Blockdot's "Saw IV" Game Leads To Terrifying Fun!

Dallas-based Blockdot has released “Trapped,” a horrifyingly exciting game based on the hit movie Saw IV — now available on DVD!

“Trapped” brings players face-to-face with a wicked scenario: two men imprisoned in separate rooms by Jigsaw — marked for almost certain death! Once inside the game, you face the difficult task of freeing them from their gruesome captivity. To do this, you must place the correct object (such as a hose or a wrench) in the correct room in the correct order. Make the wrong move, however, and the captives will be killed in unbearably painful ways!

Nervous? Get over it: If the game clock ticks down to zero before you work is done, no one will make it out alive!

Those brave enough to enter the Jigsaw Killer’s terrifying world should visit http://saw4.kewlbox.com/.

Good luck — and be sure to tell your next of kin about “Trapped!”

K2 NETWORK INTRODUCES GAMERSFIRST.COM

K2 Network, Inc. (www.k2network.net), an online game publisher, today announced its new website: GamersFirst.com. The website promises to launch features across 2008, with the first set of features released today. Now, with one GamersFirst (G1) account, gamers gain access to all of K2 Network’s upcoming and current products in one place and can buy G1 Credits (site currency) in order to make purchases across multiple titles.

At GamersFirst.com, gamers can download games and learn about all of K2 Network’s titles, including Global MU Online, Knight Online, Red Stone, Sword of the New World and War Rock. Current features of GamersFirst.com include unified login and registration, consolidated account management and the new G1 Credits. With those features, users can create and manage as many K2 Network game accounts as they want under a single G1 account. Gamers can also visit “Free2Play News” which offers wallpapers, articles, screenshots and videos and the “What is G1?” and “What’s Next?” sections have information about the site’s ambitious plans.

“As our user base has grown to more than 16 million worldwide, we decided to create a single convenient destination where gamers could access everything K2 Network has to offer,” said Joshua Hong, CEO and co-founder of K2 Network. “With all the exciting features we have planned for 2008, gamers around the world will soon have an awesome place to come together. It is going to be one big GamersFirst family!”

To celebrate the site’s introduction, GamersFirst is running “G1 Giveaways”-- 12 weeks of giveaways via a raffle. Prizes include: Alienware Desktop PC’s, Apple Ipod Touch, Creative Labs Aurvana Headphones, Samsung 19" LCD Monitors and more -- with a total of 61 valuable prizes. Gamers enter the giveaways by registering an account, referring friends, playing a flash game and by other means.

Existing users will find no changes to their accounts but are advised to sign-up and move their accounts over to GamersFirst.com within 12 weeks to take advantage of the G1 Giveaways.

For more information and to experience the new site, visit GamersFirst.com.

Codemasters Online Partners with NetDevil to Bring New MMO for 2008!

Codemasters Online have today unveiled their next generation MMORPG set for release in 2008, Jumpgate. Developed by the US-based experienced MMOG developer NetDevil, Jumpgate is a space-based MMO incorporating all-new action style gameplay like never seen before in any previous online game.

‘We are very pleased to be working with NetDevil to release this exciting project across North America & Europe. Jumpgate brings something new and fresh to the online persistent space,” commented David Solari, Vice President, Codemasters Online. “The all-action approach and thrilling, twitch-based space combat really sets it apart from other MMOs in the market and we are very much looking forward to releasing this space epic in late 2008.”

Jumpgate is the definitive space combat MMO allowing players to choose from one of three playable nations and engage in an intense action-packed universe. Embarking on an immersive and accessible space adventure players can trade valuable commodities, take part in dangerous outer-space raids, meet and play with friends and live out the dream to become an elite hero or infamous space pirate. The game features both a rich and varied universe to explore and has been designed for experienced and novice MMO players alike.

“We’re really excited about this relationship. Codemasters has already established themselves as a premium game developer and publisher; as well as one of the most successful MMO operators in the business. Very few companies have those kinds of credentials.” commented Scott Brown, President of NetDevil. “This combination of experience and dedication is a perfect fit for NetDevil and we are thrilled to be working with such a great partner.”

Codemasters Online have confirmed that they will be the exclusive publisher / operator of this next generation MMO across Europe and will be working along with NetDevil to bring the game to the North American market.

For more information on Jumpgate visit www.jumpgateevolution.com

Lighthouse Interactive Announces Sword of the Stars Collector's Edition

Leading Publisher Lighthouse Interactive and acclaimed developer Kerberos Productions today announced the upcoming release of the Collector’s Edition for its award winning 4x space strategy game, Sword of the Stars. Since its original release, the Sword of the Stars franchise has received much praise for reinvigorating the 4x genre through its winning combination of turn based strategy and real-time space combat, along with its robust multiplayer capabilities.

The Collector’s Edition brings all of the Sword of the Stars universe together in one package and further expands it with special bonus materials. Sword of the Stars: Collector’s Edition includes: the original base game, the highly acclaimed add-on Born of Blood (never released to retail in Canada or the US), the first ever Sword of the Stars novella The Deacon's Tale by renowned science fiction writer Arrin Dembo and a bonus CD with concept art, screenshots, trailers, cd tracks and other media. Sword of the Stars: Collector’s Edition will begin shipping to retailers across the US, Canada and English speaking European territories on March 25, 2008 on PC CD-ROM.

Erik Schreuder, Lighthouse Interactive CEO said, “Sword of the Stars is a great franchise and well deserving of a Collector’s Edition. Kerberos Productions has proven themselves to be an extremely talented team, which consists of team members behind the successful Homeworld series. They have also stayed loyal to their community by adding loads of new features and additional gameplay to the fanchise over the past 18 months.” Schreuder went on to say, “Current and new fans of the franchise will enjoy discovering the Sword of the Stars universe in much greater depth.”

GAME SUMMARY

The year is 2405. Human scientists have discovered a new technology, the Node Drive, which will finally allow travel from star to star at speeds faster than light. As mankind sits poised on the brink of a new era, tragedy strikes: the first interstellar colony ship is destroyed and Earth itself ravaged by an unknown alien race. What was to be the Dawn of a new Age instead was the beginning of a new reality…We are not alone…and we are not safe.

Take control and build the ultimate empire in Sword of the Stars. In classic 4X style, prepare to eXplore mysterious star systems, claim planets to eXpand your empire, eXploit your resources, then design and build your own bigger, faster, stronger ships to eXterminate your enemies in epic, tactical, 3-D battles, in single- or multiplayer.

In Born of Blood, over 30 years have passed since the first stellar empires began to expand. Four races once set out to explore and conquer the galaxy, meeting in fiery clashes that spanned the universe, but now a promising age of diplomacy dawns. A new alien race emerges shattering the uneasy peace. With new drive systems, ships, technology, and tactics, the Zuul burst onto the scene with a devastating agenda. Form alliances and learn to work with your foes as you lead your fleets to victory in a universe at war.

FEATURES

• Play as one of 5 distinct races - Human, Hiver, Tarkas, Liir and Zuul; each with their own technological advantages and disadvantages
• Each race has a unique mode of transport between star systems, creating very different styles of play and bold new challenges.
• Live out tense, first-contact situations in full 3D combat, which rivals anything seen in the 4X strategy genre
• Over 175 distinct technologies to research in a dynamic tech tree that changes from game to game
• Over 55 weapons from 6 different weapon classes varing in size classes, from devastating nuclear missiles, cutting laserbeams, cloaked mines, boarding pods and plasma projectors, to massive siege drivers that can destroy entire planets
• Research rewards players with new detailed ship models, weapons and combat effects
• Deep economic model that is easy to control through an intuative interface
• Research languages to open diplomatic lines of communication or simply stick to negotiating with your own race; form alliances, non-aggression pacts or go to war with anyone who stands in your way
• Dynamic environments and random events add to the overall atmosphere; discover alien artifacts, wade through meteor showers, and encounter strange alien menaces
• Players can design and build ships from three size classes: Destroyer, Cruiser, and Dreadnought, by mixing and matching ship sections to suit their game play style
• Up to 8 players can play against the AI or one another over LAN or online
• 3 difficulty settings, 15 galaxy types, and 9 singleplayer scenarios, each adding more tactical depth to the Sword of the Stars universe

For more information about Sword of the Stars, please visit: www.swordofthestars.com or www.lighthouse-interactive.com.

School Was Never This Much Fun

KOEI today announced the release of Persona 3 on PlayStation 2 this February. Widely renowned as one of the freshest and most captivating RPGs of recent years, European gamers finally get the chance to experience life in a Japanese high school plagued by creatures of the night. Already bestowed with numerous awards after its US release, Persona 3 has now been awarded the rare honour of a 10/10 review in this month’s Official PlayStation Magazine UK. Persona 3 is scheduled for release on PS2 across Europe on February 29.

About PERSONA 3

It’s gonna take a lot more than a fountain pen and a compass to survive a full year in Persona 3. Not only will players have to contend with the day to day challenges of life in a Japanese high school but there’s also the matter of the demons who lurk within the hidden hour that lies between one day and the next.

Although part of the Shin Megami Tensei series, Persona 3 is a standalone entry in the series requiring no previous knowledge of Shin Megami Tensei games and has no connection to previous scenarios or characters. Set in a completely new fictitious city Persona 3 recreates an authentic Japanese school setting right down to the relationships that the player can make and break throughout an entire school year.

During the day players get to experience high school life whilst also getting the chance to enhance their character’s abilities with the choices they make throughout the school day. By spending their time wisely during the day players will get the opportunity to enhance their abilities in battle and expand the variety of Personas which they can summon.

Personas come into play during the night when they can be summoned to fight the demons and protect you from an untimely death. As your relationships with fellow students grow so will your mastery over your Personas. Different Personas can even be combined to produce even more powerful creations that await your command.

Commenting on the release of Persona 3 on PS2, Naoki Katashima, Executive Vice President of KOEI Europe and KOEI US, said, “Persona 3 is one of the most highly regarded RPGs of recent times and we are delighted to be able to bring this renowned title to European gamers. We look forward to continuing to work with Atlus to bring the very best Japanese RPGs to Europe.”

Having already received widespread critical acclaim for releases such as Disgaea Afternoon of Darkness, Atelier Iris and Phantom Brave, KOEI have now bolstered their line up of RPGs even further with this latest release and are fast becoming one of the foremost European publishers of quality Japanese RPGs. Already renowned as the leading name in the tactical action arena with their Dynasty Warriors and Samurai Warriors series having sold over 15 million worldwide, KOEI continues to look for opportunities to bring many more diverse titles to European gamers and add to the success of titles such as Colosseum: Road to Freedom, Devil Summoner and the hugely popular G1 Jockey series.

Persona 3 is the latest installment from Atlus in the Megami Tensei series that has entertained gamers in Japan for many years. The previous three Persona games have sold over 1 million units in Japan. The various games throughout the series have taken gamers from present day Japan to unique periods in history, and have given players incredible abilities and remarkable moments of excitement, shock and breathtaking entertainment.

Rule Your Personal Leaderboard... GameStrata Launches Today

GameStrata, the premier developer of community tools for gamers, today announced the launch of gamestrata.com, a new online community and ranking system for gamers. In cooperation with publishers of popular online games, including EA's Battlefield 2, Capcom's Lost Planet: Extreme Condition, Sega's Universe at War, Activision's Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, and Sega's upcoming title, The Club, GameStrata provides players with the most comprehensive data and statistics available on their own gameplay, allowing gamers to prove once and for all how they stack up against the best players in the world.

"Whether you are playing a simple, casual game or a really immersive first person shooter, everyone wants to know where they rank," said Lance Smith, CEO of GameStrata. "You may be surprised to see your stats, but you will likely be even more surprised to see how you stack up against your friends!"

GameStrata members can use the site's broad array of game-tracking tools to analyze their own skills, and share their stats with friends and competitors. More than just keeping score, the extensive data analyses of GameStrata track every aspect of the game, providing statistics for accuracy, a user's favorite weapon, kills scored on specific classes, and more. Users can proudly display their rankings in an overall profile, listed on a public "MyStrata" page for all to see. Gamers can also add select stats and achievements on other social networks, throwing down the gauntlet to their fellow gamers and friends on sites such as Facebook.

Members will be able to bring their entire guild or clan on board, building a clan site within GameStrata for any or all of their games, arranging new matches with rival groups, and keeping track of their friends' latest accomplishments with a daily clan news feed. In addition, GameStrata will integrate users' profiles with their achievements in existing third-party award systems, including Xbox Live Achievements. Allowing gamers to come together with rich community features, forums, user-provided game tips and advice, GameStrata's unique offerings will enhance the game experience for several top-tier online titles.

Gamers can sign up now or request an invite to join and find out where they stand at www.gamestrata.com.

Carriers at War Is Updated!

Matrix Games (www.matrixgames.com) and Strategy Studies Group (www.ssg.com.au) are pleased to announce that a new update is available for the excellent naval warfare strategy game, Carriers at War. The update will bring a brand new scenario called Tarawa taking place in November 1942, a hefty number of editor improvements to make custom scenarios that much easier to create, and plenty of gameplay improvements and scenario tweaks. The new scenario, Tarawa, comes with plenty of mystery variants so you can never be sure what forces are opposing you or what their plans will be.

David Heath, Director of Operations at Matrix Games, said “Carriers at War is one of those games that just stays on your hard drive long after you’ve installed it. This new release is following in the footsteps of the original by adding more improvements and more content as time goes on. Now with a brand new scenario and plenty of mystery variants, there’s still no reason to stop playing this addicting title.”

Gregor Whiley of SSG also added "The new scenario and its mystery variants are a fantastic strategic puzzle. Combine those with dynamically changing weather conditions and the constantly teetering scale of luck and there’s yet another endlessly replayable scenario that should keep armchair admirals guessing for quite a while."

Carriers at War is a WWII naval combat and strategy game set in the Pacific Theatre. Putting you at the heart of WWII carrier combat, you are in charge of commanding carriers with powerful airgroups tasked with delivering a knockout blow to the enemy, while avoiding retribution at the hands of a canny foe. Although it includes land-based airpower, surface combat and invasions, Carriers at War focuses heavily on carrier fleet command strategy, which requires the player to use all of their naval prowess to best the enemy. Throughout the wide range of scenarios found in Carriers at War, history buffs and strategy fans alike will recognize and enjoy playing through famous engagements including Pearl Harbor, Midway, Coral Sea, Eastern Solomons, and more! This 2007 release is a fully modern, brand new Carriers at War, though it remains true to the incredible gameplay of the original wargame classic.

Get more information on Carriers at War from its official Matrix Games webpage. This update is comprehensive and will bring the version of the game up to 1.02.


ABOUT MATRIX GAMES

Matrix Games produces, markets and publishes historical wargames as well as other computer gaming products. Since 2000, Matrix Games has published over three dozen titles and several award-winning games, including War in the Pacific, Conquest of the Aegean, Gary Grigsby's World At War: A World Divided, Crown of Glory, Battles In Normandy, Harpoon 3 Advanced Naval Warfare, Starshatter: The Gathering Storm and The Operational Art of War III. Matrix Games is based in Staten Island, New York. For more information, visit the Matrix Games website at www.matrixgames.com.

Two New Exclusive Titles Launch on Xbox LIVE Arcade this Wednesday: "Rez HD" and "Chessmaster LIVE"

A brand new recreation of the cult-classic shooter created by Tetsuya Mizuguchi, “Rez HD” launches on Xbox LIVE® Arcade for Xbox 360™ this week. In addition to “Rez HD,” chess fans and newcomers alike will enjoy checkmating friends with “Chessmaster Live” on Xbox LIVE Arcade. Both games will be available on Wednesday, 30th January at 9:00 a.m.

“Rez HD” is a frenetic, wire-frame adventure set to industrial beats and rhythms that match the action. The story of “Rez HD” takes players deep into the world’s computer network where they must hack the system, alter the visual output and take over the music, creating unique rhythms and eye candy as they dig deeper into the cyberworld.

Developed by Q Entertainment (“Lumines Live!” and “Every Extend Extra Extreme”), “Rez HD” for Xbox LIVE Arcade is a high definition update of the original game with brand new elements such as new visuals and sound effects. The game features five levels, each with its own unique visual theme, style and musical track, as well as three modes, including Easy, Main and Score Attack. “

A downloadable version of Ubisoft’s hit “Chessmaster” series, “Chessmaster Live” allows players to test and tune their chess skills against the AI or opponents of all aptitudes around the globe via Xbox LIVE. “Chessmaster Live” features five original chess variants, including a Message Chess option, which allows gamers to engage in matches over the span of several days, weeks or even months. The title boasts both beautifully crafted 3D chess sets inspired by luxury chess board designer House of Staunton.

Where can I get “Rez HD” and “Chessmaster LIVE” from?

Rez HD: available for 800 MS Points from 9:00 a.m., Wednesday 30th January 2008

Chessmaster Live: available for 800 MS Points from 9:00 a.m., Wednesday 30th January 2008

More information is available at http://www.xbox.com/games/livearcade.

'Namco Museum RemixTM' For Wii Brings Revitalized Namco Classics To Europe

Atari today announced the forthcoming European release of NAMCO BANDAI Games’ Namco Museum Remix™ for Wii. Featuring a complete graphical makeover, Namco Museum Remix includes five remixed Namco arcade games with new controls utilizing the Wii Remote to whip, swing, twist and shake up the video game classics. Also featuring a collection of arcade games that stay true to their original arcade style, Namco Museum Remix for Wii is scheduled for European release in March 2008.

Namco Museum Remix breathes new life into all time classic games by taking their fun and famous gameplay and adding new twists which are easy to grasp, involve multiple players, and offer a level of fun only possible with the Nintendo Wii. The titles in the collection include:

Pac’n Roll Remix – Pac-Man takes a break from chomping and rolls his way to victory instead. Players navigate Pac-Man by rolling him through worlds where he will face deadly obstacles, roll-up classic pac pellets and use awesome power-ups.

Galaga Remix – With Galaga invaders arriving from the far reaches of space, players must try to shoot down the invading forces and save Pac-Man from ultimate destruction. Up to four-players are able to challenge the oncoming invaders, and scores are tallied for each player.

Pac-Motos – The ability to destroy a planet is insignificant next to knocking your opponents off a series of unique and colorful stages all while using the Wii Controller to move, dash and power-up your Pac-Man! Players engage in a small arena where the goal is to knock opponents off while grabbing power-ups and navigating through challenging environments.

Rally-X Remix – With up to 4 players capable of taking the screen at once, this classic Namco title is brought new life with slick graphics, power-ups and a new intuitive control scheme using the Wii Remote to steer.

Gator Panic Remix – Gators pose a serious problem and Pac-Man is here to solve it. Players use Pac-Man to whack at emerging gators that appear on screen. The player with the most gator whacks at the end of a match wins!

Also included in Namco Museum Remix are nine faithful classic Namco arcade games to experience again or for the first time: Galaxian, Dig Dug, Mappy, Xevious, Gaplus, Super Pac-Man, Pac & Pal, Pac-Mania and Cutie-Q.

For more information about Atari’s entire product line up, visit http://www.atari.com.

Vivendi Games Mobile Announces Strong H1 2008 Lineup

Vivendi Games Mobile, a division of Vivendi Games, today unveiled its first-half 2008 lineup of mobile games featuring big brands and representing a variety of gaming genres, from first-person shooters to casual games. The titles featured in the first-half include popular film and television licenses – The Spiderwick Chronicles, The Bourne Conspiracy and Prison Break – that will bring non-stop action to mobile phones around the world.

“The titles that launch over the next few months position us strongly for the start of our second full year in the industry,” said Paul Maglione, president of Vivendi Games Mobile. “The lineup features a wide range of genres, as well as an ideal balance between big licensed brands and owned IP.

“Coupled with the continuing strong performances of the titles launched in ’07, which culminated with a 2007 Spike TV Video Game Award for Best Casual Title for The Incredible Machine, the games we’re announcing today will provide a strong opening quarter for us in 2008, and will pave the way for more blockbusters to come,” added Maglione.

First-Half 2008 Lineup

Celebrity Hangman
The first mobile game featuring user-generated content within the universally known gameplay mechanics of hangman, and featuring a unique “pencil & paper” graphics look. Celebrity Hangman allows users to write their own pop-culture themed hangman lists and submit them to the Celebrity Hangman Web site for selection as new weekly download packs to which users are entitled to with download.

Crash Nitro Kart 2
A major sequel to Crash Nitro Kart®, the best-selling Crash Bandicoot® mobile game to date, incorporates best-in-class 3D graphics and gameplay. Players can choose from eight different characters, eight unique karts and 16 different track options. Crash Nitro Kart 2 features sensations of extreme speed with Turbo Plane mode and Mega Boost mode; a range of effects including weightlessness in underwater and outer space levels; oil splat projections on the mobile screen; falling rocks on the track; and other twists and turns. Players can choose from game modes including Cup, Arcade, Challenges, Sudden Death and Monster Truck.

Prison Break
Based on the hit Fox TV show, Prison Break, the mobile game is an action-adventure challenge that takes place in the Fox River prison. Players will embody the most famous captive from the TV show, Michael Scofield, to help him and his brother make their way to freedom. The game incorporates all the winning TV show elements, including the original plot and characters. Players prepare to escape by collecting items, conspiring with other inmates and gaining their support. In the escape attempt, players will solve puzzles by using collected items and their prison mates’ skills.

Pub Darts 180
Pub Darts 180 marks a long-anticipated return to the mobile gaming market for the “Pub Darts” franchise, first introduced in 2004. Pub Darts 180 lets players show off their flicking skills in a cozy tavern-like environment that recreates the atmosphere of a typical English pub. Players can choose from single and multi-player (hotseat) modes. A selection of fun in-game characters and an intuitive control system builds on the successful gameplay of the title’s best-selling predecessor.

The Bourne Conspiracy
Based on Robert Ludlum’s best-selling books and blockbuster film franchise, The Bourne Conspiracy mobile game is a unique action-adventure espionage game where players become rogue agent Jason Bourne. As the game advances, Bourne unlocks special moves to add to his already powerful combat techniques and will have to use them to surpass increasingly challenging enemies. The game features a range of gameplay mechanics, such as fast-paced on-foot pursuit scenes, sniper evasion and rappelling. The stunning animation re-creates Bourne’s perfect mastery of his body, allowing him to perform acrobatic moves while fighting. The Bourne Conspiracy will also be available on console from Sierra Entertainment.

The Spiderwick Chronicles
Based on the upcoming film by Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies adapted from the best-selling books of the same name, The Spiderwick Chronicles mobile game allows players to experience and explore the visible and invisible worlds of the Spiderwick universe. Players can control up to five different characters, each with special abilities, and use their skills to solve mysterious riddles and to uncover the truth about the enchanted world of Spiderwick. The Spiderwick Chronicles will also be available on console from Sierra Entertainment.

Wordox: Word Snatcher
Vivendi Games Mobile’s first network-connected multiplayer game, Wordox: Word Snatcher is based on the popular Wordox online game which reached a peak of 2.5 million players in 2002. The title brings a competitive strategy twist to the word challenge genre by allowing the stealing of opponent’s letters to score extra points, and features an extended dictionary with more than 100,000 words. Online players can choose the multiplayer version and challenge real players, or the game can be played in single player mode against a virtual player.

Vivendi Games Mobile’s first-half 2008 lineup reinforces its commitment to being a major player in the European market for mobile games. Vivendi Games Mobile is known for innovative titles including Surviving High School and Surviving Hollywood (episodic games which offer updated content each week); People’s Choice Hangman (enables user-generated content) and the critically acclaimed first-person shooter Urban Attack.™

About Vivendi Games Mobile
Vivendi Games Mobile (www.vgmobile.com), a division of Vivendi Games, creates and publishes quality titles for the mobile games market. The division runs a global business, with its headquarters, operations and an internal development team in Paris, a US-based team in Los Angeles and its Centerscore studio in San Mateo, California. The company publishes games based on original IP, popular entertainment licenses and classic Sierra Entertainment IP, which are distributed by more than 90 operators and dozens of Web portals in 60 countries around the world.

About FOX Mobile Entertainment
Fox Mobile Entertainment (FME) is a leading mobile content provider for wireless carriers and consumers, providing mobile content in all forms from top FOX TV shows such as 24, Prison Break, and Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader? and from such recent films as Aliens vs. Predator - Requiem and The Simpsons Movie. An industry pioneer, FME created American Idol’s text-message voting system and the now-pervasive term Mobisodes™ Series, defining short episodic programming designed exclusively for mobile phones. Additionally, the Company runs mobile video channels on all major US carriers.