MIDEAST CRISIS 2: Concept Artwork and Screenshots

MIDEAST CRISIS 2 has released a new set of images, including concept artwork and screenshots. Images are attached, and can also be seen here: http://www.isotx.com/forums/index.php?topic=6067

MEC2 is the upcoming mod for C&C3: Tiberian Wars. This release shows the workflow, from concept art and lego models to finalized in-game units. In addition, the highway screenshot shows part of the recently completed "Highway of Death" 4-player map (created by map artist Pivac). The notable thing is that, throughout the map, the highway will always be populated by cars moving in each direction. Even if the player continues to destroy them, they will keep spawning. This means that GOI players will have added incentive to build Martyrs on this map - since they have an unlimited amount of cars to hijack.

MEC2 is seeking voice actors for a variety of roles. If interested, please check this thread: http://www.isotx.com/forums/index.php?topic=4683 for information.

Fuel of War multiplayer demo launches on Microsoft Xbox Live

The Frontline is advancing on Xbox 360 as the new multiplayer demo from THQ and Kaos Studios and pushes the boundaries as the first demo to appear on Xbox Live offering 32 player online support.

In the first map of this exciting new demo of Frontlines: Fuel of war, players find themselves battling to the death in Northern Turkmenistan over a strategic oilfield. With vast expanses of open space to cover, players need to utilise available vehicles such as tanks, armoured cars and attack helicopters to crush all resistance and push the frontline forward. If intense vehicle combat is your thing, then you are in for a real treat.

For fans of more intense up close and personal combat this demo also features a second map. Gone are the wide open fields and devastating vehicles, as players get down and dirty on the streets of war torn Moscow in a bout of frantic guerilla warfare. The key to survival on this map is to effectively use of your weapon loadouts and class abilities to suppress and control the enemy’s movements.

Frontlines: Fuel of War is the new first person shooter from THQ and asks the player “What will happen if our oil reserves were about to run out?”.

As mankind is starved of one of its most vital resources, two super powers face off over the last remaining oil reserves in intense futuristic warfare. Starting on the oil fields of central Asia, Frontlines: Fuel of war takes players across the globe and right into the heart of Moscow itself.

Players will be able to take the war to their enemy using everything from guided smart bombs and remote control combat drones to the trusty assault rifle. The unique Frontline mechanic in this game ensures that the gameplay remains intense and fast-paced at all times as well as giving players the freedom to fully explore the vast gaming landscapes.

Can you step up and take the challenge or will you run away and hide when the Multiplayer demo of Frontlines: Fuel of War launches exclusively on Xbox Live today?

FlatOut Head On – Official Sony PSP Demo download

FlatOut Head On – Official PSP Demo due for Release 22 February 2008


Empire Interactive has today confirmed that European gamers will be among the first in the world to sample its eagerly awaited PSP title FlatOut Head On with the release of the official PSP demo on 22nd February 2008.

“This is a great way for us to showcase FlatOut Head On to PSP gamers”, said Sean Walsh, Empire Interactive Product Manager. “PSP enthusiasts can often be heard talking on forums and blogs about the lack of good demos available for their beloved handheld. We wanted to help satisfy that need, and by giving them a taste of some of the featured modes - Carnage, Deathmatch Derby and Ragdoll Stunts – we think that it’ll really whet their appetite for destruction.”

The three featured game modes on the demo are ‘Carnage Race’, ‘Deathmatch Derby’ and one of the classic Ragdoll stunts. ‘Carnage Race’ is a fight against the clock to score as many points as you can in the given time by causing as much damage as possible to the scenery and your opponents in order to maximise your score. ‘Deathmatch Derby’ is an arena-based Derby with one simple objective – destroy your opponents before they destroy you with the aid of 3 lives and a multitude of power-ups. And finally, for the first time in FlatOut Head On, the Ragdoll Stunts take centre stage as a fully integrated component of the main Carnage Challenge mode. In High Jump drive the car down the ramp as fast as possible and launch your driver through the windscreen high into the sky and watch it slam into the metal net.

Play on all the featured modes included will be unlimited, however players will not be able to save their progress and no other features will be unlocked.

The FlatOut Head On PSP demo will be available for download from http://uk.playstation.com and the Empire Interactive website: http://www.empireinteractive.com from the 22nd February 2008.

FlatOut Head On is due for its European release on 14th March 2008 and will feature some of the most destructive hi-octane motorised anarchy handheld racing has ever seen.

Blizzard Entertainment tournament and gaming event to take place in Europe over 28-29 June

2008 Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational Announced

Blizzard Entertainment tournament and gaming event to take place in Europe over 28-29 June

Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. today announced plans to hold its fourth Worldwide Invitational in Paris, France on the 28th and 29th of June. The 2008 Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational will bring the company and gamers together in a convention atmosphere, celebrating the communities surrounding Blizzard Entertainment’s Warcraft, Diablo and StarCraft series as well as showcasing the skills of top eSports gamers from around the world. The first Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational to be held in Europe, the event will take place at Hall 5 of the Porte de Versailles Exposition Center in Paris.

“We look forward to bringing the Blizzard Worldwide Invitational to Europe for the first time and sharing our latest news with players there,” said Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. “In addition to the great tournament gaming that will be taking place at the event, we’re planning an entertaining show for all attendees.”

Open to gamers of ages 16 and up, or younger if accompanied by a parent, guardian, or responsible adult, the 2008 Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational will feature exciting StarCraft, Warcraft III and World of Warcraft invitational tournaments, with a variety of other activities over the two-day event, including:

• Discussion panels with Blizzard Entertainment developers
  
• Artist and developer signings
  
• Hands-on play with World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King™ and StarCraft II
  
• Merchandise and other products based on the Blizzard Entertainment game universes
  
• A silent auction
  
• Musical performances
  
• And more exciting activities to be announced
  

Tickets for the 2008 Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational are limited and will go on sale in the next few weeks at the price of 70€/£55 per ticket. Further information on activities, tournaments and ticket booking will be provided on the official 2008 Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational website at http://eu.blizzard.com/wwi08 as the event draws closer.

Wii-Kly Update: Two New Classic Games Added To Wii Shop Channel - Harvest Moon & Lords of Thunder

Wii-Kly Update: Two New Classic Games Added To Wii Shop Channel

The two games joining the lineup this week are considered cult classics, yet they deal with topics as varied as farm management and shooting enemies to the strains of heavy-metal tunes. Just don't get the two mixed up, since most livestock don't like heavy metal and it takes more than turnips to defeat fire-spewing sea serpents.

Nintendo adds new games to the Wii™ Shop Channel at 9 a.m. Pacific time every Monday. Wii owners with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points™ to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets. This week's new games are:

Harvest Moon (Super NES, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 800 Wii Points):

You bought the farm, so now it's time to roll up your sleeves and try living off the fat of the land. Fresh air and the beauty of the outdoors will be fulfilling, but a successful farm needs a lot of working capital as well. There are buildings on your property, but they are in need of livestock. You have a modest house, but if things get lonely in the field, it's going to take a remodel to woo a female farming companion. Your challenge is to dig in and build your life as a farmer from the ground up. How you manage will determine the outcome, but remember: You always reap what you sow.

Lords of Thunder (TurboGrafx-16 CD-ROM, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone – Fantasy Violence, 800 Wii Points): Lords of Thunder is a side-scrolling shooter that has you take on the role of a legendary warrior, blasting enemies to heavy-metal tunes. Your enemies are plotting to revive Zaggart, "The Dark One," who was sealed beneath the six continents of Mistral. It's up to Landis, descendant of the heroic Dyu, to stop them. Choose the order in which to attack the six stages. Before each stage, select one of four magic armors and use crystals you've collected during your battles to buy items. Selecting the right armor for each stage is the key to your ultimate victory. Then get ready to face awesome enemies like a fire-spewing sea serpent or a giant insect. Whether it's the fast-paced shooting or breaking into the fortress of a stage boss, you'll be blown away by the intensity of Lords of Thunder.

Zeemote Launches First And Only Compact Wireless Game Controller For Mobile Cellphones

Zeemote Launches First And Only Compact Wireless Game Controller For Mobile Devices

Innovative Controller Extends Console Game Experience to Mobile Gamers, Operators and Developers

Zeemote, Inc. (http://www.zeemote.com/), the creator of intuitive user interface technologies, today announced the launch of the patented Zeemote JS1, a wireless controller that enables near-console game play on mobile phones. While expanding the mobile entertainment experience for consumers, the Zeemote JS1 controller provides operators with an opportunity to increase their revenue and enables developers to create more sophisticated, engaging games.

The $38B video gaming market thrives today due to innovative input devices*. Created by the team that developed the first force feedback joystick for PC gaming, the Zeemote JS1 controller brings mobile gaming to a fun, fast and interactive level. Small, responsive, ergonomic and wireless, the Zeemote JS1 controller is new, first and unique.

“Developers, operators, and gamers tell us the Zeemote JS1 controller is what they’ve been waiting for to unleash the real potential of mobile gaming,” said Beth Marcus, CEO, Zeemote, Inc. “We’re already in discussions with a number of operators and manufacturers regarding bundling the controller with games and handsets.”

At the recent Mobile Games Forum 2008 in London, Mike Yuen, senior director of the gaming group for Qualcomm, commented, "The Zeemote JS1 is one of the most innovative devices to come along for mobile gaming, as it greatly helps improve game playability on mobile phones versus traditional d-pads. I look forward to the commercial launch of the product later this year."

Measuring a snug 95x35x20mm/3.7x1.4x0.8in and weighing only 47g/1.7oz (including batteries), the Zeemote JS1 controller sits perfectly in the hand and is ergonomically designed for optimised comfort. With a thumbstick and four assignable trigger buttons, the JS1 controller offers real analogue control enabling users to truly engage with mobile games.

Recognising the large market potential, major game developers and publishers including Eidos™, Finblade, Fishlabs and SEGA® of America, Inc., have already adapted popular games such as Lara Croft Tomb Raider™, Helistrike 3D and Sonic The Hedgehog® to utilize the new technology**. Finblade has even created Fireworks, the first 2-player game specifically designed for use with Zeemote JS1 controllers. More information about the Zeemote JS1 controller is available at http://www.zeemote.com/.

Founded in 2005, Zeemote recently closed a $7million B-round of funding led by mobile specialist firm Nauta Capital, together with prior round investor Commonwealth Capital Ventures and joined by Egan-Managed Capital of Boston. The company’s patented Zeemote™ technologies are available to hardware makers or software developers through licensing agreements.

Zeemote is also proud to announce that the company has been selected as one of two finalists in the True Mobile Start-up category in the 2008 GSMA Mobile Innovation Global Awards, sponsored by Ericsson. One finalist from each of the five categories and one overall winner will be selected and announced in Barcelona on February 12.

Zeemote, Inc. is attending the ShowStoppers media event on Sunday February 10th, 18:00 to 21:00 and is also available for meetings and demonstrations at its stand during Mobile World Congress, located at Hall 7, IZ 24. To arrange a meeting please contact Sarah Bedwell or Andrew Durkin, contact details below.

Bloom Busters video game launched

Zero G Games Publishes Bloom Busters

Zero G Games and independent developer UBrothers today announced the immediate availability of Bloom BustersTM. Bloom Busters is a casual game that tells the story of Jimmy and Jessie, two gardeners who live in magical village called Bloomland. The game centers around the player's ability to help Jimmy and Jessie rescue Bloomland's farms and forests from the invasion of squishy creatures roaming the land. Bloom Busters blends the best in fast pace action-arcade puzzles with a build-your-garden-style theme. The game offers many hours of extraordinary and challenging obstacles for all ages and combines a unique blend of story and humor.

"We set out to create an immersive, active and fun game and Bloom Busters has something to offer to casual gamers that is unique ... its story, humor and overall addictive appeal make it a unique game." stated Marek Uhrin, founder of UBrothers. "We're thrilled to have Zero G publishing Bloom Busters after months of helping us fine-tune the game - Zero G truly has a knack for making a game as good as it can possibly be, and that's reflected in the final version of Bloom Busters."

This game elicits management-style play through actions such as feeding pigs, chickens, sheep, planting and watering crops, and lots more fun with the intent of stopping the invading creatures. Players are able to utilize gardening tools, such as a fly swatter and water hose, to protect the unique flowers needed to save Bloomland. Bloom Busters will have you on the edge of your seat yelling, "get away from my flowers."

"We love Bloom Busters because it captures the ultimate in cute, fun and engaging entertainment. The team at UBrothers has created a masterpiece. Each level comes with several ways to have fun with this playful storyline, beautifully balanced level design, great visuals, adorable sounds, and a great score to keep the player engaged from one adventure to the next," said CEO Mark Lowe Zero G Games. "We've been fortunate to publish groundbreaking and consistent titles that give the audience what they expect from new casual games; Bloom Busters meets our goals in every category."

Ad-supported portal featuring Disney Arcade, offering 60 cellphone mobile games for free download.

THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY LIMITED LAUNCHES NEW MOBILE DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT PORTAL IN THE UK

Barcelona, 11th February 2008 – Today, at the 2008 3GSM World Mobile Congress, The Walt Disney Internet Group (WDIG) unveiled its new ad-supported Disney.co.uk portal for mobile devices. Already the number one ad-supported UK, US and pan-European online entertainment destination for families, this new portal brings the Disney digital entertainment experience to the mobile world.

In line with Disney’s philosophy of providing guests with the most compelling content anytime, anywhere, the portal is available to anyone with a WAP-enabled mobile handset and can be accessed either by texting “Disney” to 83335 or by entering www.disney.co.uk into a mobile handset browser. Disney is also working with mobile operators to make it accessible directly through operator branded portals, already a significant distribution route for Disney’s mobile content.

Guests using Disney.co.uk online have increasingly demonstrated that games are in great demand. To address this demand, WDIG has incorporated into the new mobile portal Disney Arcade with up to 60 games to play, many of which (such as Pirates of the Caribbean) will be provided free of charge (subject to network data charges). Guests can also interact with and experience areas dedicated to Movies, Music, TV and Community. Disney franchises such as Hannah Montana (a variety of quizzes, real tones and pictures to download) and Pirates of the Caribbean (a mobile game, real tones and logos) are well represented across the portal.

Additionally the portal will have a distinct editorial style; give guests the chance to build and communicate with communities of their existing friends; and customize the site to their own tastes - all in an environment that has been built with safety in mind.

Commenting on the launch, Cindy Rose, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, WDIG, Europe, Middle East & Africa, said: “The launch of Disney.co.uk mobile epitomizes our strategy of bringing Disney to families anytime and anywhere. Now guests can access the best of Disney in the palm of their hands while they are on the move.”

“Disney is uniquely positioned to provide this type of service because our customers engage not only with our extensive range of entertainment experiences, but with our brand itself – which is trusted to deliver high quality family entertainment. Whether you want to see a trailer from our latest film National Treasure: Book of Secrets, find out when the next episode of Phineas and Ferb appears on the Disney Channel or play a mobile game, Disney.co.uk online or mobile is the place to do it.”

Mobile internet is experiencing a significant growth phase precipitated by the emergence of 3G handsets and flat rate data tariffs. Disney.co.uk aims to capture the growing number of mobile internet users. Disney.co.uk mobile will evolve seamlessly to provide guests with integrated cross platform services alongside its online sister sites and with the growing portfolio of Disney virtual worlds such as Pirates of the Caribbean and Club Penguin.

Featuring innovative mobile 'jump' navigation, guests can move instantly from Movies to Games to Music to TV to Community by pressing a single button on the home screen.

The launch of Disney.co.uk mobile follows the successful launch of Disney.co.uk online, which has experienced more than a doubling of usage and a significant growth in market share since the introduction of the new design and features in December 2007.

Disney 2008 cellphone games announced - From Hannah Montana to Donald Duck

DISNEY ANNOUNCES BUMPER LINE-UP OF MOBILE GAMES AND PERSONALISATION CONTENT FOR SPRING 2008

Barcelona, February 11th, 2008: Walt Disney Internet Group today announces five brand new titles for its mobile phone range of easily playable, highly enjoyable games that can be played by all ages.

In keeping with Disney’s unrivalled reputation for family entertainment and traditional gameplay values, the games encompass a variety of genres, suitable for all types of mobile phone user. They also feature well-known, well-loved characters, both from Disney’s roster, from Living Mobile, and beyond.

From Hannah Montana to Donald Duck, there’s something for everyone here:

First up is Lego Bionicle Defenders, (based on the Flash game Tower Defenders), featuring the popular Lego line of articulated toys in the mobile world. This fast-moving game takes place in a hostile undersea environment, where the player must battle through 16 levels and clear out all the Barrakis’ hostile sea creatures in their search for the Mask of Life. Lego Bionicle Defenders’ simple, yet addictive gameplay ensures that Lego fans of all ages will find it an entertaining challenge, as they build towers to outwit and thwart the Barrakis. Lego Bionicle Defenders will be available from March 4.

Also in March, Disney Channel TV star Hannah Montana will be available on mobile, with a range of phone personalisation features, including wallpaper, screensavers, realtones, ringtones, and phone themes. All of these showcase 14 year old Miley Cyrus, the seemingly normal girl-next-door, whose alter ego is famous teen pop sensation Hannah Montana.

Hannah Montana, the TV show is watched in over 23 million homes across Europe, and Hannah is sure to be a hit on mobile phones as well.

The more traditional Disney characters also feature in the spring line-up of mobile games, with the ever-popular Donald Duck returning in Disney's PK - Phantom Duck. Disney's very own superhero is available on your mobile screen now, in a platform game, with puzzle challenges running through it to test the player’s brains. Help Super Donald use his wits to solve them and see him find clever ways to outsmart his enemies! Comic strip cut-scenes come to life seamlessly between levels continuing the storyline of the game. There are also wallpapers, screensavers, and themes available to augment the game experience.

Donald Duck also stars in Disney Bonus Selection, which includes two games for the price of one. Donald Duck's Quest Deluxe is a sequel to the wildly popular Donald Duck’s Quest game, delivering more than 60 levels of puzzles and five hours of brain-tickling fun! Follow the story of Donald & Friends in this brand new plot written for mobile featuring beautifully animated cut-scenes. You get to choose your character – Donald, Uncle Scrooge, Dewey, Huey or Louie – and must try to foil Magica de Spell's wicked plan to steal Scrooge's Dime Number One.

In the second game, Duckburg, you play as rookie cop Donald Duck and help him keep traffic moving smoothly through the chaotic streets! Donald has just joined the Duckburg force and must work his way through 15 promotion levels to become Best Traffic Officer. But beware of rival rookie cop and cousin, Gladstone, who tries to set him back at every turn! Help Donald meet the challenge by directing traffic without causing accidents; synching up the traffic lights, ensuring that Scrooge McDuck gets to the Millionaires Club on time, and more. Three mini-games also help you rack up points and keep Donald on his traffic-taming toes.

Then, in May, WDIG is proud to be releasing the second game in its Narnia series, based on the classic books by C S Lewis, Narnia Prince Caspian. From the silver screen to the mobile phone, Prince Caspian takes on the enemies of old to restore the Golden Age. Following their adventures in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, the Pevensie children return to Narnia one year later to find it a very different country indeed. The land is now under control of the evil King Miraz, who rules without mercy.

In addition to the game itself, WDIG will be releasing Prince Caspian branded wallpapers, ringtones, realtones, theme, and screensavers.

SPEED RACER, the Highly-Anticipated Live Action Film from Warner Bros Mobile cellphone game

Glu to Launch Mobile Game Based on SPEED RACER, the Highly-Anticipated Live Action Film from Warner Bros.

Leading Mobile Publisher Unveils First Title to Come through Partnership with Warner Bros. Digital Distribution

Glu Mobile Inc. (Nasdaq: GLUU), a leading global publisher of mobile games, today announced that it will be publishing a mobile game based on the forthcoming Warner Bros. Pictures live-action film SPEED RACER, a high-octane family adventure written, directed and produced by the Wachowski brothers, creators of the The Matrix trilogy, with producer Joel Silver. The mobile game marks the first title Glu will develop and publish through its strategic worldwide partnership with Warner Bros. Digital Distribution.

“The SPEED RACER film features key elements that make a great mobile game —speed, adventure, exciting characters and storyline,” said Jill Braff, senior vice president of global publishing, Glu. “As buzz builds for the upcoming film, we’re excited to bring a truly engaging game based on this highly anticipated film to the mobile phone.”

In addition to the mobile game, Glu will publish additional mobile content including wallpapers, ringtones, animated screensavers, voice tones and ringbacks.

“Glu has demonstrated its ability to create the highest quality games and make them available to a broad audience of mobile consumers around the world,” said Maria Seidman, vice president, sales development, Warner Bros. Digital Distribution. “We’re excited to see the roll-out of SPEED RACER on the mobile platform and we believe we will benefit from their mobile expertise in reaching SPEED RACER fans around the world on the mobile platform.”

SPEED RACER opens in U.S. theaters on May 9. The SPEED RACER mobile game will be released in late April and will be available worldwide through Glu’s global network of wireless carriers and distributors.

For more information on SPEED RACER, visit www.speedracerthemovie.com