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Tuesday, November 06, 2007

2K SPORTS ANNOUNCES 90 CLASSIC TEAMS IN COLLEGE HOOPS 2K8

2K Sports, the sports publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, announced today that College Hoops 2K8 will contain 90 classic teams for gamers to play. College Hoops 2K8 is the best rated college basketball game for five straight years and best selling college basketball video game series this past season.

By having the choice to play as a historically famed college team or as one of the current favorites, College Hoops 2K8 is delivering the most comprehensive college basketball experience available. Within the 90 classic teams, 69 consist of teams from years past including the 1982 North Carolina Tarheels and the high-scoring 1990 Loyola Marymount Lions. In addition, gamers can choose to play from six all-time conference teams or 15 all-time school teams such as All-Time Duke and All-Time Michigan State.

College Hoops 2K8 will be available in November for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and the PLAYSTATION 3 and PlayStation 2 computer entertainment systems.

For more information, please visit: www.2ksports.com

Rock Band Goes Gold

Groundbreaking Music Video Game Has Gone Into Final Production and is Set to Take Center Stage on Xbox 360TM and PLAYSTATION 3 system on November 20th

Harmonix, the leading developer of music-based games, and MTV Games, a division of Viacom’s MTV Networks along with distribution partner Electronic Arts, announced today that its highly anticipated music videogame Rock Band™ has gone gold, is in final production and manufacturing, and set for launch. The Rock Band Special Edition Bundle will be available in North America on Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system November 20th for the suggested retail price of $169.99. In addition Rock Band for PLAYSTATION 2 computer entertainment system will be in stores on December 18th for the suggested retail price of $159.99.

“Rock Band is a true symbol of Harmonix’s vision, dedication and passion for music and after two years of development, we are thrilled that Rock Band is finally ready to get in the hands of rock fans everywhere,” said Alex Rigopolous, CEO of Harmonix. “We have a small army filling our warehouses with final product, ready for our November 20th ship date so players can fulfill their rock and roll aspirations. Now, our focus is putting together an amazing selection of downloadable music content for players so players can continue to further customize their Rock Band experience post launch.”

Details on the Rock Band Special Edition Bundle:
· The Xbox 360 version of the Rock Band Special Edition Bundle will feature a wired drum kit, microphone and Fender Stratocaster guitar controller as well as a USB hub for easy plug-in access for all instruments.
· The PLAYSTATION 3 system version of the Rock Band Special Edition Bundle will feature a wired drum kit an d microphone, as well as a wireless Fender Stratocaster guitar controller, which will be interoperable between the PlayStation 2 system and PLAYSTATION 3 system.
· The Rock Band Special Edition Bundle for the PlayStation 2 system will feature a wired drum kit, wired microphone, wireless Fender Stratocaster guitar controller and a USB hub.
· Suggested retail pricing for standalone Rock Band software for Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 system versions will be $59.99.
· Standalone instrument peripherals for Rock Band, including a wireless guitar option for the Xbox 360, will be available at a later date to be announced.
· The standalone Rock Band software will support a variety of 3rd-party instrument peripherals as well as enable owners to share peripherals with those who o wn the Special Edition bundle.

Partnerships with instrument giants including Fender Musical Instruments Corporation, Roland Corpation, BOSS, Ludwig, Line 6, Ernie Ball, Electro-Harmonix, Vic Firth, and Zildjian ensure authenticity of the look and feel of in-game play, while the Rock Band instruments, including the Fender Stratocaster guitar controller, are designed by real world musicians.

Rock Band will ship in Europe in the first quarter of 2008 for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION 3 system and PLAYSTATION 2 system.

Rock Band is rated “T” for Teen (lyrics, mild suggestive themes) by the ESRB.

EA will serve as the exclusive distribution and marketing partner for Rock Band, managing distribution for the game in US, Europe and Australia.

Rock Band is an all-new platform for music fans and gamers to interact with music like never before. The game chall enges players to put together a band and tour for fame and fortune – all while learning to master lead/bass guitar, drums and vocals. Built on unprecedented partnerships with artists, record labels and music publishers, the 58 tracks in Rock Band will span the full range of rock music and include original master recordings from the greatest songs and artists of all time. For more information on Rock Band and Harmonix Music Systems please visit www.rockband.com and www.harmonixmusic.com.

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.

Monday, November 05, 2007

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.

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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Tuesday, November 06, 2007

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