New sci-fi massively multi-player online game, Outer Empires

Online game developer Iron Will Studios launches the web browser-based version of its expansive new sci-fi massively multi-player online game, Outer Empires.

Set in a persistent galaxy with more than 20,000 star systems for players to explore, colonise and control, Outer Empires has completed its extensive beta testing phase.

“To paraphrase Douglas Adams, Outer Empires is big. Really big,” says lead designer Paul Hutson. “We’ve built one of the biggest sandbox environments in gaming history, and players are already flooding into the Outer Empires galaxy to begin building new lives as miners, traders, pirates, politicians, tyrants and all manner of other lifestyles this enormous game promises.”

Outer Empires blends together the MMO space-faring elements of games such as EVE Online, the classic space exploration game Elite, and the socio-political adventuring of Sins of a Solar Empire into a whole new universe of trade, economics, questing and war.

Playing directly within a web browser, no installation is required to begin forging a career in Outer Empires, allowing players to jump into the same game any time they’re near a PC.

“We want people to be able to play anywhere, anytime,” Hutson continues. “That’s why it was essential to make Outer Empires as accessible as possible, so they can play at home, at work, at the internet cafe and soon – thanks to the iPhone and iPod touch version – anywhere they want.”

The exact same game has been adapted to Apple’s prolific handheld platform and submitted for App Store approval, which will allow iPhone and iPod touch users to join the same persistent universe and play the same game as they would on a PC or Mac.

Outer Empires offers players the chance to not only discover and colonise new worlds at the far reaches of cyberspace, but to create and join factions (or guilds) to pool their resources, expand territories and even establish player-run governments in their own quadrant of the galaxy.

“Outer Empires is quite literally a brand new galaxy waiting for players to mould it into the experience they’re looking for,” Hutson concludes. “The only limits are the player’s imagination, and the amount of fuel their ship can carry!”

The Outer Empires MMO is completely free to play, but features a subscription fee (from as little as $3.18 per month), allowing them to access a far greater range of in-game vehicles, items and colonies.

Visit www.Outer-Empires.com to sign up and start playing Outer Empires right away.


FEATURES LIST:

* Play directly within any web browser (Firefox, Opera, Chrome, Safari etc.)
* Coming soon to iPhone and iPod Touch
* Fly missions (transport, fighter, freight, exploration, bounty)
* Set up colonies (Mining, Food Production, Manufacture, Development/Research)
* Run/join factions (guilds) within the game.
* Take control of and fight for systems (either themselves or as part of a faction).
* Buy/Mod/Build/Sell ships using a number of variable items that can be created from the manufacture plants players set up.
* Story arcs and player-led governments
* Trade with other players and the system.

Dragon Portals video game for iPhone and iPod Touch

Dragon Portals is now available for iPhone and iPod touch. The game is an adaptation from a premium casual game originally released for PC and Mac.
”We are thrilled being able to bring our latest casual title on iPhone and iPod touch as well,” said Tero Alatalo, the CEO of 10tons. “Dragon Portals works really well on iPhone, and offers a premium casual game experience for everyone who enjoys challenging marble dropping action.”

Dragon Portals makes use of iPhone’s intuitive touch controls in an easy to learn but hard to master match three game. The game offers several hours of enjoyable puzzle action with unique game mechanics. The player assumes the role of Mila, the long lost descendant of a Dragon Sentinel. The mission is to free the friendly dragons from the dark magic that binds them to the ground. The goal in each level is to keep the dragons aloft by making matches of three or more same colored orbs. Over a dozen different power ups and over 70 levels are sure to keep the player entertained for hours. In addition there is an endless survival mode in which the player tries to stay in flight for as long as possible.

The game is developed by 10tons’ casual game studio MythPeople. It is their second premium casual game release on App Store. The first one, Azkend, has received outstanding reviews since its release in April 2009. Additional mobile adaptations of 10tons casual games are in the horizon as well as unique titles for just iPhone and iPod touch.

Dragon Portals is now available from Apple’s App Store on iPhone or iPod touch or at www.itunes.com/appstore/. The game will be available for $0.99 until 23rd of August 2009 and $4.99 thereafter.

Interaction iPhone movie Scream in the Dark released

Little Worlds Studio is proud to announce Scream in the Dark on iPhone, the first interactive film for B-movie fans! Can you do better than all those teens slaughtered en masse in horror films?

In "Scream In The Dark," you must escape the clutches of a mysterious serial killer by making the right choices at the right time.

It's the first episode of an interactive series in which you are the hero.

Finally, you can play a bimbo in a Z movie and perhaps survive longer than 5 minutes...

Test your friends too and compare your survival instincts using a scoring system.

Features:
- Exclusive choice system throughout the film for a unique interactive experience.
- Original graphic style.
- Interactive film with more than 20 minutes of video.
- Bonus to unlock.
- Saving system for high scores.
- Vote for who will be the next baddie in Episode 2.
- Languages: French, English, German, Spanish, Italian.

Vote on Facebook for the next serial killer you’d like to see in Episode 2!

Igor: See his hammer? Your nuts are gone!

Helmut: Schwarzwald Chainsaw massacre? No more bush!

Logan: Rock, axe and fun!

YOUR choice will determine the badass to defeat in the next episode.

One of the world’s largest MMO Aion video game out soon in Europe

NCsoft, the world's premier publisher and developer of MMOs, confirmed that Aion will be in stores soon. Aion is the highly anticipated game that has already taken Asia by storm and has quickly become one of the world’s largest MMO franchises ahead of its release in Europe on 25th September.

In advance of the game’s launch, Aion will be showcased at both GamesCom 2009 in Cologne, Germany, as well as the Penny Arcade Expo 2009 in Seattle, US. Both events will feature exclusive hands-on access to the 1.5 version of the game, which has yet to be unveiled to Western audiences. This version of the game introduces numerous enhancements, including continued improvements to Aion’s innovative character customisation that will now include a host of Western styles, as well as new zones, instances, skills, quests and continued game balancing and improvements.



Aion has already built major momentum among gamers across Europe and North America, with more than three million hours of gameplay logged in the game’s closed best testing alone. Additionally, the Limited Collector’s Edition version of the game is nearly sold out in retailers, and Aion is currently on the best-seller lists for PC games weeks ahead of the game’s launch. Aion is available for pre-order from a number of participating online and brick-and-mortar retailers. For a complete list please go to http://eu.aiononline.com/uk/retail/.




Unlike any MMO before it, Aion is a uniquely crafted online experience where flight offers much more than just a way to explore the landscape – it is a strategic and integral part of combat, quests, and exploration. Players will dive into battle and plunge through thousands of unique, story-driven quests, all while trying to save a world literally shattered in half from centuries of brutal conflict. Using one of the most flexible and in-depth character customisation systems ever featured in an MMO, players will be able to create genuinely distinct characters and explore a visually stunning world of ethereal beauty brimming with otherworldly inhabitants, mysterious enemies, and ancient secrets.

Kidz Sports Crazy Mini Golf 2 video game on Nintendo Wii

Data Design Interactive (DDI) – a successful video games publisher and games developer – are pleased to announce the highly anticipated sequel to Kidz Sports: Crazy Mini Golf 1 which has sold over 250,000 units on the Nintendo Wii. This is another technology lead by DDI, and it will be available exclusively for Nintendo Wii in North America and Europe in the 4th Quarter of 2009.

Kidz Sports: Crazy Mini Golf 2, Developed by Data Design Interactive will be exclusively for the Nintendo Wii and will support the new Motion Plus Controller for the most realistic and accurate putting movement. Totally fluid instant feedback, wherever you swing your putter, your on-screen character follows; lift, turn, twist, swing, every detailed swing of your putter is accurately replicated in real time. It works for both left and right handed players.

Designed in collaboration with crazy golf champions, Crazy Mini Golf 2 is the perfect Wii family gaming experience. Hot on the heels of the original, Crazy Mini Golf 2 is a larger-than-life, party game that mimics the action and excitement of this popular sport.

Become fully immersed in the atmosphere of each environment with vibrant visual effects and awe-inspiring locations. With 72 of the craziest holes spread over four different worlds ranging from the spooky Halloween World, the ancient ruins of Egypt, the excitement of the Fun Fair and the cool Ice Age you’ll have hours of fun putting your way around each course.

Using the new Wii Motion Plus controller, Crazy Mini Golf 2 presents a realism that has until now not been possible, this is the most realistic and fluid golfing experience available anywhere.

The intuitive controls will make a great game for beginners and a fun challenge for the more experienced player, providing a rich, newly designed, casual golf game that revolutionises the way video game golf is played. Crazy Mini Golf 2 ‘putts’ the player in total control of the club!

Create your own unique avatars to play in game using the ‘NuYu’ character editor.
There is no limit to the amount of crazy characters you can create, with buckets of customizable features ranging from hairstyles, clothing, hats, glasses and much, much more!

Develop your career as a pro or challenge your friends in the Multiplayer mode featuring game play designed specifically to get players together for a fun experience. You can also play to beat your previous records or the current champions. The more skilled a golfer you become, the more challenge there is to keep beating your old records!

Feel the unmatched fun and intensity of the game with intuitive game play. Bringing you a fun, active and easy to play experience that family and friends can enjoy in the comfort of their own living room!


Features:

* 72 larger-than-life holes with bright colourful interactive levels
* Four exciting new courses including Funfair, Ice Age, Halloween and Egyptian Pyramids.
* Engage in single player or multiplayer tournaments to see who is the ultimate crazy golf champion? (up to 4 Wii Remotes at once)
* Special focus on the competitive Multi-Player experience. Play with up to 4 friends or family.
* Single-Player Tournament Mode – Hone your skills in the single player challenge.
* Fully immersive Wii Motion Plus technology turns the Wii Remote controller into a virtual putter.
* Intuitive and incredibly easy to pick-up-and-play control design that brings the game to life like never before for both casual and more advanced players.
* Create and customise your own unique golfing character with the amazing NuYu editor, compatible with NuYu’s from Crazy mini golf 1.
* Successful play allows for the unlocking of new character costumes, and courses.
* On-screen information describes the control method in a simple way for players of all ages.
* Immersive stylized graphic environments and characters with sound that enhances the game play experience.

Watch rally stars in their cars in the new Colin McRae - DiRT 2 video

Stunning Rally gameplay and amazing real world racing footage come together as Codemasters today launched the Colin McRae - DiRT 2 ‘Rally Rally Good’ video, now available to view at www.dirt2game.com.



Focussing on some of the core Rally events in Colin McRae - DiRT 2, the new video captures the unique exhilaration of rally driving and includes officially licensed vehicles, such as the Mitsubishi EVO X, the Subaru Impreza STI and the Colin McRae R4, tackling dramatic stages across three continents. Real world footage also captures a new generation of off-road stars, including Ken Block, Dave Mirra and Travis Pastrana, pushing their cars to the limit.

Driven by the latest generation of the award-winning EGO Engine and set to deliver a peerless rally experience, Colin McRae: DiRT 2 features a revamped handling system that incorporates full weight transfer on vehicles, enabling players to perform advance rally techniques like the Scandinavian Flick. Pace notes, written by Citroen C2R2 Champion Co-Driver 2009 George Gwynn, guide players through each challenging stage, with gamers able to choose from either an American or British Co-Driver and a choice of two call systems. Staggered starts, thousands of spectators and authentic changes in terrain make for spectacular stages and prove out why rally is the pinnacle of off-road autosport.

Colin McRae: DiRT 2’s World Tour career mode lets players choose their own path through the game, whether they decide to focus on their favourite discipline or sample the full range of exciting off-road racing on offer. Set to take racing games to a new level, gamers take on over 100 stunning events, including aggressive, multi-vehicle races and intense solo challenges set in the most diverse and demanding real-world environments. From the muddy tracks of the Malaysian rainforest to spectator-packed stadiums in London and Los Angeles, racers will compete in contemporary off-road race disciplines covering Rallycross, Trailblazer, Raid, Landrush, and Rally.

Complete with full head-to-head competitive online play, get ready for the ultimate off-road competition when Colin McRae: DiRT 2 launches September 8th (US), 10th (EPAC), 11th (UK) for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS and PSP (PlayStation Portable) system. A Games For Windows LIVE edition will follow with support for DirectX 11.

Supreme Ruler 2020 GOLD video game set for Domination on PC!

Paradox Interactive announce the release date of its upcoming war strategy title, Supreme Ruler 2020 GOLD. Developed by Battlegoat Studios, Supreme Ruler 2020 GOLD includes Supreme Ruler 2020 and official expansion Global Crisis.

In Supreme Ruler 2020, it is up to the player to lead a nation in a world that has fallen into anarchy. In Global Crisis, players face an even more devastating and realistic experience through a sandbox-style campaign that takes into account real-world headlines for a chilling portrayal of tomorrow’s chaotic world.

Grab control of one of more than 250 territories from around the world, in a sandbox-style campaign that incorporates real-world headlines for a chilling glimpse of a world on the brink of World War III.

Features:
• Over 30 scenarios spread across the original campaign and the thrilling expansion as players march towards World War III
• Control one of more than 250 territories from around the world in single-player or multiplayer modes
• Use high-resolution NASA satellite imagery to manage your sprawling empire
• Control hundreds of actual military vehicles using a sophisticated tactical command system
• Realistic world using detailed diplomatic, economic, and political models
• Great flexibility, either through modding or a limitlessly customizable Super Sandbox mode

Supreme Ruler 2020 GOLD will be available for purchase in retail stores and via digital distribution channels on September 18.

For more information, please visit the Supreme Ruler 2020 official website http://www.paradoxplaza.com/SupremeRuler2020 or http://www.battlegoat.com

Heroes of Gaia video game closed Beta Launch! Free to play game invites registrations

Snail Game, a leading game developer in China, has today announced the closed beta launch of their free-to-play fantasy MMORPG Heroes of Gaia. Registration is closed but players can enter the beta by collecting a beta key through various sources, including the community pages set up for the game at Facebook and Twitter.

Current Snail Passport holders or beta key holders can proceed to play the beta at http://play.heroesofgaia.com. Members of the gaming press, editors or owners of gaming portals may contact us to receive a beta key for review or coverage purposes.

American Golfer shoot for a fortune with Shot online world championship cash prize contest

Shot-Online Players Take Things Offline To Compete Face-to-Face For a Chance To Win Thousands in Cash Prizes-North American Preliminary Begins August 20th

San Jose-based online game publisher, Gamescampus.com (www.gamescampus.com, run by OnNet USA), announced today the upcoming dates for the North American preliminaries and the results of the European preliminaries in the World Championship for its golf game, Shot-Online.

Shot-Online has once again been chosen as an official game of 2009 GNGWC (Game and Game World Championship). The tournament is a unique opportunity for Shot-Online players to take their online golfing experience offline, giving them a chance to compete face-to-face with their fellow Shot-Online players across the world. Gamescampus and GNGWC are offering thousands in cash prizes, with the best Shot-Online players also winning a trip to Korea for the final.

The GNGWC qualifying event For North American Shot-Online gamers will take place August 20th through August 26th. The winners at that preliminary will then move on to the regional final which occur in mid-September. The North American regional winners will join winners from Korea, Japan, Europe and South America at the finals in Korea in November where they will compete for $5,000 USD in cash prizes.

The European preliminaries and regional finals were held in Germany with more than 500 players competing in Shot-Online. In the regional final held at the Leipzig games convention on July 31. four finalists from the European region were selected: Silver, Mitschel, Maddy_02 and Godewind (their in-game IDs). Matthias Bohm, the 3rd place winner said "I am very happy about being one of the top 4 winners. But the best part of the tournament was that I could meet many other players through the game."

"We saw a great response from our European gamers who came out to compete in the preliminary. There are some very talented golfers in our community," said Tony Liu, Producer of Shot Online at Gamescampus.com. "Since North America is by far our biggest market, we expect an even bigger turnout and we are excited for the competition to begin!"

The GNGWC is hosted by KIPA (the Korean SW Industry Promotion Agency) and sponsored by the Korean Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
Shot-Online has been a part of the annual tournament since its inception. Multiple countries will take place in the tournament; including Europe, North America, South America, Korea and Japan. Each will hold local contests with the final global match being held in Korea this November where 16 lucky finalists will compete for the grand prize.

Shot-Online players can sign up by going to GamesCampus' official Shot-Online website (http://shotonline.gamescampus.com).

Mini Ninjas demo out this Wednesday, August 19th!

The Mini Ninjas demo, which will be available on Xbox 360 entertainment system, PlayStation 3 entertainment system and PC, takes you on an exciting journey to feudal Japan where you join Hiro, Futo and Suzume on their biggest ninja adventure ever as they embark on an epic and electrifying quest to restore harmony to a world on the brink of chaos.



The PC demo is available for download from the official website www.minininjas.com at 10 CET, Xbox 360 demo is available on the same day via Xbox LIVE Marketplace and the PlayStation 3 demo is available through PlayStation Network on Thursday the 20th of August.

You can also get your free PC demo from the Sqaure Enix’s booth at GamesCom at (B54 in Hall 6) starting from Wednesday morning.

Mini Ninjas will be released from 8th of September across North America, 11th of September in the United Kingdom and PAL territories and 9th of October in France and Germany and will be available on Wii, Nintendo DS, Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Games for Windows and PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system.

The game will be published in Europe and PAL territories by Eidos Interactive and co-published in North America by Eidos, Inc. and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment.

Learn more about Mini Ninjas at the official webpage: www.minininjas.com and join the fan group on Facebook.

IGG's Newest Creation, '100 Year War' Unveiled at GDC Europe

IGG (www.igg.com), one of the largest Free2Play MMORPG publisher/developers in the United States, debuts its newest masterpiece, 100 Year War, at the Game Developers Conference Europe (GDC), held from August 17-19, 2009 in Cologne, Germany.

100 Year War is a historic MMORPG inspired by the legendary battle between Britain and France in the middle ages. Developed by IGG using Unreal 3D engine, 100 Year War takes players back in time with vivid graphics, cinematic narrations and detailed storylines. Set among the grandeur of medieval Europe, this new 3D MMORPG places you in the midst of a struggle that has endured since the dawn of time. As the battle plays out between the 2 proud countries, players will hold the key to deciding the fate of their chosen nation.

IGG’s developers will personally present 100 Year War for the first time to all the pioneers in the Free2play MMORPG industry, where developers from all over the world can get a sneak peek into this epic piece. Currently, IGG is actively seeking international partnerships to publish these new titles for the European market.

Iceberg Interactive Acquires European Publishing Rights for the action fighting video game Zeno Clash!

Up and coming videogame publisher Iceberg Interactive today announced that it has acquired the European publishing rights to the PC action/fighting game “Zeno Clash”, from Santiago, Chile, based videogame developer ACE Team. Scheduled for retail release throughout Europe in Q4-2009, Zeno Clash is a unique fighting game mixed with FPS elements. The gameplay has a strong focus on melee fighting blended with ranged combat using unconventional weapons.

Nominated for 'Excellence in Visual Art' at the Independent Games Festival, the spectacular graphics and visual style breathes new life into the fantasy game genre. The innovative close combat mechanics are also a deviation from traditional action in the first-person genre that will feel fresh for new and veteran players alike. Zeno Clash is set in the punk fantasy world of Zenozoik, a land of exotic places and bizarre creatures. Players take on the role of Ghat, a man banished by his own brothers and forced to begin a desperate journey for survival through the forbidden desert and to the end of the world.

Erik Schreuder, CEO of Iceberg Interactive said: “Zeno Clash is a major accomplishment by the ‘indie’ developers of ACE Team and it has rightfully received worldwide acclaim and has won many awards already. We are therefore thrilled to be publishing the game throughout Europe in the upcoming fall. With its wonderfully colourful and truly amazing environments and addictive first person melee and ranged combat, Zeno Clash is a jaw dropping trip, a true experience that will stick with gamers forever. This is one not to be missed by anyone.”

Andres Bordeu, cofounder of ACE Team said: “We’re extremely happy to have partnered with Iceberg Interactive to bring Zeno Clash to the retail market in Europe. We’re certain that through their experience and passion for games, Zeno Clash will reach a broader audience that is eager to experience new and unique games. We’re confident that Zeno Clash is in excellent hands.”

Reviewer comments:

IGN – “Zeno Clash sticks with you long after you play it, and that's a compliment many games aspire to have associated with them.” - 84%

PC Gamer - A completely welcome contrast to anything you've ever played, supported by the most intense first-person fisticuffs we've seen in a game.” - 84%

EUROGamer – “…It's beautiful, brutal and, in many ways, brilliant.” - 8/10

AceGamez – “…Zeno Clash is a sterling example of how to make a game. Graphics, sound and gameplay merge perfectly to make this more of an experience than just a game.” - 9/10

Key features:

• Engaging melee combat in first person:
The combat in Zeno Clash is up, close & personal. The new melee combat system allows players to perform a variety of movements like deflect & elude combos, knockback finisher punches and punishing grab attacks. The depth of the combat system will put player's skills to the test. Learn new attacks as the game progresses and confronts you with more formidable foes.

• Fantastic visuals powered by the source engine:
Players will be immersed in a fantastic world, beautiful and disturbing at the same time. The unprecedented art style brings a fresh new approach to the first person genre. The surreal environments and characters will keep player's wanting to discover more.

• Survival mode challenges:
Jump right into the action in engaging unlockable "tower challenges". The player must overcome enemy waves to progress through the tower levels. The game will rate the player in different categories like speed and performance. A leaderboards system will rank you against your friends, so the challenge never ends.

• Deep storyline:
Zeno Clash is a story driven game. Player's will play the role of Ghat; the son of a impressive hermaphrodite creature called Father-Mother, whose children form the most powerful clan in the city of Halstedom. Ghat must escape from his family and start an incredible journey with his female companion Deadra, who will aid him in the dangerous lands of Zenozoik.

• Bizarre weapons:
An unusual arsenal of weapons is available for those who can manage to keep the enemy at a range. The eccentric weapons are built from scraps and junk, but they are most effective when used properly. Hammers and clubs will be the most effective when fighting heavy characters that can only be brought down with extreme force.

• Beautiful soundtrack:
The beautiful musical score is as varied as the game's settings. The original soundtrack will keep players immersed in the different environments and key parts of the story.

For more information on Zeno Clash, visit www.iceberg-interactive.com and keep up with the latest breaking news.

Become a Football expert with RTL Sports: Football Genius The Ultimate Quiz on Xbox LIVE Arcade - download now!

RTL Sports unites fans of the leather ball worldwide: The new Football Genius – The Ultimate Quiz announced by the sports label of the publisher RTL interactive, Germany, promises sociable multiplayer fun focusing on the world's most popular sport. The entertaining Football quiz is due to be released for Xbox LIVE Arcade in the autumn of 2009, and will be available world-wide from Xbox LIVE Marketplace.

Football Genius – The Ultimate Quiz gets underway with a brilliant kick-off. With six Football packs about the international, English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish Football worlds, and with more than 3,500 different questions, up to four players get to score. From general know-how about Football down to true insider questions, the quiz challenges players' knowledge of all things related to the vast world of Football.

Virtual Football aficionados will have no trouble keeping up with their heroes in the various game varieties. Playing against the clock in "Kick-Off" mode, or risking it all in "Foul Play" - Football fans get to experience far more than just 90 minutes' worth of fun, and test their sports knowledge in nine different game modes with sensational features.

Beginners and advanced players will not only be able to turn pro online: The offline mode of Football Genius – The Ultimate Quiz provides entertainment for the whole family. The quiz supports Xbox 360 Buzzers for a genuine stadium atmosphere in the players' own living rooms.

Football Genius – The Ultimate Quiz was developed by South African studio I-Imagine Interactive. Located in Johannesburg, I-Imagine Interactive is the first independent developing studio on the African continent. In 2000, I-Imagine Interactive was the first developer world-wide to be accepted into the Microsoft Incubator promotion program in order to develop a stunt racing title for Xbox.

Football Genius – The Ultimate Quiz will be released for Xbox LIVE Arcade in the autumn of 2009, and can be downloaded from Xbox LIVE Marketplace.

Fairytale Fights video game coming to PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 on October 27th

Playlogic announce that Fairytale Fights will be available in retail stores nationwide October 27th for Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system.

Using the Unreal 3 Engine like you’ve never seen it, Fairytale Fights takes popular characters and tales from the pantheon of well known fairytales and turns them on their heads as players must fight their way through hordes of bloodthirsty enemies on a quest to restore their own personal honor and re-establish peace in the land of fairytales.

Inspired by twisted cartoons like Happy Tree Friends and Itchy and Scratchy, and featuring a wildly colorful and distinct art style, players can cooperatively complete quests in the single-player storyline or compete in chaotic multiplayer battle with up to 4 players.

Additional Game Features:
• Dynamic Slicing – Playlogic’s proprietary mechanic allows players to cut anything off of any enemy anywhere in real time, rendering repetitive collision-based canned animations a thing of the past.
• Volumetric Liquid System – Blood, acid, vomit and goop, it’s all rendered in real time allowing for any liquid to naturally combine with any other (often to hilarious ends), as well as real time trails, footprints and slipping to occur in the bloody mess.
• Co-op for up to 4 players.
• Over 100 weapons.
• One of the most distinctly unique uses of the Unreal 3 Engine on the market.
• Deep and interactive downloadable content to be released on a regular basis post launch.

In addition to its North American release, Fairytale Fights will launch in Europe on October 23rd for Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3. Fairytale Fights will launch on PC in 2010. Fairytale Fights is pending rating from the ESRB.

Ashes Cricket stays at Number 1 in the UK games chart

ChartTrack weekly UK charts - Week ending 15 August 2009

1 ASHES CRICKET 2009 CODEMASTERS 1
2 WII SPORTS RESORT NINTENDO 2
3 WII FIT NINTENDO 3
4 CALL OF JUAREZ: BOUND IN BLOOD UBISOFT 7
5 TIGER WOODS PGA TOUR 10 EA SPORTS 4



6 MARIO KART WII NINTENDO 8
7 CALL OF DUTY: WORLD AT WAR ACTIVISION 11
8 MADDEN NFL 10 EA SPORTS -
9 G-FORCE DISNEY INTERACTIVE STUDIOS 9
10 HARRY POTTER & THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE EA GAMES 6
11 [PROTOTYPE] ACTIVISION 17
12 FIGHT NIGHT ROUND 4 EA SPORTS 5
13 THE SIMS 3 EA GAMES 10
14 CALL OF DUTY 4: MODERN WARFARE ACTIVISION 13
15 WII PLAY NINTENDO 15
16 FIFA 09 EA SPORTS 12
17 CARNIVAL: FUNFAIR GAMES 2KPLAY -
18 TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN ACTIVISION 16
19 GUITAR HERO: WORLD TOUR REDOCTANE 19
20 LEGO BATMAN: THE VIDEOGAME WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE

Spore Hero and Spore Hero Arena video games exclusively for the Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS

Get ready for heroic battles, vibrant worlds and boundless creativity! Maxis, an Electronic Arts, announce Spore Hero and Spore Hero Arena will be available at North American retailers on Oct. 6 2009 and internationally on Oct. 9, 2009. Built from the ground up exclusively for the Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS platforms, Spore Hero and Spore Hero Arena introduce a new level of action-packed adventure and combat to the critically acclaimed Spore franchise.

“Spore Hero and Spore Hero Arena give Spore and Nintendo fans a new, dynamic and engaging way to interact with their customized creature heroes,” said Lucy Bradshaw, VP and General Manager at Maxis. “Players’ heroes take center stage as both games, distinctly tailor-made for its Nintendo platform, infuse creativity, combat and adventure to create a unique gameplay experience on the Wii and Nintendo DS.”

Spore Hero delivers the unparalleled creative freedom of Spore in an action-adventure game created exclusively for the Wii. Set in a rich and vibrant 3D world, Spore Hero empowers the player to become the hero as they embark on an epic quest to save their creature’s home planet from destruction. Along this journey, players engage in fun battles, and solve puzzles to collect and unlock more than 250 new creature parts, all with unique abilities. These parts, which can be used to customize creatures in the revolutionary Spore Creature Creator, can change the way creatures will play and fight in the world. Players can also utilize their brawling skills in a dynamic multiplayer mode, where they battle their friends with their own customized creature to become the ‘baddest’ Spore hero around!

Spore Hero Arena catapults players into a galaxy filled with fun and intense arena-based combat. Featuring an all-new story set in the same universe as Spore Hero, Spore Hero Arena takes players on a quest to save planets in their galaxy from an evil force. Throughout the game, players create their own unique gladiator hero creature and guide it from planet to planet as they fight enemy creatures, collect new parts, gain upgrades and unlock special abilities that will benefit their hero. Developed with multiplayer capabilities in mind, Spore Hero Arena also allows players to battle with up to three friends locally or play with a friend over Wi-Fi, taking the Spore gameplay experience to an entirely new and interactive level.

Available for $49.99 MSRP, Spore Hero is rated E10+ by the ESRB. Spore Hero Arena is available for $29.99 MSRP and is rated E by the ESRB.

To learn more about Spore Hero and Spore Hero Arena, play minigames and download fun content, please visit www.sporehero.com. For screenshots or press materials about the Spore franchise, please visit http://info.ea.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. Spore Galactic Adventures, available now, allows players to beam down to planets for the first time and play, create and share missions with friends online. Available in October, 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.

JetPack flight celebrates release of Star Wars the Clone Wars Republic Heroes video game

Attendees at this morning’s opening ceremony of the gamescom expo, Cologne were treated to an extraordinary spectacle featuring the ‘rockeman’, aka Captain Rex as the focal point of the event.

Dressed as Rex from popular Star Wars: The Clone Wars TV series, the high octane ‘rocketman’ soared to commemorate the opening of the first ever gamescom expo and the highly anticipated release of Lucas Arts’ Star Wars The Clone Wars: Republic Heroes.

Star Wars The Clone Wars: Republic Heroes allows players to fight as both Jedi Knights and Clone Troopers through over 30 unique missions, all created incorporating the same ground-breaking, stunning visual style from the TV series. Featuring a brand-new storyline, players will get the chance to take part in the key events that lead directly into the highly anticipated second season of Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Jedi characters can slice and dice their way through countless enemies, commandeer droids and show off their combat prowess on foot and in a variety of vehicles.

The title is slated for release this October for the Microsoft Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system, PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system, Nintendo Wii, PSP (PlayStation Portable) system, Nintendo DS and PC.

Muramasa The Demon Blade Shane Bettenhausen talks about this Nintendo Wii video game

Muramasa: The Demon Blade interview with Shane Bettenhausen from Ignition Entertainment. We take an inside look at why Ignition is jazzed about releasing this game in September 2009 and what makes it extra special. The video game will be released on Nintendo Wii.

Watch the video after the link...

Pokémon HeartGold Version and Pokémon SoulSilver Version for the Nintendo DS and Nintendo DSi

In Tribute to Legions of Pokemon Fans Worldwide, Announcement Kicked Off Pokemon World Championships. The Pokémon Company International and Nintendo. revealed today that Pokémon HeartGold Version and Pokémon SoulSilver Version for the Nintendo DS and Nintendo DSi systems will be released in spring 2010 in the United States and Europe.

These newest entries for the best-selling video game franchise were announced amid the biggest Pokémon video game event of the year and in front of the top Pokémon video game and trading card game players in the world at the 2009 Pokémon World Championships.

Pokémon HeartGold Version and Pokémon SoulSilver Version return players to the scenic Johto region first introduced in the beloved original Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Silver games nearly a decade ago. The richly detailed adventure of Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Silver is now enhanced for the Nintendo DS and Nintendo DSi systems with updated graphics and sound, as well as new touch-screen features and a host of surprises. Pokémon HeartGold Version and Pokémon SoulSilver Version bring dozens of Pokémon characters back into the limelight for a new Pokémon generation - and longtime fans - to catch, train and battle.

"Announcing these much-anticipated game launches at The Pokémon World Championships allows us to give the news directly to the legions of fans who represent the true heart and soul of Pokémon," said J.C. Smith, The Pokémon Company International's director of marketing, who made the announcement on stage to kick off the 2009 Pokémon World Championships. "We want to thank these loyal fans by revealing the details to them first."

The launch of Pokémon HeartGold Version and Pokémon SoulSilver Version follows the incredible launch of Pokémon Platinum Version, which has sold more than 5.66 million copies worldwide to date.

Pokémon is one of the top children's franchises in history. The Pokémon video game series has sold more than 193 million units worldwide since its inception 13 years ago. Additionally, Pokémon is the No. 1 collectible trading card game of all time and has shown no sign of slowing down. It boasts 374 percent sales growth in the United States alone since 2005, and is sold in more than 30 countries across the globe. Other extensions of the property include 12 seasons of the animated television series, which in 2009 will be broadcast in as many as 153 countries in more than 25 languages. Pokémon films and DVDs continue to reach fans in amazing numbers, ranking at the top of the box office in Japan.

HistWar Les Grognards video game released after ten years development

The Grognards of Napoleon march to the sound of the canon! After nearly years of marching in extreme conditions, they are almost on the field of battle. Soon, it will be up to you to maneuver them in battle and lead them to victory!

The anniversary of the birth date of Napoleon Bonaparte, 15th of August, was chosen as the announcement (and reconfirmation) of the release of HistWar Les Grognards. The game has been in development for nearly 10 years by historian and game developer Jean-Michel Mathé and his team, and we are proud and thrilled to announce that HistWar: Les Grognard will be available for download at the end of summer through the website of the exclusive publisher Battlefront (www.battlefront.com). The boxed version (CD and manual) will be delivered approx. 4-6 weeks later in a special Limited Premium Edition with a fully printed manual.

HistWar: Les Grognards is one of the first - if not the first - FPC (First Person commander) game, and allows you to simulate almost all the battles of the Empire between 1805-1814.

HistWar: Les Grognards has three game modes: single player, play by email (PBEM), and multiplayer (up to 8 players). In single player, a player can choose to fight for one of the two armies, can choose to play both armies (for example for training purposes), and there is also a mode where both opponents are under AI control fighting each other. It gets better: in this last mode the player can command units as a colonel in first person mode. He is then in the middle of the conflict without knowing all the parameters.

HistWar: Les Grognards offers different difficulty levels. For example, battle conditions vary greatly with the level of fog of war chosen (none, partial, or total). The choice of seasons and weather conditions alter the behaviors of units, movement speed, and fatigue accumulation. Visibility takes into account smoke clouds released in combat, and so the artillery may have to interrupt its bombardment. These few examples illustrate the level of realism found in HistWar - but are merely scratching the top.

Various game options allow users to customize their game based on their experience. Some options are especially useful for beginners: One option allows you to adjust the reaction time of corps commanders. New players can start with immediate order transmission (which is like most other startegy games work) whereas true Grognards can play with historical communication times (via rider/messenger for example) that can take up to two hours; organizing an army corps of 40000 men necessitates a little bit of time. ;-)

In addition to the ten of the most prestigious battles that will ship with the game, the player can recreate battles of his choosing with the fully featured army and map editors. These two editors also include random generators to instantly create balanced scenarios where two historical armies engage each other.

The army editor (“order of battle”) uses multiple historical databases (uniforms, commanders, regiments, organizations). Hardcoded quotas, based on historical data, put some restrictions on the percentages of different types of units. Thus, the distribution of the three branches (infantry, cavalry, artillery) remains within historical limits.

Scenario and doctrine editors are also available. The latter is a true commanding tool, allowing you to pre-determine the reactions of your units under different circumstances. An army commander takes care of the overall tactical plan and does not micromanage his units! A thorough and complete tutorial will available to introduce you to HistWar: Les Grognards. A demo will be available around the time of release.

Pizza Morgana, a New Comedy Game Series Free demo download link - Monsters and Manipulations in The Magical Forest

Get Teleported Away Into a Magical Dimension at Pizza-morgana.com. Get ready for order-in comedy with Pizza Morgana, a new episodic adventure game series from Corbomite Games, debuting today at: http://pizza-morgana.com. Monsters and Manipulations in The Magical Forest, the first of five digitally distributed games, is now available for $8.95. The full season price is $34.95 and additional episodes will be delivered over the next several months.

Pizza Morgana is a new comedy that will make you drop your toppings off. It lets you play the charming tale of a young girl who is accidentally teleported into a magical dimension filled with monsters, vampires, faeries, and daemons, which all just happen to be employed as pizza delivery guys.

"With episodic gaming, the adventure game genre has been resurrected from the dead," said Oded Sharon, CEO of Corbomite Games. "We're going to deliver it, one slice at a time, with our cast of undead, mystical, and simply monstrous cast of characters. The unique and creative vision of the original Uri Fink comic book takes new form in our game, full of laughter, satire, and sarcasm at every turn. Fans of the Pizza Morgana series, adventure gamers, and girls looking for a strong female character to identify with, will find the outrageous situations and interactions incredibly fun."

Pizza Morgana: Episode One - Monsters and Manipulations in The Magical Forest allows you to play through the events that lead to Jackie's teleportation into the world of TerraMagia and thereafter. This episode introduces Abbie Positive, the pizza delivery vampire that acts as Jackie's guide through the magical world, and a Watcher, who is a robotic hybrid cop that enforces TerraMagian laws. Enjoy multi-linear game play with hilarious consequences by playing parts of the game as Jackie or as Abbie Positive, the vampire.

Monsters and Manipulations in The Magical Forest also features voice acting by famous Hollywood actors, Mia Alon as Jackie, Claudia Christian as Abbie Positive, and Robin Atkin Downes as the Watcher. Among their many onscreen and in-game appearances, both Claudia Christian and Robin Atkin Downes are Babylon 5 alumni, and veteran voice recording actors in the game industry.

To buy Pizza Morgana or download the free demo, please visit:
http://pizza-morgana.com

Dungeon Fighter Online video game closed beta Information

The first beta for Nexon America’s Dungeon Fighter Online recently ended and like most betas it was an opportunity for the game production team to gauge what trends were developing and the players’ reaction. Dungeon Fighter Online is a 2D scrolling action MMORPG which recalls the arcade history of gaming in setting and art style. Though wildly popular in Asia, with more than two million users playing at once when combining the Chinese, Japanese and Korean services, the Nexon America team was most interested in how the U.S. players would take to the game. Once the beta ended on Aug. 3, the team sifted through stacks of data and discovered a few interesting things:

1. Guns, guns, guns.
No surprise, but American players love their guns so the Gunner character class was the most popular class played during the beta. We think the popularity of the Gunner is well deserved because if you don’t feel your heart swell when grabbing your Gatling gun and pouring a fountain of bullets into a pack of monsters, then you need to check with your mortician. Along with guns, the Gunner is an inventive class with loads of unique skills you might not expect to find in a traditional RPG environment... I mean, when you’re faced with a horde of pesky goblins, the sword seems like such a blasé weapon when you’ve got lasers and bombs and robotic helpers. Gunners also get an initial close combat skill - an up close and personal knee to the midsection - so they have something special for the enemies who survive their ranged barrage.

2. Holy warriors FTW
The Priest character class struck a chord with North American players; it seems like this character may be much more popular here than it is in Korea. It is not so much about religion, but I think that using a cross to smash demons back to hell plucks at a primal urge in each of us. Who doesn’t want to be the avenging angel?

3. Content is king
Never underestimate the players’ appetite for content. We put in a level cap of 40 for the beta test. While players didn’t hit it, it was quite impressive how much content some of the players consumed. It’s a good thing that we already have an amazing amount of great content for players post its initial launch. We were also happy to see that many testers jumped immediately into the PvP Arena, even at lower levels.

4. Looks like an arcade game, plays like an RPG – really.
We have been talking a lot about the arcade fighting style of the game but the data we received from the closed beta served as a proof point that Dungeon Fighter Online is played like (and also at its core) an MMORPG. We saw user play patterns that would correlate to MapleStory, including a lengthy average play time. It’s a good thing that DFO will be free-to-play, otherwise we’re talking about a lot of quarters if this was solely on an arcade machine!

5. Old school appearance brings old school players
This game appears to attract the core Nexon player and one who is slightly older. Typically, the average Nexon user is 13-17 but we also had an equally large number of the players in the closed beta who are 18-20 and older. We expected this game to resonate with old arcade players but it also has legs with the college crowd as well.

Improve your Nintendo DS Lite sound as Bass Boosting Audio Enhancer is released DS Lite

BLAZE Portable Pro Speaker - Turn your DS all the way up to 11! Renowned premium video games accessories experts BLAZE have today announced they have stock of their all new DS Lite Portable Pro Speaker.

Powered by the DS lite itself, this stylish little unit it totally portable with no long wires, cables or even batteries to worry yourself about.

The Pro Speaker clips into the GBA slot of your console giving you pin sharp audio with added thump thanks to its twin speakers with woofer effect technology.

Crank it up and get in the groove with Rhythm Paradise or scare yourself stupid with the spooky soundtrack of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, this new DS Lite Portable Pro Speaker from BLAZE gets the most out of your games by transforming the audio quality of your DS Lite.

The BLAZE DS Lite Portable Pro Speaker is available for DS Lite consoles and is on sale now at a low price of £12.99 from www.blazeeurope.com and all good video games stores.

Features:

• Twin speakers give high quality pin sharp sound
• Built in woofer effect enhances bass response
• No Batteries required, powered by your DS!
• Allows easy access to all DS Lite controls
• Folding mechanism for easy storage

100 Year War video game debuts at the Game Developers Conference Europe

IGG, one of the largest Free2Play MMORPG publisher/developers in the United States, debuts its newest masterpiece, 100 Year War, at the Game Developers Conference Europe (GDC), held from August 17-19, 2009 in Cologne, Germany.

100 Year War is a historic MMORPG inspired by the legendary battle between Britain and France in the middle ages. Developed by IGG using Unreal 3D engine, 100 Year War takes players back in time with vivid graphics, cinematic narrations and detailed storylines. Set among the grandeur of medieval Europe, this new 3D MMORPG places you in the midst of a struggle that has endured since the dawn of time. As the battle plays out between the 2 proud countries, players will hold the key to deciding the fate of their chosen nation.

IGG’s developers will personally present 100 Year War for the first time to all the pioneers in the Free2play MMORPG industry, where developers from all over the world can get a sneak peek into this epic piece. Currently, IGG is actively seeking international partnerships to publish these new titles for the European market.