Eidos Christmas mobile games line-up

A veritable Santa's sack of code and assets are now available for all Eidos New Media mobile games.

The Eidos Christmas line-up includes a mix of original titles and classics – from Lara to new guys on the block, Kane and Lynch and the hugely addictive Sola Rola.

Kane and Lynch mobile: Inspired by IO Interactive’s highly anticipated title; players can experience 38 adrenaline filled levels through 5 gripping scenarios. The mobile version of Kane and Lynch takes the gritty essence of IO's new blockbuster title and combines it with innovative design to create a unique game for mobile handsets.

Tomb Raider: Anniversary Edition: To celebrate ten years of gaming’s most famous archaeologist, Lara Croft will star in a new adventure taking in familiar locations from her past. Inspired by the first three Tomb Raider mobile phone games, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider Anniversary faithfully preserves the elements which made the original mobile games some of the best available on the mobile platform. Taut, and fast-paced, this is a perfect tribute to one of gaming’s true legends and the first title to come from new British Developer, FinBlade.

Sola Rola: An original title, Sola Rola is a fun mixture of puzzle and action elements in which users control two blobby heroes – Wiz and Waz – as they attempt to save the universe by manipulating shapes. Spanning 25 stages, Sola Rola is crammed with puzzles and uses a unique physics system in which objects and characters can be scaled, tilted and used to solve the increasingly difficult puzzles on offer.

Championship Manager 2008: Released to coincide with the PC version of the game, the mobile version of Championship Manager 2008 is a fully featured game of what is rightly regarded as the pioneer of football management titles. Developed by the award-winning Dundee based Dynamo Games, the mobile game features all the tactical acumen and logistics of the PC title, with a simple to navigate menu system and 2D match overlay specifically designed for handsets.

Patapon in North America only on Sony PSP (PlayStationPortable)

Rhythm-Based Action Blends with Abstract Art to Deliver a Unique New Gaming Genre to the North American Market in February 2008

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA) announced today the February 2008 North American release of Patapon™, available exclusively for PSP (PlayStationPortable). Developed by Sony Computer Entertainment WorldWide Studios Japan Studio, Patapon is a highly stylized, 2D platform/action adventure game that transforms players into a mystical leader in charge of guiding a tribe of small, quirky warriors called Patapons. Through an innovative use of musical beats, players will march the Patapons against opposing armies and gigantic monsters in an attempt to find the far end of the world. In Patapon, players will encounter a new style of gameplay that blends rhythm and action, where various drumbeats are used to command the Patapons to march, retreat, attack, and defend, all in the ultimate quest for survival and victory. The game presents a variety of warrior types, along with a wide selection of weapons and shield upgrades, allowing each player to customize their Patapon army and strategize for each mission. Using character designs by popular French graphic artist Rolito, who served as chief artist for the game, Patapon introduces a distinctive art style incorporating abstract shapes, vibrant environments, and larger-than-life boss enemies.

“Patapon is a unique experience for gamers of all ages because it combines two key forms of entertainment: rhythm and music, and stellar platforming action,” said Jeff Reese, director, software marketing, SCEA. “Music is a huge part of the PSP’s multifunctional feature set, and we are excited to deliver a new genre of music and action gaming that further adds depth to the PSP software lineup.”

For years the Patapon tribe has lived in the desolate frontier, driven from their home by the evil Zigoton army. Behind the Patapons' cute exterior, lies a fierce warrior spirit that can only be commanded by the beat of the war drum. They wait for the day the "Almighty" will return and lead them against their enemies, as Patapon legend states the glory of the ancestors will be resurrected when they reach the far end of the world. The wait finally comes to an end as the drums of war are heard once again.

Set among a variety of colorful 2D backgrounds, Patapon unfolds through more than 30 missions with more than 20 different environments, where players are tasked with outfitting the Patapon army, collecting resources, and using strategy to grow the tribe into a devastating fighting force. Incorporating various button-timed drumbeats in real-time to control the Patapons, players will strategically traverse through each environment, battling enemies each step of the way. The game presents a variety of warrior types such as archers, infantry, cavalry, and more that players can unlock, along with a wide selection of more than 100 weapon and shield upgrades, allowing players to customize their forces throughout the funky adventure. Additionally, Patapon features five unique music-based mini-games to earn additional Patapon upgrades. Players will revel in the addictive nature of the game, collecting rare weapons and items, and earning more points to upgrade and amass an army of Patapons.

Patapon PSP game factsheet

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
Developer: Sony Computer Entertainment Japan Studio
Platform: PSP (PlayStationPortable)
Genre: Rhythm/Action/Platform
Players: Single-player
Launch Date: February, 2007
ESRB Rating: “RP” for Rating Pending

OVERVIEW
Developed by Sony Computer Entertainment Japan, Patapon™ is an innovative, rhythm-based 2D platform/action game exclusively for the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system. In the game, players are tasked with leading the colorful Patapons, a brave and noble tribe, through a series of epic battles against opposing armies and gigantic monsters. In a distinct gameplay twist, action and rhythm are intertwined as players utilize drumbeats to march, attack, and defend, ultimately leading the Patapon tribe to victory.

Featuring more than 20 missions in a variety of environments such as swamps, volcanos, gorges and deserts, players will outfit a Patapon army, collect resources, and grow their tribe into a devastating fighting force. Patapon presents a variety of warrior types, along with a wide selection of weapon and shield upgrades, that players will use to strategically customize and position their army as they progress through the funky adventure. Players will easily get caught up in the addictive action by collecting rare weapons and items as the adventure unfolds, and by earning more points to upgrade to new Patapons. Additionally, Patapon features five unique music-based mini-games to earn additional upgrades for the Patapon army. With vibrant character designs by popular French graphic artist, Rolito, Patapon introduces a unique, 2D art style incorporating abstract shapes, colorful environments, and larger-than-life boss enemies.

STORYLINE
For years the Patapon tribe has lived in the desolate frontier, driven from their home by the evil Zigoton army. Behind the Patapons' cute exterior, lies a fierce warrior spirit that can only be commanded by the beat of their God’s war drum. They wait for the day that the "Almighty" will return, to lead them against their enemies and bring them back to their homeland. Finally, their wait has come to an end as the drums of war are heard once again.

KEY FEATURES

• Rhythm and Action Collide – Master up to six different drumbeats to command the Patapon troops to march, attack, defend, power up, retreat, and use magic. Combine the various chains of drumbeats to address each unique level, leading the Patapons to victory over the Zigoton enemy forces.

• Strategic Gaming – Patapon delivers a strong element of strategy by requiring players to properly customize and build up the Patapon army, arm each soldier with particular weapons and armor, and position them correctly for battle.

• Mission Variety – Take part in more than 30 specific missions including hunting, escort, and boss battles, and explore numerous vivid environments along the way. Players will discover and access more than 100 items and weapons throughout the adventure.

• Unique Art Style – French graphic artist Rolito, noted for his abstract art style seen in collectible toys, animation, and websites, lends his skills to create a variety of unique characters and environments, bringing the Patapon world to life.

• Mini-Games – Five music-based mini-games allow players to earn bonuses and upgrades to further customize the Patapon warriors.

• Music – Captivating and dramatic original music builds dynamically as players march and encounter enemy battles throughout each level.

Major League Baseball for Playstation 3, Playstation 2 and PSP

MLB 08 THE SHOWTM Announced For PLAYSTATION 3, PlayStation 2 AND PSP (PlayStationPortable)

Popular Baseball Franchise Looks to Retain Title as The Most Realistic Baseball Game

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA) announced today that MLB 08 THE SHOW will be available in Spring 2008, exclusively for PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3), PlayStation 2 and PSP (PlayStationPortable). Already widely considered the most authentic baseball game available, the next iteration of the critically acclaimed franchise, MLB 08 THE SHOW, is set to provide fans with the most realistic baseball experience to date.
Reflecting on the history of the franchise, the longest-running officially licensed baseball title on PlayStation® platforms, the SCEA San Diego Studios development team went into this season looking to build upon the history and success of the franchise, by raising the level of authenticity and realism, and creating the perfect blend of features and unique gameplay opportunities.

To deliver the closest experience possible, next to actually trying to make it in the Majors, MLB 08 THE SHOW introduces a more immersive Road to The Show mode. As gamers attempt to make a starting line-up in the Big Leagues, playing on both offense and defense from a custom-created player’s perspective, a more robust dynamic goal system and a new career advancement system will determine when a player is eligible for a promotion. Additionally, custom-created players are more interactive. As a position player, gamers will be able to further adjust that players positioning, catchers will endure more defense situations, and pitchers will now experience mound visits with user interaction – all making Road to The Show mode even more realistic.

“Baseball fans know that the MLB franchise has been met with critical acclaim and has a long-standing winning tradition,” said Scott Rohde, senior director, product development, SCEA San Diego Studios. “MLB 08 THE SHOW continues to display our commitment to delivering highly-innovative and improved features in order to provide an unrivaled simulation with a broadcast quality presentation.”

As the only first party franchise officially licensed by Major League Baseball Properties Inc. (MLBP), Major League Baseball Advanced Media (MLBAM) and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA), MLB 08 THE SHOW features more than 3,000 individual player animations, including personalized stances, pitching animations, individual swings, batting rituals and motion captures from MLB® players. Additionally, the franchise adds to the realism by including Umpire Personalities combined with Interactive Hot and Cold Zones and Player-scaled Strike Zones, Release Point Pitching combined with Adaptive Pitching Intelligence (API) and the Pitch Command System (PCS), and the most comprehensive commentary ever produced for a sports title, featuring the three-man booth of Rex Huddler, Matt Vasgerian and Dave Campbell.

Providing players with some additional performance incentives, the MLB franchise introduces the new Progressive Batting Performance feature, which will both reward players for superior performance and penalize them for hitting slumps. Specific to each individual batter, players will be rewarded with slight contract bonuses, or punished with slight decreases in contract, based on how that batter that performs beyond his “natural ability” while under user control. Adding to the online feature set, which includes customizable Online League Play with up to 30 teams, scrolling MLB Score Ticker and more, MLB 08 THE SHOW introduces SCOUT (SportsConnect Online User Tracking), which allows gamers to set and store their game preferences on the MLB server, and then enables the system to look for a Quick Match with opponents that fit similar competitive criteria.

For PS3 and PSP owners, MLB 08 THE SHOW serves up the new Pitcher/Batter Analysis, both in-game and post game, offering a breakdown of how a batter has performed based on LHP or RHP, pitch type and the result. And for fans who want to create their own soundtracks, MLB 08 THE SHOW offers the opportunity to take music stored on a PS3 system’s HDD or a Memory Stick Duo and add tracks to the list of music played in the JukeBox.

Along with all the key franchise features, gameplay favorites for PlayStation 2 include Franchise mode, where players take control of the entire team, Rivalry Mode, which allows fans to set-up, track and maintain heated rivalries, the Home Run Derby and EyeToy™ functionality. MLB 08 THE SHOW for PSP continues to be a fan favorite with its core features and ability to play anytime, anywhere, on the go. Plus, sports fanatics can utilize the system’s online news service to get the latest MLB news feeds online or save them to the Memory Stick Duo and review them offline at their convenience.

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.