Halo Reach details from E3 and game trailer video

Two new major details have arisen regarding Halo - Reach, a title recently revealed at Microsoft’s E3 09 press conference. The first is the game’s genre which has been confirmed by Microsoft’s John Schappert to Joystiq as a first-person-shooter.



Secondly, Halo: Reach has been revealed as a prequel to the Halo series by none other than Shane Kim. When questioned by SKOAR: “Will Halo Reach follow the story of the first novel? (The Fall of Reach),” Kim replied:

“You’ll have to wait and see. There is an opportunity to tell the prequel to Halo. People are interested now they see how the trilogy of Halo ended. Now they can see how it began. The Halo universe is very rich and there are a lot of stories to tell.”

All that was revealed at the conference was how Halo: Reach would be arriving in 2010 and that a multiplayer beta for the title would launch alongside Halo: ODST. We’ll have more details on both titles as we receive them.

Fish'em All! for WiiWare arrives on Nintendo Wii 8th June

Fish'em All!, an arcade game with real coin-op flavor!
Alone or with your friends, you will have a great time catching these little fish... they're crazy! Beat your own high scores, take on challenges and solve fun puzzles in a range of amazing stages full of color and fantasy. Watch out for the dragon, the ninja-rat and the sumo-toad!

Do you think it looks easy?
This arcade game will bring all the excitement of the great classics to your Wii™ console.

* Nine colorful scenarios.
* Three game modes: Arcade, Challenge, Fishtris.
* One or two players.

Arcade

Can you beat the high score? Play a game in Arcade mode to see how long you can last. Catch as many fish as you can within a time limit. Watch the fish meter. The more points you score catching fish, the faster it will fill up. Each time you manage to fill a whole fish on the meter, you will receive extra time. If you manage to fill them all, you will move on to the next stage.

Challenge

Complete the challenges to unlock stages. You can then select any unlocked stage to play in two player mode.
Each challenge sets you a target. Note how many fish of each color you need to catch. Sometimes, it will tell you which items you need to avoid or set a time limit.

Fishtris

Even more difficult!
Every time you catch a fish, it will fall into the tube. If the tube fills up, the game will end. To keep on playing, match three or more fish of the same color to make them disappear.
When you match three or more fish of the same color, the fish meter will be slightly filled. When you manage to fill a whole fish on the meter, you will receive extra time. If you manage to fill them all, you will move on to the next stage. If things get tough, try and catch the Anglerfish.
It will eat all the fish in the tube.

Nickelodeon Announce Ni Hao, Kai-lan Video Games

Hit animated preschool series joins Dora the Explorer and The Backyardigans video games at retail this holiday season

2K Play, the family label of Take-Two Interactive, and Nickelodeon, the number-one entertainment brand for kids, today announced that the network's newest hit preschool series, Ni Hao, Kai-lan, will join 2K Play's all-new slate of preschool video games for the upcoming 2009 holiday season.

Available for the Wii system from Nintendo, Nintendo DS and PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, the Ni Hao, Kai-lan video game combines educational elements of learning Chinese language and culture with game play and action, and features familiar voice actors from the animated show. Ni Hao, Kai-lan joins 2K Play's game line-up featuring popular Nickelodeon characters such as Dora the Explorer and The Backyardigans.

"We're excited to offer our most diverse line-up of Nickelodeon games this holiday season," said Steve Lux, vice president of business development for 2K Play. "Our titles will provide preschoolers with a fun and immersive way to learn all about their growing world."

"Kai-lan, Dora and The Backyardigans encourage preschoolers to explore and learn through teamwork," said Shaan Kandawalla, vice president, Nickelodeon Kids and Family Games Group. "This partnership with 2K Play allows us to take these lessons to a new level through gaming, while strengthening the diversity of Nickelodeon's gaming portfolio."

In the upcoming Ni Hao, Kai-lan DS game, players will assume the role of Kai-Lan in a series of adventures relating to Chinese New Year, including: marching in a parade; decorating colorful lanterns; and learning about ethnic foods.

2K Play will also introduce Dora the Explorer: Dora Saves the Crystal Kingdom, an all-new title based on Nickelodeon's upcoming prime-time television event airing this fall. In the new game for the Wii gaming platform, players will assist Dora in her goal of restoring color to an enchanted village that has fallen under an evil spell. Also, in Dora Puppy for Nintendo DS, Dora learns pet care first-hand as she grooms and plays with her puppy, Perrito.

Fans of The Backyardigans will be treated to a triple adventure on Nintendo DS as the backyard pals sail the seas as pirates, journey into outer space and test their mettle as superheroes.

All of 2K Play's upcoming Nickelodeon games will feature actual voice actors from the popular Nickelodeon television shows. In addition, 2K Play's Nickeolodeon games are tested by kids and parents for age-appropriateness, fun-factor and quality. 2K will support the launch of the titles with a national media campaign.

The console titles are being developed by High Voltage Software, Inc., and the DS titles by Black Lantern Studios, Inc. These games have not yet been rated.

World of Dragons, the first multiplatform PC mobile phone MMORPG

LemonQuest, a leading producer and distributor of video games for mobile platforms, announces the launch of World of Dragons, the first multiplatform PC/mobile massively multiplayer online role playing game (MMORPG).

The launch of World of Dragons breaks new ground in the online games industry, conceived as the first multiplatform game where users can feel the RPG experience from any PC or Internet-connected mobile device. At last a multiplatform project has become available in the online videogame market. This development has been a long time coming, and LemonQuest expects to have a hit on its hands.

World of Dragons has all the elements of the classic RPG where players can develop their character, choosing from among 4 races and 6 different professions, using more than 10,000 items in over 1,000 missions.

The final PC version of World of Dragons will not be available on the official website until mid-July, and LemonQuest’s developers are hard at work at the last touches to adapt it to the PC platform, but users can start enjoying the application in its mobile version and a lite adaptation for the PC, already available on the game’s official website www.wod-mobile.com.

World of Dragons, a challenge which is sure to mark a turning point in multiplatform MMORPGs.

East India Company PC video game out July 28th

Get an insight in to the meaning of "Fight, Manage & Rule."

Paradox Interactive has today announced that East India Company now has an official release date of July 28th. Together with the announcement, a game presentation from E3 has also been released, delving deeper into this naval war strategy title.



Developed by Finland based Nitro Games Ltd. East India Company is based on the historical East India trading companies of the 18th century. Players will enjoy building the world’s largest trading empire as well as engaging in fierce naval battles against enemy fleets.

East India Company Features revealed at E3:

· Extensively moddable: from damage values, to trade item prices, to ship textures.

· Multiplayer support for up to 12 players.

· Multiple ways to win the game: accomplishing all campaign missions, forcing all other companies out of business or conquering the whole of the East Indies.

· Multiple approaches possible: focus on trading, warfare and conquest or use diplomacy to reach your goals. East India Company can also be played as a pure trading game.

· Dynamic economy where supply and demand affect prices of trading items.

· Create your own armada with a maximum of 100 ships.

· Different multiplayer battle modes including ‘Last Man Floating’ and ‘Domination’.

· Unlock new ship types as they become available, from smallest sloop to 90 gun ship-of-the-line.

Game Summary

In East India Company, players will enjoy building the World’s most powerful trading empire and engaging in vigorous naval battles in both single player and multiplayer modes.

Starting modestly, you will build your fleet, establish connections to far away countries, and keep rival nations at bay. Choose from a wide array of ship classes, including a variety of transport and military vessels. Create diverse fleets and assign each of them specific trading routes. Control and upgrade well-situated ports as you form your strategy for domination.

For greater tactical depth, command your ship and give independent orders to each of your fleets. Fight against the other European powers to create a trading empire that will rule above all!

At E3 in Los Angeles development teams for Hearts of Iron III, East India Company and Majesty 2: The Fantasy Kingdom Sim will showcase brand new features for their eagerly anticipated titles.

E3 news Chapter II of Runes of Magic out September 2009

Second chapter with new regions, a new playable people, new classes, new instances, updated graphic engine and a new soundtrack to arrive in September

Under the name of ‘The Elven Prophecy’, Frogster is to turn over a new leaf with Chapter II of Runes of Magic scheduled for launch in September 2009. The publisher has announced this today at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) currently being held in Los Angeles. At the exhibition, Frogster is already showing some new content from Chapter II like the new game region “Weeping Coast”.

As the name already suggests, the core element of ‘Chapter II – The Elven Prophecy’ is the integration of the elven folk as a playable race. A widely branching background story entwines about the elves with lots of new challenges with the new pieces of lore being told by means of a multitude of new quests and epic quest series. Continuing ‘Chapter I – Rise of the Demon Lord’ the second chapter leads players into new game regions, steeped in elven history. It’s the eponymous elves who stand by mankind in their epic conflict against the demon’s menace.

According to the legends, demons of human origin – having degenerated into underworld beings under the influence of the runes – forged an alliance with the nagas in ancient times. Together, these evil forces brought war and devastation to the world of Taborea. An alliance of elves and humans succeeded in banishing the demons into the void and drove back the nagas behind a magical wall. However, when elven prince Sig’aylas removed the holy sword ‘Arclight’ from the wall to defend his human truelove, the wall perished and the naga threat flared up once again.

Together with the elves, ‘Chapter II – The Elven Prophecy’ introduces two new character classes into the world of Runes of Magic. They complement the palette of selection possibilities within the tactically interesting dual class system, creating further combinations to choose from. Advanced players will look forward to new challenges in the form of new demanding dungeons, raid instances and new PvP modes. As a consequence of the copious new game content, ‘Chapter II – the Elven Prophecy’ raises the level cap for all characters in Runes of Magic to 55.

Along with the expansion Frogster is also integrating a new pet system in the Taborea game world. Players will then have the opportunity to actively train their companions, so that they can mature and fulfil valuable supporting roles in combat situations. On top of all this, the game atmosphere in Runes of Magic will receive a thorough general overhaul. The new game regions will really shine, thanks to improved graphics with new effects and hand-drawn textures. Moreover, the renowned sound-studio Dynamedion is recording a completely new soundtrack for the launch of Chapter II. Just as with the base version of Runes of Magic and all of the subsequent updates, Frogster will offer ‘Chapter II – The Elven Prophecy’ as a free download.

Already in August, Frogster is going to integrate first content packages of ‘The Elven Prophecy’ like the new region “Weeping Coast” and raise the level cap to 52. The climax of Chapter II will follow with the official launch in September. “With the comprehensive Chapter II we will seamlessly linking in with our previous policy of regular content expansions for the Runes of Magic game world. And we will still be implementing regular content updates right up until we launch The Elven Prophecy,” Daniel Ullrich, Frogster’s Director Product Management, commented discussing the expansion plans.

Runes of Magic – a world full of wizardry and adventure
Runes of Magic was commercially released on 19 March 2009. All interested fantasy fans can continue to download the online role playing game for free at www.runesofmagic.com and can plunge into the game world after a short registration process.

With an extensive range of features Runes of Magic prepares to redefine the standard of free to play massively online role playing games. Runes of Magic conveys an absorbing story through more than 1.600 quests embedded in an atmospheric fantasy world. Players can choose between six main classes and combined with a secondary class they present 30 individual combinations of character classes over all. All characters possess unique skills with impressive combo attacks and can use mounts like war horses and more. A particularly attractive feature for guilds and players is the possibility to arrange their own virtual homes with individual furnishing. Thanks to an extensive crafting and reputation system, thrilling PvP, as well as demanding dungeons and boss-monsters, no wishes remain unsatisfied. The Taiwanese developer Runewaker has developed Runes of Magic according to western MMO standards within a time frame of three years. The studio will provide new challenges for players every four to five months with free add-ons and updates. MMO fans can find more information, pictures and videos on the official website www.runesofmagic.com.

Features
• Free to play: no monthly fees, free download
• Extensive dual class system (six primary and secondary classes)
• Versatile spell- and attack-combinations
• Enthralling background story
• More than 1.600 quests and quest series
• No zone boundaries thanks to seamless architecture
• Dungeons: Instanced and tile based as well as persistent
• Individually developable skills and spells
• Armour sets with special bonuses
• Dynamic item system with hundreds of runes for upgrading
• Optional PvP system with arena battles
• Ranking system with player-ranking lists
• Multitude of unique mounts
• Epic crafting system with the chance to improve existing items
• Personalization of player houses through individual furnishing
• Reputation system
• Customisable user interface with the option to use Add-Ons
• Map and radar system to find dealers, resources and quests easily
• In-game auction houses for trading items
• Teleport-Runes for instant travel
• Mouse and keyboard controls for movement
• Regular updates with new content
• Guild castles in special zones
• Cross-server fights in three-server-battle and guild wars in development

Facts
Title: Runes of Magic
Genre: Fantasy-MMORPG
Platform: Windows-PC
Publisher: Frogster Online Gaming
Developer: Runewaker Entertainment Ltd.
Release: 19 March 2009
PEGI: 12+

ClubGalactik.com Flash-based 3D Avatar Creator

Virtual Fairground previews next generation virtual world and MMOG

Club Galactik, home of the upcoming MMO game and virtual world based on animation hit series Galactik Football went live today. With the site already fully localized for multiple territories, kids and tweens from all over the world can now start creating their own Club Galactik characters. They can currently choose from three of the seven Galactik Football teams: the superstar Snow Kids, the agile Wambas and the sinister Shadows. Users can also explore the lore of the Galactik Football universe and will soon be able to play a unique card game featuring their character. 3D Flash-based mini-games that you can play using your avatar will be added to the site in the coming weeks.

Club Galactik is completely developed and published in-house by Virtual Fairground. The game is based on the Gaumont/Jetix co-produced animation series Galactik Football. The full MMO game experience is set to launch April 2010 in time for the start of the FIFA World Cup Soccer 2010 and the third season of the Galactik Football animation series.

“As soon as we announced that we were working on a Galactik Football MMO game there was a lot of interest from fans that wanted to see what we are working on”, says Maarten Brands of Virtual Fairground. “With a gradual roll-out of games and features we will have plenty going on to keep the fans happy while we work towards a full launch next year.”

“Launching the avatar creator and some of the mini-games is a great way for us to show what our team can do with Flash in a browser”, adds Ilja Goossens. “We feel that there are a lot of misconceptions about what you can do with this technology in relation to games. The high penetration rate of Flash is a huge benefit and we want to show that our talented developers can create high-end entertainment experiences in a browser using this technology.”

New Tekken 6 gameplay mode unveiled at E3 conference

NAMCO BANDAI reveale a new Scenario Campaign mode for TEKKEN 6, the latest entry to the blockbuster fighting franchise. The new mode for the Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system version of Tekken 6 will allow players to participate in single or two player online co-op campaigns while experiencing intense action and large-scale battles.

The Scenario Campaign features a unique hybrid control system combining conventional fighting game controls with free movement. This control system allows players to progress through the story and mow down hordes of enemies with relative ease while still enjoying fighting game action. In addition to hand-to-hand fighting, players have an arsenal of staffs, machine guns, flame throwers, and even giant robots at their disposal - a first for the series!

Choose from 40 playable characters and play alone or cooperatively online with a friend through a multitude of stages while amassing a wealth of items for customizing and strengthening your characters. Bring these fighters online to deliver bone-jarring punches and dominate opponents globally.

A must-have for fighting aficionados, TEKKEN 6 sees the return of many familiar faces as well as new characters to create the largest line-up in franchise history. Adding to the already robust gaming experience, dynamic and destructible environments will enable players to punch their enemies through concrete walls or kick them through floors to open a whole new battleground as they go mano-y-mano. Furthermore, an impressive real-time motion blur effect has been implemented to provide the richest visuals the series has ever seen.

Delivering the perfect fighting trifecta, TEKKEN 6 will also be available this fall for the PSP (PlayStation Portable) system with additional content, items, and an ad-hoc multiplayer mode.

Overlord II playable demo now available from Xbox LIVE

Prepare to take control of a Yeti-hunting, seal-clubbing, wolf-riding team of Minions and create chaos, as Codemasters today announced that the Overlord II playable demo is now available from Xbox LIVE Marketplace for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft [UK demo].

Ensuring that all future megalomaniacs will be able to take the Minion horde for a test drive ahead the full game's launch on June 26th†, playable demos for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and PC versions are scheduled to follow in the next week. Gamers can also preview the game's tyrannical treats in the '10 Reasons Why it's Cool to be Evil' video, now playing at www.OverlordGame.com



In the Overlord II demo, players step into the big spiky boots of a new Overlord whose sights are firmly set on becoming the king of chaos, the bringer of evil and the master of Minions. As the demo opens the Overlord, aided and abetted by a team of brown fighter Minions, emerges from his underground lair into the ice caves only to discover a Yeti frozen in a block of ice. The Minions can, in their inimitably violent way, 'defrost' him and then give chase as he knuckles out into the snowy wastes of the Hunting Grounds, near the town of Nordberg.



Then it's time to put the Minions to work, harvesting valuable life-force from the indigenous fauna. Minions will happily lock onto anything in the vicinity - including fluffy seal pups ('Well,' argue the Minions, 'the smelly furballs are eating all the lovely fishies'). There are also Nordburgian Hunters and hippy, peace-loving elves to contend with but, as ever, the Minions aren't fussy who they attack for their master.

To speed their progress, Minions can befriend a pack of wolves and ride them through the snowy landscape like a Minion Cavalry. The wolf-mounted Minion is an altogether tougher force and more deadly - wolves have their own attack moves and will knock enemies off their feet through sheer force, biting and goring opponents into submission.

Discover why being evil has never been so much fun with the Overlord II playable demo, now available from Xbox LIVE Marketplace.

Peregrine video game glove E3 Fact Sheet

The Peregrine is a new way to control PC games. It is a seamless, customizable input device that you wear on your hand in order to better control increasingly complex real-time strategy and massively multiplayer titles.

Gamers who add the Peregrine to their arsenal will gain access to more than 30 actions in the palms of their hands, allowing them to command armies and cast spells with speed, accuracy and comfort.

Features:

› Over 30 actions available at the touch of a finger
› Maximum comfort during long gaming sessions thanks to durable, flexible fabric construction and military-grade conductive traces
› Three sizes to fit the needs of gamers big and small
› Magnetic break-away USB pod so gamers aren’t leashed to their desks
› Customizable faceplate for a unique look
› Premium quality electronics and connectors to ensure a long lifespan
› Full compatibility with any PC game that uses the keyboard

X-Men Origins Wolverine Uncaged Edition downloadable videogame content

The feral fury rages on as Activision announced today that X-Men Origins: Wolverine Uncaged Edition downloadable videogame content is now available for the Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system. Inspired by 20th Century Fox’s X-Men Origins: Wolverine, in theaters everywhere, players can now download the Weapon X Arena, a level composed of four unique combat simulators, from Xbox LIVE Marketplace for 800 Microsoft Points and from the PlayStation Store.

Custom Combat Arena
Gamers can spawn any combination of small and large enemies to face combinations not available in standard gameplay, from hordes of grunts they can cut down in seconds to a complex mix of enemies, including a Sentinel Prototype, Jungle Grappler, Machine Gunners and more.

Ladder Challenge
Once players have encountered all enemies in the game, the Ladder Challenge room unlocks, presenting gamers with a preconfigured challenge. Enemy types and numbers start small and ramp up, flooding the room for fifty waves of increasingly difficult combat challenges.

Environmental Simulator
This room includes all the unique environmental weapons in the game, including broken tree branches that can be used as spears, forklift skids to throw enemies toward and computer consoles into which players can smash enemies—to name a few.

The Weapon X Arena also contains a bonus room with heightened enemy reaction effects.

The X-Men Origins: Wolverine videogame is rated “M” (for Mature) by the ESRB on Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system, and PLAYSTATION 3.

Chinese 12 Sheng Xiao, the guarding demon of everyone, will come to World of Kung Fu

Do you know Sheng Xiao, the Chinese zodiac? Maybe it’s a fresh word in English world. But in China, everyone has Sheng Xiao as the guarding demon of themselves. When a little baby comes to this world, he will get Sheng Xiao depending on his date of birth.

In Chinese traditional culture, each year has an animal to symbolize. There are totally 12 animals as a rotation: rat, bull, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, cock, dog and pig. They are called 12 Sheng Xiao in China.

Now 12 Sheng Xiao will arrive as pets of players in World of Kung Fu, the popular MMORPG from VestGame Entertainment next week. The pets not only can pick up loots for their owner, but also bless people with nice buff.

Do you know which animal is the guarding demon of you? Here are some years related to different Sheng Xiao. Check the year you were born and get your Sheng Xiao.

Rat: 1948 1960 1972 1984 1996 2008

Bull: 1949 1961 1973 1985 1997 2009

Tiger: 1950 1962 1974 1986 1998

Rabbit : 1951 1963 1975 1987 1999

Dragon : 1952 1964 1976 1988 2000

Snake : 1953 1965 1977 1989 2001

Horse : 1954 1966 1978 1990 2002

Goat: 1955 1967 1979 1991 2003

Monkey : 1956 1968 1980 1992 2004

Cock : 1957 1969 1981 1993 2005

Dog: 1958 1970 1982 1994 2006

Pig: 1959 1971 1983 1995 2007

My Friends Friend Maker Nintendo DS video game out in July

Create your own friends from a massive collection of clothes, accessories and colours. Ever wanted a friend with purple hair, green shoes, who is cool and loves heavy metal?

The possibilities are endless! Lots of funky hats, glasses, clothes and unusual items you can give your friends – it all adds to the fun!

Give your best friend a makeover and then go out and play together!

Once you’ve given your friend a makeover, you can give them a funky new name and then chose different animations and characteristics! And if you don’t like them – you can go back and change them! The happier your friends are, the more games, clothes, accessories and hairstyles you can unlock… you can even unlock new locations to go and explore and play games in! You can share gifts and friends with other Nintendo DS™ owners and also chat with up to three of them via DS Wireless Communications.

This summer, let My Friends take you to a whole new world of fun & games!

Make Friends, Play Games, Have Fun with My Friends, available for Nintendo DS on 31st July 2009.

The Sims re-write the ten commandments - video game screenshots

Brits suggest updated Commandments as they fail to remember, understand or see relevance in many of the traditional ten

New research out today reveals that over a quarter (28 per cent) of 11 to 16 year old British children can’t recite a single one of the Ten Commandments and only six per cent of British adults and children can recite all ten from memory.

Despite traditionally being viewed as the ultimate set of moral standards for society to live by, research conducted by computer game The Sims 3 reveals that many of the commandments are now seen as outdated and irrelevant to modern life in the UK, with the average number Brits can quote from memory only being four out of the 10.

To mark the launch of The Sims 3 on Friday 5th June, the British public has been invited to suggest a new modern day set of Ten Commandments to reflect the world we live in today.

The Ten Commandments Rewritten have been hand carved into two stone tablets (as referred to in the Bible when they were given to Moses by God on Mount Sinai) and will be offered to the Houses of Parliament this week as a benchmark of public opinion about the standards that we should all live by today.

The limestone tablets feature updated versions of six of the traditional commandments that Brits still find relevant to life today but replace the remaining four with the most common themes of over 1,000 suggestions of those polled. Each of the new Ten Commandments uses modern language to help make them more easily understood.
The remaining four new commandments act as a real sign of the times focusing around not being motivated by greed following the MPs’ expenses scandal, not committing acts of terrorism, respecting and protecting the planet, and respecting all people regardless of race, religion or sexuality.

Modernised Traditional Commandments (ranked in order of importance to the British public)
1. Do not kill
2. Do not steal
3. Do not cheat on your partner with another person
4. Do not envy others
5. Respect your parents
6. Do not accuse a person of something they did not do

New Commandments
7. Respect all people regardless of race, religion or sexuality
8. Do not commit acts of terrorism
9. Respect and protect the planet
10. Do not be motivated by greed

Play God
The Sims 3 effectively allows users to ‘play God’. Players become the creators of their own world and the characters that live (or die) within it. They control the lives, personalities and moral conduct of the characters they create. They can then decide whether they choose to ‘play nice’ and give their characters (Sims) happy, prosperous life or to ‘play nasty’ and make things difficult or dangerous.

With this in mind over 1,000 adults and 11 to 16 year olds were quizzed on their knowledge of the Ten Commandments and their opinions on their relevance to modern society, exploring which moral standards actually matter most to modern day Britain.

While the majority of Brits believe that six of the Ten Commandments are still relevant today (ranging from 61 per cent to 91 per cent), around two thirds of the population question the relevance of the remaining four (ranging from 62 per cent to 70 per cent).

Using both traditional and modern wording these four include:
• Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy / You shall remember and keep the Sabbath day holy (only 30 per cent of Brits believe this to still be relevant as people increasingly use Sunday as a day to work and shop)
• Thou shalt have no other gods before me / You shall have no other Gods but me (only 34 per cent of Brits believe this to still be relevant as Brits increasingly adopt other religions and beliefs)
• Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image / You shall not make for yourself any idol, nor bow down to it or worship it (only 34 per cent of Brits believe this to still be relevant as Brits increasingly idolise and ‘worship’ celebrities)
• Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain / You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God (only 38 per cent of Brits believe this to still be relevant as the name ‘God’ is so often used to express irritation or unfairness)

Many school children aged 11 to 16 also fail to understand the traditional wording of several of the Ten Commandments according to the research. These include:
• Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image (only 16 per cent claim to fully understand the meaning)
• Thou shalt have no gods before me (only 24 per cent claim to fully understand the meaning)
• Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s goods (only 25 per cent claim to fully understand the meaning)
• Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain (only 26 per cent claim to fully understand the meaning)
• Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour (only 27 per cent claim to fully understand the meaning)
• Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy (only 29 per cent claim to fully understand the meaning)

Claire Ridley, UK Marketing Manager for The Sims 3 comments:
“The Sims 3 is all about messing with life and making decisions that will affect the lives of each of the characters in the game. Whilst it is ultimately a game, a person’s moral standards will quickly start to show through revealing what sort ‘God’ they will play over their creations.”

In line with The Sims 3, the research also asked what people would be most likely to do if they could ‘play God’ for a day. While eight per cent said that they would help themselves first by making themselves more attractive or wealthy and four per cent said they were use their power to wreak revenge on someone who had done wrong by them in the past, 17 per cent would help improve the lives of friends and family.

However, the overwhelming majority of 65 per cent of Brits would choose to help the world as a whole, such as putting an end to poverty, bringing about world peace and stopping global warming.

While very few people admitted that they would be likely to break any of the Ten Commandments, the ones that people are most likely to break are keeping the Sabbath day holy (38 per cent) misusing God’s name (23 per cent), envying neighbours (19 per cent) and committing adultery (five per cent).

The Sims 3 launches on both PC and Mac formats on Friday 5th June. Photography is available on request.
ENDS
For further information please contact Laura Bonney & Daisy Swan at Mischief PR on ea@mischiefpr.com or on 0207 100 9999.

To find out more about The Sims 3 visit www.gb.thesims3.com.

More information about EA's products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at www.electronicarts.co.uk/press

Notes to editors
The Sims 3 used the independent online research company Fly Research who surveyed over 1,000 adults and children in the UK, from across the country aged 11 and over, in May 2009.

When conducting the following wording of the traditional Ten Commandments was used:
• Thou shalt have no other god before me
• Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain
• Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image
• Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy
• Honour thy father and thy mother
• Thou shalt not kill
• Thou shalt not commit adultery
• Thou shalt not steal
• Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour
• Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s goods

Fireteam Mode launched for Combat Arms video game in Europe

Nexon Europe unveils today the anticipated new Fireteam mode for its popular free-to-play online first-person-shooter, Combat Arms Europe.

Unlike previous missions, Fireteam is a cooperative based mission and pits four to eight players against the ‘Sand Hog’, a computer-controlled enemy terrorist army, in an intense multi-staged hostage rescue mission. Players can choose from three different difficulty degrees (Normal, Hard and Extreme) and are further challenged with a limited amount of HP and ammunition.

Both can be replenished by picking up ammos and medical kits dropped by fallen enemies, or by reaching certain checkpoints which will also revive fallen teammates.

The goal of the mission is to clear all of the stages before the mission timer runs out, and each game is individually scored based on the player’s performance.

The ‘Sand Hog’ is a terrorist military organization suspected of illegally supplying weapons to nearby countries. An infiltration team sent in earlier had signaled that it had obtained some vital Intel, but failed to make it to the extraction point and is now believed to be captured or killed. The mission is now for players to infiltrate the area and gather the necessary Intel, and if possible, find and rescue the infiltration team.

"Are You Smarter Than A 10 Year Old?" Comes to the mobile phone!

Are You Smarter Than A 10 Year Old? The hit Sky one quiz show is now available for your mobile phone.
Reminisce about your old school days and test your skills in 15 different subjects ranging from History and Maths to Geography and English. Will you be brave enough to answer the questions alone or will you rely on your 10 year old classmates to help you out?

Choose carefully as each classmate has different strengths and weaknesses. Answer 11 questions to avoid the humiliation of having to admit “I am not smarter than a 10 year old!

Biggest Loser video game Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS Exclusive

THQ announce The Biggest Loser interactive health and fitness video game is currently in development exclusively for Wii and Nintendo DS and is scheduled for release this fall. The Biggest Loser video game is based on the highly rated NBC television show and will feature the expertise of trainers Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels who will provide comprehensive workouts and nutrition goals to help players transform their lives through diet and exercise. The video game will also include Alison Sweeney, host of The Biggest Loser TV show. The Biggest Loser video game is being developed and released through a license agreement with NBC Universal Television, DVD, Music and Consumer Products Group and Reveille LLC.

“NBC’s The Biggest Loser show has transformed so many lives across the globe,” said Randy Shoemaker, vice president, global brand management, THQ. “The Biggest Loser video game will help Nintendo players everywhere achieve that same success at home. The video game offers fun, innovative work-out routines and functions as a complete, personalized health and fitness experience, giving players the tools they need to change their bodies and change their lives.”

“The hardest part of getting in shape and staying fit is knowing what to do, as well as maintaining the desire to stick with it,” said Bob Harper, The Biggest Loser trainer. “The Biggest Loser video game incorporates years of research and proven results taken from The Biggest Loser television show. This program offers personalized fitness and nutrition goals to give players the tools they need to lose weight and keep it off. ”

“We are really proud to be able to introduce this video game as part of the great line of product affiliated with ‘The Biggest Loser,’” said Kim Niemi, Senior Vice President, NBC Universal Television, DVD, Music and Consumer Products Group. “This video game presents an opportunity for the whole family to exercise and get fit, while having fun together.”

"The Wii is the perfect video game platform for The Biggest Loser, as it encourages activity and motivation,” said Mark Koops, Managing Director at Reveille, the production company behind The Biggest Loser. “The video game not only offers a really fun way to work out, but it also provides users with an effective weight loss tool to help them meet their personal goals. It is a perfect complement to our existing Biggest Loser lifestyle products."

About The Biggest Loser Video Game

The Biggest Loser video game is a fun and engaging way for players to get in shape and maintain their ideal fitness. Set at The Biggest Loser ranch, players can take The Biggest Loser challenge and compete in 4, 8 or 12 week programs against former contestants from the television show, or workout with a friend to form a support system to see who really is The Biggest Loser. Players will work-out to a series of structured routines with special weekly challenges, weigh-ins and eliminations, or they can even create their own workouts. Workouts include upper, lower and core body exercises, as well as cardio and yoga exercises. Progress is documented on a calendar that keeps track of in-game achievements, upcoming training and weigh-in dates. Players can also receive credit for any progress made while not playing the video game, such as going for a walk or a bike ride.

The video game also features 50 healthy recipes from the BiggestLoserClub.com and The New York Times best-selling book series The Biggest Loser to help users learn how to eat right for optimal weight loss. Throughout the Wii workout program, suggestions and tips from contestants and trainers will also help guide players as they transform their lives via diet and exercise. The video game also features an interactive calorie counter that tracks what players are eating and recommends their daily intake based on individual goals.

When paired together, the Wii and Nintendo DS games become powerful training partners with the Nintendo DS serving as a portable tool that can be used to count calories, as well as serve up healthy recipe suggestions on the go. Players can take their ‘trainer’ with them for food, exercise and diet tips that encourage them to stick to their fitness goals no matter where they are. To find out more information on The Biggest Loser video game, go to www.biggestloserthegame.com.

About The Biggest Loser
The first reality series where everybody "loses," The Biggest Loser challenges and encourages overweight contestants to shed pounds in a safe and recommended manner through comprehensive diet and exercise as they compete for a grand prize of $250,000. Hosted by Alison Sweeney (Days of our Lives), the series provides the contestants with challenges, temptations, weigh-ins and eliminations until the final contestant remains to claim the title of "the biggest loser." Each team works out under the supervision of professional trainers Jillian Michaels and Bob Harper. The Biggest Loser is a production of Reveille LLC, 25/7 Productions and 3 Ball Productions.

Beyond the U.S. where more than 100 episodes of the show have aired, The Biggest Loser has become a worldwide hit appearing in over 90 countries and produced in 25 countries. Since its debut in 2004, The Biggest Loser has grown to become a standalone health and lifestyle brand by developing tools and products inspired by the show and approved by its doctors and experts. Anchored by the online, subscription-based extension of the show, Biggestloserclub.com, The Biggest Loser Meal Plan, The New York Times best-selling books series, best-selling fitness DVD series, a line of appliances, fitness equipment, protein supplements and countless other health and lifestyle based products, The Biggest Loser consumer products program has generated over $50 million in spending with presence at more than 25,000 major retailers to date. The Biggest Loser was recognized as a top brand of the year in Advertising Age’s 2008 Marketing 50.

Metal Gear Solid - PeaceWalker PSP video game breaks cover

Hideo Kojima?s classic series returns with new story and gameplay mechanics in exclusive new title for PSP
Konami announce an all-new Metal Gear Solid title for PSP (PLAYSTATION PORTABLE), entitled Metal Gear Solid: PeaceWalker. Designed as a full sequel to Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, the PSP title offers an unique, new game system and an original story from series creator Hideo Kojima.
Developed by the legendary Hideo Kojima - the mastermind behind the most successful video game tactical-espionage series of all time - this latest PSP® installment picks up where Metal Gear Solid 3 left off. Players take control of the famed Snake, in a thrilling story set in 1974.

Metal Gear Solid: PeaceWalker features original game design, story and scenario by Hideo Kojima. Scheduled to launch in 2010, the game takes the series in an exciting new direction with its incredible visuals and its unique new game system designed specifically with the PSP in mind. Additionally, both download and boxed copy will be available.

"With Metal Gear Solid: PeaceWalker, Kojima Productions has once again pushed the limits of the PSP system, creating a beautiful sequel to Metal Gear Solid 3," said Martin Schneider, European Marketing Director for Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH. "Metal Gear Solid: PeaceWalker lets players take the action and excitement of a console game to the PSP, and is a stunning addition to MGS Lore."

Metal Gear Solid - Rising video game Not Exclusive on Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3 and PC-DVD

Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH has announced Kojima Productions is working on a new Metal Gear Solid title, which will mark the series’ first simultaneous multi-format release. Entitled Metal Gear Solid: Rising, the game will be available for Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3 and PC-DVD.

The first Metal Gear Solid game in the series’ history to be released simultaneously on three platforms, Metal Gear Solid: Rising stars Raiden – one of the most popular characters within the MGS universe. Raiden made his debut as a playable character in Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty for PlayStation 2, and appeared as a non-playable cyborg in Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots for PLAYSTATION 3.

“The Metal Gear Solid series has always pushed the bar with its cinematic visuals and entertaining story line,” commented Martin Schneider, European Marketing Director for Konami. “Now even more gamers can immerse themselves in the franchise and experience the groundbreaking series as Metal Gear Solid: Rising heads to the platform of their choice.”

The Super Hero Squad Show Cartoon Network video game coming soon

THQ announceplans to deliver Marvel Super Hero Squad, the first video game based on the animated series, The Super Hero Squad Show, scheduled to debut this fall on Cartoon Network. Marvel Super Hero Squad will mark the first title in THQ’s licensing agreement with Marvel Entertainment, Inc., and is currently in development for Nintendo Wii home video game system, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system and PSP (PlayStation Portable) system. The multiplayer adventure game will feature nonstop action-adventure gameplay and epic battles, as well as a breadth of the new, super-stylized Marvel characters.

“We are thrilled to add Marvel Super Hero Squad to THQ’s extensive licensed kids portfolio,” said Kevin Kraff, vice president, global brand management, THQ. “Super Hero Squad will feature an animation style that will appeal to a younger audience, but its depth in graphics and gameplay will also engage the more mature, avid fans of the renowned Marvel brand.”

“Expanding upon The Super Hero Squad Show brand is a major initiative for Marvel in 2009, and launching the Marvel Super Hero Squad video game is a key component in the brand expansion,” said Simon Phillips, president, Worldwide Consumer Products, and CEO, Marvel Animation. “We are confident THQ will bring the renowned Marvel characters to life in a video game that will satisfy the longtime Marvel fans, as well as bring new fans into the fold.”

About Marvel Super Hero Squad
Set in the ever popular Marvel Universe, the Super Hero Squad is on a dire mission against Dr. Doom’s Lethal Legion of villains to recover the hidden Infinity Fractals; fragments of the all-powerful Infinity Sword. Each Infinity Fractal holds incredible power and can have significant effects on its possessor, giving each character special abilities that could alter the game’s rules and playing field. With more than 20 Marvel characters to mix and match, players can choose to take on the role of their favorite Super Heroes and Super Villains, such as Captain America, Dr. Doom, Falcon, Hulk, Iron Man, Juggernaut, Ms. Marvel, Silver Surfer, Thing, Thor and Wolverine, to name a few. Using character-specific super powers and customized combo attacks, players will blast, punch, and bash in fast-moving combat with their nemesis. Players can either jump into a battle arena against up to three opponents in Battle Mode, or choose to relive six campaigns as depicted from the animated series in Adventure Mode. Marvel Super Hero Squad is an immersive, single and multiplayer game filled with dramatic, interactive environments where players are given extraordinary powers to fight for good or evil, depending on which Super Hero Squad character they chose to play as.

For more information on the Marvel Super Hero Squad video game, please visit www.marvelshsgame.com. Information on the rest of THQ’s line-up of family-friendly titles is available on www.playthq.com.

About Marvel Entertainment, Inc.
Marvel Entertainment, Inc. is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 5,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in licensing, entertainment (via Marvel Studios and Marvel Animation) and publishing (via Marvel Comics). Marvel’s strategy is to leverage its franchises in a growing array of opportunities around the world, including feature films, consumer products, toys, video games, animated television, direct-to-DVD and online. For more information, visit www.marvel.com.

About THQ
THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) is a leading worldwide developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software. The company develops its products for all popular game systems, personal computers and wireless devices. Headquartered in Los Angeles County, California, THQ sells product through its global network of offices located throughout North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. More information about THQ and its products may be found at www.thq.com. THQ and the THQ logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of THQ Inc.

Marvel and all related characters are trademarks of Marvel Entertainment, Inc. and its subsidiaries and are used with permission. Copyright © 2009 Marvel Entertainment, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Licensed by Marvel Characters B.V. www.marvel.com. All rights reserved. Super Hero(es) and Super Villain(s) are co-owned registered trademarks.

“PlayStation”, “PLAYSTATION”, “PS” Family logo and “PSP” are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. PSP® system – Memory Stick Duo™ may be required (sold separately).
Wii and Nintendo DS are trademarks of Nintendo.

All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

The statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts may be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the business of THQ Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as “THQ”), including, but not limited to, expectations and projections related to the Marvel Super Hero Squad video game, and are based upon management’s current beliefs and certain assumptions made by management. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, business, competitive, economic, legal, political and technological factors affecting our industry, operations, markets, products or pricing. Readers should carefully review the risk factors and the information that could materially affect THQ’s financial results, described in other documents that THQ files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal period ended March 31, 2009, and particularly the discussion of risk factors set forth therein. Unless otherwise required by law, THQ disclaims any obligation to update its view on any such risks or uncertainties or to revise or publicly release the results of any revision to these forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release.

Warhammer 40,000 - Space Marine video game Fact Sheet

THQ announce Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine, from renowned internal studio Relic Entertainment, will bring Games Workshop’s (LSE: GAW) Warhammer 40,000 science fiction universe to life on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system for the first time. The Action-RPG title will put players in control of individual units throughout a narrative-driven story campaign and in wide-scale online battles. Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine will be unveiled at E3 2009 in THQ’s booth – number 5300 in the West Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center.

“The Warhammer 40,000 universe has a huge global following and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine will bring that world to life on the Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 systems for the first time ever,” said Kevin Kraff, vice president, global brand management, THQ Inc. “Relic Entertainment is leveraging years of experience developing games within the universe to create an Action-RPG experience unlike anything seen before.”

“Space Marine is an Action-RPG built from the ground up for the Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 systems, and will allow gamers to take control of individual units and fight in epic battles across the Warhammer 40,000 universe,” said Jonathan Dowdeswell, general manager, Relic Entertainment. “Relic has a deep understanding of the license based on our previous projects with Games Workshop, and our goal is to ensure Space Marine delivers the most intimate and brutal Warhammer 40,000 experience to date.”

About Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine takes place in the brutal, science fiction setting of Games Workshop’s Warhammer 40,000 universe. In the 41st Millennium, humanity faces extinction at the hands of horrific aliens and demonic hordes. Only one force offers salvation, the superhuman Space Marines. Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine is an intense Action-RPG featuring epic battles where players take direct control of the ultimate defender of humanity, the mighty Space Marine. Space Marine is currently in development at THQ’s internal studio Relic Entertainment for the Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 systems. In the grim darkness of the far future there is only war™…

Homefront, a new First Person Shooter

THQ announced Homefront, a new First Person Shooter (FPS) from internal developer Kaos Studios. Penned by John Milius (Apocalypse Now, Red Dawn), Homefront is set ten years after the economic collapse of the United States and follows the American Civilian Resistance as they fight to reclaim their homeland from an oppressive North Korean occupation. Featuring a personal, story-driven single player campaign and a full suite of multiplayer options, Homefront is scheduled for release on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC. Homefront will be unveiled at E3 2009 in THQ’s booth – number 5300 in the West Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center.

“Homefront isn’t about going to war on the other side of the world or battling aliens from another planet; it’s about fighting foreign invaders in your own backyard and defending your right to live,” said David Votypka, design director, Kaos Studios. “Homefront combines the unsettling notion of an occupied America with interactive, player-driven narratives to create a deeply engaging single and multiplayer experience.”

“Kaos Studios is using powerful narrative and environmental storytelling to create a plausible, near-futuristic setting where the people of a once mighty nation must fight to maintain their existence,” said Kevin Kraff, vice president of global brand management, THQ. “This harsh backdrop will be the foundation for an emotionally-charged single-player campaign and an intense multiplayer experience.”

About Homefront
The year is 2027. The world has suffered a decade-long energy crisis, and economies have crumbled. Reduced to a mere shadow of the super power it once was, the United States became the target of a North Korean takeover. American malls, suburbs and city streets are now battlegrounds as the civilian resistance fights for freedom. Featuring a compelling single player story crafted by John Milius (Apocalypse Now, Red Dawn), Homefront immerses gamers in an interactive and cinematic FPS experience where they will assume an infantry role or take command of a wide variety of aerial and ground vehicles. In addition to the single-player experience, Homefront will deliver a robust multiplayer experience. In a land stripped of freedom, the brave will fight for their home.

Drawn to Life - The Next Chapter video game coming to Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS

THQ announce the next addition to its incredibly successful Drawn to Life franchise, Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter is currently in development exclusively for Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS. Featuring an innovative new action drawing feature and enhanced drawing tools, Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter will give players new creative tools and immerse them into new worlds they create and explore. The game is scheduled for release in fall 2009.

“Drawn to Life continues to be tremendously successful because it delivers a creative experience unlike any other game out there. Gamers of all ages love drawing their hero and seeing all of their creations come to life in the game, making it their own unique experience,” said Randy Shoemaker, vice president, global brand management. “Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter raises the creative bar with a totally new experience for both Wii and Nintendo DS fans alike.”

About Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter
In Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter for Wii, players will draw their own heroes using the Wii Remote™ to find the Artifacts of Power and rid the Raposa village of an evil, shadowy figure that has taken over the land. Throughout the game, players will draw more than 100 unique items from robust drawing tools, such as vehicles, weapons and tools, to conquer their enemies. The all-new Action Drawing tool allows for objects to be drawn directly into the game to help navigate through several environments, including a sky world, a jungle and a shadow city. In addition, the game’s multi-player feature will allow players to draw their team members and equipment to compete against others in a variety of mini-games, such as soccer, hockey and basketball.

In Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter for Nintendo DS, players will be able to draw their own heroes, be it humans, animals or multi-limbed creatures, and will embark on a brand new adventure aboard a Turtle Ship to defeat the evil Wilfre and restore color to the Raposa civilization. Players will have the ability to morph their hero into a blob or a spider, adding more gameplay and allowing for players to play each level a variety of different ways. The game’s Action Drawing Tool gives each color special properties when drawing objects into the game to help solve puzzles and progression through the game. Along the way, they will collect coins and color drops to unlock a variety of content, including challenges and quests, customization options and hero abilities. In addition, the game’s multi-player aspect allows players to trade heroes, weapons, items and accessories with friends.

Picross 3D Nintendo DS, DSi video game E3 Fact Sheet

Picross 3D is based on the worldwide popular Picross DS puzzle game. Picross 3D moves the action into three dimensions and blends the logical challenge of a number-based puzzle with the excitement of discovering the hidden images within.

FEATURES:
• Players start with a solid block of cubes marked with numbers on the end of each row. The numbers represent the number of blocks that will remain in that row. If the number five is marked on the end of a row of six blocks,for example, one of those blocks must be eliminated. But which one? Players must deduce the answer basedon the numbers marked on other rows.

• Players tap a hammer to eliminate blocks they think don’t belong or use a paintbrush to mark ones they think should stay.

• Once all the appropriate blocks have been chipped away, a fun object will be revealed. There are more than 350 objects to discover in the game.

• Picross 3D lets players create their own customized puzzles. Players can either share their creations with other Picross 3D players via a local wireless connection or use their broadband Internet connection and Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection to submit their puzzles into a monthly contest. Winners will have their puzzles featured in free weekly downloads available to all Picross 3D players.

• If multiple people want to play Picross 3D, game owners can also send a sample puzzle to others via DS Download Play without the need of a second game card.

Platform: Nintendo DS and Nintendo DSi
Genre: Puzzle
Players: 1
Rating: RP (Rating Rating)
Release: TBD
Developer: HAL Laboratory, Inc.
Suggested Retail Price: TBD

World of Zoo video game

THQ announce its new, original intellectual property, World of Zoo is currently in development to make its scheduled debut for Wii™, Nintendo DS and Windows PC this fall. World of Zoo takes players beyond the fences and into their own zoo, allowing them to care for and build relationships with numerous animals through hands-on interactive gameplay. Packed full of customization features, players will be able to experience their own personalized virtual zoo creating an experience unlike any other animal-based simulation game. In addition, the game will be showcased at the upcoming E3 Expo 2009 being held at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

“We are excited to introduce this game to animal lovers and zoo fans of all ages,” said Randy Shoemaker, vice president, global brand management at THQ. “This game expands the real-world zoo experience, giving players an all-access pass to interact with the world’s most amazing animals up close and personal.”

World of Zoo is a family-friendly game that will open the gates for gamers to freely roam their zoo in ways they have only imagined. With more than 90 different animals spanning 11 families to care for, players will have ample opportunities to engage with all types of species. The Animal Creator feature will allow players to create an unlimited number of animals and be able to customize each one. They can even add animals to any of the 20 different exhibits available in the game utilizing the Animal Adoption Network feature. Players can also learn about their animals through fun animal facts provided by National Geographic. Each animal is completely unique with different personalities and behaviors. It will be up to the player to determine ways to gain their trust and keep their animals happy, ultimately earning a Magic Moment from their animal.

Cars Race-O-Rama video game based on Disney Pixar movie

THQ announce plans to bring a new video game based on Disney Pixar’s highly successful Cars film, Cars Race-O-Rama, to all major systems worldwide beginning in fall 2009. Cars Race-O-Rama is currently in development across six game systems, including Nintendo Wii video game system, Nintendo DS , the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system, PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system and PSP (PlayStation Portable) system. Cars Race-O-Rama will mark the third installment in THQ’s highly successful Cars video game franchise, which has shipped more than 13 million units worldwide to date. In addition, the game will be showcased at the upcoming E3 Expo 2009 being held in the Los Angeles Convention Center.

In Cars Race-O-Rama, players will join Lightning McQueen and Chick Hicks in Radiator Springs as they prepare their academy of student racers to compete in the Race-O-Rama Exhibition. Players will encounter 12 new playable characters making their video game debut. A new and improved Lightning McQueen will come fully equipped with special racing kits, allowing him to better maneuver brand new, action-packed tracks that will take players to metro city streets, the Baja desert and sandy beaches. In addition, players are now able to modify Lightning McQueen’s wheels, rims, hood, side skirt, rear bumper, spoiler and paint with special customization features, giving Lightning a personalized style and look that has never been seen before. As players compete in this high-speed, racing adventure game, they will be able to utilize Lightning McQueen’s newly designed drifting abilities and perform “Kachow” poses for enthusiastic reporters and fans encountered throughout the game. Cars Race-O-Rama will also feature multiplayer mini-games based on Disney Pixar’s “Cars Toons,” a series of animated shorts that are currently being aired on the Disney Channel.

June 4th - Reveal Cover Athlete for NBA 2K10 during Pre-Game Show for Game One of the NBA Finals

Basketball fans will get a treat June 4th as 2K Sports reveals the cover athlete for the highly anticipated basketball video game, NBA 2K10. An exclusive 30 second TV spot will air during the NBA Countdown pre-game show for Game One of the 2009 NBA Finals, June 4 at 9:00 p.m. ET on ABC. NBA 2K10 is the upcoming 10th anniversary edition of the hugely popular NBA 2K franchise, the No1 selling basketball video game* and No1 rated NBA simulation for eight years in a row**.The 2009 NBA Finals are currently scheduled to tip off on June 4 at 9:00 p.m. ET on ABC.

* According to 2008-09 Gamerankings.com and NPD data.


**The NBA 2K series developed by Visual Concepts outranked competitors based on GameRankings.com average scores of 2001-2009 NBA video games.

THQ E3 games - Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine, Homefront, MX vs. ATV Reflex, Darksiders, Red Faction: Guerrilla and more

THQ announce its Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) 2009 line-up featuring games for both core and casual gamers across all across all major platforms to be displayed in booth No5300, in the West Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center June 2-4.

On display for the first time will be Relic Entertainment’s Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine, Kaos Studios’ Homefront and Rainbow Studios’ MX v ATV Reflex. THQ will also be offering extended hands-on time with Vigil Games’ post-apocalyptic action-adventure title Darksiders and the critically acclaimed Red Faction: Guerrilla, which released today. THQ’s kids and family portfolio will be highlighted by first looks at Marvel Super Hero Squad, Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter and World of Zoo.

THQ will also be presenting WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010, UFC 2009 Undisputed, Cars Race-O-Rama, Dragonica Online, All Star Cheer Squad 2, SpongeBob’s Truth or Square and James Patterson: Women’s Murder Club Games of Passion.

“THQ is proud to be entering E3 2009 celebrating the worldwide critical success of UFC 2009 Undisputed and Red Faction: Guerrilla,” said Brian Farrell, president and CEO, THQ. “We’re showcasing an E3 line-up that demonstrates our highly focused five point product strategy, ensuring that success continues through fiscal year 2010 and beyond.”