This Just In... Namco Networks Launches Atlantis Sky Patrol

Namco Networks, the leading publisher and developer of mobile games and entertainment for mass-market casual gamers, today announced the availability of the hit PC game Atlantis Sky Patrol on mobile, the company’s first title through its partnership with Big Fish Games. Atlantis Sky Patrol is a unique marble-matching puzzler with hundreds of levels, mini-games and innovative game play mechanics.

In the game, players lead Atlantis Sky Patrol in the fight to destroy Doomsday Devices that have been detected in the skies above Earth. With a double-tiered game mechanic, there are two game objectives to clear each level. The first is to dismantle the machine’s stationary control mechanism. The second is to clear the chain of marbles within each level by shooting matching colored marbles.

“With the popularity of mobile puzzlers among consumers across the U.S., we wanted to bring a quality game that introduced new features to this genre, taking the game play to an entirely new level,” said Scott Rubin, vice president of sales and marketing, Namco Networks. “The hit PC title Atlantis Sky Patrol was the perfect puzzle game to port to mobile and supports Namco Network’s commitment to providing fun, quality games that are suitable for the mobile platform to mass-market consumers.”

“Atlantis Sky Patrol is a fantastic game with a strong following. Namco successfully translated the quick and intuitive play onto the mobile platform,” said Patrick Wylie, vice president of Big Fish Games Studios. “We are committed to delivering the best game experiences to our customers and our partnership with Namco for the mobile version of Atlantis Sky Patrol continues that tradition of excellence.”

In the game, players can set off chain reaction combos to score big points and obtain one of the 12 power-ups in the game, such as releasing the Rainbow Hammer, harnessing the Soul of Atlantis, and unleashing the Oriphculum Bomb to assist in the destruction of the Doomsday Devices. By collecting coins, players can upgrade the ship, enhancing its firing speed and improving shooting accuracy. Mini-games found throughout the game offer additional opportunities for players to obtain coins.

“Atlantis Sky Patrol is a flashy little puzzler. I'm really fond of the theme, because not only does it hit my sweet spot (I love those old serials and the entire art deco look), but it also adds to the overall experience,” said Levi Buchanan of IGN Wireless.

Atlantis Sky Patrol is available today on all national carriers. Visit www.NamcoGames.com/AtlantisSkyPatrol for more information.

Serious Games Trade Body ANGILS appoints DMH Stallard Legal Expert

Top 100 law firm DMH Stallard announced today that lawyer Frank Jennings is the newly appointed Company Secretary for serious games trade body ANGILS. Frank commented: “ANGILS is an exciting development for the serious games industry and will act as a focal point to assist with the continued growth in this sector. I am very happy to be involved and look forward to guiding ANGILS members through the legal pitfalls that they will encounter.”

Martine Parry, ANGILS CEO, stated: “Members in this community are dealing with a slate of legal issues in an increasingly complex world. Simulations, learning games and politically-orientated interactive content all have heightened legal and contractual issues that need to be addressed. “

She added: “Frank Jennings is a leading lawyer who has worked with the games industry for many years and has now taken his expertise into the serious games and simulation domain. Many of the legal issues are similar across both games and serious games – and many are not: there is need to handle the more stringent requirements associated with delivering effective serious games.”

G4Box Inc. Signs Exclusive Deal With Cell Phone Payment Provider Onebip

G4BOX Inc, a North American publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment media, announced today that it has signed a deal with cell phone payment provider, Onebip that makes the company their exclusive cell phone payment service in ten different countries.

The deal means that METIN 2 players can now purchase 500 METIN 2 points instantly from the game’s item mall by using their cell phone. In addition, each player will receive a 50 Q point bonus with their purchase. The countries included in the agreement are: Australia, Denmark, Deutschland, Latvia, Norway, Singapore, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States. For a full list of providers in those territories visit http://mall.metin2.us/mall.

“When a gamer wants to purchase an item for one of our games they want it as fast as possible and Onebip’s service offers them a quick and convenient alternative to other payment methods,” said Howard He, Chief Executive Officer of G4BOX. “Their great service allows us to give our gamers just the kind of safe, accessible and easy payment option they need so they can get back to their game. We are very excited to be working with them.”

The world's first easy, secure and reliable mobile phone payment processing solution, Onebip will provide a quick, dependable and safe way for gamers to instantly purchase items for G4BOX’s online video games via their cell phones. Players can sign up for an account and easily make payments online without using a credit card or bank account.

“Onebip’s service is especially suited to G4BOX’s needs because they have customers in many different countries around the world who want to be able to pay for their item quickly and get back into the game,” said Diego Mortillaro, Co-Founder and President of Onebip. “With our service G4BOX can offer one inexpensive package that is convenient for their users who do not have a credit card.”

G4BOX’s customers can use the service now by visiting http://mall.metin2.us/mall.

For more information about G4BOX and its games visit www.G4BOX.com or visit their games METIN 2 and DragonRaja directly at http://www.metin2.us and http://www.newraja.com/.

Got Game Entertainment Announces "RHEM 3" Goes Gold

Got Game Entertainment LLC today announced that “RHEM 3”, an intricate pure-puzzle, first-person adventure game for PC and Mac has gone gold. In this third installment in the popular “RHEM” series, the adventures of brothers Kales and Zetais continue in a labyrinthine world of hidden rooms and secret passages, strange vehicles and odd machines. Featuring non-linear gameplay, non-violent story, and mind-bending puzzles, “RHEM 3” opens the door to a new journey of mystery and adventure this February. The game makes its retail debut at $29.99 (USD) and is rated “E” for Everyone by the ESRB.

“RHEM 3” finds you in search of a powerful black gem. As alluring atmospheric sounds surround, you search for hints hidden in a secret library and ponder clues offered by the peculiar inhabitants of the world of RHEM. With an adventurous spirit, logical thinking, and keen puzzle-solving, you will slowly but surely divine the location of this curious treasure and unveil the secret it holds.

For more information, visit www.Rhem3.com.


About Got Game Entertainment

Founded by Howard Horowitz, Got Game Entertainment, LLC is a leading publisher of interactive entertainment games. With the release of games such as "RHEM 3", Got Game Entertainment continues its commitment to bringing to market quality games offering exceptional entertainment. For more information on the company and its games, visit www.GotGameEntertainment.com.

Open Beta Begins for PC - CABAL ONLINE MMORPG download the Beta

OGPlanet, an innovative provider of multiplayer online games, today announced the start of the U.S. open beta testing period for CABAL ONLINE, an action- oriented massively multiplayer online game that already boasts nearly 1 million players in more than 12 countries throughout Asia and Europe . Open beta testing will begin on Feb. 1, 2008, and continue until the game officially launches on Feb. 21, 2008.

Made world-famous for its high-octane attack system, CABAL allows for combination-based fighting and a whole new type of player vs. player combat. Consistent with the OGPlanet model, CABAL will be free to play, with the option to purchase in-game items and features.

In CABAL ONLINE, players are called upon to protect the people of Nevareth from an evil entity known as CABAL. Centuries ago, the evil CABAL all but destroyed Nevareth, but the land was saved and rebuilt by seven great masters wielding the ancient abilities of Force Power. Nearly a thousand years later, CABAL has returned, and it is up to players to master the intricacies of the Force Power and use them to save Nevareth.

Set in a diverse environment that includes ice temples, forgotten ruins, desert hideaways, mutant forests and volcanic citadels, CABAL engages players with dynamic quests-not just the "collect 10 of something and bring it to me" variety-and more than 300 dungeons to explore. With 170 levels, CABAL is conducive to either hardcore or casual game play.

Additional CABAL ONLINE features include:

• An interactive combat system that utilizes combination attacks (precision and timing sensitive) to deliver blow after blow with NPC and PvP encounters.
  
• Six distinctive classes of characters-Warrior, Force Archer, Blader, Force Shielder, Wizard and Force Blader-each offering an entirely unique game play experience within CABAL.
  
• An in-game downloadable jukebox that allows players to download their own songs to play while they take on CABAL.
  
• A fluid fighting interface that brings intuitive and elegant motions to players' fingertips. Different classes bring unique movements and actions to their character both in and out of the battle zone.
  
• All in-game items can be crafted into new items or enhancement.
  
• A dynamic character-creation tool with more than 200 options.
  
• More than 300 dungeons featuring highly original and challenging quest designs to explore.
  
• Magical and mystical unlockables enhance healing, attacking, crafting and shielding powers.
  
• Astral cycles and boards allow players to travel great distances in short amounts of time.
  
• Hundreds of weapon styles, ranging from blade, bow and arrow, guns, and magic, are available.
  
• Supports multi-player Server-Client.
  
• A state-of-the-art game engine delivers stunning, high-polygon-count 3D graphics at a sustainable high frame rate, even on low-end machines.
  
• Unparalleled special effects: dynamic lighting shading, Z-buffering, particle-based effects.
  
• An engine designed and built by a staff experienced with massive network traffic management to minimize any latency.
  
• Supports most popular 3D hardware accelerators.
  

More information and registration for the CABAL ONLINE open beta can be found at http://www.cabalonline.com/.

Dead Head Fred Receives Nomination For WGA's First-Ever Videogame Writing Award

Dead Head Fred, the critically acclaimed videogame created specifically for the PSP (PlayStation®Portable) by publisher D3Publisher of America, Inc. (D3PA), and developer Vicious Cycle Software, Inc., has received a nomination for the Writers Guild of America's inaugural Videogame Writing Award. In Dead Head Fred, writers and nominees Dave Ellis and Adam Cogan draw players into an original 1940's-inspired alternative universe where players take on the role of Fred Neuman, a private detective savagely murdered and then resurrected in a bizarre scientific experiment without his memory or his head. Players embark on a quest for vengeance as they solve their own murder by using the severed heads of enemies as replacements for the one missing on the game's cranium-impaired hero.

"D3PA congratulates Dave, Adam and the team at Vicious Cycle who brought Dead Head Fred to life, to use an ironic turn of phrase," said Peter Andrew, vice president of product development, D3PA. "It was the game's unique story and resulting gameplay mechanic, distinctive characters and twisted and sarcastic humor that first convinced us that we wanted to bring this title to gamers, and we appreciate the WGA for recognizing it with a nomination for their very first Videogame Writing Awards."



Developed by the WGA and spearheaded by the Guild's New Media Caucus to encourage storytelling excellence in videogames, improve the status of writers, and foster uniform standards within the gaming industry, the WGA's inaugural Videogame Writing Award spotlights quality work by videogame writers, raising their profiles, and validating their contributions to this rapidly maturing medium. The WGA Videogame Writing Award honors the best qualifying script from a videogame published in the previous year. 2008 Writers Guild Awards winners in all categories will be announced on Saturday, February 9.

"Dead Head Fred was a lot of fun for the entire team to work on, and much of that was because of Dave's and Adam's creative script," said Eric Peterson, president and chief executive officer, Vicious Cycle Software. “We want to thank the WGA for the nomination-we're very proud of it. The entire team is dedicated to continue the tradition of developing games that combine great gameplay with storytelling and humor that is on par with the best television and movies out there.”

Dead Head Fred is rated "M" (Mature - Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Mature Humor and Strong Language) by the ESRB.

Gran Turismo 5 Prologue launches on April 17 in US Exclusively on PLAYSTATION 3

Billion Dollar Selling Franchise Sets Date and Price for the Racing...Print

Sony Computer Entertainment announced today the April 17 North American release date for Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, available exclusively on PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3). Developed by Polyphony Digital Inc., Gran Turismo 5 Prologue will be available for $39.99 SRP on Blu-ray Disc (BD) and as a download via PLAYSTATION Store. The BD version will offer added value with an exclusive behind-the-scenes High Definition (HD) video feature called "Beyond the Apex".

Gran Turismo 5 Prologue , an intense precursor to Gran Turismo 5, features over 60 meticulously detailed vehicles from manufacturers such as Ferrari , Audi and Nissan. Users will experience the vehicle-specific physics technology and intricate graphical rendering that Polyphony Digital is renowned for. Additionally, for the first time in the history of the franchise, users can race online - at 60 fps (frames per second) in stunning 1080p HD - with up to 16 vehicles at a time on beautifully rendered tracks from around the globe, including Daytona International Speedway and a London City track.

“Ten years following the introduction of Gran Turismo on PS one, Gran Turismo 5 Prologue delivers the most realistic and technologically advanced racing experience on any platform,” said Jeff Reese, Director, Software Marketing, SCEA. “With 1080p graphics, revolutionary online features like Gran Turismo™ TV and the new in-cockpit racing view, the world’s best-selling racing franchise will once again set the standard for racing games.”



Gran Turismo 5 Prologue will feature various innovative and revolutionary modes to harness PS3 system’s capabilities while further developing an automotive lifestyle and global community . Among them is Gran Turismo TV, a new dedicated online channel available exclusively from PLAYSTATION Network that delivers worldwide motorsport programming and manufacturer content. Additionally, Gran Turismo 5 Prologue will support online racing events to foster community competition. A new in-cockpit view will provide a unique perspective for racers and features real-time gauges and human animations that accurately represent the true performance and handling of each vehicle . To extend the realistic driving experience, Gran Turismo 5 Prologue is also compatible with the new DUALSHOCK 3 controller, which has vibration functionality.

Another blow to Toshiba HD DVD Sony Blu-Ray 2 - Toshiba HD DVD 1

Toshiba Corporation announced its latest financial results yesterday with the headline news that its operating profit fell in the third quarter by 25 per cent to JPY 43.1 billion (USD 404 million, EUR 274 million) in the three months ending December 31, 2007.

That was down to the Digital Products and Electronic Devices divisions, specifically mobile phones, hard disk drives and a "larger than anticipated sales decline in NAND flash memories".

Meanwhile the figures for the nine months ending December 31 show a consolidated operating income increase of JPY 3.5 billion (USD 32.8 million, EUR 22.2 million) to JPY 124.6 billion (USD 1.2 billion, EUR 791 million).

The results, when added to the recent raft of companies that have stated their preference to support Sony's Blu-ray rather than Toshiba's HD DVD, don't make for a happy start to 2008 for the corporation.

But despite that its share price rose slightly by 2.4 per cent to JPY 726 (USD 6.81, EUR 4.61) at the close of the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

No 120GB PlayStation 3 in UK say Sony

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe has told GamesIndustry.biz that there are currently no plans to introduce a 120GB PlayStation 3 in the region.

Rumours are circulating that Sony America is due to launch a new model PlayStation 3 in the US, as stocks of the 80GB model begin to disappear from shelves.

Gaming blog Ars Technica has reported that a 120GB sku is due shortly – complete with DualShock 3 controller and retailing for the same price as the 80GB Spider-Man 3 bundle – although Sony has made no comment to confirm this.

However, if any 120GB unit is to be launched in North America, there's no such roll-out on the cards for Europe.

"We do not currently have any plans to release a 120GB PlayStation 3 in the UK," said a spokesperson for SCEE.

Sony has hinted in the past that it could release PS3 units with larger hard-drives if consumers demanded it, to take advantage of the increasing supply of digitally delivered content via services such as the PlayStation Network.

Sony has constantly chopped and changed prices and hardware configurations in all three of its key territories, most recently discontinuing the 20GB and 60GB skus in Japan.

Source: Games Industry

Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 Xbox 360 DLC – Co-op Collection Available Now on Xbox LIVE Marketplace!

Ubisoft, one of the world’s largest video game publishers, today announced release of the Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter® 2 Co-op Collection, a new downloadable content (DLC) package for Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. This new premium content package will enrich and extend the original game by allowing players to expand their LIVE experience with an all-new co-op campaign and a total of nine maps, seven of which are inspired by classic maps from Ghost Recon’s illustrious history and two that are totally brand new. This premium content package is available now via the Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for 800 Microsoft points. Take a look below for an outline of the full contents of the Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 Co-op Collection:

OVERVIEW: The GRAW 2 Co-op Collection consists of five Co-op Campaign missions that continue the story from GRAW 2. In total there are nine maps, seven of which are inspired by classic maps from Ghost Recon’s illustrious history and two that are totally brand new. All nine maps (including adversarial versions of the Co-op Campaign maps) have exquisite visuals and support all of GRAW 2’s thousands of customizable game modes.

ACHIEVEMENTS: The Co-op Collection offers nine new achievements for GRAW 2, totaling 125 achievement points.

CO-OP MAPS

New Co-op Campaign – Story: Manuel Suazo Azcona has emerged as the leader of a new rebel movement in El Salvador. Azcona’s plan seems to be an attempt to destabilize the governments of both El Salvador and neighboring Honduras. Once their respective governments are weakened, he will incite the people to try and overthrow both countries’ U.S.-backed leaders. The Ghosts are being sent in to quell this uprising before it starts. They must first stop the rebel incursions over the two nations’ shared border and then hunt down the rebel leaders one by one. If they fail, America’s efforts in the region could be set back by decades.

Caves – (Ghost Recon)
Azcona’s squads are using the nearby caves as an operational base for raiding army convoys across the river. Detain and extract the rebel leader and recon the area for any hidden weapon caches.

Railroad Bridge – (Ghost Recon)
Intel reports the rebels are moving on a command post 60 clicks southeast of here. Protect the command post, recon the local rail line and hunt down the informant providing intel to the rebels.

Battlefield – (Ghost Recon)
The last rebel unit in the area is holed up in the village of Venta. An allied armor unit on the edge of town is pinned down by artillery. Ghosts, knock out the enemy comm transmitter, then escort the armor through the village.

Plantation – (Ghost Recon: Island Thunder)
Intel shows a rebel leader’s motorcade is moving through the farms south of here. Take out his convoy and destroy all of the surrounding ADATS before Sabre Seven arrives for extraction.

Swamp Airfield – (Ghost Recon: Island Thunder)
Azcona’s rebels have occupied a small island airfield. Recon the area for intel on this operation and destroy all aircraft to prevent any means of escape. The landing strip is targeted for an air strike so get out ASAP.

ADVERSARIAL MAPS

Business Park – (Brand New) / Suitable for 8 to 12 players
Narrow alleys connect open courtyards with overlooking balconies in this concrete corporate paradise.

Rooftop – (Brand New) / Suitable for 8 to 12 players
Sitting on top of the world, the rooftop structure of a skyscraper has lots of cover and vertical combat.

Caves – (Ghost Recon) / Suitable for 12 to 16 players
Rolling terrain, forest and a cave structure tucked into the side of the mountains.

Railroad Bridge – (Ghost Recon) / Suitable for 12 to 16 players
A deep valley with a rail bridge spanning overhead, hilly and wooded areas nearby.

Battlefield – (Ghost Recon) / Suitable for 8 to 12 players
Open terrain with pockets of war-torn buildings, under the limited visibility of black skies and pouring rain.

Plantation – (Ghost Recon: Island Thunder) / Suitable for 12 to 16 players
Wet, foggy airfield located in the heart of a murky swamp.

Swamp Airfield – (Ghost Recon: Island Thunder) / Suitable for 4 to 8 players
A bright, sunny day overlooks the plantation fields and nearby structures, including a large warehouse.

Prison – (Ghost Recon: Island Thunder) / Suitable for 4 to 8 players
This dilapidated structure has many paths in and out.

Castle – (Ghost Recon) / Suitable for 12 to 16 players
The mighty castle walls and excavation within provide lots of cover and CQB, while thick wooded countryside offers ample stealth and sniping opportunities.

*More Guns Pack – Free Weapons DLC!
The “more guns pack” is a free DLC that includes 7 additional weapons to be used in the Single Player Quick Mission mode in GRAW 2. These new weapon models are from all over the world, and give a new twist to the Ghost’s cutting edge arsenal. The GRAW 2 More Guns Pack is a FREE download DLC available now!

For more information on Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2, please visit www.ghostrecon.com.