Imperium Romanum PC video game website update

"Imperium Romanum": The Updated Website!

Kalypso Media Group is pleased to announce that a number of new features have been added to the official website of the strategy highlight “Imperium Romanum”.

To follow-up the release of “Imperium Romanum” two weeks ago Kalypso have now provided players with a range of new content including a newsletter service (where users can sign up to receive the latest information about new game content), the patch which solves problems with the copy protection, download links for the demo version, as well as two wallpapers, the tech tree, the developer interview video and the fansite-kit (logos, screenshots, artwork material etc).

If you haven’t already visited the site, march over to http://www.imperium-game.com to also learn more about the city-building game, to see a variety of screenshots, the trailer of the game and to join the discussion forum.

Build, reign and defend! “Imperium Romanum” allows the player to take the future of an empire into their own hands, as the game sees them take the role of a governor of a Roman province and strive to build a well organised, prosperous and commanding settlement. Set in the time-honoured Roman Empire players will marvel at the incredible attention to detail, as they construct fortifications, build towers, gates and bridges, and pay for them with the new currency which has been implemented into the game for a challenging, enjoyable, and authentic quest to rule the World.

“Imperium Romanum” was released in the UK on 22nd February 2008.

PANASONIC PROJECTORS PARTNERS MAJOR LEAGUE GAMING TO SPONSOR PRO GAMER TOM "TSQUARED" TAYLOR

PANASONIC PROJECTOR SYSTEMS COMPANY PARTNERS WITH MAJOR LEAGUE GAMING TO SPONSOR PRO GAMER TOM "TSQUARED" TAYLOR

Pro Gamer Has Tested and Will Promote Panasonic's PT-AX200U, the First Home Theater Projector Designed with Gaming in Mind

Panasonic Projector Systems Company (PJSC), Unit of Panasonic Corporation of North America, today announced its partnership with Major League Gaming (MLG), the professional video game league, to work with one of their top ranked professional gamers, Tom "Tsquared" Taylor. Tsquared has tested the "Game mode" on the new PT-AX200U home theater projector and found that it is the first projector to deliver a high-quality, gaming experience. The high definition 720p projector will remove virtually any lag in response time and expands detail reproduction, revealing gradation in saturated areas that are otherwise lost to darkness.

Tsquared, one of the top ranked professional Halo players, is a leading member of the Halo team, Str8 Rippin. Over the last two years, Tsquared has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, ranked #1 by Stuff Magazine in the "Top 20 Under 30 Power List", starred in MTV's "True Life: I want to be a professional gamer," and featured on G4TV's "XPlay" gaming tutorial. At the age of 20, Tsquared has become one of the most recognized professional video game celebrities in the industry.

"I'm very excited to work with Panasonic Projector Systems Company in this new partnership. Panasonic's AX200 is truly in a class by itself. This is the only projector I'll ever need to use. I practice on it at home before tournaments, use it for casual gaming and it's great for watching sports with my friends"

said pro gamer Tom "Tsquared" Taylor.

"We recognized the growing gaming market, both recreational and professional, and designed a quality home theater projector that caters to gamers' needs. We're excited to partner with Major League Gaming and one of their top ranked professional gamers, who both agree that Panasonic's AX200 offers a superior experience for gaming," said Thomas Zitelli, president of Panasonic Projector Systems Company.

Tsquared joined PJSC at this year's International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, NV to promote and demonstrate the PT-AX200U to reporters and attendees. He will participate in events and promotional opportunities throughout the year with the Panasonic Projector Systems Company team and can be seen at the following MLG (www.mlgpro.com) Pro Circuit events:

MLG Pro Circuit Event: 

• April 11-13: Meadowlands, NJ
  
• June 13-15: San Diego, CA
  
• July 11-13: Orlando, FL
  
• August 22-24: Toronto
  
• October 3-5: Dallas, TX
  

To learn more about the brand new AX200 projector, please visit www.panasonic.com/projectors

Rainbow Web Returns in Challenging Sequel!

Rainbow Web Returns in Challenging Sequel!

It is not very easy to create a follow-up to one of the most popular match-three games, but Sugar Games has succeeded in this task with honors.

Thousands of Rainbow Web fans worldwide are jumping in exhilaration as Sugar Games announces Rainbow Web 2, an even-more-entertaining head-scratching puzzle that plunges players into the magic world of Rainbow Kingdom positioned in front of the ultimate enemy.

When in October 2005 Sugar Games released its first game, Rainbow Web, it literally rocked the whole casual game community resulting in 85,000 copies sold towards the end of 2007. It exceeded in advance the average number of sales for a casual game which according to Casual Games Association usually varies from 5,000 to 20,000 copies. Moreover, it challenged similar figures for non-casual PC titles: according to DreamCatcher Games, 100,000 units is often an industry success benchmark. Due to such popularity and anticipation of the fans, the release of the sequel seemed imminent. And so it happened.

Neither the gameplay nor the tale surrounding it has grown stale in the two-and-a-half year gap between the original Rainbow Web and the current follow-up. The ongoing story of the captivating Rainbow Kingdom, the idyllic world of wonderland, the citizens of which once again opened a portal to our world, is compelling and will evoke recollections of fairy tales you used to read in childhood.

The puzzles in Rainbow Web 2 do not stray far from the addictive recipe of the original. Your goal is to match three or more bubbles of different colors to clear them from the game board. And here comes the most remarkable distinction of the game: the game field designed as a spider’s web, not a corny rectangular field. The bubbles are matched according to the threads of the web. When a match is made, those bubbles disappear from the web and new ones slide into place. But you do not have just to match bubbles of the same color: your objective is to compile a word from letters entrapped inside some bubbles. It makes the game even more fascinating.

Rainbow Web 2 provides two modes: classic where you will have a consistent challenge with time limits and relaxation mode with no time restrictions. Classic mode adds some suspense to the gameplay as it is rather craft-demanding to make a match on webs of tricky sizes and shapes within a time limit.

Augmenting the fun experience are the beautiful graphics that make bubbles glisten, shine and explode with iridescent sparkles, neat sound effects and memorable music inspired by ethno legends and tales themes.

Availability

Rainbow Web 2 runs under all versions of Microsoft Windows including Windows Vista and costs $19.99 (USD) for a single-user license. Further information on Rainbow Web 2, as well as a free trial copy is available free of charge from http://www.SugarGames.com/rainbow-web-2/

MatchBox360 XL – Tournament sponsored by SteelSeries

MatchBox360 XL – Tournaments sponsored by SteelSeries

Event: MatchBox360 XL

Date: 21st - 23rd March 2008

Venue: NEC Toute Suite, Birmingham

MatchBox360 XL are pleased to announce that SteelSeries will be an official sponsor of the forthcoming MatchBox360 XL eSports tournaments on 21st-23rd March at the Birmingham NEC Toute Suite.

SteelSeries will be providing the winning players and teams each with a pair of the latest SteelSeries Siberia Neckband Headsets, which are fully compatible and conducive to competitive Xbox 360 gaming. In addition to these fantastic prizes, the SteelSeries Neckbands will also be available on demonstration throughout the 3 day MatchBox360 XL weekend:

"SteelSeries have always designed high quality headsets for PC gamers, and they are now supporting console gaming which is great news for everyone attending XL! We're delighted to be working closely with SteelSeries to provide what promises to be an incredible weekend of gaming action." – Graham Hoffman (MatchBox360 XL Event Manager).

SteelSeries is all about gaming and to provide performance enhancing gaming gear, created for and by leading professional gamers from 3 different continents in order to continuously improve upon their wide range of gaming products:

"SteelSeries is proud to partner up with MatchBox360 for the upcoming XL4 event. The MatchBox360 organization continues to support the growth of the console gaming scene and we are happy to be a part of that, by providing the winning teams with our professional gaming gear and equipping the demo consoles with our headsets. We wish good luck to the participating teams!"– Casper Mejiholm (SteelSeries Marketing Manager).

The new SteelSeries Siberia Neckband Headset features a similar eye-catching visual design, as well as the popular white theme, that made the original Siberia headset so popular. The comfort and soundscape in the SteelSeries Siberia Neckband Headset was fine-tuned with the help of professional gamers, electronic DJ's and rock musicians. The headset is also fully compatible with the Xbox 360 and plugs directly into the Microsoft Xbox 360 controller, where in-game sound and voice communication can be combined.

In addition to cash prizes worth upto £10,000, MatchBox360 XL continues to set the standard for competitive console tournaments in Europe and the winners of the following tournaments will each receive SteelSeries Siberia Neckbands:

• Halo 3 FFA
  
• Halo 4 4v4
  
• Call of Duty 4 FFA
  
• Call of Duty 4 5v5
  
• Gears of War 4v4
  

Tickets are selling out fast, so if you want to test out and have a chance to win yourself a pair of SteelSeries Siberia Neckbands please purchase your tickets asap from the MatchBox360 XL Ticket Office: http://tickets.matchbox360.co.uk

For more information on SteelSeries or if you wish to see more of their products, please visit them online: http://www.steelseries.com

God of War: Chains of Olympus Debut on Sony PSP - PlayStationPortable

Award-Winning Franchise Makes Its Debut on PSP - PlayStationPortable With God of War: Chains of Olympus

Third Installment of the Multi-Million Unit Franchise is a Prequel...

Sony Computer Entertainment America announced today the North American release of God of War: Chains of Olympus, exclusively on Sony PSP - PlayStationPortable. Collaboratively developed by Sony Computer Entertainment’s Worldwide Studios, Santa Monica Studio and Ready at Dawn Studios, the acclaimed development team that brought you the best-selling Daxter for PSP, the highly-anticipated God of War: Chains of Olympus combines stunning graphics, intense action and an intricate new storyline that delivers yet another tale of epic proportions from the dark and brutal world of Greek Mythology.

Following in the footsteps of its predecessors, God of War: Chains of Olympus is set to deliver everything that fans have come to expect from the God of War franchise. With high fan anticipation and a 94% rating on GameRankings.com, supported with the following review scores from leading gaming media outlets: PlayStation the Official Magazine – 5/5 and the Editor’s Choice Award, Game Informer – 9/10 and the Handheld Game of the Month Award, Game Pro – 4.75/5 and the Editor’s Choice Award, IGN.com – 9.4/10 and the Editor’s Choice Award, 1Up.com – 9.5/10, and Gamezone.com – 9.5/10, God of War: Chains of Olympus is poised to set a new standard for PSP titles.

“God of War: Chains of Olympus is a stellar achievement that truly shows off the capabilities of PSP and fully demonstrates our efforts to bring highly-innovative and unique content to PSP,” said Jeff Reese, Director, Software Marketing, SCEA. “If you’re a fan of the God of War universe or even just the action-adventure genre, God of War: Chains of Olympus delivers an epic gameplay experience and is a-must-own title.”

Baseball Franchise set for the new Season with MLB 08 The Show on Sony PLAYSTATION 3 PlayStation 2 and PSP - PlayStationPortable

Critically Acclaimed Baseball Franchise Set For the New Season With MLB 08 The ShowTM on PLAYSTATION 3, PlayStation 2 and PSP - PlayStationPortable

Popular Baseball Title Delivers the Perfect Blend of Unique...

Sony Computer Entertainment America announced the North American launch of MLB 08 THE SHOW, available exclusively for PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3), PlayStation 2 and PSP - PlayStationPortable. Already widely considered the most authentic baseball franchise on the market, MLB 08 THE SHOW comes out swinging for the fences to deliver an unrivaled simulation with broadcast quality presentation. Developed by Sony Computer Entertainment’s Worldwide Studios, San Diego Studio, MLB 08 THE SHOW looks to build on its critical acclaim and its history as the longest-running officially licensed baseball title on PlayStation platforms.

To provide the closest experience possible, next to actually trying to make it in the Majors, MLB 08 THE SHOW introduces a more immersive Road to The Show mode. As gamers attempt to make a starting line-up in the Big Leagues, playing on both offense and defense from a custom-created player’s perspective, a more robust dynamic goal system and a new career advancement system will determine when a player is eligible for a promotion. Additionally, the custom-created players are more interactive, with pitchers now experiencing mound visits, catchers enduring more defense situations, and with gamers being able to further adjust a player’s positioning – all making Road to The Show mode even more realistic.

“Baseball fans know that the MLB franchise has a long-standing winning tradition and that we strive to create highly-innovative and intuitive features in order to deliver the best baseball title on the market,” said Jeff Reese, Director, Software Marketing, SCEA. “With the advancements made to the feature set, along with the lighting, textures and the added little nuances in the game, MLB 08 THE SHOW sets a new bar for authentic play and unsurpassed realism.”

Providing players with some additional performance incentives, the MLB franchise introduces the new Progressive Batting Performance feature, which will both reward players for superior performance and penalize them for hitting slumps. Specific to each individual batter, players will be rewarded or punished, based on how that batter that performs beyond his “natural ability” while under user control. Adding to the online feature set, which includes customizable Online League Play,scrolling MLB Score Ticker and more, MLB 08 THE SHOW introduces SCOUT (SportsConnect Online User Tracking), which allows gamers to set and store their game preferences on the MLB server, and then enables the system to look for a Quick Match with opponents that fit similar competitive criteria.

As the only first party franchise officially licensed by Major League Baseball Properties Inc. (MLBP), Major League Baseball Advanced Media (MLBAM) and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA), MLB 08 THE SHOW features more than 3,000 individual player animations, including personalized stances, pitching animations, individual swings, batting rituals and motion captures from MLB® players. Additionally, the franchise adds to the realism by including Umpire Personalities combined with Interactive Hot and Cold Zones and Player-scaled Strike Zones, Release, and comprehensive commentary, featuring the three-man booth of Rex Huddler, Matt Vasgerian and Dave Campbell.

Joining an elite group of MLB All-Stars that have graced the cover of the MLB franchise, such as New York Mets third baseman David Wright, Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Oritz, and Angels outfielder Vladimir Guerrero, this year’s cover athlete and spokesman, Philadelphia Phillies™ All-Star first basemen Ryan Howard, is known for his personality and work ethic, which exemplifies the MLB franchise. Howard is just the second player in Major League Baseball™ history to win the Rookie of the Year honors and a Most Valuable Player award in successive seasons.

Marketing efforts for MLB 08 THE SHOW include a marketing campaign across TV, radio, print and online, that will run nationally throughout the entire Major League Baseball season. Additionally, MLB 08 THE SHOW will receive full public relations and promotional support, as well as dedicated point-of-purchase displays and merchandising support.

YoYoGames.com celebrates 100,000th registered user in 10 months

YoYoGames.com celebrates 100,000th registered user in just 10 months

Young pioneers of a completely new casual games publishing model

YoYo Games is excited to announce that more than 100,000 members have already joined the YoYoGames.com development community, still just in its beta stages. That's 10,000 new registered users a month for each of their first 10 months online, and the growth is accelerating.

"We're very excited about this landmark" says Sandy Duncan, CEO, "registered users may represent less than 10% of our traffic, but they're very special to us. These are the guys making games and generating the content that makes YoYo what it is. We believe we're now the biggest casual games developer community anywhere in the world, and that's pretty amazing"

The evidence certainly suggests that the YoYo user-generated casual gaming formula is striking a cord, and the reason is clear. YoYo's approach brings games development to people who previously couldn't even have considered it.

Empowering gamers to become developers using Game Maker (YoYo's easy to use and freely available software) opens up what was once a very exclusive outlet for creativity to a far broader demographic. While connecting gamers more directly with developers, means that the games develop more organically, in tune with demand. Together these changes represent a significant shift in the games publishing "space".

About YoYoGames.com

YoYo Games Ltd is a UK Based Game Start up founded by Game industry veterans, Sandy Duncan and Michel Cassius. YoYo Games launched its beta site in May 2007 and has grown to be the world's largest user generated game site hosting over 13,000 games. Employing a web 2.0 community model YoYo Games encourages users to "Play, Make, and Share games" for free.

You can visit YYG at www.YoYoGames.com

flOw - The most downloaded game on PlayStation Network is now available on Sony PSP - PlayStationPortable

flOw (PSP)

FACT SHEET

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
Developer: SuperVillain Stidios
Platform: PSP (PlayStationPortable) system, exclusively for download on PLAYTATION Store for PC
Genre: Zen Gaming
Rating: “E” for Everyone

OVERVIEW

The most downloaded game on PLAYSTATION Network is now available on Sony PSP (PlayStation Portable) system. Soothing and seductive, flOw (PSP) draws you into the evolution of a simple aquatic creature journeying through a surreal abyss. Initially a Master of Fine Arts thesis, flOw (PSP) is a game about piloting an aquatic organism through a surreal biosphere where players consume other organisms, evolve, and advance their organisms. In flOw (PSP), players can join up in the abyss and enjoy ad-hoc multiplayer gaming with up to 4 others. Or play alone as one of 5 creatures in unique environments. flOw (PSP)’s dynamically adjusting experience allows players with differing skill levels to intuitively adjust their game experience and enjoy playing at their own pace. Lose yourself in the crisp “deep blue” and feel the flOw.

KEY FEATURES

Multiplayer Mode – Simply turn on the PSP system’s WLAN switch and meet up with up to 3 other (4 total) organisms via ad-hoc multiplayer.

Dynamically Adjusting Experience – Players with differing skill levels and/or mood can intuitively customize their game experience and enjoy the game at their own pace.

Developed Specifically for PSP system – Based on the best selling downloadable game on the PLAYSTATION Network, flOw (PSP) has been developed by SuperVillain Studios specifically for PSP.

Crime City, a brand-new crime chasing game for the Windows platform

CRIME CHASING DOESN'T GET MUCH SPICIER THAN THIS!

Game2Gaze is proud to unveil Crime City, a brand-new crime chasing game for the Windows platform. The story involves around a big city filled with criminals. Crime in the city must be controlled and, should it get out of hand, be dealt with swiftly. Therefore, an elite police unit is created. This taskforce consists of Policemen in their cars trained in high speed pursuit and motorized urban tactics whose mission is to intervene rapidly and intercept any and all threats to the public before any harm be done. These policemen take their orders from YOU. You are the only line between order and anarchy. Take command of this elite police unit and let no one cross it.

Crime City is a Fast Paced Point & Click Casual game in which speed and strategy are important. The rounds usually last no more than a few minutes each but there is a great deal of strategy buried in the game play.

For more details, visit http://www.crimecitythegame.com.

Disney Friends video game out now for Nintendo DS

Disney Friends Now Available in Retail Stores Nationwide for Nintendo DS

Interact with Your Favorite Characters from Popular Disney Films and Create Lasting Friendships with Stitch, Dory, Simba, and Winnie the Pooh

Disney Interactive Studios announced today that the virtual life simulation and adventure game Disney Friends for Nintendo DS™ has shipped to stores across North America. Disney Friends is a brand new adventure simulation game that allows children to interact with their favorite characters from popular Disney films including “The Lion King,” “Winnie the Pooh,” “Lilo & Stitch,” and Disney/Pixar’s “Finding Nemo.”

“Disney Friends gives players the chance to interact with and befriend some of their favorite Disney characters and embark on new and exciting adventures,” said Craig Relyea, senior vice president, global marketing, Disney Interactive Studios. “With Disney Friends, players can take their new friends wherever they go, explore their worlds and build lasting friendships along the way.”

Disney Friends is a simulation video game that teaches players the virtues of caring and nurturing friendships, all while creating a unique adventure in the worlds of their favorite Disney characters. The game features helpful tips and guidance from the feisty, fun-loving fairy, Tinker Bell. Players use the Nintendo DS touch screen and microphone to explore the worlds of Stitch, Dory, Simba, and Winnie the Pooh. In addition, players can use voice recognition features on the DS to influence their character’s actions and behaviors. Players can obtain unique tradable “pins” and earn valuable gold through a multitude of adventures in the various character worlds. The gold allows players to purchase new objects such as food, clothing and toys for their friends to keep them happy.

This unique video game allows players to interact with their friends in day or night exploration mode through the Nintendo DS’ real-time clock. It even allows players to celebrate special events and holidays in the virtual world. Fans can also capture special moments with the in-game camera and save them to browse for years to come.

Published by Disney Interactive Studios and developed by Amaze Entertainment, Disney Friends is rated “E” for Everyone. It is now available in stores nationwide for Nintendo DS for $29.99.

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