Rockstar Games Grand Theft Auto IV release date and website for PS3 and XBox360

Next-generation Console Debut of the Grand Theft Auto Franchise Set for April 29, 2008

Rockstar Games, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, is proud to announce the release date for Grand Theft Auto IV, the new title in the genre-defining Grand Theft Auto franchise. Developed by Rockstar North, Grand Theft Auto IV will be simultaneously available for Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and will be in stores worldwide on April 29, 2008.

"We are so excited to be releasing Grand Theft Auto IV," said Sam Houser, Founder and Executive Producer of Rockstar Games. "We've pushed ourselves very hard to make something incredible and hope the game sets a new benchmark for interactive entertainment."

For more information, log onto http://www.rockstargames.com/IV

SUNAGE PC video game Shipping in Canada and US

Leading publisher Lighthouse Interactive and developer Vertex4 today announced that the highly anticipated North American version of their dynamic sci-fi real-time strategy game SunAge has gone gold and will begin shipping to major retail stores across Canada and the US on January 28, 2008. A bilingual French/English version will be released in Canada for Francophone fans. SunAge is an energetic RTS game that offers a unique experience, bringing modern innovation to the isometric style of real-time strategy. This PC CD-ROM game is Windows Vista compatible.

Erik Schreuder, CEO of Lighthouse Interactive said, “We are proud to bring SunAge to RTS fans across North America. This version includes upgrades and enhancements that were not included in the European releases. SunAge brings a mature and refreshing new take on the RTS genre and introduces some great new features that will appeal to many strategy fans. We’re thrilled to see that SunAge lives up to its promise.”

“SunAge has been a labor of love. The forums have been very active with a lot of positive feedback from fans in the UK, Scandinavia, Benelux and Italy, who have been playing the game since its European release in November 2007. We’re excited to finally bring SunAge to fellow RTS fans in Canada and the US,” said Roman Pfneudl, CEO of Vertex4. “The game has become so much more than I anticipated and we think SunAge has a lot to offer gamers who love to play real-time strategy games as much as we do. We look forward to hearing their feedback and will continue to support the game.”

SunAge is the modern day answer for RTS fans who want the best possible overview on their troops, while trying to outsmart opponents in frantic battles where strategy and tactics are more important than ever. If you are a core real-time strategy gamer, SunAge is for you!

GAME SUMMARY

Earth is a desolate wasteland destroyed by the radiation and heat of the sun. Humankind, known as the Dome Confederacy, have been forced to retreat into shielded cities enduring constant attacks by the Raak-zun cult; a sect of religious outcasts who live outside the dome. An age long war has ensued as both races battle for the limited resources of the dying planet. Amidst the havoc, the gateway to a bold new planet is unlocked. Hope is on the horizon, but this Mecca is teeming with lethal Sentinel drones who will not hesitate to annihilate any life form that gets in their way.

FEATURES

• 3 Distinct Races - Human, Raak-zun and Sentinel - each with their own units, buildings, technological advantages and disadvantages.
• Unique Upgrades - Alternate modes can be researched for all units, unlocking dual functionality for greater tactical depth.
• Graphics - Stunning sci-fi environments from vast industrial cities and devastated wastelands, to a lush alien planet. While displaying rich graphical environments and visual effects, SunAge is very playable on lower spec PC’s and laptops.
• Tactical Landscape - All units and their alternate modes are crucial to the overall strategy. Exploit weaknesses in the enemy’s network while strengthening your own connection lines.
• Formations - Squad concept combined with long distance camera views allows a large number of units to be fighting onscreen with a clear overview of the battle ground.
• Singleplayer - 25 campaign maps with compelling plots for each race.
• Multiplayer - LAN and Online – Classic multiplayer with focus on gathering 4 different kinds of resources and outsmarting the opponent in battle. 10 maps created uniquely for multiplayer mode. • Command Queuing - Command your units to prone, build or attack where you want them and when you want them to do so.
• Indirect Intelligent Targeting (IIT) - Order your units to focus on pre-selected targets.

MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

OS: Windows 2000 / XP / Vista
CPU: 1.2 GHz Intel Pentium III or equivalent AMD Athlon processor
RAM: 512 MB (1 GB recommended for Windows Vista)
Video Card: 128 MB 3D accelerated video card
PC CD-ROM: 4x (or PC DVD-ROM drive)
Sound: DirectSound compatible (Sound Blaster X-Fi series sound card recommended)
Available Hard Disk Space: 1 GB
DirectX: 9.0c compatible
Other: Mouse, Keyboard and Speakers
Multiplayer: LAN or 56K (or faster) Internet Connection

Mount & Blade PC action role-playing video game gears up for release - download link...

Paradox Interactive announced today great news for all fans of medieval combat title Mount & Blade. After several years in BETA, the game is close to completion and scheduled for a worldwide release during Q2, 2008.

Mount&Blade is a single-player, third- or first-person action/role-playing game with a focus on medieval combat. Developed by the Turkish development house TaleWorlds Entertainment, the BETA version of the game has received acclaim worldwide by gamers impressed by everything from the realistic horseback combat to the sandbox gameplay. The latter enables players to roam the map freely in a medieval world that offers options ranging from hunting down bandits, trading for profit in the game's deep economical system and becoming a commander and taking part in the wars ultimately becoming a great lord of the realm.

"We believe Mount & Blade could be a genre defining title and we are thrilled to be working with TaleWorlds Entertainment to bring the game to a worldwide audience, said Fredrik Wester, Executive Vice President of Paradox Interactive. "In BETA, the title has already garnered much deserved attention and excitement in the gaming community and this will be a release to look forward to."

"Paradox Interactive has reached great success because they know their market and understand gamers, which is the main reason we chose to partner with them for this significant release, said Armagan Yavuz, Co- Founder and lead programmer of TaleWorlds Entertainment. "Our vision for Mount & Blade has been an ambitious one and now that we are so close to completion, we can't wait to invite gamers into the world we have created".

The BETA version of Mount & Blade can be downloaded from GamersGate.

Battleground Civil War PC video game Updated

This classic turn-based strategy title just got even better

Matrix Games (www.matrixgames.com) is happy to announce that a short but sweet update is now available for the best-selling turn-based American Civil War battlefield series, John Tiller’s Battleground Civil War. The update fixes an issue where a few Bull Run and Antietam scenarios were not showing up in the scenario selection window.

Relive the splendor and excitement of John Tiller’s classic Civil War games in this updated compilation, John Tiller’s Battleground Civil War, which has been updated by John Tiller himself to work on all Windows operating systems from Windows 98 up to and including Windows Vista. Included in this compilation are the original titles that gave the Battleground battle system the fame that has endured over years and years of play. Gamers can refight famous battles like Shiloh, Antietam, Bull Run, and Gettysburg with the fantastic realism and intuitive interface fans of John Tiller’s gaming systems have come to rely on. This comprehensive collection offers long-lasting play with many variant historical and what-if scenarios as well as smaller related battles.

Take command of the mighty armies of these eras; enjoy the time-tested interface and turn-based game mechanics that made John Tiller’s original game designs famous. With the choice of 2D or 3D battlefield views, dozens of scenarios and more historical information then can be found in most public libraries; John Tiller’s Battleground Civil War reintroduces gamers to some of the best 19th century wargames ever made!

There’s no time to delay, soldier! Fall in and prepare to charge across the Battlegrounds of the Civil War!

Get more information on John Tiller’s Battleground Civil War from its official Matrix Games webpage. This update is comprehensive and will bring the version of the game up to 1.01.

MAGI - the indie game about wizard duels goes "deluxe" Free download

MAGI - an original strategy game about wizard duels has just been released in a much improved version.

MAGI is an unique strategy/RPG game in which the player takes a role of a dueling mage and engages into series of magical battles. The game cleverly mixes elements of strategy and RPG with almost arcade-like action. "If you would cross Magic: the Gathering with Mortal Kombat, you would get something close to what MAGI is" says Tom Grochowiak, the game's creator.

The new release brings many changes. Virtually every aspect of the game was reworked or improved. "It was hard work. But when I finally released the new version, I realised it's closer to an actual sequel than to your typical patch" Tom admits proudly.

MAGI was first released on March 21, 2007. Since then it underwent many changes and several updates. The game's fresh idea and solid balance were warmly received by both players and indie game reviewers.

Official website with more information, demo download and screenshots:
http://www.getmagi.com

Codemasters Online Reveal New Dungeons & Dragons Online Module 6 Download

Narrated by Kate Paiz (Senior Producer). The video contains details of the forthcoming game update module 6. Since it's launch in Feb '05 the game has now doubled in size in terms of in-game content! The 10 day free trial for DDO is available now at www.ddo-europe.com

New Ouster Race download for Darkeden

Joymax, an independent developer of interactive entertainment for the global market, has introduced a third race, called "Ouster," to its vampire-themed massively multiplayer online role-playing game, Darkeden. A unique race that is half vampire and half human, the Ousters can use special summoning magic and wield bladed weapons called "Chakrams."

New players can now receive special beginners' gear when they join the game. Available for the first 14 days of play, the gear will better prepare neophyte gamers to experience the dark, gothic world of Darkeden.

About Darkeden
A free-to-play MMORPG currently in open beta, Darkeden invites players into a bleak near-future environment and a brutal conflict between three distinct races: vampires, slayers, and ousters. Featuring hand-rendered graphics and an isometric 2D view, Darkeden is easy for novices to learn, yet includes a broad variety of features and character-building options for hardcore players. Darkeden contains hundreds of potential skills and two distinct systems of character advancement, and is available to download and play free of charge.

Darkeden is available for download at http://www.joymax.com/portal//.

Nintendo 2007 Wii and Nintendo DS Sales Figures

Throughout 2007 the Nintendo DS and Wii have both seen strong hardware and software sales, as people of all ages across Europe embraced the pick up and play nature of the consoles and titles released.

The phenomenal interest in Wii, with its innovative Wii Remote and interactive titles, has lead to over 6 million consoles flying off the shelves in Europe since its launch in December 2006. The unprecedented popularity of the console has also seen four first party Wii titles; Wii Play, Super Mario Galaxy, Mario Party 8 and The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, each sell in excess of over one million units across Europe and provide complete entertainment for the whole family.

At the same time, the handheld Nintendo DS console has proved a firm favourite with all generations with titles from Animal Crossing: Wild World to Big Brain Academy and Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl truly providing entertainment to millions of Nintendo DS owners throughout Europe! Sales of the console have now broken the 20 million barrier in Europe, and the popularity of Touch! Generations titles such as the Brain Training series and Nintendogs have paved the way to ensure gaming has been bought to a whole new audience regardless of age, gender of previous gaming ability.

The much loved Mario franchise continues to keep Europe entertained whether the player is an old Mario fan or a newcomer to the series. Mario Kart DS has seen 2 million copies race of the shelves of retailers across Europe and with titles such as New Super Mario Bros selling over 3 million copies to date and Super Mario Galaxy on Wii breaking the 1 million barrier within a few months of launch, Mario is as strong as ever!

The table below lists European sales figures as of the beginning of January 2008. These are sell-through figures based upon retail sales in each European country that are provided by independent research companies.

Nintendo Co., Ltd has also announced today their global consolidated shipment figures. This is the number of Wii and Nintendo DS hardware and software Nintendo has sold to its distributors and retail customers worldwide. *Please reference Nintendo's third quarter financial results announcement issued separately.

European Wii sales (sell-through estimate) figures at a glance as of beg Jan 2008:
Product Total European Cumulative Sales to date (Sell through
estimate as of beg Jan 2008)
Wii Over 6 million units
Wii Play 2.3 million units
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess 1.3 million units
Mario Party 8 1 million units
Super Mario Galaxy 1.3 million units

European Nintendo DS sales (sell through estimate) figures at a glance as of beg Jan 2008:
Product Total European Cumulative Sales to date (Sell through estimate as of beg Jan 2008)
Nintendo DS 20 million units
Dr Kawashima's Brain Training: How Old Is Your Brain? 5 million units
More Brain Training From Dr Kawashima: How Old Is Your Brain? 2.8 million units
Nintendogs 8 million units

2008 will continue to see innovative titles hit the shelves as Wii Fit arrives in Europe, and the Touch! Generations range expands with the addition of Professor Kageyama's Maths Training: The Hundred Cell Calculation Method on the Nintendo DS.

This year will also see Mario racing back onto Wii in Mario Kart Wii, which will be bundled with a new accessory - the Wii Wheel - allowing anyone to simply pick it up and start playing! In addition, fans will see him head into battle, along with other famous characters from Nintendo and third party titles, as Super Smash Bros. Brawl launches across Europe.

Cryostasis: Sleep of Reason PC GAMERS TO BE FROZEN IN FEAR

505 Games today announced that it will be publishing the European release of the survival horror title, Cryostasis: Sleep of Reason, under the newly created 1C Label. Developed by Action Forms, Cryostasis: Sleep of Reason is due for release on PC in 2008.

The Arctic Circle, Russian North Pole station ‘Pole 21’, 1968 - Alexander Nesterov is a meteorologist sent to investigate the final hours of the North Wind, an old nuclear ice-breaker trapped in an icy grave. This steel beast once fought for its country, but during a dangerous mission it drifted into an ice trap slowly freezing to death every living thing on board.

Alex must fight against the intense cold by finding any remaining heat sources as he investigates the final days of the North Wind and unlocks the mysteries within. However, Alex is no ordinary meteorologist as he possesses a unique ‘Mental Echo’ ability that allows him to relive the final memories of the dead and change their actions in the past, changing their future. Nothing can prepare Alex for the truth he uncovers as he digs deeper into the history of the ship.

Cryostasis: Sleep of Reason takes players on a terrifying trip into the unknown as they explore the dark, frozen, claustrophobic corridors and unlock the shocking secrets of the North Wind.

Key Features:

- Terrifying first person survival/horror action gameplay

- Unique “Mental Echo” ability providing the player the chance to change the outcome of a character’s past

- Highly detailed levels based on a real Russian ice-breaker

- Battle powerful enemies, all with unique capabilities

- Non player characters help to reveal the true story

- Historically-authentic weapons

- Completely new physics and weather system with realistic ice, frost and snow with advanced character/object physics

- Unified dynamic shadowing system – fully dynamic, moving light sources, casting shadows on all objects

Cryostasis: Sleep of Reason, will be published by 505 Games for PC across Europe in 2008.

Tune In To The High-Definition Premiere Of "GameTrailers TV With Geoff Keighley"

MTVN'S ENTERTAINMENT GROUP AND VIDEOGAME JOURNALIST GEOFF KEIGHLEY EXPAND PARTNERSHIP WITH BROAD TALENT AND DEVELOPMENT DEAL

Tune In To The High-Definition Premiere Of "GameTrailers TV With Geoff Keighley" Friday, January 25, 2008 On Spike TV


MTV Networks’ Entertainment Group, a division of Viacom' (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B), today announced a talent and development deal with acclaimed videogame journalist Geoff Keighley, the host of Spike TV’s “Game Head,” the preeminent videogame show on television. Premiering Friday, January 25, 2008, the fifth season of “Game Head” will be re-launched as “GameTrailers TV with Geoff Keighley.” The weekly magazine-style show, made available for the first time in high-definition, will feature an expanded online presence and a tighter integration with GameTrailers.com, the premier provider of video for gamers.

In addition to serving as an executive producer on the new show, Keighley will enter into a development deal with Spike TV to create additional on-air programming, consult on the annual Spike TV “Video Game Awards” show and host a number of to be announced specials. He will also continue hosting and producing “Bonus Round,” GameTrailers’ popular online roundtable talk show about the videogame industry.

“We are thrilled to have the industry’s number one host on the number one videogame show on television,” said Kevin Kay, president of Spike TV. “This new deal allows us to work more closely with Geoff to ensure that Spike continues to be home to the best videogame programming both online and on TV.”

“It has long been my hope to sign Geoff to a larger overall deal so we can make better use of his talents across all of our properties,” said Jon Slusser, SVP Spike Digital and Videogames. “Geoff’s experience as a journalist and passion for videogames make him one of the best gaming experts in the field and he is an invaluable addition to the MTVN Entertainment Group.”

“I’m proud of what we’ve done these past few years with “Game Head,” our various videogame specials and The Bonus Round, so it’s natural to bring everything together into one overall multi-platform deal,” said Keighley. “This year we’re going to continue delivering exclusive content to gamers, but also take videogame programming in some new and unexpected directions.”

“GameTrailers TV with Geoff Keighley” will bring fans the latest scoop on the gaming industry’s hottest titles, coolest events and biggest stars, offering the access and insight millions of viewers have come to expect from GameTrailers.com. Featuring a rotation of over 20 segments, Keighley and co-hosts Amanda MacKay and Daniel Kayser will provide exclusive content catering to gamers with varying interest levels from the casual gamer to hardcore enthusiasts. In addition to premiering on Spike TV and Spike HD, the program will be available in high definition on GameTrailers.com and Xbox Live Marketplace.