DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Joker on Nintendo Wii Official Website Now Live

Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of Square Enix interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, today announces that the official website for DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Joker is now live. The content-packed site will let you discover more about the weird and wonderful monsters that inhabit the islands of Green Bays and also download exclusive content including wallpapers and podcasts. Best of all is an exciting web game that lets you to prove your monster hunting skills and also challenge friends with your monster collection – make sure you quest for the best as the winner of the game will win a trip to Japan for two! To join in the fun make sure to visit www.dragonquestmonstersjoker.co.uk

DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Joker provides the ultimate monster-hunting challenge with over 200 marauding monsters to scout and battle. Train your team to be the best by mastering countless spells and abilities, and crush all who stand in your way. You can also synthesise amazing new monsters that can develop rare new abilities.

DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Joker is not just about battling though. There’s a colourful 3D world full of treasures and surprises to explore. On your travels you’ll meet a cast of quirky characters that can help you make it to the top. There’s fun to be had in multiplayer and online use too. Challenge your friends and their monster teams with DS Wireless Communication, or compete against players from North America and PAL territories in the Wildcard World Cup, via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.

DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Joker will be available across all PAL territories from 14th March 2008 exclusively on the Nintendo DS system.

About DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Joker

Story

Welcome to Green Bays, a cluster of mysterious islands that sparkle like jewels in the shimmering ocean! But travellers beware!
The islands are not as peaceful as they seem, for they teem with a multitude of monsters both great and small. Green Bays is also home to the famous Monster Scout Challenge. This renowned contest, held once every few years, determines who will be crowned the world’s greatest scout. The challenge is organised by the Monster Scout Organisation, whose headquarters are located on Domus Isle, which lies at the centre of the archipelago.
Now a new challenge is about to begin, and the crème de la crème of the scouting world are converging on the islands…
It is time for you to begin your quest to become the greatest monster scout in Green Bays, and in history!

Features

•Collect over 200 monsters to create the ultimate team
•Train your monster squad to be the strongest by mastering countless spells, abilities, and more. The combinations are almost endless
•Synthesise amazing new species of monsters that inherit the best abilities of their parents and perhaps some rare new skills too
•Battle other teams of monsters to see who is the best
•Explore a stunning 3D world filled with monsters, treasures and surprises. Graphics use the same techniques as seen in •DRAGON QUEST: The Journey of the Cursed King
•Challenge friends and their monster teams via DS Wireless Communication
•Compare your team and compete against players from North America and PAL territories in the Wildcard World Cup, available via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection
•The DRAGON QUEST “big three” – comprising series creator Yuji Horii, legendary manga artist Akira Toriyama, and renowned composer Koichi Sugiyama – come together once again to create an unforgettable gaming experience

WWII comes to America as Turning Point: Fall of Liberty ships to U.S. stores

WWII comes to America as Turning Point: Fall of Liberty ships to U.S. stores.

Now shipping in the U.S.; UK launch fixed for March 14th.

Presenting explosive action in a unique and provocative World War II scenario, Turning Point: Fall of Liberty, the alternate reality shooter from Spark Unlimited, is now shipping to U.S. retail stores nationwide Codemasters announced today; the title’s UK launch will follow on March 14th .

Pitching gamers into a WWII like no other, Turning Point: Fall of Liberty is set in an alternate 1953 where, following the fall of Europe, Nazi forces launch an invasion on the gateway to the United States. Opening with decimating attack on New York, players assume the role of construction worker Dan Carson caught in the middle of the blitzkrieg.

As the city is taken block by block, players must survive the initial assault before regrouping with a team of resistance workers and lead a fight back against the oppressors. With the Third Reich’s sights set on the seat of government, the action takes players to Washington D.C. and, eventually, to a startlingly different London, which has been flying the Swastika under Nazi rule for over a decade.

Prepare to fight afresh on these very different WWII battlegrounds when Turning Point: Fall of Liberty arrives for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and Games for Windows. See Carson in action and join the resistance online at www.turningpointgame.com

Sony Computer Entertainment America Introduces Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots PS3 Bundle Available In Late Q2 2008 In North America

At its annual retail and publisher conference Destination PlayStation, Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) announced details of upcoming PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3) and PSP (PlayStation Portable) (PSP-2000) hardware bundles with two of the most highly anticipated 2008 titles. The company also announced the April 2008 availability of DUALSHOCK 3 wireless controller in North America.

To coincide with the much-anticipated North American launch of Metal Gear Solid®4: Guns of the Patriots in late Q2 2008, SCEA will introduce a PS3 bundle, which will include an 80GB PS3, the upcoming blockbuster Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots and a DUALSHOCK 3 wireless controller for $499 (MSRP).

“Working closely with our retail and publishing partners and sharing our hardware and software roadmaps at Destination PlayStation gives us a great opportunity to outline some key milestones for the year. In response to incredible demand, we will be manufacturing more 80GB PS3s for North America and the Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots 80GB PS3 bundle is an ideal way to offer that continued value to our consumers,” said Jack Tretton, president and CEO, SCEA. “With Blu-ray having won the format war, our stellar software line-up and a broad product portfolio, we will continue to drive the incredible momentum we’ve been generating since last fall.”

SCEA will introduce the DUALSHOCK 3 wireless controller for the first time in North America in April 2008 for $54.95 (MSRP). DUALSHOCK 3, which incorporates both rumble and motion sensing SIXAXIS technologies, maintains the award-winning design and precise, responsive features of PlayStation controllers. The added rumble feature, combined with the SIXAXIS system, enhances the gamer experience with more interactive, intuitive and immersive game play experience and will work with more than 100 current PS3 titles.

In additional news coming from Destination PlayStation, SCEA announced Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots will be available in North America in late Q2 2008. A Metal Gear Online “Starter Pack” will also be launched to support online game play. Gamers can select a single player experience or take the action online with up to 16 players and battle it out using the latest weapons and stealth techniques. For those eager to take on Solid Snake’s nemesis, Liquid Ocelot, a nationwide pre-sell promotion will enable gamers to pre-order Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots and be guaranteed access to a multiplayer beta test for Metal Gear Online scheduled for late April.

NINTENDO DS ON ICE!

New ice dancing simulation game Princess on Ice on Nintendo DS across Europe.

Princess on Ice sees you jump, spin and pirouette your way to fame as you follow the fortunes of Kelly, Gabrielle, Alyssa and Madison - four young ice dancers. Plucked from obscurity by a mysterious dance trainer our heroines are trained and in turn audition for the Princess on Ice Tournament, the most prestigious ice dancing event of the year. Follow the girls through their journey as they dance their way through the world’s premier ice skating stadiums perfecting all the moves and striving to impress the judges. Do our four dancers have what it takes to be crowned ‘Princess on Ice’?

The game play is based around rhythm and action using the stylus to follow dance prompts on the lower screen. Tap circles before the time runs out to skate, follow arrows as quickly as you can to spin, touch matching shapes as they meet to jump and tap shapes before they disappear to step. Your skater will react on the upper screen to how well you are doing in the game. Drop too far down the ‘heat’ meter and she will stumble losing valuable points with the judges.

In addition to all the ice dancing fun you can totally customise your character with fashionable accessories, clothing and headwear. There are hundreds of different combinations across the four characters giving a unique look for each. As you progress through the game you will also be rewarded with a whole host of un-lockable extras including new levels, accessories, special moves and storylines adding yet more life and fun into the game.

Princess on Ice will be published by 505 Games for Nintendo DS in April 2008.

iZ3D Sponsors 3D Monitor Prize for the CGArena.com Ancient Times 3D Digital Art Challenge

iZ3D Sponsors 3D Monitor Prize for the CGArena.com Ancient Times 3D Digital Art Challenge

One Talented Graphic Artist Can Win the Grand Prize of an iZ3D Monitor Plus Four 3D Digital Art Software Packages Valued at $7323; Second Place is valued at $1164.

iZ3D, LLC, designer, developer, and marketer of advanced 3D visualization systems, is pleased to announce that its 22-inch widescreen 3D monitor is among the five Grand Prize sponsors for the CGArena.com “Ancient Times” 3D Challenge. The contest began on February 15, 2008 and ends April 28, 2008. Contestants are to create a 3D image that addresses any city, culture, war, mystery etc. in the theme of Ancient Times.

“The commercial 3D image quality of the iZ3D monitor is an ideal solution for graphic artists to view their 3D art in actual 3D as they’re creating it. Many digital artists are embracing the new 3D graphics and video software programs in response to the growing 3D trend. So why design 3D objects on a flat 2D monitor? Our monitors offer smart capabilities so they can easily hot switch between 2D and 3D viewing to see their work in either dimension,” remarked Thomas Striegler, CEO of iZ3D, LLC.
Contest entries must be based on a time period that is at least 60 years old, but contestants can show time period from a current viewpoint. The challenge is a WIP (Work in Progress) Challenge. The purpose of a work in progress challenge is that everyone involved learns from the experience. The community offers critiques and everyone benefits from the discussions. Each challenger is required to regularly submit Work In Progress (WIP) images, from initial concept sketches to the final render.

"CGArena.com firmly believes in the intensity 3D graphics can bring to the viewer. Adding the iZ3D monitor to our other four 3D software prizes shows how popular designing in 3D has become, commented Ashish Rastogi, CEO of CGArena.com. “This is our 14th challenge contest. Our contests have consistently grown in size and there are already over 110 entries in our current challenge,” he added.

The iZ3D 22" monitor offers the first S-3D drivers to be compatible with popular dual output cards, including the NVIDIA GeForce 8 Series and the ATI FireGL V3600 workstation graphics accelerator. These drivers also are optimized to take advantage of Intel’s latest Core 2 Duo and Intel Core 2 Quad processor technologies. iZ3D also features drivers that support Microsoft DirectX 8 and 9 graphics in both Windows XP and Microsoft Windows Vista.

iZ3D developed this unique technology to create an adjustable 3D environment without causing eyestrain, spatial disorientation, or headaches. In 3D mode, viewers can see bright, sharp 3D images and video simply by wearing a pair of iZ3D passive polarized glasses.

Most current PC’s equipped with a dual-output video card easily power the unit. Specifications include: 1680 x 1050 resolution; up to 170-degree 3D viewing angle; 5ms response time; 700:1 contrast ratio; and 16.7-million colors. The iZ3D 22” widescreen, 3D gaming monitor is available now via newegg.com or the iZ3D.com website for $799.00.

Running With Scissors Previews POSTAL III At Game Developers Conference

Running With Scissors Previews POSTAL III At Game Developers Conference

Next-Gen Edition of Classic Franchise Elicits Raves fromVideo Game Press and Mainstream Publishers

Running With Scissors (RWS) broke with tradition this year and took a meeting room at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in order to showcase the first public viewing of a demo for the long-awaited POSTAL III, “just like normal, loveable developers,” declared RWS CEO and world class charmer, Vince Desi.

POSTAL III running on Valve’s SOURCE engine was presented as an Xbox 360 demo, with both major and mid level publishers expressing strong interest in acquiring the World Wide rights to the game.

This time out, however, both publishers and the press enjoyed and respected the franchise’s history and durability, as well POSTAL III’s ongoing joy at being a first-rate action adventure as well as a sharp-witted comedic expression aimed directly down the throat of Political Correctness. “This is no longer a teens-only zone,” Desi explained in reference to the video game marketplace. “And mainstream companies were willing to look at POSTAL III objectively, with the major publishers strongly supporting the idea of a PS3 sku in addition to the 360 and PC editions.”

The game press was similarly impressed. Brad Hilderbrand from WorthPlaying.com declared: “"POSTAL III promises to be one of the most twisted, hilarious, and depraved games I've ever seen... and I can't wait to get my hands on it."

"They say the demo is about 1% of the finished product... and it's STILL funny,” wrote Abbie Heppe on J2Games.com. “You can play [as] a model citizen, a somewhat worse citizen or a truly awful one. However the game penalizes you for making blatantly amoral choices. Pedestrians, cops... even the army will try to stop you if you become a one-man killing machine. AWESOME."

Other journalists, including Patrick Shaw from Gamepro and Chris Faylor, editor at shacknews.com, agreed with that assessment. And for the first time in its notorious ten year history, “the world’s most dangerous video game company” was given props for producing a game that promises not only the expected assault on the bastions of political correctness but a game that is state of the art in terms of both design and execution.

“This GDC for RWS was different,” Desi marveled. “It was inspiring! We showed the world of publishers, press, and, most importantly, gamers the console premier of POSTAL III. It has been an uphill battle since the press and others have consistently misrepresented the franchise’s content. POSTAL was, is and always will be an Action Comedy Adventure! Ten years of fan support, over one million copies sold, and now POSTAL III is running on the Xbox 360. Do I hear PS3?”

Xbox LIVE wins Arcade Awards For Castlevania: Symphony Of The Night

Other Ocean Interactive Wins Xbox LIVE Arcade Awards For Castlevania: Symphony Of The Night

Prince Edward Island Studio Begins Legacy of High-Quality Award-Winning Games with its First Title

Other Ocean Interactive, the leading Prince Edward Island-based videogame development studio, announced today that Castlevania: Symphony of Night has won two Xbox Live Arcade Awards. The title developed by Other Ocean and published by Konami Digital Entertainment won awards for Best Classic Game, and Highest-Rated Game from Microsoft at this year's Game Developers Conference in San Francisco.

"To win 2 out of 10 of the awards with a single title in the inaugural year of the Xbox Live Arcade Awards is an honor and a testament to the hard work and commitment to quality of our team," said Deirdre Ayre, studio head of Other Ocean Interactive. "Creating the game in Prince Edward Island signals the growing influence of Atlantic Canada within the game development industry as we continue to attract top-tier talent to the region to work on marquee titles."

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night for Xbox Live Arcade was Ocean Interactive's first released title, and has already received Editor's Choice Awards from IGN, TeamXbox, and Game Chronicles. The game had an unprecedented 100% of its reviews scoring over 80% on both metacritic.com and gamerankings.com. It had 23 reviews featured on Gamerankings.com with 13 of the 23 reviews scoring the game above 90 percent for an average of 93%.

Gameloft Launches "Bubble Bash" video game for Apple iPod

Gameloft Launches "Bubble Bash" for iPod

Gameloft, a leading publisher and developer of video games for mobile phones, today announced that "Bubble Bash", a tropical island puzzle game is now available on the iTunes Store (www.itunes.com) for players to purchase and download on the new iPod nano, iPod classic and fifth generation iPod. "Bubble Bash" is available immediately for purchase for $4.99.

“'Bubble Bash' has been a massive hit for Gameloft and we’re thrilled to bring this fun, exciting puzzle game to the iPod,” explains Gonzague de Vallois, senior vice president of publishing, Gameloft. “The success of the game goes to show how original titles can really enhance and create a fresh experience in gaming for iPod owners who seek entertainment on the go.”

"Bubble Bash" has been one of Gameloft's most popular original titles, joining the million mark club. iPod owners can now join characters, Malia and Kale in their quest for treasure in an island paradise. Players can explore a vibrant tropical island, from the beach to the rainforest, in this exciting puzzle game. The game lets players toss multi-colored bubbles into the sky to pop three or more of the same color by simply aiming and firing into the cluster before it drops or time runs out. "Bubble Bash" is guaranteed to captivate audiences as it features more than 100 evolving levels that lead to new treasures. Players also face challenging opponents such as angry monkeys, spiders and parrots that try to keep you from reaching your goal. Bubble Bash is an ideal game for the iPod and will appeal to fans of all ages.

LOST PLANETTM: EXTREME CONDITION FOR PLAYSTATION 3 SHIPS

THE ULTIMATE COOL: LOST PLANETTM: EXTREME CONDITION FOR PLAYSTATION 3TM SHIPS TO RETAIL TODAY

Capcom Entertainment, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced that Lost Planet™: Extreme Condition, the riveting sci-fi action shooter for PLAYSTATION®3, has begun shipping to retail stores across North America. Lost Planet carries a suggested retail price of $39.99 and is rated “T” for Teen by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB).

Lost Planet is an epic gaming masterpiece combining a gripping single player campaign and intense multiplayer modes. Lost Planet contains sophisticated visuals, with an unmatched level of detail as advanced light sourcing is used to ensure a realistic presentation that enhances every explosion, smoke and particle effect. Enormous world maps unfold as players battle hostile creatures in blistering weather conditions across vast snowfields and blazing volcanic areas either on foot or in armed, robotic Vital Suits.

Lost Planet: Extreme Condition for the PLAYSTATION®3 system will release with a number of specific features not previously available in retail editions of the 360 or PC versions of the game:

PS3 Specific Features:

• All 16 previously released multiplayer maps (including the extra downloadable content from Xbox LIVE) included on the disc.
• New unlockable characters for single and multiplayer mode, including Frank West from Dead Rising, Megaman, and others.

Lost Planet also features:

• Intense multiplayer modes with support for up to 16 players online.
• Frenetic action - Lost Planet is a fast-paced third-person shooter with all the depth, intrigue and intensity of a science fiction classic.

Connect to gamers around the world via PLAYSTATION®Network and participate in a variety of cooperative and versus battles with up to 16 players:

Elimination - It’s every snow pirate for themselves in this death match mode where the victorious are rewarded for the most points earned.

Team Elimination – You’re only as good as your teammates so strategy and cooperation is key in eliminating the opposing side.

Post Grab - Teams are tasked with capturing and holding as many Posts as possible.
Fugitive - One player is assigned as the “Fugitive”, and he or she will earn points for various actions (staying alive, killing enemies, capturing Posts). Dying deducts points and winning is determined when a maximum total is reached or when the score ticks down to zero.
• Foot and robotic Vital Suit-based gameplay – Command high powered VS and weapons not only to help players traverse the treacherous terrain, but to eliminate enemies that lie ahead. Strategically switch between VS and on foot gameplay to best face each situation and challenge.
• Vast environments - Snowstorms, arctic winds, towering buildings and mountains of ice are all stunningly realized as battles occur above and below ground, creating a truly immersive and cinematic event of epic proportions.
• A premier team of developers – The creators of the critically acclaimed Onimusha® and Devil May Cry® series have come together to create the expansive world of Lost Planet.

For more information on Lost Planet, please visit the official site at Lost Planet or join the growing community of fans at Lost Planet Community

Disney mobile - CRITTER CRUNCH WINS BEST GAME AWARD AT IGF MOBILE & CELLPHONE

CRITTER CRUNCH WINS BEST GAME AWARD AT IGF MOBILE

Disney Mobile Studios is delighted to announce that Critter Crunch has been awarded Best Game of 2007 at the Independent Games Festival (IGF) Mobile, held last week in San Francisco as part of the 2008 Game Developers Conference.

Developed by Capybara Games, and published in Europe by the Walt Disney associate company, Critter Crunch is a mobile original, which is only now being converted for next-generation consoles. Initially released last August, it achieved critical acclaim for its originality and absorbing gameplay.


“Critter Crunch is a superb game which exemplifies the best values for mobile play: beautifully designed with great graphics, easy to pick up and play and yet endlessly challenging,” says Sunil Gunderia, VP Mobile EMEA, Walt Disney Internet Group.

While the IGF, which aims to encourage innovation in game development, is now in its 10th year, this is the first year that the festival has made awards specifically for mobile games.