LEGO Dimensions Five Expansion Packs Teen Titans Go The Powerpuff Girls and Beetlejuice

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment today announced the release of five, highly collectable expansion packs for LEGO Dimensions, the LEGO toy and videogame hybrid, on Friday 15th September in the UK.

Team and Fun Packs based on Cartoon Network’s animated series, Teen Titans Go! and The Powerpuff Girls, plus a Beetlejuice Fun Pack, broaden the selection of the world’s most popular entertainment brands available for the game, allowing players to customise their experience by mixing and matching favourite characters and universes with full compatibility.

Which Racing Video Game Do You Think Should Win A Golden Joystick Award?

Three of the biggest names in the racing video games world are battling wheel-to-wheel for the crown of Racing Game of the Year, in one of the most closely fought categories in the 28th annual Golden Joystick Awards.

Over 400,000 votes have already been placed in this year’s competition and with just over two months to go until the winners are announced, the battle is hotting up to determine the UK’s favourite racing video game.

Play Phantasy Star Universe MMORPG video game Free on XBox Live Games on Demand service!

Phantasy Star Universe, SEGA’s epic action-MMO for the Xbox 360, is now available for the Xbox Live Games on Demand service! Fresh off the release of the massive ‘GUARDIANS Advance Content’ update, there is now more to do and see in Phantasy Star Universe than ever before. Also, with the ‘Ambition of the Illuminus ‘ game add-on now free for all owners of Phantasy Star Universe, it has never been easier to get in on the action.

"Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening" to Take Fans to the Land of Amaranthine With New Party Members, Spells, Abilities and More in March 2010

Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening, the first official expansion pack to Dragon Age: Origins, the recent recipient of Spike TV’s Best RPG and PC Game of 2009, IGN’s Best RPG of 2009 and CNN.com’s Best RPG of 2009. Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening will be available for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system, the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system and PC on March 16, 2010.

Arc System Works intend to produce a 'next-gen' Guilty Gear title!

Arc System Works, the development team behind such fighting games as BlazBlue and Hokuto no Ken, have announced their intentions to revitalise the Guilty Gear franchise with a new release on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

Lost Planet 2 Gets a New Look With GameStop Pre-order Bonus

Capcom announced today that Lost Planet 2, the highly-anticipated sequel to Lost Planet, just got more awesome. Fans that pre-order Lost Planet 2 at GameStop locations in North America will be able to unlock Resident Evil’s most famous character, Albert Wesker, as an exclusive playable skin when they play Lost Planet 2. Also, players who take advantage of the pre-order bonus will get their hands on some additional firepower via a revolver added to their arsenal of weapons. A nimble yet extremely powerful firearm, the revolver will help players hone their "one shot kill" skills. Lost Planet 2 comes out this winter for XBox 360 and PlayStation 3.

Players of Assassin’s Creed II on PlayStation® 3 and Xbox 360® will be able to use the in-game interface to connect directly to the Uplay beta.

Ubisoft announce that players of Assassin’s Creed II on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 will be able to use the in-game interface to connect directly to the Uplay beta.

Mad Catz Ships Wireless-N Gaming Adapter for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 Consoles

Mad Catz Interactive, announce the shipping of the Wireless-N Gaming Adapter for use with Microsoft Xbox 360 and Sony PlayStation 3 video game consoles.

Bioware unveils new story details of the epic Action RPG, Mass Effect 2 video game!

Leading video game developer BioWare, a division of Electronic Arts reveale a new plot points in the epic sci-fi fantasy Mass Effect 2. Once again stepping into the role of the heroic Commander Shepard, gamers will command their crew on a suicide mission in space.

Players will strategically select each member of their squad, all of whom have a direct impact on the direction of the story and the squad’s chances for survival. Players will select from a motley cast of characters including the newly revealed ‘Grunt’ – a blood-hungry Krogan.

Once players have assembled their squad from amongst the galaxy’s most powerful mystics, geniuses, and convicts, they must lead them on a suicide mission to discover why humans are vanishing from the galaxy. The success of the mission hinges on the squad recruited and their loyalty to the mission. Shepard’s future depends on it.

“The Mass Effect trilogy is an epic saga with consequences that will carry through from chapter to chapter” said Dr. Ray Muzyka, GM and CEO BioWare, VP EA. “Building out a diverse and loyal party is one of the features that makes the Mass Effect series unique. “The characters Commander Shepard recruits are not only pivotal to the storyline but essential to the players overall success.”

The new character revealed in the Mass Effect 2 squad is ‘Grunt’. A violent and unpredictable Krogan fighter, Grunt has never faced true defeat. His unsurpassed physical strength makes him a strong asset to Commander Shepard’s team, if he can be tamed, and if he can be trusted.

Grunt is the second party member to be revealed in the Mass Effect 2 universe following ‘Thane’ a deadly assassin who was first introduced in June. More details about the rest of Shepard’s crew will be revealed in the coming months.

The Mass Effect trilogy is a masterful science fiction adventure set in a vast universe filled with dangerous alien life and mysterious uncharted planets. Mass Effect 2 is scheduled for release on Xbox 360 videogame and entertainment system and PC in early 2010. Follow us on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/masseffect2.

Fairytale Fights Global Community Portal Launched!

Playlogic Entertainment announce today that www.fairytalefights.com is now live!

The Global Community Portal will act as a hub for Fairytale Fights enthusiasts as well as serving to provide every bloody detail about the game to newcomers! The website is loaded with art assets, screens and trailers and will be frequently updated to inform the community about coming events, tips, sweepstakes and additional content. There will also be a forum where fans can discuss their violent escapades in Playlogic’s over-the-top Hack ‘N Slash Platform Adventure!

Based on the Unreal Engine 3, Fairytale Fights is a truly twisted hack’n’slash platform adventure from Playlogic Game Factory. Players assume the role of a much-loved fairytale character, whose glory days have long since passed. While embarking on a seemingly innocent journey to save the fairytale world from certain disaster, players traverse a series of colourful and enthralling levels filled to the brim with action-packed combat, fairytale-style storylines and loads of blood. Luckily, many different weapons lay strewn throughout the fairytale kingdom, which players can use to slice and dice their way through swathes of cute fluffy bunnies and imposing enemies.

“Fairytale Fights is the creative brainchild of our talented development team at Playlogic Game Factory and that’s why we wanted it to be the first next-gen title that Playlogic builds in-house from the ground up,” said Rogier Smit, executive vice president for Playlogic. “The game combines a truly unique storyline and fantasy environment with simple intuitive controls to offer players a whole new level of bloody slice-and-dice gaming.”

Playlogic’s proprietary in-house technology makes Fairytale Fights the first game ever in which players can truly dynamically slice through 3D models in real-time! Playlogic Game Factory has also developed a volumetric liquid system, granting liquids realistic properties. Blood will splatter across surrounding trees and leaves, and players will even have the ability to skid through puddles of blood left by fallen foes.

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.

LLC announces new development team for Scratch - The Ultimate DJ on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360

Scratch DJ Game, LLC, a joint venture between Numark Industries, LLC and Genius Products, LLC announced today that it has recently hired Commotion Interactive, the music and party game division of Bedlam Games Inc., to complete development of its much anticipated music rhythm game, Scratch: The Ultimate DJ. In choosing the industry veterans at Commotion Interactive, Scratch DJ Game, LLC underscores its commitment to successfully launching Scratch and establishing a strong footprint in the progressively growing and competitive music gaming industry.

"With Scratch: The Ultimate DJ we will deliver an innovative, ground breaking video game for fans of hip-hop," said Jack O'Donnell, CEO of Scratch DJ Game, LLC. "We have selected Commotion and are confident that they are the best choice to help us achieve our mission. The team's rich and varied development experience includes talent from Rockstar Games, Ubisoft, and Electronic Arts."

"Scratch: The Ultimate DJ offers a revolutionary take on the existing music/rhythm genre. The combination of the game and the proprietary Scratch Deck controller will bring the art of DJing to the masses," said Trevor Fencott, CEO of Bedlam Games Inc. "The Scratch Deck combines a touch sensitive turntable from Numark with the drumpads from the iconic Akai Professional MPC. This combination delivers an authentic music gaming experience unlike any other. We are thrilled to embark on this venture with Scratch, and can't wait for this exciting title to hit store shelves."

Commotion's mission is to deliver music and party game titles borne of exceptional design, fostered by meticulous planning, and realized by a world-class team. The studio was formed in 2006 by a seasoned group of industry professionals who are united in their belief that games can be developed on a creative level. The Commotion team is dedicated to providing quality titles that resonate with consumers looking for an entertaining and original gaming experience.

Scratch: The Ultimate DJ will be available in early 2010 on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system. For more information on Scratch: The Ultimate DJ, please visit: http://www.scratchvideogame.com/

Final Fantasy - Square Enix suffers annual profit drop

Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest publisher, Square Enix, has announced full year financial results for the twelve months ending March 31, 2009, noting that both sales and profits dropped during that time.

The company, which recently acquired Tomb Raider publisher Eidos, saw revenues fall by 8 per cent compared to the previous year at JPY 135.7 billion (USD 1.44 billion), while net income dropped 31.1 per cent to JPY 6.3 billion (USD 67 million).

Despite that, the company ended the year in a strong cash position, up JPY 400 million (USD 4.25 million) to JPY 111.9 billion (USD 1.2 billion), while the total dividend payout will be JPY 3.45 billion (USD 36.7 million).

The figures reveal that the company's key expense was salary payments, hitting almost JPY 16 billion (USD 170.2 million) and up nearly JPY 2 billion (USD 21 million) on the previous year.

The majority of sales came from the Amusement division under the Taito group, although that segment made a loss on high operating expenses. Offline games made the highest profit, followed by mobile phone content and publications.

The company is currently working on the latest instalment of the Final Fantasy franchise - Final Fantasy XIII - which will be the series' first foray on to the Xbox 360 platform.

Source: http://www.gamesindustry.biz

Green-Fingered Goddess Grips Gotham’s Guardian In “Poison Ivy”, The latest Batman - Arkham Asylum Vignette

Arkham Asylum is home to some of the most stunning and diverse characters ever imagined. Revealed in this latest vignette, Poison Ivy is an enemy to be reckoned with. With the ability to control all forms of plant life, this sultry, green-fingered vixen might look like a dream, but she packs an awesome - and seemingly unstoppable - punch through interaction with the living environment. She’ll invade your dreams and terrorise your nightmares, pushing Batman to the very limits of his strength and stamina.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dynasty Warriors 6: Empires Strikes Back! video game for Xbox 360

Koei today announced that the European release of Dynasty Warriors 6: Empires for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and Playstation 3 computer entertainment system will be on June 26, 2009.

First Guitar Hero 5 details, songs and images revealed!

Guitar Hero continues to re-define the music and gaming experience this Fall with the release of Guitar Hero 5. Featuring the best variety and biggest rock stars of today combined with classic rock anthems, Guitar Hero 5 is the latest installment of the world’s most popular music game. For the first time ever, players can customize the make-up of their band by rocking with any combination of instruments in-game: whether it be two guitars and two drums, or three guitars and a microphone, any combination is possible, allowing players to experience music their own way. Brand new, innovative, easy-to-use gameplay modes like Party Play and RockFest put fun, competition and control at center stage as fans tailor the Guitar Hero experience to match their personal style and interests. For extended hours of entertainment, downloadable content from Guitar Hero World Tour will be compatible with the game and will automatically be updated to include all of the upgrades and enhancements of Guitar Hero 5.

Guitar Hero 5 features the strongest, most varied set list to-date comprised of master tracks from 85 of the hottest bands of today and the biggest classic acts including; Kings of Leon, The Rolling Stones, The White Stripes, Santana, Vampire Weekend, Tom Petty, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, plus more than 30 artists from a variety of music genres that will be making their music-rhythm video game debut.

Among the first-time-ever features of Guitar Hero 5 are: Party Play, where players can jump in or drop out of gameplay seamlessly; RockFest, a comprehensive competitive experience available featuring five new head-to-head modes playable online or in your living room; and the ability to play the entire set-list from the first time the game is turned on.

Guitar Hero 5 refines the player experience, enhances the art style and redesigns core features such as GHMusic Studio, making it the most accessible, fun-to-play and authentic experience for seasoned music gamers as well as first-time players. New innovations such as Band Moments, where bands are rewarded for hitting special note streams together and song challenges where gamers are tasked to play through a song a specific way, add a new competitive layer of excitement and accomplishment to the music rhythm genre.


New songs include:
The Rolling Stones – Sympathy for the Devil
Bob Dylan – All Along The Watchtower
The White Stripes – Blue Orchid
Santana – No One To Depend On (LIVE)
Vampire Weekend – A-Punk
Tom Petty - Runnin Down a Dream
Johnny Cash – Ring of Fire
Kings of Leon – Sex on Fire

Batman: Arkham Asylum website is now live!

The official website and community hub for DC Comics’ Batman: Arkham Asylum - the forthcoming action-adventure game developed by Rocksteady Studios and published by Eidos, Inc. and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment in North America has officially launched! You can visit the page at the following URL: http://www.batmanarkhamasylum.com/.

Over the coming months BatmanArkhamAsylum.com will be the main resource for all the latest news and information on the game; including the new screenshots, videos and announcements, along with features and insider content such as developer blogs, interviews, podcasts and more.

The site will also serve as the primary hub for the Batman: Arkham Asylum Community, housing the official game forums - where you can speak directly to the team working on the game, enter competitions, and stay up-to-date with all community news and activity.

Based on the core Batman license, Batman: Arkham Asylum takes the Dark Knight on his greatest challenge yet when he becomes trapped with all of his most dangerous villains inside the insane asylum of Gotham City - Arkham Asylum! With amazing graphics and a moody, immersive setting, Batman: Arkham Asylum exposes players to a unique, dark and atmospheric adventure that takes them to the depths of Arkham Asylum – Gotham City's psychiatric hospital for the criminally insane. Gamers will move in the shadows, instigate fear amongst their enemies, and confront The Joker and Gotham City's most notorious villains, who have taken over the asylum.

Be sure to check the game’s new website regularly for updates. You won’t want to miss out!

For more information, please visit: http://www.batmanarkhamasylum.com/

Summer Athletics announced for PS3, Xbox 360, Wii and PC!

Eidos Interactive, creator of some of the world’s leading videogame properties, today announces that Summer Athletics, an all-new sports title featuring over 25 of the most popular summer sport disciplines, launches in the UK on 15th August on Xbox 360, PlayStation 2 and PC, as well as being the first realistic summer athletic sports simulation for the Nintendo Wii.

Offering an abundance of sun-drenched athletic antics, armchair contenders can prove their skills in over 25 summer sporting disciplines including sprinting, hurdles, cycling, archery, javelin, hammer throwing, swimming and diving. To celebrate the forthcoming release of Summer Athletics, Eidos is excited to showcase the first trailer video.

Summer Athletics is an action-packed multi-player sporting adventure for the whole family, featuring a character editor, lifelike 3D graphics, realistic athlete animations and an impressive ‘life-like’ stadium atmosphere.

Providing a variety of difficulty levels across two gaming modes, arcade and career, Summer Athletics will prove to be addictive fun for both experienced and casual gamers alike.

“We’re really excited about the release of Summer Athletics, especially as it is the first realistic summer sports simulation for the Nintendo Wii and will tie in with the major sporting events occurring this summer.” Jon Brooke, Head of UK Marketing for Eidos. “It will provide hours of fun gaming for a wide audience and should really capture the mood of the summer.”

Bring the sporting action to your home this summer, with Summer Athletics available on Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 2 and PC - on sale from 15th August 2008.

EIDOS European Release date for Tomb Raider - Underworld

Eidos Interactive, creator of some of the world’s leading videogame properties, today announces the November 21st, 2008 ship date for the highly anticipated, upcoming entry to the illustrious Tomb Raider franchise, Tomb Raider: Underworld, throughout Europe.

Tomb Raider: Underworld will release simultaneously on Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system, PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system, Wii, PlayStation 2, Nintendo DS, and PC Games for Windows platforms. With development led by Crystal Dynamics, developers of the recent Tomb Raider blockbusters, Tomb Raider: Legend and Tomb Raider: Anniversary, Tomb Raider: Underworld takes players on an epic adventure, where they will face greater challenges and choices than ever before.

Tomb Raider: Underworld marks the first game in this flagship series that is designed specifically for next generation consoles. Lara Croft uncovers proof of the existence of the mythical hammer of the Norse God Thor, a weapon rumored to have the power to smash mountains into valleys and destroy the Gods themselves.

Setting an epic journey around the globe in motion, Lara visits ancient ruins , collecting clues that lead her to a forgotten power that could lay waste to all civilization. Exploiting the power and capabilities of next generation consoles, Lara must hunt for clues across larger than life environments, seen with exquisite, detailed clarity. Solving multifaceted puzzles, facing foes both animal and supernatural, players have the aid of enhanced weapons and abilities, as they explore the secrets of the past.

Also coming to the Wii and Nintendo DS consoles, Tomb Raider: Underworld for these systems features exclusive features not included on other platforms. The Wii version includes an archaeological toolkit exclusive to this console that allows players to excavate hidden areas and secrets with the aid of a compressed air gun, acetylene torch, chisel and pliers.

“We’re thrilled to bring back Lara Croft and Tomb Raider at Christmas time on all formats,” said Patrick Melchior, Head of European Distribution. “Lara Croft has never looked, acted or played so realistically before. Tomb Raider: Underworld will delight fans and gamers alike as well as being a great gift for the Christmas season!”