Shopto confirms its position as a leading online retailer

Shopto.com is proud to announce record traffic figures for its online retail store in October 2007, with November expected to bring further growth. As such, the site is benefiting from its most successful period to date.

Between the 1st and 31st of October 2007, Shopto.com received more than 300,000 unique visitors, all searching for the best prices and the biggest deals. Between them, these visitors generated over 9 million page impressions, comparing favourably with videogames portals such as totalvideogames.com, computerandvideogames.com, eurogamer.net and videogamer.com.

November has already seen a dramatic increase, with traffic up over 32%, putting shopto on course to break the 500,000 unique user mark by the end of the month. Complimenting the sharp increase in users, page impressions are also up 40%, with an expected 12 million pages to be served before the end of November.

“The Christmas period is always a busy time of year for retail, and shopto’s market leading prices and renowned customer service is really starting to hit home within the gaming community,” commented Igor Cipolletta, Chief Operating Officer of shopto.com. “We’re geared up for our biggest period yet, and with some of the best deals on hardware and software in the UK, we’re proud to offer our unrivalled service as one of the leading names in online retail.”

www.Shopto.com has hundreds of deals online right now, including a Nintendo Wii console, with Wii Sports, Super Mario Galaxy, Metroid Prime 3: Corruption and Prince of Persia: Rival Swords retailing for an unbeatable price of £279.99. Also on offer is the HDMI enabled Xbox 360 Premium pack, including a copy of Crackdown for just £214.99 and the newly released 40GB PS3 for £279.99. These bundles are not exhaustive, and Shopto.com strives to always offer the best deal for the consumer, offering them the choice and affordability they require.

Warhawk downloadable pack coming to PLAYSTATION Network this December

Announcing Operation: Omega Dawn

Get a brand new map and a new aircraft: the awesome KT-424 Combat Dropship. All this in one download from PLAYSTATION Network

The battle began this August when Warhawk went online on PLAYSTATION Network (PSN). Since then, the fighting has spanned the globe as PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3) gamers of all nationalities battle for supremacy in this world of multiplayer military confrontation. Whether you’re fending for yourself or enlisting in a team of Eucadian or Chernovan forces to wage war on foot, at the controls of a tank or from the cockpit of the fearsome Warhawk, there’s non-stop action ahead in Warhawk – and it’s about to get even better with the PSN release of Operation: Omega Dawn, the first downloadable Warhawk expansion pack exclusively available from PLAYSTATION Store. Operation: Omega Dawn delivers a new gameplay experience that expands the title’s strategic gameplay elements by offering a new world to explore and introducing a unique aircraft to the Warhawk universe: the awesome KT-424 Combat Dropship.

With Operation: Omega Dawn, the war between the Eucadians and the Chernovans forces continues as the two countries fight to control the high-tech facilities of a critical new battlefield – the Omega Factory. The battle takes place in an entirely new world - an industrial night-time setting where players will fight through five new layouts of advanced building complexes and huge industrial towers. The new map supports all existing game modes – including Team Deathmatch, Zone Mode and Capture the Flag – and is the largest combat zone to date for Warhawk!

But that’s not all; no new battlefield would be complete without a new piece of kit, and Operation: Omega Dawn comes complete with a serious toy which will enhance the already intense Warhawk experience: the KT-424 Combat Dropship. You’ll activate the vehicle once you gain control of one of the many weapons factories on the world; once you have it, you’re in charge of an advanced aircraft capable of carrying seven soldiers and a ground vehicle at once. The KT-424 Combat Dropship transports 1 pilot, 6 soldiers and 1 ground vehicle; and features a deadly new weapon – the MBEC-3 Heavy Support Cannon. You’ll have loads of opportunity to take full advantage of the new KT-424 Combat Dropship because the new world is full of vertical gameplay which integrates ship decks, raised platforms, and factory rooftops accessible only by airborne deployment.

Are you ready for Operation: Omega Dawn? Only the fiercest, most visionary and most disciplined teams of soldiers can hope to carry the day. We’ll see you there – locked and loaded - on PSN this December.

Operation: Omega Dawn pack features:

Set at night for added impact and tension, the Operation: Omega Dawn pack for Warhawk™ features an enhanced level of teamwork, tactics and coordinated aerial assaults with the new KT-424 Combat Dropship.

Omega Factory battlefield includes 5 new map layouts featuring advanced building complexes and huge industrial towers.
KT-424 Combat Dropship transports 1 pilot, 6 soldiers and 1 ground vehicle; and features a deadly new weapon – the MBEC-3 Heavy Support Cannon.

The 5 large layouts from the original battlefields have been modified to include the KT-424 Combat Dropship.
All this in one single download from PLAYSTATION Network this December

Universe at War: Earth Assault Breaks Out at iGames

Exclusive Launch Party, Showcase, at Select iGames Member Centers Across North America to Celebrate Release of Combat-Intensive RTS


One-Day Launch Party, December 8th; Two-Week Showcase, December 10th-23rd

WHAT:

Leading game center organization iGames will host a series of special events to celebrate the release of Universe at War™: Earth Assault, SEGA’s eagerly anticipated combat-intensive RTS.

WHEN:

The first event will be a one-day launch party, Saturday, December 8th, complete with informal skirmishes with gamers across North America, followed by an expanded showcase, December 10th-23rd, allowing real-time strategy fans one free hour over a two week period to experience the game first-hand.

WHERE:

• Launch Party: 50 select iGames member centers across the US and Canada.
• Showcase: 100 additional iGames member centers.


ABOUT THE GAME:

Developed by Petroglyph, this combat-intensive Real-Time-Strategy (RTS) game enlists players in an epic struggle to prevent total alien domination of planet Earth. Set in the near-future Universe at War: Earth Assault features three distinct factions that have traveled across the galaxy to wage epic warfare on Earth. With customization options never seen before in the RTS genre, Universe at War: Earth Assault will create an exceptional strategy game experience for PC gamers.

Key amongst Universe at War: Earth Assault innovations is “Tactical Dynamics,” a system that allows players to retrain and customize their units in real-time on the battlefield. During the immense battles, “Tactical Dynamics” will allow your faction to overwhelm enemy forces and exploit tactical situations. Weaponry and defenses can be modified in true real-time to take advantage of the constantly shifting battlefield while fully customizable tech trees will allow players to constantly amend the development of technologies that they deem key to victory.

Battles in Universe at War: Earth Assault will also feature deformable terrain that will bear the scars of the huge clashes taking place. Deadly sci-fi weapons and alien powers will allow players to destroy whole cities and territories on a global scale, while the persistent world of Universe at War: Earth Assault will mean players can revisit previous battlegrounds to find them still smoldering in ruins.

Universe at War: Earth Assault further innovates through offering new multiplayer modes inspired by popular MMOs and other online games. Players will earn achievements, rewards, and medals in a finely balanced environment that leads into a persistent online campaign for ultimate faction supremacy across a virtual representation of the Earth.

Universe at War™: Earth Assault is rated “T” for “Teen” by the ESRB and carries an MSRP of $49.95.

Official website

Angels Online: Game Feature Preview

Angels Online (http://ao.igg.com/), the new MMORPG from IGG (www.igg.com) has been anxiously anticipated by tons of players since it was first announced. Today the AO team is going to give players a sneak preview of some of the game features.

◆Various Skill Combinations and a Flexible Class System
Angels Online will offer players nearly 40 Class Skills and hundreds of spells, which will definitely allow their players to pursue their ideal classes. They will have different class titles if they adopt different special skill combinations. In addition, there are hundreds of thousands of items and weapons, and a complete Paper Moppet System, so players have tons of things to do in game.

◆Creative Robot System
Players will also see cute robots in Angels Online. These special robots can not only benefit their collection, but also can help them to fight against loathsome monsters. The fat cat and the doggie robots are very eye-catching and unique, and, in addition, there are cute penguin robots and teddy bear robots.　If players like cute characters, they shouldn’t miss the special Robot System.　

◆Fight for the Totem
A totem in game is not just a status symbol. A guild which owns a totem is the host of a corresponding territory, and can monopolize the resources there. Those players who have good performance during a battle will be offered various equipment and awarded all kinds of titles, which will give players a strong sense of achievement. Additionally, players can upgrade their totem to make it more powerful, so obtaining a totem will mean a lot to a guild.

◆Mounts, Pets, and Mini-Games Let You Have Fun
Players can ride various cute animals such as turtles, little pigs, horses, and big lizards to wander around the fascinating world. During battle, their pets can not only help them to fight against monsters, but also can level up and become more and more powerful. Additionally, players can play some mini-games in Angels Online such as 5 in a Row!, Bingo and Sikitcha when they are tired of killing monsters.

Gordon Brown Turns To 'Democracy' For Helpful Hints

BRING THE TROOPS HOME FOR CHRISTMAS? INJECT A SPENDING BOOST FOR BIRD FLU PREVENTION?

Following consultation with his ally in the US, the UK’s Prime Minister has turned to Democracy, a political strategy game for PC for some ‘serious’ inspiration.

With mounting pressure from the back benchers to review unpopular policy, the PM needs to carefully assess political strategy to gain the largest share of the vote to stay in power. But you won’t be able to keep everyone happy all of the time, so tread cautiously as popular policy may not be in the best interests of the country.

With an unpopular war being waged in the East and financial meltdown coming from the sub prime markets in the West, the UK government needs to take a firm and steady stance to appeal to the mass vote and win through. Tough political decisions lie ahead…

Do you withdraw British troops from Iraq to gain approval from the masses back home but expose the world to the increasing threat of terrorism? Do you maintain the unpopular increase in interest rates to safe guard from recession or opt for the more popular cut in interest rates and risk increasing the level of consumer debt in the UK? Winter bird flu is back on the agenda – do health services need a boost?

Up for the job?

Democracy is a political strategy game on PC from Ascaron Entertainment. It enables players to take control of countries modelled on real democratic nations such as the UK, USA, France, Germany or Sweden. As Prime Minister or President, players need 50% of the vote at each election in order to remain in power. Think strategically to secure position for as long as possible – implement controversial new policies and solve national crises to placate or rile voters.

Shoot And Shake With Saitek's New Cyborg Rumble Pad

FULLY CUSTOMISABLE PC GAMEPAD OFFERING CYBORG MODULE, PRECISION MODE AND UNIQUE FPS BUTTON

Saitek, a leading designer and manufacturer of consumer gaming products for PC, has announced the launch of its Cyborg Rumble Pad. The Cyborg Rumble Pad is a high end PC gamepad with a number of unique features that allow users to fully personalise and customise the controls to improve their gaming experience.

The Cyborg gamepad features the unique new Cyborg module, which can be unclipped from the pad and turned through 180 degrees to reverse the configuration of the left stick and d-pad. This dual configuration makes the gamepad perfect for both diehard PC gamers and those who’ve only recently come to PC games from consoles.

As well as the Cyborg module, the Cyborg Rumble pad features an FPS button which automatically sets up the pad's controls for typical commands found in most current FPS genre games, and the new Precision mode – a first in PC gamepad design. Precision Mode decreases the sensitivity of the pad’s left or right sticks to make aiming weapons easier and more accurate.

With its unique innovations and stylish design the new Cyborg Rumble pad takes gaming performance to new levels, improving control, heightening the senses and helping gamers realise their true potential.

Saitek’s new Cyborg range is designed specifically for serious gamers who demand the best equipment to help them win. Enthusiastic gamers will play intensely for long periods of time and need peripherals that not only offer outstanding comfort, but high precision and absolute control.

Cyborg Rumble Pad - Fast facts:

· Cyborg Module - A unique adjustable module that can be turned through 180 degrees, reversing the left stick and d-pad to suit gamers who prefer PC- or console-style pad configurations.

· FPS Button - This instantly programmes the pad with the keyboard and mouse commands often used in first person shooter games.

· Precision Button – The gamer can configure any button on the gamepad to engage Precision Mode. Precision Mode allows the gamer to select a button(s) or stick(s) on the pad which, when activated, will decrease the sensitivity of the Cyborg Rumble pad’s left or right sticks - useful when trying to aim a very sensitive rifle with a telescopic sight over long ranges.

· X-Mode – Checking a box in the game controller settings changes the pad’s mode from Classic to X Mode. In the default Classic mode, the two shoulder buttons act as buttons, and the triggers act as buttons or axes. In X mode, the two shoulder buttons continue to act as buttons but the two triggers now function only as analogue axes, allowing the trigger to control a range of movements. This mode emulates the set-up of XBox™ controllers.

The controller setup includes:
2 quick fire triggers
2 analogue triggers
8 way d-pad
6 responsive buttons
2 analogue joysticks

The Cyborg Rumble pad is fully programmable with SST programming software, making it suitable for any game genre.

Limited Edition Squad Command Themed PSP Console to be won

To celebrate the launch of the new handheld strategy game Warhammer 40,000: Squad Command on Sony PSP tomorrow, THQ in conjunction with Games Workshop and a team of professional modelers has created a limited set of six exclusive Squad Command themed PSP consoles.

Only one of these incredible custom PSP’s is bound for the UK – to be in with a chance of winning this awe-inspiring bit of kit, enter our exclusive competition on THQ-Games.com – we’ve got copies of the game for runners up too.

Warhammer 40,000: Squad Command brings intense, strategic combat to handheld consoles.

In the grim darkness of the 41st Millennium, the daemonic forces of Chaos clash with the Imperium’s finest - the Space Marines. Command your elite squad of Ultramarines, equip them with over 20 ranged and close combat weapons, and pit them against the might of the World Bearers in turn-based tactical combat across fully destructible 3D battlefields.

Wage war through 15 single-player missions, or battle your friends and foes over nine brutal multiplayer maps, and engage in epic conflicts between 2-8 players.

Supporting a host of options, including game sharing, local wireless and full online play supported by online leaderboards, Squad Command offers hours of gameplay and one of the most complete multiplayer packages on handheld.

The PSP version of Warhammer 40,000: Squad Command, complete with glorious 3D graphics and hi-res cinematics hits stores tomorrow!

SNOWBALL WARS! - download

Play Snowball Wars, the snowballin' action game, anytime with our free download!

Click and drag kids from your team into position, and practice your snow skills.

Game objectives
You control the three red kids. The game starts out as a three vs three battle, but as you increase in level, the blue kids increase in number. Click and drag one of your kids into position so that you can get a good shot on the other team. Hold down the left mouse button to make your power meter go up. The more you fill up your power meter, the farther and harder your kid will throw. If a kid gets hit, but not too hard, he will be stunned. He'll stand there shaking, and will be temporarily unable to move or throw. If a kid gets hit hard enough, he'll fall down, and won't get up again until the next level. Knock down everyone on the blue team before they get you!

Download it here

Or

Play online here

Crayon Physics Deluxe - PC game

Crayon Physics Deluxe is a sequel to the popular freeware game Crayon Physics. Or you can think of it as the game I would have created if I would have had more than 7 days to do it. Way more than 7 days. More like 7 months or 17 months.

Anyway Crayon Physics Deluxe is a 2D physics puzzle game, in which you get to experience what it would be like if your drawings would be magically transformed into real physical objects. Solve puzzles with your artistic vision and creative use of physics.

The game features:

Greatly improved physics (you can draw what ever you want)
Huge number of new levels
Easy to use level editor
You can read more about the game from my blog. Also you can test the original prototype which is freely available. But please understand that the prototype isn’t a demo version of this game and doesn’t reflect the quality of Crayon Physics Deluxe.

Visit the site here

Painting without numbers on Nintendo DS

Ever dreamed of painting like Picasso? Van Gogh? Michelangelo? Maybe even Da Vinci. Well here's your chance. Introducing Paint by DS, a new "non-game" on the DS by Mercury Games and Ertain's series on the Nintendo DS.

This game explores a very young concept in gaming: non-violent and non-competitive. In fact, it aims to help the gamer relax. Using the stylus, the player mixes oil and water-based paints to emulate the colours and consistencies of real paint, then paints the colors unto the canvas. This game offers a palette of 15 colouring challenges with a dash of mini games based on the works of famous artists.

The developers created this game aimed for the DS owners who need to relax and tone down once in a while. Paint by DS is the first of their Zen series.

Limited editions will be sold with a paint set or a paint book. It will be released in Europe this August 24, priced at £ 19.99 / € 24.99. The US will Paint by DS themselves later this year.