BioShock wins BAFTA - Best Game of The Year Award

2K Games, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, announced today that the uniquely atmospheric first-person shooter, BioShock, has received the coveted Best Game Of The Year Award at the 2007 British Academy Video Games Awards sponsored by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA). 2K Games' BioShock has received critical acclaim since its August 2007 release and rose above numerous high-profile titles to be given top honors at the UK's most prestigious media awards event.

"This is a huge accomplishment for us and a fantastic achievement for video games," said Neil Ralley, General Manager of 2K International, who attended the ceremony at London's Battersea Evolution to receive the award. "BioShock is a testament to the unfailing creativity, expertise and efforts of our Boston and Canberra, Australia-based development studios. Furthermore, it demonstrates that compelling and original games, if properly supported, are capable of achieving immense popularity. We're very proud of BioShock's critical and commercial success."

BioShock is rated M for Mature and is available for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Games for Windows. For more information, visit the BioShock website at www.BioShockGame.com, and the community site at www.TheCultofRapture.com.

GREATEST GAME EVER ANNOUNCED FOR WII SHOP CHANNEL

Eagerly awaiting the arrival of Super Mario Galaxy next week? Can't get Mario out of your head? You and everybody else! To whet your appetite for all things Mario, Nintendo is offering a special treat on the Virtual Console this week. It's not just any game, it's Super Mario Bros. 3 – considered by many to be the greatest video game of all time (for at least one more week, anyway). It's a must-have title on a week that also features the first Virtual Console import title for Sega Genesis and a fun multiplayer golf game for TurboGrafx16.

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 via the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets. This week's new games are:

Super Mario Bros. 3 (NES, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): Remember when no one had ever heard of a Tanooki Suit or knew that Bowser™ had a clan of Koopalings? The game that made these things common knowledge is also considered by many to be one of the best ever made. Bowser and the Koopalings are causing chaos yet again, but this time they're going beyond the Mushroom Kingdom into the seven worlds that neighbor it. Now Mario and Luigi™ must battle new enemies, returning favorites and a new Koopaling in each unique and distinctive world on their way to ultimately taking on Bowser himself. Luckily for the brothers, they have more power-ups available than ever before. Fly above the action using the Super Leaf, swim faster by donning the Frog Suit or defeat enemies using the Hammer Bros. Suit. Use the brand-new overworld map to take the chance to play a minigame in hopes of gaining extra lives or to find a Toad's House where you can pick up additional items. All this (and more) combines into one of gaming's most well-known and beloved titles—are you ready to experience gaming bliss?

Alien Soldier™ (Sega Genesis, 1 player, Rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and Older –Fantasy Violence, 900 Wii Points): As Epsilon-Eagle, you are an alien soldier who has been genetically engineered to produce maximum intelligence and strength. You were once a member of the criminal organization Scarlet, but when you decided to break from the group, you were forced into a showdown with Scarlet's new leader Xi-Tiger, who kills a hostage in his attempt to destroy you. Now it's up to you to take revenge against the bad guys in this side-scrolling action game! Choose from six different weapons and battle the bosses of Scarlet until you reach the final confrontation with the ultimate secret weapon!

Power Golf (TurboGrafx16, 1-3 players, Rated E for Everyone, 600 Wii Points): Power Golf sports a perfect combination of simple-yet-realistic controls and beautiful graphics. Swing away on 18 lush holes in one of three different game modes: the single-player STROKE PLAY mode and the multiplayer MATCH PLAY and COMPETITION modes. Enter tournaments as one of three different characters—beginner, intermediate and advanced. Wind strength and the slope of the green add extra challenges to each hole. Compete against other players in the standard NORMAL MATCH or ante up one of your clubs in the unique CLUB MATCH. Up to three players can play in COMPETITION mode, and a handicap feature is included to help novice players pull off breathtaking shots just like their advanced rivals.

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Pub installs Virtual Snooker Hall

A London pub have announced plans to install a ‘Virtual Snooker Hall’, inspired by the Nintendo DS launch of World Snooker Championship Season 2007-08 game, released by Koch Media and available at all games retailers now.

Gordon McIntyre, landlord of the The Metropolitan (60 Great Western Road, W11), says he was inspired to bring back the pub snooker halls of old on a smaller scale, inspired by having played the addictive new DS title. Drinkers at the pub will be able to hire a DS with copy of the World Snooker Championship game from behind the bar, for a half-hour session to play against their friends or for a solitary game versus one of the world’s best professional players as featured in the game. The World Snooker Championship Virtual Snooker Hall will be featured at The Metropolitan from the 8th November, when the pub reopens after closure for refurbishment: As far as we are aware, this is the world’s first instance of a virtual snooker hall being installed anywhere!

“It’s a shame that these days there’s very few pubs with Snooker tables. Most London pubs couldn’t even fit a snooker table inside even if they wanted to. I played World Snooker Championship and thought this would be the ideal way to bring snooker back to pubs. And using the DS wand as a snooker cue makes it the next best thing!” – Gordon McIntyre, landlord of The Metropolitan

World Snooker Championship Season 2007-2008 has already caught the eye with a high profile ad campaign featuring snooker legend Steve Davis (who also features in the game, as does John Virgo on commentary duties), including a hilarious viral video that features the notoriously deadpan Davis relaxing on the sofa over a frame or two of World Championship Snooker. (The video can be seen at youtube)

Since its 1980s heyday as the UK’s most popular televised sport, Snooker has been a popular sporting genre for video games, yet has historically been restricted by how the player controls each shot. Home console joypads and computer mice have never quite achieved the level of interaction and accuracy promised by Nintendo's immensely popular DS handheld format with its dual touch screen and stylus.

Game Features:

· Choose one of best professional Snooker players, each with his own unique abilities based on real personal abilities

· Unlockable professional players to challenge even the most skilled snooker fan

· 9 official licensed Championship Events of a Snooker season, for example the Welsh Open, Grand Prix, UK Championship, Masters, China Open, World Championship and all the others

· A unique atmosphere through the novel commentary system 'Shot Watching' hosted by John Virgo

· Change between two distinct modes 'Challenge' and 'Championship' for mini games or a complete Snooker season

· The duel screen format of DS, it can display both the full 3D view of the action on one screen and a top down perspective on the other screen

DEVIL MAY CRY 4 COLLECTOR'S EDITION

Four Episode Anime DVD, Steelbook Case and Bonus Disc Included

Capcom Entertainment, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced the contents of the Devil May Cry 4 Collector’s Edition package, which includes volume 1 of ADV Films’ Devil May Cry: The Animated Series, a Steelbook case and a bonus DVD filled with extras. The $79.99 Devil May Cry 4 Collector’s Edition will be available February 5, 2008, for both the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.

The Devil May Cry: The Animated Series anime disc will be packed with the Steelbook case, and will include the first four episodes of the 12 episode anime series. Volume one of the four-disc DVD anime series will be available from ADV Films at the same time the game launches. Inside the case will be a second bonus DVD alongside the game that users can slip into their computers. The bonus DVD will contain a “making of” feature on the game, music from the Devil May Cry 4 soundtrack, a digital art book with images and sketches from the development team, wallpapers, icons and screen savers.

The highly anticipated Devil May Cry 4 immerses gamers in a gothic supernatural world, where a new protagonist clashes with series mainstay Dante. As new leading man Nero players will be able to unleash incredibly powerful and stylish attacks and non-stop combos using a combination of the Devil Bringer arm and the Exceed system, both of which are new gameplay mechanics for the series. Fans of Dante won’t be disappointed as he too will be playable during the course of the game.

Devil May Cry 4 is an epic story where the lines between good and evil are constantly blurred. Taking full advantage of the advanced graphical and processing power of the next-gen systems and Windows PC it draws gamers into the rich and highly detailed world of Fortuna and its surrounds with more enemies than ever before and some of the most breath-taking bosses ever conceived.

Devil May Cry 4 includes the following features:
• From the producer of the original Devil May Cry® and Resident Evil® 4
• 2 playable characters – take control of both Nero & Dante
• High-definition visuals moving at 60 frames per second
• Blend of familiar and new: newcomer Nero clashes with veteran Dante plus appearances from Trish, Lady and others from the DMC series
• Exceed System allows Nero to easily charge up his sword with a throttle effect, revving up to three levels with powerful and varied attack options
• Deep combo system rewards stylish dispatching of enemies
• Unique "Devil Bringer" arm opens up a range of never seen before combo options
• Distinct set of weaponry and moves for Nero and Dante
• New active style change system for Dante allows him to switch styles and weapons on the fly, producing crazy combo possibilities
• Numerous new characters and environments
• Signature blend of guns and swordplay


Devil May Cry 4 Collector’s Edition contains the following extras:
• Volume 1 of ADV Film’s Devil May Cry: The Animated Series on DVD, including four complete episodes of the anime (a retail value of $29.99)
• Unique Steelbook™ metal case
• Bonus DVD
• Making of Devil May Cry 4
• Music from the soundtrack
• Digital artbook
• PC content (screen savers, wallpapers, icons)

Online Leagues & Tournaments

Compete4Cash aims to redefine the online gaming experience, providing gamers with a comprehensive suite of features unavailable in any other gaming service. Compete4Cash empowers gamers with the ability to dynamically create game challenges anytime they choose to compete against other gamers for cash prizes. Gamers can pay £ 4.99 per month ($9.98) to gain access to multiple Compete4Cash competitive leagues or alternatively sign-up to Compete4Cash's 'free to join' offering which gives gamers access to a network of ongoing competitive pay to play tournaments and head to head challenge zones where the sum of the entry fees paid forms the winner's pot.

Compete4Cash also enriches the gameplay experience through a number of innovative competitive features, including statistics tracking for game results such as wins draws and losses, rankings against other members of the Compete4Cash community, with ongoing competitive leagues, frequently run tournaments and regular events that test members' skills against those of their peers. Through these standout features, Compete4Cash makes interactive gaming more enjoyable and accessible to the general gaming public including seamless entry to the Compete4Cash Community forums.

Compete4Cash's launch comes as the market for interactive games is poised for significant growth. With already over 100 million online game players globally, of all ages, male and female, online gaming is set to sky rocket as increasingly faster broadband connections become available in private homes.

Gamers who register will receive 2 months free membership and/or a 20% discount on the purchase of community zone game credits. To register go to: http://www.compete4cash.com/register

NINTENDO'S BATTALION WARS 2

Wii Goes to War with 20 Missions and Online Play

This week's launch of Nintendo's new Battalion Wars 2 game for the Wii system lets players take complete command of soldiers and vehicles to help turn the tide of war and defeat the foes. In this sequel to the well-received original, players can connect with friends and opponents from all around the world using Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, Nintendo's wireless gaming service. Players can battle head-to-head in the skirmish and assault modes or team up with another player in co-op mode.

Using the motion-sensitive Wii Remote and Nunchuk, Battalion Wars 2 lets players target enemies precisely while moving their characters through the field of battle. The game is an interesting hybrid of third-person action and real-time strategy games and features 20 single-player missions.

"Battalion Wars 2 promotes smarts over brute force," says George Harrison, Nintendo of America's senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. "Players are in complete control of what happens to them – and to their battalion – using the precision of the Wii Remote and Nunchuk."

Players can command a variety of vehicles, from tanks and helicopter gunships to battleships and submarines. But the real key to the game lies in the player's tactics. Players can rally their troops to attack a specific target or switch to take control of a vehicle to shoot down incoming fighter planes. As players progress through the game, new troops and new equipment – like tanks, bazookas and flame throwers – join the battalion. Players can then use these new elements in their arsenal to help reveal the true menace behind the war.

Remember that Wii features parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other Wii features, visit Wii.com.

Disney Mobile Studios Announces Xmas 2007 Mobile Games

Lode Runner, Bomberman, Disney Snow Sports, Enchanted and Cars: Radiator Springs 500 launch

Disney Mobile Studios, part of The Walt Disney Internet Group EMEA (WDIG) announces today the line-up of mobile games for the Xmas season.

Capitalising on its ability to produce original IP-based games as well as bringing successful Disney franchises to market, Disney Mobile Studios is launching a number of key titles for mobile devices:

Lode Runner – the return of one of the most popular videogames in history with improved graphics and features. A retro classic.

Bomberman – The cheekiest, funniest game ever, where you battle to beat opponents with bombs, skates and fire! But this isn’t one version, but every version of the classic Bomberman imaginable.

Disney Snow Sports – Duckburg is hosting the winter games and you have to help Mickey, Donald and Goofy win through. Skiing, bobsleighing and winning medals are the order of the day.

Enchanted – Based on the forthcoming Disney Xmas movie which pitches animated fairytale characters into real life Manhattan, the mobile game challenges players with a number of 'enchanted' mini-games and puzzles.

Cars: Radiator Springs 500 – Lightning McQueen and the gang are back in this sequel to the original mobile game. Based on the continually successful Cars film franchise, the game has an original take on the racing genre.

Sunil Gunderia, Managing Director and VP Mobile EMEA, Disney Mobile Studios commented “We are delighted to bring such a strong line-up to market this Xmas, reflecting our in house creativity and the strong franchises that Disney can bring to market.”

The line up of games will begin to launch across all major operator networks in Europe from November 2007 and will be backed through synergistic marketing campaigns with Disney businesses and bespoke marketing activities through Disney Mobile Studios.

Professional Bull Riders Game Delivers All the Action of the Toughest Sport on Dirt

Crave Entertainment, a leading publisher of console videogames, and Professional Bull Riders, Inc. (PBR) in partnership with D2C Games, Inc. today revealed details of the Professional Bull Riders videogame. Capturing all the adrenaline and challenge of the Toughest Sport on Dirt, the game lets you play as a pro bull rider or as a bull in multiple events leading up to the World Finals. Available for the Wii home video game console, the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, with downloadable versions on the PSP (PlayStation Portable) system and PC, the PBR games are scheduled for release in time for the World Finals beginning in October 2008.

"PBR has a dedicated fan base and the sport is poised to become the next NASCAR," said Rob Dyer, President of Crave Entertainment. "Capturing the intricacies, adrenaline rushes and excitement of professional bull riding is paramount to the success of the games."

"PBR is the fastest growing sport in the U.S. with nearly 20 million fans watching or attending PBR events in 2006,' said Sean Gleason, CMO of PBR. "We are thrilled to partner with Crave Entertainment and D2C Games to bring the sport of professional bull riding to our millions of loyal fans."
Players may create their own character and compete as a professional rider or a tenacious bull throughout 10 three-round events in multiple locations, including New York, Anaheim, and Atlanta. Challenge or play as top riders, including Guilherme Marchi, Justin McBride, and Chris Shivers, or play as one of the tour's ferocious bulls!

Unlimited play modes test players' skills in either staying on for at least eight seconds or bucking off the rider before his time is up and Season Mode features unlockable riders and bulls. Become the best rider or bull in multiplayer by having the most "wins," or become part of the Millionaire's Club by beating some of the meanest, toughest bulls in the history of the PBR. Intuitive controls and multiple difficulty levels allow anyone to pick up and play and realistic sounds from screaming crowds to bone-crunching falls max out the realism.

"D2C Games is focused on capturing the essence of the sport while delivering a video game that is easy to pick up and very fun to play," said Scott Orr, CEO and Founder of D2C Games, Inc. "PBR fans for the first time will be able to experience the most exciting eight seconds in sports."

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MEGA BRAIN BOOST' FOR THE NINTENDO DS

Upcoming Title Includes 3 Games on 1 Cartridge for Exceptional Value

Stop the “brain drain” and improve your mental prowess with Mega Brain Boost, a new Nintendo DS game from Majesco Entertainment, an innovative provider of video games and digital entertainment products for the mass market. Developed by Interchannel-Holon, Mega Brain Boost is actually three-games-in-one: the previously released Brain Boost Gamma Wave and Brain Boost Beta Wave, plus a third never-before-released game that offers an additional set of exercises designed to improve memory and concentration.

“By packaging three distinct games within 1 game cartridge and pricing the total package at $19.99, we’re offering a great deal of value to consumers looking for quality entertainment,” said Ken Gold, Vice President of Marketing, Majesco. “Each game within Mega Brain Boost offers a completely different set of fun, yet challenging, brain training problems designed to enhance mental acuity.”

Mega Brain Boost encompasses three separate games developed under the consultation of renowned researcher and author, Dr. Makoto Shichida, creator of the Right Brain Development Theory. Shichida’s theory holds that you can develop your right brain by increasing your recognition of images, shapes, spatial patterns, illustrations and intuition. He established the Shichida Method of education that entails daily training of repeated drills, absorbing large amounts of information quickly and being able to accurately reproduce those images visually in order to stimulate the right brain.

Mega Brain Boost includes Brain Boost Beta Wave, Brain Boost Gamma Wave plus a bonus third game.
Collectively, the three games include 15 sets of multiple choice based brain training drills along with a multiplayer feature that lets 2 players face off against one another to determine who’s the bigger brainiac.

Mega Brain Boost will be available in January 2008 for a suggested retail price of $19.99. For additional information, please visit www.majescoentertainment.com

New Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock Companion Pack Videos Now Available

Three in-game video clips of the playable songs from Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock Companion Pack are now available for your use. The clips can be downloaded from the following links:

"Putting Holes in Happiness" - Marilyn Manson (Nick Zinner remix)
http://dam.dvs.tv/IGA/guitarheromanson.mpg

"Tina" - Flyleaf
http://dam.dvs.tv/IGA/guitarheroflyleaf.mpg

"Carcinogen Crush" - A.F.I.
http://dam.dvs.tv/IGA/guitarheroafi.mpg

About Marilyn Manson

Known for his outrageous stage persona, Marilyn Manson released his sixth studio record, "Eat Me, Drink Me," in June 2007. Written following an introspective year, the new release was called "his most honest work ever" by Rolling Stone magazine. Over the years, Manson's heavy-metal sound has incorporated elements including spoken-word poetry, glam rock and vaudeville, and he tends toward unconventional and experimental music and recording techniques. More information about Marilyn Manson can be found at http://www.marilynmanson.com.

About Flyleaf
While many loud rockers reopen old wounds by singing about their broken homes and broken hearts, Belton, TX quintet Flyleaf (Lacey Mosley, vocals; Sameer Bhattacharya, guitar; Jared Hartmann, guitar; Pat Seals, bass; James Culpepper, drums) confronts past injuries to heal old scars and in the process prove that hope shines brighter than despair. Flyleaf's self-titled debut album is filled with songs about abuse, neglect, addiction, dysfunction, and overcoming adversity. The band's wide array of brooding beats, atmospheric textures and lunging riffs compliment Mosley's emotionally charged vocals, which range from breathy and beautiful to scathing and aggressive. For more information about Flyleaf, visit http://www.flyleafmusic.com.

About AFI
The documented origins of AFI stretch back to 1991 when Ukiah, California, teens Davey Havok and Adam Carson formed the band and released a debut split 7" the following year with fellow Ukiah High students Loose Change (whose lineup at the time featured future AFI guitarist Jade Puget). Twelve years later, AFI would make the decision to brave major label waters, releasing sixth album Sing the Sorrow on Dreamworks in 2003. "Girl's Not Grey" would be the band's single most infectious "pop" moment to date, while "Death of Seasons" incorporated lockstep industrial rhythms and mournful choruses before dissolving into a cacophony of screaming anguish. Now with the new DECEMBERUNDERGROUND, AFI invite The Despair Faction and other fans new and old (and yet to be made) to experience their most accomplished and labor-intensive work to date. For more information about AFI, visit http://www.afireinside.net.

About Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock Companion Pack

Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock Companion Pack (Interscope Records) features not only the key songs on Activision's Guitar Hero III: Legends Of Rock, but also exclusive access to more gameplay with three previously unreleased expansion songs to play with Guitar Hero III: Legends Of Rock for Xbox 360. Included in each Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock Companion Pack is a unique code users may input at www.interscope.com/guitarherocode to receive a unique Xbox Live code. Users may then input the Xbox Live code into their Xbox 360 console when logged into Xbox Live, to download the expansion songs.