Search This Blog

Wednesday, December 05, 2007

NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. and DEEP SILVER sign co-publishing agreement


The leading game publisher and developer NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. and DEEP SILVER today announce the signing of a co-publishing agreement, as a result of which Koch Media will market three further titles in Europe, the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Baltic, Africa, Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East.

These include in particular Warhammer: Battle March for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft (where Koch Media/Deep Silver acts as the publisher in Europe), Warhammer: Mark of Chaos - Battle March for the PC and The Fast & The Furious for the PlayStation Portable. Koch Media has already published the PC real-time strategy game Warhammer: Mark of Chaos together with NAMCO BANDAI in December 2006.

“The PC version of Warhammer: Mark of Chaos was received with great critical acclaim in the press. We are very pleased to be able to continue the successful cooperation with NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc as the grim Warhammer world offers the player a unique playing experience on Xbox 360," said Dr. Klemens Kundratitz, Managing Director of Koch Media. “And with The Fast & The Furious, we have a another strong and well-known license on the PSP.”

Debuting the series’ tactical real-time action on Xbox 360 and delivering all-new content to 2006’s critically acclaimed Warhammer: Mark of Chaos for the PC, Warhammer: Battle March brings the brutality, strategy and drama of warfare to life with six unique playable armies, fully customizable units and intense online clashes.

An expansion to Warhammer: Mark of Chaos for the PC, Warhammer: Mark of Chaos - Battle March builds upon the game’s tactical foundation to offer new units for each army as well as an original campaign and new online modes.

The Fast & the Furious on the PSP system will allow players to feel an unparalleled sense of power as they drift their way through beautiful visuals and new modes exclusive to the PSP system. Trade your customized rides through wireless in the Swap Meet, stop neglecting your car and give it an oil change in the Tuner Shop for a temporary performance boost, challenge up to 3 friends in multiplayer drift battles in the Road Sweeping mode and visit the Extras menu to view tricked out rides from the movie and real world.

Dazzling new Lineage II: The Chaotic Throne - The Kamael trailer unveiled


Play on the server now...

NCsoft Europe is pleased to unveil a fantastic new introductory trailer of its forthcoming MMORPG, Lineague II: The Chaotic Throne - The Kamael.

Due for release to online subscribers on 12th December, The Kamael introduces a mysterious new race to the world of Lineage and offer players a brand new way to experience the game. With the inclusion of fortress sieges, new quests, updated pets and terrifying new powers, The Kamael update is by far the largest ever introduced to Lineage II. Over 17 million gamers have experienced Lineage II and the game remains the firm favourite for those players who wish to demonstrate their advanced PvP skills.

In addition to the added features, The Kamael has also redefined the user interface, making the game even easier to get into as a new player, yet still preserving its addictive challenge for the existing player base.

Lineage II: The Kamael is currently available to play on the PTS (Public Test Server). Details on the server can be found here: http://www.lineage2.com/pds/game_ts_dw.html

Kalypso forge a deal for "AGON – The Lost Sword Of Toledo"


"AGON – The Lost Sword of Toledo" will be released in the UK by Kalypso Media Ltd and Hungarian developer Private Moon Studios. Following on from the previous adventure, "AGON – the Mysterious Codex", the game takes place in the historical Toledo and sees the player unravelling an age-old mystery which underlies the calm atmosphere of the historical Spanish town.

Professor Samuel Hunt, arrives in the picturesque Spanish city, where time seems to slow down, and is intrigued by the narrow streets, squares with an atmosphere of the Middle Ages, the silence and calm. But does this peaceful atmosphere conceal some longstanding dark secrets? A young man, formerly known for his honesty, has recently been caught stealing treasures, and now some local families have renewed wounds of past grievance, the secrets of which have been taken to the grave. However, if the professor is to find the answers he seeks, he is compelled to unravel the entangled threads. Professor Hunt finds a mysterious music box, an iron door in the church which has not been opened for a hundred years, and a series of strange letters - but will the Lost Sword of Toledo be found?

The Lost Sword of Toledo is the fourth episode and the second full-disc instalment in the AGON adventure game series. It can be enjoyed as a standalone game, with new characters and original puzzles. The new title has been given a range of additional features, including more detailed, manually animated characters, more realistic graphics with new 3D effects, and dialogue-oriented storytelling, while still retaining the features of the previous instalment; integrated, story-based puzzles, authentic surroundings and background music with local elements.

Mercury Games release new Jamster Allstars screen shots


More screens of Nessie, Sweety and Friends starring in their own video game

London: 5th December 2007

Mercury Games today released new screen shots from Jamster Allstars. Jamster Allstars contains licensed characters from mobile content provider Jamba Gmbh.

The Jamster Allstars must make their way through a series of challenges to discover who has stolen the all musical notes so that they can continue to make ringtones.

The characters have to move through the platform style game with various challenges to collect musical notes and emblems, solving puzzles and beating bosses along the way. Jamster Allstars has 12 levels and is set in three distinct environments – Futuristic, Urban and Medieval.

For more information please visit www.jamsterallstars.com

SQUARE ENIX ANNOUNCES NEW NINTENDO DS TITLE FROM THE MAKERS OF KINGDOM HEARTS THE WORLD ENDS WITH YOU


Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of Square Enix interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, today announces that THE WORLD ENDS WITH YOU, an exciting new title from the makers of KINGDOM HEARTS, will be released exclusively on the Nintendo DS handheld system across all PAL territories in spring 2008.

Previously known as Subarashiki Kono Sekai™ on its release in Japan. THE WORLD ENDS WITH YOU is an innovative new title from Square Enix that fully utilizes the capabilities of the Nintendo DS, and takes major influence from Japan’s modern day culture including its people, music, clothes, food and design.

Set in Tokyo’s trendiest district, the story begins with the lead character Neku waking up to find a phone message stating he has only 7 days before he will cease to exist. Only with the coolest fashions, friends and fighting skills can Neku restore hope to the city’s population and prevent being stricken from existence altogether!

John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Ltd. comments, “Square Enix has traditionally been associated with RPG’s set in fantasy lands, but THE WORLD ENDS WITH YOU is our first ever game to be set in modern times and real-life locations. The use of the Nintendo DS functionality is second to none. We believe gamers of all ages and abilities will be able to enjoy all that THE WORLD ENDS WITH YOU has to offer.”
More…

About THE WORLD ENDS WITH YOU

Story
The story begins as our hero, Neku, wakes up amidst the hustle and bustle of Shibuya, Tokyo. Confused and disoriented, he receives a message on his phone warning him that he will cease to exist unless he completes a certain mission. With his life seemingly on the line, Neku plunges into the back streets of the urban labyrinth...

Features
- Experience the urban grit and neon of the coolest district in Tokyo with a distinctive, high quality style of in-game artwork
- Meet an achingly hip cast of characters each with an interesting personality and stylish sense in fashion, music and culture
- Highly innovative and intuitive combat system that makes full use of the Nintendo DS Touch Screen, Dual Screens and Microphone like no other game before it!
- Use fantastic psychic powers to read the thoughts of the population, put words into people’s minds, and move objects to help you progress in your adventure!
- Immerse yourself in an amazing audio soundtrack featuring a diverse fusion of bleeding-edge hip-hop, rock, and techno
- A tale of friendship, hope and overcoming your challenges, creatively told with a modern edge
- Shop till you drop! Keep abreast of the latest Trends to stay one step ahead of the fashion scene and your enemies. Trade items with friends using Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection too
- Action-packed minigame fun that can be enjoyed by up to four players via DS Wireless Play!
- Engage the Chance Encounter mode via DS Wireless Play to share data with fellow game users you bump into in the real world

EA AND NUNCHUCK GAMES TEAM UP TO CO-PUBLISH NINJA REFLEX


Party Game for Wii and Nintendo DS Will Challenge Gamers to Develop the Reflexes of a Ninja in March 2008
Chertsey, Surrey – December 5, 2007 – Do you have what it takes to be a ninja? Electronic Arts today announced it has teamed with Nunchuck Games Inc. to co-publish the unique action party game, Ninja Reflex for the Wii and Nintendo DS in March 2008. The game is being developed by Sanzaru Games and will be co-published in North America and Europe by EA Partners (EAP) and Nunchuck Games.

Ninja Reflex uses a series of martial arts challenges to test gamers’ reflexes and measure their reaction times with millisecond precision. As players develop their ninja skills, they will strive to earn a black belt from their own personal Sensei. Players can also compete for ninja supremacy against their friends in fierce multiplayer battles with up to four players.

“Ninja Reflex channels the accessible multiplayer fun of Wii Sports and the self-improvement aspect of Brain Age into a martial arts universe that is ideally suited for the Wii and Nintendo DS,” said David Luntz, President and CEO of Nunchuck Games. “Nunchuck Games is thrilled to team up with EA Partners to bring Ninja Reflex to gamers everywhere.”

“Ninja Reflex trains players to be better gamers by sharpening their speed and skill, and is exactly the kind of unique concept and creative design that EAP helps bring to market on a global stage,” said David DeMartini, Vice President and General Manager of EA Partners. “EA Partners brings the same publishing resources to bear for up-and-coming partners like Nunchuck Games as it does for legendary teams like Valve and Harmonix, helping foster the independent game development community by giving studios of all sizes a chance to publish their games around the world.”

Nunchuck Games was founded in 2006 by industry veteran David Luntz, who had previously been the founder of Z-Axis Studios.

More information about Ninja Reflex is available at www.ninjareflex.com

TAKE TO THE SKIES WITH FINAL FANTASY XII: REVENANT WINGS


Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of Square Enix® interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, today announces that the eagerly awaited FINAL FANTASY® XII: REVENANT WINGS™ will be released on 15th February 2008, exclusively on the Nintendo DS™ handheld system.

Set one year after the events of the best-selling FINAL FANTASY XII, FINAL FANTASY XII: REVENANT WINGS answers all your questions about what happens next to your heroes Vaan, Penelo, Fran and Balthier. Return to the land of Ivalice, meet new characters, visit unexplored locations and embark upon a breathtaking new adventure.

FINAL FANTASY XII: REVENANT WINGS sees the evolution of the innovative Gambit system that allows automated commands to be issued during real-time combat. Smart Touch Screen controls provide complete power over your actions and allow you to play solely using the Nintendo DS stylus.

John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Ltd. comments, “I am delighted that we are providing fans with another opportunity to enjoy the beautiful world of Ivalice. With the same high-production values including movies and music, FINAL FANTASY XII: REVENANT WINGS is a stunning sequel that expands upon the original game and that makes full use of the Nintendo DS hardware.”

More information about FINAL FANTASY XII: REVENANT WINGS can be found at ff12revenantwings.co.uk
More…

About FINAL FANTASY XII: REVENANT WINGS

Story

AN AGE WHEN MAGICK WAS COMMONPLACE AND AIRSHIPS PLIED THE SKIES…

“Purvama, the floating lands. In the border-skies they wait. Untrodden, unknown.”

So the legend went. And the children who heard it turned their eyes to the skies, and dreamed. The Cache of Glabados is the key, throwing wide the doors of fading memory.
There, above, an all but forgotten land – demesne of the winged ones.

Features

• Experience a tale that takes you beyond the amazing events of the PlayStation®2 smash FINAL FANTASY XII
• Stunning 3D graphics, music and video bring the land of Ivalice to life and push the capabilities of the Nintendo DS
• Take control of your favourite characters using the intuitive stylus and Nintendo DS Touch Screen
• Experience real-time battles using the innovative Gambit system
• Collect and synthesise items and treasures to create new rare items
• More summons than in any other FINAL FANTASY game
• Epic soundtrack from the composer of FINAL FANTASY XII
• Fully localised for Europe with French, Italian, German and Spanish translations and adjusted difficulty levels

DRAGON QUEST MAKES Wii DEBUT WITH DRAGON QUEST SWORDS


Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of Square Enix® interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, today announces that DRAGON QUEST® SWORDS: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors® for Wii™, will be released across all PAL territories in spring 2008.

DRAGON QUEST SWORDS: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors, available exclusively on Wii, is an action-packed Virtual Experience where the player becomes the hero of the story. As the hero, the player must use the Wii controller to control their legendary sword, and fight off horde after horde of monsters. Slice at enemies, parry with your shield and block attacks to launch powerful counter-combos.

DRAGON QUEST SWORDS contains all the familiar features people have come to expect from the DRAGON QUEST series, such as a system to power up weapons and the ability to perform a large array of powerful attacks. Additional mini-games add to the fun as you catch darts with your shield and try to defeat Slime monsters as quickly as possible to win bonus items.

John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Ltd. comments, “We are delighted to be announcing our first Wii title for PAL territories. The DRAGON QUEST series is a phenomenon in Japan that has already sold over 43 million units worldwide, but is still relatively new to Europe. With today’s announcement of DRAGON QUEST SWORDS and the forthcoming release of DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Joker on the Nintendo DS™, the series is set to charm more fans throughout the world.”

About DRAGON QUEST SWORDS: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors

Story
In the town at the foot of Avalonia Castle, a young man enjoys a peaceful life with his father. That young man is you. It is your sixteenth birthday at last, and time to take the Walk of the Worthy, the trial of strength which all young Avalonian males must undergo upon coming of age.

You will need to put all of your training in the ways of the sword into practice if you are to pass the test, and take your rightful place amongst Avalonia’s warriors. Should you succeed – who knows what adventures await you!

Features

- The first DRAGON QUEST title to be developed exclusively for Wii
- Use the Wii Remote as your legendary sword! Immerse yourself fully in the action as you slice at the enemy!
- Explore a rich, vibrant 3D world in first-person perspective
- Engage a variety of diverse and colourful enemies, who are brought to life with detailed animation and graphics
- Series creator Yuji Horii, legendary manga artist Akira Toriyama and renowned composer Koichi Sugiyama, team up once again to create an unforgettable gaming experience
- Become the hero in a dramatic storyline that is suitable for all
- Beautiful audio score fully immerses you into the world of DRAGON QUEST
- New International version includes revised gameplay offering a more intense and challenging experience
- In-game text is localised into English, French, German, Italian and Spanish

For more information about DRAGON QUEST SWORDS, please visit: http://www.dragonquestswords.eu.com/

Trixie in Toyland shows off her Gold badge...


Video games publisher and games developer Data Design Interactive are pleased to announce that its Nintendo Wii development team, working on their ‘Popcorn Arcade’ label, have had another game gain Nintendo approval. This means ‘Trixie in Toyland’ is the 12th of 14 games Popcorn Arcade are aiming to have reach Gold status before the end of 2007.

Trixie in Toyland
This is the mythic, magical world of the Myth Makers – and this time our story follows the fearless Trixie as she single-handedly chases down Penumbra – the new tyrant of Toyland.

The Evil Penumbra, Leader of the Acrostic Riders has stolen the Myth Makers Orbs and has hidden them in Toyland. Trixie must explore every inch of Toyland and find the stolen Magical Orbs and return balance to the Myth Realm. But it’s not going to be easy!

• Control Trixie’s movement using the Nunchuk and bash evil toys with Trixie’s magic baton by swinging your Wii Remote.

• Defeat enemies with multiple attacks. You can bunny hop on their heads or attack from a distance using the Wii Remote to target Trixie’s magical spells.

• Complete Myth Maker quests by collecting hidden objects and special pickups. Have you got them all?

• Completing levels allows you to open special BONUS levels featuring totally different modes of play.

For further information, please contact:

Frazer Nash Communications

Theatre of War "Uber" Patch details and Map Editor video released


Today we have made available a video that 1C has prepared which showcases some of the new features included in the upcoming Theatre of War 'Uber' Game Patch.

The video focuses on the updated Map Editor which now allows the player unprecedented control to edit and create playable landscapes, including full real time 3D terrain transformation, water flow modeling, surface layering, structure manipulation and object/structure/road placement among many other advanced editor elements such as modifiable terrain highlights, structure damage and variable foliage density.

The upcoming patch (more of a genuine upgrade, really) includes much more than just a newly re-engineered Map Editor and a brief list of the other new additions featured in the upcoming Theatre of War 'Uber' Patch is included below.

New components

Map Editor (Builder) with expanded functionality including landscape editing, roads and terrain type mapping capabilities;
Mission Editor (updated with multiplayer missions editing capability and new triggers).

New campaigns

Battle for Moscow (first released with 1.3.0.56 patch, newly updated);
Battle for Normandy (battles fought by German Panzer Division “Panzer Lehr”).

Multiplayer Enhancements

11 new MP missions;
11 new MP maps;
New mission type – Assault/Defend;
Timed missions;
Multiplayer game may include AIs;
Multiplayer game may be played by one player with up to 7 AIs;
In some missions player’s alliance determines their starting positions;
Player now must choose an army instead of country in multiplayer; each mission may have up to 20 different armies;
AIs choose offensive or defensive behavior themselves;
Player spawn indicator added to map in mission setup;
MP stability improved;
Load times for MP missions reduced;
Smo oth unit movement on client side;
Known multiplayer bugs fixed.

General changes

1. Visibility system redone: bushes, tree foliage and tree trunks now fully block line of sight. These obstacles do not count in very close proximity to units (“Forest ignore distance”), making hiding behind them possible;
2. LOS indicator added – color coding of the line which is drawn when player issues one of the attack orders. Solid green part of the line represent “Forest ignore distance” where foliage is ignored, red part represent zone with good visibility (it’s brightness may vary indicating quality of LOS) and black part shows area which selected unit can not see;
3. Difficulty levels changed: enemies suffer from reduced accuracy and penetration values on easy level, are equal to player units on medium difficulty level and have slightly hig her accuracy on hard level;
4. Many missions were rebalanced to account for the new visibility system;
5. Reloading bug fixed, now infantry doesn’t kneel for reloading;
6. Coaxial MG fire error fixed (after main gun breakage);
7. Bug causing indestructible coaxial MGs fixed;
8. Aiming at moving target changed;
9. Detonation time calculations for shells with base fuses changed;
10. Secondary damage calculations (internal armor fragmentation, HEAT pressure wave, etc.) are now more accurate;
11. Errors in unit properties fixed;
12. Daimler Mk I size reduced, crew animations redone;
13. IS-2 crew consists of 4 men instead of 5;
14. Damage calculations changed for tank commander cupolas;
15. Ordinary steel instead of armored steel now used for unarmored vehicles like automobiles and for some auxiliary tank parts;
16. Artillery guns dama ge model corrected;
17. Damage model for additional armor sheets and auxiliary parts changed;
18. Errors in infantry backpacks fixed;
19. DShK machinegun model corrected;
20. Ignited vehicles now burn longer;
21. Aiming accuracy dependence on skills corrected;
22. Bug which could cause disappearing of units during campaign fixed;
23. Infantry behavior in trenches corrected;
24. Air units behavior has been improved;
25. AI units now better at aiming at different spots on vehicles;
26. Error when tanks could possibly crush friendly troops fixed;
27. Wrong behavior of Wz.34 armored car fixed (it no longer can crush trees);
28. More sounds added;
29. Unit behavior in Guard state improved;
30. Weather conditions and trenches affect visibility

In addition to all of the items above, this patch includes all the fixes from the original "Battle for
Moscow Patch" which includes the following:

1. Many new hotkeys added for formations, Hold Fire and Hold Position commands;
2. Tank and SPG AI improved;
3. Units no longer stop when they receive a new order;
4. Waypoints added for units (hold 'shift' key when issuing movement orders to place waypoints);
5. Expanded sound system (hear sounds further away and louder in some cases) including Improved Sounds;
6. Improvements to the gun towing process implemented;
7. Better handling of the Reverse command for vehicles. Tanks and halftracks now automatically use reverse while moving back for short distances;
8. Game speed acceleration/deceleration feature added (accessed via the "Change time speed" hotkey currently);
9. AI much better at deciding at which unit part of vehicle to aim at;
10. Quick Saves error fixed;
11. Tow setup now automatically detects best settings for user hardware;
12. Minor errors with crew animations fixed;
13. Improved logging functions to help with determining the causes of certain crashes;
14. General performance and stability improved;
15. Numerous other gameplay fixes