BIONIC COMMANDO® REARMED REPORTS FOR DUTY AS DIGITAL DOWNLOAD

Capcom®, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced Bionic Commando Rearmed™, a makeover of the classic 8-bit game originally released 20 years ago. Bionic Commando Rearmed will be available for digital download from Xbox LIVE® Arcade, PLAYSTATION®Network and PC this spring. This announcement follows the news that Capcom will be releasing an all new next-generation sequel to Bionic Commando® on Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Sony Computer Entertainment’s PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system and PC platforms.

Bionic Commando Rearmed sees a return of the intense 2D side scrolling, shooting and grappling action from the much-loved 1988 Bionic Commando on the original 8-bit Nintendo Entertainment System™. Bionic Commando Rearmed brings the amazing gameplay up to date with stunning new visuals, new weapons, online rankings, a reworked musical score and the addition of a 2-player co-op mode. The title will also provide cross-game interoperability, as completing parts of Bionic Commando Rearmed will unlock new content and provide secret insight into characters and plot of the brand new Bionic Commando sequel coming later in 2008.

“The release of Bionic Commando Rearmed allows us to deliver to fans of the original game a remake they have been clamoring for, while also introducing the series to a whole new audience,” commented Ben Judd, Producer of both the Bionic Commando projects. “And with GRIN taking care of development, we can ensure that there is real consistency across both the Bionic Commando titles.

Bionic Commando Rearmed will contain the following features

•Classic Bionic Commando gameplay focused around the use of the bionic grappling arm
•2-player co-op mode
•Total modern visual revamp, including dynamic shadows, particle effects and environmental damage
•Reworking of musical score
•Cross-game interoperability – complete specific parts of Bionic Commando Rearmed to unlock new content and hints for the •Bionic Commando sequel
•In-game art designed by one of Capcom’s most talented artists, Toshiaki Mori

Eidos and Funcom launch new Age of Conan website

Funcom and Eidos are proud to reveal that a new website for Age of Conan has launched. Conveniently located at www.ageofconan.com, the site gives both new and existing fans an exciting look at the fascinating Age of Conan universe. Filled with several new videos, a selection of some of the best screenshots from the game, popular links and much more, the new site is an entertaining and informative experience for both new and existing fans.

“As an online gaming company we are always focused on improving our online presence, and the launch of the new Age of Conan website is a move we wanted to do prior to launch,” said Morten Larssen, VP of Sales & Marketing in Funcom. “With the new website we have tried to capture the very essence of what the Conan brand is all about, and we hope both fans and newcomers will enjoy it.”

To celebrate the launch of the new website Funcom and Eidos are also releasing a new trailer* showcasing the incredible qualities of the Dreamworld MMO engine. Shown for the first time at the CES convention last week, the new video gives a small peek into what the proprietary Funcom MMO engine is capable of.
Additionally three new teaser web trailers are now available on the site, each one giving a further glimpse into the world of Conan.

Age of Conan is consistently mentioned as one of the most anticipated PC games in development. It has received more than twenty magazine covers and more than fifteen major awards, including numerous "Best MMO of E3" awards and the official "Best Online Game of Show" award at the GC convention 2007. Age of Conan is a key title in Microsoft's Games for Windows line-up, as well as a showcase title for nVidia.

INDEPENDENT DATA REVEALS NINTENDO SALES FOR 2007

Nintendo DS™ and Wii™ finished strong in 2007, commanding sales in the holiday shopping period and finishing the year as the two best-selling video game systems in the United States, according to new data just released by the independent NPD Group. Nintendo DS was the top-selling U.S. system of 2007, with nearly 8.5 million sold, including more than 4 million in November and December alone. Wii placed second, with nearly 6.3 million sold through the year, more than 2.3 million of which sold in the final two months.

"By the end of 2007 we were sold out of virtually all hardware, and much of our stock of software and accessories was sold out as well, thanks to the broad appeal of Wii and Nintendo DS to core gamers, women, families, grandparents – and seemingly everyone in between,"said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of sales & marketing. "And that momentum continues here in the early weeks of 2008."

Some additional facts about Nintendo's 2007 performance in the United States (note: All figures are from NPD):

Nintendo accounted for 52 percent of all video game hardware systems sold in 2007 – more than all other manufacturers combined.

Since their respective launches, Nintendo has sold more than 17.6 million Nintendo DS systems and nearly 7.4 million Wii systems in the United States alone.

Wii Play™, a collection of nine fun mini-games, finished 2007 with 4.1 million units sold.

Super Mario Galaxy™ sold through more than 2.5 million copies since it launched on Nov. 12.

The two games in the Brain Age® series each sold about 1 million copies in 2007.

Half of the top 30 best-selling games of 2007 were made for Nintendo systems, including Pokemon® Pearl, Pokemon® Diamond, Mario Party® DS, Guitar Hero III™: Legends of Rock and Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games™.

Nintendo continues to dominate the hand-held market: Of the top 30 best-selling portable games sold in 2007, 25 were made for Nintendo DS and another two were made for Game Boy® Advance.

Sales of Nintendo DS systems grew 60 percent over those from 2006.

In 2007, the video game industry grew by 43 percent over 2006. Nintendo is responsible for 60 percent of that growth.

Democracy Now Available from Matrix Games!

Matrix Games (www.matrixgames.com), Tri Synergy, Inc. (www.trisynergy.com), and Positech Games (www.positech.co.uk) are thrilled to announce that Democracy is now available for purchase from Matrix Games! As the first release of the 2008 election year, the fully updated version of this political strategy gem is now available for worldwide download.

David Heath, Director of Operations at Matrix Games, said of the release, “This game puts the quote ‘Democracy is the worst form of government except for all those other forms…’ into perspective. Democracy is as addictive as it is realistic as players struggle to keep everyone happy and in the process make everyone angry too!”

Shane Nestler from Tri Synergy also added, “We’re very pleased to be working with Matrix Games in bringing this unique strategy game to digital download. Now gamers looking to snag a copy of Democracy over the internet can use Matrix Games’ safe and reliable system.”

Democracy is an intelligent and sophisticated game that will entertain you, but could also teach you a thing or two about politics as well. You may think that politics is about sticking to your principles no matter what, but in Democracy you'll quickly see just how easy it is to "compromise" those principles to keep your seat in government and how hard it is to balance the conflicting priorities of your constituents.

Democracy starts with you in the role of President (or Prime Minister) of a modern country. Choose from twelve real countries, ranging from the United States to Australia. The object of the game is to stay in power as long as possible while pursuing policies that will turn your country into your definition of a utopia.

As the game progresses, you influence your constituent groups by putting new policies into place, changing existing policies and dealing with new and unexpected dilemmas. There are dozens of different policy areas in several general categories, including Foreign Affairs, Public Services, Taxes, Transport, Welfare and so on. Different voting groups will have very different and often conflicting views as to which policies are desirable. If you make your voters mad enough, in some countries you may even face the threat of revolution or assassination, so watch your step!

Features of Democracy include:

• Plenty of never-before-seen events and dilemmas, some of which may seem similar to recent world events…
  
• Choose from twelve different real-world countries
  
• Manage each turn of government development including policy changes, population agenda, re-election and control of legislature, budget decisions, satisfaction of constituent groups
  
• Over 80 different policy changes, each with an emphasis slider you can create a limitless number of political combinations to push whatever agenda you wish
  

Can you keep your voters happy while keeping the budget balanced? Will you be re-elected or viewed as a one term failure? Play Democracy and find out!

Get more information on Democracy from its official Matrix Games webpage.

Fantasy Wars Ascaron Strength, size and evil spells; or tactics, skill and weaponry: the choice is yours

Battle Of The Century Invades Eolia As Two Ferocious Armies Clash

EOLIA WASHED RED AS ORC AND HUMAN BLOOD IS SPILT

The clash of swords, the chink of metal armour and the cries of the wounded can be heard for miles, echoing around Eolia. The inevitable battle has finally erupted into a horrific clash of humans and orcs fighting for their lives and their territory. Prepare for Fantasy Wars, an exciting new battle strategy game for PC…

Choose brute strength, size and evil spells…
Play as Ugraum Grableg using your extensive and fearless orc army to mercilessly tear through the human opposition. The orcs have physical strength and brute force on their side and grotesque goblins to unite with them, smashing through the human troops. Powerful orc shaman Ash-hoon summons evil spells to inflict nasty impediments upon the human enemy: magic that makes feet rot, and potions to create deadly poisonous venom.

Or choose tactics, skill and weaponry…
Play as Derrick Pfeil, the leader of the skilled human army. Feel the ground tremble as your archers take down orcs from a safe distance and hear swordsman roar as they slice through hideous goblins. Flying war eagles circle above, making unsuspected attacks on the enemy below. Noble mage Alfred Brennock can also conjure up spells to freeze the orcs, whilst his Wizard Eye spell spots enemies from afar, useful in the surrounding mountainous terrain where enemies lurk.

Unlock the Alliance!
After battling your way to complete both the orc and human campaigns, the option to play as either elves or dwarves is now unlocked. The elves and dwarves are independent and pacifist races that ally when needed to fight a common danger. Play as Teya Essente, the renowned elven sorceress, or take charge of the dwarf clan, through the small but mighty Dwarnrock.

Fantasy Wars is a turn based battle strategy game for PC from Ascaron Entertainment. Take on campaigns or missions as either the humans or orcs, later unlocking the elf army. Complete set tasks to win your mission, defeating the opposing enemy. The faster you complete missions, the higher your score.

www.fantasywars-thegame.com

Michael Rosenbaum Lends Voice Talent to D3Publisher of America's Highly Anticipated Next-Gen Title Dark Sector

LOS ANGELES-D3Publisher of America, Inc. (D3PA), today announced that Michael Rosenbaum, an award-winning Hollywood actor known best to audiences as Lex Luthor on television’s “Smallville,” will voice the main character in Dark Sector™, an original action-thriller offering heart-pounding action, incredible superpowers and a compelling story for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. Rosenbaum will bring to life the character of Hayden Tenno, a cold-blooded, ruthless killer who awakens after an attack with an infection that has granted him inhuman abilities. Through the storyline and Rosenbaum’s voice over, players will experience Hayden’s transformation into something more than he was, his fight against the powers taking over his body and his evolution as he becomes a hero. Dark Sector is slated to ship to retail stores in North America this spring 2008.

“We are thrilled to work with Mr. Rosenbaum on Dark Sector,” said Peter Andrew, vice president of product development, D3PA. “His experience in portraying tormented characters on-screen translates incredibly well to the tortured character of Hayden Tenno in Dark Sector, a true anti-hero who makes no excuses for his actions. The combination of his voice talent and the compelling storyline of Dark Sector will offer a truly immersive experience for players.”

Developed by acclaimed developer Digital Extremes, co-creators behind the award-winning Epic Game’s Unreal franchise, Dark Sector thrusts players into the role of Hayden Tenno, an elite black-ops agent sent on a dangerous mission into a decaying Eastern European city that hides a deadly Cold War secret. Attacked by an unknown enemy, he awakens to find part of his body altered by an infection that has granted him inhuman abilities; now he must learn to evolve along with his powers, to survive and to become a hero. A dark, gritty experience packed with fast action, incredible superpowers and an engaging story; Dark Sector represents the next evolution of gaming.

Dark Sector is rated “M” (Mature – blood, gore, intense violence and strong language) by the ESRB. For more information about Dark Sector, please visit the game’s official website at www.darksector.com.

Rosenbaum’s acting credits span a decade and include his current work on The CW action series “Smallville” as the tormented and dysfunctional Lex Luthor. He is also known for his roles in feature films including Cursed (2005), Bringing Down the House (2003), Poolhall Junkies (2002), Sorority Boys (2002), Sweet November (2001), Urban Legend (1998) and Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (1997) as well as roles in television and theater.

Toy Shop video game For The Nintendo DS

Turn the fledgling family toy store into a toy business empire! That’s the premise behind Toy Shop, an exciting new simulation for the Nintendo DS announced today by Majesco Entertainment Company, an innovative provider of video games for the mass market. Developed by Gameinvest, Toy Shop puts players at the helm of a struggling toy shop where they’ll need to create fun toys that sell while managing store inventory, customers and budget.

“The concept for this unique simulation is like Santa’s workshop meets retail tycoon,” said John Merchant, Marketing Manager, Majesco Europe. “Toy Shop combines creative toy-making with overall store management to give players insight into the challenging, yet rewarding, business of fun. We believe Toy Shop has the same type of appeal as successful casual games like Cooking Mama and Cake Mania.”

In Toy Shop, players can choose their style of play—whether it’s assuming full control of all aspects of the family toy business or just making toys to sell in the store. As the business grows, seasonal holidays will attract new customers that will in turn help the business grow and unlock additional store locations. A true hands-on management approach is the key to success as players use the stylus to make toys, adjust prices, manage merchandising and review customer habits that affect buying patterns. An unhappy customer just might spread the word and compromise your reputation so service is a critical component to the burgeoning business. Shop owners can create more than 30 toys for the store, including teddy bears, action figures and board games, and a tutorial helps future entrepreneurs learn the ropes of the business.

Biting Bit presents MicroMonster: The first Mobile Multiplayer Game for Bluetooth® and mobile Internet!

Multiplayer gaming anytime and anywhere is easy, fun and possible with java-enabled mobile phones. What’s missing are great games to exhaust the opportunities. MicroMonster comes to change that! The multiplayer combat role-playing game brings new impulses to the mobile market with many fascinating characters, an attractive long-time game play and massive connectivity.

MicroMonster is ready for the mobile world. The new real-time multiplayer role-playing game comes with fine graphics and action loaded game play ideas. The fresh game uses a fair payment model instead of subscription fees.

All gamers who enjoy diving into a world of fantasy and imagination can pick their MicroMonster from many different characters in the online bestiary. No matter whether Assassin, Blade Warrior, Gorok, Cyborg, Psionic or others: every MicroMonster has its unique advantages and talents to be revealed in real-time fights against other warriors.

Multiply connected
As the first game, MicroMonster can be played by Bluetooth® and mobile Internet (online) connection. Online gaming enables players to find and meet friends all over the world. The Bluetooth® connection is best for short distance playing. So a classroom match does not seem too far away.

Play and fight: Mobile against mobile!
It’s all about fighting. The players have a whole world in their pockets always available for a fresh kick and fight against numerous real opponents. Just entering the arena will fetch all present fighters. The multiplayer modus allows gaming online and by Bluetooth®. When a courageous opponent agrees both players will give their best in a breathtaking fight.

Every won fight increases the skills of the MicroMonster. It will level up and enable the player to get more and better equipment. The countless equipment items, like magical artefacts, weapons, armours and even other MicroMonster characters can be bought and downloaded directly in the online shop of the game for immediate use.

Reidar Hörning, the executive game designer of the publishing company Biting Bit GmbH puts it this way: "We don’t request monthly subscription fees or fees like play-per-game but finance the game only by offering more MicroMonster characters and gaming equipment. We consider this a very fair model for the players benefit. This way the game can be played just for fun and without permanent fees."

Fighting in single and multiplayer modus
MicroMonster offers many great functions in the multiplayer modus. The monster can level up and be saved to reach the highest rank - the Emperor. Many real time opponents are available via the mobile Internet or Bluetooth® connection and a chat connects the players even more.

Additionally a single player modus does not require a mobile Internet connection. This modus allows the players to plan the strategies, train their monsters and fight quests to receive excellent rewards. Of course the player might then go online again to visit the merchant’s shop for purchasing and downloading new artefacts, weapons and armours. Saving the MicroMonster’s rank will show the status of the monster to the entire community live on the website.

PDC DARTS 2008 – VIRTUAL CHAMPIONS SHOW OFF NEW FEATURES

See for yourself; new World Champion Part in action and Barney and Taylor go head-to-head.

PDC Darts 2008 for PlayStation 2 and PC will be hitting the shelves on 25th Jan, and Oxygen Games are pleased to unveil two gameplay movies to demonstrate the enhancements in PDC Darts 2008. Starring new World Champion John Part, his semi-final rival Kevin Painter, and long-time adversaries Phil Taylor and Raymond Van Barneveld, the movies reveal:

All new engine for enhanced throwing physics, meaning darts now move more like real life than ever before - see them flutter through the air and stack as on a real board.
PDC Pro animations - throw styles and walk ons - have been mo-capped and are fully integrated.
All new graphic enhancements – player improvements and real-world sets and tournament locations, based on the locations from the PDC calendar.
Enhanced audio including calling, commentary, convincing dynamic crowd sounds, and darts atmospherics.
Additional New Features for PlayStation2 and PC include:

Enhanced A.I - player AI is calculated using real life averages from major tournaments and also based on actual playing characteristics i.e. stamina, belief, pressure, complacency and accuracy.
Improved and indepth career mode, realistically reflecting a player’s progress through the PDC calendar, featuring 7 of the major PDC tournaments each season.
Three difficulty levels for extended play and learning curves; Amateur, Professional and Master.
6 additional PDC professionals; Roland Scholten, Ronnie Baxter, Terry Jenkins, Kevin Painter, Andy Hamilton and Andy Jenkins, join original stars: Phil Taylor, Raymond van Barneveld, Peter Manley, Wayne Mardle, Dennis Priestley, Adrian Lewis, Alan Warriner-Little, John Part, Colin Lloyd and Mark Dudbridge.
All new character editor, supplying a greater range of options to customize your pro. Elements include male and female character models, skin tone, eye colour, nationality, name, hairstyle, hair colour, eyewear, shirt style and colour, throwing angle, level of difficulty and preferred checkout. As well as options for dart barrel weights and flight designs.
Compatible with USB PC gamepad.

EA - THE SIMS 2 FREETIME EXPANSION PACK for PC

Your Sims Can Now Explore All-New Activities, Hobbies and Cool Careers to Enrich Their Lives

Electronic Arts today announced the newest expansion pack from The Sims Label, The Sims 2 FreeTime. This expansion pack offers your Sims a full suite of all-new activities and hobbies to enrich their lives. Your Sims can build their skills and enhance friendships by exploring new pursuits based on their personal interests, helping them live life to the fullest.

“Players of The Sims love to bring stories to life by exploring new and wonderful areas of their Sims’ existence,” said Rod Humble, Head of The Sims Studio. “Now with The Sims 2 FreeTime, your Sims can explore a range of interests to discover new fun and appealing life options and diversions. Realizing these all-new talents adds depth, humour and appreciation for the moments that make life entertaining.”

It’s all about fun, personal development for your Sims in The Sims 2 FreeTime. Sims can follow their individual interests, whether it’s immersing themselves in books, becoming an award-winning foodie, flying a remote-controlled helicopter or playing the violin. Gifted mechanics can repair and then drive their newly-renovated sports cars. Sims can rake in oodles of Simoelons with skilfully crafted pottery or by writing a mesmerising novel.

Cool careers bring happiness and fulfilment to your Sims and your storytelling opportunities expand. New cool career options await, including oceanography, architecture, and entertainment. Now by honing their talents, your Sims can unlock a secondary aspiration making them even more unique.

Key Features:

• New Gameplay Elements Tied to Hobbies. Your Sims can discover the activities that they’re most passionate about! Sims can now participate in contests to win prizes and Simoleons, or they can master interests, practice and improve their skills, and get in “the zone!” Your Sims can enrich their lives by creating items to use or sell, like pottery or cars. These new hobbies can strengthen friendships and uncover secret lots.

• New Lifetime Aspiration Meter. Your Sims can measure the progress of their aspirations over a lifetime and unlock special rewards and interactions!

• Five New Career Tracks and their Reward Objects. Oceanographers can earn a koi pond, entertainers can get their own star of fame, architects can use their own drafting table, dancers can receive a ballet barre and intelligence agents can use an audio augmenter earpiece.

• All New Objects and Outfits. The Sims 2 FreeTime introduces brand new items, including a basketball hoop, pottery wheel, toddler activity table, modular synthesizer, hobby train table and much more. Your Sims can also have new outfits to match their hobbies and activities, including a special outfit that was designed and created by a player of The Sims 2 that will be produced by H&M.


Requires The Sims 2, The Sims 2 Special DVD Edition , The Sims 2 Holiday Edition or The Sims 2 Deluxe for PC to play.