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Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Phantom Hourglass tops Euro charts




Number one seller in Germany and Spain

Nintendo's The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass has entered the charts in Spain and Germany at number one on the first week of release.

In Germany the DS title just manages to outsell EA and Valve's The Orange Box package, which enters at number two.

As a publisher Nintendo has four of the top ten titles in the region, with both Dr Kawashima games continuing to sell well, along with Pokemon Diamond.

Over in Spain, Electronic Arts FIFA 08 is hogging the top ten, with the PlayStation 2 version at two, the PS3 version at four and the PSP title at nine.

The top ten best-selling games in Germany and Spain follow:

Germany

1. The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass (DS)

2. The Orange Box (PC)

3. FIFA 08 (PS2)

4. The Settlers (PC)

5. More Brain Training from Dr Kawashima (DS)

6. Naruto Ultimate Ninja 2 (PS2)

7. Dr Kawashima's Brain Training (DS)

8. Pokemon Diamond (DS)

9. FIFA 08 (PC)

10. World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade (PC)

Spain

1. The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass (DS)

2. FIFA 08 (PS2)

3. Project Gotham Racing 4 (Xbox 360)

4. FIFA 08 (PS3)

5. WWE Smackdown! Vs. RAW 2007 (PS2)

6. More Brain Training from Dr Kawashima (DS)

7. My Sims (DS)

8. Dr Kawashima's Brain Training (DS)

9. FIFA 08 (PSP)

10. Pokemon Diamond (DS)

All data supplied by Media Control Gfk International.

Monday, October 29, 2007

Manhunt 2 online due to Loophole


A legal loophole could allow the banned computer game Manhunt 2 to be released online, it has been reported.

The controversial game, developed by Edinburgh-based company Rockstar, was refused a rating and effectively banned in the UK by film censors for the "overly bleak tone and casual encouragement of unnecessary and casual sadism".

The 1984 Video Recordings Act, however, covers only physical products, as it was written with video cassettes in mind, and so experts believe a legal grey area exists which could be exploited by the company.

A download is not a physical product, and it has been suggested the game could therefore be released as a download for consoles such as the Playstation 3 and the Nintendo Wii, both of which already have online stores for owners to download games.

The company has not said whether this is an avenue it is likely to explore, and is currently still waiting on an appeal against the film censors' decision, in the hope that the game can be released for general sale.

A censored version of the game is set to be released in America on Wednesday.

Xfire To Host Exclusive Live Chat With Flagship Studios


On Halloween Day, Catch Up with the Creators of the Highly-Anticipated Hellgate: London

WHAT: Xfire - the 8 million strong gaming community – today announced that they will host an exclusive live chat with Flagship Studios on Halloween day, in honor of the launch of the highly-anticipated Hellgate: London.

Log on to Xfire.com to sign up for the chance to talk to some of the brilliant minds behind this new release.

Hellgate: London will feature Xfire’s peer-to-peer communication system to give gamers the ability to chat with fellow gamers without needing to manage a standalone voice server. Additionally, online game players will be able to log in to Xfire from within the game, enabling them to easily add their friends and other Hellgate: London gamers into an Xfire voice chat room where they can chat as they play.

WHO: Bill Roper, CEO Flagship Studios
Aletheia Simonson, Art Producer
Bill Manegold, Game Programmer
Amir Ebrahimi, Graphics Programmer
Guy Somberg, Audio and Gameplay Programmer
The Xfire Community

WHY: "We are thrilled that a phenomenal title like Hellgate: London is exclusively utilizing the Xfire In-Game Voice Chat feature, and we welcome the game’s creators on their launch day to Xfire," said Xfire CEO Adam Boyden. “This exciting live online chat will give users the opportunity to discuss the title's finer points, classes, mechanics and what went into making this amazing game."

WHEN: Flagship Studios Live Chat premieres Wednesday, October 31st at 10.00pmGMT/11.00pmCET

WHERE: Via Xfire, http://www.xfire.com/cms/xf_hellgate/

Wii-kly Update: Three more Classic Games


This Halloween, you needn't leave your own living room to encounter spooky spirits and creepy creatures from mysterious otherworlds. The Wii Shop Channel is celebrating the year's most frightfully fun holiday by offering a mix of eerie games that'll keep players' spines tingling. Mash with monsters in a classic Castlevania sequel, tangle with supernatural samurai or battle as a powerful magician-you're bound to discover cool tricks and visual treats no matter which titles you choose. Happy Hallo-Wii!

Today Nintendo adds three new classic games to the popular Wii video game system's Wii Shop Channel. The games go live at 9 a.m. Pacific time. Nintendo adds new games to the channel every Monday. Wii owners with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets. This week's new games are:

Castlevania® II Simon's Quest (NES®, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone - Mild Fantasy Violence, 500 Wii Points): In this one-player adventure, you'll take on the role of Simon Belmont once again and duel to the death with Count Dracula. Grab your legendary whip, Vampire Killer, and roam freely through Transylvania on a quest to find the count's missing body parts-these are the key to breaking an evil curse. This quest won't be easy, though, for you must battle hideous fiends who stalk the land. In addition to the intense action and tight control the Castlevania series is known for, this sequel also introduced several unique game-play elements into the fold. Build experience the longer you play, buy weapons and items from merchants, or talk with villagers to get clues (some of which are false). Watch as day turns to night and then back again. Take a deep breath, steady your nerves, and help Simon end his curse and defeat the count once and for all.

SAMURAI-GHOST™ (TurboGrafx16, 1 player, Rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and Older - Animated Blood and Violence, 600 Wii Points): This action platformer features a samurai ghost from the depths of the underworld. In a past war, Kagekiyo managed to defeat the shogun Yoritomo and his clan. However, their evil spirits were not completely destroyed, and now, in the world known as Dark Side, they seek the time of their rebirth. In order to shatter those ambitions, Kagekiyo must make his way across seven zones and head for "The Heart of the Darkside" where Yoritomo lies in wait. Use spirit weapons to power up your sword, or other items, such as candles to recover health, and defeat the endless hordes of enemies. Each zone is not only protected by a boss but also includes demons as well as real samurai from 12th-century Japan. Get ready for some intense one-on-one combat action.

MAGICIAN LORD (NEOGEO, 1-2 players, Rated T for Teen - Blood and Fantasy Violence, 900 Wii Points): Released in 1990 and regarded as one of the NEOGEO's earliest signature games, this side-scrolling platformer mixes action with the mystical world of fantasy. A magician named Elta, last descendant of the famed Magician Lord, takes on an epic adventure to save the world from the evil Gul-Agieze. Elta must battle through eight stages, collecting the eight tomes of power that are key to defeating Gul-Agieze and his evil plans. By obtaining orbs in one of three colors (elements) that appear during the game, Elta's offensive powers and jumping abilities can be strengthened. The effect varies considerably depending on the combination of elements, though, and Elta can transform into six different forms: Waterman, Dragon Warrior, Shinobi, Samurai, Raijin or Poseidon. Can you help Elta to become the new Magician Lord?

For more information about Wii, please visit wii.com.

Blue Dragon download update


Since the game’s release, “Blue Dragon” has been enchanting RPG fans with its classic story of adventure and excitement. As many have successfully completed the retail story arc of the game, Microsoft Games Studios, wanted to be sure everyone was aware of the multiple downloadable content packages available on Xbox LIVE Marketplace.

Package one (Hard Mod) released in late September, making several new game modes available to further enhance the “Blue Dragon” experience. Friday 26th October marked the release of pack two, “6 Treasures.” This download expands gameplay with items such as the “Way of Thieves” which allows Shu and his companions to steal rare items possessed by enemy creatures during battle. This is just one of six exciting items that are available with the new DLC package (available for 200 Microsoft Points). Feel free to check out the content and post your impressions at your earliest convenience.

Also, keep your eyes peeled for the third DLC pack – “Shuffled Dungeon” which will be made available on 16th November for 400 Microsoft Points.

PlayStation 2 Seventh Anniversary 120 Million Consoles Sold


Platform Momentum Continues Heading Into 2008 with the Release of More Than 160 Software Titles and a New, Limited Edition Hardware Model

Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) today celebrates the seven-year anniversary of its PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system. Since its release in North America on October 26, 2000, more than 120 million hardware units and more than a billion units of PlayStation 2 software have sold worldwide, making it the best-selling gaming platform ever released. While other game systems have vanished from the market, PlayStation 2 continues to exhibit strong momentum, a testament to the design and technology at the core of the product and demonstrating SCEA’s commitment to a 10-year product lifecycle.

“While today’s anniversary celebrates PlayStation 2’s past, we’re very excited for its future,” said Jack Tretton, President and Chief Executive Officer for SCEA. “We look forward to the platform’s continued growth and expect to sell approximately 12 million units worldwide by the end of March, leading us to anticipate that PlayStation 2’s lifecycle will exceed that of the original PlayStation. Never before has an in-home game system experienced this type of worldwide success on such a long-lasting scale.”

Since its inception, PlayStation 2 has had a tremendous impact on the industry, helping to establish the DVD format as well as giving gamers some of the most popular software titles in video game history, spanning all genres. Currently there are nearly 1,500 titles in PlayStation 2’s software library and this number will continue to grow with more than 160 new games expected in North America throughout the holidays and by the end of March 2008 including Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, High School Musical: Sing It, Madden NFL 08, Manhunt 2, NBA ’08, Rock Band, and Buzz™.

SCEA is also bringing a whole new look to PlayStation 2 this holiday with the release of a limited edition Ceramic White PlayStation 2 bundled with SingStar™ Pop and two high-quality USB microphones. The new PlayStation 2 bundle will be available in North America in early November for a suggested retail price of US $149.99/C$149.99 and features the same, ultra-sleek design and functions of the current PlayStation 2 including access to the large catalog of PlayStation 2 and PlayStation software titles as well as DVD and CD playback, digital surround sound, two memory card slots and an integrated Ethernet port for network gaming.

Ninja Gaiden 2 Fact Sheet


“Ninja Gaiden 2” makes its long-awaited debut on Xbox 360 as the blockbuster action-packed sequel to “Ninja Gaiden.”

“Ninja Gaiden 2” features a new and improved game engine, developed from the ground up exclusively for Microsoft and Xbox 360 by Team Ninja and legendary game developer Tomonobu Itagaki, creator of the famed “Dead or Alive” franchise.

In “Ninja Gaiden 2,” gamers must guide Ryu Hayabusa on a mission to avenge his clan and prevent the destruction of the human race. Armed with an assortment of ninja weaponry, players must help Ryu skillfully maneuver through a world fraught with peril and danger. “Ninja Gaiden 2” will feature an all-new gameplay engine, a new auto-health regeneration system, levels, adventures, enemies and thrilling combat with an extensive assortment of ninja weaponry, representing a true evolution of the highly popular franchise.

• Exhilarating ninja action. Assuming the role of a ninja warrior, players will experience an all-new combat system that requires skill and mastery of their full arsenal of weapons, including Obliteration Techniques that allow players to quickly and stylishly finish off an opponent. In addition to the variety of brutal new primary weapons and enhanced versions of previous favorites, “Ninja Gaiden® 2” will feature unique acrobatic combat and attacks used not only by Ryu Hayabusa but also by his formidable enemies.

• Easy to play but hard to master. The new auto-healing system in “Ninja Gaiden® 2,” featuring semi-permanent damage restored at save points, is the natural evolution of the franchise’s distinctive gameplay and introduces a new twist to managing health. With a newly implemented auto-healing functionality and save-point system, as well as an extensive story mode and multiple difficulty levels available from the start of the game, the gameplay of “Ninja Gaiden® 2” will be both accessible to more casual players and challenging to even the most demanding gamers.

• Massive content and engrossing story. The themes of revenge and friendship in “Ninja Gaiden 2” give rise to a series of dramatic events to create a truly compelling story. From Tokyo to New York and to the netherworld, the story will lead players through a lengthy, action-packed story mode as they skillfully maneuver Ryu Hayabusa through a demonized world fraught with peril and danger. In addition to the single-player campaign, players can upload Karma scores to Xbox LIVE leaderboards and participate in an all-new Master Ninja Tournament.

• Realistic graphics in next-generation gaming. Built from the ground up from Team Ninja’s in-house gaming engine for the next-generation Xbox 360 platform, “Ninja Gaiden 2” represents the best in amazing visuals, responsive control and thrilling combat with an extensive assortment of ninja weaponry.

The information contained in this fact sheet relates to a prerelease product that may be substantially modified before its first commercial release. Accordingly, the information may not accurately describe or reflect the product when first commercially released. This fact sheet is provided for informational purposes only, and Microsoft makes no warranties, express or implied, with respect to the fact sheet or the information contained in it.

Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360 and Xbox Live are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Ultimate Board Game Collection


Empire Interactive, a wholly owned subsidiary of Silverstar Holdings, today announced it has signed an agreement with Valcon Games LLC to publish and distribute in Europe and all PAL territories the Ultimate Board Game Collection, a compendium of classic board and table top games for the PlayStation 2, PSP (PlayStation Portable) and Wii.

Containing 20 of the most recognisable and popular board and table top games played by families around the world (see list below), Ultimate Board Game Collection is already a huge hit in the US, having sold almost half a million copies to date.

"We are excited to work with Empire to bring these classic titles to the European market,” said Glenn Halseth, CEO of Valcon Games. “Given Empire’s direct marketing distribution network across Europe, we’re confident they can reproduce the phenomenal success we've enjoyed in North America."

Parents are often concerned about video games full of violence, but they can rest assured that the Ultimate Board Game Collection is full of good, clean family fun that everyone will enjoy. Each of the games will be fully customisable to suit any player’s tastes with different rule sets, environments, piece types and sound tracks. Also, every game will also have specific goals and award trophies to players who master them.

Ian Higgins, CEO Empire Interactive said, “We’re delighted to bring this collection of classic board and table games to European households. Publishing on a range of formats gives us an opportunity to fulfill the sales potential and family wide appeal of these timeless games and the Wii console provides the perfect demographic for our first launch on this platform.”

Clive Kabatznik, CEO of Silverstar Holdings, added, “Ultimate Board Game Collection is our first Wii release and another milestone in our plan to maximize product potential across all game formats and leverage the power of Empire’s unique European distribution network. This is also a significant move for us into the casual game market and the Ultimate Board Game Collection is a fantastic title to lead this initiative.”

Key Features

  • 24 Classic board game style games, PSP, (20 on PS2).

  • Enhanced physical gesturing and unique game play via the hand held wireless controller on Wii (12 games).

  • Customise each game by selecting different rules, environments, piece type and sound tracks.

  • Play against the CPU or up to 6 other players.

  • User selectable sound track; chose from 4 different styles.

  • CPU opponent has multiple difficulty levels.

  • Includes 100 different Jigsaw pictures.

  • Each game has a trophy that can be unlocked by completing a specific goal. Can you unlock all twenty trophies?

  • Suitable for players of all ages.

    Games Include:

  • Chess

  • Quatro

  • Checkers

  • Enigma

  • Backgammon

  • Reversi

  • Snakes & Ladders

  • Parcheesi

  • Dice

  • Dominoes

  • Go

  • Chinese Checkers

  • Word Cubes

  • Mahjong Solitaire

  • Anagrams

  • Concentration

  • 3D Tic-Tac-Toe

  • Mancala

  • Jigsaws

    Ultimate Board Game Collection will be released Q1 2008.
  • OG Planet Scares Up Some Halloween Fun


    Special Holiday Events Planned for Albatross 18 and Rumble Fighter

    OGPlanet, an innovative provider of multiplayer online games, today announced a variety of Halloween-themed in-game events continuing through the end of October.

    In Rumble Fighter, OGPlanet's multiplayer online fighting game, players can customize their fighters with fun Halloween items including jack-o'-lantern masks and the intimidating "Slasher Mask." A jack-o'-lantern hunt is also in full swing, and the players who gather the most jack-o'-lanterns by the end of the month will be rewarded with unique prizes.

    Albatross 18, OGPlanet's golf role-playing game, is also getting into the swing of Halloween with a colorful Hallow's Eve Clubset and a special golf ball called the Phantom Phoenix. Players can also purchase limited-edition Halloween costumes for their Albatross18 characters.

    "Halloween has always been our favorite holiday because it allows our production teams to really get creative with festive in-game items and events," said Jack Liu, Chief Creative Officer of OGPlanet. "More than anything, we enjoy celebrating Halloween with our community with these specially catered seasonal offerings."

    Huddle Up, Football Fans: NaturalMotion Releases New Screenshots From Backbreaker


    NaturalMotion today released new Backbreaker screenshots featuring the line of scrimmage, close-ups and unique camera angles of the quarterback making a pass. Premiering on next-generation consoles in 2008, Backbreaker incorporates NaturalMotion's motion synthesis engine, euphoria.

    About NaturalMotion

    NaturalMotion Ltd. is the first company to create 3D character animation software based on Dynamic Motion Synthesis (DMS), a technology that utilizes adaptive behaviors and artificial intelligence to simulate the human-nervous system. Based on Oxford University research, NaturalMotion's euphoria synthesizes 3D character animation in real time on Playstation 3, Xbox 360 and PC, thus creating unique game moments and previously unachievable interactivity. It will debut in 2008 in Rockstar's hotly awaited Grand Theft Auto IV and LucasArts' ground-breaking Star Wars: The Force Unleashed. In addition to licensing its technology, NaturalMotion is developing Backbreaker, an American football title for release in 2008.

    For further information please visit NaturalMotion's website www.naturalmotion.com.