metal.

Chalk Up Your Cue and Master Your Bank Shot With Pool Hall Pro Coming to Nintendo Wii and PC May 26, 2009

Pool Hall Pro, the action-packed sports game developed by Icon Games Entertainment, is coming to Nintendo Wii home videogame console from Nintendo, and PC May 26, 2009. Pool Hall Pro calls on players of all levels from amateurs to pool sharks to take on the world’s toughest opponents as they travel the globe mastering an array of pool and snooker games in order to earn fame and fortune.

“Pool Hall Pro brings action-packed entertainment back into casual sports games with customizable characters, exotic pool hall locations, numerous modes and countless hours of gameplay,” said Adam McGowan, Marketing Director for Playlogic. “The simple control scheme and easy-to-access modes make Pool Hall Pro a great game to pick up and play.”
Pool Hall Pro features six modes with a vast array of pool and snooker games, such as basic pocket billiards to U.S. 8 ball and 6 ball snooker. Create your own avatar before setting out to challenge the pool hall’s toughest opponents and take your character from rags to riches! Compete against the pros in single player mode or make a name for yourself as you travel the globe earning cash and unlocking collectables in world tour mode. Win games and unlock collectables to pimp out your crib and give your billiards room your own personal touch. Increase the difficulty by adjusting AI opponents for more challenging games!
Pool Hall Pro for Wii comes with an added taste of realism as players are able to use their Wii remote to simulate the feel of a real pool game by matching the cue movement with a simple on-screen interface and movement from the player.



Additional game features include:

• Six game modes: Arcade, Tournament, Multiplayer, Exhibition, World Tour and Practice
• 11 game varieties: UK 8 Ball, US 8 Ball, 9 Ball, 6 Ball Pool, 10 Ball Pool, 15 ball Pool, Pub Pool, 6 Ball Snooker, 10 Ball Snooker, Snooker and Basic Pocket Billiards
• Fully customizable characters
• Earn collectibles to pimp out your crib
• Simple control scheme
• Four AI difficulty levels: Rookie, Amateur, Pro, Champion

Pool Hall Pro has been rated “E” for everyone by the ESRB.

FlyFF announces a brand new expansion named Act IV : New Shores

Act IV expansion to bring new zones and community functions

The gPotato Team are proud to announce the next expansion for the free MMORPG FlyFF during the summer of 2009. Available for over two years in French and German markets, FlyFF has built up a strong and growing community of over 650,000 players.

Act IV not only offers players many new features but sees the addition of a brand new region as well. Coral Island will bring you to a land full of adventures and pirates where you can get special goods and bonus experience. A brand new “housing” feature will also be introduced into the game, allowing players to rest after an exhausting day of adventures in your own customisable house. Decorate it as you like and invite your friends to host a party.

Are you fast and smart? Then you should definitely join our new weekly rainbow races giving the top players the chance to win fantastic prizes. But that’s not all! The new couple system gives you the opportunity to hook up with your soulmate and receive Rhisis’s blessing, or you can adorn your character with the new master fame titles after completing a set of special objectives.

So has that gotten your attention? More information will be released over the coming weeks.

The Beatles Rock Band PlayStation 3 box art released

The original Beatles catalogue, which has been digitally re-mastered for the first time, for worldwide CD release on Wednesday, September 9, 2009, the same date as the release of the widely anticipated “The Beatles: Rock Band” video game.

Each of the CDs is packaged with replicated original UK album art, including expanded booklets containing original and newly written liner notes and rare photos. For a limited period, each CD will also be embedded with a brief documentary film about the album. On the same date, two new Beatles boxed CD collections will also be released.

The albums have been re-mastered by a dedicated team of engineers at EMI’s Abbey Road Studios in London over a four year period utilising state of the art recording technology alongside vintage studio equipment, carefully maintaining the authenticity and integrity of the original analogue recordings. The result of this painstaking process is the highest fidelity the catalogue has seen since its original release.

The collection comprises all 12 Beatles albums in stereo, with track listings and artwork as originally released in the UK, and 'Magical Mystery Tour,' which became part of The Beatles’ core catalogue when the CDs were first released in 1987. In addition, the collections 'Past Masters Vol. I and II' are now combined as one title, for a total of 14 titles over 16 discs. This will mark the first time that the first four Beatles albums will be available in stereo in their entirety on compact disc. These 14 albums, along with a DVD collection of the documentaries, will also be available for purchase together in a stereo boxed set.

Within each CD’s new packaging, booklets include detailed historical notes along with informative recording notes. With the exception of the 'Past Masters' set, newly produced mini-documentaries on the making of each album, directed by Bob Smeaton, are included as QuickTime files on each album. The documentaries contain archival footage, rare photographs and never-before-heard studio chat from The Beatles, offering a unique and very personal insight into the studio atmosphere.

A second boxed set has been created with the collector in mind. 'The Beatles in Mono' gathers together, in one place, all of the Beatles recordings that were mixed for a mono release. It will contain 10 of the albums with their original mono mixes, plus two further discs of mono masters (covering similar ground to the stereo tracks on 'Past Masters'). As an added bonus, the mono “Help!” and “Rubber Soul” discs also include the original 1965 stereo mixes, which have not been previously released on CD. These albums will be packaged in mini-vinyl CD replicas of the original sleeves with all original inserts and label designs retained.

Discussions regarding the digital distribution of the catalogue will continue.


The Stereo Albums (available individually and collected in a stereo boxed set)
The stereo albums have been remastered by Guy Massey, Steve Rooke, Sam Okell with Paul Hicks and Sean Magee
All CD packages contain original vinyl artwork and liner notes
Extensive archival photos
Additional historical notes by Kevin Howlett and Mike Heatley
Additional recording notes by Allan Rouse and Kevin Howlett
= CD includes QuickTime mini-doc about the album
Please Please Me* (CD debut in stereo)
With The Beatles* (CD debut in stereo)
A Hard Day's Night* (CD debut in stereo)
Beatles For Sale* (CD debut in stereo)
Help!*
Rubber Soul*
Revolver*
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band* (also includes 1987 notes, updated, and new intro by Paul McCartney)
Magical Mystery Tour*
The Beatles*
Yellow Submarine* (also includes original US liner notes)
Abbey Road*
Let It Be*
Past Masters (contains new liner notes written by Kevin Howlett)

‘The Beatles in Mono’ (boxed set only)
The mono albums have been remastered by Paul Hicks, Sean Magee with Guy Massey and Steve Rooke
Presented together in box with an essay written by Kevin Howlett
+ = mono mix CD debut
Please Please Me
With The Beatles
A Hard Day's Night
Beatles For Sale
Help! (CD also includes original 1965 stereo mix)+
Rubber Soul (CD also include original 1965 stereo mix)+
Revolver+
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band+
Magical Mystery Tour+
The Beatles+
Mono Masters





Re-mastering the Beatles catalogue

The re-mastering process commenced with an extensive period conducting tests before finally copying the analogue master tapes into the digital medium. When this was completed, the transfer was achieved using a Pro Tools workstation operating at 24 bit 192 kHz resolution via a Prism A-D converter. Transferring was a lengthy procedure done a track at a time. Although EMI tape does not suffer the oxide loss associated with some later analogue tapes, there was nevertheless a slight build up of dust, which was removed from the tape machine heads between each title.

From the onset, considerable thought was given to what audio restorative processes were going to be allowed. It was agreed that electrical clicks, microphone vocal pops, excessive sibilance and bad edits should be improved where possible, so long as it didn’t impact on the original integrity of the songs.

In addition, de-noising technology, which is often associated with re-mastering, was to be used, but subtly and sparingly. Eventually, less than five of the 525 minutes of Beatles music was subjected to this process. Finally, as is common with today’s music, overall limiting - to increase the volume level of the CD - has been used, but on the stereo versions only. However, it was unanimously agreed that because of the importance of The Beatles’ music, limiting would be used moderately, so as to retain the original dynamics of the recordings.

When all of the albums had been transferred, each song was then listened to several times to locate any of the agreed imperfections. These were then addressed by Guy Massey, working with Audio Restoration engineer Simon Gibson.

Mastering could now take place, once the earliest vinyl pressings, along with the existing CDs, were loaded into Pro Tools, thus allowing comparisons to be made with the original master tapes during the equalization process. When an album had been completed, it was auditioned the next day in studio three – a room familiar to the engineers, as all of the recent Beatles mixing projects had taken place in there – and any further alteration of EQ could be addressed back in the mastering room. Following the initial satisfaction of Guy and Steve, Allan Rouse and Mike Heatley then checked each new re-master in yet another location and offered any further suggestions. This continued until all 13 albums were completed to the team’s satisfaction.


New Notes/Documentaries Team

Kevin Howlett (Historical and Recording Notes)
Kevin Howlett’s career as an award-winning radio producer spans three decades. His music programmes for the BBC have included many documentaries about The Beatles, including 'The Beeb's Lost Beatles Tapes.' He received a Grammy nomination for his involvement with The Beatles’ album 'Live At The BBC' and, in 2003, produced the 'Fly On The Wall' bonus disc for 'Let It Be… Naked.'

Mike Heatley (Historical Notes)
Mike entered the music business via HMV Record Stores in 1970, transferring to EMI Records' International Division three years later. He eventually headed up that division in the early Eighties before joining the company's newly created Strategic Marketing Division in 1984. In 1988, he returned to International, where he undertook a number of catalogue marketing roles until he retired in December 2008.

During his career he worked with many of EMI's major artists, including Pink Floyd, Queen, Kate Bush and Iron Maiden. However, during the last 30 years he has formed a particularly strong relationship with Apple, and has been closely involved in the origination and promotion of the Beatles catalogue, besides solo releases from John, Paul, George and Ringo.


Bob Smeaton (Director, Mini-Documentaries)
Bob Smeaton was series director and writer on the Grammy award winning 'Beatles Anthology' TV series which aired in the UK and the USA in 1995. In 1998 he received his second Grammy for his ‘Jimi Hendrix: Band of Gypsys’ documentary. In 2004 he gained his first feature film credit, as director on the feature documentary ‘Festival Express.' He subsequently went on to direct documentaries on many of the world's biggest music acts including The Who, Pink Floyd, The Doors, Elton John, Nirvana and the Spice Girls.

Julian Caiden (Editor, Mini-Documentaries)
Julian has worked with Bob Smeaton on numerous music documentaries including 'Jimi Hendrix: Band of Gypsys' and the 'Classic Albums' series, featuring The Who, Pink Floyd, The Doors, Elton John and Nirvana among others. He has worked on documentary profiles from Richard Pryor to Dr. John to Sir Ian McKellen, Herbie Hancock and Damien Hirst and on live music shows including the New York Dolls and Club Tropicana.

The Abbey Road Team

Allan Rouse (Project Coordinator)
Allan joined EMI straight from school in 1971 at their Manchester Square head office, working as an assistant engineer in the demo studio. During this time he frequently worked with Norman (Hurricane) Smith, The Beatles’ first recording engineer.

In 1991, he had his first involvement with The Beatles, copy¬ing all of their master tapes (mono, stereo, 4-track and 8-track) to digital tape as a safety backup. This was followed by four years working with Sir George Martin as assistant and project coordinator on the TV documentary 'The Making of Sgt. Pepper's' and the CDs 'Live at the BBC' and 'The Anthol¬ogy.'

In 1997, MGM/UA were preparing to reissue the film 'Yellow Submarine' and, with the permission of Apple, asked that all of The Beatles’ music be mixed for the film in 5.1 surround and stereo. Allan requested the services of Abbey Road’s senior engineer Peter Cobbin and assistant Guy Massey and, along with them, produced the new mixes.

Two years later, he proposed an experimental stereo and surround mix of John Lennon's song 'Imagine' engineered by Peter Cobbin. Following lengthy consultations with Yoko Ono, the album 'Imagine' was re-mixed in stereo and the Grammy award-winning film 'Gimme Some Truth' in surround and new stereo. This led to a further five of John’s albums being re-mastered with new stereo mixes and the DVD release of 'Lennon Legend' being re-mixed in 5.1 surround and new stereo.

Further projects followed, including The Beatles ‘Anthol¬ogy', 'The First US Visit' and ‘Help’ DVD and the albums ‘Let It Be…Naked’ and ‘Love’ along with George Harrison’s 'Concert for Bangladesh' DVD and album.

For a number of years now, Allan has worked exclusively on Beatles and related projects.

Guy Massey (Recording Engineer)
Guy joined Abbey Road in 1994, and five years later assisted on the surround remix for The Beatles film 'Yellow Submarine.' This led to The Beatles’ 'Anthology' DVD and later, along with Paul Hicks and Allan Rouse, they mixed and produced 'Let It Be… Naked.' In 2004 he left the studios to become freelance and has engineered The Divine Comedy: 'Victory for the Comic Muse,' Air Traffic: 'Fractured Life,' James Dean Bradfield: 'The Great Western' and Stephen Fretwell’s 'Magpie,' co-producing the last two. Since leaving, Guy is still a vital member of the team, and has been the senior engineer for the re-mastering project and was responsible for surround and new stereo mixes for the DVD release of 'Help!'

Steve Rooke (Mastering Engineer)
Steve joined Abbey Road in 1983 and is now the studio’s senior mastering engineer. He has been involved on all The Beatles’ projects since 1999. He has also been responsible for mastering releases by John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr.

Paul Hicks (Recording Engineer)
Paul started at Abbey Road in 1994, and his first involvement with The Beatles was assisting engineer Geoff Emerick on the Anthology albums. This was followed by 'Yellow Submarine Songtrack,' 'Anthology' DVD and 'Let It Be… Naked.' Like Guy Massey, he has also become a freelance engineer and since leaving the studios he has been responsible for the surround mixing of Paul McCartney’s DVD 'The McCartney Years' and The Beatles' 'Love.' Paul has been in charge of the mono re-masters.

Sean Magee (Mastering Engineer)
Sean began working at Abbey Road in 1995 with a diploma in sound engineering. With a wealth of knowledge in analog and digital mastering, he has worked alongside Paul Hicks on the mono re-masters.

Sam Okell (Recording Engineer)
Sam’s first job as a member of the team was in 2006, assisting Paul Hicks on Paul McCartney’s DVD 'The McCartney Years,' and during that same year he was responsible for the re-mastering of George Harrison’s 'Living In The Material World' CD along with Steve Rooke. This led to him restoring the soundtrack to the Beatles film 'Help!' in surround and stereo, in addition to assisting Guy Massey with the song remixes.

Sam has re-mastered 'With The Beatles' and 'Let It Be.'

Simon Gibson (Audio Restoration Engineer)
Simon joined Abbey Road in 1990. He has progressed from mastering mostly classical recordings to include a much wider range of music, including pop and rock, with his specialized role as an audio restoration engineer. Apart from the re-mastering project, his other work includes George Harrison’s 'Living In The Material World,' John Lennon’s 'Lennon Legend,' The Beatles’ 'Love' and the 'Help!' DVD soundtrack.

Boom Blox Bash Party Nintendo Wii video game Fact Sheet

Get ready for even more blox-busting action with BOOM BLOX Bash Party for Nintendo Wii, the sequel to the critically-acclaimed BOOM BLOX game for Wii. Developed by EA in collaboration with director and producer Steven Spielberg, BOOM BLOX Bash Party takes destruction to new heights, providing the ultimate social gaming experience! BOOM BLOX Bash Party will get your party started with new Versus, Co-Op and Team Play challenges - twice as many multiplayer challenges as the original BOOM BLOX.

From the depths of the sea to the far reaches of outer space, BOOM BLOX Bash Party features more than 400 completely new levels! Explore exciting new themed worlds with unique physics and dramatic visuals. Create chaos, watching puzzles and explosions unfold, while drifting under water, or floating in zero gravity!

For even more strategic destruction, BOOM BLOX Bash Party also features all-new Blox, tools and characters! Experiment with the explosive and infectious Virus Blox, or the ever-moving Conveyor Blox. Experiment with new shapes like Cylinders and Wedges, or use the new Cannon and Slingshot toys to sling and launch blox! Even the new cast of characters is in on the action! Grab hold of the characters and send them flying! They are just like Blox now, so you can topple, bash and sling them like never before.

And the fun continues online! Enhanced capabilities let you download new levels with the press of a button. Simply connect your Wii to the Internet to grab, play and rate new levels from EA and members of the BOOM BLOX Bash Party community. Build your own levels using the game’s easy-to-use Create Mode – the same tool which the BOOM BLOX team used to create the game itself!

• More than 400 new blox-busting levels – All-new explosive puzzle action builds upon your BOOM BLOX favorites while delivering tons of levels to explore, conquer and remix!
• The Ultimate Party Experience – More multiplayer action than ever before! Play crazy new levels with or against friends in cooperative, competitive and the all-new team-based action!
• Spectacular New Worlds – Beautiful themed worlds take you from mysterious planets to pirate coves and beyond! Battle giant squids or bash alien spaceships as you explore these stunning new environments.
• New Blox! New Shapes! New Tools! – From Cylinders and Paint Blox to the Virus Ball and the Slingshot, you won’t believe all the new ways to create chaos!
• Wacky New Characters – Now the all-new cast of characters are part of the destruction! Throw, grab and launch characters for fun, or use them as part of your strategy!
• New Rewards System – Collect Boom Bux throughout the game as you complete levels, then spend them jump ahead unlocking new levels and features you can’t wait to play!
• Content Available Online – Connect your Wii to the Internet and download new levels quickly and easily. Design your own levels with the expanded Create Mode and share them with friends or submit them to be shared with the world!

Ys Online - Card System

• Ys Online exclusive feature
  
• Evolves every aspect of the game
  

We wish to introduce one of the innovative features of Ys Online, the Card System. This exclusive feature allows for broad customization and consistency that encompasses all game aspects that includes battle and economy. You will be able to use cards to employ skills, summon and dismiss mounts, trade, enchant, collect, undertake quests, and use one of the games custom Art Builds.

The Card System

The Card System is an exclusive feature on Ys Online linking pretty much all the functionalities into one easy system. As your character progresses in the world of Ys Online, the Card system will become more and more important. Cards are indeed involved in such important facts of the game as crafting, combat, spells and quests.

You can obtain cards in Ys Online in 3 different ways:

- Buy them from a card vending NPC.
- Loot them from monsters.
- Trade them with other players.

Card types

The Card system can be divided into several sections like:

Art Build cards: these cards are your main base to perform powerful combos. An Art Build card is always divided into up to 3 trees. You have to choose carefully when you decided to activate one tree from your Art Build card because you will then be limited to that tree until the buffs are gone.

The 3 available trees to perform the combos are:
1. Offensive – Hit – Attack
2. Health – Defense – Speed
3. Speed – Vengeance – Haste

Many Art Build cards are available throughout the game so you can adjust your possible combos to the situation.

Spell cards: Cards such as “Resurrection card” will be very can helpful without using your mana in case you run into some serious troubles.

Enchantment cards: You will need them to enhance the performance of your equipment. In Ys Online you can enchant your weapons, your armour and also your accessories.

Crafting recipe cards: In Ys Online you can craft almost everything if you find the right recipe.

Summoning cards: Special, rare loot cards can be found that allow you to summon pets and mounts.

Skill cards: They are needed to learn some of your class skills.
Quest cards: Some monsters will drop quest cards that allow you to activate a new quest on the spot. Once this quest has been completed, the card itself will give you the XP and reward with the simple click of a button.

Ys - Call Of Solum

Call of Solum is an MMORPG based on the famous Ys series, created for the Japanese company Falcom. Since its first title for 8 bits, already turned into a classic, several manga series, OAVs and even novels have been stemmed. This time, Falcom and CJ Internet are joining to present Ys - Call of Solum, the new title of the series turned into an online videogame that follows the anime style, so characteristic in the entire saga.

Ys - Call of Solum arrives in Europe thanks to of Key To Play.
With Man of Wings’ ascent to the sky, chaos reigned in the continent of Eresia. The central region known as Europe was divided into two enemy realms: Romun, dominating the centre and south of the region and Etruria, in the north.
After one hundred years of constant battles all over the continent, several kingdoms fell, one after the other, against the fearful monsters emerging from the chaos. This way, 12 soldiers of different races, Eresians, Kimoans and Afrocans, joined Grey the hero, to defeat the monsters and establish a new empire under the name of Romun all over the continent.

Key To Play

Key To Play is a new online videogame portal of different genres, created in 2008 with the aim of bringing great international titles to the European market. With several offices in Europe and Asia, Key To Play is offering offers online players a large network of support and development possibilities. All this with one goal: to be able to give the best quality and playability.

Currently, the titles are launched in 4 languages simultaneously, English, French, German and Spanish, to offer more convenience to the players.

Key To Play has committed, up to now, to two titles, Priston Tale 2: The Second Eni

Tales of Pirates - All-server Champion Tournament Kicks Out

A successful pirate is not one who sits around all day waiting for events and monsters to come to him. No, he is the one who grabs life by the scruff of its neck and goes off looking for adventure and constantly searches for rare items or equipment that will make him stronger and more powerful.

Usually these grizzled pirates are content to stay on the busy servers that are populated by other tough, cruel pirates. Now Tales of Pirates team have announced that they will soon be holding an all-server Championship Tournament offering them a stage to show us who should be crowned Pirate King in our special Battlefield server.

This event is open to all Dream Islands players who want to challenge their new friends without the risk of any loss due to a server merger or players who want to experience the trans-server Battlefield for free. If you are want to win some truly awesome gear or to see shiny new gems available at surprisingly low prices, you also come join in this event.

Location
Battlefield, Mystic Ocean

Event Time
Start April, 22nd. Each round will last for 7 days with a total of 7 rounds.

Rewards:
Each contest will feature abundant rewards for the winners, with the rewards getting more and more fabulous as the player moves on to successive rounds. The luckiest winners in the final championship round will even get to compete for some super amazing prizes including Kylin Equipment and many other great items.

Content:
The 8 servers of the Dream Islands Region will be divided into 4 groups and from there will fight against each other in a knockout style battle. During the event, all character data will be copied onto the Battlefield server, so the character data in the original server will not be affected, and players can in fact login to both servers during the event period.

In addition to the formal event, the GMs will randomly appear on the Battlefields, during the event period, to hold small games, providing the winners of these events with lots of fun items. Also TOP Journalists will be covering the action and giving live reports and MVP selections.

Karaoke Revolution for Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3

Only Karaoke Game to be Released on All Next Gen PlatformsFeatures All-New Songs, Expanded Multiplayer and Party Modes and a Brand New Career Mode

Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc., today announced Karaoke Revolution for Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system.

The newest title in the groundbreaking music series distinguishes itself in the market as it is the only karaoke game that will be available on all next gen platforms. Additionally, the game will let karaoke fans sing and compete against friends with expanded multiplayer modes, 50 all-new hit songs from master recordings, as well as 16 original customizable venues and newly enhanced customizable characters including facial and body morphing.

Transforming video game consoles into a high-end interactive karaoke machine, Karaoke Revolution's expanded multiplayer modes allows players to throw karaoke parties with their friends where they can perform as teams or choose to play in the single player career mode. If you just want to hear your favorite songs in succession, create a playlist and whenever you're ready to perform, pick up the microphone and jump in at anytime! Players can join together on a wide variety of contemporary hits and classic favorites from licensed master recordings. Additionally, those using either the Xbox 360 or the PLAYSTATION 3 can utilize the co-op Party Mode with multiple game modes for up to 16 players or battle with or against each other in the ultimate competition.

Also new to this year's version is the custom venue and custom character creators which allow singers to design and personalize their venues and characters in ways that will be guaranteed to catch the attention of the crowd. Karaoke Revolution also offers singers to almost create a virtual representation of themselves with the abundance of character customization and record themselves with the Xbox LIVE Vision Camera or the PLAYSTATION Eye to incorporate themselves right on screen inside their custom venues! Additionally, Xbox 360 and PS3 gamers can also select and download licensed master tracks, share exclusive venues and additional clothing and accessories.

Like all versions from this acclaimed franchise, Karaoke Revolution features a proprietary voice recognition technology which accurately recognizes and scores vocal pitch and rhythm. Real-time feedback is offered by the dynamic crowds that fill each virtual venue. The game comes packaged with a microphone for players to be ready to perform.

Karaoke Revolution will be released in the fourth quarter of 2009.

Freesky Online - Four Factions video game preview

Freesky Online is the soon to be released online game based on the theme of air battles. In the game there are 4 factions: the Divine Hall, the Deity Church, the Cursed Temple, and the Shadow Church. Both the Divine Hall and the Deity Church represent the Empire, and both the Cursed Temple and the Shadow Church represent the opposing side. The Divine Hall controls the Holy Crystal, and the Deity Church controls the crystal.

Whilst it is true that for a long time they have coveted each other’s resources, it is also true that this never comes to a head. One main reason for this is that they frequently unite their forces to fight against their enemies; the Cursed Temple and the Shadow Church.

Today the folks at Freesky Online are going to give you a brief introduction of the 4 factions.

Divine Hall
The Divine Hall is the heart of the empire, and the protector of world peace. It is also the guardian of the empire and only accepts orders from the King's. The 4 Lords who were entitled after the war now control the Divine Hall. Each of the 4 Lords has been granted by the empire with his own Holy Crystal City with abundant resources.

Cursed Temple
Those who live in the Cursed Temple are great warriors who fight for the freedom to protect the rights of the poor. For this reason, the Cursed Temple is also known as the rebel alliance. Its members often carry out of important communications with many different nations.

Deity Church
The Deity Church was named so because its people believe that the Gods would bring brightness and happiness to everyone on Earth. However, the church was betrayed by its alliance, and so now the people there are too busy amassing their own wealth and plotting revenge.

Shadow Church
The existence of the Shadow Church has always been controversial as it is rumored to not be of this world. The Deity Church especially believes that it shouldn’t be. It has been said that the Shadow Church has the power to control people’s minds but this has never been proven. In fact they are often highly the poor because it provides them with food and shelter. It even built a library for them. However, the people from the Deity Church are adamant that the Shadow Church has cheated them somehow and are planning for an all out battle to prove it.

British Forces module for Combat Mission Shock Force

Finally, some new screenshots from the upcoming British Forces module for CMSF!

Today we're focussing on the newly added 51mm L9A1 infantry mortars, but we've thrown in a few vehicle screenshots for good measure as well, showing off the randomly assigned external equipment in various variations!

Link to videos and screenshots here...

Oh, and there's a short video, also.

Star Defence iPhone video game

The Universe is in Your Hands – Created exclusively for the iPhone & iPod Touch.

Beautiful, dynamic 3D environments provide the backdrop to incredible action in Star Defense, ngmoco’s innovative strategy title coming this May to the iPhone and iPod touch.
Use multitouch to spin and zoom entire worlds, examining the terrain to determine optimal locations to position your forces. Select from a broad range of turrets that unleash everything from burning hot plasma to high voltage decimation and defend against an unrelenting onslaught of invader waves. Maximize your recon and plan carefully – each planet has unique pathways to protect, weapons to deploy, and enemies to overcome.

As commander of the Star Defense forces, you must be decisive, brave, and – above all – cunning. The S’rath invaders are shrewd adversaries, regularly fortifying their troops with new unit types, new formations, and new armor. Survival depends on your ability to respond to their maneuvers in real time, strategically optimize your defenses to each world’s distinct layout, and build a mixture of weapon-types that counteract all known alien units and resistances.

Developed by Rough Cookie, Star Defense is being created exclusively for the iPhone and iPod touch by ngmoco :)

PRODUCT FEATURES:
• Build your defenses by selecting from 15 weapon-types each with their own specific attributes, firing ranges and reload frequencies.
• Secure and defend an entire galaxy comprising 7 breathtaking worlds. Distinct path layout, enemy types and immunities, and weapon choices combine to create a truly unique gameplay experience on each planet.
• Earn Medals and unlock Commendations by achieving glory in battle and accomplishing specific feats.
• Go for the ultimate survival record by pitting your skills against an infinite number of S’rath invaders, providing endless hours of tower defense action.
• Stunning graphics and 3D environments showcase an amazing galaxy of beautiful planets and backgrounds, incredibly detailed alien invaders, and meticulously crafted towers – this is tower defense like you’ve never seen it before!

RELEASE DATE: May 2009
PUBLISHER: ngmoco:)
GENRE: Action & Strategy
DEVICES: iPhone & iPod touch

New Content for Knight Online - Server addition, anti-cheat, PVP update and Knight online forever Chapter 4

One of today's most popular free2play online game destinations, announces big additions to the Knight Online World.

New Server – Ionia. Players will have the chance to start over from scratch in the long awaited release of Knight Online’s 16th world Ionia. The world takes its name from the goddess Akara.

Having watched her children suffer for too long, she has decided to recreate a new world for them to live on where she can watch over and protect them. The new update will also include Knight Online’s planned anti-cheating measures. This update is geared toward preventing hack tools from working while the game is running.
Border Defense War Update. Players will now be able to engage in “Border Defense War” on a new map according to a tiered level schedule. There will be more Border Defense Wars more often, with more chances to win, and players will be more evenly matched up as players from similar levels battle each other.

“It doesn’t get much better than this. Says Joseph Willmon, Associate producer, Knight online “With a new server, new content, advancement in the ongoing storyline, and tough new measures aimed at preventing cheating, today is a great day to be a Knight Online player.”

Along with the new server and border defense war update Knight Online Forever – Chapter 4 has been released. The neutral trade city of Moradon is under siege! Karus and El Morad alike must band together to stem the tide of evil before it destroys all they hold dear. Fight back wave after wave of rampaging monstrosities, and eventually confront the death god Krowaz himself!

Magnificent Gizmos and Gadgets video game on iPod Touch and iPhone

Publisher X, a videogame publisher committed to providing entertaining and innovative titles through the growing digital distribution channel, announced today that the physics-based puzzle game Magnificent Gizmos & Gadgets is available now for Apple iPhone and iPod touch.

“This is the most diverse and unique puzzle game on the iPhone! Players have an unlimited number of options when constructing their own gizmos and gadgets,” said Mel Kirk, director of marketing for Publisher X. “Tie that together with a realistic physics engine, outstanding graphics, and the ability to easily save and share levels, and Magnificent Gizmos & Gadgets delivers a deep game play experience with tremendous replay value.”

Magnificent Gizmos & Gadgets is an addictive physics-based puzzle game that takes players into a world where anything is possible! Build catapults, automated vehicles, and even create ball busting battering rams as you traverse the tricky terrain and navigate through wild obstacles all in an attempt to move the Goalon into the endzone. Each level has an infinite amount of solutions, so get ready to use your brain to create your own strategic approach to each challenge!

Complete 44 levels by taking control of a variety of tools and parts to construct the most magnificent Gizmos to ever hit the iPhone. With realistic physics and gravity, stunning graphics, an intuitive drag-and-drop control system and brain-bending challenges, Magnificent Gizmos & Gadgets inspires creativity and will have you struggling to put the game down!

Magnificent Gizmos & Gadgets features:

• 44 challenging levels, each with an infinite number of possible solutions
• A variety of environmental objects, including explosive cannons, powerful fans, rumbling conveyors, and more
• A helpful tutorial and hint system that teaches you how to be a physics whiz
• A Share feature that allows you to save and email your favorite Gizmos to your friends
• Beautifully stylized visuals
• Groovy, foot-tappin' soundtrack

Developed by The Method, Magnificent Gizmos & Gadgets is available through the App Store for $4.99.

Major event in the Call to Arms live expansion for Warhammer Online - Age of Reckoning

Mythic Entertainment announce the start of ‘Beyond the Sands’ - the next major event in the Call to Arms live expansion for Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning (WAR). From April 20 to April 27, the armies of WAR will clash over the wreckage of mysterious airships that fell from the sky and puzzle over the appearance of strange artifacts from far-off lands.

Those looking for answers will need to cast their gaze south to the Land of the Dead, where the Tomb Kings reign supreme.

This week, adventurers from the forces of Order and Destruction will be tasked with recovering the artifacts of the Nehekharan Kings and subduing their vengeful Liche Priests. Those who successfully complete the epic tasks at hand will be rewarded with exotic treasure and glory, including the unique event titles of ‘Grave Robber’ and ‘The Eternal,’ Tomb Kings trophies, and – for the truly dedicated – Aviator Goggles, a helm item with special properties.

“The next big event in the Call to Arms live expansion has arrived, and we couldn’t be more excited,” said Mark Jacobs, vice president and general manager of Mythic Entertainment. “‘Beyond the Sands’ introduces the ancient and eternal Tomb Kings to WAR, a game already packed with amazing content. This live event is just a small taste of the Tomb Kings-themed, undead mayhem still to come!”

Based on the popular tabletop war game from Games Workshop, Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning features revolutionary Realm vs. Realm™ conflict that will provide players with an engaging battleground for years to come. Available now for PC, WAR is rated “T” for Teen by the ESRB. For more information about the game and to download the free 10-day trial, visit www.warhammeronline.com.

UK Discount PC games - Rise & Fall - Civilizations at War, Stranglehold and Unreal Anthology out may 9th

Mastertronic has announced today the release of their latest batch of four PC titles to add to their existing range. Each title will retail at the VAT- reduced price of £9.77 and will be released ion 8th May on the PC Gamer Presents label, which is reserved for games that have received a review score of 80% or more in PC Gamer Magazine.

With a score of 91%, Rise & Fall: Civilizations at War is sure to satisfy even the most demanding of players. This epic game combines real-time strategy with third-person action and naval combat as you’ve never seen it before. Rise & Fall features four of the ancient world’s most powerful empires – the Greeks, the Persians, the Egyptians and the Romans. It brings back to life well-known characters from history and mythology, including Mark Antony, Achilles, Cleopatra, Julius Caesar and Alexander the Great. Rise and Fall’s true battle formations will let you unleash the military might of more than 80 unique units in large scale assaults and sieges. Board and ram naval vessels with naval warfare units and annihilate city defences with a variety of siege weapons and troops. Recruit craftsmen, scientists, artisans and advisors who will help improve your civilization as you build it from the ground up. PC Gamer magazine commented: “Without question this game boasts the best briny battles ever seen on a PC screen. Stainless Steel have taken possibly the dullest aspect of the traditional RTS and turned it into something beautiful and important.”

Another great April release is John Woo Presents Stranglehold. Take on the role of Inspector Tequila from John Woo’s influential action film, Hard Boiled, starring Chow Yun-Fat. Engage the enemy in Tequila Time by targeting and firing in real-time, while the world dramatically slows. Enjoy the exhilaration of running up railings, swinging from chandeliers and leaping onto moving objects. Bring the world down on your enemies and carve your own realistic path of destruction! The innovative physics engine provides gamers with an unprecedented level of interactivity. With two huge areas to explore (Chicago and Hong Kong), the interactions are infinite, with each level offering massive amounts of destructibility. The game combines exciting, challenging action, beautiful graphics and great sound effects! PC Gamer’s review wrote: “Stranglehold brings back some classics of action gaming that deserve a fresh showing.”

Unreal Anthology brings gaming into the 21st century! It’s a compilation of the defining first chapters in the Unreal saga, including the original Unreal (as well as the Return to Na Pali expansion pack), Unreal II: The Awakening, Unreal Tournament (Game of the Year Edition), and Unreal Tournament 2004 (Editors Choice Edition). You are John Dalton, an ex-Marin and Marshal for the Terran Colonial Authority, assigned to patrol the edge of human exploration. Only you can prevent the Awakening. PC Gamer’s review commented: “Unreal nailed the sweet spot, loosely draping enough story over its frame to at least provide motive, while emphasising the balls-out gunplay in the incredibly pretty environments.” Unreal is the bloodiest multiplayer mayhem ever seen. In this game, the reality was altered – forever.

James Cato, Mastertronic’s Sales Director commented “April’s releases are for no fool! With four great titles, each with a review score of over 80%, this month’s offering will provide quality and value for consumers and retailers”.

All titles will be released on 8th May, 2009.