Arctic Stud Poker Run - high speeds, and high explosives

Action-packed "full-contact poker" game with high stakes, high speeds, and high explosives goes all in this March

Got Game Entertainment LLC today announced a North American publishing deal for “Arctic Stud Poker Run”, an arcade-style combat racing game for the PC with a revolutionary multi-player battle experience. Developed by Game Refuge, the veteran arcade team behind “Rampage World Tour” and “General Chaos”, “Arctic Stud Poker Run” is a decidedly irreverent, over-the-top reinvention of real-life cross-country "poker runs" in which players race from place to place picking up playing cards in an effort to assemble a winning hand. The action-packed “full contact poker” game includes everything from heat-seeking missiles and dynamite-filled snowmen to spell-casting goblins and bullet-proof long-johns. “Arctic Stud Poker Run” is scheduled for release March 2008 and will retail for $19.99 (USD). The game is not yet rated by the ESRB.

“Some have described ‘Arctic Stud Poker Run’ as ‘Twisted Metal’-meets-Texas Hold ‘Em, while others find it a thinking-man's free-for-all with gambling principals to add strategy, depth, and nuance to an otherwise mindless genre,” said Game Refuge CEO Brian Colin. “We just call it flat-out fun.”

“Arctic Stud Poker Run” allows players to employ trickery, intimidation, bravado, deceit, speed, stealth, and brute force to bankrupt their opponents and win. In this “friendly” game of cards, players can use high-powered vehicles to rush out and grab any card they see, engage machine guns, dynamite, and heat-seeking-missiles to steal opponent's cards, and put a "bounty" on the head of troublesome adversaries. “Arctic Stud Poker Run” features include:

• Single player, multiplayer, and tournament elimination modes
  
• 37 unique, playable characters
  
• 126 levels spanning 81 square miles in 9 environments
  
• Players with varying skill sets compete effectively
  
• Cash-based tournament scoring
  
• Player-to-player bounty system allows alliance formation
  
• “Big Hand Possible” feature advises the best available hands before the round begins
  
• “Auto Card Swap” feature alleviates the need for advance poker knowledge
  

“No gentle taps on green felt and quiet tinkling of cocktail glasses in this poker game,” said Got Game Entertainment President Howard Horowitz. “’Arctic Stud Poker Run’ doesn’t just up the game ante, it chases it down and explodes it.”

For more information, visit www.ArcticStudPokerRun.com.

Vote For Your Favourite Game Of 2007 At GAME.co.uk

Gamers are being given the chance to vote for their favourite game of 2007 in the GAME.co.uk Awards 2007. Devised to recognise and celebrate the very greatest in gaming from the last year, the People’s Choice Award gives the public an opportunity to choose from a shortlist what they feel is the best game of the year.

The awards by online games retailer, GAME.co.uk, will see popular titles such as Super Mario Galaxy, Halo 3 and FIFA 08 fight it out to see who takes the 2007 People’s Choice crown. Last year’s winner, Gears of War scooped a massive 28% of the votes and was also honoured with the title of Multiplayer Game of the Year.

Other categories this year include Best Portable Game, Best Multiplayer Game, Best Hardware and many more which have been chosen by an in-house panel.

Alex Croft, Managing Director for GAME Group’s Online Business said, “The awards offer gamers a chance to be heard on what they think is the best game for 2007. Last year’s awards attracted thousands of voters keen to voice their opinion, giving a real insight into what our customers are playing and essentially helping to shape the gaming landscape for forthcoming titles.”

Gamers can vote for their favourite game at www.game.co.uk/awards and voting is open until 11.30pm on Thursday 17th January, with the winner announced on Friday 18th January 08.

Short listed games are:

• Super Mario Galaxy (Wii)
  
• Final Fantasy XII (Various)
  
• Resident Evil 4 – Wii Edition (Wii)
  
• Tiger Woods 08 (Various)
  
• Football Manager 2008 (Various)
  
• Mass Effect (Xbox 360)
  
• Assassin’s Creed (Various)
  
• Need for Speed: ProStreet (Various)
  
• Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (Various)
  
• Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune (PS3)
  
• God of War II (PS2)
  
• Tomb Raider: Anniversary (Various)
  
• Forza Motorsport 2 (Xbox 360)
  
• Project Gotham Racing 4 (Xbox 360)
  
• The Darkness (Various)
  
• John Woo Presents Stranglehold (Various)
  
• Virtua Tennis 3 (Various)
  
• Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree (Wii)
  
• Rainbow Six Vegas (Various)
  
• Guitar Hero III (Various)
  
• Pokemon Diamond / Pearl (DS)
  
• Singstar PS3 (PS3)
  
• Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 (Various)
  
• FIFA 08 (Various)
  
• Super Paper Mario (Wii)
  
• Mario Vs Sonic at the Olympics (Wii)
  
• Enemy Territory: Quake Wars (Various)
  
• Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions (PSP)
  
• The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass (DS)
  
• Half-Life 2: The Orange Box (Various)
  
• Metroid Prime III: Corruption (Wii)
  
• Okami (PS2)
  
• The Simpsons Game (Various)
  
• Skate (Various)
  
• More Brain Training By Dr. Kawashima (DS)
  
• WWE SmackDown Vs. Raw 2008 (Various)
  
• LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga (various)
  
• Crysis (PC)
  
• Cooking Mama (various)
  
• Wario Ware: Smooth Moves (Wii)
  
• World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade (PC)
  
• Halo 3 (Xbox 360)
  
• Bioshock (Xbox 360)
  

Ubisoft - Soulcalibur IV + Soulcalibur Legends to arrive in Europe this Summer

Soulcalibur IV and Soulcalibur Legends to Hit the Stores in Summer 08

Ubisoft, one of the world’s largest video game publishers, today announced that it entered into an agreement with NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe SAS to distribute Soulcalibur IV on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system, and Soulcalibur Legends exclusively on Wii. Both games will hit stores across Europe and other PAL territories in summer 2008.

Soulcalibur IV is the latest iteration of the world renowned melee-based fighting series. Delivering new gameplay modes, characters and enhanced features with groundbreaking 3D modeling and animation, Soulcalibur IV will be the definitive fighting game experience. Soulcalibur IV also provides unprecedented character customization possibilities and the eagerly expected online battle mode.
As part of a monumental collaboration between NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. and LucasArts, the Sith Lord Darth Vader will appear as a guest character in the PLAYSTATION 3 system version of the title, and Jedi Master Yoda will be available for the Xbox 360.

Soulcalibur Legends™ thrusts the players into a third person action adventure and takes a unique approach to the series by truly utilizing the Nintendo Wii Remote and Nunchuk.

Beijing 2008 - Official Video Game Of The Olympic Games on PC PS3 XBox 360

SEGA® Corporation today announced an exclusive partnership with International Sports Multimedia (ISM), exclusive licensee of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to develop Beijing 2008™ - the Official Video Game of the Olympic Games. The game is being developed by Eurocom Entertainment Software for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system, the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, and for PC. The online functionality of all of these platforms will ensure that for the very first time, fans of the Olympic Games will be able to experience the thrill of competing against other gamers across the globe in the world’s greatest sporting event. Beijing 2008 – The Official Mobile Phone Game of the Olympic Games™ is also in the works and will be available summer 2008.

Beijing 2008™ will be an authentic simulation of over 35 events from the upcoming Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and will allow gamers to experience the thrill of competing in many of the official venues ranging from the famous Beijing National Stadium (the “Bird Nest”) to the National Aquatics Centre (the “Water Cube”).

In addition, Beijing 2008™ will incorporate innovative control schemes that allow novice gamers to learn how to play the game, while providing experienced gamers the chance to set new records. Superb online gameplay, and a variety of game modes never seen in an official video game of the Olympic Games before, Beijing 2008™ will be the new benchmark for the sporting genre and truly allow gamers to experience the “Olympic Spirit”.

“Beijing 2008™ will set a new standard for sports games in this genre.” commented Hugh Binns, Director of Eurocom Development Ltd., developers of Beijing 2008™. “With a huge number of events, innovative control schemes to benefit new and experienced gamers, online multiplayer modes providing hours of entertainment and stunning high definition graphics, Beijing 2008™ will be a fantastic experience.”

“After the successful launch of Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games™, we are delighted to announce the official video game of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games,” stated Gary Knight, Marketing Director of SEGA Europe Ltd. “Combining an enjoyable game with a truly global sporting license will provide a fantastic sports game experience for gamers everywhere”.

“Extending our relationship with SEGA to include the Official Video Game of Beijing 2008 strengthens the opportunity to build upon the success of the children’s character game, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games. We feel certain that SEGA will further the success of Athens 2004™, thereby delivering what will be an outstanding, quality gaming experience”, stated Raymond Goldsmith, Chairman & CEO of ISM.

Boasting over 35 events, an authentic look and feel, superb online gameplay, brand new control schemes, and a variety of game modes never seen in an official video game of the Olympic Games before, Beijing 2008™ will be the new benchmark for the sporting genre and truly allow gamers to experience the “Olympic Spirit”.

Beijing 2008™ for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC is set for release in the summer of 2008. Further information relating to the content of the game will be available over the coming months from the official website of the game – www.olympicvideogames.com.

Pacific Storm: Allies - Naval Ships Overview Available

cdv Software Entertainment USA is inviting armchair admirals to visit the official Pacific Storm: Allies site today, as they have released a new downloadable overview of some of the major naval vessels that will be featured in the game. The overview contains descriptions and renders of key vessels from the game, including the Gato Class submarine, the Akagi aircraft carrier and many more. Pacific Storm: Allies, the latest in the Pacific Storm series of WWII combination action and strategy games, will begin shipping to North American retail on January 21. For more information about Pacific Storm: Allies, please visit http://pacificstorm.cdvus.com.

Download the overview from: http://pacificstorm.cdvus.com

Pacific Storm: Allies is the latest title in the Pacific Storm series of WWII Pacific theater games which combine real-time strategy, resource management and exciting, in-your-face combat action. In Pacific Storm: Allies, players jump into the thick of battle, playing as the United States, Japan, and a new playable nation - the United Kingdom. Allied nations, including the Netherlands, Germany and Russia, offer a new level of diplomacy and resource management to the game. An updated graphics engine brings to life new aircraft, naval ships and landscapes, showcasing them in lush, vivid detail.

As with the original Pacific Storm, Allies offers something for everyone - armchair admirals can take command of massive fleets from a sweeping strategic perspective, while the action fan can jump into the cockpit to battle it out in the skies, or man deck guns to turn enemy ships into smoking hulks.

Whisper Max offers serious Xbox 360 anti-RRoD protection – provides up to 240x more cooling power

Building on the success of the original Talismoon Whisper fan which third party tests indicate is quieter by three decibels and can move air at 17 cubic feet per minute quicker than the original Xbox 360™ fans* comes the… Whisper Max! The new Whisper Max is a deluxe version of the highly regarded Talismoon Whisper fan but with new uniquely engineered features that will provide Xbox 360 ™ cooling far better than any other competing product on the market. Whisper Max achieves its unparalleled cooling achievements due to the following key factors:

Nitro Mode – In the flick of a switch, the Whisper Max fan can run with up to 240% more power. Without a doubt, all users will experience very significant cooling using the Nitro mode. This mode is ideal for long gaming sessions. Moreover, those who wish to have a quieter experience for watching a movie or conducting other less intensive tasks can just switch back to the original mode. This will provide more than adequate cooling and greater noise reduction.

Quality – The Whisper Max is a ball bearing fan providing a quieter and longer life. This construction provides advantages over sleeve bearing based fans which can potentially wear out sooner and become noisier as they age.

Lighting – Not only will the Xbox 360 become physically much cooler with the Whisper Max, but will actually aesthetically look very cool too. When the Whisper Max installed, the user can select between blue, green or red lights or opt not to select any at all. Moreover, if all the mentioned colours are a bit too common, users could in future use just about any other LED including white, UV, orange or anything which captures their imagination.

Essentially, the Whisper Max is a direct replacement fan for the Xbox 360 which offers far superior (refer to internal CPU, GPU test graph) and reliable cooling with a touch of aesthetic class. The whole package includes everything you need (even includes 2 small heatsinks to help lower the overall temperature) and is fully compatible with the original Xbox 360 and Xbox 360 Elite.

See it in action: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOzsVniZKY0

THEY - mystery first person shooter on PC PS3 XBox360

While other companies are easing gently into the New Year, NVIDIA has started 2008 with a bang by signing an exciting new title to its developer relations program. THEY, a mystery first person shooter from the Warsaw based developer Metropolis Software and the German full service provider IMC has joined NVIDIA’s The way it’s meant to be played™ program after only ten months of development. The developer relations team at NVIDIA have had their eye on the project since August 2007 and, although THEY is not due for release until 2009, its innovative technical and gameplay features mean the title has already become part of this prestigious program.

Phil Wright, Head of Content Business Development EMEAI of NVIDIA: „Our content development team constantly research the development community for new and innovative titles and THEY has been on our radar for some time. This is one of the earliest points in the development cycle that a game has joined NVIDIA’s The way it’s meant to be played™ program, which gives you an idea of how excited we are about its potential. Even in this short time IMC and Metropolis have demonstrated proof of a professional approach and a trendsetting concept for the future. We are happy to have signed this title, which is already promising great things at such an early stage. THEY will be a real highlight for our new and upcoming graphics boards.“

Cologne based service provider IMC, InteractiveMediaConsulting GmbH and the Polish development team Metropolis Software SP. z o. o. joined forces in April 2007, to produce a top title for the games market with a totally new approach. With a coherent concept, interesting gameplay features and high end graphics (DX 10 ready) the Polish-German production is currently being evaluated by leading publishers for a world wide release in 2009 on PC and next generation consoles. The early deal with NVIDIA allows the developer to be excited and focused. IMC’s Head of Communication Ingo Horn: „We are happy to join the exclusive circle of TWIMTBP developers. NVIDIA’s trust in a European product paid off our efforts and long hours during the development of a top title in the overcrowded market of FPS games. NVIDIA’s tech support will further enhance the technical aspects of THEY, so we are able to release a triple A mystery FPS in 2009, which will present future gamers with the best graphics boards of tomorrow!“

PDC DARTS - on Wii and PS2 - PC demo is available to download

In-store dates for the PS2 & PC are set and the PC demo is available to download

Oxygen Games is pleased to confirm in-store dates for PDC World Championship Darts 2008 on PlayStation 2 and PC. Shipping now, both the PS2 and PC will be hitting shelves on 25th Jan. The Wii version follows closely behind, having gone gold and set to hit shelves in mid Feb 2008.

PDC Darts 2008, available on PlayStation®2, PC and for the first time ever on Wii™, challenges players to go head-to-head with the greatest PDC Champions and be part of the year’s most fierce console Championship. For a pre-release chance to take part, download the PC Demo, starring PDC Champions Phil Taylor and Raymond Van Barneveld, from: www.oxygendownloads.com/PDC2008PR/PDCWCD_2008_PCDEMO.zip

About PDC World Championship Darts 2008

Starring even more PDC Champions, a full line up of electrifying tournaments, exceptional graphic enhancements, even more play modes and now on the Wii - PDC World Championship Darts is back for 2008. Calling on darts, sports and Nintendo Wii fans PDC World Championship Darts 2008 is bringing the spectacle and excitement of the nation’s best loved sport to your home.

PDC World Championship Darts 2008 - Pure excitement, Pure pressure, Pure Darts - Game On!

Lost Odyssey Microsoft XBox 360 Fact Sheet

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.
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."

MapleStory Europe unleashes new MMORPG quests for 2008

Brand new character jobs and a huge new map to explore as Nexon's popular and free to play MMORPG, MapleStory Europe, gets set for an action-packed 2008.

Hugely popular and free to play MMORPG, MapleStory Europe, is set to start 2008 with a bang, courtesy of an explosion of amazing new content. As part of its ongoing expansion of MapleStory Europe, world-leading online game development company NEXON Europe is pleased to announce the introduction of an extensive new play area based on the city of Singapore, as well as the highly anticipated launch of the game’s third-tier of job advancement.

Arriving on January 17th, MapleStory Europe’s Singapore map is a lavish new area for players to explore, filled with memorable new characters, exciting new quests to complete and fearsome new monsters to battle. Based on the breathtaking Southeast Asian city of the same name, MapleStory Europe’s version of Singapore features both a modern, urban business district as well as a more laid-back quayside to explore. To access the new map players must find Irene the Ticket Usher in Kerning City and buy a plane ticket from her. This sends players direct to MapleStory Europe’s Singapore airport, where all the latest MapleStory action begins, via a ‘unique’ private jet flight that’s sure to raise a smile.

Following the addition of the Singapore map, February sees the launch of the third tier of job advancements in MapleStory Europe. Characters who have reached level 70 or beyond will now be able to choose a brand new job for their character based on their previous profession. There are ten new third tier jobs in all, including White Knight, Priest, Ranger and Chief Bandit, and over 65 new skills to master, ranging from devastating physical attacks such as Armour Crash, to powerful monster summoning spells.

“2008 promises to be a huge year for MapleStory Europe as we continue its rapid expansion,” said Calvin Yoo, Director of International Business Development at NEXON Europe. “We’re adding a huge amount of exciting and entertaining new content to the game with the introduction of the Singapore map, not to mention the launch of the third job tier in MapleStory Europe following the huge amount of demand we’ve had for it from high-level players. Committed and new players alike can be certain of many happy hours of MapleStory Europe fun now, throughout the rest 2008 and beyond.”

MapleStory originally launched in South Korea in April 2003 and quickly went on to become one of the most successful online games of all time, with over 76million registered accounts across the world. MapleStory Europe, which launched in May 2007, is the latest iteration of the completely free to play franchise, and offers gamers in Europe the chance to play MapleStory in five different languages – English, French, German, Spanish and Dutch.

For further information on MapleStory Europe, and to sign-up to the game please visit www.mapleeurope.com.