The Creators of 'PaRappa the Rapper' to add Music-Based Video Game for Nintendo Wii

Majesco Entertainment an innovative provider of video games for the mass market, today announced a partnership with legendary multimedia musician and game designer, Masaya Matsuura, and famed New York artist Rodney Alan Greenblat, to develop and publish an original music-based video game scheduled for release in late 2008. Creators of the highly acclaimed, best-selling PaRappa the Rapper series, Matsuura and Greenblat will bring their engaging gameplay and distinctive art style to the Wii™ home video game system for the first time.

“Masaya Matsuura and Rodney Alan Greenblat are industry visionaries whose legacy was built on crafting groundbreaking, genre-defining entertainment experiences that everyone can enjoy,” said Jesse Sutton, Chief Executive Officer, Majesco. “We are incredibly excited to be working with talent of this caliber and believe our game shares the same broad mass market appeal as successful music-based products like Activision’s Guitar Hero and MTV’s Rock Band.”

Adds Masaya Matsuura: “Majesco’s publishing know-how and retail relationships allow us to stay focused on creating a game that is conceptually unique and, above all else, fun. Working with Rodney is a true creative collaboration.”

“Matsuura-san and I share similar artistic perspectives so I welcomed the opportunity to re-team with him and NanaOn-Sha to produce a one-of-a-kind music game designed from the ground up for the Wii system,” said Rodney Alan Greenblat.

757 Professional download for Flight Simulator 2004

Title 757 Professional (for FS2004)
Label Just Flight
Developer: Phoenix Simulation Software (PSS)
Genre Flight Simulation
UK Release Download – Out Now
Boxed - 18th December 2007
SRP £29.99 / €44.95 / $59.99
UK Barcode: 5035063005735

Flexible and versatile – the 757 is the obvious choice for any simulator fleet!

Just Flight is pleased to announce that they have now released, by download, the long-awaited 757 Professional for Flight Simulator 2004; pre-orders for the DVD-ROM version are now being taken on Just Flight's website and it will be shipping out on 18th December. Here... http://www.justflight.com/product.asp?pid=174#

Commenting on this release, Just Flight's Paul Hyslop said: "We were hoping to release an FSX/FS2004 version of 757 Professional by now. Unfortunately this probably won't be possible and so we have decided instead to release an FS2004-only version. Currently we've got no plans to upgrade this title to FSX compatibility – this release is purely to satisfy the healthy demand from the many customers who tell us they are still using the older sim."

This spectacular 757 expansion has been developed by the experts at PSS for FS2004 and is a professional simulation in every sense of the word. It comes in both the -200 and -300 variants and an impressive selection of over 60 different airline liveries from around the globe. The 757 is acknowledged throughout the world as the leader in short to medium-range operations. It flies routes from under 100 to over 4,000 miles apart and now desktop pilots can enjoy the same fantastic flexibility!

• Animations include undercarriage "gear droop"; flaps, elevators, rudder, spoilers, ailerons, flexing wings, APU Inlet RAM air turbine, cargo and cabin doors

• Accurately designed virtual cockpit includes moving yokes, pedals, throttles; reflective gauges, lighting and even a functioning weather radar!

• Choose the -200 or -300 variants with Rolls Royce or P&W engines and over 60 different liveries

• High quality avionics include a custom designed autopilot and programmable FMC with LNAV VNAV FIX pages and much more

• Full printed manual that includes a comprehensive tutorial to assist users in getting to grips with the 757

SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS: Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 – Windows Vista or XP

HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS: PC with 2.5GHz (equivalent or higher) processor, 1.0Gb RAM, graphics card with 128Mb (or higher) video memory, DVD-ROM drive, Hard disc space 3.0Gb

P-38 Lightning download for Microsoft flight simulator - Twin-engined Flight Sim add-on now available X released

Just Flight is very pleased to announce that its eagerly-anticipated P-38 Lightning is now taking to the simulated skies. The full download package is available now exclusively from Just Flight’s website and a boxed version on DVD-ROM will be released very soon.

A high quality version of Lockheed’s iconic high altitude fighter/recon aircraft has long been sought after by flight sim enthusiasts. Now their prayers are answered with this superb Lightning pack for Flight Simulator X and 2004, created by the classic aircraft experts at Aeroplane Heaven. The level of detail is second to none and among the many variants included are the aircraft of three Lightning legends – Antoine de St Exupery, Major Richard Bong and W/Cdr Adrian Warburton.

Flight models, sounds and paint schemes are all created to a very high level of accuracy and authenticity and P-38 Lightning is set to take its place with the other classics in the Just Flight hangar.

• Innovative features include drop tanks that can be jettisoned, detailed gun and camera bays, removable gunsight for improved vision in cockpits and even working gun and cannon effects.

• Cockpits are a revelation, with all major and minor controls capable of operation by mouse and virtually every lever, switch and wheel is reproduced. Gauges are set in authentic housings and use the unique ‘Liqui-Drive’ system to guarantee smooth operation.

• As real as it gets? This aeroplane can be started and flown correctly by the numbers from a ‘cold and dark’ cockpit.

• Includes P-38F and P-38J variants with a total of 17 different liveries, including the recently restored ‘Glacier Girl’

P38 product page can be found at http://www.justflight.com/product.asp?pid=237

SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS: Microsoft Flight Simulator X or 2004 – Windows Vista or XP

HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS: PC with 2.0GHz (equivalent or higher) processor (3.0GHz for FSX), 512Mb RAM (1.0Gb for FSX), graphics card with 128Mb (or higher) video memory, DVD-ROM drive, Hard disc space 2.0Gb

Horse-Riding to Role-Playing, Fighting to Flying, Santa's Sleigh is Weighed Down with Quality Atari Gaming Treats

It’s time to make some room under the tree as Atari proudly presents a comprehensive festive line up of its most recently released video game gems featuring something for everyone this Christmas. The games for PC, Xbox 360, Wii, Nintendo DS™, PlayStation 2 and PSP encompass genres from role-playing to horse-riding, taking in anime fighting, comic book heroes, racing, old-school classics and more along the way.

The Witcher (PC)
Take the role of white haired witcher and professional monster slayer Geralt, in this acclaimed new role-playing game from Poland’s CD Projekt featuring an involving, mature storyline and outstanding graphics.

Eternal Sonata (Xbox 360)
Never has role-playing looked so gorgeous as this enchanting Japanese role-playing game from NAMCO BANDAI games set in a fantastic dream world envisaged by the composer Frederic Chopin.

Neverwinter Nights 2: Mask of the Betrayer (PC)
Taking the already excellent Neverwinter Nights 2 to a new level with new engrossing storyline, characters and environments alongside a host of gameplay improvements, this first expansion is enthralling fans.

Dungeons & Dragons Tactics (PSP)
The first time the highly-coveted D&D® license has appeared on a next-generation portable system, this turn-based tactical role-playing game features an original storyline and authentic D&D gameplay.

Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation (Xbox 360)
The latest and greatest in the celebrated Ace Combat series from NAMCO BANDAI Games features online play for the very first time alongside photorealistic graphics for a mind-blowing flight action experience.

My Horse and Me (Wii, DS, PC)
Bearing the exclusive license from the FEI (International Equestrian Federation), the game authentically and accurately recreates the thrills and spills of the equestrian sporting lifestyle.

Asterix at the Olympic Games (Wii, DS, PS2, PC)
Featuring a unique blend of live action, CGI and gameplay animation, the game of the live action feature film takes the player on a madcap, fun-filled journey to Greece with the indomitable Asterix and Obelix.

Dora the Explorer: Dance to the Rescue (PC)
Join favourite kids heroine Dora in this bi-lingual adventure where only by solving puzzles, learning great moves and winning the King’s dance contest can she free Swiper the fox and finally shout, “We did it!”

Jenga World Tour (DS)
Based on the world famous wooden block tower building game adapted and enhanced for DS with a wealth of fun features, the unpredictable, quick-fire gameplay leads players to a nail-biting, crashing climax.

Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 (PlayStation 2)
Available in collectors and standard editions, the ultimate DBZ fighting game for PS2 from NAMCO BANDAI Games features a ‘Disc Fusion System’ to let players with Budokai Tenkaichi 1 or 2 unlock new content.

Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 2 (PS2)
With more playable characters, thrilling missions, challenging mini-games, unique battle stages, and RPG features, NAMCO BANDAI Games’ ninja fighter based on the hit TV series delivers a knock out blow.

Tamagotchi Party On! (Wii)
NAMCO BANDAI Games’ charming and fun-packed 3D party game based on the hit Tamagotchi franchise in which players compete in exciting mini-games to become the most popular Tamagotchi on the planet.

DBZ: Goku Densetsu (DS)
Combining strategic card-based gameplay and role playing elements, NAMCO BANDAI Games’ turn-based battler is easy to understand but hard to master, with wireless multiplayer gameplay for challenging friends.

Atari Classics on Xbox Live Arcade (Xbox 360)
With classics Centipede, Millipede, Missile Command, Asteroids and Asteroids Deluxe already launched, to be followed shortly by Battlezone, Tempest™ and Warlords, Atari deliver the sights and sounds of the originals alongside new evolved versions with advanced features.

Test Drive Unlimited Collection Volume 6 (Xbox 360)
Bringing the number of gorgeous new vehicles released via Xbox Live for this Hawaiian racing classic to over 35, the sixth pack of delectable downloadable vehicles is scheduled for release this December.

For more information about Atari’s entire line up visit www.atari.com.

Nintendo Wii-kly Update: Photo Feature, Pokemon Snap Added To Wii Shop Channel

Get ready to celebrate the arrival of a bunch of fun new features on the Wii Shop Channel. This week marks the debut of the first Pokémon game for the Virtual Console: Pokémon Snap, which originally was a hit on Nintendo 64. This Pokémon photographic adventure comes with a special Wii bonus: It now includes a special feature that allows players to post pictures they take in the game to their Wii Message Board and send them to friends with whom they've traded Friends Codes.

And let's not ignore the other sure-to-please titles: Ghosts'n Goblins and BASEBALL STARS 2. These three new classic games go live at 9 a.m. Pacific time. But wait – there's more!

Later in the day on Monday, Nintendo will make your holiday shopping just a little bit easier. If some people on your gift list have visions of classic video games dancing in their heads, you're in luck. Starting this week, Wii Shop Channel patrons can use a new Gifting feature to send games to other Wii owners with whom they've traded Friend Codes. It's an easy and inexpensive way to give your fellow Nintendo buffs the gift of a classic game—no wrapping paper required. And don't worry about duplication. If your friend already has the game you're trying to give, you'll get a simple message and be bumped back into the catalog to continue shopping.

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:



Pokémon Snap (Nintendo 64, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 1,000 Wii Points): As one of the most unique games in a renowned series, Pokémon Snap was the first truly 3-D Pokémon game and introduced the phenomenon to the Nintendo 64. Travel to Pokémon Island and meet Professor Oak to begin a safari, taking the best possible photographs of 63 different Pokémon as they exist in the wild, undisturbed by humans. This is not as easy as it sounds—the island has many types of climates and environments to explore, along with secret activities and hidden passages to discover. Plus, some of the Pokémon can be a little shy and won't pose for the camera unless you tease them with special items. After you're done, submit one picture of each Pokémon to Professor Oak, and he'll judge it based on size, pose, technique and number of Pokémon captured.



Ghosts'n Goblins (NES, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone—Mild Animated Violence, 500 Wii Points): Ghosts'n Goblins was a popular arcade game before it made the leap to the NES in 1986. Like later games in the series, Ghosts'n Goblins presents quite a challenge to players brave enough to take on the role of Arthur and delve into the realm of demons and monsters to rescue the kidnapped princess. Choose your weapons wisely and take advantage of their strengths to deal with the situation at hand. Pass through the six gates that stand between you and Astaroth, and teach him a lesson in chivalry he'll never forget. Demonstrating a high level of technical prowess for a game of its era, Ghosts'n Goblins presents a unique and unforgettable universe. The stage for adventure is set. Are you up to the test?



BASEBALL STARS 2 (NEOGEO, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 900 Wii Points): Lace up your cleats and step onto the diamond with the pros of BASEBALL STARS 2. You'll find everything you'd expect in a classic game of baseball, but with an arcade feel and intense action that distinguish it from the pack. Pick one of six unique teams from cities around the world, then get ready for nine innings of excitement, whether you're taking on the computer in a 15-game tournament or squaring off against a friend. There are two modes of game play, so even the most inexperienced player can compete at the major-league level (with a little computer-aided fielding). Watch as the game develops through split-screen views and close-up shots worthy of any highlight film, and see if you can catch the numerous over-the-top animations of the large and detailed player models. Think you have what it takes to win the pennant?

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

The Path - Horror game in line for an award

The Path is beautiful

Upcoming artistic horror title selected for the Independent Games Festival

"The Path" has been selected as a finalist in the Independent Games Festival in the category "Excellence in Visual Art". Winners will be announced during the Game Developers Conference on February 20th in San Francisco. A playable demo of the game will be presented in the Independent Games Festival Pavilion on the show floor at conference, from 20 to 22 February.
http://www.igf.com/02finalists.html
http://www.gdconf.com

The Path is a single player horror game, currently under development at Tale of Tales. The game is scheduled for release in early 2009. The entry to the IGF consisted of a single chapter of the game (out of a total of six). The Path is an atmospheric interactive experience inspired by the folk tale of Little Red Ridinghood. It subverts players' expectations and evokes an intensely dark and sad mood.
http://www.tale-of-tales.com/ThePath

"We are both surprised and delighted to come up as finalists. Surprised because, historically, the jury of the IGF has been leaning towards retro games and experiences that prioritize gameplay over content. The Path stands out as a game that goes against the grain: embracing contemporary technologies, exploring realtime aesthetics and focusing on narrative and mood above all. So that makes us very happy: to see artistic ambition in independent games being rewarded."

Tale of Tales is a Belgian games studio lead by media artists Auriea Harvey and Michaël Samyn. They develop games with the explicit intention of exploring the artistic potential of the interactive medium, which they believe to be enormous. This often leads them to designing titles that are unorthodox and not even considered to be games at all by some. Case in point is their multiplayer screensaver The Endless Forest, in which every player plays a deer without missions, goals or combat.

"The Endless Forest is an idyllic and peaceful game. The Path deals with extreme violence in an intense, psychological way. Nevertheless, both games share a number of design principles, centered around the freedom of the player to decide how and when to play and what the ultimate narrative will be. Both games are casual in terms of interaction, but deep and poetic in terms of content."

Tale of Tales is celebrating its fourth birthday next Wednesday, December 19th. There will be a special ABIOGENESIS performance in The Endless Forest starting at 11 UTC. Everyone is invited to come and join the Twin Gods in a party of raining rocks, flower fireworks and goofy song and dance. Because the sublime requires the grotesque!
http://tale-of-tales.com/TheEndlessForest/abiogenesis.html

Free Demo download - Biohexx 2: The Second Encounter - 2007 Logic Game of the Year

Biohexx 2, a stunning sequel to award winning Biohexx from Pyramid Games, will not leave your grey matter unsatisfied! Do not hesitate, have your intellect challenged!

Pyramid Games today announces the release of Biohexx 2: The Second Encounter, the groundbreaking sequel to the most extraordinary intellect straining game - Biohexx. Just imagine yourself in a biolab. There are lots of papers, retorts, spirit-lamps and test tubes around you. Suddenly, you discover colonies of various bacteria in the test tubes. What are you thinking about? About numerous things, perhaps. But the only thing you would not dream of thinking is that the bacteria are not just passive microscopic organisms which do nothing all the time, but intelligent and circumspect creatures which will challenge your intellect very soon!

The game field represents a hexagon divided into smaller hexagons, like a rhombus drawn on a check paper. According to the level, there is your army of bacteria and your opponent's on different sides of the game field. The bacteria have two abilities: to replicate themselves on a nearer square or jump to another farther-situated one. When a bacterium is positioned in immediate proximity to its opponent, it renders it into its own type thus allowing a certain side to get a numerical superiority. The player's objective is to cultivate their own colony of microorganisms on the whole area of the game field. In other words, to occupy the whole game space with "their" army of bacteria by replicating them or assaulting the opponent.

Biohexx 2 has three game modes: Classic Game, Scenario and Head to Head. The first one allows you to play against the computer on various maps with the help of five different types of bacteria. In this mode, the game somehow reminds a well-known chess or checkers game. There are also four stunning difficulty levels: Easy (computer yields to the player easily), Normal (computer plays in a usual way), Hard (computer does not give away and uses its whole intellectual strength) and Impossible (only the most intelligent will win).

In the Scenario mode, you can hold a tournament on one of the maps or create your own one. You are not restrained in your creativity in any way: maps could be either simple or complex phantasmagoric ones.

You can hold a battle with your friends in Head to Head mode. You make the first move, your friend the second or vice-versa. You have no limitations in tactics because you play with a person, not a computer.

Biohexx 2: The Second Encounter Features at a Glance:

- An intellect challenging entertainment;
- 3 Game Modes: Classic, Scenario, Head to Head;
- 5 Types of bacteria;
- Beautiful graphics to please your eyes;
- No constraints in tactics and creativity.

Pricing and Availability

Biohexx 2: The Second Encounter runs under Windows 95, 98, ME, XP or VISTA and costs $19.95 (USD). Its free demo-version is available at http://www.pyramid-games.com/.

The Games Company Nintendo Wii games announcement

Berlin-based Publisher Announces Launch of Popcorn Arcade Series in Germany

The Games Company expands its field of activity and turns to developing games for next generation consoles. The certified Nintendo partner has acquired the license of an entire game series for Nintendo's booming Wii console. From 20th December TGC will publish the Popcorn Arcade series, which is very popular in Britain, under its label Green Kangaroo in German speaking territories. Five games developed by DDI – Data Design Interactive will make the start and bring pure console gaming fun to German livingrooms at the very reasonable price of 29,99 Euro.

The license deal with the British games developer DDI includes 24 titles with highvalue casual content appealing to younger and older gamers alike. In addition to the action racers Billy the Wizard and Monster Trux Arenas the action adventures Anubis II, Ninjabread Man and Rock `n´ Roll Adventures will hit the stores in December. Wii gamers are looking forward to further regular releases in 2008.

Christian Sauerteig, Marketing Manager TGC, believes in the enormous potential of the new strategic direction: „The cooperation with Data Design Interactive is a great step forward for us on the way to become a multi-platform publisher. Our ambitious commitment benefits from starting off with a Wii series that has already been successful in Britain and we are expecting favourable sales figures.“

Stewart Green, Marketing Director Data Design Interactive, is very glad to have found a potent German publisher for the powerful Wii brand: “With the range of titles offered through our Popcorn Arcade label growing to 24 we needed a distribution partner capable of handling such a wide variety of games. The Games Company’s professionalism and proven expertise shone through and we are very happy and confident to have them on board.”

TGC website here... http://www.the-games-company.com/en/

Dare to be Digital £1m video game design competition

Dare to be Digital, the UK’s premier computer games design competition for students, received an early Christmas present today when its promoters Abertay University confirmed that it will increase its financial support for 2008.

The decision means that Dare to be Digital’s full-time organising team can now begin to source external contributions to a total budget of £1 million over the next two years.

The organisers are planning to almost double the number of student teams in 2008, and also increase the number of host centres across the UK and possibly overseas as well.

In 2007, a total of 12 teams containing 60 students competed in Dare to be Digital, at host centres in Dundee, Belfast and Guildford.

Abertay University also announced today that Dare ProtoPlay, the highly successful public showcase included for the first in the 2007 competition, will be repeated next year. The organising team are already looking for potential venues for an expanded ProtoPlay in 2008.

Paul Durrant, Dare to be Digital Director, highlighted three factors which have encouraged the organisers to think bigger and better for 2008: “Dare to be Digital teamed with up the British Academy of Film and Television Arts for the first time this year with the winners eligible for the BAFTA Ones to Watch Award.

“Secondly, indie documentary production company Wantok were commissioned by BBC Radio 4 to track the competition from start to finish. Their documentary, Game Academy, will be broadcast in prime morning slots in December.

“Finally, Dare to be Digital is also featured as a best practice example in the UKTI / BERR / TIGA report Playing for Keeps.

“These exciting achievements show that Dare to be Digital has come of age and is now attracting serious attention from throughout the industry and beyond. There has also been a very high level of interest in all of the teams from 2007 and in the IP they created, with several commercial negotiations underway.

“In addition, key hires of individual contestants have also been made by Free Radical, Codemasters, Rare, Microsoft China, Disney, Rockstar North, Realtime Worlds, Google London, TT Games, Her Majesty's Government Communications Centre, Natural Motion, Stainless Games, and FXLabs (India). One team has even set up its own new company – Threshold Interactive.

“That so many individuals are winning exciting jobs in the industry within days or weeks of the end of the competition speaks volumes for the calibre of the students and the value that employers place on the Dare experience.

“We now working on transferring the model into other sectors of the creative industries, and we are poised to scale up not only the contest itself but also Dare ProtoPlay into the definitive independent IP and talent showcase to consumers and industry as we reach critical mass over the next couple of years.”

CYBORG 5.1 HEADSET WITH SURROUND SOUND - the ultimate video game experience

Intensify Your Gaming Experience With Mind Blowing Audio

SAITEK LAUNCHES CYBORG 5.1 HEADSET WITH SURROUND SOUND

Saitek, a leading designer and manufacturer of consumer electronic products for PC and gaming, has announced the release of the Cyborg 5.1 Headset, a fully adjustable high-end headset with built-in surround sound to provide the ultimate gaming audio.

The Cyborg 5.1 Headset features an integrated 5.1 sound card which provides true surround sound to make the gaming experience more explosive and intense. Six sonic drivers deliver precise and directional audio, so you can pinpoint attackers from distant gunfire or hear a fast car approaching from behind, allowing you to respond quickly and immersing you fully in the game.

The headset has a noise-cancelling boom microphone allowing communication between fellow gamers or team members on Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) games. Favourite games can now be enjoyed with full audio, without disturbing anyone nearby. The headset also has easy-to-reach integrated in-line volume controls, mute control and 5.1 sound select switch. The stylish headset cans are enhanced by the unique Cyborg logo which illuminates when 5.1 sound is activated.

Saitek’s new Cyborg range is designed specifically for serious gamers who demand the best equipment. Enthusiastic gamers will play intensely for long periods of time and need peripherals that offer outstanding comfort. The Cyborg 5.1 Headset is fully adjustable, with low profile rotating cans and an adjustable headband, improving portability and comfort over long sessions of gaming. The sllimline Cyborg 5.1 Headset also comes with a hard carry case for safe transportation between LAN gaming arenas.

As well as PC games, the Cyborg 5.1 Headset also works with MP3 / CD / handheld devices (in stereo) via the 3.5mm jack cable.

System requirement:

Connectivity: USB 2.0

Windows XP, XP 64 and Windows Vista (all versions)

Notes to Editor:

Saitek’s CYBORG 5.1 Headset is available from www.Saitek.com priced £69.99.

Saitek’s new range of gaming and PC peripherals will all be released in the UK between November 2007 and February 2008.