No Arcade release for 'Super Street Fighter IV'?

During an interview at the Tokyo Games Show, Yoshinori Ono; producer of Street Fighter IV and upcoming 'Super' Street Fighter IV, made a statement that Capcom currently have no plans for an arcade release for this next fighting game expansion. As such, fighting game fans around the world have decided that the decision could ruin the arcade scene for good, and drive newcomers to the genre away with the lack of a new installment.

Capcom set to reveal 'Super Street Fighter IV'? New website link

Since the rumours about the inclusion of Dee Jay and T. Hawk in an updated SFIV, the internet has gone wild with speculation surrounding the game with hope for new content. As time passed, a compendium of details specific to the update; known at the time as "Street Fighter 4: Dash", was listed on numerous sites and many believed the information to be true. With a distinct absence at the recent Tokyo Games Show, Capcom have decided it's time to unveil some long sought after information regarding 'Super Street Fighter IV'.

Arc System Works announce BlazBlue: Continuum Shift!

Arc System Works, the development team behind fighting games such as Guilty Gear and Hokuto no Ken, revealed information at Tokyo Games Show regarding their newest Franchise; BlazBlue. There had already been much speculation as to which characters would be unveiled, what alterations to gameplay mechanics/character move-sets we would be seeing, but let's take a look at what has been confirmed:

Indie Games Arcade Returns to the Eurogamer Expo 2009

The Indie Games Arcade returns to the Eurogamer Expo this year, with more than a dozen of the best and most interesting indie games and projects on show.

Organised by Pixel-Lab and Eurogamer, the Indie Games Arcade will be happening at both Eurogamer Expo events - in Leeds on the 27th and 28th of October, and as part of London Games Festival on the 30th and 31st of October.

The Indie Games Arcade will feature a raft of well-known and not so well known indie games, including games from Tunatech, Introversion, Robert Fearon, Hayden Scott-Baron, Rudolf Kremers and Alex May.

Rupert Loman, managing director of Eurogamer said, "The Indie Games Arcade is an important part of the Eurogamer Expo. It puts gamers in touch with games they might not otherwise find out about, and helps independent developers reach new gamers and attract press coverage that they wouldn’t otherwise be able to get. We’re delighted to bring it back this year with the help of Pixel-Lab.”

David Hayward, Project Coordinator for Pixel-Lab said, "Not everyone is well known or has a huge marketing budget, but there's a lot of indie talent based right here in the UK. A lot of this work steps outside of the commercial mainstream of games and constitutes an important contribution to the culture of games. I'm really pleased to be putting such a lot of interesting work on show again this year."

As well as beloved and anticipated commercial indie titles, there will also be a selection of the most interesting and unusual non-commercial games that can be found.

The Indie Games Arcade microsite is here: http://pixel-lab.co.uk/indiegamesarcade

Mobile veteran Venan Entertainment, IN. announces new "Venan Arcade" hand-held gaming initiative!

Venan Entertainment, a premier developer of DS, iPhone, iPod, and mobile games, today announced the creation of a new game development initiative: Venan Arcade.

“Although Venan has been a prominent developer in mobile for many years, our primary business model has been behind-the-scenes contract development for publishers like EA, THQ and Sega.” said Brandon Curiel, CEO and Lead Designer at Venan Entertainment. “Venan Arcade represents our initiative to step from behind the curtain and deliver great gameplay experiences directly to our consumers.”Venan Entertainment, a premier developer of DS, iPhone, iPod, and mobile games, today announced the creation of a new game development initiative: Venan Arcade.

“Although Venan has been a prominent developer in mobile for many years, our primary business model has been behind-the-scenes contract development for publishers like EA, THQ and Sega.” said Brandon Curiel, CEO and Lead Designer at Venan Entertainment. “Venan Arcade represents our initiative to step from behind the curtain and deliver great gameplay experiences directly to our consumers.”

Venan Arcade will initially focus on creating high-quality portable gaming experiences that can be purchased on the Apple App Store for iPhone and iPod Touch. Venan Arcade titles will be priced competitively, but never overpriced.

“With the App Store, all the traditional notions of price points have changed,” said Curiel. “What people are learning is that consumers are much more willing to try new experiences when you reduce the barrier of entry. And when you deliver a great product that is fun, accessible, and has great value, the sales will take care of themselves.”

Venan Entertainment, perhaps best known for the critically acclaimed, BAFTA-nominated DS title NINJATOWN, as well as the top-selling iPhone/iPod Touch smash hit MONOPOLY HERE & NOW: THE WORLD EDITION, will continue

its traditional work of developing high-profile AAA franchises for major publishers. Since it was founded in 2002, Venan has developed mobile titles based on many well-known game, film, and television IP’s such as MONOPOLY, NBA LIVE, NBA STREET, JAWS, SOUTH PARK, and SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS. Curiel notes, “In addition to Venan Arcade, we have several iPhone projects underway for some top-notch brands. It’s going to be an exciting year for us on the iPhone.”

The first game in the Venan Arcade initiative will be a “nonlinear top-down shooter,” according to Curiel. “The core gameplay is based on a familiar model that most gamers will recognize right away, but we’ve built on top of that to create an all-new gameplay experience. Our philosophy is that Venan Arcade titles should cater to everybody’s
play style, whether it’s casual or hardcore.”

Venan Arcade’s first title will be developed for the iPhone and iPod Touch, and will be available in early September.

A formal announcement of this first title is expected later this week.

Venan Arcade will initially focus on creating high-quality portable gaming experiences that can be purchased on the Apple App Store for iPhone and iPod Touch. Venan Arcade titles will be priced competitively, but never overpriced.

“With the App Store, all the traditional notions of price points have changed,” said Curiel. “What people are learning is that consumers are much more willing to try new experiences when you reduce the barrier of entry. And when you deliver a great product that is fun, accessible, and has great value, the sales will take care of themselves.”

Venan Entertainment, perhaps best known for the critically acclaimed, BAFTA-nominated DS title Ninjatown, as well as the top-selling iPhone/iPod Touch smash hit Monopoly Here & Now: The World Edition, will continue

its traditional work of developing high-profile AAA franchises for major publishers. Since it was founded in 2002, Venan has developed mobile titles based on many well-known game, film, and television IP’s such as Monopoly, NBA Live, NBA Street, Jaws, South Park, and Spongebob Squarepants. Curiel notes, “In addition to Venan Arcade, we have several iPhone projects underway for some top-notch brands. It’s going to be an exciting year for us on the iPhone.”

The first game in the Venan Arcade initiative will be a “nonlinear top-down shooter,” according to Curiel. “The core gameplay is based on a familiar model that most gamers will recognize right away, but we’ve built on top of that to create an all-new gameplay experience. Our philosophy is that Venan Arcade titles should cater to everybody’s play style, whether it’s casual or hardcore.”

Venan Arcade’s first title will be developed for the iPhone and iPod Touch, and will be available in early September.

A formal announcement of this first title is expected later this week.

Sony Online Entertainment Brings PopCap's Heavy Weapon to the PlayStation Network

Mount an assault on the enemy like never before with Heavy Weapon on the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system! Heavy Weapon combines the action and strategy of a classic arcade shooter with the fun factor of a more causal genre that all players can enjoy.


ABOUT HEAVY WEAPON: Heavy Weapon includes 19 exciting stages and challenging level bosses. Players launch their mission as an Atomic Tank, collect power-ups from friends and engage the enemy! Mission mode allows players to follow the storyline to the unlockable Boss Blitz mode where they can battle every boss in the game! The Survival mode features a nonstop onslaught of enemies to see which players can outlast the rest and achieve the best time!

Features include:

• PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system trophies.
• Action-packed game modes!
• 6 secret upgradeable weapons!
• 19 missions with nukes, mega lasers, and more!
• Unlockable Boss Blitz bonus game mode!
• Enhanced sound effects and original score!
• Amazing enemy landscapes and graphics!

WHEN: Beginning today, Heavy Weapon is available for purchase from the PlayStation Store for $9.99 (plus applicable taxes).

For more information on Heavy Weapon, log in to www.station.com.

Sony Online Entertainment Brings PopCap's Heavy Weapon to the PlayStation Network

Mount an assault on the enemy like never before with Heavy Weapon on the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system! Heavy Weapon combines the action and strategy of a classic arcade shooter with the fun factor of a more causal genre that all players can enjoy.


ABOUT HEAVY WEAPON: Heavy Weapon includes 19 exciting stages and challenging level bosses. Players launch their mission as an Atomic Tank, collect power-ups from friends and engage the enemy! Mission mode allows players to follow the storyline to the unlockable Boss Blitz mode where they can battle every boss in the game! The Survival mode features a nonstop onslaught of enemies to see which players can outlast the rest and achieve the best time!

Features include:

• PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system trophies.
• Action-packed game modes!
• 6 secret upgradeable weapons!
• 19 missions with nukes, mega lasers, and more!
• Unlockable Boss Blitz bonus game mode!
• Enhanced sound effects and original score!
• Amazing enemy landscapes and graphics!

WHEN: Beginning today, Heavy Weapon is available for purchase from the PlayStation Store for $9.99 (plus applicable taxes).

For more information on Heavy Weapon, log in to www.station.com.

Burn Zombie Burn

Pinnacle Software and developer Doublesix are excited to announce the upcoming release of what will surely prove to be one of the most addictive and charismatic arcade shooters of 2009 - Burn Zombie Burn, available on PlayStation Network early Q1.

You play Bruce – an average every-day Joe who was looking forward to some ‘quality time’ with his girlfriend Daisy. In true B-movie style their Saturday night is ruined by an invasion of zombies. Set across six classic American horror movie inspired levels, Burn Zombie Burn is a third-person shoot-em-up in the classic coin-op tradition featuring next-gen game play mechanics, and possessing that ‘one-more-go’ addictiveness which define all of the great shooters.

The aim of the game couldn’t be simpler; shoot, burn and blow up as many brain munching zombies as possible using a variety of classic zombie killing weapons before they overwhelm you. Use fire to build up your multiplier and then destroy zombies en masse with explosives to increase that oh-so-important leaderboard high score. But beware! A burning zombie is a faster zombie – burn too many and they will burn you!

Burn Zombie Burn is frantic, arcade gaming at its best, delivering humour and bloody zombie violence in copious amounts!.

“The idea for Burn Zombie Burn! was to make a game that captured what the studio is about: “just one more go” game-play, a raucous sense of humour and an accessible learning curve coupled with traditional hardcore depth. Working with Pinnacle gives us the freedom to make the game we wanted to make, retain the Burn Zombie Burn! IP and meant that we always had a say in how the game was handled and represented”, said Jim Mummery, Creative Director at doublesix.

Peter Sleeman, Managing Director at Pinnacle commented, “The press response we have already received to Burn Zombie Burn! demonstrates the calibre of this game and I have very high hopes for this unique title. This deal demonstrates how Pinnacle is pursuing its new business model, allowing developers to have creative control over its own IP and benefit from the hard work and inspiration they have put in.”

KEY FEATURES
• Six American horror movie inspired playable levels – The Woods, Graveyard, Suburbia, Drive-In, Military Base and Secret Lab
• Three single-player modes – Freeplay, Timed and Defence
• Two player Co-op and Versus modes (Freeplay and Timed only)
• Ten bloody and gag-filled custom Challenges across all levels including ‘My Exploding Zombie Head!’ (kick it around the map and shoot to detonate), ‘Zombies Ate My Teddy!’ (zombies are after your teddy. Stop them!) and ‘Lawn of the Dead!’ (a lawnmower and a lot of zombies. You work it out!)
• Eight zombie types to slaughter, each with their own behaviourial patterns, strengths and weaknesses – Normal, Exploder, Crazy, Dancers, Rushers, Riot, Noxious and Super Zombie!
• Fantastic range of primary weapons to dish out some zombie hurt with including baseball bat, chainsaw, lawnmower and the Brain Gun!
• Dish out additional zombie pain with pickup enhanced Timed, Proximity and Remote Explosives for that nice, at a safe distance zombie evisceration!
• Set fire to zombies to net a big score multiplier. The more zombies on fire, the bigger your multiplier and the quicker your score rises
• Level Event on every level activated by keeping on killing with the same weapon to build up a combo ticker. Max out three and the Event is activated, a different one for each level, including a UFO, a God Ray and Laser Beams, all of which will help you out
• Three in-game characters; Bruce - across between Bruce Campbell and Elvis, Bruno – Bruce’s quieter brother, and Daisy – Bruce’s girl

PENNY ARCADE GAME LAUNCH AND PRICING CONFIRMED FOR PLAYSTATION 3

Anxious fans and PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system owners, the wait is almost over! Hothead today announced that its well-received Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, Episode One will arrive on the PlayStation Network for download on October 23 in North America (other regions to follow shortly thereafter).

The PlayStation Network version of Episode One features newly-implemented PlayStation 3 system features such as trophies, score ranking and background music (BGM) support and will sell at $14.99 USD, representing a greater value to gamers than ever before. In celebration of this long-awaited moment, the Windows, Mac and Linux versions of Episode One currently available on the Greenhouse digital distribution service (www.playgreenhouse.com) will be immediately and permanently reduced to sell at a comparable price.

"We're so excited to finally be able to get this version into gamers' hands," said Vlad Ceraldi, "that we wanted to extend the same value and opportunity to anyone else who hasn't had a chance yet to play Episode One. Other platforms and digital distribution services can make their own decision regarding pricing, of course, but we're recommending under $15 for this and all episodes going forward. Episode Two will be coming to PlayStation Network before Christmas and we are really happy how it turned out."

Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, Episode One has been rated "M" for Mature by the Electronic Software Ratings Board for all platforms.

Pirates v Ninjas Dodgeball has made its way onto Xbox LIVE Arcade

Who Would Win in a Fight, Pirates or Ninjas? The Age Old Question is Finally Answered

Sides have been chosen, lines drawn and the smell of fresh rubber fills the salty air. There’s only one possible reason for these conditions – DODGEBALL! Gamecock Media Group announced today that Blazing Lizard’s Pirates v Ninjas Dodgeball has made its way onto Xbox LIVE Arcade for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. Players must join the ranks of savage pirates or enter the dojo of the mysterious ninja (or robots or zombies should they desire) as they battle to unconsciousness in the world’s most epic dodgeball matches.

“I love pirates,” said Captain Rick Stults, Console Chief at Gamecock Media Group.

“Everyone knows ninjas beat down pirates daily,” countered Chris Stockman, Studio Director of Blazing Lizard.

Continued Captain Rick, “Our office isn’t immune to the timeless debate and even now I brandish a cutlass and eye patch to show my support. The debate has gone on for long enough and I’m ready to see pirates rise to the top and put those pyjama pansies in their place.”

To which Chris said, “What Rick doesn’t know is both prefer to settle the score on the dodgeball field. We are bringing together mortal adversaries for what I can guarantee will be intense dodgeball action. Albeit one in which the ninja warrior will prevail.”

Pirates v Ninjas Dodgeball brings the ancient debate to the apex of competitive sports. Dodgeballs in hand, the nautical outlaws square off against stealthy martial artists in beautifully designed 3-D environments. In addition to pirates and ninjas, gamers will also be able to unlock special zombie and robot teams. Each team has its own unique style and every character has its own devastating special move.

The title includes a full story and traditional and enhanced dodgeball modes with multiplayer support for 4 players Local / 8 players Online, and 4-player Co-op modes. Games can be customised to allow anywhere from 1 to 5 balls into play for maximum ball-throwing intensity. The traditional and enhanced modes are also part of the story so players get further variety in the single player game.

Pirates vs. Ninjas Dodgeball is now available for download on Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360 for 800 points.

Rocketbowl video bowling game now on Xbox Live Arcade

Rocketbowl

A refreshing twist on a classic sport, RocketBowl offers a 50’s style retro-futuristic vibe, out-of-this-world courses and rocket-powered bowling balls; Rocket Bowl rolls a perfect game of fun on the Xbox360 LIVE Arcade. Players will compete in tournaments, challenge their friends in multiplayer, test their bowling skills and more!


KEY FEATURES:

• Rocket-Powered Bowling Balls – RocketBowl takes the sport to a whole other level with rocket powered balls that can boost, jump and turn to help players knock down the pins and earn extra points with wild shots.

• 10 Crazy Bowling Courses – In addition to a regular bowling alley, RocketBowl features 9 crazy courses filled with ramps, tunnels, loops, hills, curves and more to create a bowling experience like never before.

• Fun and Varied Single-Player Mode – Single-player RocketBowl allows players to take on the variety of courses in Free Play mode; or challenge the course pros in Tournament and Challenge modes, where they can wager and win money to upgrade their equipment.

• Exciting Multiplayer Matches – Up to 4 friends can compete against each other over Xbox LIVE or locally on one system. Xbox LIVE play features Player (unranked) and Ranked matches.

• Upgrade Your Equipment – Using cash earned by winning matches players can upgrade from more than 15 unique bowling balls including Strawbally, 8-Ball, the Jupiter 5000 and the Kalamazoo Special – more powerful bowling balls feature enhanced boost and curve abilities.

Manipulate time in Braid, coming to Xbox LIVE Arcade this Wednesday!

Named Best Xbox LIVE Arcade Game and Best Overall Puzzle Game by IGN at E3 2008, “Braid,” is coming to Xbox LIVE Arcade this Wednesday, August 6, 2008 at 9 a.m. GMT (2:00 a.m. PDT).

From acclaimed independent developer Jonathan Blow, “Braid” is an artful puzzle-platformer where challenging, yet accessible puzzles are solved by manipulating time. From your house in the city, journey to a series of worlds solving puzzles that will help you rescue an abducted princess. Time behaves differently in each world, and every puzzle shows you something different about the world. The time behaviors include rewinding, independent time streams, time that is tied to space, parallel realities, time dilation, and perhaps more.

Developed by Number None, Inc., and published by Microsoft, “Braid” will be available for 1200 Microsoft Points worldwide and is rated E 10+ for Everyone over the age of 10 by the ESRB.

For more details on “Braid” please visit http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/b/braidxboxlivearcade/.

SPACE INVADERS EXTREME AND ARKANOID DS ON SALE TOMORROW

Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of Square Enix interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, announces the return of two legendary TAITO games, ARKANOID DS for the Nintendo DS handheld system and SPACE INVADERS EXTREME for the Nintendo DS handheld system and the PSP (PlayStation Portable) system, will be available across Europe from tomorrow.

30 years after the original SPACE INVADERS ignited an entire entertainment medium and founded a gaming generation; players can now prepare to play the most extreme embodiment of the game ever created.

SPACE INVADERS EXTREME combines the captivating essence of the original game with a stunning alliance of futuristic graphic design and cutting-edge audio. The gameplay experience has been developed to maximise on the consoles’ abilities, offering players a whole new range of amazing features including a vast array of new power-ups, DS Wireless Communications and Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.

ARKANOID DS updates the classic block-busting gameplay of the 1986 original, with the Vaus vessel, balls and bricks all still intact. Different modes of play provide unique challenges including Clear with 140 levels to complete and Quest mode that sets different rules for clearing each round. Points won in the game can be used to customize the game further, with new backgrounds, blocks and sound effects waiting to be unlocked.

John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Ltd. comments, “Both ARKANOID and SPACE INVADERS transcend different generations and gaming abilities, they are as loved for the gameplay experience as they are for their iconic status. With the launch of SPACE INVADERS EXTREME and ARKANOID DS we can offer existing fans the chance to enjoy the next level of gameplay, while offering a new audience the chance to experience these classics in a contemporary way.”

For more information about SPACE INVADERS EXTREME and ARKANOID DS please visit the official websites at http://www.spaceinvaders-game.co.uk and http://www.arkanoid-game.co.uk

SPACE INVADERS EXTREME features

•Futuristic, techno-inspired graphic design takes SPACE INVADERS to new heights
•Interactive, totally immersive sound scheme where sound effects are synchronised to match the beats of the music
•Wide range of amazing new power-ups

Additional Nintendo DS version features

•Play a friend with Nintendo DS Wireless Play
•Challenge other players with Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection
•High-Score table supported by Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection
•Share the multiplayer fun from a single cart with DS Download Play

Additional PSP version features

•Play against another player via ad hoc mode
•Widescreen 16x9 support
•Soundtrack provided by critically acclaimed musicians and DJ’s including SUGIURUMN, WALL FIVE, DJ Aki, ATOM™ & •MASAKI SAKAMOTO and ALTZ

ARKANOID DS features

•Over 140 levels to complete in Clear Mode, Quest mode adds extra challenge with different rules for each level
•Customize your game by exchanging points earned for new design features such as new backgrounds, Vaus vessels, blocks and sound effects
•Power-up items carefully selected from the ARKANOID series plus exciting new Power-up items: Barriers, Warp and Vanish
•Compete against friends with 2 and 4-player DS Wireless Communications
•Share the multiplayer fun from a single cart with DS Download Play
•High-Score table supported by Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection

More Screens and a Different Look at H.A.W.X.

Last week's MLG San Diego was notable for its debut of the Cold Storage map for Halo 3. It also gave people a look at a "very early test phase" version of Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X., the arcade flight combat sim forthcoming from Ubisoft by the end of the year. The game was a demo playable by anyone in attendance. He said the Ubi rep didn't care if anyon

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Penny Arcade Game - Windows Mac and Linux versions

Hothead Games Sets Price, Technical Specs For Upcoming Penny Arcade Game

Windows, Mac and Linux versions to sell worldwide for $19.95

Hothead Games today announced official pricing for the upcoming first installment in the downloadable, episodic game series Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness. Although the title is long, the price is just a short and sweet $19.95 for the Windows, Mac and Linux versions of the game, currently scheduled to launch simultaneously this spring on these platforms and via Xbox LIVE Arcade.

Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, Episode One is expected to offer gamers five to ten hours of gameplay and work on current generation computer hardware, making it compatible with players' schedules and pocketbooks.

Minimum System Requirements

Windows and Linux

• Windows 2000/XP/VistaTM with latest updates or Linux 32-bit x86
• Pentium III, AMD AthlonTM 1.0 GHz or better

Mac

• Mac OS X 10.4/10.5 with latest updates
• PowerPC G4, G5 or Intel based Mac 1.0 GHz or better

Recommended Configuration

Windows and Linux

• Pentium IV, AMD AthlonTM 1.5 GHz or better

Mac

• PowerPC G4, G5 or Intel based Mac 1.5 GHz or better

Play Sacred 2: Fallen Angel and Sudden Strike 3 Hands-on at SXSW!

Come Play Sacred 2: Fallen Angel and Sudden Strike 3 Hands-on at SXSW!

cdv USA showing two exciting titles during the "Screenburn Arcade" session

cdv Software Entertainment USA will be giving hands-on demos of their upcoming Action-RPG Sacred 2: Fallen Angel, and their WWII RTS – Sudden Strike 3: Arms for Victory at the 2008 South by Southwest (SXSW) Screenburn Festival on March 8 and 9 in Austin, Texas. Visitors to booth S1 in the Screenburn Arcade will get hands-on time with both exciting titles. For more information about Sudden Strike III: Arms for Victory or Sacred 2: Fallen Angel, please visit http://www.cdvus.com.

SXSW Screenburn Arcade visitors will also be able to purchase popular cdv titles such as War Front: Turning Point, Attack on Pearl Harbor and Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened at special SXSW show pricing. By stopping by the cdv booth, gamers will get a double treat of hands-on time with one of the most-anticipated games of 2008 along with the opportunity to purchase some great games at great prices.

Sacred 2: Fallen Angel is an Action RPG with a rich story that takes place in a giant, open-ended and seamless world. This world contains hundreds of dungeons, treacherous opponents and a variety of challenging quests. Intelligent enemies, steadily adapting in number and difficulty based on player progress, challenge in heroic single- and multiplayer battles.

Sacred 2: Fallen Angel provides numerous unique items that can be gathered in this mystical world. A deep reward system further enables advancements in character, individual attributes and character-specific fighting styles, each designed to keep players returning to the world of Sacred 2: Fallen Angel to discover what is around the next bend. Drop-in styled cooperative multiplayer gameplay ensures players will enjoy the game alone or seamlessly with friends at any time. Five unique multiplayer modes round out the experience and offer a refreshing, first-class gaming experience in Sacred 2: Fallen Angel.

Leap, Sneak and Evade Your Way to Safety as the World's Most Elusive Ninja in "N+," An Innovative Platformer Launching on Xbox LIVE Arcade this Wednes

Become a gold-thirsty ninja battling homicidal robots with “N+” as it lands on Xbox LIVE Arcade this Wednesday 20th February at 09.00.

In the enhanced version of the original game “N,” players take on the persona of a ninja who must use agile acrobatic actions to battle robots in the futuristic world of “N+.” Play as a lone ninja or destroy the robots with a friend in Cooperative, Survival or Race modes using local or Internet co-op via Xbox LIVE. “N+” boasts 2-D Ragdoll physics with incredibly styled next-generation graphics for an intense visual experience. With unlimited lives, over 300 levels to master and a built-in level editor for when you crave more, the gold-searching and robot-smashing adventures are seemingly endless!

Where can I get this game from?
N+ is available worldwide for 800 Microsoft Points and is rated E10+ by the ESRB.

More information is available at:
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/n/nplusxboxlivearcade

Atari Classics on Sony PSP Battlezone - Centipede - Millipede - Missile Command - Tempest - Lunar Lander - Super Breakout - Warlord - Asteroids...

11 ARCADE classics AND MORE THAN 40 ORIGINAL ATARI 2600 TITLEs land on the PlayStationPortable

Atari, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATAR), one of the worlds’ most recognized brands and a third-party video game publisher, today announced that Atari Classics Evolved, a large compilation of classic Atari arcade games, has shipped to retailers in North America just in time for the holiday season. Atari Classics Evolved, rated E for Everyone, is available on the PSP (PlayStationPortable) system for a suggested retail price of $19.99.

Atari Classics Evolved features a full gamut of genre-defining classics like Battlezone, Centipede, Millipede, Missile Command, Tempest, Lunar Lander, Super Breakout, Warlord, Asteroids, Asteroids Deluxe and Pong. In addition to the 11 arcade classics, players can unlock more than 40 original Atari 2600 titles. These titles include such noted favorites as Yar’s Revenge, Night Driver, Canyon Bomber and Crystal Castles among many others.

“Gamers today have gotten used to the increasing complexity of video games,” said Todd Slepian, Producer, Atari, Inc. “But it’s always nice to take a break from these monstrous titles and go back to the games that defined our childhoods. With so many fun classic games packed into such a small disc, it’s hard not to crack a little smile for days gone by.”

For true arcade authenticity, all 11 classic arcade titles in Atari Classics Evolved feature their original retro graphics, as well as an option for beautifully rendered “Evolved” graphics and enhanced gameplay. While retaining the tried-and-true gameplay of the original games, the 11 classic arcade titles also feature online leaderboards, allowing players to compare scores against some of the best players in the world. Some games also have local peer-to-peer wireless capability allowing players to compete in fierce local multiplayer matches.

For more information on Atari Classics Evolved, Atari and its entire product line-up please visit www.atari.com.

Monster Ball: a new video game by Legless Lizard Games - free demos

Indie games developer Legless Lizard Games has just released Monster Ball, a new 3D arcade game for the PC. But is this yet another entry in a classic game type that has been around since the early 80's? Nope - it's an entirely new gameplay concept.

Monster Ball is a "snooker-em-up" - a challenging, brain-teasing and somewhat surreal action game with innovative and multi-layered gameplay. It's sort of like pool... but with monsters.

Monster Ball features colourful and attractive 3D graphics, over 150 waves of enemies to defeat, cunningly designed special achievements to aim for, and an adjustable difficulty level to suit all levels of player skill. Players can even save replays of their games.

Monster Ball is family-friendly, but that doesn't mean it's coated in saccharine. Monster Ball can be enjoyed by gaming fiends of all ages. What's more, the game is structured so that persistence will always bring progress - but to truly master the game, a player must become both skillful and adept at thinking on their feet.

A free demo of Monster Ball is available from the game's home page:

http://www.monsterballgame.com

There's a gameplay video there too, so the game can be seen in action right away.

GripShift video game races on Xbox Live Arcade

Sidhe Interactive, industry leading developer of cross platform titles, today announced that their award-winning driving platformer title, GripShift®, is headed to Xbox LIVE Arcade (XBLA), the premier destination for digitally distributed, high-definition original and classic games. Available this year, the Xbox LIVE Arcade-exclusive title features updated graphics, improved controls and additional single and multiplayer content, including new Challenge courses and a Deathmatch mode.

"Veteran players and newcomers to the game will both find something to love in this definitive version of GripShift," said Mario Wynands, Managing Director of Sidhe Interactive. "We've added a substantial amount of new content, including new single player courses and a multiplayer Deathmatch mode for players bent on dominating their friends or climbing to the top of the leaderboards."

GripShift brings the action online to Xbox LIVE Arcade with an abundance of new content, including upgraded graphics, Deathmatch mode and new race courses. Additionally, unlockable achievements and TrueSkill Leaderboard functionality will keep Xbox 360 owners coming back to race their way to glory!

For more information on GripShift, please visit: www.gripshiftgame.com.