Forge of Freedom Anniversary Extravaganza! Major Update, New Video and Holiday Sale!

Update here

Matrix Games (www.matrixgames.com) and Western Civilization Software (www.west-civ.com) are pleased to announce a special anniversary event for Forge of Freedom: The American Civil War 1861-1865. This event, coming one year after Forge of Freedom was initially released, includes another major free update with many improvements to the game, a new video to showcase Forge of Freedom as it is now after a year of post-release development and a 25% discount on new purchases of Forge of Freedom as part of the Matrix Games Holiday Sale.

Major New v1.10.10 Update!
Since the original release, the development team has been listening carefully to customer feedback and improving all areas of the game to improve historicity and gameplay. Several significant updates have been the result and this latest fine tunes the historical accuracy and game balance as close to perfection as is possible while also improving the already excellent strategic and tactical AI even further. The dozens of improvements range from better balance between camps, population and replacements to more realistic diplomatic percentages, two siege phases instead of one, improved scenario orders of battle and more realistic detailed battle frontage rules. Quick battle resolution was also carefully adjusted to bring into better balance the effects of forts and terrain.

In addition, we now have over 250 brief historical biographies included in the game for the many generals on both sides, thanks to the diligent work of many biographers. One of the improvements in the orders of battle includes the ability to now have generals start already assigned to their historical divisions right from the first turn of a scenario, minimizing first turn reorganization chores.

New Showcase Video!
A new 4+ minute high quality video released as part of this anniversary event walks gamers through the scope and detail of Forge of Freedom, showcasing the incredible ability of this game to re-create the American Civil War and everything that still fascinates us to this day about this terrible conflict where brother fought against brother. We encourage everyone who has not considered Forge of Freedom to give this video a look; you might be surprised just how much it has to offer!

Holiday Sale!
For the first time since it was released, as part of the Matrix Games Holiday Sale, Forge of Freedom is currently available direct from the Matrix Games Online Store at a 25% discount off the regular price through the entire holiday season. See the Matrix Games website for more details. The version now available for download is fully updated to the latest 1.10.10. There has never been a better time to try this grand strategy masterpiece.

David Heath, Director of Operations at Matrix Games, said “Forge of Freedom is an outstanding game and is a remarkably realistic simulation of the American Civil War. Western Civilization Software has once again elevated this title to a new level. If you have an interest in the American Civil War, you owe it to yourself to give this game a try. The new video and sale should make that decision even easier!”

Eric Babe, Lead Developer at Western Civilization Software, stated, “We’re very proud of how far Forge of Freedom has come since its original release one year ago. Virtually every aspect of the game has been improved in response to player feedback. We hope everyone enjoys the new upgraded Forge of Freedom as much as we enjoyed working on it.”

More than seven-score years have passed since the start of this conflict that pitted state against state, brother against brother and broke the chains of slavery. Forge of Freedom gives you a chance to relive history from either side in a work of grand strategy.

As the leader of the Union or the Confederacy, you will be faced with historical decisions on the military, economic and diplomatic strategies to pursue. The diplomatic and economic systems have been streamlined and improved since Crown of Glory to be more user-friendly and also suited to the period. Rather than multiple minor nations, each state has its own Governor and they will make demands on you and shift their attitudes according to events. In addition, you will have to manage diplomacy with the European powers to try to sway them towards or against intervention. Over 1,000 historical generals are included along with an option to know their abilities ahead of time or have to find out the hard way, as happened historically. Railroads, rivers and cities all play important roles, as do elections which occur at both state and national levels. Every effort has been made to bring you as thorough a simulation of the American Civil War as is possible, from 1861 to 1865, from the skirmishes and raids in the West to the pitched battles in the East and the Naval blockade.


Game Features:

• The American Civil War, 1861-1865


• Grand Strategy combined with Detailed Tactical Battles


• Highly customizable gameplay via dozens of in-game options


• Military, Diplomatic and Economic Decisions


• Research Logistics, Tactics, Weaponry and other areas


• Quick, Instant or Detailed Resolution of Battles


• Detailed Combat supports Historical Leaders, Unit Morale, Diverse Unit Types, Command and Control, Weather, Smoke, Reinforcements, and more!


• Streamlined Economics include Money, Labor, Horses, Iron, Guns and Railroads


• Naval and Land Combat, including Sieges, Raiders, Partisans, Plundering, Interceptions, Fleet Combat, Port Attacks and Blockades


• National Will and a historical Victory Point system


• Computer Opponent plays either side


• Diplomacy with Britain, France and Europe for trade and possible military intervention


• Weather, Logistics, Fog of War


• Play against the AI, via PBEM, LAN or hotseat


• Standard Campaign from 1861-1865 as well three other historical scenarios with starting dates from July, 1861 to November, 1861, each balanced for a different play style.

For more information, check the main Matrix Games page at www.matrixgames.com and the Western Civilization Software website at www.west-civ.com.

The v1.10.10 Update is a Comprehensive Update which can be applied to all previous versions of Forge of Freedom. It can be downloaded from the Matrix Games Latest Downloads section at http://www.matrixgames.com/games/latestfiles.asp

The Biggest Loser video game Bringing Hit TV to your PC

King.com Gets Fit With The Biggest Loser

World's Largest Skill Game Site Continues Streak of Bringing Hit TV Properties to Videogames

LOS ANGELES: December 4, 2007 – King.com (www.king.com), the world’s largest skill games site, today announced a skill game version of NBC’s hit television show, “The Biggest Loser.” Currently in its fourth season on NBC, the show challenges and encourages overweight contestants to shed pounds in a safe and recommended manner through comprehensive diet and exercise as they compete for a grand prize of $250,000. This is King.com’s fourth online skill game based on a hit television show.

“The ‘Biggest Loser’ game extends the television experience for viewers who like to interact,” said Toby Rowland, co-Founder and co-CEO of King.com. “For any show fan, the ‘Biggest Loser’ game provides a platform to have fun and test their skills at making the right dietary choices and staying in shape.”

King is the exclusive provider of skill games for brands such as American Idol, Deal or No Deal, and 1 vs. 100 and also is the exclusive provider of skill games for Yahoo’s entertainment properties. In addition to games and entertainment, King.com provides a social forum where players are able to interact and form friendships with people from all over the world.

“The success of the Biggest Loser Club, books, and workout DVDs has shown us how the viewers of the show like to interact beyond merely watching the show," said executive producer, Mark Koops. "Our show appeals to a wide range of individuals and challenges them to eat better and workout. This partnership with King.com provides another innovative, exciting, and interactive opportunity.”

Players can register for the Biggest Loser at King.com. The aim of the game is to get in shape! Players must stay off the pizza, hamburgers and candy, and eat carrots, lettuce and apples instead. Players are given special items to help them in the battle of the bulge, but, as in everyday life, there are also many temptations that are hindrances to their goal weight. Players who lose enough weight are rewarded with a new body and a terrific score!

About King
Launched in 2004, King.com is the world’s largest skill games site with 80 million games played in the month of January 2007. King offers more than 60 games, and is available in 9 languages and seven currencies. King is the exclusive provider of skill games for TV brands such as American Idol, Deal or No Deal, The Biggest Loser, and 1 vs. 100. King is incorporated in the state of Delaware and the company has offices in Los Angeles, London (UK), Hamburg (Germany), Rome (Italy) and Stockholm (Sweden). King.com is a founder member of ISGA (North American Interactive Skill Games Association). ISGA can be found at http://www.onskill.org.

About The Biggest Loser
The first reality series where everybody "loses," "The Biggest Loser" offers severely overweight participants the opportunity to undergo a radical physical makeover without any kind of surgery. The unscripted and life-altering one-hour reality series gathers contestants from across the country to face real-life temptations, while being provided with approved weight-loss skills and resources in an effort to help them transform their bodies, health - and ultimately - their lives. The series has become a worldwide hit airing in over 35 territories and 15 countries. It has also produced a New York Times best-selling book and a burgeoning online lifestyle club www.biggestloserclub.com. "The Biggest Loser" is a production of Reveille LLC, 25/7 Productions and 3 Ball Productions. Ben Silverman (NBC's "The Office," "Ugly Betty"), Dave Broome ("Tsunami Aid: A Concert of Hope," "Radio Music Awards"), JD Roth ("Unanimous," "Beauty and the Geek"), Todd A. Nelson ("Unanimous," "Beauty and the Geek") and Mark Koops ("Blow Out," "The Restaurant") serve as executive producers.

The Great Tree PC game, a grown-up story of good and evil

Prepare to fly into a world rich with story and magic in The Great Tree

Reflexive Entertainment is proud to announce its 15th PC game The Great Tree, a grown-up story of good and evil.

Reflexive Entertainment is proud to announce The Great Tree, a grown-up story of good and evil that puts the survival of an enchanted world into your hands. As a chosen fairy you will travel to many spellbinding locations, avoiding dangerous creatures and using wondrous magic to collect the pollen that can save The Great Tree...and your people.

Illustrated by the same award-winning artist behind Wik: Fable of Souls, The Great Tree takes gamers into a new realm, immersing them in a conflict for survival. With a story told through voice acting knitted together with beautiful art into moving micro movies, the faeries' plight has been lovingly crafted to create a unique experience for gamers both young and old.

Playing as a small fairy thrust into a deadly conflict, players set out on a mission to save The Great Tree, using special abilities and magic, when needed, to elude enemies, collect pollen and rescue the entranced Swee. Throughout the journey innovative and never before dreamed of enemies, such as the 'Death Toad' and 'Slumbering Fungus' will confront and amaze players. As play progresses, star points will be earned, which can be used to improve character speed, strength, magic, and health. In addition, new wings, each with unique special abilities, will become available, giving players tremendous ability to customize their approach to game play.

Featuring amazing locations, surprising enemies, and 100 wondrous levels, The Great Tree will provide an amazing gaming experience, which feels akin to an epic film, when it is released on December 19th.

XBox Brain Challenge for Xbox LIVE Arcade

Gameloft®, a leading publisher and developer of video games for mobile phones, today announced that it is bringing its tremendously popular Brain Challenge game to the Xbox LIVE® Arcade for the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. Xbox LIVE® Arcade is the premier destination for digitally distributed, high-definition original and classic games.

“The tremendous growth of mass-market, casual games coupled with the massive consumer acceptance of gaming platforms such as Xbox LIVE Arcade, has opened up a significant opportunity for Gameloft,” said Gonzague de Vallois, senior vice president of Publishing, Gameloft. “Xbox LIVE Arcade is the perfect vehicle for us to expand our presence with players of all types.”

“We at Microsoft are excited at the prospect of expanding our gaming catalogue to include one of Gameloft’s best sellers,” said Jeremy Wacksman, Product Manager of Xbox LIVE Marketing. “Gameloft’s reputation and standard of excellence in the casual gaming space precedes them and Brain Challenge is a welcome addition to Xbox LIVE Arcade.”

Released on mobile carrier decks in 2006, Brain Challenge has achieved sales of 1.5 million units to date, and continues to be ranked in the top downloads on carrier decks more than a year after initial release. The sales success is further driven by the launch of Brain Challenge vol. 2 Stress Management which complements the original game.

Brain Challenge will be available to challenge the skill and intellect of players on Xbox LIVE Arcade in early 2008. Brain Challenge boosts brain activity and helps players develop stress-management skills thanks to a wide variety of games. A personal coach helps players develop their abilities in several areas of cognitive function, including logic, math, memory and visual thinking, in a fun and entertaining way.

In addition to Xbox Live Arcade, Brain Challenge will soon be available on iPod, Nintendo DS and PC. This will be the first ever multi-platform launch of a casual brand from a mobile game publisher. Each game will be specially formatted and adapted to complement each unique platform to ensure the best consumer experience.

The mobile game version is available now across most U.S. carriers.

Operation: Omega Dawn A Warhawk Booster Pack

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA)
Developer: Incognito Entertainment
Platform: Exclusively on PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) via PLAYSTATION®Network
Genre: Multiplayer Combat
Rating: “T” for Teen
Price: $7.99

The heart-pounding, gut-wrenching thrill of Warhawk will get even more intense this December with Operation: Omega Dawn, Warhawk’s first downloadable Booster pack. Developed by Incognito Entertainment, the highly-anticipated add-on pack will redefine team tactics in Warhawk and introduce a host of new strategic elements. Featuring an entirely new battlefield, "Omega Factory," in which Eucadians and Chenovans are fighting for control, Operation: Omega Dawn includes six map configurations where warhawks can take flight through the night skies of an isolated factory world. Adding to the intensity, players can board the KT-424 Combat Dropship – a supreme vehicle that can transport up to seven troopers and a ground vehicle at one time, allowing for massive invasions on enemy territories. The Dropship act as a multiplayer Boss character, similar to those found in single player games, and creates memorable moments where seven players are operating in smooth coordination. Available exclusively for download at the PLAYSTATION®Store, Operation: Omega Dawn adds new layer of strategy and depth to the fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping gameplay experienced in Warhawk.

KEY FEATURES

• Invade Enemy Territories with the PMC-Dropship – Utilizing the tactical and physical capabilities of the new KT-424 Combat Dropship, players can swarm into enemy territories with a vengeance and dominate alongside their clan. Both an aircraft and a ground vehicle, the Dropship is the ultimate destructive weapon for massive assaults. Lined with powerful turrets for transported soldiers, the Dropship can carry up to seven troops and ground vehicles at one time.

• Dominate Opponents on a Brand New Battleground – Enter at your own risk into the new, night-time battlefield for Warhawk, Omega Factory. The largest map to date, the new environment leads troopers into an eerily dark factory world that includes six battlefield layouts and supports all of your favorite game modes from the original game.

• More Vertical Gameplay – Players’ fighting skills will be put to the ultimate test as the new map features more vertical gameplay, allowing for intense aerial combat via warhawks and the Dropship. The new map features environments that can only be accessed by airborne deployment such as raised platforms and rooftops of enormous war factories.

• Bonus Layouts for the Dropship – Experience total domination with bonus layouts that integrate the new KT-424 Combat Dropship into the 5 largest layouts from the core game for added replay value.

Wii-kly Update: Three New Classic Games Added To Wii Shop Channel

Sometimes the Wii-kly Updates have a nice, unifying them. Sometimes they don't. This week we scoured the recesses of the classic games vault to come up with some interesting, if unrelated, gems. You can fight mechanized forces, battle with a bunch of fighters in the afterlife or play the role of a heroic regal bug. Like we said: Sometimes they don't.

Three new classic games go live at 9 a.m. Pacific time. Nintendo adds new games to the Wii™ Shop 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:

ZANAC (NES®, 1 player, rated E for Everyone - Mild Fantasy Violence, 500 Wii Points): ZANAC is a vertically scrolling shoot-'em-up game that was released in November 1986. Take control of the state-of-the-art fighter, ZANAC, with the objective of destroying the bases of the mechanized enemy forces. Use your full array of regular weapons as well as eight special weapons to clear the 12 intense areas of the game. Be careful, though, as the game changes the degree of difficulty in real time based on how well you play. This ensures that it feels like you're experiencing a new game every time you play.

Eternal Champions™ (Sega Genesis, 1-2 players, rated T for Teen - Animated Blood, Animated Violence, 800 Wii Points): This 2-D fighting game introduces a cast of different characters that met untimely deaths in their lives on Earth. Now they have been given a chance to compete against each other, with the winner taking on the Eternal Champion, the ultimate fighter in the universe. The reward for defeating the Eternal Champion is a return to Earth for the opportunity to avenge death and restore balance to the universe. Choose from nine unique characters with a variety of fighting styles, and bring your best moves to defeat all comers in your quest to topple the Eternal Champion.

The Dynastic Hero (TurboGrafx16 CD-ROM, 1 player, rated E for Everyone - Comic Mischief, 800 Wii Points): The Dynastic Hero is an action RPG featuring a cast of insect characters. The story begins with the invasion of their peaceful homeland of Tarron by the evil Drilkor Empire. Rushing to the insects' aid is Dyna, the prince of Beetras. Take control of Dyna as he battles through action-filled stages. Equip weapons and items to vanquish the relentless foes, and acquire special items that enable you to brave the journey across the perilous desert or open sea. But it's not just all action. Correctly answer multiple-choice quizzes, and play the ocarina to find the right melody to open doors. Plus, there are countless traps and other puzzles packed into this fun game to keep you entertained and ensure you continue coming back for more.

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

1C Promotes Fantasy Wars with TOURNAMENT

What: Win a custom painted Cosmos 1000 case with original Fantasy Wars artwork by entering this tournament. Simply beat "The King and the General" level in the fewest moves. 2nd and 3rd place receive prizes as well.

Where: The game is available at all major retail outlets or digitally at http://www.gamersgate.com.

When: The tournament opens Midnight, December 3, 2007 until Midnight, January 21, 2008


How: Player's skill will be determined by looking at the following criteria:

1. Difficulty level.
2. The amount of turns made.
3. The execution of additional quests.
4. Towns and fortresses captured.
5. Your army's losses.
6. Your enemies' losses.
7. Money balance.

Simply create an e-mail with the topic "Tournament" and attach the "Profiles" folder. In the email please list your name, age and email address. Send the email to tournament@ino-co.com.

Brand new images from Aion: The Tower of Eternity

NCsoft Europe is pleased to present a collection of new images from its forthcoming MMORPG Aion: The Tower of Eternity. Created using a modified version of the Crytek engine, these screens confirm Aion as the most visually stunning MMORPG ever made.

SAITEK'S NEW R660GT FORCE FEEDBACK STEERING WHEEL GETS THE ADRENALINE PUMPING

Saitek, a leading designer and manufacturer of consumer electronic products for PC and gaming, has announced the launch of its new R660GT Force Feedback Wheel, – the new PC racing wheel with powerful Force Feedback and switchable gearstick.

The unique force feedback technology puts the player in the driver’s seat by translating the racing action into jolts and shudders in the wheel, letting them feel every bump and crash, whether it’s a track barrier, a tree or a rival driver. Feel changes in road surface as you glide from smooth tarmac to rough dirt. Respond to the wheel’s feedback to improve your lap times by taking sharp corners more smoothly, and avoiding a rear-end slide or under-steer.

The Saitek R660GT wheel comes with a solid G-clamp to securely fix the wheel to the desk, so it’ll stay where it’s needed even at 180mph with tyres screaming around a nasty hairpin bend. And the soft handle finish ensures a strong grip so the wheel won’t slip through your fingers, even in the heat of the race.

The R660GT setup includes pedals that can be customised to suit the driver, so that they can operate independently of each other or can be combined to suit different games or a player’s driving style. Unlike many other driving wheels, the R660GT pedals more accurately reflect the positioning of pedals in a real car, pivoted from the top rather than the bottom, whilst the brake offers more resistance than the accelerator.

The R660GT wheel also caters for gamers used to left- or right-hand drive cars with a semi-automatic gear shift lever that can be mounted on the side of the wheel, plus two, fingertip-controlled gear shift paddles.

With its rock-solid stability, powerful and realistic force feedback, and essential controls right where you need them, the new R600GT brings the track to life, improves your lap times and helps you become race champion.

System requirements:
Connectivity: The setup connects to the PC via a single USB 2.0 cable
Windows XP, XP64 and Windows Vista (all versions)

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Malion Roars into Top Spot as Folkore video game competition closes

• Folklore inspires new generation of fantasy artists
• Online competition to offer winning applicant’s entry as download
• Available to downloadable from PLAYSTATION®Store in the New Year

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) and Game Republic are delighted to announce that the design of ‘Malion’ is the winner of the Folkore™ ‘Design a Folk’ competition which ran on eu.playstation.com from September 28 – October 22, 2007. Forum members were challenged to design a new character for PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) mystery action adventure Folklore - a game populated by mysterious creatures known as Folk. The winning entry is currently being made up by the team at Game Republic and will be available to download exclusively from PLAYSTATION®Store in early 2008.

The panel of judges at the legendary Game Republic Studios in Tokyo decided that the winning entry was from Jeff Read from the UK, but it was a close-run thing with four runners-up coming from France (Chengelin), UK (Legia), Australia (Mordremohrg) and Spain (Nrise). Jeff’s winning design is called ‘Malion’ (see below). Describing his creation, Jeff said, “The Malion (Spore Lion) runs circles around the enemy whilst creating an intoxicating spore cloud from its tail and thorny mane. When the prey is dazed The Malion jumps in for the kill. The tail and claws are primary attacks, but this Folk is highly poisonous… wear protective gloves! The Malion fears fire." The Malion will now get to star alongside the likes of gelatinous Agar Agar, the spike-furred Bug-a-boo, the boulder-bodied Spriggan and the cavern-mouthed Fomoire in Folklore.

Okamoto-san and his team at Game Republic were impressed with the quality of designs the competition produced, “To decide a winner was very difficult because the standard was so high. Congratulations to Jeff, the runners-up and all the people who took the time and effort to design a new Folk. We hope you enjoyed being creative and that you continue designing.”

The winner not only gets his Malion immortalised in the PS3 game, but also receives a Folklore goody bag and a copy of the game, whilst the runners up receive a copy of the game and the goody bag. Head over to eu.playstation.com to see all the competition results and entries, and keep your eyes on PLAYSTATION®Store for the special Malion download pack coming in the New Year.

For more information on Folklore for PS3, take a trip to the Netherworld at www.folklore-game.com.