New Christmas online version of video game Orchidia

Casual game experts Joyboost.com have come up with a perfect antidote to the huge number of hours shoppers are spending online this Christmas searching for gifts.

Joyboost has created a little online island of calm in the mad Internet shopping frenzy of Christmas 2007. Visitors to the Joyboost.com site can relax, play and rediscover the joys of the festive season.

Joyboost has created a new Christmas-themed online version of its critically acclaimed game Orchidia, plus an entirely new title called Where's Rudolph. Both games are completely FREE and are played through the normal web browser on most home computers.

The games are perfects for parents, cool for kids and even great for grandparents. In Christmas Orchidia, players must make groups of Christmas presents as they drift down a chill winter river.

Where's Rudolph challenges players to find Santa's most famous reindeer in the middle of a huge Christmas crowd. A sharp-eye and a fast finger on the mouse is needed to make sure Christmas Eve deliveries can be made.

“More and more people are using the Internet for Christmas shopping,” says Joyboost's Linda MacKellar. “I do all my Christmas shopping online as the shops are crazy this time of year. But in some ways it can be just as exhausting to shop on your PC. So to cheer up all those struggling shoppers, we've created a couple of free games that the whole family can play. Anyone who's online this Christmas, come and put your feet up at Joyboost and try Christmas Orchidia and Where's Rudolph – our gifts to all of you.”

Joyboost

Ski Challenge 08 - World´s biggest ski race video game has started with more than a million players

Greentube, the worldwide leading provider of free 3D download games and turn-key gaming platforms, has launched the fourth season of its global hit “Ski Challenge” with a range of new features including optimisation for Windows Vista and a new track: Val d’ Isere

Ski Challenge 08 has been licensed to various different media-partners, primarily TV-stations and leading newspapers in 7 different countries so far – including Norway, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia and Canada.
After more than 3 million players last year, Greentube is expecting between 4 million and 5 million players worldwide between now and March 2008. This figure seems to be quite a conservative estimate, as within only 2 weeks after launch, the different editions of Ski Challenge have been downloaded more than a million times!

Greentube has been working hard on updating the game with latest 2.0-features such as a video creation-tool directly embedded within the game.

The free download game is fully financed via in-game advertising and includes advertising brands such as Siemens, Audi, Telenor, Swisscom, Visa, Samsung, Red Bull, to name just a few. Most of the advertising brands have been partners of this game since the beginning in 2004, as the advertising value and image-transfer effects generated by the game are more than convincing.
Greentube also delivers full reporting functionality including user contacts and adimpressions by brand and edition.

The download link of the Ski Challenge 08, as well as the latest Ski Challenge 08 video and further information can be found at: http://www.skichallenge08.com/.

Christmas add on for Stranger video game

Leading video game publisher Fireglow Games today announces the release of a Christmas add-on for Stranger, the superb combination of RPG and RTS. For those who have already purchased the game we offer to download a free add-on containing two new multiplayer maps - "Once upon a Time in Mokkosa" and "Heritage of Muneks". The add-on is available in English, French, German, Italian, Russian, Polish and Czech languages. We hope that fascinating multiplayer battles on these new maps will give you unforgettable emotions during this Christmas holidays. Download multilingual Christmas Add-on http://www.stranger-game.com/index.php?uid=downloads

Please note that you need the original CD to play the add-on missions.



About Stranger:

Stranger is an RPG blended with the best elements of RTS.

An innovative and never before seen magical system allows you to select your strategy and tactics in the course of a battle, thus providing an adequate answer to an enemy's every turn - you will be surprised by its simplicity and variety at the same time.
Hiring, training and control over squads of infantry and archers - you will take part in clarifying the eternal question regarding what is more important – brute force and weaponry or cunning and magic.
There are three heroes - different from each other, each one with its own personality and preferences in combat and magic. What will happen when they assemble in a single squad?
The colourful universe of Stranger inhabited not only by hundreds of types of monsters but also with intelligent tribes, which can either be your allies or enemies.
All of this is “Stranger” - 2 worlds, 3 destinies.

Features:

• RPG blended with some of the best RTS elements
• 3 main heroes and many units to choose from
• Over 100 different monsters
• Unique and flexible magic system
• Great variety of items and equipment
• More than 30 hours of single player campaign
• Multiplayer with up to 8 players
• Level design enables distinctive tactical options

Microsoft Xbox Live Launch - new video games launched

Xbox Live Market Place Downloadable Content 20 December 2007

Mirage2000-5 – SCARFACE EMBLEM – (Free)
The heroes of Ace Combat 2, Scarface Squadron Aircraft. This aircraft's armour has been reinforced at the expense of stability. With the main military force unable to respond, the mercenary tactical strike force, Scarface, was entrusted to rescue the Usean continent from the hands of a brutal military coup d'etat.

F-22A Raptor – MOBIUS – (200 Microsoft Points)
The Heroes of Ace Combat: Distant Thunder, Mobius Squadron Aircraft. Fated with single handedly maintaining air superiority, this aircraft's armaments know no parallel. However, necessary reduction of armour has resulted in low damage control. A lone pilot, Mobius' battle record exceeded that of an entire squadron.

F-15E Strike Eagle – CIPHER – (200 Microsoft Points)
The hero of Ace Combat: The Belkan War, Cipher's Aircraft. This aircraft's armour has been lightened to facilitate greater fire power. Fully customized preemptive striking capabilities place this fighter at the forefront of any battle. As the leader of the Republic of Ustio's Mercenary Galm Unit, Cipher's overwhelming fighting skills amidst the escalating conflict quickly earned him the moniker, "The Demon of the Round Table". Both feared and respected, his was the path of a true ace.

F-15E Strike Eagle – PIXY – (200 Microsoft Points)
Ace Combat: The Belkan War, Wingman Pixy Aircraft. Armour has been lightened to increase stability. With an array of counterstrike customizations, this aircraft can immediately adapt to changes on the battlefield. The Republic of Ustio's Mercenary Galm Unit No. 2, "Pixy" nearly lost his left wing during combat, but miraculously completed the mission and returned to base, earning him the name "Solo Wing Pixy". He continued his military career earning numerous accolades as Cipher's wingman.

A-10A ThunderBoltⅡ – XMAS – (200 Microsoft Points)
Holiday Aircraft. Seemingly unaffected by gravity, even during inverted flight, exceptional aerodynamic performance is achieved at the expense of this aircraft's otherwise characteristic durability. This is an A-10A of a different breed.

F-117A Night Hawk – THE IDOLMASTER YUKIHO – (400 Microsoft Points)
THE IDOLMASTER, Yukiho Hagiwara Aircraft. A little on the shy side, this aircraft boasts impressive moves when trying its best. It's up to you to make this star shine!

Elf Online new series of events for Christmas

Christmas Carnival, Have a Rapturous Winter Vocation

Unconsciously, Christmas is approching again, Elf Online have prepared a series of exciting events to all players. New pets are available, Martian, Chief, Feline and Ares will follow you quest into the mysterious Elf Online World fighting against the evil darkness corps. A series of Christmas carnival are also wating for you. Santa Claus, Sled, Elk, Pets and numerous Gifts, Elf Online will give you a raptured winter vacation.

Brand New Pets
New pets are available, Martian, Chief, Feline and Ares will follow you quest into the mysterious Elf Online world fighting against the evil darkness corps.

Christmas Gam
Gifts, no problem, everyday, players will get a gift from christmas trees which contains fireworks. After using the firework. You may gain extra Exp and coins.

Christmas Busy Man
Santa Claus always has a busy time during X'mas. Now, he calls for help from all Elf Online players. Dilivering gifts, looking for reindeer and decorate the X’mas tree for him, Santa Claus will sure to reward you generously.

Christmas Treasure Box
What's that drop from the sky? Bravo, X'mas Treasure Box. What is hiding inside? I don't know, let's collect more to what you will get.

Want to experience more about the Elf Online Christmas Carnival? Just jump into and see.

For more details on Christmas Carnival, please click here
Official site elf.happymmo.com
Official Forum http://forum.happymmo.com/

GAMEVIL USA Launches Cellphone game - Big Trouble On Little Earth with Challenge SMS Feature

Challenge your Friends with the ultimate training and prepare to invade Earth!

GAMEVIL USA, the LA-based mobile games publisher, announced today the launch of Big Trouble On Little Earth, a game about training to take over Earth with a single thumb. With 5 colorful and fun addicting mini-games to play, including one that is un-lockable, players must put their timing and reflexes to the test as they go through intense trainings as Toto, the quirky alien preparing to invade planet Earth. Players also have the option of customizing their spaceship with items they can purchase in the game.

But one of the traits that make Big Trouble On Little Earth so unique is the Challenge SMS feature. After achieving a high score in a mini-game, players will be asked if they would like to send a challenge to their friends through their mobile phones. The challenge note will contain the high score of the sender and the mini-game played, as well as a short message should the challenger choose to include one. Those who receive the challenge will be informed of it via text message, which will include a link to downloading the game if the challenged player does not already have the game, and have the option of accepting or rejecting the challenge after viewing the high score they must beat in the same mini-game. Challenges can go back and forth between two people or occur simultaneously among multiple players, further broadening the player’s gaming experience.

“Social networking has become a huge phenomenon in our society today, especially with online gaming and websites such as MySpace,” said Stephanie Huang, Marketing Manager at GAMEVIL USA. “GAMEVIL applied that concept to Big Trouble On Little Earth with the Challenge SMS feature, creating a socially interactive and entertaining game, and establishing it as the next generation of mobile gaming.”

Gamevil

The Lost Crown: A Ghost hunting Adventure PC video game early 2008

Got Game Entertainment announces a new release time-frame for highly anticipated ghostly adventure

Got Game Entertainment LLC today confirmed that the release of “The Lost Crown: A Ghost-hunting Adventure” has been pushed to next year. The suspense-adventure game for the PC being developed by Jonathan Boakes and his Darkling Room team is now slated for a Q1 2008 release. “The Lost Crown: A Ghost-hunting Adventure” will make its retail debut at $29.99 (USD) and is not yet rated by the ESRB.

“The developer was not able to deliver the game in the expected time-frame, but assures us that ‘the end is in sight’,” said Got Game Entertainment President Howard Horowitz. “Mr. Boakes is determined to create the best possible gaming experience and we believe ‘The Lost Crown: A Ghost-hunting Adventure’ will be well worth the wait.”

Got Game Entertainment is expected to announce a more precise release date shortly after the holidays.

About “The Lost Crown: A Ghost-hunting Adventure”

In “The Lost Crown: A Ghost-hunting Adventure”, join ghost-hunters Nigel Danvers and Lucy Reubans as they unravel an ancient mystery and search for hidden treasures on England's fog-shrouded coastline, famed for its legends of smugglers, pirates, and ghosts. Wielding the tools of the modern-day ghost-hunter in a cinematic, richly detailed interactive world of wind-swept coastlines and crumbling crypts, you will be captivated, taunted, and teased by mind-bending puzzles and interactions with the town “locals”.

“The Lost Crown: A Ghost-hunting Adventure” Features:

Spine-tingling ghost story
Realistic ghost-hunting, featuring actual E.V.P. (Electronic Voice Phenomena)
Photographs of unexplained entities captured by creator Jonathan Boakes while researching the game
Chilling original soundtrack
Point and click gameplay with both first and third person interaction
Cast of virtual actors to share your paranormal adventure
Local legends to investigate, interrogate, and observe
Realistic and integrated puzzles

For more information, visit www.TheLostCrown.com.

Fury video game download and play for free - forever

Auran successfully released their first free content update the Age of the Chosen on December 14. Record numbers of players logged on, created avatars and fought in the new war zones.

“The 1v1 dueling arenas were the most popular game of the week, closely followed by Bloodbath Training Grounds and then the new Carnage PvPvE war zone, “ said Tony Hilliam, Auran CEO. “The feedback from players was that performance had improved considerably, and the new item system kept the forums busy all week.”

With a major focus on ease of use, accessibility and fun, the Age of the Chosen update extends FURY game with new features and major improvements including:

• 1v1 Dueling arenas
• New Carnage PvPvE game type
• Incarnation Testing Arena
• Major Equipment Improvements
• Updated Tutorial
• Revised Sanctuary Zones
• Improved Interface
• Enhanced Performance
• and much more

In addition, the Age of the Chosen brings a new Free to Download, Free to Play option to FURY. For the first time, players can download FURY and play free forever. As Chosen, players can learn every ability, use any items, battle in all 6 game types, and experience all of the fun FURY has to offer. They can then choose to upgrade to “hero” status buying the retail box or purchasing the game online.

To see the full list of changes the update brings check out http://www.unleashthefury.com/index.php/fury/news/patch_notes_14_december_2007_age_of_the_chosen/.

To download FURY and get straight into the action visit http://www.unleashthefury.com/free2play/.

The latest updates and happenings in the world of FURY can always be found at http://www.unleashthefury.com

Atari Classics on Sony PSP Battlezone - Centipede - Millipede - Missile Command - Tempest - Lunar Lander - Super Breakout - Warlord - Asteroids...

11 ARCADE classics AND MORE THAN 40 ORIGINAL ATARI 2600 TITLEs land on the PlayStationPortable

Atari, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATAR), one of the worlds’ most recognized brands and a third-party video game publisher, today announced that Atari Classics Evolved, a large compilation of classic Atari arcade games, has shipped to retailers in North America just in time for the holiday season. Atari Classics Evolved, rated E for Everyone, is available on the PSP (PlayStationPortable) system for a suggested retail price of $19.99.

Atari Classics Evolved features a full gamut of genre-defining classics like Battlezone, Centipede, Millipede, Missile Command, Tempest, Lunar Lander, Super Breakout, Warlord, Asteroids, Asteroids Deluxe and Pong. In addition to the 11 arcade classics, players can unlock more than 40 original Atari 2600 titles. These titles include such noted favorites as Yar’s Revenge, Night Driver, Canyon Bomber and Crystal Castles among many others.

“Gamers today have gotten used to the increasing complexity of video games,” said Todd Slepian, Producer, Atari, Inc. “But it’s always nice to take a break from these monstrous titles and go back to the games that defined our childhoods. With so many fun classic games packed into such a small disc, it’s hard not to crack a little smile for days gone by.”

For true arcade authenticity, all 11 classic arcade titles in Atari Classics Evolved feature their original retro graphics, as well as an option for beautifully rendered “Evolved” graphics and enhanced gameplay. While retaining the tried-and-true gameplay of the original games, the 11 classic arcade titles also feature online leaderboards, allowing players to compare scores against some of the best players in the world. Some games also have local peer-to-peer wireless capability allowing players to compete in fierce local multiplayer matches.

For more information on Atari Classics Evolved, Atari and its entire product line-up please visit www.atari.com.

Urban Rivals massive online collectible card game and online store

Urban Rivals, the massive, online collectible card game is capitalizing on its brand image and universe to launch a range of spin-off products with the opening of its online goody store - http://www.urban-rivals.com/shop/goodies/

From December 20th, fans of Urban Rivals will be able to buy T-shirts, mugs, badges and bags all in the game's colours to show off their love for the game. All Urban Rivals merchandise will include unique designs from the game's in-house design team.

Since its Internet launch in April 2006, Urban Rivals has continued to grow in popularity, first in France and now internationally. Today, with more than one million registered players, Urban Rivals has well and truly established itself as a benchmark for online gaming.