Monster Jam: Urban Assault the genre-defining monster truck action game

Monster Jam: Urban Assault. The genre-defining monster truck action in the original hit Monster Jam has destroyed the stadium barriers and players will now be able to wreak havoc on city streets around the world. The game will be available on the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system, PSP (PlayStationPortable) system, Wii and Nintendo DS in fall 2008.

Selling a record of over 4 million tickets at over 325 performances in 2007 at the premier stadiums and arenas in the world, Monster Jam is one of the best known touring entertainment brands in both North America and Europe, in addition to its recent international expansion into Central America. The 2008 Monster Jam tour kicked off this year with further record breaking attendances and is on pace to be the greatest year to date in terms of live event attendance, television coverage on network and cable, worldwide licensed merchandise, international event growth and online presence.



"Last year's launch of the Activision produced Monster Jam, which was the first Monster Jam branded video game at retail in over five years, exceeded our expectations in terms of both gameplay and positive fan response," Charlie Mancuso, President of Live Nation Motor Sports, Inc. "But Monster Jam fans and gamers are not easily satisfied. For the sequel, we agreed with Activision that we had only one choice: throw the rules out the window and go for total destruction outside the normal Monster Jam environments!"

Taking Monster Jam monster trucks onto the streets and other urban settings and being rewarded for the scale of the damage and destruction is one of the new key features of Monster Jam: Urban Assault. Feel the crunch of twisting metal underneath as you drive legendary and world famous monster truck favourites like Grave Digger, Maximum Destruction, Monster Mutt, El Toro Loco, Captain's Curse, and Blue Thunder, or select from newer stars on the Monster Jam tour like Stone Crusher, Backwards Bob and Spitfire Monster Truck. Your goal is to demolish every vehicle you see.

"What would Monster Jam fans do if they could unleash the raw power of the world's biggest and baddest monster trucks in an urban setting, however they liked? Monster Jam: Urban Assault is our attempt to answer this question," said Dave Oxford, Activision Publishing. "We are confident Monster Jam fans and all gamers will enjoy doing things like crushing a NYC cab or smashing through one of London's famous double-decker buses."

For purists, Monster Jam: Urban Assault will still offer stadium racing and stadium freestyle competitions with gamezplay much improved over the original game. Mini games have also been added, including ones brand new to the franchise like Monster Jump, Truck Trickster, Skee Ball and Air Strike.

Stay tuned to www.MonsterJamOnline.com to learn how you can have a chance to qualify for the second annual Monster Jam Video Game National Tournament. The inaugural tournament was won at the 2008 Monster Jam World Finals in Las Vegas by 14-year-old Jordan Rager of Loganville, Georgia after he qualified through a series of regional qualifiers at the Atlanta Georgia Dome and Las Vegas' Sam Body Stadium.

Desert Racing Game SCORE International Baja 1000 out this Fall

The official SCORE International Baja 1000 video game version of the world's most grueling off-road race. SCORE International Baja 1000 recreates the unforgiving conditions and blistering speeds that make this event the most recognized and entertaining off-road racing event in the world. Developed by Left Field Productions, the game will be available this fall for the PlayStation 2 and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment systems, Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Wii and Windows-based PC.

"No race demands more endurance of both man and machine than the Baja 1000," said Sal Fish, President and CEO of Score International, the world's leading desert racing organization. "In consulting Activision for a video game version, we meticulously explained what's needed to capture the intensity of the Baja. They've nailed not only the look but also the elements of true desert racing."

Sporting over 90 vehicles across multiple classes in the real Baja 1000 - including trophy trucks, class I, motorcycles, ATVs and more - the game challenges players to not only be first across the finish line, but also keep their machine intact! Hyper-realistic dirt and damage modeling in the game means players need to be crazy enough to take chances, but not so reckless that their vehicle is destroyed before the race is over.

"In creating SCORE International Baja 1000TM, our goal was to create something true to the sport that made you feel the speed and heart-pounding conditions," said Dave Oxford, Activision Publishing. "Players will see potential shortcuts on the tracks, but wonder if their vehicle can handle it. That's a conundrum every driver on the Baja 1000 faces."

Guitar Hero World Tour - the definitive rock and roll music video game

New State of the Art Wireless Instruments; Innovative Music Studio Lets Players Compose, Record, Edit and Share Music - Biggest Selection of On-Disc Music with All Master Tracks; Robust New Eight-Player "Battle of the Bands" Mode

When the house lights go down this fall, a new generation of axe shredders, drummers and fearless frontmen will come together and rock with Activision, Guitar Hero World Tour. The latest installment from the No1 best-selling video game franchise of 2007, Guitar Hero World Tour will transform music gaming by marrying Guitar Hero’s exhilarating guitar gameplay, with a cooperative band experience that combines the most advanced wireless instruments with revolutionary new online and offline gameplay modes. The game will feature a slick newly redesigned guitar, a genuine electronic drum kit and a microphone, as well as an innovative Music Studio music creator that lets players compose, record, edit and share their own rock and roll anthems, along with online Band Career and 8-player “Battle of the Bands.”

Delivering the largest on-disc set list in a music-rhythm game to-date, Guitar Hero World Tour is comprised entirely of master recordings from some of the greatest classic and modern rock bands of all-time including Van Halen, Linkin Park, The Eagles, Sublime and many more. Additionally, the game will offer significantly more localized downloadable music than ever before on all of the next-generation consoles. Budding rock stars will also be given creative license to fully customize everything from their characters’ appearance and instruments to their band’s logo and album covers.

In addition to a newly designed more responsive guitar controller and microphone, Guitar Hero World Tour will deliver the most realistic drum experience ever in a video game with an authentic electronic drum kit. Featuring three drum pads, two raised cymbals and a bass kick pedal, the drum controller combines larger and quieter, velocity-sensitive drum heads with soft rubber construction to deliver authentic bounce back and is easy to set up, move, break down and store.

“Guitar Hero has set the standard for music-based gaming and with Guitar Hero World Tour and the game’s groundbreaking Music Studio, we are once again delivering unprecedented innovation that has the potential to revolutionize consumer generated music, much in the same way that video sharing hubs have driven user generated video,” said Dusty Welch, Head of Publishing for RedOctane. “With the introduction of our advanced high-quality new wireless instruments, in-depth customization options and advanced online functionality, the game enables music fans and gamers globally to share in the most social and expressive music experience ever.”

Guitar Hero World Tour delivers more ways to play than ever before. Virtual musicians can live out their rock and roll fantasies by playing either a single instrument, or any combination of instruments, in addition to the full band experience. In addition to all of the online gameplay modes from Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, Guitar Hero World Tour introduces Battle of the Bands mode which allows eight players to join online and challenge each other band-to-band to determine who is the best of the best. In the Band modes, up to four players can jam together, online or off, as they progress through the game, and in single-player Career Mode, players can jam on any of the instruments in branching venue progression enabling them to rock out in the order of their choice.

The game’s innovative new Music Studio lets players express their musical creativity by giving them access to a full compliment of tools to create digital music from scratch, utilizing all of the instruments, and then play their compositions in the game. Music creators will also be able to share their recordings with their friends online through GHTunes where other gamers can download their unique compositions and play them.

Guitar Hero World Tour is being developed by Neversoft Entertainment for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system. The Wii version is being developed by Vicarious Visions. The PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system version is being developed by Budcat. The game is not yet rated by the ESRB.

Guitar Hero 4 Drum Kit Has Cymbals

Activision's bid to compete with Rock Band's drum kit will include two cymbal pads as part of the peripheral...

Guitar Hero IV will definitely feature a drum kit peripheral and, in a bid to outdo Harmonix's peripheral, Activision has added a couple of cymbals to the setup. However, there will only be three pads on the kit compared to Rock Band's four.

The news comes from scans on internet forums of the latest Game Informer, which pretty much confirms yesterday's rumours. The scans clearly show a bass drum pedal, three pressure sensitive pads, and two cymbal pads on the Guitar Hero IV drum kit.

This compares with a bass drum pedal, four pressure sensitive pads, but no cymbals on Rock Band's drum kit. In another similarity to Rock Band, GH4 will also feature vocals as an instrument when it's released later this year.

The GI scans also confirm the Create a Song feature that was detailed in the earlier rumours. This will allow gamers to create their own songs on GH4 and upload as many as five for others to rate. With good ratings, players will eventually be able to upload 10 or more tracks to the service.

Source: TVG

Guitar Hero III - Legends of Rock - Exclusive unreleased single by Def Leppard

Quintessential Def Leppard Track Pack Releases on April 24, 2008

Rock heavyweights Def Leppard have partnered with Activision Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock on an epic three-song track pack that will give fans an exclusive opportunity to sample the band’s No1 new radio single, “Nine Lives,” five days before their upcoming studio album Songs from the Sparkle Lounge releases on April, 29, 2008.

The single is the result of Def Leppard’s groundbreaking collaboration with country music legend Tim McGraw, and will be featured on their highly anticipated upcoming record Songs from the Sparkle Lounge, the band’s first new studio release since 2006’s YEAH, which begins yet another remarkable new chapter in the band’s 30-year recording career.

The track pack also features live versions of “Photograph” and “Rock of Ages,” two of Def Leppard’s most beloved chart-toppers from their multi-platinum Pyromania album.

“Being involved with Guitar Hero is very exciting for us and adds a whole new layer of appreciation," says Joe Elliott, lead singer, Def Leppard. "I know from personal experience how much more you get into the music by playing the game - which is why we were keen to explore this opportunity. Guitar Hero is extremely popular with all kinds of music heads, which includes a lot of our fans- and we think releasing ‘Nine Lives’ this way first is just fantastic!"

“We are extremely thrilled to be partnering with Def Leppard, who are true rock icons,” said Dusty Welch, Head of Publishing for RedOctane. “The band’s participation in offering ‘Nine Lives’ to fans exclusively via Guitar Hero III downloadable content before their album hits store shelves, before the single is available for purchase on iTunes, demonstrates the level of commitment these legendary artists are making to Guitar Hero and how the franchise is transforming the music landscape.”

The track pack will be available for Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft on April 24, 2008 and will be available in early May in the PLAYSTATION®Store for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system.

Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock offers the ultimate rock experience with new wireless guitars, freshly added content and features including a multiplayer action-inspired battle mode, grueling boss battles, a host of exclusive unlockable content and visually stunning rock venues. Expanded online multiplayer modes allow axe-shredders worldwide to compete head-to-head for true rock status as they riff through a star-studded soundtrack including master tracks by legendary artists such as Aerosmith, Guns 'N' Roses, The Rolling Stones, Beastie Boys, Rage Against the Machine and Pearl Jam, as well as original songs by guitar icons Slash and Tom Morello. Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock is now available and is rated "T" for Teen by the ESRB. For more information visit www.guitarhero.com.

Nintendo trio of awards plus Assassins Creed Halo 3 and Cooking Mama celebrate

MCV Industry Excellence Awards 2008: Winners Announced

The games industry's most prestigious accolades unveiled; Nintendo bags unique hat-trick; Assassins Creed, Halo 3 and Cooking Mama also celebrated.

The sixth annual MCV Industry Excellence Awards were unveiled last night, as over 600 industry executives gathered at the Brewery, London, to celebrate the best gaming achievements of the past 12 months.

Hosted by industry news bibles MCV and MCVUK.com and presented by Simon Amstell, the BAFTA nominated comedian, the MCV Industry Excellence Awards 2008 saw Nintendo grab three honours (Games Publisher, PR Team and the prestigious Grand Prix Award). Other big winners included Assassins Creed as new Games Brand, GAME as Specialist Retailer, Play.com as Online Retailer and Cooking Mama as Sales Triumph.

The MCV Industry Excellence Awards are voted for by a panel of over 100 of the industry’s most influential executives. The judges are spread across all areas of the business, offering an unprecedented pool of knowledge and influence.

If Nintendo’s trio of awards wasn’t success enough, this is also the third time the publisher has bagged the ridiculously-prestigious Grand Prix Award: awarded by the magazine’s editorial team to the firm or individual they feel has contributed the most to the business in the previous 12 months.

“The last 12 months has been an amazing – and often unpredictable – ride for the games industry,” says Stuart Dinsey, managing director of Intent Media, publisher of MCV and MCUK.com. “From the departure of Ken Kutaragi in April 2007, to this month’s launch of Wii Fit, it’s been an incredible year – and it’s been an honour for MCV to be right at the heart of the business yet again. The winners of a 2008 Industry Excellence Award can quite rightly claim to have been at the very top of their game – during gaming’s biggest ever year.”

The MCV Industry Excellence Awards Winners in full:

INDEPENDENT RETAILER

Winner: Grainger Games
Finalists: Playtime Video Games, Console Connections, Powerplay, Ninja Games

SPECIALIST RETAILER

Winner: GAME
Finalists: Gamestation, CHIPS, Gameseek, Gamestop

ENTERTAINMENT RETAILER

Winner: HMV
Finalists: Zavvi, Woolworths, Blockbuster, Asda

ONLINE RETAILER

Winner: PLAY.COM
Finalists: Amazon, Gameseek, Shopto.com, Tgrav.com

STAR STORE

Winner: ZAVVI, OXFORD STREET
Finalists: Gamestation (Hull), Playtime Video Games (Doncaster), Gamestation (Birmingham), HMV (Trocadero)

PR TEAM

Winner: NINTENDO/RED
Finalists: Microsoft/JCPR, EA/Shine, SCE/Shine, Vivendi/Indigo Pearl

GAME CAMPAIGN

Winner: HALO 3 (MICROSOFT)
Finalists: Touch! Generations range (Nintendo), FIFA ’08 (Electronic Arts),
Mario & Sonic (Sega), Call of Duty 4 (Activision)

NEW GAME BRAND

Winner: ASSASSINS CREED (UBISOFT)
Finalists: Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune (SCE), Mario & Sonic (Sega), Bioshock (2K Games), Mass Effect (Microsoft)

TRADE MARKETING TEAM

Winner: ELECTRONIC ARTS
Finalists: Sony Computer Entertainment, Activision, THQ, Microsoft

MARKETING TEAM

Winner: NINTENDO
Finalists: Microsoft, Ubisoft, Electronic Arts, Sony Computer Entertainment

UK DEVELOPMENT TEAM

Winner: CODEMASTERS
Finalists: Bizarre Creations, Sports Interactive, Criterion, Rebellion

DISTRIBUTION TEAM

Winner: CENTRESOFT
Finalists: Koch Media, Gem, Advantage, Trilogy

SALES TRIUMPH

Winner: COOKING MAMA (505 GAMES)
Finalists: HSM: Sing It! – Disney Interactive Studios, Mario & Sonic – Sega,
Assassin’s Creed – Ubisoft, Devil May Cry 4 - Capcom

SALES TEAM

Winner: UBISOFT
Finalists: Activision, THQ, Electronic Arts, Nintendo

GAMES PUBLISHER

Winner: NINTENDO
Finalists: Ubisoft, Activision, Electronic Arts, Microsoft

RETAIL ADVISORY BOARD: SPECIAL RECOGNITION

Winner: PAUL DONNELLY (GEM)
Finalists: Rob Gross, Dave Gould (Vivendi Games), Jonathan Grimes (Microsoft),
Penny Humphrey (Electronic Arts), Rosemary Buahin (Sony Computer Entertainment)

GRAND PRIX

Winner: NINTENDO

Gibson Goes on Suing Spree Over Guitar Hero, Rock Band

Follow up story --

Gibson Guitar hits Wal-Mart, Target, others for selling Guitar Hero games

Earlier this month, Gibson accused Activision of its Guitar Hero franchise violating several of the real-guitar makers’ patents. Activision responded by asking a federal judge to declare that the Guitar Hero does not owe anything to Gibson’s patents.

U.S. Patent number 5990405 awarded to Gibson in 1999 reads,

“A musician can simulate participation in a concert by playing a musical instrument and wearing a head-mounted 3D display that includes stereo speakers. Audio and video portions of a musical concert are pre-recorded, along with a separate sound track corresponding to the musical instrument played by the musician.”

Gibson isn’t finished with just Guitar Hero, however, as it has also filed a patent infringement lawsuit against those behind Rock Band – Harmonix, MTV Networks and Electronic Arts – over the very same patent thrown up against Guitar Hero.

“Gibson Guitar had made good faith efforts to enter into a patent license agreement with the defendants in this case. The defendants have not responded in a timely manner with an intent to enter into negotiations for a patent license agreement,” read a Gibson press statement. “Gibson Guitar had no alternative but to bring the suit, and it will continue to protect its intellectual property rights against any and all infringing persons.”

Besides going after the makers of the music-rhythm games, Gibson is also launching an offensive against retailers selling such products. Last week, Gibson brought a lawsuit against Wal-Mart, Target, Wal-Mart, Kmart, Amazon.com, GameStop and Toys “R” Us for their sale of Guitar Hero games.

“Gibson Guitar took this action reluctantly, but is required to protect its intellectual property and will continue to do so against any other person in accordance with the law and its rights,”

the guitar maker said in another statement.

Activision responded in a press release to Gibson’s attack on retailers:

“Our Guitar Hero retailing partners have done nothing wrong. We will confront this and any other efforts by Gibson to wrongfully interfere with Activision's relationship with its customers and its consumers.

“As Activision noted in its filing, Gibson waited three years to make its patent allegations, and only did so after it became clear that Activision was not interested in renewing its marketing and support agreement with Gibson. Activision continues to believe that Gibson's claims are disingenuous and lack any justification.”

Source: DailyTech

Gibson Sues Game Stores in 'Guitar Hero' Spat

Dude, this is so not metal: Gibson is suing Wal-Mart, Target, Toys "R" Us, Amazon.com, K-Mart, and Gamestop for selling Guitar Hero, the overwhelmingly popular game from Activision .

The reason? Because Gibson claims that the controller used in the game is in violation of one of its patents, according to the Associated Press. The patent in question seems a little iffy: "...simulate participation in a concert by playing a musical instrument and wearing a head-mounted 3-D display that includes stereo speakers," it reads in part.

The company had already sued Activision, and has extended its suit to protect its intellectual property, according to the company: "In Gibson's lawsuit, it states the company 'has been damaged and will continue to be damaged by the aforesaid infringement unless defendants are enjoined, preliminarily and permanently, from selling and offering for sale infringing products ...'" the AP reported.

Naturally, those retailers that have responded have said the suit is without merit. Activision stopped just short of indemnifying them, though, which would have offloaded all legal liability onto Activision's shoulders.

Activision Trademarks the DJ Hero name to add to Guitar Hero line up

Activision has been hitting it big with the Guitar Hero franchise, and we know it's looking to expand what it can do with the series. I don't think anyone is going to be surprised by this next bit of news: on February 8, Activision filed to trademark the name DJ Hero.

The trademark refers to "computer game software and related instruction manual sold together as a unit; interactive video game programs; computer game discs; downloadable software for use in connection with computer games; video game controllers; interactive video game comprised of a CD or DVD sold as a unit with a video game controller." It looks like your guitar is going to get a friend.

This isn't a new idea; Beatmania has been around for quite a while. Of course, Guitar Hero is simply a refined version of Guitar Freaks, so this won't be the first time Red Octane and Activision mine an area Konami has had some success in. There is no other information at this time, but it shouldn't be that difficult to adjust the Guitar Hero formula to a DJ set up.

We'll be watching for more information, but it's safe to say that this is the last Hero game we'll be hearing about.

Source: Arstechnica

Downloadable Guitar Hero 3, songs coming to Nintendo Wii

RedOctane is on downloadable songs for Guitar Hero III, on the Nintendo Wii.

RedOctane says it's working to release downloadable songs for Guitar Hero III on Wii -- what would be a first for the console that lacks large storage capacity.

"Downloadable content for the Wii is something we are working very hard on getting in place for the new year," RedOctane officials told Nintencast in an email. "There is no definite timetable in place but we are hoping it will be soon."

Both the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions of Guitar Hero III already support downloadable tracks at an additional cost.

Before its release, Activision openly hoped for the same on Wii, though they have since stated that Nintendo has yet to provide the necessary infrastructure (not to mention storage capacity) to do so.

Regarding the mono-only audio issue currently plaguing the Wii version of Guitar Hero 3, Activision has yet to issue an update to our ongoing requests for comment.

Activision video games Christmas Line-Up for Gamers

Activision, is making wishes come true this holiday season with games for kids of all ages and interests from the top brands in interactive entertainment including Call of Duty® 4: Modern WarfareTM and Guitar Hero® III: Legends of Rock to games based on such blockbuster movie hits as "TRANSFORMERS," Sony Pictures Entertainment's Columbia Pictures' and Marvel Studios' "Spider-Man 3," and DreamWorks Animation's "Bee MovieTM" and "Shrek the ThirdTM."

Titles Based on Top Brands in Interactive Entertainment:

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare - The new action-thriller from the award-winning team at Infinity Ward, the creators of the Call of Duty® series, delivers the most intense and cinematic action experience ever. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare arms gamers with an arsenal of advanced and powerful modern day firepower and transports them to the most treacherous hotspots around the globe to take on a rogue enemy group threatening the world. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare is available for the Xbox 360TM video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and Windows® PC and is rated "M" for Mature.

Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock - Fire up the fretboard, crank up the amp and get ready to rock like never before. Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock offers the ultimate rock experience with new wireless guitars, freshly added content and features including a multiplayer action-inspired battle mode, grueling boss battles, a host of exclusive unlockable content and visually stunning rock venues. Expanded online multiplayer modes allow axe-shredders worldwide to compete head-to-head for true rock status as they riff through a star-studded soundtrack including master tracks by legendary artists such as Aerosmith, Guns 'N' Roses, The Rolling Stones, Beastie Boys, Rage Against the Machine and Pearl Jam, as well as original songs by guitar icons Slash and Tom Morello. Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock is now available for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, WiiTM home video game system from Nintendo, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, and is rated "T" for Teen by the ESRB.

Tony Hawk's Proving Ground - In the largest and deepest Tony Hawk game yet, gamers are now in total control of their skating destiny in Tony Hawk's Proving Ground. Set in the streets of Baltimore, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., the title empowers players with the freedom to define their character, story and style based on the choices they make, the paths they select and the style of skating they want. Tony Hawk's Proving Ground is available for the Xbox 360TM video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, WiiTM, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and the Nintendo DSTM and is rated "T" for Teen.

Enemy Territory: QUAKE WarsTM - Set within the expansive QUAKE universe in the year 2065, id Software's Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars offers the ultimate in objective-based multiplayer action, either online or offline with computer controlled players. Up to 24 gamers can play online, electing to play as the human GDF or alien Strogg in one of five unique character classes, and employ an arsenal of weapons, vehicles and deployable armaments for an action-packed test of skill and coordinated teamwork through a series of combat objectives. Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars is available for Windows PC and is rated "T" for Teen.

Titles Based on Blockbuster Movies:

Bee MovieTM Game - Based on DreamWorks Animation's hit movie from creator Jerry Seinfeld, Bee Movie Game allows players to race, chase, fly and blast their way through the adrenaline-fueled world from the feature film and beyond. As the witty and courageous Barry B. Benson, gamers are propelled on an exciting adventure to save the bee's right to produce honey. Bee Movie Game is available for the Xbox 360TM video game system from Microsoft, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Nintendo WiiTM and DSTM and Games for Windows®. The game is rated "E" for Everyone.

Shrek the ThirdTM - In the Shrek the Third video game, players adventure as Shrek® and friends to save Far Far Away in a hilariously twisted fairy tale from the movie and beyond. Gamers assume the role of their favorite characters from the film - Shrek, Donkey, Puss-in-Boots, Fiona, Artie and Sleeping Beauty - and embark on an all-new adventure to save the land from the evil clutches of Prince Charming. Shrek the Third is available for the Xbox 360TM video game system from Microsoft, Nintendo WiiTM, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, PSP® (PlayStation® Portable) system and Windows® PC and is rated "E10+" for Everyone 10 and older. The Nintendo DSTM and Game Boy® Advance versions of the game are rated "E" for Everyone.

Shrek®: Ogres and DronkeysTM - Shrek: Ogres and Dronkeys gives handheld gamers the chance to train, play and explore with Shrek and Fiona's adorable triplets and Donkey and Dragon's playful offspring, the Dronkeys. Once ready, players use the mischievous youngsters' newly learned skills and talents to embark on an exciting journey of puzzle solving and mini-game mayhem throughout the hilarious world of Shrek. The game is available for the Nintendo DSTM and is rated "E" for Everyone.

Spider-ManTM 3 - Based on Sony Pictures Entertainment's Columbia Pictures' blockbuster feature film, Spider-Man 3 allows players to experience the actions of heroic red-suited Spider-Man and, for the first time ever, his darker, more mysterious black-suited persona. Set in a larger, dynamic, free-roaming New York City, the game gives players the freedom to choose their own gameplay experience through multiple movie-based and original storylines, fully integrated city missions and performance rewards including improved speed, combat maneuvers and agility. Spider-Man 3 is available for the Xbox 360TM video game system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, Windows® PC, Nintendo WiiTM, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, and PSP® and is rated "T" for Teen. The Nintendo DSTM and Game Boy® Advance versions are rated "E10+" for Everyone 10 and older.

Spider-ManTM: Friend or Foe - Inspired by the Spider-Man film trilogy and the classic Spider-ManTM comics, Spider-Man: Friend or Foe was designed for younger Spider-Man fans and challenges them to defeat and then join forces with notorious movie nemeses including Doc Ock, Green Goblin, Venom and Sandman, as they embark on an epic quest to overcome a worldwide evil threat. Spider-Man: Friend or Foe is available for the Xbox 360TM video game system from Microsoft, Nintendo WiiTM, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Nintendo DSTM, PSP® and Windows® PC and is rated "E10+" for Everyone 10 and older.

TRANSFORMERS: The Game - Based on Hasbro's TRANSFORMERS property and the blockbuster live-action feature film from DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures, TRANSFORMERS: The Game lets gamers control the outcome in the battle for Earth as they choose to protect it as AUTOBOTS or destroy it as DECEPTICONS. The game is available for the Xbox 360TM video game system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, Nintendo WiiTM, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, and Windows® PC and is rated "T" for Teen. The Nintendo DSTM and PSP® games are rated "E10+" for Everyone 10 and older.

About Spider-Man Merchandising, L.P.

Spider-Man Merchandising, L.P. is a 50/50 limited partnership comprised of Marvel Entertainment, Inc. and Sony Pictures Consumer Products, Inc. The partnership oversees all of the licensing and merchandising activities for the Columbia Pictures Spider-ManTM feature films as well as the Sony Pictures Television's animated series entitled "The Spectacular Spider-Man," all based on the Marvel characters.

Vivendi and Activision to Create Activision Blizzard - World's Largest, Most Profitable Pure-Play Video Game Publisher

Combination Brings Activision's Best-Selling Video Games, Including Guitar Hero, Call of Duty, and Tony Hawk, Together With Vivendi Games' Portfolio of Leading Franchises, Including Crash Bandicoot and Spyro, and Blizzard Entertainment's StarCraft, Diablo and Global No1 Subscription-Based World Of Warcraft

Vivendi to Contribute Vivendi Games Valued at $8.1 Billion, Plus $1.7 Billion in Cash in Exchange for Approximately 52% Stake in Activision Blizzard at Closing; Total Transaction Valued at $18.9 Billion

Activision Blizzard Will Commence Post-Closing Cash Tender Offer for Up to 146.5 Million of its Shares at $27.50 per Share, Representing 31% Premium for Activision Stockholders Based on 20-Trading Day Average

Transaction Will Unlock Value of Blizzard Entertainment's Massively Multiplayer Online Games Business and Will Be Accretive to Stockholders of Activision and Vivendi

Zoë Mode announces Dancing with the Stars for Activision

Zoë Mode is pleased to announce the development of ‘Dancing with the Stars’ for PlayStation 2 and Nintendo Wii to be published by Activision. Released in North America on 23rd October 2007, ‘Dancing with the Stars’ challenges players to take to the dance floor with 18 celebrity and professional dancers from the hit ABC television show. The PlayStation 2 version supports a dance-mat while the Nintendo Wii version utilizes the Wii Remote and Nunchuk.

Zoë Mode Studio Head, Ed Daly comments:

"The studio's strategy is to develop games that appeal to new audiences, music and party games are a key focus for Zoë Mode. ‘Dancing with the Stars™’ is a massive success in the US and the game will appeal to dance game devotees and fans of the show who want to get off the couch. We are delighted to be working with one of the world’s biggest publishers: Activision has proven to be a great partner in our joint vision for creating a refreshing approach to dancing on the PlayStation2 and Wii”

Unique to its genre, ‘Dancing with the Stars™’ features 10 different dancing styles for the player to master, from the Cha Cha, Mambo and Rumba to the Foxtrot and Waltz each dance style provides a unique challenge for the player, and in the two-player game, their partner. Len Goodman, Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli are on hand to dish out the criticism of the players' performance while multiplayer options allow players to dance together as a couple or challenge each other in a head-to-head dance off.

Authorised Guitar Hero Cover Too Perfect - so sue me!

The Romantics are suing Activision for including a near-perfect cover of their song with Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the ‘80s. Strangely, the cover was authorised, they received payment, and yet they're suing the publisher because the cover is too good:

The lawsuit admits that Activision did obtain the proper permissions for using the song in the game - but claims that the cover version was too close to the original recording, thereby infringing on the group’s rights to its own likeness.

The song appears in standalone expansion pack Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the ‘80s, originally released in North America for PlayStation 2 in July 2007. The band’s attorneys have indicated that they are seeking an injunction that would force the game to be withdrawn from sale.

Cabela's Big Game Hunter sets its sights on sores

The hunting adventure of a lifetime awaits in Cabela's Big Game Hunter from Activision. In the latest installment of the world's No1 hunting game series, which begins shipping to retail today, players are transported to the most prestigious hunting locations across the world in pursuit of 24 exotic big game species to put their hunting skills and survival instincts to the ultimate test.

"We are thrilled to deliver the next chapter in the Cabela's series and allow players to use real-life hunting strategies in beautiful international environments," said David Oxford, Activision, Inc. "Easily the most immersive hunting experience we have created to date, the game boasts a huge variety of species to hunt, some of which will attack when threatened, bringing the realism and intensity to a whole new level."

Cabela's Big Game Hunter lets players embark on a heart-pounding journey across the globe to hunt some of the most sought-after and exotic big game trophy animals in existence, including elk, moose, caribou, kudu, red stag, grizzly bear, and more. Along the way, hunting guides will help players hone their skills and improve their techniques as they track their targets in such diverse locations as British Columbia, the western United States, New Zealand, Africa, and Argentina. Cabela's Big Game Hunter offers a realistic yet fun-filled experience, featuring authentic weapons and equipment, unlockable missions, and visceral excitement to engage hunting fans of all ages.

Cabela's Big Game Hunter, which is published by Activision Minneapolis, is available now on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft for a suggested retail price of $39.99 and the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system for $29.99. The game will also be available on the WiiTM home video game system for $39.99 on November 14, 2007. The game is rated "T" (Teen) by the ESRB.

Win Joe Perry's Guitar Hero III Guitar!

Enter here

If you're someone who peruses the circulars in the Sunday paper for deals, you know that the big game featured this past weekend was Guitar Hero III: Legends Of Rock. It was on the cover of every company’s ad in the paper, just as it was the featured review on all the game sites.

Thanks for GameStop, Activision and Joe Perry, you’ll be able to win the game from Game Break. But wait: there’s more. You’ll be able to win Joe Perry’s guitar controller. Not only that, the Les Paul controller is signed by Perry himself.

How do you win? Just tell us which Legend of Rock you’d like to play Guitar Hero III with, and why. Folks, the why part is really important. So convince us in 150 words or less. Don’t go over 150 words or you’ll be disqualified! All entries must be received by 11:59 PM (ET) on November 6, 2007.

Make your entry funny, compelling, personal, heartstring-tugging, hard sell, soft sell, anything that will get us to want to give this prize package away to you. But don’t plead and whine. The concert will run for seven days. Next Friday, November 9th, we’ll announce the lucky winner. Good luck!

Guitar Hero III: Legends Of Rock 'Legendary Status'

Delivering the most authentic rock experience to date, Activision, Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock will feature some of the world's most influential musical instrument and equipment manufacturers including Gibson, Guitar Center Audio-Technica, Crate, Ernie Ball, Krank, Line 6, Mackie and Zildjian. Alternative Press, Decibel, Guitar Player, Kerrang and Paste magazines also make appearances giving Guitar Hero® legends the chance to see their names in the headlines.

In addition to partnering with some of the most prominent names in music, Activision has forged key strategic alliances with companies such as Pontiac and Axe whose product appears in the game.

"By forging exclusive relationships with key companies in the music and consumer packaged goods industries we are able to bring an even greater depth of realism to Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock," said Dave Anderson, sr. director of business development for Activision. "From venues like Pontiac Garage, to customized guitars from Axe, the game delivers the ultimate rock and roll experience."

Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock will include explosive new content and features including a multiplayer action-inspired battle mode, grueling boss battles, a host of exclusive unlockable content and visually stunning rock venues. Expanded online multiplayer game modes will also allow axe-shredders worldwide to compete head-to-head for true legendary rock status. For the first time ever, Guitar Hero fans will also be able to thrash and burn with new wireless guitar controllers available for each platform. The game will feature a star-studded soundtrack including master tracks by such legendary artists as Aerosmith, Guns N' Roses, The Rolling Stones, Beastie Boys, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Pearl Jam as well as original songs by guitar icons Slash and Tom Morello. While continuing to retain all the key features from their prior legendary performances, fresh downloadable content will be offered on multiple platforms, and players can now shred to a killer set list from many of the most popular rock songs ever recorded.

For the first time ever, Guitar Hero fans will also be able to thrash and burn with new wireless guitar controllers available for each platform, including exclusive Gibson Guitar's Les Paul model for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Wii™ home video game system from Nintendo, and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system. PlayStation®2 gamers will also get to shred on a new exclusive wireless guitar controller shape, Gibson's Kramer guitar, popularized by hard rockers and known for its body design, pickups, electronics and construction for furious finger fretting.
Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, published by RedOctane® and developed by Neversoft, is rated Teen by the ESRB and will be available October 28th, 2007 on the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Wii™ video game system from Nintendo, and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system. For more information about the Guitar Hero franchise, please visit the dedicated community site: www.guitarhero.com.

Guitar Hero tracks available on iPod

Do you wanna rock like a hurricane with your iPod? Of course you do! Check it:

Activision, Inc. announced that starting today a series of compilations featuring music from the hit franchise Guitar Hero will be available for purchase and download on the iTunes Store. The tracks will be featured in iTunes Essentials for Guitar Hero, Guitar Hero II, Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the 80s and Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock.

From “Surrender” to “Welcome to the Jungle,” to “Carry On Wayward Son,” nearly every song to appear in the Guitar Hero franchise has been gathered. A newly recorded version of "Anarchy in the U.K." which the Sex Pistols recently recorded for Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, is also available as a separate track. The series also includes Artist and Genre Essentials custom-created especially for guitar fans. Titles include Shredders, Live Guitar Heroics, Killer Guitar Solos and Guitar Anthems of the ‘80s with tracks from Aerosmith, Guns ‘N’ Roses, Rage Against the Machine, Metallica, the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix and Pearl Jam. Additionally, iTunes will be offering guitar-themed playlists from guitar legends Steve Jones of The Sex Pistols and Slash of Guns ‘N’ Roses and Velvet Revolver so fans can download the legends’ favorite anthems.

GUITAR HERO - $3000 prize contest

WHAT: Calling all self-professed Guitar Hero experts! E for All attendees are invited to bring their axes to compete as Target presents the first-ever Guitar Hero event at E for All. During the event, hundreds of competitors will showcase their shredding skills at one of the Guitar Hero II kiosks on the show floor to qualify for the final showdown Saturday on the main stage. Gamers will even get the chance to play Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock before its release on Oct. 28. By out-rocking the competition and impressing the celebrity judges, the true Guitar Hero will walk away with more than $3,000 in cash and Target gift cards.

WHO: Target is giving consumers the chance, courtesy of Activision and RedOctane, to rock at E for All as industry experts judge for scoring, accuracy and performance.

WHEN:
Guitar Hero Event
Oct. 18-20, 2007
Finals will take place Saturday on the main stage.
E for All
Oct. 18-21, 2007

WHERE:
Guitar Hero Event Area – South Exhibit Hall
Los Angeles Convention Center
1201 S Figueroa St
Los Angeles, CA 90015

NEWS/VISUALS:

- Guitar Hero fanatics on stage dressed the part, rocking out for a large audience.
- Expert judges playing the game and interacting with fans.
- Ultimate Guitar Hero being presented with more than $3,000 cash and Target gift cards.
- Fierce face offs between event finalists on the main stage in South Hall.
- Perfect opportunity for broadcast outlets to film general video game footage in preparation for the holiday season.

The game and the name “Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock” and the guitar controller are used for purposes of description only and such use is not intended to suggest or imply Activision and RedOctane’s sponsorship of this Contest.

Nintendo DS - Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare

The signature Call of Duty chaos of battle is coming to Nintendo DS for the first time in a modern day first-person action experience packed with intense sights, sounds and gameplay. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare for the Nintendo DS delivers an arsenal of modern weaponry, arming gamers with precision controls and touch screen capabilities for battle across the world’s most dangerous hotspots. In an unfolding story that parallels the epic, high-octane PC and next generation console Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, the Nintendo DS title enlists players as U.S. and coalition forces against a rogue enemy, where the action rages from land to the skies in all-out combat that threatens the world.

KEY FEATURES:

• Nintendo DS Touch Screen and Stylus – Intuitive stylus-based movement controls allows unique ways to construct explosive devices, disarm traps, and perform hand-to-hand combat.

• Diversity of Gameplay – Delivering a variety of combat, the title takes players from the soldier to the satellite with multiple scenarios. Gamers will experience mobilization as they fast-rope from tactical helicopters, engage hostile forces from an aerial gunship, and experience the ferocity of building to building fighting.

• Instant Action – Featuring the signature Call of Duty epic combat and intensity, the Nintendo DS title delivers an Instant Action mode allowing players to quickly access previously completed missions.

• Multiplayer Support – Leveraging wireless local area network (WLAN) for ad-hoc connectivity, up to four players quickly ease into the visceral action of modern warfare combat.

Publisher: Activision Publishing, Inc.
Developer: n-Space
Release Date: Fall 2007
Platform: Nintendo DS
Suggested Retail Price: TBD
ESRB Rating: TBD