Atari to make Ghostbusters - The video game (Who you gonna call?)

Atari, one of the world's most recognized video game publishers, announced today the addition of the highly anticipated Ghostbusters: The Video Game to its 2009 release schedule. Working closely with Sony Pictures Consumer Products Inc. and acclaimed development studio Terminal Reality, Atari will bring this completely new story to advanced gaming platforms coinciding with the 25th anniversary celebration of the film's original theatrical release. Ghostbusters: The Video Game, based on the smash hit motion picture franchise, also reunites original cast members to recapture the unique blend of humour and fright that established Ghostbusters as a pop culture sensation.

"Ghostbusters: The Video Game is a fantastic addition to Atari's global line-up in 2009," said Phil Harrison, President of Infogrames Entertainment, the parent company of Atari. "The title has built considerable anticipation and excitement among game fans for its high quality action and all-out mayhem. There's no more thrilling Ghostbusting experience to be had, short of building your own proton pack."

"We're thrilled to partner with Atari on Ghostbusters: The Video Game", said Mark Caplan, Vice President of Licensing-Hardlines for Sony Pictures Consumer Products Inc. "As one of our studios' most valued film franchises, we wanted to develop a video game that would be exciting for both new and old fans and with Atari we have a publisher that fully understands Ghostbusters, and is committed to producing engaging entertainment that fans will thoroughly enjoy."

Ghostbusters: The Video Game was penned by original Ghostbusters writers Harold Ramis and Dan Aykroyd and reunites members of the original cast for the first time in 20 years. Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, and Ernie Hudson lend their voices and in-game likenesses to the original story set two years after Ghostbusters II, with Manhattan once again overrun by ghosts and supernatural forces. The game also features performances from fan favourites such as William Atherton (Walter Peck), Annie Potts (Janine Melnitz) and Brian Doyle-Murray (portraying Mayor Jock Mulligan).

Atari will release the Ghostbusters: The Video Game for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system, PlayStation 2 system, the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Games For Windows, Wii and Nintendo DS. The launch will also leverage Atari's worldwide distribution network to maximize the presence of Ghostbusters: The Video Game around the globe as Sony marks the film's upcoming 25th anniversary. For more information on Atari's entire line up visit www.atari.com.

2009 also marks the 25th Anniversary of the original theatrical release of Ghostbusters. Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters II combined to gross over $500 million world-wide at the box office. The film spawned some of the most memorable comedic catch-phrases and scenes in motion picture history. To recognize this special milestone, Sony Pictures Consumer Products Inc has licensed the property for several new products to commemorate the anniversary, including: video games, toys, t-shirts, comic books, prop replicas, and a theme park attraction. In addition, the original Ghostbusters car (Ecto-1) has been fully restored with plans for special promotional appearances throughout the US. And for the first time ever, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment will release Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters II on Blu-rayTM disc.
About the Game

When Manhattan is once again overrun by ghosts and other supernatural creatures, players will take on the role of a new recruit joining the famous Ghostbusters team. Developed by acclaimed studio Terminal Reality, Ghostbusters: The Video Game will make its debut on the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Windows PC. The PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system version and the Wii version are being developed by Red Fly Studios, and the Nintendo DS version, in which the player takes the role of one of the Ghostbusters themselves, is developed by Zen Studios. The PLAYSTATION 3, Xbox 360, Wii, and PC versions of the game are developed using Terminal Reality's phenomenal proprietary Infernal Engine technology.

Related articles by Zemanta

• Pre order Left 4 Dead (save 10%) and get access to demo download
• Damnation all-new gameplay video
• Tomb Raider - Underworld two new chapters to download on Xbox 360
• 4.7 million units of Fallout 3 video game shipped
• The Raconteurs Jimi Hendrix take to the virtual stage in November as downloadable content for Guitar Hero World Tour

Sacred 2 - Fallen Angel RPG video game - play it at Gencon

Gamers are invited to get hands-on with the PC and Xbox 360 versions of the sequel to 2004's "RPG of the Year"

cdv Software Entertainment USA is inviting gamers to come check out their exciting action-RPG, Sacred 2: Fallen Angel, at this week's GenCon event in Indianapolis. Sacred 2: Fallen Angel will be available for hands-on play time on PC and Xbox 360 all day during the convention on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, August 14 through 16, 2008. Gamers looking to check out the upcoming title from cdv Software Entertainment USA and Ascaron Entertainment should visit the Atari area (Exhibit hall D, booth 129) at the show.

For more information about Sacred 2: Fallen Angel, please visit http://sacred2.com or http://www.cdvus.com.

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.

Equestrian Training on Nintendo DS

Think you know everything about horses? Now is the chance to test your knowledge on Nintendo DS with Equestrian Training!

Today Atari UK announced the forthcoming release of ‘Equestrian Training’ on Nintendo DS in the UK. The title will offer horse and riding fans the chance to learn everything about the equestrian world and test their knowledge through various exercises and exams. The game is scheduled for release in October.

If you fancy yourself as an equine expert or if you have just started riding, Equestrian Training is the best way to become truly knowledgeable on all things horse related!

The training mode will allow you to revise all of the facts required to achieve optimum Horse knowledge and care. When you feel confident enough select the exam mode and see how well you do! Your progress will also be tracked in the game so you will see your knowledge grow as you play.

The games mode will give you the choice between three different games - Endurance: achieve the best average speed for each course; Obstacle Course: win the obstacle courses without making mistakes and while beating the instructor’s time; Grooming: change the horse’s grooming according to circumstances including trek, dressage test and competition.

Key Features

• Training: Revise all of the knowledge required to achieve stages 1 to 4.
• Exams: Put your brains to the test and see how much you really know about horses.
• Vocabulary: Learn definitions of equestrian terms.
• Games: Three different equestrian games modes will help you have fun while you learn.
• Statistics: Watch your progress rise as you gain further knowledge.

The Witcher - Enhanced Edition PC game - Fact Sheet

The Witcher - Enhanced Edition

PLATFORM: Games for Windows
RELEASE DATE: September 2008
DEVELOPER: CD Projekt RED
PUBLISHER: Atari, Inc.
GENRE: Role-Playing Game

Game Description:
The Witcher - Enhanced Edition is the ultimate version of the ultimate role-playing game. The Witcher, which was released in October 2007, has won more than 90 awards and has sold more than 800,000 copies worldwide, and The Witcher: Enhanced Edition brings the game even closer to perfection with a number of technical and visual improvements jammed into the value-packed retail box. The enhancements introduced in this version include more than 5000 lines of re-written and re-recorded dialogue, more than 200 new dialogue animations, a new character differentiation system for NPCs, an enhanced inventory with improved alchemy, reduced loading times, improved combat responsiveness and much more.

In addition to the in-game updates, The Witcher: Enhanced Edition will feature premium packaging loaded with value, including the multilingual game disc allowing you to play with any combination of voice-over and subtitles, two new adventures with full voice-over, the D’jinni Adventure Editor, the Official Soundtrack CD, a Music Inspired by The Witcher CD, an official game guide, The Witcher short story by Andrzej Sapkowski, a Making-of DVD with behind-the-scenes video footage, and a map of The Witcher’s world.

The Witcher represents the pinnacle of storytelling in role-playing games, shattering the line between good and evil with a world where moral ambiguity reigns. In a beautiful, rich game universe, the player takes on the role of renowned monster slayer, Geralt of Rivia, in an epic, action-packed narrative in which his decisions have a major impact on how the story plays out. The Witcher emphasizes story and character development in a vibrant world, while incorporating tactically-deep real-time combat like no game before it.

Atari's new Ultra Realistic Racer - RACE Pro

Nothing Gets Closer to the Real Thrill of the Race Track on Xbox 360 this Fall 2008.

Ultra realistic racing video game RACE Pro, scheduled to speed into stores this fall 2008 exclusively for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. Developed by renowned award-winning game developer SimBin, a leading creator of PC racing simulators, RACE Pro brings SimBin's formidable skill and know-how to Xbox 360 for the very first time this fall.



RACE Pro recreates a breathtaking reality giving gamers the ultimate racing simulation experience, all powered by Lizard, SimBin's own physics engine. With precision physics and handling, racers will feel every bend and burst of acceleration along with every emotion from pre-race tension in the pit lanes to the exhilaration of capturing the checker flag. RACE Pro provides unrivalled realism and deep immersion into the racing world through ultra realistic car models and official FIA championships and tracks. Putting players in the driving seats of their simulated racing careers, racers will have the opportunity to work their way up the leader boards through intense training and winning key races. RACE Pro has something for everyone, allowing players of all levels to pick up and play, while offering challenging tracks and advanced modes for the more experienced players.


RACE Pro offers a wealth of cars ranging from 200 to over 1000 horse power, as well as a host of championships including WTCC (World Touring Car Championship), Formula 3000 and Formula BMW. GT cars from manufacturers including Aston Martin and Saleen take their place on the grid as well as production cars such as the Audi R8 and Dodge Viper SRT10. In addition, RACE Pro is exclusively bringing all the WTCC cars from manufacturers Alfa Romeo, BMW, Chevrolet and Seat to Xbox 360 for the very first time. For a blast of accessible fun, the Mini Cooper Challenge invites players of all abilities to take the wheel.

Gamers and racing fans alike will experience the thrill of racing these powerful cars on 13 real life tracks covering all continents, of which Macau, Porto and Pau are exclusive to RACE Pro, and US tracks Laguna Seca and Road America are brand new to SimBin fans.

"With five years worth of experience under SimBin's belt, RACE Pro ensures a unique racing experience unlike anything seen before on console," said Cyril Voiron, VP Brand Management, Worldwide Publishing, Atari. "Nothing gets you closer to the ultimate racing sensation than RACE Pro and Atari is proud to add this product to our holiday line-up."

"Having personally taken the leap from 20 years of championship racing to racing simulation development, I am really excited for SimBin to be taking its own leap from PC to Xbox 360," said Henrik Roos, CEO, SimBin Studios AB. "We are proud to be taking this significant move with Atari, our trusted partner since our very first game."

Online play via Xbox LIVE online entertainment network for Xbox 360 and System Link support lets up to 12 players take on equally high-powered opponents and test their skills to the limit to reach the finish line ahead of the pack. For friends closer to home, the brand new 'Hot Seat' feature puts players in the driving seat for a limited amount of time before passing the controller to the next player and so on, demanding exceptionally quick reactions and precision racing from even the most seasoned drivers.

Nothing gets closer than RACE Pro, the ultra real racing simulation game exclusive to Xbox 360, scheduled for release this fall 2008.

Atari Bags Deer Hunter Tournament - The Best-Selling Hunting Game returns in the Fall 2008

Game Features Video Game Industry's First-Ever Online 

Multiplayer Hunting Tournament Gamplay

Renowned Franchise Makes Its Debut on Xbox 360 with Online Multiplayer on Xbox LIVE, in Addition to Windows-based PC Release

Deer Hunter - the biggest hunting game franchise of all time - takes dead aim at gamers once again as Atari, Inc. launches Deer Hunter Tournament for the Windows-based PC and, for the first time, the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft this fall. The evolution of virtual hunting has finally arrived as Deer Hunter Tournament gives players a chance to experience the most intense virtual hunting experience ever created. Deer Hunter Tournament is designed to create a massive network of Deer Hunter players by offering for the first time ever in hunting games organized, constantly updated online tournaments for both Xbox LIVE online entertainment network and through the Windows-based PC format. Deer Hunter Tournament will be available for a suggested retail price of $39.95 for Xbox 360 and $19.95 for PC.

Gamers and hunting fans alike will venture to most of the world's most prestigious hunting locations in pursuit of the most exotic and sought after big-game trophy animals. Virtual hunters can now enter different modes, such as stealth or adrenaline, or employ an array of master hunting strategies, including building stands and blinds, to track and shoot their targets. Deer Hunter Tournament provides numerous levels of gameplay, allowing hunters to embark on scouting missions designed to explore maps and equipment while studying animal habits. Hunters can also take part in hunting tutorials, compete in open hunting sessions and participate in either solo gameplay or the intense multi-player tournaments.



Employing some of the recent advancements in gaming technology, Deer Hunter Tournament features true-to-life animal behavior through advanced animal AI designed to mimic animal sight, hearing, sense of smell and behavioral patterns. Additional features include an arsenal of new weapons with bullet time slow motion replay and thermal scopes. Realistic effects in the game capture awe inspiring wildlife moments like hawks swooping down to snatch fish from lakes - but hunters must also be wary of bears, moose, mountain lions and other dangerous predators who will stalk and attack.

"Deer Hunter Tournament is poised to reinforce its place as the ultimate hunting video game franchise and we anticipate an even broader audience through our expansion of the brand to Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE," said Jim Wilson, CEO, Atari, Inc. "We are confident that this new edition with its first-ever online multiplayer tournament gameplay, enhanced artwork and mechanics, exotic game and locales will provide fans with the ultimate in realistic hunting experiences."

Atari team up with Renault for Driving Theory Training on Nintendo DS

Atari UK have teamed up with Renault UK for ‘Driving Theory Training’ on Nintendo DS.

Renault will be the official car manufacturer featured in the driving mini games. Their cars will also feature in the ‘learn about your car’ section of the application.

This will be the first time that the Nintendo DS has been used as a new media device to help learners study and simulate the actual test. Driving Theory Training is aimed at provisional license holders who need that little extra help to be successful when the day of the real test comes around and offers valuable help to anyone who’s learning to drive.

Available in August 2008, Driving Theory Training will feature driving theory questions and answers officially licensed by the DSA (Driving Standards Agency). In addition to a full theory test based on the real life exam, learners can benefit from revision, graphs, mini games and questions and answers relating to vehicles. The application also features the full Highway-code, ways to learn and revise as well as fun games to entertain whilst stimulating the mind.



“We’re very pleased at the feedback we’ve been getting on this title, and it will most definitely help those that need that added support for their theory exam as well as assist current drivers who want to brush up on their skills.” Lee Kirton ‘Head of UK PR’ Atari UK

Driving Theory Training is on sale August 29th for Nintendo DS

Alone in the Dark for Xbox 360 PlayStation 2 and Nintendo Wii goes Gold

Development Complete on Atari's Action Survival Opus, Title Ships 20 June in Europe, 24 June in North America

Atari today announced that development is complete on the highly anticipated action survival game Alone in the Dark, and the game is on track to ship 20 June in Europe and 24 June in North America for Xbox 360 game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PC, Wii and PlayStation 2 . The PLAYSTATION 3 version is scheduled for autumn 2008.

Central Park is hiding a secret. Over the course of one apocalyptic night trapped in Manhattan’s vast parkland, hero Edward Carnby must fight the unimaginable to survive and uncover the earth-shattering truth. New York will never be the same again.

Developed by Eden Games, Alone in the Dark for Xbox 360 and PC aims to change what gamers expect from action games with a ground-breaking reinvention of the classic franchise which debuted in 1992 and created the survival horror genre. Continuing the legacy of innovation of that first game, the new Alone in the Dark re-imagines the genre with engrossing cinematic presentation, compelling gameplay challenges and a thrilling narrative story arc.

The richly-detailed, contemporary setting of New York's Central Park is the host for a challenging mix of gameplay experiences, unprecedented environmental interaction and combat all based on real-world rules and physics. A seamless on-character inventory and health recovery system combine to maintain the immersion as the player drives the story through the free-roaming expanse of Central Park.

Inspired by the story-telling twists and turns of many blockbuster TV series, Alone in the Dark innovates once again with a DVD-style chapter select menu which lets players of all abilities reach the game’s dramatic, riveting climax and get the full value out of the game.


“With its genre-busting mix of gameplay, wide-screen presentation style and DVD chapter select feature putting the player in control, Alone in the Dark will thrill all gamers,” said Phil Harrison, President of Infogrames Entertainment. “It’s a game which will challenge the player but also reward them with a one-of-a-kind video game experience and a huge amount of fun.”

The Wii and PS2 versions of Alone in the Dark have been developed by Hydravision Entertainment in parallel with the Xbox 360 and PC games created by Eden Studios. The PS2 game pushes the hardware to maximise the gameplay experience, while the Wii game has been especially adapted to make use of the unique controllers in a variety of gameplay situations from driving to the real-time manipulation of objects.

In addition to the standard game, Xbox 360, PC and Wii Limited Editions will be available at launch from selected European retailers featuring exclusive items including hero figurine, art book and ‘making of’ documentary DVD.
For more information on Alone in the Dark visit www.centraldark.com.

Encryption Chip Will End Piracy, Says Atari Founder

At yesterday's Wedbush Morgan Securities conference, Atari founder Nolan Bushnell claimed that a stealth encryption chip will "absolutely stop piracy of [PC] gameplay."There is a stealth encryption chip called a TPM that is going on the motherboards of most of the computers that are coming out now,"

read more | digg story

Alone in the Dark - Developers Diary 3

Hervé Sliwa, Lead Designer, Eden Games

Technology, Iteration and Central Park

To build all this variety of gameplay elements and features in Alone in the Dark we built our own technology. There is a full R&D department working on the tool we use at Eden – it’s an in-house tool called Twilight 2. The interesting thing about Twilight 2 is it’s the same tool we used for TDU. It was so flexible that with updates on it we can make all that we need for Alone in the Dark.

There is another technical team working on the game engine specifically for all the different platforms to run everything in the game. We had the chance to develop a very open engine to bring together everything in the game – I don’t know if it would have been possible with another engine. The great thing for the designers is that everything has been thought of like Lego blocks, so if you have an idea you can pick a little part of the engine, add another part, meld them together and you have what you expect to have. After that you can play with it inside the game and build some specific situations or puzzles. The designers were able to prototype the game mechanics themselves and the engine helped us a lot to do that.

How we managed to balance the innovation with fun in the game is by working nights (a lot) and the key word is iteration. You don’t have any other method. If something was never done before you need to build it, test it, see what goes well, what goes wrong, and you need to improve it and improve it, test it, improve it. We do this for all the features in the game, lots of iteration, iteration, iteration.

It was fun because when we talked together about some gameplay situations in the game after some discussion we realised that nobody in the development team played the same situation the same way. Sometimes we talked about it and someone would say “we need to improve that because when you use this object to fight these monsters and…” I would say, “but you used that object to fight these monsters? You’re supposed to do that!” “No, no you can combine this with that and it gives you this result”, and I’d realise that yes it’s logical. We had lots of unexpected situations just from the creativity of the player – that was really, really interesting.

On the other hand, it was difficult to manage lots of people on the project, and the new generation of game console brought lots of new issues. The team grew so fast that we needed to re-think all our processes to build a game. With this new type of content it created a new type of issue so our everyday work was re-thinking everything, which was very, very hard.

The choice of Central Park is important, because what we want with Central Park is to give to the player some realistic environments to put all the extraordinary things in perspective. If you have a realistic environment everything not normal seems very, very weird. If you are in a completely weird environment the weirdness is normal, so what we want is to use the park to give the perspective on all the paranormal activity.

Of course the park is also very useful in terms of environment because it’s very rich in terms of variety, there are plenty of buildings, there is a huge museum, lots of lakes, there are some parts which are very cute and charming and there are some more wild forest parts, and you have lots of bridges and roads.

When we went to Central Park to do some research in terms of environments, we took tons of photography and we walked miles and miles. When we saw something we stopped and said oh, we can have something here, and we thought about how to build specific situations. Sometimes we simulated the situations of the game in the park, so it was quite dangerous sometimes, but it was interesting!

Tamagotchi Connexion - Corner Shop 3 for Nintendo DS

Tamagotchi Town Opens for Business in October 2008 with All New Features and Lots More Fun

Atari today announced the forthcoming launch of NAMCO BANDAI Games’ Tamagotchi Connexion: Corner Shop 3 for the Nintendo DS. Available in Europe from October 2008, Tamagotchi Connexion: Corner Shop 3 will feature the most well-stocked store lineup to date, with 13 brand new shops to run and expand, a park to design and visit, and the ability to trade journals with your friends via Wi-Fi.

Business in Tamagotchi Town is booming, and over a dozen new shops have moved in. Help manage these brand new shops and keep customers coming back for more. When the work day is done, relax in your very own park that you've created. You can write in your journal to record the day’s events, and share items and journals with your friends over Wi-Fi.

Tamagotchi Connexion: Corner Shop 3 introduces players to the responsibilities of running a successful businesses in a fun and creative way. Key game features include:

• All New Stores: Find over a dozen brand new stores to run! Bake fresh bread at the Bakery, plan a party at the Event Coordinator shop, or scoop ice cream at the Ice Cream Parlor. Combine and upgrade stores to keep happy customers coming back for more.

• Create Your Own Park: Create a relaxing and fun park to hang out with friends and chat with other Tamagotchis. Decorate your park with fountains, gardens and other items to be discovered. Come back often to see how your park has changed.

• More Characters: The popular Violetchi joins in on the fun with Mametchi, Kuchipatchi and Memetchi to team up with players and help them run the best business they can.

• Connect With Friends: Share items and swap journals with friends via a wireless connection.

Tamagotchi Connexion: Corner Shop 3 is scheduled for European launch in October 2008.

Alone in the Dark - Fact sheet for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3

Alone in the Dark

Genre: Action survival
Platform: Xbox 360, PC, PLAYSTATION 3
Developer: Eden Games
Rating: 18+
Launch Date: Xbox 360, PC 20 June 2008; PS 3 TBC 2008

GAME DESCRIPTION

One of video gaming’s original innovators, Alone in the Dark returns to revolutionise action gaming with an apocalyptic action blockbuster set in New York’s iconic Central Park.

Central Park is hiding a secret. Built as a safe haven not for the people of New York, but for something else entirely, the vast parkland has been protected by generations of guardians while the most expensive city in the world reached skyward on its fringes. Now the truth can no longer be contained, and paranormal investigator Edward Carnby finds himself inexplicably cast into the eye of the storm as over the course of one apocalyptic night he must uncover the earth-shattering secret behind Central Park. New York will never be the same again.



Inspired by the gripping style of contemporary TV dramas, the game delivers a new degree of narrative intensity, presented as a complete season format of episodes each containing action, twists and cliff-hangers. Bursting with innovative technology, including unprecedented environmental interaction, revolutionary physics, stunning visuals, uniquely immersive user interface, and DVD style chapter select, Alone in the Dark breaks gaming clichés to fulfil the next-gen promise and change what players expect from action games.

GAME FEATURES

• Exhilarating gameplay: Blockbuster action, tense exploration, dangerous driving, and vicious fights as hero Edward Carnby fights to survive one apocalyptic night to uncover the earth-shattering secret behind Central Park;
• Intense story: taking cues from blockbuster TV dramas, the story is told in a TV season-style to deliver pace and intensity throughout, keeping the player hooked with action, plot twists and cliff hangers;
• Never get stuck: creating the first game that everyone can finish, the innovative DVD-style chapter select lets players move on if they get stuck, with the grand finale reserved for those who finish a certain amount of the game;
• Improvise to survive: a new level of environmental interaction based on real world rules where anything you could do in real life, you can do in the game. Use your imagination to create unique tools and devastating new weapons;
• Immersion: the player is plunged into the heart of the action in real-time with full movement control, in-game inventory system, on-body damage and healing system, and physiological effects;
• Pyromania: unique physics and light rendering are applied to the realistic-looking fire which propagates realistically across all flammable surfaces. Fire is a valuable ally, but can become your worst enemy;
• Photographic Rendering: a lavishly detailed game world with advanced cinematographic effects including depth of field, camera focus, numerous light sources, and High Dynamic Range effects.

Atari Launches Test Drive Unlimited PC Megapack to download

Atari Launches Test Drive Unlimited PC Megapack

Available Now for Download, Including 46 Beautiful Cars and Bikes

Atari today announced that the Test Drive Unlimited PC Megapack is available for download, including the patch, activation key and 46 immaculate dream machines, all for €14.99 from the Metaboli digital download service which can be accessed via the official website of racing reinvented at www.testdriveunlimited.com.

“We’re very pleased to now be able to bring these fantastic vehicles to players of the PC version of Test Drive Unlimited and we really want to thank the PC community for their patience,” said David Nadal, Studio Head, Eden Games. “Hopefully there’s enough beautiful cars here to make you want to spend spring time in Hawaii, even if it’s not the real one.”

“As a reward to the committed PC fans this pack of 46 incredible vehicles offers even better value for money compared to the same content via Xbox Live Marketplace,” said Cyril Voiron, VP Brand Management Worldwide Publishing, Atari.

The 45 cars and one motorbike included in the pack range from American muscle to Italian grace with some of the most desirable vehicles on the planet rendered in painstaking detail. After installing the pack, all cars can be bought as normal from the relevant in-game dealerships. The full list of vehicles in the pack is below.

1. Alfa Brera
   
2. Audi RS4 quattro Saloon
   
3. Audi S6
   
4. Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 coupe
   
5. Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 Roadster
   
6. Dino 246 GT
   
7. Dodge Challenger RT
   
8. Dodge Charger Super Bee
   
9. Dodge Viper SRT-10 coupe
   
10. Edonis
    
11. Ferrari 250 GTO
    
12. Ferrari 308 GTS Quattrovalvole
    
13. Ferrari 512 TR
    
14. Ferrari 612 Scaglietti
    
15. Ferrari Challenge Stradale
    
16. Ferrari F40
    
17. GM (Cadillac) Cien Concept
    
18. GM (Cadillac) CTS-V
    
19. GM (Chevrolet) Corvette C1 1957
    
20. GM (Chevrolet) Corvette C6 Convertible
    
21. GM (Chevrolet) Corvette Stingray™ Convertible 1971
    
22. GM (Saturn) Curve Concept
    
23. Holden Efigy Concept
    
24. Kawasaki Ninja ZX-12R
    
25. Koenigsegg CCR
    
26. Lamborghini Countach 25th anniversary
    
27. Lamborghini Gallardo Coupe
    
28. Lamborghini Murciélago Roadster
    
29. Lexus GS 450h
    
30. Lexus IS 350
    
31. Lexus LS 460 L
    
32. Lexus LS 600h L
    
33. Lexus SC 430
    
34. McLaren F1 GT
    
35. McLaren F1 LM
    
36. Mercedes CL CLK GTR
    
37. Nissan Skyline GTR R34
    
38. Noble M400
    
39. Pagani Zonda C12S Roadster
    
40. RUF RGT
    
41. RUF RK Spyder
    
42. RUF Rt 12
    
43. RUF Rturbo
    
44. Spyker C8 Spyder
    
45. Spyker C8 Spyder T
    
46. TVR T440R
    

Developed by Eden, the team behind the award-winning Xbox 360 version, Test Drive Unlimited for PC features 90 incredible cars and bikes from the world’s most desirable brands including Ferrari, Maserati, Aston Martin, Jaguar, Ducati, and many more. Requiring no monthly subscription to play, the game has been adapted to get the best out of cutting edge PC hardware, allowing it to be played in high resolution. Other enhancements include TrackIR™ support, improved effects, steering wheel support, simplified matchmaking, and a new hardcore simulation mode for an ultra-realistic driving experience.

Test Drive Unlimited is available now for Xbox 360, PC, PlayStation 2 and PlayStationPortable (PSP). For more information visit www.testdriveunlimited.com

Create New Legends With 'The Witcher' Adventure Editor, Plus First New Official Adventure For Fans

Atari today announced the release of the D’jinni beta adventure editor and Price of Neutrality adventure together with patch 1.3 for The Witcher, the PC role-playing opus from Polish development studio CD Projekt RED which continues to garner high praise and new fans the world over thanks to its unique blend of mature fantasy universe, tough decision making and intense tactical combat. The first official adventure and patch 1.3 are available for free download via www.thewitcher.com, with a separate free download available containing the D’jinni beta adventure editor.

“CD Projekt has always been oriented to gamers’ needs, so releasing an adventure editor for the modding community is an obvious move. It’s quite a demanding tool, however, and it will bring loads of satisfaction to many of the fans. After all, we made The Witcher with this tool,” said Adam Kiciński, CEO, CD Projekt RED. “We’ve also prepared the first official mod with a completely new adventure which will be available to download for free.”

The Price of Neutrality is the first official adventure from the team at CD Projekt and features around two hours of gameplay during which the player is introduced to the other witchers in more detail following their brief appearance in the original game. Populated with new NPC’s and other new graphical assets, the adventure takes the player into the little explored outskirts of Kaer Morhen in a compelling story with tough decisions and more than one possible ending. The adventure text is localised in English, French, Italian, German, Spanish and Polish. In the same download, patch 1.3 readies the game for playing the new adventure.

The English language D’jinni beta adventure editor will let fans craft complete new adventures for Geralt using the existing graphical assets, maps and environments in the game. By creating new stories, cut-scenes, graphical effects, dialogue and gameplay actions, users of the adventure editor can let their imaginations run wild predicting the turmoil and tests waiting in Geralt’s future, or even filling in the missing years between the close of Andrzej Sapkowski’s last Witcher novel and the start of the game.

Based on the universe created by best-selling Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski, The Witcher puts players in the role of Geralt, a professional monster slayer who exists on the fringes of a complex society troubled by the kind of problems more commonly found on the front pages of newspapers than in a fantasy universe. Taken as a child, mutated, and trained in the arcane ways of the witchers, Geralt is a reluctant hero, who nonetheless finds himself all too frequently in the heat of battles that are not his own. In this world there is no right or wrong, only decisions and consequences.

The Witcher is available now at retailers across Europe as a standard game pack and as a Limited Edition containing a wealth of exclusive content. For more information about The Witcher visit www.thewitcher.com and for more details about Atari’s entire product line up visit www.atari.com.

Atari UK To Release Driving Theory Training on Nintendo DS

Atari UK To Release 'Driving Theory Training'

Fasten your Seatbelt for Atari's On-the-Move Driving Theory Test and Highway Code Tutor for Nintendo DS

Atari UK today announce the forthcoming release of a new title for the popular Nintendo DS handheld console, Driving Theory Training, giving players the unique opportunity to revise, practice and take virtual tests on driving theory and Highway Code whilst on the move.

This will be the first time that the Nintendo DS has been used as a new media device to help learners study and simulate the actual test. Driving Theory Training is aimed at provisional license holders who need that little extra help to be successful when the day of the real test comes around and offers valuable help to anyone who’s learning to drive.

Available in Summer 08, Driving Theory Training will feature the full driving theory questions and answers officially licensed by the DSA (Driving Standards Agency). In addition to a full theory test based on the real life exam, learners can benefit from revision, graphs, mini games and questions and answers relating to vehicles. The application also features the full Highway-code, ways to learn and revise as well as fun games to entertain whilst stimulating the mind.

“Knowing the rules of the road and the highway-code is vital part of driving and passing your theory test."

Atari UK have been striving to replicate the driving theory exam in an educational and informative application. We hope this title will help people learn everything they need to know to successfully pass their driving theory test. Commented Jeremy Wigmore, Managing Director of Atari UK. Everything from speed limits to stopping distances is covered using the official question bank featured in the actual test. The application also includes the full Highway-code and fun driving related games. Wherever they are, players can take the test, revise the questions or simply play challenges. We are knowledgeable that learners need to have a deep understanding of what they’re studying rather than simply remembering questions to pass the test and hopefully this title will help them achieve that whilst also providing an enjoyable experience.

Driving Theory Training for the Nintendo DS is scheduled for UK launch in summer 2008. For more information about Atari’s entire product line up, visit www.uk.atari.com.

Infogrames offers to buy Atari

Offering $1.68 per share for remaining stock

Atari Inc has announced that it received a letter from Infogrames Entertainment SA, the company's majority shareholder, expressing its intent to acquire the remaining outstanding stock of the company.

Infogrames' offer, which is non-binding, amounts to USD 1.68 per share for the Atari Inc stock it does not own.

Atari Inc said that a special committee of the company's board of directors intends to undertake, together with its advisors, a thorough evaluation of the proposal.

There is no assurance that any transaction will occur or to the terms of any transaction.

The Infogrames business is currently in the midst of a resurgence lead by the vision of new CEO David Gardner.

Gardner has placed great value on the Atari brand, and intends to rebuild the struggling company as a destination for online gaming.

This week former Sony executive Phil Harrison joined Infogrames as president, where he will oversee software development and other creative aspects of the business.

Source: Games Industry

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.

Horse-Riding to Role-Playing, Fighting to Flying, Santa's Sleigh is Weighed Down with Quality Atari Gaming Treats

It’s time to make some room under the tree as Atari proudly presents a comprehensive festive line up of its most recently released video game gems featuring something for everyone this Christmas. The games for PC, Xbox 360, Wii, Nintendo DS™, PlayStation 2 and PSP encompass genres from role-playing to horse-riding, taking in anime fighting, comic book heroes, racing, old-school classics and more along the way.

The Witcher (PC)
Take the role of white haired witcher and professional monster slayer Geralt, in this acclaimed new role-playing game from Poland’s CD Projekt featuring an involving, mature storyline and outstanding graphics.

Eternal Sonata (Xbox 360)
Never has role-playing looked so gorgeous as this enchanting Japanese role-playing game from NAMCO BANDAI games set in a fantastic dream world envisaged by the composer Frederic Chopin.

Neverwinter Nights 2: Mask of the Betrayer (PC)
Taking the already excellent Neverwinter Nights 2 to a new level with new engrossing storyline, characters and environments alongside a host of gameplay improvements, this first expansion is enthralling fans.

Dungeons & Dragons Tactics (PSP)
The first time the highly-coveted D&D® license has appeared on a next-generation portable system, this turn-based tactical role-playing game features an original storyline and authentic D&D gameplay.

Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation (Xbox 360)
The latest and greatest in the celebrated Ace Combat series from NAMCO BANDAI Games features online play for the very first time alongside photorealistic graphics for a mind-blowing flight action experience.

My Horse and Me (Wii, DS, PC)
Bearing the exclusive license from the FEI (International Equestrian Federation), the game authentically and accurately recreates the thrills and spills of the equestrian sporting lifestyle.

Asterix at the Olympic Games (Wii, DS, PS2, PC)
Featuring a unique blend of live action, CGI and gameplay animation, the game of the live action feature film takes the player on a madcap, fun-filled journey to Greece with the indomitable Asterix and Obelix.

Dora the Explorer: Dance to the Rescue (PC)
Join favourite kids heroine Dora in this bi-lingual adventure where only by solving puzzles, learning great moves and winning the King’s dance contest can she free Swiper the fox and finally shout, “We did it!”

Jenga World Tour (DS)
Based on the world famous wooden block tower building game adapted and enhanced for DS with a wealth of fun features, the unpredictable, quick-fire gameplay leads players to a nail-biting, crashing climax.

Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 (PlayStation 2)
Available in collectors and standard editions, the ultimate DBZ fighting game for PS2 from NAMCO BANDAI Games features a ‘Disc Fusion System’ to let players with Budokai Tenkaichi 1 or 2 unlock new content.

Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 2 (PS2)
With more playable characters, thrilling missions, challenging mini-games, unique battle stages, and RPG features, NAMCO BANDAI Games’ ninja fighter based on the hit TV series delivers a knock out blow.

Tamagotchi Party On! (Wii)
NAMCO BANDAI Games’ charming and fun-packed 3D party game based on the hit Tamagotchi franchise in which players compete in exciting mini-games to become the most popular Tamagotchi on the planet.

DBZ: Goku Densetsu (DS)
Combining strategic card-based gameplay and role playing elements, NAMCO BANDAI Games’ turn-based battler is easy to understand but hard to master, with wireless multiplayer gameplay for challenging friends.

Atari Classics on Xbox Live Arcade (Xbox 360)
With classics Centipede, Millipede, Missile Command, Asteroids and Asteroids Deluxe already launched, to be followed shortly by Battlezone, Tempest™ and Warlords, Atari deliver the sights and sounds of the originals alongside new evolved versions with advanced features.

Test Drive Unlimited Collection Volume 6 (Xbox 360)
Bringing the number of gorgeous new vehicles released via Xbox Live for this Hawaiian racing classic to over 35, the sixth pack of delectable downloadable vehicles is scheduled for release this December.

For more information about Atari’s entire line up visit www.atari.com.

Equestrian Horses video game launched - My horse and me

The equestrian game My Horse and Me was launched last week, marking the first time that the FEI has ventured into the realm of video games.
Published worldwide by Atari, My Horse and Me for Wii, Nintendo DS and PC aims to capture the thrills and emotions from the world of horsesport in a unique video game experience perfect for anyone with an interest or passion for horses.

We know that engaging with youth is one of the greatest challenges facing all sports and to have the capacity to take horsesport to the gaming audience gives us the opportunity to talk direct to both the athletes and fans of horsesport in this and future generations of young people," emphasized FEI President, HRH Princess Haya.

Players begin at the stable customising themselves and their horse from a host of options, then learning how to properly care for their mount. Training takes place across a range of arena disciplines and fun mini-games which teach the skills required to become a master horse rider. The care and training culminates in competition riding, with thrilling tournaments set in a variety of charmingly realised indoor and outdoor locations around the globe ranging from rustic stables to giant arenas.

"The exclusive license from the FEI, the world's foremost authority on horse sports, is testament to the great quality of this game which offers players the most authentic way to enjoy the equestrian lifestyle whether or not they ride in real life," said Mathias Hautefort, Executive Vice President of publishing and production, Atari.

This collaboration between Atari and FEI has really closed the gap between the virtual and the real, allowing for the development of accurate horse models and animations, alongside rewarding gameplay set in a variety of enchanting environments. Furthermore, My Horse and Me for Wii and PC is the first game of its kind to offer players a choice of first-person as well as third person views while riding, putting players right in the saddle for an unbeatably authentic riding simulation.

Atari video Games Arriving on Microsoft Xbox LIVE

Asteroids and Asteroids Deluxe Available Now

Atari today announced that Asteroids® and Asteroids Deluxe® is now available on Xbox Live® Arcade, with three more beloved Atari Classics coming soon. With Asteroids® and Asteroids Deluxe®, Battlezone®, Tempest™ and Warlords®, Atari will deliver the same gaming sights, sounds and action as the original, as well as a new evolved version of games featuring enhanced graphics, sounds and special effects.

Atari and developer Stainless are giving gamers the best of both worlds with the Atari Classic and Evolved games; nostalgic fun with the original Classics and new gaming experiences with the Evolved versions featuring contemporary graphics and music, plus Achievements to unlock and the chance to boost their Gamerscores.

Asteroids and Asteroids Deluxe offers gamers the chance to rotate, thrust, flip, fire and launch into hyperspace as oncoming asteroids are blasted to smithereens just like in the 1979 original. The evolved version features the same frenetic gameplay with updated, beautifully rendered, high definition graphics.

Following this Christmas season will be Tempest, Battlezone, and Warlords. Maintaining the spirit of the original’s linear geometric rendering by using vector graphics, the evolved version of the cult-classic Tempest features a graphics overhaul. Using skill and an arsenal of weapons, gamers must clear a web of enemies before time runs out and advance to the next stage.

The classic Battlezone has received a serious overhaul and added exciting new multiplayer modes. Players can use the Xbox Live Camera to watch live video of their opponents. Combine these features with new special effects for weapon firing, impacts and explosions and Battlezone becomes one killer classic.

The multiplayer Warlords pits king versus king to resurrect the competitive spirit of arcade games from years gone by. Up to four players can join the action with Xbox Live Camera support and take control of their own castle, allowing for a variety of single- or multiplayer experiences.

Gamers can recall their old-school arcade skills in Emulation mode and experience these treasured games in all their historical glory. Mature trigger fingers can play the evolved versions of the same titles and experience the same core gameplay. Gamers of all levels can test their gaming prowess out with three different settings – Easy, Medium and Hard. For those who need a refresher on Classic Atari games, time-limited trial modes are available for all titles. These Atari Classics on Xbox LIVE Arcade support all Xbox 360 high definition resolutions up to 1080p as well as full-screen anti-aliasing and digital surround sound. Players can make the most of the Xbox LIVE service with leader boards and 12 achievements.

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