Agatha Christie – Evil Under The Sun - interactive novel online – trailer, gallery and more

The Adventure Company and JoWooD Productions would like to direct you to the stunning new website that has been launched for the recently released game Agatha Christie: Evil Under the Sun for Windows®.

The website includes a trailer, game features, screenshots from several in-game environments, and headshots of over 20 characters.

www.agathachristiegame.com/euts/game.html

Welcome to paradise in this interactive game with the world’s bestselling mystery author!


About Agatha Christie: Evil Under The Sun
Famous detective Hercule Poirot is back in typical style, turning up at just the right time to begin an investigation into the murder of a famous actress during what should have been the start of a relaxing holiday. Taking on the role of Hercule Poirot, players can scour a stunning tropical island for clues and delve deeper into the mysterious relationships between over 20 unique characters to search out the killer.

Features:

• stunning and varied environments for players to explore


• a host of new puzzles to enhance the experience


• intriguing plot twists


• character dialogue choices that will impact events


• exciting story based on the novel Evil Under the Sun


• players take the role of famous Hercule Poirot


• character dialogue choices that will impact events


• less repetitive detective footwork

Developer: AWE Games
PEGI: 7+
UK Released: November 29th 2007

Zu Online - Chinese Kung-fu RPG Open beta date set as 14th December

IGG is announcing the start of Open Beta testing for Zu Online(http://zu.igg.com/), a Chinese Kung-fu Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG). The Open Beta testing will start at 8:00 pm EST (GMT-5) on December 14th 2007.

Open Beta Test client and Register System will also be released soon, please stay tuned to official Zu Online website for the latest information.

Live Chat Event for War in the Pacific video game Expansion pack

Chat with lead developer of the War in the Pacific expansion, Admiral's Edition!

Matrix Games (www.matrixgames.com) and 2 by 3 Games (www.2by3games.com) are pleased to announce that they will be hosting a live chat to discuss the wargaming masterpiece War in the Pacific and its newly announced expansion, Admiral’s Edition! The chat is scheduled to start on Thursday, December 13th at 9 PM EST and will be hosted at the Matrix Games Live Chat area on the Matrix Games website.

David Heath, Director of Operations at Matrix Games, said, “War in the Pacific: Admiral’s Edition just has too many improvements, tweaks, additions, and more to be listed in any one place. This live chat is a great chance for gamers who want to chat in person and in detail about the countless improvements and additions to the inner workings of War in the Pacific expansion coming their way this summer.”

Joe Wilkerson, Project Leader for Henderson Field Designs added, “My team of developers and I have quietly waited to announce word of this fantastic expansion for quite some time now. It’s going to be great to have the chance to speak with the War in the Pacific community, both newcomers and hardcore fans alike who are eagerly awaiting the Admiral’s Edition expansion.”

War in the Pacific: The Struggle Against Japan 1941-1945 is a legendary and widely acclaimed turn-based strategy masterpiece. The scale of the original War in the Pacific is 60 miles per hex and units are composed of individual vehicles, aircraft, guns and squads. Since half the planet Earth is covered by the titanic Pacific struggle, the game is massive in scope, covering thousands of ships and tens of thousands of aircraft. Virtually every ship, air group and battalion sized or larger troop formation is covered in exacting detail.

An expansion to War in the Pacific, called War in the Pacific: Admiral’s Edition, has just been announced and has been met with great anticipation and excitement. Although the individual improvements are far too numerous to mention in this press release, the highlights alone should grab the attention of any War in the Pacific fan:

• An all new 40 nautical mile per hex map covering the entire Pacific theater and off-map bases


• Six new scenarios, including a new grand campaign with meticulously researched orders of battle


• Improved naval operations, including waypoints, mid-ocean intercepts, new ship classes and devises and a greatly improved ship upgrade system, engine vs. system damage, new ship art and realistic new port limits for ships, cargo and repairs


• Improved air operations, including more realistic CAP, more detailed and realistic dog fighting, an improved pilot skill and replacement system, persistent plane damage and more realistic plane maintenance, improved for of war, new aircraft art and over 500 airplane types


• Improved land operations, including transportation networks defined by hex-side, new operations modes for land units, dynamic zone of control, tactical movement, improved fog of war and overstacking rules for atolls and small islands.


• Improved economy and industry to reflect more realistic operations as well as more historical balance


• The most historical and detailed order of battle for the Pacific War ever put into a wargame!


• A new scenario editor, built from the ground up to make scenario and mod-making easier, with expanded slot limits, text search and upgradeable unit TO&Es


• Printed 196 page COLOR manual (boxed copy only)

Get more information on War in the Pacific and its expansion Admiral’s Edition from their respective product pages and be sure to head over the Matrix Games Live Chat area on Thursday, December 13th at 9 PM EST!

Battle Ball video game - unlimited free play online

Mindwave Games has launched its online service for players of Battle Ball, the head-to-head paddle ball game which will instantly remind players of the classic game of Pong. 3D graphics, smooth game play over the Internet, 6 different courts and 432 possible play modes are among the modern enhancements to the simple classic. The online service provides player matching, persistent stats, character levels, cash rebates and prize tournaments.

Key features have been refined during beta testing. Kirby Zhang, the designer and programmer, explained, “During a Battle Ball match, the Internet’s delay is hidden inside the ball’s flight time. This virtually eliminates server lag, even when people are playing from different continents.” To further eliminate lag, Battle Ball uses direct player-to-player connections, which now have greatly enhanced ability to work through firewalls.

A common problem to small budget multiplayer games is the lack of enough players online at the same time, discouraging new players from trying the game. To solve this problem, Battle Ball schedules daily “bonus hours” during which time players receive extra game coins for playing. “We have several hours spread over the day so players from every time zone can play. This has made it much easier to find a match and it has brought in more players for us,” said Kirby Zhang.

Responding to beta testers’ feedback, Battle Ball has added the ability to bet game coins on other players’ games, and to follow their progress directly from the lobby. Robert Colton, a long time beta tester, commented, “It definitely adds a fun element to just staying in the lobby where you can just chat or you can bet on who’s going to win the next game.”

Battle Ball offers unlimited free play. It is available for download at http://www.battleballgame.net

About Battle Ball

Battle Ball is a multiplayer, 3D version of Pong providing 432 play modes, persistent accounts, betting with game coins, cash rebates, and prize tournaments. It has been praised for its physics, networking, website integration and player matching features. Battle Ball has gained a strong player community during beta testing with over 12,000 games played. The free version of Battle Ball provides unlimited play, while the full version offers extra features and extra game coins.

Fury - Age of The Chosen video game Free download update

http://www.unleashthefury.com/ageofthechosen

This free content update is available to all players and brings many improvements and enhancements, as well as introducing additional game types and maps to the world of FURY.

Auran CEO, Tony Hilliam, explains: "We set out with the goal of making FURY fast and fun for all players. The Age of the Chosen add-on focuses on helping new players prepare for the furious action as well as introducing a host of features requested by our hardcore fans. Feedback from new players was that the pacing was too fast and confusing. To remedy this and help players grow into the game, we created the 'Carnage' game type. Carnage pits two teams of four players in indirect competition where the focus is killing bots to earn points rather than simply smashing your opponents into submission. We've also improved the tutorial and created practice areas where players can spend time getting used to FURY’s uniquely fast paced combat."

"We've also made a number of changes to combat by increasing player survivability, lengthening the decision making time and increasing combat feedback. Furthermore, and in direct response to player's requests, we've made significant improvements to all items in the game. Tiers and rarity will be more meaningful and there will be greater incentives to choose higher Tier armor. This of course means players can spend even more time tweaking their favorite Incarnation to keep within our 1000 Equip Point limit."

"FURY has always been about player skill over button mashing and we think players will really enjoy the improvements to the combat system", said Cameron McNeil, Lead Systems Designer. "We've also made a number of changes to the Sanctarum vendors, improved the User Interface and added a ton of bug fixes and polish to the game. We are looking forward to a large number of our customers and free trial players checking out the changes as we continue towards our goal of making FURY the Number One PvP game in the world."

The list of changes include:

• New 'Carnage' game type with three maps.


• 1 v 1 Elimination game type with four maps.


• Improved tutorial.


• Streamlined interface.


• NPC number and placement changes.


• Rebalanced and improved equipment system.


• Combat mechanics changes.


• Improved combat feedback.


• Bugs fixes, performance improvements and general polish.

For full details on the changes visit http://www.unleashthefury.com/ageofthechosen.

The add-on is expected to be available for download on December 14, 2007.

See earlier post...

PC - Australia Zoo video game out for Christmas

Australian Game Developer, Auran and Australia Zoo have joined forces on a brand new game.

Developed in Brisbane over the last 2 years, "Australia Zoo Animal Links" is an all ages puzzle game based on the famous Aussie landmark, and featuring many of its renowned natives including a Crocodile, Kangaroo Echidna, Parrot, and Tasmanian Devil.

Having developed a successful fantasy MMO, multi-edition train simulator and a classic RTS in its ten year history, Animal Links represents Auran’s first foray into casual gaming and Production Head, Paul Olsen says the team is excited about the game.

"We’re very proud of what we’ve achieved with Animal Links. It’s innovative and fun to play and the animals of Australia Zoo make for an intriguing experience. It features 20 exciting levels with 3 levels of difficulty and is very much aimed at a broad, all ages audience.

"It also helps to push Australia Zoo’s important conservation message and will be a valuable tool in educating the world about Australia’s captivating wildlife."

Australia Zoo Animal Links will be available from all major retailers and digital outlets from December 7 (and of course, Australia Zoo). For more information visit www.auran.com or www.n3vrf41l.com.

http://www.n3vrf41l.com/australia_zoo_animal_links.php?PID=176

About the game:

Australia Zoo Animal Links is a race against the clock to stop the Australia Zoo animals from becoming Extinct! Challenge your mind by advancing through 20 levels of gameplay, each one harder than the next.

With 3 different game modes Animal Links increases the fun factor and gives you advanced replay ability to keep you wanting more!

Animal Links also allows you to unlock animals around the map that are found at Australia Zoo. Each animal once unlocked will give you information and pictures to educate you on that particular animal.

Features:

• 3 levels of difficulty each with unique gameplay


• 20 exciting levels to unlock Educational Entertainment; unlock levels to learn about Australia Zoo’s Animals

Hours of fun and exciting gameplay

Fury - Arena combat video game 'Free to Download, Free to Play' option.

Free Play Option For FURY Coming December 14

"Age of the Chosen" Update to Bring Major Changes

Gamecock Media Group and Auran Games today announced a new Free to Download, Free to Play option for their fast paced arena combat game FURY. The new business model will begin with the release of the first major free content update “Age of the Chosen” on December 14, 2007.

“FURY was built around giving players options that suit their play style and their wallet,” said Tony Hilliam, CEO of Auran. “With the AotC update, we are introducing a new player category called “Chosen”. As one of the Chosen, players can access all game types, equip all weapons and unlock all 400 abilities – and they can play as much as they like absolutely free. This is a fantastic opportunity for players to jump into battle with their mates and discover the frenetic pace of the fastest RPG combat ever. Chosen will earn less gold and essence, and will not be able to trade with other players.”

“Chosen players can purchase game gold from the FURY store or upgrade to “Hero” status to earn more Essence and Gold. Retail stores sell the “Hero” status pack, along with a free month of “Immortal” status, so this is $30 value for the new price of $19.99 (in US stores). As a Hero or Immortal players can unlock abilities faster and purchase better gear, but the matchmaker then ensures they are playing against other players of similar skill and rank.”

FURY: Age of the Chosen is a massive free content update that introduces two new game types aimed at the new player. “Carnage” throws two teams into battle with the aim of returning blood tokens to their base faster than their opposition. Blood tokens are gained from killing bots, not other players, so the action is indirect competition rather than head to head. The 1v1 Elimination game type means games will spawn faster and matches are more evenly balanced.

For more on FURY, visit www.unleashthefury.com. Also, be sure and visit http://www.unleashthefury.com/ageofthechosen/ for information on the Age of the Chosen update and new business model.

Creative Talent Portfolio Show in San Francisco

Portfolios Featuring Fall 2007 Graduates in Advertising, Fashion Design, Fashion Marketing & Management, Game Art & Design, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Media Arts & Animation, Visual & Game Programming and Web Design & Interactive Media.

Bay Area Companies, Design Firms and Public Invited to Review a new generation of up-and-coming designers participating in the Fall 2007 Portfolio Show at The Art Institute of California – San Francisco. The December 13 event will feature artwork, design portfolios and demo reels of students graduating in the fields of Advertising, Fashion Design, Fashion Marketing & Management, Game Art & Design, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Media Arts & Animation, Visual & Game Programming and Web Design & Interactive Media.

The Portfolio Show will feature light refreshments and an opportunity to meet and converse with graduates looking for employment, as well as faculty and staff of the school. Students graduating with either associate or bachelor’s degrees will be showcased.

The details of the event are as follows:

Fall 2007 Portfolio Show
The Art Institute of California – San Francisco
Thursday, December 13, 2007
4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Hotel Whitcomb
1231 Market Street, San Francisco, CA
(Parking in Civic Center Garage or
Trinity Plaza at 8th and Market St)
BART – Civic Center station

Enhanced Charge Base for Sony Playstation 3

Charge Base 2 Brings Revamped Charging Solution To PlayStation 3

Nyko Technologies®, a premier peripherals manufacturer, today announced their new charging solution for PlayStation® 3 controllers, the Charge Base 2, making it easier than ever to keep both your Dual Shock 3 and SIXAXIS controllers organized and charged.

Nyko's newly redesigned Charge Base 2 rapidly charges two PS3 controllers simultaneously, while providing a visually appealing storage option and a faster recharge rate via any AC outlet. Besides easier-to-read charge indicators and a smaller form factor, the Charge Base 2 employs a totally new contact point dongle system that makes charging your controllers easier then ever. Each Charge Base 2 comes packaged with two light weight Mini USB charge adaptors that attach to the controller and allow for easy drop and charge functionality through the Charge Base 2's specialized charging ports.

"The original Charge Base for PS3 was well received thanks to its quick charging and storage abilities" said Chris Arbogast, Marketing Manager for Nyko. "Being committed to constantly improving our products has enabled us to design a smaller solution that is easier to use and available at a lower price."

The Charge Base 2 will be available early December at retailers nationwide and Nyko's online store for $29.99.

Train your brain - Nintendo DS ends 2007 as top-selling Video Game System

Appeal to Core and Casual Gamers Keeps Portable System Going Strong

While many eyes are focused on home video game consoles, Nintendo projects Nintendo DS™ to be the top-selling system of the year. More than 6 million Nintendo DS portable video game systems have sold in the United States in 2007 through Nov. 30, according to internal Nintendo of America Inc. sales numbers. That's a rate of about one sold every five seconds of 2007, enough to project Nintendo DS will be the top-selling video game system of any kind for the year. Nintendo DS has increased its sales in the United States every year since it launched in November 2004.

"There's no letup in sight," says George Harrison, Nintendo of America's senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. "Nintendo DS appeals strongly to both core and casual gamers, and its momentum is set to propel us into 2008."

Nintendo DS began 2007 strong, but its momentum only increased as the year progressed. Before 2007, Game Boy Advance held the all-time U.S. Thanksgiving week sales record, with 600,000 systems sold in 2005. But Nintendo DS beat that Thanksgiving week record with more than 650,000 sold.

The huge appeal of Nintendo DS stems from the diversity of software available for the system. Four Nintendo DS games have sold more than 2 million in the United States alone, including New Super Mario Bros., Mario Kart DS, Pokémon Diamond and Super Mario 64 DS. Another eight games have sold more than 1 million each in the United States, including Brain Age™: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day, Pokémon Pearl, Animal Crossing: Wild World, Big Brain Academy and four separate versions of Nintendogs™.

The worldwide innovator in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Wii, Nintendo DS, Game Boy Advance and Nintendo GameCube systems. Since 1983, Nintendo has sold nearly 2.5 billion video games and more than 430 million hardware units globally, and has created industry icons like Mario™, Donkey Kong, Metroid, Zelda and Pokémon. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo's operations in the Western Hemisphere. For more information about Nintendo, visit the company's Web site at www.nintendo.com.