EA Sports Announces 500 Millionth Online Game Played This Week

EA SPORTS announce that 500 million online games have been played since launching its ‘09 product line last June. On average, more than 2.2 million EA SPORTS games are played online each day, which reflects an increase of more than 175 percent over last year.

“The massive migration to online gaming has transformed the video game landscape, and this week’s 500 millionth online EA SPORTS game highlights the radical shift that we’ve helped pioneer in the industry,” said Peter Moore, president of EA SPORTS. “Online gameplay allows real-time competitions with fans from around the world who speak the global language of sports. EA SPORTS is committed to providing personal access to the emotion of sports by continuing to create immersive online features, compelling new downloadable content and daily real-time stats updates.”

FIFA 09 Ultimate Team, which launched March 19, has sparked the highest online activity for FIFA 09 in the lifecycle of the product. The unique, downloadable game mode delivers a strategic new online experience to the award-winning FIFA 09 product, winner of 25 international game quality awards. FIFA 09 Ultimate Team challenges gamers to collect or create the most talented soccer players in the world, develop them into a dream team and then compete online.

EA SPORTS also recently launched of 3 on 3 NHL Arcade and NCAA Basketball 09: March Madness Edition as digital downloads. From the makers of NHL 09, winner of 12 Sports Game of the Year awards, 3 on 3 NHL Arcade immediately became the most downloaded game on Xbox LIVE Arcade for two straight weeks.

Six EA SPORTS titles have more than 500,000 registered online users – including Madden NFL 09 and FIFA 09 with more than 2.4 million each – to help drive its record online usage numbers. Users have logged more than 4 billion minutes of EA SPORTS games since last summer, and currently play the equivalent of more than 35 years of games each day.

Shin Megami Tensei - Devil Summoner 2 - Raidou Kuzunoha v King Abaddon for PlayStation 2

Popular publisher likely to regret choice of words in header

Atlus unveiled the special deluxe package for the upcoming action RPG Shin Megami Tensei - Devil Summoner 2 - Raidou Kuzunoha v King Abaddon for PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system.

Limited in quantity but not in quality (zing), this premium bundle is the ultimate SMT collectible and the centerpiece of the publisher's Atlus Spoils fan appreciation program. Each and every set includes SMT: Devil Summoner 2, the new chapter in the stunningly original action RPG series, and Raiho, the plushie that will steal your heart (if he doesn't try to eat your soul first).

Improved over its predecessor in every way, Devil Summoner 2 is an action RPG breath of fresh air, with a deep, intuitive combat system, combined with nearly two hundred demons to negotiate with, collect, and fuse. Gamers will discover a variety of strategies to employ and master. Experience a 1920's Tokyo bustling with cases to solve, criminals to bring to justice, and the threat of the mysterious King Abaddon looming on the horizon.

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner 2: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon is scheduled to negotiate its way into retailers on May 12, 2009.

About Shin Megami Tensei - Devil Summoner 2: Raidou Kuzunoha versus King Abaddon:
A new threat to Japan's Capital calls for the return of its case-solving, tube-slinging Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha the 14th. When a woman walks into the Narumi Detective Agency and asks to find a man, Raidou's boss is reluctant to accept, but soon it's clear there's more to the case than it seems on the surface. It isn't long before Raidou is on the trail of crooked gamblers, masked ninja, and strange insects... a trail leading him inexorably to the mysterious King Abaddon.

Key Features

• Massively upgraded battle system - Advancements to the battle mechanics include a MAG balancing system, dodge and hide abilities, and the ability to command two demons in combat. Use the retooled Weapon Alchemy system to create new swords with unique special attacks.
• Deeper demon integration - Demon negotiation returns with more than twice the number of demons to attempt to recruit to your side. Create more powerful demons through fusion and skill transfer. Control two demons in battle and choose from more tactical options.
• Phenomenal creative team - The rich environment of this Taisho-era Japan comes to life with the character designs of Kazuma Kaneko and the musical score of Shoji Meguro.

Gobliiins 4 - wacky and funny adventure PC video game box art

Kalypso Media have today released the official cover for their upcoming adventure game Gobliiins 4. This weird, wacky and funny adventure is about the Goblins Tchoup, Perlius and Stucco who are charged with finding the orycterope Riri, the favourite animal of King Balderon, because Riri has runaway and the three detectives follow him through a lot of crazy places.

Thrilling, challenging and insane riddles together with nasty monsters are awaiting you! Will you be able to solve all the riddles, avoid the monsters and find Riri?

Gobliiins 4 will be released on 1st May 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.

Damnation video game - making the right moves...

Set to take the shooter off the rails and out of the corridors, Codemasters today released a brand new developer insight video for Damnation, the steam-punk themed action shooter from developer Blue Omega. Now available to view or download from www.damnationthegame.com, the video features in-depth developer commentary from producer Richard Gilbert and technical art director Carl Schell detailing the daredevil stunts players can execute to traverse the vertigo-inducing levels on offer in Damnation.

In Damnation fluid movement is the key to staying alive. Using a plethora of acrobatic moves, players will be able to climb ladders, swing on poles, use zip lines, flip up onto high ledges and dive through windows to reach their goal. Intuitive navigation allows players to plot a course through the environment, either to avoid the smart AI or to get to higher ledges and rain down death from above using any of the steam-punk inspired weapons on offer.

“You can really intuitively navigate through the levels of Damnation as the game offers a degree of flexibility not available in other shooters”, says Richard Gilbert, Producer. “If you’re blocked by a gate and there’s a window right next to it, you don’t have to run around looking for a key-card, just dive through the window! It’s all about seeing a path and choosing to take it.”

In addition to the extensive single-player campaign, Damnation will also deliver 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, alongside 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.

RACE Pro update fixes multipaly and more vis Xbox LIVE

Available Now via Xbox Live, Title Update Delivers Numerous Enhancements to Multiplayer and Single Player Experience in Atari's Acclaimed Race Sim

Atari today confirmed that a title update for ultra-realistic racing simulation game RACE Pro is available now for automatic download via Xbox Live.

Taking on board feedback from the player community, SimBin and Atari have responded with this first title update which addresses numerous issues and greatly enhances primarily the multiplayer experience and also the single player game.

RACE Pro is developed by renowned award-winning game developer SimBin, a leading creator of PC racing simulators, available now exclusively to the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. For more information about RACE Pro visit www.atari.com/racepro and for more details about Atari’s entire product line up visit www.atari.com.

To make your voice heard on the official RACE Pro forum, click here

The main enhancements and issues addressed in the Title Update are as follows:

MULTIPLAYER UPDATE

- Fixed bug causing the game to crash when 12 players have joined and left a multiplayer game
- Disallow connections to host if they are not waiting for players.
- Fixed the ”fast forward” / speed bug currently generating some unrealistic race times in leaderboards.
- Fixed problem with lap times being reported to the wrong leaderboard when moving on to the next track in multiplayer.
- Fixed problem of a player joining during session activation causing the client to get stuck in the loading screen.
- Fixed issue when creating a session with downloaded car and inviting a player that doesn’t have the car
- Fixed name of tracks on servers list when players do several sessions in a row
- Fixed incorrect race length value seen in game list screen
- Fixed transparent car that appears after un-pausing in multiplayer qualification
- Fixed the incorrect message that appears when attempting to access multiplayer without a gamer profile signed–in and if selecting Multiplayer with an offline gamer profile
- Set default host option of qualification to NO in multiplayer for players that have never hosted a game in Race Pro before
- New messages: Display some session info in-game so players can recognize where in the game they are
- New messages: Add a specific multiplayer loading tip showing 50% of loading time in player match only.

GENERAL UPDATE

- Fixed performance drop while driving over curb
- Improved deformation of cars
- Fixed hot seat start position problems
- Removed dangerous driving dialogues when entering loading screen
- Fixed crash when the player tries to enter the end pit driving backwards and wants to restart the race after the losing message
- Fixed some localization bugs
- Locked F3000 car #12 and unlocked the Corvette C5R since there is no contract for it in Career mode
- Fixed validation for replay files to allow replay files saved between year 2000 and 2099
- Fixed sound bug making Doppler effect of other cars sound corrupt in swing cam
- Fixed force feedback detection for wheels and slightly improved strength of force
- Adjusted the Seat Leon Extreme Tryout time
- Fixed sound bug making the rev sounds on some cars not transition smoothly (including Mini Cooper and BMW M3 GTR)
- Fixed sound bug with the force calculation of picking the correct collision sound

Create a green city in Plan It Green PC video game

Merscom and National Geographic Games announce the release of Plan It Green, a building sim that integrates green technology in a fast paced casual game.

As the Mayor of Greenville, players have the opportunity to create a green city in Plan It Green. As mayor of your hometown, you have vowed to bring about a new green future by changing the ways of the past.

You are working with close supporters to restore Greenville to its former glory and beauty. Watch as Greenville transforms before your eyes as you build eco-homes, apply green upgrades and bring new clean jobs and industry to your hometown! Plan It Green is the first game that leverages the resources of National Geographic, an organization that was green when green wasn't cool

The first green casual game, Plan It Green features:
Transform Greenville from an eyesore, into a beautiful green city!
First casual game that leverages the knowledge and resources of National Geographic, an organization that was green when green wasn't cool.
Hours of gameplay in both campaign and free play mode!
Improve 8 neighborhoods across 45 levels!
Upgrade your hometown with parks, eco-homes and environmental upgrades
Build eco-friendly houses, stores and businesses
Pick the latest eco-upgrades

"This is the right product for the times. Not only is it a fantastic game, but it integrates a theme we all hear hundreds of times a week," said Kirk Owen, Merscom's CEO. "By working with National Geographic, we were able to go beyond pop green ideas and make a game that truly conveys the possibilities of the future."

Cue Online, its free, item-based realistic online pool simulation game closed beta

GamesCampus' New 3D Pool Simulation Game Enters Closed Beta Tomorrow, April 23rd Through April 30th

GamesCampus.com, announce that Cue Online, its free, item-based realistic online pool simulation game, will launch its second closed beta tomorrow at noon PDT and it will be available for players for the next 7 days (through April 30th) at http://cueonline.gamescampus.com/.

New features in the second closed beta test of Cue Online include a more competitive and exciting rebalancing of skills as well as the addition of a basic game fee with a new default allowance provided for first-time players. A new Wager Channel has also been introduced allowing players to bet in the game. In addition, players will be able to purchase Cues and Chokes through the Item Mall.

Cue Online offers competitive billiards games including straight pool, nine-ball, and eight-ball. Developed by Happy Nation, Cue Online delivers realistic billiards gameplay with a custom physics engine and was recently nominated as "Best Game of the Month" by the Korean Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Happy Nation's exclusive engine was designed to create as realistic of an environment as possible. Each ball's movement will depend on each player's style, including stroke power, table contact, spin and strike quality with other balls, the cloth friction of the table and more.

For more information about Cue Online visit http://cueonline.gamescampus.com/.

MySims Agents mysteries, twisting plots and sinister villains video game on Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS

Love mysteries, twisting plots and sinister villains? Love puzzles, adventure and high tech gadgets? Now players can enjoy the thrill of solving the mystery, while re-joining their MySims friends.

EA Play Label of Electronic Arts announce MySims Agents, an original IP, mystery-solving adventure game for the Wii and Nintendo DS where players are the heroic agents who must stop a sinister plot that threatens the fate of an entire city.

“We’re thrilled to bring you MySims Agents, the next game from MySims, something completely different than any MySims game before,” said Tim LeTourneau, General Manager of the MySims franchise. “Its mystery-meets-adventure theme allows players to hone their problem-solving skills while still enjoying all of the beloved MySims charm; characters, customisation and humour.”

MySims Agents for the Wii
In MySims Agents players take on the role of a special agent hired to foil the sinister plans of Morcubus, lord of the criminal underworld. By recruiting different MySims, each with their own special characteristics, players can build up their very own crime-busting dream team. From tracking footprints and using forensics to picking locks, hacking into computers, following leads and collecting clues, players must rely on their wits, skills and trusty gadgets to piece together the clues to solve the mystery. Jump aboard the jet to reach an ancient temple, a spooky mansion or an icy mountaintop chalet in search of clues that lead players closer to the sinister Morcubus. Return from the adventure with cool treasures that players can use to construct and customize their headquarters and make it their own.

MySims Agents for the Nintendo DS
In MySims Agents on the Nintendo DS players are agents assigned by their agency to help the mayor stop a notorious thief from stealing an ancient treasure. By searching for clues, solving intricate puzzles and matching wits with the thief, gamers can protect the treasure and the town! Along the way they can talk to their favourite MySims, sharpen their agent skills with 10 different mini-games, and search through underground caverns for clues to the thief’s undoing!

Battlestations - Pacific Demo release date set for April 30th

Singleplayer and Skirmish modes available

Eidos Interactive today announces that 30th April will see the release of the Battlestations: Pacific demo. Available on Xbox LIVE and Games for Windows - LIVE Marketplace, the demo will introduce players to the intense naval warfare of Battlestations - Pacific.



Players will experience one war through two epic sagas, enabling gamers to be a part of history or to dramatically alter it. The full game features an historically accurate US campaign alongside an historically possible Japanese campaign, spanning a total of 28 missions, five new multiplayer modes that can be played with up to eight players and over 100 air, sea and undersea units.

The demo includes one action-packed mission from the US campaign, Divine Winds of Leyte, throwing the player into the thick of the action with a Kamikaze attack on a US carrier fleet. Also included are two multiplayer modes, Island Capture and Siege, each available to play offline in ‘Skirmish’, a new game mode which allows players to tackle any of the multiplayer maps in single-player against an AI-controlled enemy.

Rated ESRB Teen and PEGI 12+, Battlestations: Pacific is set to release on May 12th in North America and May 15th in Europe and Australia on Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Games for Windows.

More information on the demo can be found at the exclusive Gamespot.com demo premiere page: www.gamespot.com/event/download/battlestations-pacific-demo/

Hearts of Iron 3 - The Arsenal of Democracy in game footage

New in game footage for Hearts of Iron III, the long awaited third instalment of the World War II Strategy series set for release towards the end of 2009.

The video footage is showcasing The United States, from sea to shinning sea. The epic scale of Heart of Iron 3 is revealed in these shots of the United Stated.

Should the war ever reach the coasts of the United States the Hearts of Iron 3 map is ready to provide an environment for the war to progress on. We also demonstrate some of the new production features available in Hearts of Iron 3, build up your National Guard ready for mobilisation on war and also the ability to build cheaper, but less effective downgraded ships. Allowing you to tailor your navy better.



Hearts of Iron III is now the Beta stage of development. These last months the team has been stabilizing the foundations of the AI, tightening up the rules and mechanics of the game, along with implementing brand new artwork and interface features.
The third instalment in the critically acclaimed World War II strategy series, Hearts of Iron III will feature a plethora of brand new features to satisfy veteran and novice players alike, including a huge game map with more than 14,000 land and sea provinces.

Hearts of Iron III is scheduled for release in Q3.

A game presentation from earlier this year is available here:




In game footage showcasing France and Diplomacy available here:

Sacred 2 - Fallen Angel out soon on PLAYSTATION 3

cdv Software Entertainment USA and Ascaron Entertainment today announced that Sacred 2: Fallen Angel has gone gold for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system. Sacred 2: Fallen Angel is an action-RPG that combines a massive hand-crafted game world with a unique storyline and seamless drop-in cooperative play. The game will be released in North America on May 12, 2009.

Sacred 2: Fallen Angel is a hack-and-slash action-RPG with a rich story that takes place in a gigantic seamless world. This world contains massive dungeons, treacherous opponents and hundreds of challenging quests. Intelligent enemies, which adapt in number and difficulty based on player progress, challenge gamers in heroic single- and multiplayer battles for up four players on next-generation consoles.

See this post about developer problems...

Sacred 2 - Fallen Angel out soon on PLAYSTATION 3

cdv Software Entertainment USA and Ascaron Entertainment today announced that Sacred 2: Fallen Angel has gone gold for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system. Sacred 2: Fallen Angel is an action-RPG that combines a massive hand-crafted game world with a unique storyline and seamless drop-in cooperative play. The game will be released in North America on May 12, 2009.

Sacred 2: Fallen Angel is a hack-and-slash action-RPG with a rich story that takes place in a gigantic seamless world. This world contains massive dungeons, treacherous opponents and hundreds of challenging quests. Intelligent enemies, which adapt in number and difficulty based on player progress, challenge gamers in heroic single- and multiplayer battles for up four players on next-generation consoles.

See this post about developer problems...

Studio Nouveau Creates Cinematics for Capcom's Resident Evil 5

Studio Nouveau, a cinematic and 3D animation production studio have completed the game cinematics for the highly-acclaimed video game Resident Evil 5 for Capcom, a leading game industry publisher.

Studio Nouveau is an L.A.-based visual effects and animation studio providing 3D animation for film, games and broadcast with access to the most talented Hollywood VFX artists and animators.

Studio Nouveau has earned a reputation for exceptional development of motion capture technologies and methods that helps directors become quickly acclimated to working with virtual actors and sets.

Studio Nouveau founder and CEO Frank Bonniwell has worked on blockbuster Hollywood films such as Polar Express, Monster House, Letters from Iwo Jima, Flags of our Fathers, and working in the role of Technical Director directly with James Cameron on his film project, Avatar.

Capcom's Resident Evil 5 represents the latest installment of the series and boasts the stunning visual quality and engaging gameplay now possible on next-gen video game consoles. The Resident Evil series has generated global sales of 24 million. Resident Evil 5 released on March 13, 2009 in Japan, and March 13, 2009 in North America and Europe for the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 game consoles.

Studio Nouveau's proprietary motion capture and animation production methodology and pipeline allowed live action director Jim Sonzero (Pulse) to bring traditional directing techniques to the Resident Evil 5 production. Based on Sonzero's needs, Studio Nouveau's technical team developed a pipeline for a virtual camera allowing a digital DP (Director of Photography) to use traditional cinematography methods on the Resident Evil 5 cinematics.

Bonniwell adds, "It was a great honor and privilege to work with a company of Capcom's stature and history on one of the premiere video game franchises of all time. Here at Studio Nouveau we're all playing Resident Evil 5 and are thrilled to see our work come alive in the game."

Studio Nouveau works on long and short-term projects creating full CG motion capture and hand-key framed film production for live action and animated films, game trailers and cinematics, commercial and broadcast clients and more.

Hannah Montana - Secret Star mobile video game

Hannah Montana the mobile game will be a story driven adventure with many different quick mini game challenges connected with the story and music performances of Hannah Montana controlled by the player.

The story will include Miley Steward alias Hannah Montana from the Hannah Montana series and many of her friends and even foes that has been previously seen on the show.

During the game, Miley has to face a big thread for Hannah Montana’s popularity and deal with it while keeping her secret and normal life in balance with her celebrity life.

Publisher: Disney
Developer: Disney Mobile Games Studio
Target Consumer: Early teenage girls (10 – 15 year old)
Genre: Story driven adventure with different mini game challenges
Platforms: Java
Network Aware/Enabled: No

Game Feature Highlights:
• Immersive adventure story based on popular series
• Including many well known characters from the show
• 12 different quick mini game challenges
• Well known locations based on the Hannah Montana series.
• Musical performance of Hannah Montana completely under player’s control.
• Customisation: change clothes and buy new ones whenever you like.
• Stealth: after your concert, get to your car without being seen by paparazzi!

Pirate Galaxy online 3D action video game final version

Gamigo, one of Europe’s leading MMOG publishers is excited to announce the commercial launch of our latest game: Pirate Galaxy. This unique 3D action MMOG can be played entirely in your browser – you can support mankind in your epic battle against the MANTIS menace on practically any PC, no special software required!

As with all other games in gamigo’s diverse and growing portfolio, Pirate Galaxy is completely free to play! No download or subscription costs! To play, all you need do is go to www.pirategalaxy.com, register and start your engines…

Become a Space Pirate

In the outer realms of our universe, humanity is plunged into a fierce battle against the MANTIS. The only person standing in the way of complete annihilation is you. You will be tasked with destroying enemy ships, harvesting power crystals and discovering MANTIS blueprints to help both you and your species in the war effort. As the game progresses, you can upgrade your ship’s capabilities as well as give it a personal touch. The missions form a story that takes you on a truly fantastic odyssey across many worlds and star systems.

As you earn the right to upgrade and replace your ship, you still need to consider what kind of player you want to be… Some ships are faster, others are more manoeuvrable – of course you could always choose simple, brutish firepower. Your task will be to work out what is the best combination to survive on the battlefield. Each of these ships can be personalised in millions of ways – a multitude of designs and colour schemes, as well as some special equipment, can be bought from our item shop.

Even as we release the game, we’re already working on expanding gameplay. “Gemini”, a brand new star system is in development and will be released soon. We’re working on some exciting new adventures and carefully crafted planets; players that want to test this new system can go to http://pirate-galaxy-forum.gamigo.com/ for details on how to be part of the exciting next chapter of Pirate Galaxy a little early…

Real-time Action in the Browser

Pirate Galaxy offers full screen 3D gameplay with spectacular battles and an imaginative storyline. But best of all, it can be played on almost every single PC with an internet connection – no special software needed. Once registered, just go to www.pirategalaxy.com and click on Play Now – could it be any simpler? Add to this, the game’s community features – clan wars and a squadron system and we can guarantee you’ll get hooked! Fight together against the MANTIS, fight against other human factions – or simply be a pirate and take on everyone!

“Players were amazed with the game when it was still in beta”, says Elmar Kofler, Junior Product Manager for Pirate Galaxy. “We’re happy that we can now take this game out of beta and offer it to the wider community along with a great deal of brand-new content.”

The official website is www.pirategalaxy.com. Simply register, then play!

Pirate Galaxy introduces a new era of browser-games and offers a fantastic Science-Fiction-Online-World to the gamers. The game can be played via a clientprogram, or directly in a web-browser from almost any PC. In both cases players are able to navigate their spaceships through a high-resolution 3D-ambience.

In Pirate Galaxy the player immerges into a Science-Fiction-World, where the galaxy is controlled by maleficent aliens, called MANTIS. The player takes control of a spaceship and takes his fate into his own hands. Along with thousands of other onlinepirates, players will fight with aliens, hunt for worthwhile treasures and reconquer the despoiled colonies.

Features:

• detailed 3D-Graphic within the browser
• exciting real-time-fights in PVE and PVP-Modes
• spaceships can be adjusted individually
• motivating role-playing-elements
• a huge game universe with hundreds of planets and innumerable quests
• easy and simple navigation
• comprehensible user interface
• free to play – no payments, no monthly fees

Tales of Symphonia - Dawn of the New World Nintendo Wii

Follow-up to Smash-Hit RPG Coming to Wii in Europe and PAL Regions this Autumn 2009, with Exclusive New Content

NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe today announced that role-playing title Tales of Symphonia - Dawn of the New World is heading to Europe and PAL regions this autumn 2009 with exclusive new content.

Only on Nintendo Wii, the game continues the story of the best-selling Tales of Symphonia for Nintendo GameCube, while introducing a new monster collection system that lets players capture, evolve and do battle with more than 200 monsters alongside a huge cast of new and returning characters.

Set two years after the events of the award-winning Tales of Symphonia, Dawn of the New World introduces two new young heroes, Emil Castagnier and Marta Lualdi, as they journey to find the cause of a catastrophic change in their world. Crossing paths with fan-favourite characters such as Lloyd, Colette and Sheena, the brave adventurers will also encounter a spirit known as Ratatosk, lord of all monsters, who will grant them new and incredible powers over the fearsome creatures that now roam the land.

Debuting a major new gameplay system for the Tales series, Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World allows players to capture more than 200 unique monsters that they face in battle. Players can feed these monsters to make them more powerful, and even evolve them into several new fearsome forms. Up to three monsters can be taken into any battle situation, offering unique benefits against enemies and imparting new strategic depth to the Tales series’ lauded real-time battle system.

Brand new content exclusive to the PAL version of Tales of Symphonia™: Dawn of the New World include the Gallery Mode and head accessories. Unlocked once the game is completed, the Gallery Mode includes a Skits Library containing viewable skits of the gameplay, and an Image Library with a wealth of design sketches, illustrations, pack art and more. The game also contains a number of new themed masks and head accessories for Emil and Marta which are exclusive to the PAL version and allow players to customise the characters in battle and will also add new special effects during fights.

Featuring a massive cast of returning playable characters, Dawn of the New World offers complete freedom in creating a custom party that best suits the needs of each enemy encounter. Up to four players can enjoy the full game together cooperatively, working together to strategically complete each battle.

jOG, Revolutionary Video Game Accessory for Nintendo Wii On Sale Now!

Ground-breaking motion-sensing video game peripheral jOG, compatible with Nintendo Wii, today goes on sale across the UK to widespread acclaim, having been recently voted the number one product of Toy Fair 2009 by The Gadget Show, rated ‘Essential Gadget’ by The Sun and featured on Jo Whiley’s gaming spot on BBC Radio 1.

jOG is a unique accessory that works with many existing Wii games – quite simply, to move in the game, you have to jog on the spot. Connected between the Nunchuk and Wiimote, then clipped to the belt of the player, jOG detects when the player takes a step and translates that to game character movement, creating a feedback loop that immerses players deeper into the game play while compelling them to take light exercise. It works with any game that uses the Nunchuk stick for character control, effectively the majority of adventure, shooter, RPG, kids and sports games. jOG requires no special versions of game software to operate: players just plug in and go. What’s more, for games which allow multiple players at the same time, you can connect as many jOGs as the game supports – enabling the whole family to join in the fun.

“We’re absolutely delighted gamers can get their hands on the hottest new accessory for Wii from today – one that’s great value for money and works with their existing games,” said Brendan Ludden, Managing Director, New Concept Gaming. “We really proud that we’ve achieved what we set out to do – to produce a unique accessory that adds to the sense of immersion as you play your favourite games, is enormous fun, and contributes to your daily recommended exercise.”

An independent report from John Moores University in Liverpool revealed that one hour using jOG to play a typical Wii game can involve taking as many as 10,000 steps – that’s the number the government recommends adults take each day to stay healthy. Not only that, using jOG more than tripled energy expenditure and increased heart rate by 40% in the young adults who participated in the tests.

jOG for Wii is available today on the UK High Street from Argos and from online retailers including www.game.co.uk and www.firebox.com, with a RRP of £24.99. For more information about jOG, consumers and editors should point their browser at www.jog2play.com.

Elven Legacy PC video game - playable demo to download

Get a taste of the recently released Fantasy Wargame

Paradox Interactive has released a playable demo of Elven Legacy, the Fantasy Strategy Wargame for the PC developed by Russian studio 1C: Ino-CO.

The demo allows players to play the tutorial along with one mission from the Campaign mode and can be downloaded from the following location:
http://www.elven-legacy.com/index.php/downloads/demo/

Elven Legacy sends players on an epic quest aimed to restore the former glory of the Elven race. With a thrilling storyline with multiple endings and tools that allow players to create their own missions and share them in multiplayer mode, Elven Legacy will provide hours of exciting game play for strategy fans.

Elven Legacy is available from retailers everywhere, along with all good digital download outlets for a suggested retail price of €29.99.

Game Equals Life Announces: The Magi and the Sleeping Star – A Breakthrough Health Game for Type 1 Diabetes

Oklahoma based independent game design studio, Game Equals Life, officially announced their first project, The Magi and the Sleeping Star (MSS). MSS is a health education game that will aid in teaching adolescents and adults with type 1 diabetes how to better manage their condition through interactive gameplay and story-telling.

MSS is a 3rd person action adventure game that sends players on a quest during which healthy blood sugar must be maintained in order to achieve success. In MSS the player is a Magi, a powerful young magical hero, who happens to have type 1 diabetes. At the start of the game the player’s family is kidnapped and he must go on a quest to save them while using his magical abilities to defeat robotic enemies along the way. The only catch is that the potency of the player’s magical power is a direct reflection of how well his blood sugar is managed.

When the player’s blood sugar is too high or low, his powers are reduced or even nullified. This makes it impossible for the player to achieve victory until his blood sugar returns to a healthy level. Players are even rewarded with increased power when blood sugar is kept at ideal levels. Players must test blood sugar, choose healthy food, count carbohydrates and deliver appropriate amounts of insulin. This teaches the players to take full responsibility for diabetes management and puts them in a position to deal with its real-time affects in exciting gameplay situations.

Using a classic adventure game structure, MSS will teach players about appropriate diabetes management and offer ongoing advice on how to best balance blood sugar throughout the game’s adventure. MSS aims to help people with diabetes understand the core principals of good diabetes management and consistently reinforce the implementation of these principals in their daily lives. Players will quickly come to understand the importance of carbohydrate counting, frequent blood testing, and responsible insulin delivery. However, the key differentiator between MSS and traditional health education games is its invocative fantasy world. With exciting boss battles, breathtaking magic spells and a compelling storyline, MSS offers an adventure experience that could stand alone from its health education benefits.

"The illness isn’t the focus in The Magi and The Sleeping Star. The game is about a hero who must battle armies of robots and giant monsters in order to save his world. But since this hero happens to have type 1 diabetes, players must learn to manage the disease in order to be successful,” said Adam Grantham, President of Game Equals Life and Creative Director of MSS. “With MSS we’re using the incredible teaching power of play to illustrate that life with type 1 diabetes doesn’t have to center around the disease and that good blood sugar management is the key to living a free and healthy life. As someone who’s lived with type 1 diabetes for over 15 years, I’m very excited to be working on such an innovative and positive new game.”

Story:
When a legendary ancient king returns to enslave the world, a young boy named Oz must awaken the hero within. Oz is a descendant of a powerful line of warrior-wizards known as The Magi and will have to master his powers in order to save the world. But this young hero faces another challenge, for he has been diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, and before he can master his magic he must first master his blood sugar. Equipped with the powerful arrow launching Witch-Cannon, an arsenal of magic spells and his trusty robotic assistant MOMO, Oz must venture into the enemy’s land and defeat the tyrant king.

Features:

* 3rd Person Adventure Gameplay: Charge into battle against hordes of mechanical soldiers and monstrous bosses as you fight your way through enemy territory! Use the mighty Witch-Cannon to launch a barrage of arrows at your enemies.
* Diabetes Management Education: Gain more power throughout your adventure as you improve your diabetes management by learning to balance your blood sugar and eat healthy food.
* Powerful Magic Spells: Master all the spells of The Magi as you progress through your adventure. When your blood sugar becomes more balanced, your spells’ powers increase!
* Epic Boss Battles: Face colossal Kings of Old World in fierce battle! Use your incredible power to bring down the towering giants!
* Massive Fantasy World: Explore a large diverse world with lush green fields, stone dry deserts, arctic wastelands and ashy mountains.

Darkeden - Super Power Event begins in the Free-to-Play Vampire MMORPG

Joymax, an independent developer of interactive entertainment for the global market, today announced the start of the Super Power Event for the vampiric MMORPG Darkeden.

Slayers, Ousters, and Vampires can now gain up to a maximum of 2,000% experience for every quest completed and enemy killed, making this the perfect opportunity to level up and do some damage to the opposing forces!

Premium card users also have their standard experience bonus doubled, combining for an impressive maximum of 8,000% experience gained. As if that weren’t enough, the Super Power Event is a harbinger of things to come: events that will provide luck, rank, and drop rate increases across the board. The modern war between humans and undead is heating up, and the time has never been better to join the fight and help decide the fate of our world!
To find out more about the Super Power Event, visit the Darkeden website at http://www.joymax.com/darkeden/.

Fitba Slide Tackles Its Way Onto Xbox Live (it's armless)

Live the beautiful game for less than a burger meal

Relive the passion and competition of the greatest sport on earth in true retro style with Fitba the superb debut release from Dundee-based independent video game developer Triple B games.

Available for the low price of 400 Microsoft points (approx. £3.40) via the Xbox Live community games store, the game is easy to get into, incredibly addictive and boasts a superb multiplayer mode for you and your mates to duke it out for glory on the pitch.

Using an old-school, top down viewpoint similar to the classic Sensible Soccer series of games, Fitba lets you pull off some nifty moves thanks to the easy to use dual stick control system. Players can also create their own team, with fully customisable strips and players. You can then take your dream team online to compete against other gamers via Xbox Live and make your name known to the masses.

Independent developer Jonathan “Fritz” Ackerley said: “Fitba rips up the last ten years of football games to get back to the simple joys of kicking a ball about, using innovative, intuitive controls to deliver classic gameplay”.

The game has already received rave reviews for its ease of play and superb control system, meaning anyone can get in on the action.

Ping Time Xbox 360 clock

Bridging the gap between retro games and apps, Ping Time turns classic black and white retro gameplay into a non-interactive clock format.

Created on a whim while half asleep one night, Ping Time transforms your Xbox 360 and TV into an expensive retro wall clock.

Watch in awe as the two AI opponents bounce a ball back and forth endlessly (or until you quit, whichever comes first), carefully maintaining their score to represent the current time. Ping time boasts HD Black and White graphics, and the intriguing sound of silence, efficiently packed into less than 200 KB, making it currently the smallest product on Xbox Live Community Games.

Ping Time is available for just 200 Microsoft Points on the Xbox 360. To download the trial or to purchase, login to Xbox Live and look for it on Xbox Live Community Games, or go to http://xblcg.info/link/ping-time to queue up the trial or full product.

Soldier Ants iPhone game demo download

If you haven’t tried SoldierAnts yet then here’s your chance to take command of those cheeky Ants in this Worms like strategy game from Inline Productions. The Lite version features one of the maps in battle mode with a subset of weapons that you can play against the device.

The game has many graphical effects including explosions, smoke and particle that react to the environment. Each map is also randomly generated so you may never play the same level twice.

The full version of the game features five fully destructible themed landscapes from Winter, Western, Ruins, Jungle, Fruit, Countryside and Beach. It supports up to 4 players, has customisable teams and a full in game save functionality.

Full Version: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=309442810&mt=8

Lite Version: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=309446292&mt=8

Muramasa - The Demon Blade video game for Nintendo Wii

Vanillaware's Long-Awaited Masterwork Arrives in North America September 2009!

Ignition announce the September 2009 U.S. release of the much-anticipated video game, Muramasa: The Demon Blade, exclusively for the Nintendo Wii.

Developed by Vanillaware, the creative team behind the critically acclaimed game Odin Sphere, Muramasa: The Demon Blade is a unique, highly stylized action adventure that showcases a striking visual look and a colorful cast of more than 100 characters. Hailed by Kotaku as “this year’s prettiest, most enticing Wii game,” and by IGN as “the most visually stunning game I’ve ever seen on the Wii,” Muramasa: The Demon Blade features eye-popping hand-drawn 2D art that reflects the heritage and tone of its ancient Japanese storyline. Set in the little-known feudal Genroku era, players are invited to take on the role of a male ninja or female kunoichi, utilizing their prowess to traverse the perilous yet picturesque levels.

“Ignition Entertainment is immensely proud for the opportunity to bring Muramasa: The Demon Blade to the legions of North American gamers yearning for top-quality, original action games on Wii.” said Shane Bettenhausen, New Business Development Director of Ignition Entertainment. “The talented developers at Vanillaware have crafted an absolutely stunning adventure through feudal Japan that balances subtle, sophisticated artistry with razor-sharp, addictive gameplay.”

“We continue to maintain our strong commitment to bring quality games to the marketplace,” said Ajay Chadha, President of Ignition Entertainment. “We feel deeply honored for the opportunity to bring Vanillaware’s magnificent masterpiece Muramasa: The Demon Blade to gamers stateside.”

“We developed Muramasa: The Demon Blade in the same way as we did Odin Sphere, so there are bound to be a lot of similarities. I want it to be a very fun game for everyone who picks it up,” said George Kamitani, game director and Vanillaware President.

Key Game Features:
• Beautiful 2D graphics
• Large variety of environments
• Two playable characters
• Replayability (multiple playable paths throughout the game)
• Supports Wii Remote and Nunchuk, Classic controller, and GameCube controller
• 16:9 widescreen support
• Excellent music and sound
• Timeless side-scrolling game play.
• Optional challenge stages and mini-games throughout
• Satisfying action elements leading to nice depth of combat (Combat is fast yet intuitive)
• Story elements and cut scenes are well integrated and not obtrusive.

Sacred 2 - Fallen Angel developer goes bust - files for backruptcy

Ascaron Entertainment, the European publisher and developer behind Sacred 2 Fallen Angel, has entered administration.

The company, with a development studio in Birmingham, filed for bankruptcy in the regional court at Bielefeld, Germany.

"Due to the protection offered by German administration rights, Ascaron intends to use this as an opportunity to secure the future of the company," read a statement on Ascaron's website.

"We, the executives of Ascaron Entertainment GmbH, thank all our fans for their superb support and assistance in making Sacred 2 - Fallen Angel the success it is today.

"Our special thanks go to all our employees. Without the dedication and motivation of all the staff Sacred 2 would not exist."

The company said it has completed work on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions of Sacred 2 and would start shipping units at the beginning of May.

Source: GamesIndustry

Adventure game - Dante’s Inferno video game coming to PSP, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3

Dante's Inferno Coming to Sony's PlayStation Portable Alongside PLAYSTATION 3 and Xbox 360

Electronic Arts announce that its highly anticipated action adventure game Dante’s Inferno will be coming to the PSP (Sony PlayStation Portable).

Based on part one of Dante Alighieri’s classic, “The Divine Comedy,” EA’s Dante’s Inferno will also take players on an epic adventure through Dante’s famously mapped nine circles of hell. Dante’s Inferno will be available simultaneously for the PSP, the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360 videogame and entertainment system next year.

Dante’s Inferno for the PSP is being developed by EA’s award-winning EA Redwood Shores studio and Artificial Mind and Movement (A2M), based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

“Our team and the team at A2M are taking the vision for Dante’s Inferno and translating it directly to the PSP,” said Jonathan Knight, executive producer and creative director on Dante’s Inferno. “PSP owners can expect to get the same level of fast, responsive gameplay through all nine detailed and unique circles of hell we are aiming to achieve on the consoles.”

Alighieri’s “Dante’s Inferno” is widely credited for being the work that has defined the western world’s contemporary conception of hell and purgatory. Just like the poem, players of EA’s 3rd person action adventure game will descend through all nine circles of hell: limbo, lust, gluttony, greed, anger, heresy, violence, fraud and treachery, playing as Dante as they battle through a gauntlet of unimaginable evils, fighting to recapture the soul of his beloved Beatrice.

8 Bit Weapon's Sony Chiptune Loop Library and Limited Edition Floppy Disk CD

We have some news for you and your patrons, both our Sony Loop Library and our EP Limited Edition CD are now available!!! :)

Sony Creative Software has released our loop and sample library called, "8 Bit Weapon: A Chiptune Odyssey" today!
The library contains real sounds from each of the following computers/consoles: Apple II, Commodore 64, NES, Gameboy, and the Atari 2600. Each system library has everything from drums, bass and synth to special effects.
Both Michelle (aka ComputeHer) and I have featured song demos built into the collection to boot!

The sound library works with ACID, Ableton Live, Cubase, Garage Band, Logic, Soundtrack, and more!

Users who purchase the "Green" Downloadable version of the Sony loop library will get the full MP3 release of our
"Electric High EP" plus an exclusive track "Break Beat Bonanza" as an added bonus!

Click the link to see Sony's official page: http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/8bitweapon

ALSO

Limited Edition CD in a 5.25" Floppy Disk

The "Electric High EP" is a full throttle electronic thrill-ride! Six new songs that utilize sounds and FX
of classic computers and consoles like the Apple II, Commodore 64, Atari 2600, Nintendo Gameboy,
Nintendo Entertainment system(a.k.a. NES), and more!

Preview tracks 1, 2, 3, & 5 here: www.myspace.com/8bitweapon

1. Closer (Bitpop Mix)
2. Kiss My Bits (ComputeHer Mashup Mix)
3. Chip on your Shoulder
4. FUNDAnalogue
5. Chiptune Attack 2600 AD
6. Macro Disko (Minimal Mix)

The "Electric High EP" CD comes in a real 5.25" floppy disk and sleeve. Each album is hand numbered.
$9.95 with FREE Worldwide Shipping HERE:
www.8bitweapon.com/store.htm

Microsoft announce Xbox 360 Elite plus Halo 3 and Fable II for the console price in US

Microsoft has announced the upcoming US release of the Xbox 360 Elite game of the year bundle deal - with Fable II and Halo 3 packaged alongside the console at no extra cost.

Beginning in May, the bundle will be available for a limited time at select US retailers for the same price as a standalone Xbox 360 Elite console at USD 399 - no European release details were offered.

Earlier this year, Microsoft reported that Halo 3 had seen over 1 billion online games played, while the series had sold 25 million units worldwide.

Lionhead's Fable II was also a success for Microsoft Game Studios, having shifted 1.5 million units within its first two weeks on sale.

Source: GamesIndustry

Hellgate London Tower Bridge release

HanbitSoft announce that the company released Tower Bridge map for HELLGATE - LONDON, an online action RPG developed by Redbana US Studio, at Hellgate’s Korean official website on April 17th.

Tower Bridge is not the first new map HanbitSoft released. The company already revealed screen shots of Training Ground and Maritime Museum on April 10th. All revealed maps will be included in Hellgate: London’s 1.5Patch later this year.

The released screen shots show the disrupted Tower Bridge which also has a distinct vive from the other maps. HanbitSoft announced that as of 1.5Patch, Hellgate will have each act very unique environment. Training Ground, Maritime Museum, and Tower Bridge give out different atmosphere, which will allow players to enjoy freshness each time they enter to a different map.

HanbitSoft also released a screen shot of new monster as a preview. Details will be introduced this Friday.

Strategic Command WW2 Pacific Theater v.102 patch!

Strategic Command WW2 Pacific Theater keeps getting better and better! We're thrilled to be able to release the v1.02 patch for the game, boasting dozens of improvements, enhancements and fixes to the game and editor.

v1.02 takes precedence over any previous versions and hotfixes, and is available immediately for free download at the Strategic Command Pacific Theater Patches page www.battlefront.com/patches