EA Throws a Party With BOOM BLOX Bash Party for Wii with the help of Steven Spielberg

It’s time to throw, bash, and party, as the EA Play Label of Electronic Art announces BOOM BLOX Bash Party for Nintendo Wii has shipped to stores in North America today and will hit stores in Europe beginning May 28. EA and Steven Spielberg continue their collaboration to bring players this highly-anticipated sequel to last year’s critically-acclaimed BOOM BLOX game for Nintendo Wii, which earned more than a dozen awards and received recognition from parenting organizations, media outlets and the gaming industry.

With more than 400 new levels, stunning new worlds, and twice as much multiplayer game play, BOOM BLOX Bash Party brings tons of action-packed fun for the whole family.

“The original BOOM BLOX really came from a need to bring families back into the same space playing games together,” said Steven Spielberg. “We had so many more creative ideas that we wanted to put into the sequel, and BOOM BLOX Bash Party really takes the original concept to a whole new level of interactive family gaming.”

BOOM BLOX Bash Party features nearly twice as many multiplayer challenges as the original BOOM BLOX making it the ultimate party game! Players will have a blast playing with or against friends in co-op, versus and new team-based challenges. Whether playing solo or with friends, BOOM BLOX Bash Party will have players off the couch, throwing, bashing and slinging blox like never before!

In addition to the more than 400 new levels in BOOM BLOX Bash Party, players can also easily download new levels created by EA and the BOOM BLOX Bash Party community at no additional charge with an Internet-connected Wii. EA will make 40 additional levels available at launch with many more to come. In addition, players can create their own levels using the game’s enhanced Create Mode, and submit those levels to be posted and made available to the community. Over time, BOOM BLOX Bash Party owners will have access to many more downloadable levels in addition to those already included in the game.

"We are thrilled to be able to offer players a constant stream of new and exciting levels in BOOM BLOX Bash Party,” said Amir Rahimi, Senior Producer. “The EA team has been working hard creating exciting new levels that will be made available over time, and we cannot wait to see the passion and creativity the BOOM BLOX Bash Party community members put into making their own shared levels.”

EA takes the destruction to new heights with four stunning new themed worlds including Space, Pirate, Heroic and Show Time! Players will experience action puzzle game play in new physical environments like zero gravity and under water. Players will also encounter exciting new block types, like Virus, Conveyor and Push blox; new block shapes like cylinders and wedges, and engaging new tools, like the cannon and the slingshot. A new cast of characters, as well as favorites from the original BOOM BLOX, are now part of the puzzle-solving strategy. Players can now throw, grab or sling them, and watch them fly, knocking down blox and causing eye-popping explosions!

Developed by the EA Casual Studios, BOOM BLOX Bash Party is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and 3+ by PEGI. The game has a US MSRP of $39.99.

In 2005, EA and Steven Spielberg entered a multi-year collaboration that would generate three new original franchise properties. EA owns the intellectual properties and the franchises will be developed, published, and distributed worldwide by EA. Spielberg has been working directly with the EA development teams at the EALA studio in Playa Vista to offer his signature style of storytelling to the concept, design, and artistic vision of the unique games.

Fitness Goes Virtual: EA SPORTS Active Arrives in Stores Offering Benefit of Personal Trainer in a Box

EA SPORTS announce that EA SPORTS Active is now available in North American retail stores and will be available worldwide by May 22, 2009*. Developed exclusively for the Nintendo Wii by EA Canada, EA SPORTS Active is an innovative, virtual fitness product that offers personalized, customizable workouts that can be done from the comfort of home.

Developed in collaboration with fitness experts, including Bob Greene – renowned exercise physiologist, author and Oprah’s personal trainer – EA SPORTS Active is a fun and cost-effective way to achieve a healthy lifestyle. The product will be the first in a new line of EA SPORTS virtual fitness products to improve the well-being of people of all ages.



“The EA SPORTS brand is known for award-winning sports video games, but today marks our entrance into the entirely new genre of virtual fitness as EA SPORTS Active hits stores,” said Dave McCarthy, vice president, EA SPORTS. “Now more than ever consumers are seeking economical solutions to getting exercise and living a healthier lifestyle, and with EA SPORTS Active we’ve designed an experience that will appeal to a variety of audiences and deliver a truly fun yet challenging workout in the home.”

Users will get their heart pumping through interactive circuit workouts from more than 25 different activities and exercises that target the upper and lower body, as well as cardio. Similar to a personal trainer, the program provides clear instruction, feedback on technique and encouragement with visual and oral cues, while also providing calories burned in real time. Preset workouts are designed by fitness experts to target specific workout results. For optimal personalization, circuits can be customized based on interests and fitness level and there is complete flexibility for the duration and intensity level.

EA SPORTS Active includes software, a specially-designed leg strap that holds the Wii’s Nunchuk™ controller to track lower body movements, as well as a resistance band to increase the intensity to upper body exercises. The program can support two players at one time, and the EA SPORTS Active Accessory Pack containing one leg strap and one resistance band is available for an MSRP of $19.99 in North America. The product is compatible with the Wii Balance Board™, which will add components to the sports drills.

To help get started users can also choose to take the 30-Day Challenge, a fitness road map designed to provide tangible fitness goals with the guidance of the virtual trainer. The Challenge provides a new workout every time a player exercises that will increase in intensity and track progress throughout the 30-day period. To encourage overall wellness, there is also a Journal that allows users to track nutrition elements, set goals, and account for other physical activities accomplished.

For inspiration, consumers can view highlights from 12 men and women who participated in the EA SPORTS Active 30-Day Challenge April 18 through May 17, 2009 by visiting the EA SPORTS Active website: http://easportsactive.com/thirtyday.action. The Challenge focused on helping a variety of people integrate fitness into their lifestyles. Among the participants was Alison Sweeney, TV personality and host who participated to lose baby weight and represent busy moms who need a convenient way to get fit. Bob Greene hosted a kick off retreat for the challengers to get them started on their journeys.

“Helping the challengers use such an innovative program to reach their fitness goals was a truly rewarding experience, and showed me what a powerful product EA SPORTS Active can be,” said Bob Greene. “Anyone looking for an in-home fitness solution will appreciate the combination of a fun and effective workout.”

EA SPORTS Active has been rated “E” by the ESRB and “3+” by PEGI, and has an MSRP of $59.99 in North America.

Monster Hunter Freedom Unite video game on PSP

Monster Hunter Freedom Unite is shipping on June 23, 2009. To help prepare the west to hunt the ferocious beasts of the game, Capcom has enlisted the help of the top four Japanese Monster Hunters in the world. Amongst the four of them they have hundreds of years of experience.

With the help of these expert Monster Hunters, we’ve prepared a few videos to help explain how to achieve successful hunts in Monster Hunter Freedom Unite. In “Episode 1: Welcome to Monster Hunter,” you will learn all about the basics of the game. Head-on over to the Capcom Press Center and download the first video in the series.



About Monster Hunter Freedom Unite

Japan’s most successful PSP title, Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G, is heading to the west. Renamed Monster Hunter Freedom Unite, this latest installment in the epic Monster Hunter series delivers over 500 hours of gameplay spanning over 400 missions.

Using the Ad-Hoc connection players can adventure with up to three friends for a savaging multiplayer hunting party. From devising strategies to executing the attack, players will need to work together in order to hunt down the ferocious beasts and progress through the wide range of quests offered. Players will be rewarded for their use of the deep fighting combat system, encouraging them to seek out the more experienced hunters and team up in order to learn from their experience.

Even in single player mode Hunters won’t be alone thanks to the introduction of the new Felyne Companions. Accompanying players on quests, your furry ally will help battle monsters and gather extra resources.

There are five new monsters to the game waiting to challenge gamers in battle. These include: the Nargacuga, who inhabits the old forest and attacks with lightning speed, the Lavasioth, a lava-breathing reptile who hides in volcanic areas and the Hypnocatrice, a bird-like monster that wards off hunters with its unique ability to produce sleeping gas.

FREE DEMO DOWNLOAD...

Raven Squad: Operation Hidden Dagger for Xbox 360 and PC

Southpeak Games has confirmed that its RTS/FPS hybrid, Raven Squad: Operation Hidden Dagger is in development for PC and Xbox 360 and will be released this Autumn.

Developed by Atomic Motion, Raven Squad blends the real-time strategy and first person shooter genres and puts players in control of two groups of mercenary squads who crash land behind enemy lines in the Amazonian jungles.

Each of the eight squad members possesses distinctive skills and weaponry that the player will have to use wisely to progress through the game's story driven objectives. Raven Squad sets itself apart by allowing players to switch freely between real-time strategy and first-person shooter gameplay.

"Raven Squad combines two extremely popular genres into a single robust experience where either gameplay mode could stand on its own merits," said Melanie Mroz, CEO of SouthPeak Games.

"Atomic Motion is creating something that's visually compelling and building new boundaries in what a military title can accomplish. Fans of both RTS and FPS games are going to love it, as will anyone who enjoys intense, action titles."

Adventures To Go video game on PSP

Natsume a worldwide developer and publisher of family-oriented video games, announced today that it is bringing an all-new RPG titled Adventures To Go to the PlayStation Portable system later this summer.

The game offers a refreshing twist on the strategy RPG genre, offering gamers the opportunity to shape and customize the game's dungeons to their own liking!

"We are thrilled to be publishing Adventures To Go," said Hiro Maekawa, President and CEO at Natsume. "Its whimsical storyline, strategic combat, and endless replayability should earn it a top spot on any RPG player's list!"

In this hilarious and innovative strategy RPG, players take control of Finn Courtland and his band of misfits in their quest for fame and riches. Along the way, they just might have to save the world from the evil Arbitus and his band of demons. It'll take brains as well as brawn to win the day, though; the grid-based combat challenges players to think strategically and make the best use of each character's unique skills and abilities. The strategy doesn't end there, though! Players can spend their hard-earned cash to set up the game's randomized dungeons to their liking; choose the terrain, the size of the dungeon, and the monsters that you'll face. Play it safe, or take on bigger risks for even greater rewards! Your adventure is in your hands!

Adventures To Go will make its first public appearance at next month's E3 trade show in the Los Angeles area and will ship to retail later this summer.

The Dragonica Europe Closed Beta opens to everyone for a 4 days Stress Test

The free arcade style 3D side-scrolling MMORPG Dragonica has been online for Europe during its Closed Beta for less than a week at the www.gpotato.eu gaming portal, with the official release planned for June 2009. In order to perform server tests and allow all users to take part in the CBT Community Events, the gPotato Team have decided to open the servers to all gPotato.eu users for a 4 days Stress Test beginning today 19th of May.

For the first time in western countries, the highly anticipated action MMORPG Dragonica has been made available to a selected amount of players for the European Beta Test on the 13th of May. Since then, many events, such as Combo Challenge or Screenshot Contest, have been lead by the gPotato Community Team, and many more are planned for the coming days.

All gPotato.eu users will be able to participate in the upcoming events, as the gPotato Team opens Dragonica to the public for a 4 days Stress Test leading to the end of the beta test on Friday the 22nd. During these four days, users will be able to discover the colorful world of Dragotaka and the action-paced gameplay of Dragonica. All beta users who reach level 20 before the end of the tests will be able to reserve their character name and receive rewards at the official launch of the game next month.

In order to have access to the Dragonica Stress Test, just create a free account on the www.gpotato.eu gaming portal, download the game from the official Dragonica website, and play!

Tony Hawk RIDE to Offer Unparalleled Hands-Free Gaming Experience

This fall players will be able to experience skateboarding like never before in Tony Hawk: RIDE from Activision. For the first time, players will have the ability to physically play the game using an innovative motion sensing skateboard controller, allowing for unprecedented freedom and movement.

Tony Hawk: RIDE focuses on innovation and fun, bringing the No1 best-selling action-sports franchise to the forefront with cutting-edge technology for the hardcore fans and accessibility for the mass audience.

"Tony Hawk: RIDE is a massive step forward for the franchise and the gaming industry as a whole," said Rob Kostich, head of marketing, global brand management, Activision Publishing, Inc. "The skateboard controller will redefine sports games by offering players a true skateboarding experience, hands-free, playing with friends and family at home or online in a variety of different locations."

"This is the game I've always wanted to make," said Tony Hawk, who has been directly involved with development of the project. "Playing on the board is unlike any other game, and I'm excited for everyone to have the chance to feel what it's really like to experience the true feeling of skateboarding."

Tony Hawk: RIDE features a wireless skateboard controller designed in conjunction with the game to offer a dynamic gaming experience built from the ground up. Using a combination of accelerometers and motion sensors, the intuitive controller allows players to physically control the action by performing various movements and gestures on the board that directly translate into amazing tricks in the game. Without complex button combinations or analog sticks, gamers of all skill levels can literally step on the board and play!

Tony Hawk: RIDE is in development by Robomodo for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system. Buzz Monkey is developing the WiiTM system version. The game is not yet rated by the ESRB and is scheduled for release later this year.

Nintendo download Zelda classic is 300th Virtual console game

Every Monday for two and a half years, Nintendo has introduced new downloadable games and applications for the Nintendo Wii console. Today marks a milestone for the Virtual Console section of the Wii Shop Channel, home of some of the greatest titles in video game history. The classic The Legend of Zelda - Majora's Mask becomes the 300th Virtual Console title available for download.

It's one of the highest-rated Nintendo 64 games of all time, and its three-day time cycle and deeper, darker storyline offer players a different experience than a traditional Zelda game. People who played it years ago can relive their gaming roots, while those who never picked it up can discover its fun and charm for the first time.

Not to be overlooked, the second Art Style puzzle game for Nintendo DSiWare makes its debut, along with the WiiWare games CRYSTAL DEFENDERS R2 from SQUARE ENIX and Silver Star Chess from Agetec, Inc.

Virtual Console
The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask (Nintendo 64, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone - Cartoon Violence, 1,000 Wii Points): Link must save the world! This time, he finds himself trapped in Termina, an alternate version of Hyrule that is doomed to destruction in just three short days. Link must race to recover the Ocarina of Time (which allows him to manipulate time in multiple ways), defeat challenging bosses in dungeons spread across Termina and discover the key to the mystery of Majora's Mask. Along the way, he'll obtain new weapons and items and help other characters (some strangely familiar) in their everyday lives. In addition, Link must use a wide assortment of masks scattered throughout Termina, each with its own specific use or power. Never before have three days offered so much in the way of action, mind-boggling puzzles and depth. The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask is an adventure unlike any other!

Nintendo DSiWare
Art Style: PiCTOBiTS (Nintendo, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Nintendo DSi Points): Your goal in Art Style: PiCTOBiTS is simple: clear large blocks that fall from above ("megabits") by combining them with "bits" (square blocks) of the same color. Add in the ability to pick up bits and place them anywhere on the touch screen, and you'll quickly find that strategy is critical to your success. By clearing the bits, you gradually reveal each stage's hidden game character - look for favorites from classic NES™ titles - and earn coins that can be spent to unlock DARK stages or to listen to the game's soundtrack in MUSIC mode. This grand mix of familiar elements and new game play leads to the uniquely enjoyable experience that is PiCTOBiTS.

WiiWare
CRYSTAL DEFENDERS R2 (SQUARE ENIX, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone - Mild Fantasy Violence, 800 Wii Points): In CRYSTAL DEFENDERS R2, you must deploy various units, such as Fencers and Black Mages, to stop waves of encroaching monsters from escaping the area with your party's crystals. There are many types of units to choose from: Some specialize in powerful short-range attacks, some wield far-reaching magicks and still others are equipped with bows, enabling them to bring down aerial foes. Deploy units in strategic locations to take full advantage of their traits. Each time an enemy breaches your defenses and reaches a map's exit, your party will lose crystals. When all your crystals are gone, the game is over. CRYSTAL DEFENDERS R2 offers several new, challenging maps containing multiple entrances and exits. It also introduces three varieties of Power Crystals, allowing you to enhance the abilities of your units, while new jobs, including Flintlock and Tinker, set the stage for even more complex strategies. Can you defend all the maps without losing a single crystal?

Silver Star Chess (Agetec, Inc., 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone - Mild Suggestive Themes, 500 Wii Points): Silver Star Chess has two modes: 1-Player and 2-Player. 1-Player mode allows you to play a chess match against the computer opponent. 2-Player mode allows you to play against another person. In 1-Player mode, you can select one of five different computer opponents, as well as turn the background music off, adjust sound effects and access in-game help features. Also, during the match, you can redo your last move, save the game at any point or resign from the game. After the match has ended, you can review each move made during the match. While reviewing the match in this way, you can resume that match at any point.

Nintendo adds new titles to the Nintendo DSi Shop and the Wii Shop Channel at 9 a.m. Pacific time on Mondays. Users with broadband Internet access can redeem Wii Points or Nintendo DSi Points to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel. Nintendo DSi Points can be purchased in the Nintendo DSi Shop. A Nintendo Points Card™ can be purchased at retail locations. All points from one Nintendo Points Card must be redeemed in either the Nintendo DSi Shop or the Wii Shop Channel. They are not transferable and cannot be divided between the two systems.

Remember that both Wii and Nintendo DSi feature parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access.

Art Style - PiCTOBiTS on Nintendo DSiWare

Your goal in Art Style: PiCTOBiTS is simple: clear large blocks that fall from above ("megabits") by combining them with "bits" (square blocks) of the same color. Add in the ability to pick up bits and place them anywhere on the touch screen, and you'll quickly find that strategy is critical to your success.

By clearing the bits, you gradually reveal each stage's hidden game character - look for favorites from classic NES™ titles - and earn coins that can be spent to unlock DARK stages or to listen to the game's soundtrack in MUSIC mode. This grand mix of familiar elements and new game play leads to the uniquely enjoyable experience that is PiCTOBiTS.

Format: Nintendo DSiWare
Launch Date: 05/18/09
ESRB: E (Everyone)
Game Type: Puzzle
Players: 1
Publisher: Nintendo

Game Information

Nintendo Points: 500

Mechanics Touch video game on the Android mobiles

The Mechanics are back and this time they need even more help. Help them find their way trough all levels.

In this unique puzzle game you try to get your Mechanics safely from point A to point B. Use your fingers to tap on the screen and take control of various “Tools” spread around the levels.

These tools will interact with your Mechanics and save them from harm as they happily walk around. Your main task is to figure out when and how to operate the tools and keep your Mechanics alive.

The game features three worlds, with 45 levels in total, starting with easy tutorial levels going into difficult challenging puzzle levels.



Short feature list:

* Android
* 3 worlds, 45 levels
* music and soundeffects
* unlockable achievements (RumbleX.com)
* online highscore rankings (RumbleX.com)


Mechanics Touch is now available from the Android market, an iPhone version is scheduled for release later this year.

Nyko advanced wand controller for Nintendo Wii

Most Advanced Alternative to the Wii RemoteTM Opens New Opportunities for Exciting Peripherals

Nyko Technologies, the premier videogame accessories manufacturer, today announced that the highly anticipated Wand controller for Wii is now available at retail.

Designed for superior functionality, comfort, and value the newest addition to Nyko’s Wii product line maintains all the control functions Wii gamers expect with full motion-sensing capability, pointer functionality, vibration feedback, and a built-in speaker.

The Wand contains Nyko’s all-new Trans-Port technology, which enables control and vibration feedback to be electrically replicated on compatible attachments, providing for faster and more accurate input response. Current attachments made for the Wii Remote can only access buttons through use of mechanical triggers and provide no vibration feedback.

One of the many applications of Trans-Port technology is the pistol grip which connects to the Wand and electrically replicates key action buttons, providing controls not currently accessible with attachments for the Wii Remote. In addition, enlarged 1 and 2 buttons and ergonomic finger grooves make the Wand an exceptional choice for classic gaming when turned sideways. Nyko’s signature rubberized battery cover is also included to ensure maximum comfort and grip.

“Recognized as Best of CES 2009 in the Gaming category, the Wand offers all-new features and accessories that improve the way players experience games on Wii,” said Chris Arbogast, Director of Marketing, Nyko Technologies. “Gamers can also look forward to two new Wand-compatible accessories next month that are just the beginning of the innovative ways Trans-Port technology will be used in the future.”

The Wand is available now for a MSRP of $34.99 at Amazon.com, Best Buy, Fred Meyer, GameCrazy, GameStop, Hastings, Kmart, Sears,Wal-Mart and other retailers nationwide.

Fallout 3 PS3 downloadable content on the way, with "Operation: Anchorage"

Bethesda Softworks Europe is today pleased to announce that Fallout 3 downloadable content (DLC) is coming to Playstation 3 computer entertainment system. We have been working on implementing it for a while and look forward to bringing it to PS3 gamers via the PlayStation Network. Operation: Anchorage will be released for PS3 in late June, followed by the release of The Pitt and Broken Steel 4-6 weeks apart. Release dates will be forthcoming.

In addition, a new update will be released for PS3 that will allow users to download and play the new DLC. The release date for that update will be announced at a later date.

There are also two new DLCs planned for all three platforms:

• Point Lookout – Explore a massive new swampland area filled with new quests and content.
• Mothership Zeta – The aliens have returned, and they’re pissed. Experience an alien abduction first hand and find out if you’re tough enough to survive.

Point Lookout will be available in late June for Xbox 360 and PC. Cost will be 800 Microsoft Points. It will be available through Xbox Live and Games for Windows Live. Point Lookout will be available on PS3 after the first three DLCs have been released.

Mothership Zeta is scheduled for release in late July for Xbox 360 and PC. Cost will be 800 Microsoft Points. It will be available through Xbox Live and Games for Windows Live. Mothership Zeta will be available on PS3 after Point Lookout.

Finally, new Fallout 3 products will be available at retail this year.

Fallout 3 Game Add-on Pack #1 includes The Pitt and Operation: Anchorage on a disc and will be available for Xbox 360 and PC on June 12th across Europe.

Fallout 3 Game Add-on Pack #2 includes Broken Steel and Point Lookout on a disc and will be available for Xbox 360 and PC in August across Europe.

A Fallout 3 Game of the Year edition will be available in October. It will include the original game plus all five add-ons for £39.99 / €59.99 for Xbox 360 and PS3, and £29.99 / €49.99 for PC.

Retail versions of the game add-on packs for PS3 will not be available and the DLC will only be available for download via PlayStation Network or with the Fallout 3 Game of the Year edition.

Silver Star Chess comes to WiiWare

Silver Star Chess has two modes: 1-Player and 2-Player. 1-Player mode allows you to play a chess match against the computer opponent. 2-Player mode allows you to play against another person. In 1-Player mode, you can select one of five different computer opponents, as well as turn the background music off, adjust sound effects and access in-game help features.

Also, during the match, you can redo your last move, save the game at any point or resign from the game. After the match has ended, you can review each move made during the match. While reviewing the match in this way, you can resume that match at any point.

Format: Nintendo WiiWare
Launch Date: 05/18/09
ESRB: E (Everyone): Mild Suggestive Themes
Wii Points: 500
Game Type: Board Game
Control Type: Wii Remote
Players: 1-2
Publisher: Agetec, Inc.

Good hunting for Sea Dogs, on Bounty Bay Online video game for PC!

From now on Bounty Bay Online players can take part in regular hunting events. Every Wednesday from 19:00 – 22:00 and from 15:00 – 18:00 on every Sunday, automatic hunting tasks will be launched in the sea-faring world. By taking part, players can bag themselves various buffs to enhance certain abilities temporarily and valuable items such as jewellery, armour and weapons.

The hunting tasks begin with special NPCs such as the ‘Combat Event Teleporter’ who can be found on the docks at Athens. From there players can select three different hunting tasks within the regular event times. In addition, they can define a key ability before they begin, dependent on their character’s profile. Falchion warriors, for example, can choose falchion combat training. Depending on their choice of task and their ability focus, hunting-hungry adventurers are teleported off to the corresponding hunting instance. Once they arrive, for just a few pieces of silver they can get themselves a rather effective buff which will raise certain abilities for a short time period, thus equipping them particularly well for the hunting tasks which now await them in the instance. From time to time, apprentice hunters will come across useful objects such as coffers containing silver and drinks to help them in their hunt. As they then engage various opposing hordes in combat, they can also grab some temporary items for themselves, such as weapons or armour to help them progress in their tasks in the instance.

Upon completing the hunting tasks, successful players will receive the so-called ‘Evidence of Hunt´. This can be either immediately exchanged inside the hunting instance for three hour effectiveness long-duration buffs, or after returning back to the normal game world, converted into valuable jewellery. There is additional information about the hunting events available on the official website:
http://www.bountybayonline.de/en/articles,id40,0,how_instanced_events.html

About Bounty Bay Online
With Bounty Bay Online players enter the Age of Discoveries from the 15th to the 17th century. MMO fans are able to choose an online career as a merchant, sailor, fisherman, pirate or adventurer and make their fortune at land and on the seven seas. Alone or with a guild of players, many adventures and gripping quests lie on their way. Thousands of ancient discoveries on all continents like the pyramids of Gizah or the Chinese Wall are waiting to be explored. After exciting PvP combat at land and on the seas, strong guilds can take control of colonies and cities and decide upon their destiny. Bounty Bay Online features a unique trade system based on supply and demand. In April 2008 Frogster has started a free-to-play server with an integrated item shop as an alternative to the subscription model, so that new sailors can now roam the Seven Seas without any fixed costs. More information is available on www.bountybayonline.com.


Features

• Hundreds of authentic ship models
• Land and sea combat
• More than 60 realistic towns and harbours.
• Guilds can conquer towns and decide upon their taxes and tariffs
• Free add-on "Storm Island" with new items, new features and new regions included
• Free Colony Add-on released in January 2009

Wal-mart to buy back video games

Sightings of Redbox-like kiosk-machines at Wal-mart which would allow customers to trade in their used games.

So far, there are 77 of the "Video Game Buyback" stations at select Wal-mart locations around the country as part of a "very limited" pilot program for Ohio's E-play. The 77 locations actually make up only two percent of Wal-mart's 3,656-store U.S. empire, and the space is on lease to E-play.

Rather than receive cash back, those who accept the terms of the buyback price-point from the kiosk will receive credit applied to a credit card of the user's choice within 1-2 days, depending on who the user is signed up with.

Store credit can range anywhere from 50 cents to 25 dollars for a more recent, high-demand title. However, E-play Marketing VP and Business Development Exec Kristen Fox declined to go into the specifics of Wal-mart's contract with E-play, or what the company then does with their newly-acquired used games.

So, do the likes of GameStop have anything to fear from E-play's enterprise? "I can't see this having tremendous appeal to hardcore gamers, unless the credits are substantially higher than those offered at GameStop," said Everyone's Favorite Analyst, Wedbush Morgan's Michael Pachter. He does believe it might, however, appeal to some cash-strapped customers.

"Even if this takes off, it's not going to make much of a dent in the used market. … I don't see it being a big deal."

Source: PS3 Kombo

AdventureQuest Worlds announce it has exceeded 6 million players

Launched just over six months ago, the popular web-based MMORPG AdventureQuest Worlds is proud to announce that it has exceeded 6 million registered players. Created by the home grown team at Artix Entertainment, LLC, this anything-goes fantasy MMORPG features chat, real-time-combat, wars, and live events, and has had more than one brand new release per week since launch.

To celebrate, AdventureQuest Worlds is preparing to release its first world boss (or Chaos Lord). This is the exciting conclusion of their first storyline which takes place along an M.C. Escher inspired valley featuring original and creative 2D game art.

Also, The Artix Entertainment team has been invited to attend the Japanese and Anime convention, Jacon, next week in Orlando, Florida. On May 23rd, AdventureQuest Worlds will chair a panel to discuss everything relating to its three other popular RPGs: DragonFable.com, AdventureQuest.com, and MechQuest.com.

Act IV - New Shores Fly for Fun expansion with new features due on 26th May 2009

Only one more week to go and the new expansion for Fly for Fun, “Act IV: New Shores”, will be released. In anticipation, the gPotato team is proud to unveil some more details about the master fame titles, the couple system and Coral Island.

Would you like to become famous? No problem with the new Flyff master fame titles. All you have to do is complete some objectives and you will get a certain title. The master fame titles don’t give you special advantages in the game but you will definitely have a lot of fun when meeting, for example, a “Blade Hero” or becoming the “Psykeeper Master”.

Have you found your soulmate? Become a couple and face new challenges. In pairs everything is easier and you will get the “couple exp” As soon as you increase your couple exp enough your couple level will be upgraded to 21. After you and your partner reach a certain exp you will get special gifts by mail and the “couple skill” is activated e.g. “power of love” or “miracle of love”.

Exploring new shores! Buy your ticket and travel to Coral Island, the brand new region for middle level characters. All monsters will have a level from 43 to 69 and 180 % exp. But don’t worry if your level is lower, all monsters are in an unaggressive mode and won’t attack you.

Count the days and be prepared for Act IV: New shores, arriving on the gpotato.eu portal on the 26th of May 2009.

Spore Galactic Adventures Goes to the (Robot) Chickens - Free trial of the Spore Creature Creator

Maxis Teams with Adult Swim’s Robot Chicken Writers to Create Hysterical Adventures for Spore Galactic Adventures Available at Launch

What do planetary rest stops, man cannons, and banana monkey wars all have in common? They’re all elements of Adventures created by the Robot Chicken writers exclusively for Spore Galactic Adventures, the highly-anticipated expansion pack for the critically acclaimed videogame, Spore.

Maxis, an Electronic Arts, announce that the Adventures created by writers from this outrageously funny, Emmy award-winning TV show will be available as free downloadable content when the game launches June 23.

The campaign was conceptualized by Robot Chicken co-creators Seth Green and Matt Senreich and executed by the writing team including Matt Beans, Doug Goldstein, Mike Fasolo, Breckin Meyer, Dan Milano, Tom Root, Kevin Shinick, Hugh Sterbakov and Zeb Wells. With such a unique cast of imaginative characters, players can expect to experience missions with exploding poo, angry yetis, ruler yielding librarians and more! Check out Robot Chicken’s exploits as they create Adventures at www.spore.com/wtf.

“We’re big fans of Spore, so teaming up on Spore Galactic Adventures was a natural fit and so much fun for all the guys at Robot Chicken,” said Seth Green, co-creator of Robot Chicken. Co-creator Matt Senreich continued: "We're all gaming geeks, so when the Spore guys said they had an alluring proposition for us, how could we say no? Instead of creating absurd worlds with toys, this gave us the opportunity to create literally anything we wanted as gamers. Geek moment. We think that RC fans will love the pretty random and absurd adventures we created and we can't wait to goof around with the ones the fans create."

“Gamers and Adult Swim fans alike are going to absolutely love the hilarity found in the Robot Chicken missions created for Spore Galactic Adventures,” stated Kip Katsarelis, lead producer of Spore Galactic Adventures. “Our development team had a blast working with the guys and couldn’t stop laughing the entire time we were together. Their Adventures truly reflect the extent of their wild imaginations as well as how the in-game Adventure Creator tool can create almost any type of story imaginable. Players can only guess the level of absurdity and fun that are in these Adventures.”

Spore Galactic Adventures adds a tremendous amount of variety and fun to the original Spore, allowing players to beam down to planets, play Maxis-created Adventures and create their own customized Adventures. Now players can get out of their spaceship and turn their creatures into legendary space captains, battling epic monsters in intergalactic arenas and fighting intense planet-side races along the way. In each mission, players earn experience to rank up their captain, gain game-changing items and accessories such as a Plasma Pulser and Swarm Magnet. Once the captains and Adventures are created, players can share go online to share with friends around the world at www.spore.com.

About Spore

Spore, available for PC and Mac, gives players their own personal universe in a box. Create and evolve life, establish tribes, build civilizations, sculpt entire worlds and explore a universe filled with creations made by other gamers. Spore gives players a wealth of creative tools to customize nearly every aspect of their universe: creatures, vehicles, buildings, and even spaceships. Spore Creatures, available on Nintendo DS™, takes players on a quest to save their species and the entire Galaxy. Meet, befriend or fight other creatures in a number of unique Touch Screen-based activities. Available in fall 2009, Spore Hero, exclusive to the Nintendo Wii and Spore Hero Arena for the Nintendo DS, catapult players into the role of a fully-customized hero creature fighting to save its planet.

To learn more about Spore, Spore Galactic Adventures, Spore Hero, Spore Hero Arena or to download a free trial of the Spore Creature Creator, please visit www.spore.com.

DYNASTY WARRIORS 6 - Empires video game in US stores June 23 2009

Become a lord, a noble officer or lethal invader. Create your own warrior and control the fate of Ancient China in KOEI's latest action opus

KOEI announce that DYNASTY WARRIORS 6: Empires for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system will be available at North American retailers beginning June 23, 2009.

Gamers can pre-order DYNASTY WARRIORS 6: Empires now at: Amazon.com, GameFly and GameStop.

About DYNASTY WARRIORS 6: Empires
Designed for the legions of Dynasty Warriors fans, DYNASTY WARRIORS 6: Empires is game that brings together the best aspects of the action and strategy genres. In this latest edition, players can experience Ancient China’s greatest and most glorious war as an all-powerful lord or as an officer.



As a lord, gamers must think strategically. By deciding when to attack, when to resist invasion, or when to initiate policies, a lord can expand their power and influence. An easy-to-learn “card collecting” system lets players enact policies that will increase their empire’s strength, improve the abilities of their forces, and more. The cards that a player receives will depend on the attributes of the officers and their army.

Players can also pledge their allegiance to a kingdom to become an officer. As an officer, players can suggest policies in the kingdom’s war council, complete missions for rewards, or even turn against their ruler should relations sour.

Most eagerly awaited by fans is a game mode that allows players to create their own warrior. DYNASTY WARRIORS 6: Empires features an extensive character editing system with options to customize a warrior’s gender, build, skin tone, facial features, voice, clothing, weapon and more.

Whomever players choose to be, they can now use mountain ledges and waterways to infiltrate enemy bases and launch surprise attacks on supply depots to change the flow of battle.

DYNASTY WARRIORS 6: Empires is developed by Omega Force and is for 1 to 2 players (offline). This game is rated “T” (TEEN – Alcohol Reference, Violence) by the ESRB.