Gran Turismo 5 Prologue line-up now confirmed on Sony PlayStation 3

Gran Turismo 5 PrologueTM line-up now confirmed

71 of the hottest vehicles make the PLAYSTATION 3 starting grid

• Ferrari returns this March with four stunning cars
• Features cars from US, Japan, Germany, France, Italy and Great Britain
• Online racing, Hi-Def graphics, new physics engine and even a TV channel
  

Love Ferrari, Nissan, Honda, Dodge, BMW, Aston Martin, Subaru and Lotus? You’ll love Gran Turismo 5 Prologue™ – the prequel title showcasing the forthcoming Gran Turismo 5 for PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3). Gran Turismo 5 Prologue is the latest instalment of one of the most successful global gaming franchises of the last ten years – renowned for its realism, quality of design and in-car physics technology – now, with the power of PS3 behind it, it’s going from strength to strength. The 71-car-strong vehicle list is now confirmed – here are a few highlights of what you’ll be able to race this March:

• Audi R8 4.2 FSI R Tronic
  
• BMW M3
  
• Dodge VIPER GTS
• Ferrari 599
• Honda INTEGRA TYPE R (DC5)
• Lotus Elise 111R
• Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG '02
  
• Nissan GT-R
• Aston Martin DB9 Coupe
• Subaru IMPREZA WRX STI
  

And there’s more – much more. We’re talking a grand total of 71 of the hottest vehicles from the world’s most iconic manufacturers – all officially licensed and all rendered in High Definition. The game features six seriously realistic, tracks all drivable in two layouts. There’s also all-new driving physics for the most lifelike driving experience ever and new, improved opponent artificial intelligence for the toughest race challenge yet. And, for the first ever time in the franchise, there’s online multiplayer - up to 16 players will be able to go head-to-head on PLAYSTATION Network (PSN). Gran Turismo 5 Prologue is available both on Blu-ray disc and as a download from PSN this March.

Here’s a quick overview of the key features you’ll get with Gran Turismo 5 Prologue:

Key Features:

• The first ever Gran Turismo title with online racing: drive online against up to 16 other Gran Turismo aces
  
• Race a total of 71 stunning cars:
  
• Race the Eiger Nordwand, Daytona International Speedway, the London City Track, Fuji Speedway, Suzuka and the High Speed Ring - then race them all in alternative layouts
  
• All-new physics engine means true next-generation vehicle handling
  
• All-new and improved opponent AI for a nail-biting race experience
  
• Access to Gran Turismo TV : a world of great motoring TV programming online including the BBCs Top Gear
  
• In-game museum featuring the history and heritage of the top car manufacturers
  
• My Garage - a personalised homepage feature with calendar, clock and map & weather of major race circuits worldwide
  
• Quick Tune facility allows you to adjust power, tyres, suspension and more
  
• All in stunning High Definition at 1080p
  

Gran Turismo 5 Prologue Additional Features for Europe:

• Drift Mode – The player’s drifting technique is measured based on drift angles, racing lines, and speeds within evaluation zones located at various turns on the course.
  
• In Depth Car Tuning – Players have the ability to adjust the vehicle’s performance, including power, tyres, suspension and the ability for quick tuning whilst racing.
  
• Two-player Split Screen Racing – Allows players to race head-to-head offline.
  
• New Race Events – Online racing fans can join in on a new set of scheduled events and time trials.
  

To find out more, visit www.granturismoworld.com.

SHOOT FOR THE STARS WITH KIRBY ON NINTENDO Wii VIRTUAL CONSOLE

SHOOT FOR THE STARS WITH KIRBY ON VIRTUAL CONSOLE

Join Kirby in his first 3D adventure propelling him out of Dream Land and to the stars! First seen on Nintendo 64 in 2001, Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards sees Kirby enlisted to help a new friend trace all the pieces of a precious, shattered crystal.

Taking him on a dynamic adventure across six worlds, resulting in a showdown with enemy Dark Matter, everyone’s favourite powerful, pink puffball must save his friends from this deadly new foe.

As Kirby, players can utilise his unique copy ability, gulping down enemies to replicate their abilities, or mix and match them to discover dozens of new Kirby powers.

As an added bonus, Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards features three exciting mini-games to enjoy with up to three other players! This cute, colourful title is available to download for 1000 Wii Points on this week’s Virtual Console!

Virtual Console offers users the ultimate retro gaming experience. This week’s title joins the list of 193 classic titles already available for Virtual Console in Europe.

Apollo Justice Ace Attorney launches on Nintendo DS

Command justice as Apollo Justice Ace Attorney launches across Europe!

Prepare to become champion of the courtroom, dazzling onlookers with persuasive wit and a keen sense of intuition as Apollo Justice™ Ace Attorney™ comes to the Nintendo DS. Succeeding the highly popular Phoenix Wright™ Ace Attorney™ series, this title sees brand new protagonist, Apollo Justice, assume the mantle of courtroom star, ensuring justice for those who deserve it most. Apollo Justice Ace Attorney, developed and published by Capcom and distributed by Nintendo, launches across Europe on 9th May 2008.

Opening a new chapter in the series, Apollo Justice Ace Attorney sees Apollo Justice and the mysterious magician Trucy, pick their way through investigations ahead of them. Take on the role of Apollo Justice and use instincts and a confident manner to unearth crucial clues at the scene of the crime, triumphing over genius prosecutor and part-time rockstar, Klavier Gavin.

Like the previous Phoenix Wright titles, the action is split into two distinct styles of gameplay. In the investigation part of the game, players must gather evidence and scour the surrounding area for clues, which will see them utilise the Nintendo DS’s Touch Screen to dust for fingerprints or take plaster casts of footprints. Whilst obtaining this essential evidence, players must also interview key witnesses to gain important information on the nature of the felony. Here presenting damning evidence can help to convince a witness to reveal their secrets that may prove vital to the case!

The second section of the game is based in the courtroom and sees Apollo skilfully arguing in defence of his client. Cross examine witnesses to reveal the truth and use the Nintendo DS microphone to halt proceedings with cries of ‘Objection!’ and ‘Hold it!”. When Apollo must back up his wild claims, the crime scene is recreated and the player must pinpoint the area that holds the key to the case. Players can also refer to court records at any point in proceedings to develop their case, touching the ‘profiles’ screen to reveal the characters’ information and uncover more vital clues!

Completely new to the series is Apollo’s unique ability to Perceive Habits. This allows him to focus in on subconscious twitches witnesses make, giving away that they are hiding the truth. When such an event occurs, the player can home in on the character using the Touch Screen and search for their nervous habit. If this is successfully located, the twitch can be exploited to further break through the lies in their testimony!

So make sure justice is executed as Apollo Justice Ace Attorney passes judgement across Europe on the Nintendo DS on 9th May 2008, for the estimated retail price of €29.99.

Stranger Gameplay Trailer Available for Download

Today a new trailer for Stranger, the fantasy RTS/RPG title from Fireglow Games, has been released. The trailer, available at the link below, gives viewers a first-hand look at the game's stunning graphics, as heroes face-off with vicious monsters in furious battles. Spells and swords clash in this new video for the game that has gamers playing as three mysterious heroes lost in a strange fantasy world. Stranger features a deep magic and enchantment system, and a rich world populated by more than a hundred unique monster types. Players can take control of three characters and enjoy a single-player campaign lasting more than 30 hours, while also being able to take their game online in eight-person Internet multiplayer matches. For more information about Stranger, visit the official Web site at http://stranger-game.com.

Watch the trailer here on Gamers Hell

It’s a fantasy come true: Epic role-playing adventure and real-time tactical confrontations collide in Stranger, a sprawling saga of sword and sorcery mayhem set in a world beyond your wildest imagination!

As one of three battle-hardened heroes, explore a hostile surface kingdom and mysterious subterranean realms, increasing your combat skills and magical abilities. Blade and spell streak across the screen in a dizzying dance as you battle with slavering beasts and mutant monstrosities, using intuitive enchantment and melee systems. Hire ruthless mercenaries’ to assist you in your quests and defeat all those who dare challenge you. Gather not just your courage, but also your wits and resources before proceeding. From recruiting ultra-powerful allies to going face-to-face with the blackest evil and amassing a mystical arsenal capable of seeing you safely through this epic tale, you’ll need all to meet the challenges which lie within.

Real Paranormal Investigation Case Files for "The Lost Crown: A Ghost-hunting Adventure" released

Got Game Entertainment Releases Real Paranormal Investigation Case Files for "The Lost Crown: A Ghost-hunting Adventure"

A camera's fault or something more peculiar?

Got Game Entertainment today released two of the case files for paranormal investigations conducted during research for “The Lost Crown: A Ghost-hunting Adventure”. To prepare for “The Lost Crown: A Ghost-hunting Adventure”, creator Jonathan Boakes joined a paranormal research group. Many of the subsequent case files logged during his investigations feature locations which ultimately made their way into the actual game. Indeed, some of the game screens in “The Lost Crown: A Ghost-hunting Adventure” contain “unexplainable” material from the investigations and elements Boakes cannot readily rationalize.

“Whether it's a camera fault or something more peculiar, I can't say,” remarked Boakes. “All should review the files and judge for themselves”.

Each of the released case files contains detailed documentation of the investigation, along with links to associated video and audio clips.

The supernatural activity reflected in the following is genuine.

These are not staged.

To review the files, visit www.TheLostCrown.com/casefiles.

PRISTONTALE 2 LAUNCH LONG AWAITED SEQUEL OPENS SERVERS IN KOREA

PRISTONTALE 2 LAUNCH ANNOUNCED

LONG AWAITED SEQUEL OPENS SERVERS IN KOREA

Yedang Online Corporation announced today the open beta launch of its flagship massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) “Pristontale 2: The Second Enigma,” which is powered by Epic Games’ Unreal Engine 2.5. Yedang Online is a dedicated online game developer and publisher best known for certainly developing Korea’s first full 3D MMORPG “Pristontale” and for publishing “Audition,” the hit dancing game currently played by over 100 million users worldwide.

“Servers were packed to capacity from the moment the pre-open trial servers were launched,” said Jay Park, director of operations at Yedang Online. “We anticipate a huge response from the gaming community during this open beta period.”

Pristontale 2 has been in development for close to four years and utilizes Epic Games’ Unreal Engine technology. “The Unreal Engine’s capabilities and seamless third party module support allowed us to create the exact gameplay first envisioned by the game designers,” said Moon Duk-Ki, lead designer and head of development management at Yedang Online.

“Yedang Online has proven that they know how to ship extremely popular online games, and we are confident that Pristontale 2 will be widely embraced by the market,” said Jay Wilbur, vice president of Epic Games. “Epic is proud to continue supporting Yedang Online with great technology.”

Derek Jeter Pro Baseball 2008 mobile cellphone game

Gameloft Continues Winning Streak With Release of Derek Jeter Pro Baseball 2008

Top-Ranked Baseball Sim Offers New Features for '08

Gameloft, a leading publisher and developer of video games for mobile phones, is pleased to announce the release of Derek Jeter Pro Baseball 2008, the fourth in their series of hit baseball sim games. Thanks to its realistic and award-winning gameplay, Gameloft’s’ Derek Jeter Pro Baseball series is the preeminent baseball sim for mobile gamers with more than one million games sold in the U.S. alone.

“It’s fitting that one of baseball’s most popular players, Derek Jeter, headlines the most advance baseball sim available for mobile devices,” said Gonzague de Vallois, senior vice president of Publishing, Gameloft. “Our latest installment builds upon previous versions through exciting new features and upgrades that are sure to captivate every baseball fan.”

“I am very excited about my ongoing partnership with Gameloft, a company that continues to set the standard for the mobile gaming industry,” said Derek Jeter.

Derek Jeter Pro Baseball 2008 offers the most realistic mobile baseball game to date. Players can now hone their “A Game” with exclusive tips and trivia from Derek Jeter himself. A newly rendered stadium sets the back-drop for a whole new look as Derek Jeter Pro Baseball 2008 is the first mobile game to feature the catcher, offering a greater sense of immersion into the game.

A 58 game season and advanced roster management provides a full-season’s worth of gameplay, and a more demanding pitching mechanic in the Difficult Mode ensures a challenge for those veteran players. With Playoffs, league rankings and detailed stats for every team, Derek Jeter Pro Baseball 2008 has the content players demand in a baseball sim.

Derek Jeter Pro Baseball 2008 will continue its winning season as the benchmark mobile baseball game. Derek Jeter Pro Baseball 2008 is available on most U.S. carriers. To check the game’s availability with your carrier, text “JETER” to 82174 on your mobile phone.

OBSCURE: THE AFTERMATH VIDEO GAMES TRAILERS

ATTICUS ANNOUNCES ITS WARDROBE PARTNERSHIP WITH IGNITION ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE RELEASE OF THE OBSCURE: THE AFTERMATH TRAILERS

Atticus is proud to announce its participation as a wardrobe supplier to Ignition Entertainment for the release of a series of ground-breaking live action video game trailers for Obscure: The Aftermath. Created in support of the upcoming video game release of Obscure: The Aftermath, Ignition Entertainment the trailers vividly convey the first scenes of the game’s story and culminates with a chilling cliffhanger. This innovative project has exceeded expectations in both quality and entertainment value and has redefined how cinematic trailers for games will be done in the future. This groundbreaking game will challenge gamers starting March 25 and is slated for release on Wii, PlayStation 2 and PC CD-Rom.

Director Don Tyler created a gruesome thriller which combines surviving grotesque monsters and hair raising music. To complement the cutting edge feeling of the trailer, Ignition Entertainment called on its friend Atticus to provide wardrobe for this amazing venture in video game trailers. Atticus was thrilled to be able to provide its fashion forward line to this exciting and innovative project. The Atticus line, with its hard edged, stylish and effortlessly cool modern punk collection, was the perfect complement to these intricate characters.

In addition, Ignition Entertainment has partnered with pop-rock quintet The Audition to create a video game inspired music video to promote their new hit single “Warm Me Up.” Atticus has found a loyal following with The Audition and also supplies wardrobe to this on the rise band to sport during its many shows throughout the US and abroad.

Published by Ignition Entertainment and Playlogic International N.V. and developed by Hydravision Entertainment, Obscure: The Aftermath is rated “M” for Mature. For more information about Obscure: The Aftermath or to view the trailers please visit www.obscureaftermath.com.

GarageGames releases Torque 360 1.5 for Microsoft XBox 360

GarageGames releases Torque 360 1.5

GarageGames, the leading technology provider for independent game developers, has released version 1.5 of their Torque engine for Xbox 360 development. The update includes performance advancements and additional functionality including support for GarageGames' Torque Game Builder drag and drop 2D engine and tools.

Torque 360 received numerous improvements in 2007 and now shares code entirely with Torque Game Engine Advanced for PC development. Developers can use Torque 360 to build their game on separate PCs with just one dev kit for testing. Torque 360 1.5 features an abstracted graphics layer, physics layer, and a brand new sound system. It also ships with a sample implementation for Xbox 360 specific functionality including leaderboards, sign-on / sign-off, multiplayer lobbies and voice chat. Additionally, Torque 360 handles automatic generation of vertex and pixel shaders consistent with the Torque texture pipeline.

"Our Torque 360 code base benefited from a number of significant improvements in the past year. We've made large stability and rendering optimizations and developers should see increased performance in almost every area," offered Pat Wilson, Engine Developer at GarageGames. "Games like Buccaneer, Marble Blast Ultra, and Screwjumper have begun to show what Torque 360 is capable of."

Hothead Games of Vancouver, BC chose Torque to develop Penny Arcade Adventures - a game that will appear on PC, Mac, and Xbox 360 - in part for it's cross-platform support. "Using Torque in development of Penny Arcade Adventures really helped us get up to speed quickly and has helped us bring the game to more gamers," said Vlad Ceraldi of Hothead Games. "Our first title, On the Rain-slick Precipice of Darkness Episode 1, will be fully cross platform (Windows, Mac and Linux), and of course, we are also bringing the game to Xbox LIVE Arcade. Rather than building platform code from from the ground up, using Torque gave us far more time to hone the actual game."

According to GarageGames, Torque 360 is a very popular solution for developers targeting Xbox LIVE Arcade titles. With more than a dozen titles already published to Xbox LIVE Arcade to date and many more in development, GarageGames has claimed that Torque 360 is the most popular solution for LIVE Arcade games in the industry.

The company's website states that Torque 360 licensing for developers has no term limits on development and a zero-royalty, flat-fee structure. It also says that heavily discounted license pricing is available for games targeting the Xbox Live Arcade downloadable service versus those aiming for disc-based retail delivery.

More info from: Games Garage

NYKO'S ZERO WIRELESS CONTROLLER FOR SONY PLAYSTATION 3 RUMBLES INTO STORES

NYKO'S ZERO WIRELESS CONTROLLER FOR PLAYSTATION 3 RUMBLES INTO STORES

Features Include Six-Direction Motion Sensing and Rumble Support for the Ultimate PS3 Gaming Experience

Nyko Technologies, the premier peripherals manufacturer, announced today that it has shipped its highly anticipated Zero Wireless Controller for PLAYSTATION 3. The Zero Wireless Controller provides a combination of style and performance with new rumble capabilities.

The Zero Wireless Controller is the ultimate solution for PS3 gaming, making it the top choice in high-end wireless controllers. Continuing the popularity of Nyko's Zero controller line, the new Zero for PS3 features include:

- Dual vibration motors for full rumble feedback in supported games*
- Up to 25 hours of continuous play with removable, rechargeable, NiMH battery, complete with USB charge cable and optional battery compartment
- Reliable 2.4 GHz wireless technology for reliable and responsive range of up to 30 feet
- Equipped with a precise accelerometer that detects six different directions of motion
- Standard backlit LED buttons, precision analog sticks, durable buttons, and curved triggers
- Unique metal polymer hybrid design with heat-dissipating aluminum panels, available in three distinct colors to match the tastes of every gamer: Black, Silver and White

"The new generation of consoles provided us with a building ground to develop a high-quality controller that exceeds gamers' expectations of what a 3rd party controller should offer," said Chris Arbogast, Marketing Director for Nyko. "We are confident that the Zero Wireless Controller for PS3 will prove its value by combining a solid, reliable design and unique features with the latest rumble and motion-sensing technology."

The Zero Wireless Controller for PS3 is now available at retailers nationwide for the suggested retail price of $59.99. Visit www.nyko.com for more information.

*Please check game manual for rumble support options.