THE SIMS 2 FREETIME SOUNDTRACK FEATURING NATASHA BEDINGFIELD

International Line-Up Includes Artists from the US, Europe and Scandinavia

Electronic Arts, today announced the international line-up of artists who can be heard on The Sims™ 2 FreeTime soundtrack. The music for this expansion pack provides accompaniment for your Sims as they explore their creativity through a selection of all-new activities, hobbies and cool careers.

International pop star, Natasha Bedingfield, is featured on the soundtrack with her new single “Pocketful of Sunshine.” This song is taken from her newest album of the same name, which was released on January 22, 2008. Natasha learned and recorded this song in the unique language of The Sims, Simlish, especially for the in-game The Sims 2 FreeTime soundtrack.

Also on The Sims 2 FreeTime soundtrack are the bands Datarock from Norway I’m From Barcelona from Sweden, and the artist Lara from Spain. American bands, They Might Be Giants, Great Northern and Fire Flies also recorded songs which can be heard on this soundtrack.

“The Sims 2 FreeTime offers many ways for your Sims to express themselves creatively, including music,” said Steve Schnur, Worldwide Executive of Music and Music Marketing at EA. “This in-game soundtrack full of talented musicians from around the world, such as Natasha Bedingfield, is the perfect backdrop for your Sims to discover and develop their passions.”

“It was such a fun and delightful challenge to learn how to sing in Simlish,” Natasha Bedingfield added. “The language of The Sims captures a wonderful sense of beauty, creativity and humor, so my song ‘Pocketful of Sunshine’ translated well!”


In The Sims 2 FreeTime, 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. The Sims 2 FreeTime, the latest expansion pack that will arrive in stores on February 29th, 2008.

In-Game Soundtrack Credits:

“Fa-Fa-Fa”
Performed by Datarock
Written by Fredrik Saroea and Ketil Mosnes
Published by Artwerk Music, LLC
Recording courtesy of Nettwerk Productions

“It’s A Party”
Performed by Fire Flies
Written by Dan Romer
Published by Drawing Number One Publishing
Recording courtesy of Asteroid B-612

“Into The Sun”
Performed by Great Northern
Written by Rachel Stolte and Solon Bixler
Published by Songs Music Publishing LLC obo Ram Island Songs (ASCAP) and Kill The Piano Music (ASCAP)
Recording courtesy of Eenie Meenie Records by arrangement with Big Sounds International, Inc.

“Britney”
Performed by I'm From Barcelona
Written by Emanuel Lundgren
Published by EMI Blackwood Music (BMI)
Recording courtesy of EMI Records under license from EMI Film & Television Licensing

“La Otra Princesa”
Performed by Lara
Written by Massimiliano Minoia and Lara Pinilla Osuna
Published by Lara What Songs Pop S.L. and Globomedia Musica Publishing S.L.
Recording courtesy of Virgin/EMI Records – Spain and GloboMedia Musica

“Your Forgiveness”
Performed by Lexington Bridge
Written by Cliff Masterson, Mark Read, Pete Martin and Robert Heart
Published by Universal Music Publishing
Recording courtesy of Universal Records under license from Universal Music Enterprises


“Pocket Full Of Sunshine”
Performed by Natasha Bedingfield
Written by Natasha Bedingfield and Danielle Brisebois and John Shanks
Published by EMI April Music (ASCAP), Gator Baby/EMI Blackwood Music (BMI) and John Shanks Music/WB Music Corp. (ASCAP)
Recording courtesy of Epic Records by arrangement with SONY BMG Music Entertainment

“Take Out The Trash”
Performed by They Might Be Giants
Written by They Might Be Giants
Published by TMBG Music (BMI)
Recording courtesy of Idlewild Recordings

Music Production Credits:

Steve Schnur, Executive Music Producer
Cybele Pettus, Sr. Music Supervisor

About The Sims
The Sims franchise celebrates an impressive 90 million units sold life-to-date since its inception with The Sims launch in February 2000. Translated into 22 different languages, The Sims franchise has quickly become a universal gaming and cultural phenomenon. For the latest information about The Sims franchise, please visit http://www.thesims.com. To check out the hottest The Sims 2 creations made by our community members, please visit http://www.thesims2.com.

LEGENDARY on XBox 360 PlayStation 3 and PC video game

First-Person Shooter of Mythical Proportions Will Be Available on Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3 System and PC -

Atari and Gamecock Media Group today announced that Legendary will be available on Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and PC when it releases in Summer 2008. Developed by Spark Unlimited, Legendary is a first-person shooter set in a world torn asunder after all the beasts of myth are unleashed upon it.

“This exciting and original title takes the lead in our Atari Shooter line up,” said Mathias Hautefort, Executive Vice President of publishing and production, Atari. “Producing a game of this quality and scale is a major undertaking, but the highly talented team at Spark Unlimited is more than up to the job.”

“This is the project we want to be working on and it’s shaping up to be something amazing,” said Craig Allen, CEO of Spark Unlimited. “Legendary is the type of game we want every gamer, regardless of system allegiance, to get the chance to play. We’re taking our time to ensure optimum performance, regardless of platform.”

Legendary tells the story of Charles Deckard, an art thief who is duped into stealing Pandora’s Box. When he inadvertently opens it, he releases hordes of beasts thought to be fictional – such as werewolves and gryphons – into an unprepared modern world. A full scale war between man and myth begins, and it is quickly complicated by the actions of powerful secret societies. As the person responsible for releasing this terror, Deckard’s unwittingly become the only person capable of containing it once more and saving civilization from being destroyed by the terrifying creatures.

Please visit www.legendarythegame.com for more info. For details of Atari’s entire product line up visit www.atari.com.

Guinness World Record Gamer's Edition launch

To celebrate the launch of the Guinness World Record Gamer’s Edition – the longest Guitar Hero Marathon Relay record was achieved, lasting over two hours and with 40 passes between songs!

The cast of the West End hit We Will Rock You, Sabrina Aloueche (Scaramouche), Ricardo Afonso (Galilleo), Alex Bourne (Khashgoggi) and ‘The Rev’ and Snell from The Prodigy kicked off the relay before passing on to professional gamers The Frag Dolls and Luke Albiges and then the very willing public.

Other records achieved on the night included the ‘Highest score’ on Guitar Hero by Luke Albiges with a tremendous 444,862 points! Plus the ‘Highest score by a team of six’ was achieved by Guitar Hero fan Saad Choudri, his 10 year old little brother Adam and friends with an incredible 127,067 points.

Over 200 people attended the launch event dressed as their favourite ‘rock Star’ and jammed on Guitar Hero. Lisa Lehmann brought a group of American scouts to test their Guitar Hero skills, she said ‘the boys have had a terrific time and are very excited to have broken a Guinness World Record’.

Tony Macgee won first prize as the best dressed ‘Guitar Hero’ with his impressive ‘Slash’ costume.

The all new Guinness World Records Gamer’s Edition 2008 is on sale now and is bursting with new records, high score statistics and fascinating facts.

Grand Chase, the Action Adventure MMO Brawler open beta

Ntreev USA, Inc., based in Irvine, California, announced today that it has successfully launched the Open Beta Service for Grand Chase!

Grand Chase Open Beta is Live!

The Grand Chase Open Beta has begun, and for the first time ever, players will be able to experience the exclusive North American release of this highly anticipated Action-Adventure MMO Brawler!

Grand Chase is a fast-paced, heart-pounding, action brawler that combines the elements of traditional RPG character advancement & customization, and adds new cooperative and competitive elements for players who aren't afraid to put their brawling skills to the test! Grand Chase raises the bar for Free-To-Play online games by setting itself apart from the pack by featuring superior quality in design and execution. Grand Chase is a title unlike any other, and is poised to make its mark on the North American, English market!

The North American release of Grand Chase will be the most enhanced and upgraded version of the game available in the English market. In addition to this, it is also a completely different and unique title that pushes the boundaries of traditional online gaming. A fully realized fantasy world sets the stage for high adventure and epic action, as players join the forces of the Grand Chase Knights to fight the evil Kaze'aze and protect not only the land of Bermesiah, but the very world!

This completely Free-to-Play, five star title, is being brought to North America for the first time ever by the online game publisher, Ntreev USA Inc.

http://www.grandchase.net

Grand Chase Official Website Launch!

Along with the launch of the North American Open Beta of this trend-setting title, Ntreev USA, Inc. has also launched the official website for this game. The website incorporates not only all official announcements for the game, but includes: exclusive Player Forums, Downloadable Media, an Animated Trailer, Game Client Download, and information regarding special and exclusive Bonus Items, which will be available to ALL players who sign up and register for Grand Chase through the new, official website. Everyday, new Bonus Items will be given to registered players during Open Beta!

Registration for the Open Beta of Grand Chase is both free and easy! Make sure to check the official website (www.grandchase.net) for details and begin your adventure in Bermesiah.

Join the Chase, Save the World!

http://www.grandchase.net

FINAL FANTASY & FINAL FANTASY II on Sony PSP

Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of Square Enix interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, announces that FINAL FANTASY and FINAL FANTASY II will both be on sale in the UK on 8th February, 2008 on the PSP (PlayStation Portable) system.

Experience the classic gameplay, captivating storylines and unforgettable characters that gave birth to the FINAL FANTASY phenomenon. Completely re-mastered exclusively for PSP, FINAL FANTASY and FINAL FANTASY II are the definitive versions of the epic games that established the biggest RPG brand in the world.

These new editions feature redrawn graphics and character art, exclusive all-new dungeons, full 16:9 widescreen visuals and an updated camera view that gives players a new perspective on these two timeless classics that defined the RPG genre.

John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Ltd. comments, “FINAL FANTASY and FINAL FANTASY II represent the foundations of the Square Enix success story. They are the first two imaginative steps in the long and distinguished history of the FINAL FANTASY franchise. With these beautiful new versions, fans can now experience the origins of FINAL FANTASY wherever they go.”

For more information about FINAL FANTASY and FINAL FANTASY II, please visit the official website www.finalfantasy1.co.uk

About FINAL FANTASY


Story

The tale begins when four young warriors, each possessing a crystal, are summoned to restore the world’s harmonious elemental balance. During their voyage, they discover a nefarious entity has created turmoil in the structure of time in order to take control of the world, causing the heroes to travel to places they never imagined possible.

Features

The ultimate edition of the game that gave birth to a phenomenon.

The original game in the amazing FINAL FANTASY series that has sold over 80 million copies worldwide now returns in completely re-mastered form, exclusively for PSP.

Redrawn graphics and enhanced sound capitalise on the PSP’s impressive audiovisual capabilities.

Featuring an all-new dungeon, the Labyrinth of Time.
Art Gallery mode allows you to view the stunning artwork of leading illustrator Yoshitaka Amano.

About FINAL FANTASY II

Story

A malevolent emperor has called upon monsters from a demonic realm to take over the world, ending what seemed to be an eternal period of peace. From the destruction rise four young survivors who will take it upon themselves to stop the merciless ruler and avenge the death of their parents.

Features

Redrawn graphics and enhanced sound capitalise on the PSP’s impressive audiovisual capabilities.

Featuring two all-new dungeons: Arcane Labyrinth and Arcane Sanctuary.

Find and use new equipment, battle new enemies and defeat a new boss, all exclusive to the PSP version.

Art Gallery mode allows you to view the stunning artwork of leading illustrator Yoshitaka Amano.

Band Mashups Bringing Musical Warfare to Wii

Band Mashups is scheduled to bring the ultimate band battle to Wii in April 2008. Featuring 150 tracks and five distinct musical styles: rock, funk/hip-hop, country, marching band and Latin, Band Mashups combines fast-paced combat with customizable bands in the fight for musical supremacy, fully utilizing the Wii Remote controller’s highly intuitive control scheme to deliver a unique game-play experience.

"Band Mashups takes an innovative approach to the rhythm/action genre by blending music and combat in the ultimate battle of the bands,” said Randy Shoemaker, global brand director, THQ. “Using a rhythm based game-play mechanic, the game delivers 70 over-the-top musical weapons and utilizes the Wii Remote’s functionality to deliver a completely original musical combat experience. Fighting with a sniper violin or flamethrower guitar is something gamers should definitely look forward to.”

About Band Mashups

Band Mashups is the first time a musical “mashup” game has been delivered on Wii, allowing players to battle it out with their preferred musical style. Band Mashups features both an exciting two player versus mode and an extensive single-player campaign where players take on the role of one of eleven bands trying to topple the nefarious big boss Mr. Hong and take control of the faraway city of New Cadenza. Band Mashups introduces the innovative concept of “music switching,” putting the player winning the battle in control of the style of music both players hear. When an opponent turns the tide of battle, the music changes as well, switching between different music styles. Band Mashups features 30 classic and modern chart-topping hits from over the last four decades, all of which have been recorded in five different styles - (rock, funk/hip-hop, country, Latin and marching band) - for the game, resulting in a total of 150 unique, playable recordings.

PET PALS: ANIMAL DOCTOR FOR NINTENDO DS

New Game Lets You Diagnose and Treat Animals Just Like a Real Veterinarian

DS owners can see if they have the healing touch as Majesco Entertainment Company, an innovative provider of video games for the mass market, today shipped Pet Pals: Animal Doctor for Nintendo DS. Developed by Legacy Interactive and Frontline Studios, Pet Pals: Animal Doctor lets players experience the challenging world of veterinary medicine by diagnosing and treating 30 different medical cases created by real-life veterinarians.

“Pet Pals: Animal Doctor is designed to provide players with a deeper understanding of the care and expertise required to keep pets healthy,” said Gui Karyo, Executive Vice President of Operations, Majesco. “Complete with realistic medical cases and intuitive Touch Screen procedures, Pet Pals: Animal Doctor is a fun and educational experience that players of all ages can enjoy at a great value.”

In Pet Pals: Animal Doctor, players will learn the techniques required to diagnose and treat 23 different lovable pets, including a Yorkshire terrier, turtle, parakeet, rabbit and hamster. To do so, players must successfully administer more than 40 Touch Screen tests while interacting with stressed patients and concerned pet owners. Players face 30 different real-life medical cases from hairballs to infections to broken bones that add authenticity to the gameplay. After treatment, players can feed, clean and play with their patients in the Recovery Room to help improve each animal’s spirits as it heals.

Pet Pals: Animal Doctor is now available for a suggested retail price of $19.99. For additional information on this game as well as Majesco’s exciting line of products, please visit www.majescoentertainment.com.

PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 Join the Fitness Revolution

All of the newest games consoles can now be used to keep fit with the release of the GZ Pro-Sport, from fitness innovators Gamercize.

This release completes a product range offering mini exercise equipment, such as steppers and cycles, as add-ons for games consoles and computers. The specialist fitness machines provide genuine cardiovascular exercise, capable of burning the highest number of calories per hour out of all popular video game exercise systems.

The Gamercize concept requires exercise to keep the game from pausing, using the distraction of playing a game to make it easy to work out for longer without giving up.

Gamercize products are designed to inspire young and old to take the first steps towards a healthier lifestyle, as well as provide a fitness top up for active people with little free time. The equipment can be used with existing or future games, ensuring sustainable use and appeal for all.

Successfully trialled in schools and health clubs in the UK, the Gamercize has proved six times more engaging than exercise alone and twice as popular as a dedicated video game racing bike.

The concept was conceived in 2004 when, now company director, Richard Coshott designed the first Gamercize for his children. They played games for only as long as they kept exercising, which proved successful in increasing their fitness and willingness to be more active in general. Following successful grant of patent the company was formed and products have been sold worldwide to consumers on all continents.

The GZ Pro-Sport will be officially launched on February 21 2008, in partnership with Southampton Football Club, where commercial installations for PlayStation3 and Xbox 360 will be unveiled simultaneously in two Southampton City Council leisure centres.

Alone in the Dark Official Website at CentralDark.Com Exposes Shadowy Mysteries and Conspiracies Of Central Park

Atari today announced the launch of the official website of forthcoming action survival game Alone in the Dark, featuring a series of fascinating and intriguing facts, legends and stories which reveal the myriad strange and unexplained happenings which have dogged the history of New York’s magnificent municipal parkland, Central Park. Visitors to the site at www.CentralDark.com will begin a journey into the murky past of New York’s backyard and see how the park’s chequered history has influenced and inspired the production of Alone in the Dark.

With new facts, park lore and more scheduled every Thursday up to launch of the game in May, visitors can already learn a great deal of incongruous information gathered by a group of amateur researchers and drawn from historical documentation, newspapers and the work of scholars. Facts suggest there’s more than meets the eye behind the design and perfect preservation of this enormous parkland in the city that never sleeps. The implication is that considerably different motives were at work than just the desire to create a grand public parkland for the people of New York. Here’s just a taste of the questions posed:

In a city with debts of $4.8 Billion, who has the power to ensure that Central Park’s $528 Billion of prime Manhattan real estate has remained completely untouched since its creation?

What were the suspected political motivations behind the complete decimation of Seneca village, Manhattan’s first African American community, during the park’s construction?

Why was the topsoil that was used to construct Central Park not from New Jersey as recorded, and according to micro-chemical analysis not even from America?

Who built the existing tunnel network under the park that was used for Oppenheimer’s Manhattan Project of 1853 that led to the creation of the atomic bomb?

Featuring a gripping story, design inspired by contemporary TV action dramas, and original gameplay based on real world rules physics, Eden Games’ action survival opus Alone in the Dark is scheduled for release in May 2008 for Xbox 360, PC, Wii and PlayStation 2, with the PlayStation 3 version following later in 2008.

PC-based, strategy game Europa Universalis: Rome out soon

ABOUT Europa Universalis: Rome:

Europa Universalis: Rome will cover the time period from the first Punic War to the start of the true Empire. Players will have thousand of gameplay choices ranging from country, culture, provincial and character options to name but a few, making each and every game infinitely customizable and truly unique.
The technology system has 5 categories: land, construction, naval, civic and religion. Each category has a set amount of levels, somewhat similar to earlier releases Europa Universalis III and Victoria. However, one of the differences is that there are no immediate effects from aquiring new "level" of technology in EU:Rome.

FEATURES:

- Fully 3D map with integrated graphics and detailed topography.

- Start at any date between 280 B.C. and 27 B.C.

- Choose between 10 different cultures, including the Roman, Celtic, Greek and Egyptian civilizations, with more than 53 playable factions on a map spanning hundreds of provinces.

- Watch your characters develop new traits through political intrigue and various interactions with thousands of other characters.

- Trade, negotiate or fight with your neighbours and advance your technologies to unite the Mediterranean World.

- Robust multiplayer allows you to challenge up to 32 players either competitively or in co-op mode.

hell-tech will release “Europa Universalis: Rome” in Q2 2008 in Greece.