Asterix At The Olympic Games Downloadable PC Demo Available Now

Get a Taste for Gallic Victory in the Fully Playable PC Demo of the Video Game of the Film; Game Available Now for PC, Wii, Nintendo DS and PlayStation 2

Atari today announced that the fully playable PC demo for Asterix at the Olympic Games can be downloaded from the official website at www.atari.com/asterix. Available now at retailers across Europe for PlayStation 2, Nintendo DS, Wii and PC, Asterix at the Olympic Games is the game of the forthcoming live action feature film and combines live action elements from the film with high-end computer generated and video game animation to deliver fans an original and highly entertaining Asterix experience.

Localised in six languages, the demo lets players jump in the shoes of either Asterix or Obelix and meet some of the game’s leading characters including Brutus and Alafolix alongside a decent sized horde of Romans to bash. Players can switch on the fly between Asterix and Obelix at any point throughout a series of escapades, including sporting challenges, devious puzzles, and a charming fusion of music and clobbering Romans. All in a day’s work for everyone’s favourite ancient Gauls.

In Asterix at the Olympic Games players join Asterix, Obelix and his faithful hound Dogmatix on the road to Greece as they run to the aid of love stricken friend Alafolix. Much fun and madcap adventuring follows as Asterix and his friends enter the fray in their own inimitable style, coming head to head with Brutus, his muscle-bound champion, and of course their ultimate archenemy, the mighty Julius Caesar.

Asterix at the Olympic Games is developed by Etranges Libellules in close collaboration with Asterix licensor Les Editions Albert René and with film production company La Petite Reine. The live action feature film has the biggest production budget of any film in European cinema history and is scheduled for release across Europe in early 2008.

A PlayStation®2 demo with the same content is scheduled to appear on Official PlayStation 2 magazine in December. For more information about Atari’s entire product line up, visit www.atari.com.

Xbox 360 Family Timer Launches Worldwide Through Xbox LIVE, Helping Families "Set the Clock" on Gaming

Microsoft research reveals that parents in the U.S. and Europe would welcome a timer tool to help manage their children's screen time.

Microsoft Corp. today launched the Xbox 360 Family Timer worldwide, available for download via Xbox LIVE in 26 countries. This is great news for parents because Microsoft research reveals that children’s media consumption and time spent playing video games are universal concerns for families.

A Microsoft survey conducted throughout Europe found that parents embrace the idea of support from the gaming industry, with 75 percent of them welcoming built-in technology or software to monitor the time their children spend playing video games. A similar Microsoft survey conducted in the United States last month found that 62 percent of parents say they would use a timer if it were available to help them manage their children’s interactive entertainment use. Both surveys were the product of the company’s ongoing commitment to responsible gaming and the start of year two of Microsoft’s “Safety is no game. Is your family set?” campaign.

In line with the research, Microsoft today has made available worldwide to Xbox LIVE users a new Family Timer feature that will enable parents for the first time to set the appropriate amount of gaming and entertainment time on the Xbox 360 console for their kids — on a daily or weekly basis. A list of countries with available Xbox LIVE service is at http://www.xbox.com/live/countries.

“As a leader in interactive entertainment, it has been our priority to innovate and improve our Family Settings technology to help parents worldwide manage their children’s video gaming and online experiences,” said Jeff Bell, corporate vice president of Global Marketing for the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft.

In addition, the European study found that content of games and the time spent playing video games are important issues to parents. Similarly, in the U.S., 66 percent of parents have rules about the amount of time their kids can spend playing video games and 86 percent have rules about the type of content their kids have access to.

The Xbox 360 Family Timer is an addition to the console’s existing set of industry-leading parental control features. Similar to the parental controls in the Windows Vista operating system, the new Xbox 360 Family Timer can restrict children’s activity time.. Helpful notifications will appear to warn gamers that the session is nearing the end so they have sufficient time to save their game, and the feature will automatically turn off the console when the predetermined time limit has been exceeded.

Although the U.S. survey focused on media consumption and household rules while the European survey focused on habits and attitudes of families on gaming issues, both polls revealed similar results. In Europe and the U.S., video gaming is a family activity, with most parents in both regions saying that they play video games with family members (U.S., 54 percent; Europe, 51 percent). The U.S. public survey polled 800 parents who have a video game console in their home and found that 99 percent had at least some rules about media use. The public poll conducted in Europe surveyed 4,000 parents in the U.K., France, Germany and Italy and found that seven out of 10 parents (71 percent) expressed concern over the content of video games.

Microsoft’s Commitment to Families Is Ongoing

Xbox was the first video game and entertainment system with built-in parental controls for both online and offline use. Known as Family Settings, these controls allow parents and caregivers to set guidelines for the types of games they will allow, make informed choices about content, and decide with whom their children can play online. Earlier this year, Windows Vista launched with a similar set of parental controls that allows parents to guide children’s game playing, Web browsing and overall computer use. These controls help parents determine which games their children can play, which programs they can use and which Web sites they can visit — and when.

“We get up every day committed to providing consumers with unprecedented entertainment experiences, but we also understand that our success comes with a responsibility to acknowledge genuine concerns and address them through technology and education,” Bell said.

According to Bell, with more than 13 million Xbox 360 consoles sold worldwide, the company’s drive to empower parents is a core Microsoft responsibility. Last fall, the company launched the “Safety is no game. Is your family set?” national grassroots campaign (http://www.xbox.com/isyourfamilyset) with Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Best Buy Co. Inc. to educate parents about the tools and resources available to help them manage their children’s interactive entertainment experiences on both Xbox 360 and Windows Vista. Year two of the campaign will continue with the support of these partners and others such as the National PTA to educate families on parental controls, including the new Xbox 360 Family Timer, distribute a family guide called “Safety is no game. Is your family set? A Family Guide to

Video Games and Entertainment” and a PACT — a family contract intended to foster discussion between parents and children on interactive entertainment choices.

Fantasy Wars video game Lines Are Drawn As Warlords Prepare To Engage

CHOOSE YOUR ALLEGIANCE AND ENTER FANTASY WARS AT YOUR PERIL

With weapons forged and armour polished, the humans set out for war against Ugraum Grableg and his terrifying army of orcs. The ancient plains of Eolia will play host to a conflict of epic proportions. As the clouds darken and mist falls heavily around, noble Derrick Pfiel and his army prepare for combat.

Where does your loyalty lie?

As Derrick Pfiel, captain of the human army, you must choose the noblest fighters and tactically position your units. Peasants and knights make up the offensive – those on horseback are impetuous, prone to charging without order but powerful attackers nonetheless. Spearman and archers must navigate the marshes on the peripheries of the plains whilst swordsmen make up the best part of the defence.

Or play as Ugraum Grableg and his unruly mob. Although inexperienced in professional combat, they make vicious and deadly warriors on the battlefield, driven by a brutal and skilled leader. Orc Stabbers make up the main attack force along with Orcish and Mighty Riders. Grableg’s enslaved Goblins are placed in attack and defence but also reinforce the main archery unit that must master the difficult terrain.

The wait is over

A deathly silence falls on both armies as they face their enemies. Suddenly, a shrill cry echoes from the orc ranks before savage hordes of goblins rush towards the barricade of human forces.


It has begun.

Fantasy Wars is a turn based battle strategy game for PC from Ascaron Entertainment. Take on campaigns or missions as either the humans or orcs, later unlocking the elf army. Complete set tasks to win your mission, defeating the opposing enemy. The faster you complete missions, the higher your score.

www.fantasywars-thegame.com

Avencast: Rise of the Mage - upadte available

Leading publisher Lighthouse Interactive and developer ClockStone Software, today announced the release of the first update for their fantasy-based action RPG for Windows, AVENCAST: Rise of the Mage. The update adds several new enhancements upgrading the game to version 1.02.

Clockstone amassed the valuable feedback they received from the dedicated AVENCAST community to create a worthwhile upgrade. The update is a multi-language version. AVENCAST: Rise of the Mage was released throughout October and November 2007 across North America and Europe, and is available for purchase at major retail stores.
Key Upgrades in Version 1.02:

• Three new auto save options (now the game saves in three separate auto save slots so players may reload a previous auto save if an old one is overwritten)
• Unnecessary quest items removed
• Overall performance improvements including various technical fixes
• Video related fixes including DirectShow (DirectX)

To download update version 1.02 (file size: 7.8 MB) visit: www.lighthouse-interactive.com.

The complete list of new features included in the upgrade, is available at the Lighthouse forums and at www.avencast.com.

GAME SUMMARY:

As the sun rises over Avencast, the renowned academy of magic; a young adept begins his perilous journey. In a world of wizardry, wonder and untold mystery, you must undertake some of the most diverse quests to hone your abilities in spell casting, weaponry and melee combat. Your martial skills are soon put to the test as demonic monsters of unknown ancient origin descend upon Avencast turning the academy into a horrific state of chaos and destruction.

Armed with over 50 combat moves and spells, and a vast arsenal of equipment items, you must uncover the source of these ominous happenings while vanquishing an onslaught of fiendish enemies. Treachery and deceit reveal themselves as the vicious army of adversaries beleaguers your frail haven threatening Avencast’s very existence. Amidst the mayhem, an astonishing truth unfolds which will forever change the battle scarred Wizard.

FEATURES:

• Cast Lethal Spells from Different Skill Trees – Surrounded by vicious foes, unleash a mighty soul magic spell. The pure agglomeration of energy alone produces a warp in the surrounding atmosphere before the catastrophic nova demolishes your enemies. Blood Magic (elementally charged blows with varying speeds, ranges, and damage properties) and Soul Magic (covers all kinds of ranged magic spells allowing better area control) – both allow players to summon reinforcements during combat.
• Perilous Quests – While brawn and agility will win most battles, acumen and strategic thinking are necessary to survive challenging quests.
• Fluid Combat System – Chain together spells and easily execute lethal attacks using an innovative system that favors skillful gameplay over dull mouse clicking. Unleash your hero’s potential as you bring your own player skills to each intense battle.
• Strong Player Personification & Character Development - Acquire new equipment, armor, weapons and spell casting skills to craft a powerful character.
• Over 30 Nightmarish Monsters with Advanced AI – Each with versatile combat strategies, attacks, and defensive moves dependant upon the player’s behavior and attack strategy.
• State-of-the-art 3D Engine – Stunning graphics enhanced with advanced visual effects make for an impressive display of devastating spell casting.
• Many Hours of Exciting Gameplay – Set in diverse worlds with both indoor and outdoor environments to explore.
• Attractive to a Broad Range of Players – An Action RPG at its core, but dynamic gameplay and adventure-like quests make AVENCAST attractive to a broad range of game players.

MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS:

OS: Windows XP / Vista™
CPU: 2.2 GHz Intel Pentium® or 2200+ AMD Athlon™ processor
RAM: 512 MB (1 GB recommended for Windows Vista™)
Video: nVidia GeForce™ FX 5700 or better / ATI Radeon 9700 or better
PC DVD-ROM: 4x
Sound: DirectSound compatible (Sound Blaster X-Fi series sound card recommended)
Available Hard Disk Space: 4.4 GB
DirectX: 9.0c
Other: Mouse, Keyboard and Speakers

To find out more about AVENCAST: Rise of the Mage and to keep up with the latest news on the game, visit www.lighthouse-interactive.com and www.avencast.com.

Cheggers Says Wii-lax – He'll Get Your Christmas Party Started

Legendary TV presenter stars in Oxygen Games' Cheggers Party Quiz, launches on Wii this Friday 7th December
Tuesday 4th December/... Make sure your Christmas party has plenty of “Wa-hey!” this year by kicking off the festive season with a copy of Cheggers Party Quiz on Wii: the ultimate entertainment quiz game, hosted by Keith ‘Cheggers’ Chegwin. Discover who is the most knowledgeable amongst your friends and family when it comes to the worlds of film, music and TV in a series of fast-paced, competitive rounds designed for all ages.

“A decent variation of rounds... things progress at a healthy pace, unlike with many quiz-based video games.” – Eurogamer

“An excellent way to keep the family arguments at bay this Christmas.” – TV Hits!

“Perfect for some post-pub scratching of the grey matter.” – Irish News

“A nice, neat quiz format... a definite must for a Christmas family party.” – 8.5/10, Soteriamag.co.uk

The game features eight exciting competition rounds (Opening Night, Big Break, Picture Show, Star Turn, Prime Time, Typecast, Channel Hopping and Final Cut) that can be played on your own or, even better, with up to four teams or individuals on Wii.

With the Nintendo Wii being at the top of every Christmas list this season, Cheggers Party Quiz is a fun-packed quiz for all the family that is the perfect stocking-filler for all Wii owners, which also includes console-exclusive features. Rather than just pressing a control pad button for your answer, Cheggers Party Quiz utilises Wii technology during its quick-fire rounds so that the first with their Wii Remote in the air with the correct answer bags the big points.

Keith Chegwin, podcaster and virtual star of Cheggers Party Quiz, says:
“I can’t tell you how excited I am about my first video game appearing on the Wii. Cheggers Party Quiz and Wii are the perfect fit and we have so much in common – we’re small but perfectly-formed and ideal fun for all the family this Christmas. Wa-hey!”

With a broadcast career that spans five decades, Keith Chegwin rose to prominence in the mid-1970s with presenting slots on Multi-Coloured Swap Shop and Saturday Superstore, as well as hosting classic TV game shows like Cheggers Plays Pop. More recently, Cheggers has appeared in Ricky Gervais’ critically-acclaimed Extras comedy show and has a regular outdoor segment on GMTV.

Cheggers Party Quiz arrives on Wii Friday 7th December, priced at £34.99 and is also currently available on PC and PlayStation2.

Blockdot Launches Game For Battlestar Galactica DVD

Dallas-based Blockdot has launched Raptor’s Revenge, an explosive new game promoting the December 4, 2007, release of the DVD, “Battlestar Galactica: Razor – Unrated Extended Edition.”

Raptor’s Revenge, which features exclusive movie clips from the DVD, lets game players take control of a Colonial Raptor stationed aboard “the beast.” The mission: use quick reflexes and sharp piloting skills to maneuver the fighter into striking distance of the incoming Cylon Raiders. But with the Raptor’s frakkin laser cannons empty, battle-hardened warriors have only one option: go nuclear!

“Battlestar Galactica: Razor – Unrated Extended Edition,” from Universal Studios Home Entertainment, is a two-hour event packed with all-new BSG characters, more action/visual effects than any BSG episode, and behind-the-scenes interviews with the series’ creators.

Battlestar Galactica fans can take control of Raptor’s Revenge immediately by visiting www.battlestargalacticadvd.com or www.kewlbox.com.

TransGaming and Cyan Worlds Work Together Again to Bring Cosmic Osmo's Hex Isle to Mac

TransGaming, a leading developer of software portability products for the electronic entertainment industry, announced today the release of Cosmic Osmo’s Hex Isle, a brilliantly addictive puzzle game that will be sure to delight gamers of all types.

Commissioned by Fanista.com, Cosmic Osmo’s Hex Isle is currently being readied for distribution through Fanista.com’s new web site, where fans can purchase products, invite others to participate, and get rewarded for the value they create. Fanista.com rewards the members of its community through its unique “Common Interest Commerce” (or “CIC”) rewards program. CIC breaks new ground through the innovative fusion of social networking and commerce by recognizing the intrinsic value of member participation and rewarding them financially for the value they create when their opinions generate sales.

Developed by Cyan Worlds, the creators of the legendary Myst Online: Uru Live, Cosmic Osmo’s Hex Isle marks the second collaboration between TransGaming and Cyan Worlds.

“When we first worked on Myst Online, I was amazed with the speed and professionalism of the TransGaming team. Online games evolve very quickly and have endless iterations. TransGaming's Cider technology allowed us to focus resources on one code base, knowing full well that Cider would seamlessly and faithfully preserve the experience on the Mac. This freedom to focus allowed us to make the best game we could and avoid the expenses and compromises that a separate code base would engender.” explained Tony Fryman, President of Cyan Worlds.

“The moment we decided that Cosmic Osmo’s Hex Isle was Mac bound, we knew that Cider was the solution. In fact, you might say that Cider was the catalyst for the Mac SKU. Our conviction in the TransGaming team and Cider was completely validated when we accepted delivery of a gold master a mere 2 weeks after production started”, continued a delighted Tony Fryman.

"The Cider edition of this game demonstrates how effectively publishers can extend their franchises to the explosive Intel Mac market. Cosmic Osmo's Hex Isle is an ideal fit for the Mac gaming market and we are thrilled to be fulfilling the appetite of avid Mac gamers and equally delighted to have been working with Cyan Worlds once again,” commented Vikas Gupta, President and CEO of TransGaming.

The acceptance of Cider as the ultimate cost effective Mac gaming technology and performance solution has now been cemented as multiple repeat customers continue to choose Cider for their Mac bound content.

Top Teams from Around the World Compete in the Championship Gaming Series World Final for the Coveted Dew Trophy and $1,000,000 Prize

The Most Important TV Event in the History of Video Games to Air Exclusively on DIRECTV's Channel 101

DIRECTV, the nation’s leading satellite television service provider, is making sports history once again with the exclusive live broadcast of the inaugural Championship Gaming Series (CGS) World Final. The competition will take place December 6-14 at the Sony Studios in Los Angeles where more than 100 of the world’s top professional gamers will compete for the league’s first-ever World Champion title and a share of the $1,000,000 prize purse. All the action will be captured live and in HD on DIRECTV’s original entertainment channel, The 101, starting December 6 at 10pm ET.

“This is the Super Bowl 1 of professional video gaming,” said Eric Shanks, executive vice president, DIRECTV Entertainment. “We couldn’t be more pleased with year one of the league and the excitement that it has created worldwide.”

The CGS World Final will be the first-ever international gaming event to present all the action live, as it happens, allowing fans at home to experience the match-ups like any other sport. The groundbreaking coverage will commence with the start of CGS World Final on December 6 and broadcast three hours of single elimination competitions each night leading up to the championship game on December 14.

The playoffs will feature the top CGS teams from around the world as they compete in PC and console based games. Valve’s Counter-Strike®: Source® and EA’s FIFA 2007 are the official PC games for CGS while Tecmo’s® Dead or Alive® 4 (DOA4) and Project Gotham Racing® 3 (PGR3) from Microsoft Game Studios will be played on Xbox 360. Each round of the World Final is single elimination and the last team standing will receive the coveted Dew Trophy as well as $500,000 in prize money.

In addition to the team playoffs, the World Final will also feature a special “battle of the sexes” DOA4 match-up where Vanessa Arteaga and Ryan “OffBeatNinja” Ward, the top female and male DOA players in the world, will battle it out for supremacy. The contest, dubbed the “Itagaki Challenge,” is the brainchild of DOA creator Tomonobu Itagaki, who will preside over the face-off and present the winner with the ultimate DOA prize package, including a ceremonial Japanese Katana sword and a trip to Tokyo. The individual competition will air live on The 101 December 13 at 11:30pm ET.

“We’re honored that DOA game creator and international superstar Tomonobu Itagaki recognizes the CGS as the world’s leading professional video gaming league in the world,” said Andy Reif, CGS commissioner and CEO. “We’ve set our stake in the ground and proved ourselves as a legitimate sport and look forward to growing the league and esports in the years to come.”

In what will become an annual platform for the world’s best gamers to compete professionally, the inaugural CGS World Final will be broadcast on television to more than 350 million viewers worldwide by DIRECTV’s The 101 in the U.S., BSkyB’s Sky One, Sky Two and Sky HD in the UK, ESPN STAR Sports in Asia, SKY in Mexico and Brazil, DIRECTV throughout the rest of Latin

America, and across mainland Europe via additional soon-to-be confirmed broadcast partners.

CGS World Final event schedule is as follows:

December 6: CGS World Final press conference
December 6: First round day 1
December 7: First round day 2
December 10: Quarterfinals day 1
December 11: Quarterfinals day 2
December 13: Semifinals & Itagaki Challenge
December 14: Final

The official CGS teams participating in the World Final are as follows:

Berlin Allianz
Birmingham Salvo
Carolina Core
Chicago Chimera
London Mint
Mexico City Furia
Rio Sinistro
Seoul Jinhwa
Singapore Sword
Stockholm Magnetik
Sydney Underground
Wuhan Dragon

For more information, please go to thecgs.com.

Global MMO Game Festival Finished its Grand Final Match in Korea

Game and Game World Championship 2007 was successfully finished its grand final in Seoul attracting more than 5,000 attendances.

Starting from European match in August, this global MMO game festival went on America, South East Asia, Korea, Japan regional match with six official games: Silkroad online (www.silkroadonline.net), Shot online (shotonline.gamescampus.com), Navy Field (www.navyfield.com), Record of Lunia War (global.lunia.com), and Bomb N Dash (www.bombndash.com).

More than 100 players from winners from Europe, America, Japan, Korea, and South East Asia showed excellent gaming skill to own throne of "the best gamer in the world". For Bomb N Dash, Volkan Kilic and Duy May, both from German, were placed 1st and 2nd winners. The final match, which was 5 out of 9, was on Duy first with outrunning Volkan with 3-to-4, but Volkan won last two games taking advantage of map geometry and won $5,000 for 1st place award.

German, America, and Korea players showed thrilling match on Record of Lunia War, and Jin Sun-Woo from Korea won 1st place. Larry from the US is the youngest final match player of GNGWC2007. This 14-years-old boy came Korea with his father, and did his best, but be in the award list. In War Rock match, the US team won the 1st place, and Poland team did 2nd . Philippine team showed impressive look, with same hood T-shirts with their national flag tagged on their arms like WCG national team, but they didn't beat the Poland team. Japan team went to the cybercafé the night before the grand final match, and practiced their strategy to win over the US team, and they did well, but not enough to win the US team.

15 players selected from regional final match competed for Shot Online final match, and Korean players won 1st to 3rd places. The final match of Silkroad online was held competing with players from three areas - Korea, Taiwan, and Japan. Lee Sang-Kook from Korea won over Taiwan and Japan players. "I took the aggressive position as I usually do", he said, "I did my best and I made myself believe that I would win", he added.

Clans from Korean, Japan, and the US joined the grand final, and the final match was between 'ND' clan from Korea and 'OS2' clan Japan, and both team won the 1st place because of technical problem that couldn't progress the final match.

This 2nd annual match of GNGWC was initiated to promote Korean online games to the global gamers, and developers who their games were selected as GNGWC official games are satisfied with its feedback from global MMO gamers. Choi Kyung-Yun, PR manager of allm, said "GNGWC did incredible role to promote global service of Record of Lunia War". She added "With high awareness of Lunia to the global gamers, we now prepare commercial service of our game".

Patch released for SunAge video game

Leading publisher Lighthouse Interactive and Austrian developer Vertex 4 today released a patch for their fresh sci-fi real-time strategy game for PC CD-ROM SunAge. The patch adds several new enhancements and bugfixes, upgrading the game to version 1.05 and is intended for the English and Italian boxed versions of the game. (Direct download versions were released as v.1.05.)

SunAge was released last week in several European countries including the UK, Italy, Scandinavia and online at various direct download websites. In North-America, Germany, France and Spain SunAge will be released by the end of January 2008.

SunAge is the modern day answer for RTS fans who want the best possible overview of their troops, while trying to outsmart opponents in frantic battles where strategy and tactics are more important than ever. If you have been into real-time strategy games for a while, this will bring back the good old days !

Key upgrades in this version 1.05 include:
• A fix for the ‘Load game bug’ where the in-game menu would disappear;
• Added connection-loss handling;
• Added auto refresh of save games-list;
• Multi player chat messages for defeat, victory etc.;
• CTRL+0-9 / 0-9 grouping glitch.

The complete list of new features included in the upgrade, is available at the Lighthouse forums as well as on www.sunage-the-game.com.

To download the patch v1.05 (file size: 3 MB) visit: www.lighthouse-interactive.com.