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Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Hot Shots Golf 5 - video game fact sheet


Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
Developer: Sony Computer Entertainment Japan / Clap Hanz
Platform: PLAYSTATION 3
Genre: Sports / Golf
Release: March 2008
Rating: “RP” for Rating Pending

OVERVIEW

Developed by Clap Hanz, in conjunction with Sony Computer Entertainment America’s Santa Monica Studios, Hot Shots Golf 5 brings a brand new chapter of the beloved Hot Shots franchise onto PLAYSTATION 3 for the first time. Showcasing high definition graphics along with new, more accurate golf physics, Hot Shots Golf 5 offers up a new level of immersion to the franchise’s signature over-the-top visuals and pick up and play action.

Hot Shots Golf 5 brings an entirely new element of gameplay control by introducing a shot system that focuses on the player’s swing instead of a power meter. Featuring more than 15 zany golfers and caddies, Hot Shots Golf 5 adds six new courses to the overall challenge, ranging from pitch-and-putt par three layouts to challenging 18-hole configurations.

In addition, players will have unprecedented online access with the ability to create tournaments of up to 50 participants, and even access unique downloadable content. With vibrantly detailed courses, wacky new characters, and a wealth of online features, Hot Shots Golf 5 promises to enter the next generation strokes ahead of the competition.


KEY FEATURES

• New Shot System – Focus on the swing and not a power meter. Players will closely monitor takeaway and impact zone, taking into account distance, club selection, and weather. Of course, players may still opt for the traditional shot meter if desired.

• Online Action – Customize a tournament and square off with up to 50 others, or create a match with up to eight players and follow the action of each player. Enter the online lobby and customize your character with more than 300 options including hair, masks, clothing, and numerous other entertaining options while sending messages and setting up matches.

• Larger Courses & Environments – Strategically play your next shot while taking into account the entire course. Larger playable environments let you play your errant tee shot from a neighboring hole, or take aim at a different fairway and use it as a shortcut to better align the next shot.

• Six Immaculate New Courses – Adding to the wide variety of existing courses,
Hot Shots Golf 5 introduces a set of new courses that bring players to unique and dramatic locations including links along the coast, in the desert, among the mountains, and in the woods.

• Refined Putting Stroke – A new putting stroke is in place to take player emphasis off the power meter and focus on the beautiful environments that Hot Shots Golf 5 and the PS3 deliver. The traditional putting stroke is still a selectable option.

• Crazy Characters & Caddies – Choose from 15 different playable characters and six different caddies, each with their own distinct look and characteristics that embody the fun and spirit of the Hot Shots franchise. Customize characters in a variety of clothing options, and monitor character attributes including power, control, and accuracy.

• Downloadable Content – In between rounds, head to the PlayStation Store to download exciting content including playable characters, new courses, clubs, and clothing.

• A Variety of Golf Outings – Multiple single-player and multi-player modes of play including VS Mode, Training Mode, Tournament Mode, Stroke Mode, Match Play Mode, and other challenging modes offer a diverse golfing experience for everyone.

• Extensive Stat Tracking – Hot Shots Golf 5 offers a wide range of statistical information that allows players to measure themselves versus the competition. Track game data through each round to compare skills in categories like best average score, driving distance, driving accuracy (fairways hit), greens in regulations, par pace percentage, putting accuracy, average putt length, holes-in-one, and many other stat options.

Russian-Language Version of World of Warcraft video game


Blizzard Entertainment Announces Russian-Language Version of World of Warcraft

Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. today announced that World of Warcraft, its award-winning, subscription-based massively multiplayer online role-playing game, is to be fully localised in Russian for release in 2008. The Russian version will be the fifth officially supported European language, complementing the existing English, French, German and Spanish versions.

A dedicated Russian-speaking team is currently being assembled at the Blizzard Europe offices in France and Ireland to ensure Russian World of Warcraft players will benefit from the same quality of 24/7 native-language support as other European players. Roles will include in-game support, offline technical and customer support, localisation and quality assurance, community relations, and creation and maintenance of a new official Russian World of Warcraft website.

“Considering the scale and enthusiasm of the Russian community, we recognized that offering a dedicated Russian-language version of World of Warcraft was the next important step for the game in Europe,” said Mike Morhaime, president and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. “We’re looking forward to providing an even more accessible gameplay experience to current and future players.”

Further details on language pack downloads and migration plans for existing Russian players will be available closer to the release. To keep pace with the multi-lingual European growth of World of Warcraft and development of other games, Blizzard is currently hiring for numerous open positions. More information on available career opportunities at Blizzard Europe, including positions on the Russian team, can be found at http://www.blizzard.co.uk/jobopp.

CHARTTRACK UK WEEKLY CHARTS


CHARTTRACK WEEKLY CHARTS

All formats

Week ending 8 December 2007

1 MARIO & SONIC AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES SEGA
2 NEED FOR SPEED: PROSTREET ELECTRONIC ARTS
3 CALL OF DUTY 4: MODERN WARFARE ACTIVISION
4 THE SIMPSONS GAME ELECTRONIC ARTS
5 FIFA 08 ELECTRONIC ARTS
6 ASSASSIN'S CREED UBISOFT
7 PRO EVOLUTION SOCCER 2008 KONAMI
8 WWE SMACKDOWN VS RAW 2008 THQ
9 MARIO PARTY 8 NINTENDO
10 GUITAR HERO III: LEGENDS OF ROCK ACTIVISION
11 SUPER MARIO GALAXY NINTENDO
12 THE GOLDEN COMPASS SEGA
13 KANE & LYNCH: DEAD MEN EIDOS
14 THE SIMS 2: CASTAWAY ELECTRONIC ARTS
15 RATATOUILLE THQ
16 NEW SUPER MARIO BROS. NINTENDO
17 LEGO STAR WARS: THE COMPLETE SAGA LUCASARTS
18 RAYMAN RAVING RABBIDS 2 UBISOFT
19 HALO 3 MICROSOFT
20 UNCHARTED: DRAKE'S FORTUNE SONY COMPUTER ENT.

Batman and the Matrix Trilogy on XBox 360



More Warner Bros Films Confirmed On Xbox 360TM This Christmas
Microsoft Expands its Offer with more Films and a Special Christmas Holiday Deal

Microsoft Corporation today affirmed its place as global leader in downloadable high-definition gaming and entertainment content, as its Xbox LIVE Marketplace Video Store service launched in five new countries - Canada, France, Germany, Ireland and the United Kingdom. Following a highly successful launch in the United States last year, all Xbox 360™ owners connected to the internet in the above countries can now download to rent both high definition and standard definition movies direct to their console using Xbox LIVE Marketplace Video Store.

Following last week’s launch announcement where Microsoft revealed partnerships with Warner Bros and Europacorp in Europe to bring exciting films to rent on Xbox LIVE including 300, Zodiac, Harry Potter and The Good German, Xbox 360 owners can also expect to download to rent additional Warner Bros films such as Batman Forever, Batman Returns, Analyze That[1], by the end of the year. Cost per download for a catalogue film is from as little as 250 Microsoft Points (*ERP £2 [2]) for Standard Definition movies and from 380 Microsoft Points (*ERP £3.20 [3]) for High Definition movies.

Robin Truchy, Director of Xbox LIVE for Europe, Microsoft Entertainment and Devices Division commented: “We are firmly committed to providing the best high definition entertainment experiences for our consumers. We feel great about the enthusiasm created last week around HD movies in the Xbox LIVE community. The good news is that the movie industry seems excited as well about this launch: we look forward to additional partners and content coming in 2008, alongside Warner Bros and Europacorp.”

Marc Gareton, Warner Bros. Digital Distribution Senior Vice President International said: “We're excited to be helping to launch this new service in Europe, and to be bringing top Warner Bros. film titles like 300, Batman and the Matrix Trilogy in both SD and HD formats to people at their convenience in their own living rooms through Xbox LIVE. We Xbox owners are in for a treat over the holiday period and on into 2008.”

If all these film titles that we’ve got lined up aren’t enough to whet the appetites of Xbox consumers, then we’ve teamed up with Warner Bros to give eligible Xbox customers a special Christmas treat. From 00.01a.m. on Friday 28th December until 11.59 pm the same day (24hrs only), people will be able to download a mystery title in HD for 99p in the UK. Stay tuned for more information on this soon.

Xbox 360 gamers in the launch countries can access Xbox Live Marketplace Video Store with both an Xbox Live Silver or Gold membership and a broadband connection.

More information about the content available on Xbox LIVE Marketplace Video Store can be found at: www.xbox.com

Batman and the Matrix Trilogy on XBox 360


More Warner Bros Films Confirmed On Xbox 360TM This Christmas
Microsoft Expands its Offer with more Films and a Special Christmas Holiday Deal
LONDON, 11th December 2007: Microsoft Corporation today affirmed its place as global leader in downloadable high-definition gaming and entertainment content, as its Xbox LIVE Marketplace Video Store service launched in five new countries - Canada, France, Germany, Ireland and the United Kingdom. Following a highly successful launch in the United States last year, all Xbox 360™ owners connected to the internet in the above countries can now download to rent both high definition and standard definition movies direct to their console using Xbox LIVE Marketplace Video Store.

Following last week’s launch announcement where Microsoft revealed partnerships with Warner Bros and Europacorp in Europe to bring exciting films to rent on Xbox LIVE including 300, Zodiac, Harry Potter and The Good German, Xbox 360 owners can also expect to download to rent additional Warner Bros films such as Batman Forever, Batman Returns, Analyze That[1], by the end of the year. Cost per download for a catalogue film is from as little as 250 Microsoft Points (*ERP £2 [2]) for Standard Definition movies and from 380 Microsoft Points (*ERP £3.20 [3]) for High Definition movies.

Robin Truchy, Director of Xbox LIVE for Europe, Microsoft Entertainment and Devices Division commented: “We are firmly committed to providing the best high definition entertainment experiences for our consumers. We feel great about the enthusiasm created last week around HD movies in the Xbox LIVE community. The good news is that the movie industry seems excited as well about this launch: we look forward to additional partners and content coming in 2008, alongside Warner Bros and Europacorp.”

Marc Gareton, Warner Bros. Digital Distribution Senior Vice President International said: “We're excited to be helping to launch this new service in Europe, and to be bringing top Warner Bros. film titles like 300, Batman and the Matrix Trilogy in both SD and HD formats to people at their convenience in their own living rooms through Xbox LIVE. We Xbox owners are in for a treat over the holiday period and on into 2008.”

If all these film titles that we’ve got lined up aren’t enough to whet the appetites of Xbox consumers, then we’ve teamed up with Warner Bros to give eligible Xbox customers a special Christmas treat. From 00.01a.m. on Friday 28th December until 11.59 pm the same day (24hrs only), people will be able to download a mystery title in HD for 99p in the UK. Stay tuned for more information on this soon.

Xbox 360 gamers in the launch countries can access Xbox Live Marketplace Video Store with both an Xbox Live Silver or Gold membership and a broadband connection.

More information about the content available on Xbox LIVE Marketplace Video Store can be found at: www.xbox.com

Empire of Sports Offers Closed Beta Places - Sign Up Now


Virtual Athletes: On Your Mouse... Get Set... Go!
Get Fit For Christmas As Forthcoming Massively Multiplayer Online Game Empire of Sports Offers Limited Number Of Closed Beta Places; Sign Up Now For Exclusive Open Access To The Most Innovative Online Roleplaying Game Ever
Tuesday 11th December/Paris... Sports agency Infront Sports & Media and French videogame development powerhouse F4 has just thrown open the virtual doors to its ambitious MMORPG Empire of Sports to a select number of virtual athletes.

Running from today until the game’s full launch early in 2008, the Empire of Sports closed beta will, for the very first time, offer members of the public a glimpse into the future of massively multiplayer online games, with unrestricted access to Empire of Sports’ staggering world.

Successful applicants to this beta version will be able to experience for themselves the game’s incredible fresh take on the genre, which sees a persistent world populated by virtual athletes who train, exercise and compete in single-player and team-based sports.

Available to play from the off are five sports, each of which will pit player versus player for the ultimate competition. Tennis, basketball, skiing, bobsleigh, track & field and some training games are all available immediately, with soccer – featuring 11 players on each team – launching shortly. In addition, players will be able to compete in in-game tournaments, customise their avatar and property with in-game items, travel to other sporting cities, meet virtual coaches, and even join virtual societies.

“Forget fighting against orcs, elves and wizards; Empire of Sports delivers the most exciting player versus player action of any massively multiplayer online game,” says Christian Mueller, managing director, Empire of Sports. “With team and individual sports to take part in, advanced social networking and a delicate exercise and nutritional balance, Empire of Sports is the game which will redefine how players interact, offering some the chance to be recognised as the very best virtual athletes in the world.”

Full details on the game will be unveiled just before the game is launched fully in early 2008, but a limited number of European gamers can gain access now by heading over to the game’s official website atwww.empireofsports.com.

Lost Odyssey - video game fact sheet


Title: “Lost Odyssey™”
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Developer: Mistwalker and feelplus Inc.
Format: DVD for the Xbox 360™ video game system
ESRB Rating: Rated “T” for Teen
Availability: February 12, 2008 (North America)
Price: $59.99 (U.S.) (ERP)

Product
Overview: Famed game producer Hironobu Sakaguchi of Mistwalker game studio, along with feelplus Inc. and Microsoft Game Studios, leads a staff of gaming masters to bring a truly next-generation role-playing experience to Xbox 360 in “Lost Odyssey.”

“Lost Odyssey” is the story of Kaim, an immortal character who has lived more than 1,000 years and doesn’t remember his past and doesn’t know where his future lies. Throughout Kaim’s journey, a handful of characters will join him on an odyssey to discover their intricate past and destiny, leading players through a dramatic story of massive scale. “Lost Odyssey” will feature breathtaking visuals and an epic adventure made possible only by the power of Xbox 360.

Features include the following:

• Engaging and unparalleled emotional story. With story sequences penned by award-winning Japanese novelist Kiyoshi Shigematsu in cooperation with producer Hironobu Sakaguchi, “Lost Odyssey” sets a new benchmark for the RPG genre with a combination of true-to-life cinematics and the story of an immortal man who has been suffering in many ways for 1,000 years. Players will witness Kaim’s life as he lives through many generations, becomes part of numerous families, falls in and out of love, and confronts all of the conflicts that arise. Kaim’s struggles are set in a world that is on the verge of a “mystical industrial revolution,” where mankind has attained dark powers.

• Innovative RPG gameplay features. “Lost Odyssey” blends massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) elements into the game’s traditional RPG system, enabling players to make strategic decisions for a more immersive and deep gameplay experience.

• Massive scope and engrossing environments. The massively scoped worlds, memorable characters and epic story line of “Lost Odyssey” play out like an intense and unsettling blockbuster action film. Heading up the artistic demands of the title is famed Japanese comic artist Takehiko Inoue; renowned composer Nobuo Uematsu has been recruited to create a contemporary soundtrack.

• Realistic graphics in next-generation gaming. Powered by Unreal Engine 3 technology, “Lost Odyssey” boasts stunning visual fidelity and rendering quality. The Unreal Engine 3 technology pushes high-definition visual designs to a higher level and brings out the smallest details in the largest battles. Gamers will experience a rich dynamic world with an unprecedented level of detail. Users can experience the true-to-life gameplay and facial expressions of emotionally distressed characters in the world of “Lost Odyssey.”

Download Grand Chase video game for Singapore and Malaysia


Asia's leading game publisher launches its sixth online game, targeted at casual pre-teen gamers in Singapore and Malaysia

The chase is on, the chase is now! AsiaSoft Online Pte Ltd (“AsiaSoft”) today launches the Open Beta test phase of its sixth game, Grand Chase (www.GrandChaseSEA.com), the latest 3D-rendered fantasy adventure Massively Multiplayer Online Game (MMOG), in its stable of online titles. Grand Chase is targeted at the rapidly growing segment of pre-teens, one of the many groups that AsiaSoft caters to.

Online content has become an integral part of modern media and youth culture, and more youngsters have access to online games at an early age. Hence, with its adorable in-game graphics and simple game controls, Grand Chase is targeted at the new generation of gamers who are taking their first step towards the world of online edutainment, IT and the Internet.

“AsiaSoft is very privileged to have different segments of gamers enjoying our games, and we are especially pleased to introduce Grand Chase, our latest offering to young teenagers,” said Ivan Seah, Marketing and Communications Director, AsiaSoft Online Pte Ltd. “We believe that tweens will enjoy the entertainment that Grand Chase has to offer and will find it a simple and delightful introduction to a vast world of online gaming content.”

To ensure family- and child-friendly content, AsiaSoft will have Game Masters patrolling the game 24 hours a day for cyber predators, hackers and undesirable interactions. These measures taken by the publisher assure young Grand Chase gamers of a protected and controlled online environment in which to enjoy the game and to form meaningful friendships. “Grand Chase is a new breed of fast-paced arcade MMOG with strong emphasis in action gameplay,” added Ivan. “While players have strong in-game content to explore and enjoy, AsiaSoft also recognizes the importance of keeping the online environment a fun and safe place for all young gamers to be.”

Grand Chase transports players to the once peaceful Continent of Bermesiah, which has been overthrown into bloodshed and chaos by KazeAaze, the Queen of Darkness. Players are instantly recruited to join the Grand Chase towards freedom and victory as elite heroes, including the brave knight Elesis, the powerful mage Arme, and the elegant archer Lire!

A party platter of game modes, Grand Chase also features Player versus Monster (PvM) battles, Player versus Player (PvP) death matches, challenging quests and light-hearted mini games. The game’s real-time attacks and combo skill executions will stir fans of old school arcade games, while its endearing avatar designs and customizations will thrill anime lovers and young gamers. Grand Chase is currently in Open Beta and interested players need only sign up for a free AsiaSoft Passport to be eligible for Open Beta on the Grand Chase website (www.GrandChaseSEA.com). Players involved in Open Beta testing will gain access to certain ingame functions and modes for testing purposes.

AsiaSoft also intends to organize more programs and outdoor activities surrounding its two community initiatives, “Gamers Love Sports” and “Gamers Care”, to complement and enhance its players’ online experience. From outdoor pet walkathons to eco-friendly beach clean-ups, AsiaSoft hopes that the introduction of Grand Chase will be the start of a new, meaningful year of learning and social growth for its young gamers.

About Grand Chase
Grand Chase is a Free-To-Play 3D-rendered fantasy adventure online game. Featuring anime inspired characters set against a colorful, medieval backdrop, Grand Chase puts players in the role of Bermesiah elite troopers on the mission to chase KazeAaze, the Queen of Darkness. The Grand Chase game client can be downloaded at http://www.GrandChaseSEA.com/.

6th Annual Independent Game of the Year Awards kicks off at GameTunnel

Independent Game Review website continues its yearly tradition of spotlighting the best in Indie gaming.

GameTunnel (www.gametunnel.com) is proud to announce the kick off of the Sixth Annual Independent Game of the Year awards with the awarding of the 2007 Indie Sports Game of the Year to MDickie's boxing game Reach.

Today's awarding of the Sports Game of the Year begins three weeks of awards on GameTunnel. The awards culminate on December 31st with a list of the Top 10 Games of the Year, and the awarding of the Independent Game of the Year.

Over the next three weeks, 15 awards will be given out to the best Independent Games in genres and categories such as Sim, RPG, Action, Strategy, Graphics, Innovation and Multiplayer. This is a time for the entire gaming industry to step back and appreciate the efforts of independent game developers.

While the staff at GameTunnel has been carefully watching the hundreds of Independent Games released this year to pick out the best ones, they are always excited to see everyone else's opinions and are happy to announce that voting for the 2007 Player's Choice award is already underway. Fans of Independent Games everywhere can go to www.gametunnel.com and vote for their favorite Independent Game. The Player's Choice award will be awarded on December 29th as part of the Special Awards section of the 2007 Independent Game of the Year awards.

A full calendar of the awards follows.

Dec 11 - Sports Game of the Year
Dec 13 - Casual Game of the Year
Dec 15 - Sim Game of the Year
Dec 18 - Action Game of the Year
Dec 20 - Adventure Game of the Year
Dec 22 - Strategy Game of the Year
Dec 26 - RPG Game of the Year
Dec 29 - Game of the Year: Special Awards
Dec 30 - Top 10 Games of the Year

About GameTunnel
GameTunnel was created in 2002 to provide news and reviews on the Independent Gaming scene. Since its launch Game Tunnel has published over 800 reviews of Independent (or Indie as it is commonly known as) games. It's most popular articles include the monthly round-up of what's new in indie gaming, and the yearly Independent Game of the Year Awards.

Matrix Games discounts Highway to the Reich and Conquest of the Aegean on Sale!


There's never been a better time to pick up a masterpiece of wargaming from Panther Games!

Matrix Games (www.matrixgames.com) and Panther Games (www.panthergames.com) are thrilled to announce a $10 discount for both Highway to the Reich and Conquest of the Aegean! Now Highway to the Reich will cost only $29.99 for a Digital Download, reduced from its original $39.99 download price. Similarly, Conquest of the Aegean will now only be $39.99 for a Digital Download, reduced from $49.99.

Act fast, however, because this sale will only last until the final moment of 2007. On December 31st at midnight EST, the price of both games will rise to an additional $10 over their pre-sale price, making Highway to the Reich $49.99 and Conquest of the Aegean $69.99. So in short, there’s never been a better time to buy Highway to the Reich and Conquest of the Aegean!

David Heath, Director of Operations at Matrix Games, said, “Both of these exceptional wargames from Panther Games are hits with critics and gamers alike. This sale is a fantastic opportunity for anyone who has not yet been wholly addicted to the Airborne Assault engine’s fantastic realism and innovative gameplay to come see what they’re missing.”

In Highway to the Reich you learn to command like a true General to achieve real objectives on a historical map all while trying to see through the fog of war. Highway to the Reich combines pausable continuous-time game play, the most advanced artificial intelligence of any wargame, a powerful and intuitive user interface, and a unique command system to create the one of the most realistic and enjoyable simulations of operational warfare. Use the realistic chain of command to issue orders to your intelligent AI-controlled subordinates or take total control of every unit yourself. Lead Parachute Regiments in daring assaults to seize vital bridges, send mighty Armored Divisions into the attack and wield an entire Corps in a race against time. Reshape history in one of the many historical battles covering all major actions of the Market Garden operation or salvage victory from disaster in one of the hypothetical "what-if" encounters.

Conquest of the Aegean is the next generation of the award-winning and revolutionary Airborne Assault series and it takes brigade to corps-level warfare to a whole new level. Realism and accuracy are the watchwords as this pausable continuous-time design allows you to command at any echelon, with smart AI subordinates and an incredibly challenging AI. Conquest of the Aegean takes you to the early years of World War II, to fight over the ancient battlefields of Greece, Crete and even Malta. In the shadows of Mount Olympus in Greece, Allied forces struggle to halt the blitzkrieg German advance. On Crete, beleaguered German paratroopers fight to hold Maleme airfield until reinforcements can arrive. Malta, long a thorn in the side of the Axis, is finally tested against invasion in two hypothetical scenarios.

Get more information on Highway to the Reich and Conquest of the Aegean from their respective product pages.