Gothic Universe - Gothic 1, 2 and 3 video games in one box - out now

Gothic Universe – Three of the best out Friday

Jowood Production are pleased to announce that on Friday 29th February 2008, they will releasing one of the most important RPG games to grace the gaming arenas in recent years. Gothic Universe compiles the complete series from 1 to 3 - including all the add–ons - that made this such a great games series. The accolades it has received over the last few years has made this game a must to play. To remind you how great this series is, view the trailer which showcases footage from all three games.

Gothic I

Eurogamer 8/10 Online: One of the most pleasing aspects of Gothic is the fact that it doesn't rely too much on established role-playing dynamics. Indeed it leans more heavily towards adventuring and exploration,

Gamespy 83/100 Online: If you're an RPG fan that is looking for a game with more substance -quests, detailed NPC interaction, and a solid plot - then you should check out Gothic

Just RPG 80/100 Online
Just Adventure 80% Online
Ace Games 10/10 Online
PC Zone 74/100
PC Gamer 75/100

Gothic II

Gamespot 8.1/10 Online: Gothic II is a substantially long game, and its different quests and different professions allow for some good replay value

Gamers hell 9.2/10 Online: In my opinion this game is a must have for RPG fans but if you’ve played and liked Gothic 1 then you’ll have no option but to run for the store and buy it as soon as possible.

IGN 8/10 Online
Just RPG 97/100 Online
Worth Playing 8/10 Online
PC Zone 80/100

Gothic III

Jolt 8.1/10 Online: It’s a very immersive experience with a friendly interface and a real “feel” to it. You will get drawn into it and find yourself living a life in game.

Eurogamer 8/10 Online: It's a beautifully rich free-form environment, as much a pleasure to explore without resorting to combat as is World of Warcraft's or Oblivion's.

Strategy Informer 7.8/10 Online
Ace Games 8/10 Online
Honestgamers 9/10 Online
Gamespot 7.6/10
Gamers Europe 7/10
PC Zone 85/100
PC Gamer 71/100
Gamesmaster 80/100


Gothic Universe – The story begins

The epic story of Gothic, now in one huge pack: Beginning your journey as a prisoner of the King, who must find enough magic ore to forge weapons for his army in defence against the Orcs. The mines are set in a large magical sphere and inside this sphere you will start exploring Myrtana’s mysteries. Once you’ve managed to burst the bonds of imprisonment, it’s on you to explore the island of Khorinis. Willing to do whatever is necessary to banish evil once and for all, defend the people against the orcish thread and venture deep into subterranean temples. After your escape from the island you didn’t find safety: The orcs have finally conquered Myrtana and enslaved the humans. Barbarians of the icy north and few fearless rebels are the only resistance. You can either support their efforts or join the orcish occupation forces - but whatever you do, the destiny of Myrtana is yours to forge!
3D action adventure with over 300 hours of exciting gameplay
Immerse yourself in the most realistic and fascinating in-game world possible: Myrtana awakens!
Liberation or annihilation - the fate of the world of Gothic lies in your hands!
Huge living and breathing environment reacting to the actions of the player and creating endless choices of interaction
Hundreds of weapons, items, spells and artifacts to equip and use
USPs
Epic, non – linear storylines with multiple endings and almost limitless possibilities
highly re-playable story lines
Extensive aspheric soundtrack

Xbox 360 Exclusive Lost Odyssey out Now!

Arm Yourselves! Xbox 360 Exclusive "Lost Odyssey" Is Available in Stores!

The wait is over, and the journey has begun. Microsoft today announced that “Lost Odyssey,” the exciting next-gen RPG available exclusively on Xbox 360 will be available from this Friday 29th February at retailers. Created by famed game producer Hironobu Sakaguchi of Mistwalker game studio in conjunction with Microsoft Game Studios and noted developer Feelplus, the title is available for £44.99 and rated 16+.

Take up arms and summon your courage to help the immortal Kaim and his friends discover secrets of the past in time to change an uncertain future. With the emotional story sequences written by award-winning Japanese novelist Kiyoshi Shigematsu, incredible cinematics inspired by renowned Japanese comic artist Takehiko Inoue and realistic graphics, “Lost Odyssey” is truly a work of next-gen RPG art.

To further enhance the traditional Japanese role-playing experience, Mistwalker adds new levels of skill and strategy with innovations like the Aim Ring battle system. The massive environments, memorable characters and epic storyline will engage gamers, immersing them in the volatile and exciting world of “Lost Odyssey.”

For more information on “Lost Odyssey” and all the latest news from the team at Mistwalker, visit www.xbox.com/lostodyssey.

Disney Interactive Studios Introduces Ultimate Band - The Only All-Inclusive Music Video Game Experience For All Ages

Disney Interactive Studios Introduces Ultimate Band - The Only All-Inclusive Music Video Game Experience For All Ages

No Peripherals Required, Ultimate Band Makes the Power to Rock Truly Accessible

Disney Interactive Studios announced today, Ultimate Band, an all new music experience for fans of the Wii home video game system and Nintendo DS. Gamers and music lovers of all ages will realize their dream of becoming a rock legend when they build their own band or jam alone, all fuelled only by the power of the Wii controllers and the DS stylus. Disney is working with some of the very biggest names in rock, alternative, popular, emo and indie rock music, allowing band mates to play sets from a broad selection of current hits and all-time rock favourites. Friends and families can rock out on guitar, bass, drums or as the front man.

“Ultimate Band invites kids, tweens and teens to join in the jam session,” said Craig Relyea, senior vice president, global marketing, Disney Interactive Studios. “And whether they choose guitar, drums, bass or front man, members don’t need to buy costly, single-function peripherals to play their way through Ultimate Band’s deep song list, dynamic venues, and customizable characters. The Wii Remote™ and DS stylus are the only tools they’ll need to reach rock stardom in Ultimate Band.”

Working with leading London-based music consultants, Radial Music, Disney has chosen to combine familiar classics with today’s hottest songs in creating Ultimate Band - a product with global appeal across all age groups. Instantly-recognisable songs from classic rock to current hit singles will bring players together for endless hours of entertainment.

"Radial worked closely with Disney to compile the perfect song list for Ultimate Band," said David Hill of Radial Music. “With iconic songs from every decade since the 60s, these games feature music for everyone."

Ultimate Band, being developed by Fall Line Studio in Salt Lake City, UT, is slated for release during autumn 2008. When Disney formed Fall Line Studio in November, 2006, Ultimate Band was the first project the team began building. Fall Line Studio’s focus is to develop Wii and Nintendo DS games based on new intellectual property, Disney brands (with Disney/Walden Media’s The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian on the Nintendo DS being its first release), and innovative new technologies such as DGamer which will provide a fun, connected game community for Disney video game fans.

Ultimate Band for Wii allows players to live the life of a rock star, by advancing their music careers and popularity from playing in a neighbourhood garage to performing in front of an international audience at a world famous venue. Ultimate Band utilizes the innovative Wii Remote and Nunchuk™ to give fans the ability to play the drums, bass guitar, lead guitar, or take on the role of the front man. Players can also create and customise characters that reflect their own unique personalities and attributes. Along the way, players will unlock new songs, venues, and accessories that can be used to customise their band members.

Ultimate Band for Nintendo DS is a rhythm-based music game with a built-in recording studio. Players can jam to current and classic songs using the drums, lead guitar, bass guitar, or rhythm guitar. Players can also create their own original songs using the DS touchscreen and stylus to lay down tracks for each instrument and apply creative mixing effects. Ultimate Band for Nintendo DS will also include DGamer functionality which will allow players to engage with others in a secure online community via their DS (Wi-Fi or ad hoc) or computer.

For more information on Disney Interactive Studios and Fall Line Studio, visit http://www.disney.com/videogames.

HOUSE OF THE DEAD 2 & 3 RETURN new game mode Extreme mode announced as an exclusive for Nintendo Wii

HOUSE OF THE DEAD 2 & 3 RETURN confirms new game mode.

Extreme mode announced as an exclusive for Nintendo Wii.

Bringing forth two of the best arcade gun games from the genre, THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD 2 & 3 RETURN delivers non-stop trigger pulling action on the Nintendo Wii. And now Nintendo Wii gamers will experience a new level of intense action with the exclusive Extreme Mode!

Available after beating THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD 2 and THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD III, Extreme Mode is a special single player mode in THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD III with a number of gameplay changes. Quicker enemy attacks make the action much more frantic and the bullet blast radius is much smaller. However, the player can take advantage of faster reloading of the shotgun as well as a new melee attack!

When the enemy is within melee range, pressing the A button will unleash the powerful melee attack that can hit several enemies!



The melee attack can also be used to block enemy attacks, missile weapons, and even boss attacks! Don’t abuse the melee attack as it requires the player to reload after each use.

THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD 2 & 3 RETURN will be released on the Nintendo Wii in March and fully supports the Wii Zapper.

For more information about SEGA please visit www.sega-europe.com.

WWE Superstars meet fans at HMV Edinburgh for WWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2008' international tournament final on Xbox 360

WWE Superstars meet fans at HMV Edinburgh for WWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2008' international tournament final on XBox 360

WHAT: WWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2008’ international tournament and signing session

WHERE: HMV Edinburgh, Princes Street (Gaming Zone)

WHEN: Thursday 6th March at 3.30 pm

Superstars from World Wrestling Entertainment, The Miz and John Morrison, celebrate the release of the ‘WWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2008’ international tournament final on Xbox 360, with a free signing session at HMV’s Princes Street store in Edinburgh on Thursday 6th March.

The UK final kicks off at 3.30 pm in the HMV Edinburgh store’s special Gaming Zone, after which the WWE Superstars will meet fans and sign merchandise from 4.00 pm.

The United Kingdom finalist, along with the two North American finalists and a finalist from Continental Europe, will compete head-to-head at the grand finale, scheduled to occur during the 6th Annual THQ Superstar Challenge on March 27, 2008 at the House of Blues in Orlando. The grand prize-winner will receive two floor tickets to WrestleMania 24, while each finalist will receive two stadium tickets to the event.

Fans can pick up free wristbands at HMV which allow them access to the signing. Wristbands will be available only from HMV Princes Street, Edinburgh from 8.00 am on Thursday 6th March onwards. One wristband per customer maximum, in person only, while stocks last, subject to availability, at participating store only.

NAMCO BANDAI GAMES Celebrates 10th Anniversary Of Tales Series With Two New Games In 2008

NAMCO BANDAI GAMES Celebrates 10th Anniversary Of Tales Series With Two New Games In 2008

Tales of Vesperia for Xbox 360 and Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World for Wii Highlight Celebrated Role-Playing Series' First Decade

NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. today announced Tales of Vesperia for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World for Wii. Marking the 10th anniversary of the Tales franchise in North America, these two new games expand the series’ winning combination of real-time combat, captivating storylines and remarkable graphics while introducing original elements that set a new standard for role-playing gameplay and interactive storytelling.

The debut of the Tales series on the Xbox 360, Tales of Vesperia launches the series to new heights of interactive narrative and engrossing gameplay with incredible anime-style graphics, a captivating storyline and characters as well as an upgraded battle system. Set in a world reliant on a mysterious ancient technology known as “blastia,” the game follows former knight Yuri as he delves into a shadowy plot to use these magical devices to control civilization, or destroy it.

A bold new interpretation of the elements that made the Tales series a hit with gamers around the world, Tales of Vesperia delivers a standard-setting RPG experience on the Xbox 360. Using an all-new graphics engine and character designs by the renowned Kosuke Fujishima (Ah! My Goddess, Sakura Taisen), the game delivers high-quality HD character models and environments that are indistinguishable from traditional cel-based anime. The game also makes significant additions to the series’ trademark real-time combat system, allowing players to do battle in massive battlefields and learn new special attacks that are tied to individual weapons. New finishing blows allow players to take down enemies in a single hit with correctly timed button combinations, while mission-based battles increase the variety of each encounter as players gain unique items by fulfilling various battle objectives. Players can also use materials collected by successfully executing finishing moves to craft rare and unique equipment for their characters.

Set two years after the events of the award-winning Tales of Symphonia for the Nintendo GameCube™, Dawn of the New World follows the journey of two new young heroes, Emil Castagnier and Marta Lualdi, as they seek to uncover the mystery of why their world has fallen into ruin. In their quest, their paths will cross with the original cast of Tales of Symphonia including Lloyd and Colette, as well as a summon spirit known as Ratatosk who claims to be the lord of all monsters.

Advancing the combination of story, characters and real-time battles that made Tales of Symphonia one of the best-selling and highest-rated role-playing games for the Nintendo GameCube, Dawn of the New World introduces a new monster recruitment feature in which players can capture more than 200 unique enemies and train them to actively participate in battle. Players can then feed these monsters to make them more effective, and even evolve them into several new fearsome forms. The game also features an updated real-time battle system that lets players move freely in all directions around the battlefield, execute powerful unison attacks and take advantage of a new elemental alignment system for even more strategic depth. Dawn of the New World gives players complete control over a full roster of Tales of Symphonia characters and ally monsters, letting them customize their adventure party into hundreds of unique combinations.

“The Tales series is one of our most successful and well-regarded franchises, and we’re celebrating its 10th anniversary in a big way with two new games that redefine role-playing on the Xbox 360 and Wii,” said Todd Thorson, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. “Not only can gamers look forward to playing these two incredible titles later this year, but we’ll be supporting special anniversary-themed programs throughout the year to thank all the fans of the series for their dedication and enthusiasm.”

Tales of Vesperia for the Xbox 360 and Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World for Wii will be available in stores later this year. Tales of Vesperia is currently featured in the March issue of Play magazine, and Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World is featured in the March issue of Nintendo Power magazine, both now on sale nationwide. For more information on the Tales series, please visit www.namcobandaigames.com.

Grand Chase update with More Dungeons, New Equipment plus Ten Times the Daily Nutritional Requirement of Online Action!

Grand Chase is here with More Dungeons, New Equipment and Ten Times the Daily Nutritional Requirement of Online Action!

February 25th, 2008, Irvine California, Ntreev USA, Inc. announced new content and updates today for the exclusive North American release of Grand Chase, the Action Adventure MMO Brawler developed by KOG.

Get Your Brawl On in Brand New Dungeons!

In the newest update patch to Ntreev USA's North American release of the online action brawler, Grand Chase, three new dungeons have been added to the game. These new dungeons further expand the areas and maps that players can explore and conquer, solo or cooperatively. Each dungeon, as with all dungeons in the game, have three distinct difficulty levels (measured by a rating of one, tow or three stars) and their own unique final bosses that must be defeated in order to successfully complete them. In addition, the release of these new dungeons also adds new unique monsters, item drops, quests, and higher difficulty levels!

Proud Knights of Bermesiah looking to further the fight against evil should prepare for high-octane, fast-paced and brutal battles in the Forgotten City, Gaikoz's Castle and the Cemetery of the Dead to face Lich, Gaikoz and Paradom! These new dungeons are for levels 24 - 31!

www.grandchase.net

Better Equipment for Better Action!

The recent addition of new, more challenging dungeons, requires better, more powerful equipment, and the newest update includes the gear that players need to meet the challenge! New items are available for all three player types, Archers, Warriors, and Mages such as the new Royal, and Moonlight Sets for Level 25+!

www.grandchase.net

Graduate Games Releases Storked! The PC Puzzle & Platform Game

Graduate Games Releases Storked! The PC Puzzle & Platform Game

Graduate Games is proud to announce a massive update to our game Storked!, the family friendly PC puzzle and platforming game. We've listened to all the critiques and reviews and have implemented brand new features such as Point and Click Mouse controls and Puzzle Solution Playback. Storked's Gameplay is even more Frustration Free!

Storked, the pc puzzle / platform game where you control four different penguins in their quest to protect an egg has been updated to version 1.2. Graduate Games has collected all the bugs, complaints, read our storked reviews, and has listened and implemented a host of new features. The game is even more kid and family friendly than before. Some of the new features include:

Point & Click Mouse Controls - Tired of playing old school with the keyboard? Now you can simply point and click to where you want your penguin to move. To use your Penguin's abilities, simply double-click the penguin. I advise switching to the keyboard for jumping since it is still tricky.

Even More Frustration Free! Watch Puzzle Solutions - The first 50 puzzle solutions can now be watched via the pause menu. If you get stuck, just hit ESC and then click "See the solution"...the penguins will take a few moments and then walk through the solution. (Please let us know if you would like more solutions or if you are having problems with any of the existing solutions... the randomization of some game objects make exact solutions every time difficult).

Easier Kid/Easy Modes - These modes now allow you to take direct control of the egg (switch to the egg camera and use left/right keys) and roll it left and right toward the exit...you may not even need those penguins after all.

Additional Kick Power Gauge - Conveniently placed right over your penguin's head

The typical bug & glitch fixes - Hopefully we've stomped out even more bugs and minor flaws.

Cellphone mobile news: GAMEVIL USA Launches Path of a Warrior: Imperial Blood with Multiplayer Mode

A new epic multiplayer game hits mobile phones in the U.S.

GAMEVIL USA, the LA-based mobile games publisher, announced today the launch of Path of a Warrior: Imperial Blood, an epic role-playing and hack and slash adventure that now has a multiplayer mode that allows you to fight with friends and other players.

In Path of a Warrior: Imperial Blood, the nation is suffering from a civil war after the death of the Emperor, and the outcome of the war will depend on the choices the player makes throughout the game. But it’s not just the 25 different endings or the 100 plus collectible items that make this game unique. The game now has a multiplayer mode where players can participate in duels or team up with others in missions. Players can level up their characters, build up their experience and earn gold to purchase items in single player mode, then login to the multiplayer version with their upgraded characters. The multiplayer mode includes one-on-one and two-on-two battles in either duels or missions. Victorious battles will earn you more experience, gold, and fame, all of which can be applied in single player mode. Winning in two-on-two battles can earn you even more experience, gold, and fame. With a seamless blend of action, role-playing, and massive multiplayer online game play, Path of a Warrior: Imperial Blood presents a new kind of mobile game that takes advantage of the purpose of mobile phones: connecting with others.

“We wanted to take mobile gaming to the next level with networked game play and further enhance the player’s experience.” said Stephanie Huang, Marketing Manager of GAMEVIL USA, Inc. “It’s surprising that there’s not that many mobile games already out there that utilize that kind of multiplayer technology. The option for users to play with their friends makes mobile gaming even more enjoyable, and we wanted to give our players that experience with the multiplayer feature in Path of a Warrior: Imperial Blood.”

Xbox 360 HD DVD in stock despite price cut to $49.99

Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox 360 HD DVD Player held an in-stock status at Best Buy stores and Circuit City stores despite a price cut to $49.99 this week.

On Wed., Xbox 360 HD DVD Player was available for purchase at Best Buy stores and BestBuy.com. The item was also in stock at Circuit City stores for in-store pickup and online delivery.

In contrast, online retailers Amazon.com and Kmart.com earlier this week briskly sold out of remaining inventory of the external drive immediately after the price cut.

The Xbox 360 HD DVD Player will prove to be a difficult sell to customers as the high-definition format is deemed obsolete by retailers.

Toshiba Corp. last week said it would exit the HD DVD business and end production by Mar.

U.S. retailers have begun offering HD DVD products at steep discounts to move inventory.

Best Buy and Circuit City this week discounted the HD-A3 HD DVD Player to $99.99.

Amazon.com this week price cut select HD DVD titles to as low as $11.95 to clear inventory.

Last week, it began promoting a new 57% off HD DVD sale to include box sets.

Microsoft last week said that it will end Xbox 360 HD DVD Player production but continue to provide product support.

Analysts last week said that it does not expect Microsoft to provide a Blu-ray-based solution for the Xbox 360. Instead, they predict a focus on digital content distribution via the Xbox Live online network.