Need for Speed races into number one

Title tipped for Christmas number one moves into top spot

Need for Speed: Prostreet has moved up into pole position in the UK all formats chart, the place it's tipped to take for Christmas this year, according to sales information from Chart Track for the week ending December 1.

Dr Kawashima's Brain Training continued to sell well in second place, despite being released in June last year, while The Simpsons Game and FIFA 08 also moved up to third and fourth respectively - giving EA three of the top four chart placements this week.

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare fell to fifth place, while Assassin's Creed dropped from the previous week's number one to hold sixth place.

Mario and Sonic at the Olympics was the biggest gainer in the top ten, moving up seven places to seventh, with WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2008, More Brain Training from Dr Kawashima and Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 rounding out the top ten.

The highest new entry was Namco's Sight Training, which debuted at 22, while Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles only managed 28.

Sony boss admits to slow start for PS3, but is positive on the future.

Sony Computer Entertainment America CEO Jack Tretton says that while there were "missteps" in the PlayStation 3's first year, "19 exclusives" for Christmas and the promise of games like Metal Gear Solid 4 and Final Fantasy XIII are a reason to be positive.

"I don't think there's any question that there were missteps, but I don't think anybody is being honest with you if they say that the first year of any platform goes perfectly according to plan," Tretton told MSNBC.

"I think the biggest miss for us was the launch, in that we had easily a million consumers in North America alone that wanted to get their hands on a PlayStation 3 ... and we had roughly 200,000 units to take advantage of that demand. ... I think that that was probably the biggest disappointment for the first year."

Tretton also countered the suggestion that Sony has been charged as "arrogant toward its fans".

"I don't know that we were ever considered arrogant by consumers," he said. "I think the arrogant claims came from the press and bloggers more than true consumers. ... I think the arrogance claim comes with a leadership position and being unwilling to admit that you're failing.

"And anybody who's been through media training or been with the press isn't going to get on a soapbox and talk about their failures. If that gets construed as arrogance, then I guess that's a risk you have to take."

But Tretton couldn't resists a sideswipe at Microsoft's promotion of Xbox Live. "Another thing that I think really strikes a chord with PS3 consumers is that we're giving them everything they need, in the box, day one," he said.

"Our competition talked about the fact that they want to offer consumers a choice, but then they make it clearly apparent that if you really want to have the full gaming experience, you need to go out and invest a lot more money than you originally thought you were."

Sony's recent price cut had the desired effect on sales, with a strong post-Thanksgiving performance in the US.

Equestrian Horses video game launched - My horse and me

The equestrian game My Horse and Me was launched last week, marking the first time that the FEI has ventured into the realm of video games.
Published worldwide by Atari, My Horse and Me for Wii, Nintendo DS and PC aims to capture the thrills and emotions from the world of horsesport in a unique video game experience perfect for anyone with an interest or passion for horses.

We know that engaging with youth is one of the greatest challenges facing all sports and to have the capacity to take horsesport to the gaming audience gives us the opportunity to talk direct to both the athletes and fans of horsesport in this and future generations of young people," emphasized FEI President, HRH Princess Haya.

Players begin at the stable customising themselves and their horse from a host of options, then learning how to properly care for their mount. Training takes place across a range of arena disciplines and fun mini-games which teach the skills required to become a master horse rider. The care and training culminates in competition riding, with thrilling tournaments set in a variety of charmingly realised indoor and outdoor locations around the globe ranging from rustic stables to giant arenas.

"The exclusive license from the FEI, the world's foremost authority on horse sports, is testament to the great quality of this game which offers players the most authentic way to enjoy the equestrian lifestyle whether or not they ride in real life," said Mathias Hautefort, Executive Vice President of publishing and production, Atari.

This collaboration between Atari and FEI has really closed the gap between the virtual and the real, allowing for the development of accurate horse models and animations, alongside rewarding gameplay set in a variety of enchanting environments. Furthermore, My Horse and Me for Wii and PC is the first game of its kind to offer players a choice of first-person as well as third person views while riding, putting players right in the saddle for an unbeatably authentic riding simulation.

Microsoft is Being Sued for $5 Million Over Halo 3 and Xbox 360 Problems

A federal lawsuit was filed against Microsoft and Bungie recently alleging that Halo 3 “routinely, consistently, and systematically ‘froze,’ crashed,’ or ‘locked up’” the plantiff’s Xbox 360. The plaintiff is Randy Nunez and he is seeking class-action status along with $5 million in damages plus costs and attorneys’ fees.

The lawsuit also claims that “many consumers” have these issues, making their console “totally inoperable” and the court papers site “industry Internet web sites, weblogs, and message boards” as the sources to prove these problems exist. It also states that Microsoft and Bungie have “received numerous complaints” from consumers over the phone and on their support forums without admitting these alleged Halo 3 issues to the public.

More here...

Super Mario Gamecube custom auction

Auction here

One of a kind Super Mario Gamecube Mod.
This is a beautifully done console. The Jewel had to be removed from the top, the space
filled and sanded (much like auto body work) and then Prepped for painting.
It was then hand airbrushed by a professional artist with 15+ years experience and
finished with a protective coat of polyurethane.
The console is in perfect working condition as is the controller. it also comes with the A/V and Power cords.
This is the Earlier Model Gamecube and does include the digital output that supports the Component cables.
Don't pass up this chance! Bid now. There will not be another like it:)
Take a look at the Pictures and video below to get a better Idea of what you will be getting.

FREE Downloadable Content and Enhancements for BioShock

BioShock players can elevate their gaming experience with new Plasmids, achievements and widescreen options for free

2K Games, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), announced today that BioShock, its top-rated title exclusively available for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Games for Windows®, has released new downloadable content for players on both platforms. The content includes new Plasmids and Tonics, achievements and interface upgrades, and is now available as free downloadable content from Xbox LIVE® Marketplace, through an Xbox 360 Title Update, and as part of a PC patch.

"As one of the highest rated games of the year, we wanted to continue to connect with the fans that made BioShock such an overwhelming retail and critically-acclaimed hit," said Christoph Hartmann, President of 2K. "We are excited to offer new downloadable content that will extend and enhance the replay value of this title."

New downloadable content includes:

Four Plasmids and Gene Tonics:
Sonic Boom: Hurls creatures and objects back with a blast of force
EVE saver: Enables Plasmids to use less EVE
Vending Expert: Reduces prices in the vending machines
Machine Buster: Increases the amount of damage players deal to cameras, bots and turrets

Achievements (exclusive to Xbox 360):
Xbox 360 players can gain 100 points for "Brass Balls," by beating BioShock on the "hard" difficulty setting without dying

In response to gamers' requests and feedback from the Cult of Rapture (www.CultofRapture.com) community forums, fans of BioShock now have a widescreen option, granting a wider horizontal field of vision, as well as additional enhancements to the game. The Xbox 360 Title Update will be automatically applied at the game's startup when users log into Xbox LIVE. PC owners can access both the additional content and gameplay improvements via a downloadable patch, available at www.2Kgames.com/bioshock/support.

Developed by 2K Boston and 2K Australia and rated M for Mature, BioShock is a "genetically enhanced" first-person shooter that lets players do things never before possible in the genre. Gamers enter the game as a castaway in Rapture, a decaying art deco underwater utopia torn apart by civil war. Caught between powerful forces and hunted down by genetically modified "splicers" and deadly security systems, players have to come to grips with a deadly, mysterious world filled with powerful technology, fascinating characters and morality defining choices. To make it to the end, players can turn everything they encounter into a weapon, biologically modify their body with Plasmids, hack devices and security systems, upgrade weapons, craft new ammo variants, and experiment with different battle techniques. No encounter ever plays out the same and no two gamers will play BioShock the same way.

For more information on the game, please visit www.2Kgames.com/bioshock.

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.