Battle lines drawn in the fight for Strategy Video Game Of The Year at the Golden Joystick Awards!

A wide range of best selling games feature in the nominations list for the Strategy Game of the Year, in the world’s biggest video games awards event, the Golden Joystick Awards.

A universe of different worlds collide in this diverse line-up of contenders. From the bizarre space age strategy of Command & Conquer, to the Napoleonic intrigue of Napoleon: Total War to plant life and zombies in Plant vs. Zombies.

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

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

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

Joystick Junkies get chic with E4!

Streetwear label Joystick Junkies has teamed up with E4 to make a stand for dweebs, dorks and nerds the world over. E4 and Joystick Junkies are searching for the ultimate geek chic face of 2010 who’ll feature in a Joystick Junkies fashion shoot for the Spring Summer 2010 collection.

Entrants have to send in their ‘gamer geek chic’ looks to the E4 website by 17 September 2009 at 10am – the winning pictures will be those that are funny or interesting and should show evidence of a passion for gaming. Anyone from babes to bikers can enter - it’s not about model looks.

First prize is the chance to feature in a fashion shoot organised by fashion label Joystick Junkies, plus the winner’s choice of clothes to keep from their catalogue (up to the value of £100). Three runners up also get to select £100 worth of Joystick Junkies clothing each.

Launching 28th August on E4

Joystick Junkies (www.joystickjunkies.com)
E4 (www.e4.com/gamegeeks)

Mad Catz new PC Cyborg X Flight Stick controller

Cyborg X Flight Stick under the company’s Saitek brand on PC.

Marking the tenth anniversary of the Cyborg range of Flight Sticks, the new Cyborg X represents the flagship of the range, offering state-of-the-art design and a host of innovative new features providing PC gamers with groundbreaking levels of comfort and flexibility. The Cyborg X Flight Stick is compatible with most flight simulator and air combat games.

The Cyborg X delivers impressive levels of adjustability, allowing gamers to find their optimum positions for maximum comfort and control. Handle length can be increased or decreased to fit the gamer’s hand, the angle of the handle itself can be pivoted forwards or back, and the head can also be angled forwards or backwards to optimize button positions for extended game play. Another adjustment screw also allows the buttons on the stick head to be brought closer to or further from the fingers. For convenience, one of the Cyborg X’s feet features a compartment which houses the tool used to loosen or tighten the adjustment screws.

As well as multiple adjustment options, the Cyborg X features a heavy duty trigger and eleven programmable buttons with a shift function to double the number of programming options. Controls also include twin levers which can function as throttles for multiple engine aircraft or as a combination of throttle/flaps, as well as a scroll wheel for functions such as flaps or trim. For complete customization, the Cyborg X buttons can easily be remapped using Saitek’s SST (Saitek Smart Technology) software, included in the pack.

A first for the range, the Cyborg X utilizes components which detach or fold away, saving space and enhancing ergonomics when not in use. The Flight Stick handle attaches to the base with a secure screw collar and the left and right feet of the tripod base fold in and out of the body using an ingenious gear mechanism. When extended, the legs click into place to create a secure and stable platform for the stick.

Darren Richardson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz commented “The Cyborg X is the culmination of ten years of Saitek innovation and engineering, and one of many new products planned for 2009. The Cyborg brand is reserved for those products designed for hardcore gamers that demand best-in-class features and durability. The Cyborg X Flight Stick will compliment our portfolio of console and PC compatible flight sticks and reinforces our market leading position.”

The new Cyborg X Flight Stick (model: PS38) is expected to begin shipping worldwide in Q1 of 2009 with a U.S. MSRP of $49.99.

NYKO'S ZERO WIRELESS CONTROLLER FOR SONY PLAYSTATION 3 RUMBLES INTO STORES

NYKO'S ZERO WIRELESS CONTROLLER FOR PLAYSTATION 3 RUMBLES INTO STORES

Features Include Six-Direction Motion Sensing and Rumble Support for the Ultimate PS3 Gaming Experience

Nyko Technologies, the premier peripherals manufacturer, announced today that it has shipped its highly anticipated Zero Wireless Controller for PLAYSTATION 3. The Zero Wireless Controller provides a combination of style and performance with new rumble capabilities.

The Zero Wireless Controller is the ultimate solution for PS3 gaming, making it the top choice in high-end wireless controllers. Continuing the popularity of Nyko's Zero controller line, the new Zero for PS3 features include:

- Dual vibration motors for full rumble feedback in supported games*
- Up to 25 hours of continuous play with removable, rechargeable, NiMH battery, complete with USB charge cable and optional battery compartment
- Reliable 2.4 GHz wireless technology for reliable and responsive range of up to 30 feet
- Equipped with a precise accelerometer that detects six different directions of motion
- Standard backlit LED buttons, precision analog sticks, durable buttons, and curved triggers
- Unique metal polymer hybrid design with heat-dissipating aluminum panels, available in three distinct colors to match the tastes of every gamer: Black, Silver and White

"The new generation of consoles provided us with a building ground to develop a high-quality controller that exceeds gamers' expectations of what a 3rd party controller should offer," said Chris Arbogast, Marketing Director for Nyko. "We are confident that the Zero Wireless Controller for PS3 will prove its value by combining a solid, reliable design and unique features with the latest rumble and motion-sensing technology."

The Zero Wireless Controller for PS3 is now available at retailers nationwide for the suggested retail price of $59.99. Visit www.nyko.com for more information.

*Please check game manual for rumble support options.

The Force Is Strong With This Star Wars Millennium Falcon Joystick

The battles of the original Star Wars trilogy provide the backdrop for four fast-paced games in this all-in-one Plug & Play controller. The Lightsaber Duel game allows you to recreate some of the most memorable and intense fight scenes from the films. The Assault on Hoth game pits the Rebel Alliance against the unstoppable Imperial Army's ground forces. Take control of an X-Wing fighter as the Imperial Fleet attacks in waves of laser-blasting action in the Red Leader game. And in Battle of Endor, help Chewbacca destroy the Death Star generator on Endor, then take control of the Millennium Falcon and blast the receptor core to blow up the Emperor's ultimate weapon. All 4 games are stored on the controller's internal hard drive. No game console is necessary. Simply plug the unit's RCA cable into any compatible TV, DVD player or monitor and let the Force be with you! Imported.

Wipe clean.

* Includes: controller with RCA cable

* 4"w, 5"h, 4"d

* Plastic, metal, electronics

Get one here...