Play.com Live: Drive away a Ducati Monster 696 Motorcycle months before release at PLAY.COM Live

Play.com Live: Drive away a Ducati Monster 696 Motorcycle months before release at PLAY.COM Live

Sandisk will be showcasing their range of market leading memory devices at PLAY.COM Live along with the chance to win the next word in urban excitement, the ‘Ducati Monster 696’ motorcycle, not on the market until June 2008 as well as Ducati branded merchandise, mobile phones and memory cards. To feast your eyes on the Ducati Monster 696 please visit http://www.ducati.com/en/bikes/my2008/Monster/M696-08/presentation/index.html

About Sandisk
Whatever your life's passion may be, SanDisk has the right memory product and audio/video player to suit your style. No wonder more people on the go, around the world, rely on innovative products from SanDisk for their precious photos, music, video and data

About Play.com Live
The Play.com Live event on March 15 and 16 will give people the chance to try out the latest computer games and watch the hottest groups – all inside the world famous home of UK football.

TV babe Gemma Atkinson (ex-Hollyoaks and I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!) and Virgin Radio presenter Iain Lee will host the two-day extravaganza which includes performances top bands including We Are Scientists.

Tickets cost just £6 per adult and £3 for children and can be purchased through www.play.com/live. 

They are available to buy for a morning or afternoon visit to the show on either day.

Brain Challenge and Bliss Island – Available this Wednesday on Xbox LIVE Arcade

Give Your Brain a Boost with "Brain Challenge" and Control the Wind with "Bliss Island" – Both Available this Wednesday on Xbox LIVE Arcade

Experience the first mind exercise game available on Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360 with Gameloft’s “Brain Challenge” and harness the power of the wind to conquer levels in Codemasters’ “Bliss Island,” an updated version of the popular Windows Vista puzzler. Both titles will be available on Xbox LIVE Arcade on Wednesday 12th March at 08.00 GMT.

Don’t let a good mind go to waste! Increase brain activity with “Brain Challenge,” an entertaining brain training program that helps players develop stress-management skills through a wide variety of games. A personal coach helps players develop their abilities in five areas of cognitive function, including logic, maths, memory, visual thinking and concentration, in a fun and easy way.

“Brain Challenge” has something for everyone including Daily Test Mode, where players undergo a series of brain exercises and Stress Mode, which tests player’s abilities to stay calm under stress. For those looking for a relaxing experience, Creative Mode allows players to relax and explore their imagination and Child Test lets players play & share their exercises with younger people. For competitive players, the game features multiplayer support for up to four players offline and online, as well as detailed stats and graphs where they can track their overall performance and progression.

In our second game explore “Bliss Island” as Hoshi the Zwooph, a mystical blue creature that emits precise puffs of air to create clouds. Help Hoshi become the Bliss Island champion by winning over 25 unique challenges across nine intense levels. Better yet, challenge friends online for more competitive gameplay or focus on topping the Leaderboard charts!


Where can I get these games from?

Developed and published by Gameloft, “Brain Challenge” will be available worldwide for 800 Microsoft Points.

It is rated 3+.

For more details on “Brain Challenge” please visit:
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/b/brainchallengexboxlivearcade

Codemasters’ “Bliss Island” will be available worldwide (with the exception of Japan and Korea) for 400 Microsoft Points.

It is rated 3+.

For more details on “Bliss Island” please visit:
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/b/blissislandxboxlivearcade

Pocket Gamer celebrates second birthday with one million page views

Pocket Gamer celebrates second birthday with one million page views.

Handheld specialist game site breaks through page view milestone, reaches 350,000 unique users with 5,750 published articles.

Steel Media, the UK’s specialist mobile consumer technology publisher, celebrates the second anniversary of its leading portable gaming site, Pocket Gamer, with one million monthly page views across web and wap, read by more than 350,000 unique users.

Launched on 10th March 2006, Pocket Gamer didn’t waste much time in establishing itself as one of the most popular sites for mobile, PSP and DS gaming. Since then, other formats such as N-Gage, iPod and, most recently, iPhone, have entered the market and have obviously benefited from the same comprehensive coverage its more established brethren have enjoyed over the past 24 months, further cementing Pocket Gamer’s position as a leading online destination for all things handheld.

“We’ve worked very hard to provide the portable gaming industry with the editorial coverage that it deserved and over the last two years I’d like to think we’ve done just that,” said an understandably proud Chris James, Steel Media’s Managing Director. “Naturally we wouldn’t have been able to do it without help, so it’s an opportunity to thank all of our partners - from mobile publishers and developers to handset manufacturers to the operators who’ve supported us along the way – as well as, of course, our truly brilliant editorial team and our loyal and evidently discerning readership.”

Though happy with the progress to date, James was keen to make it very clear that the company would not be resting on its laurels. “Whilst these are all satisfying benchmarks I really do feel that we’ve only just started our job here – there’s plenty to more to come from us in the months and years ahead, be it new initiatives such as our operator magazines and syndicated reviews or improvements to the sites.

“Indeed, there’s plenty of new projects and partnerships already in development, which we hope to be able to talk about in the near future, so do watch this space.”

Figures talk loudest, ultimately, and since launching 24 months ago, Pocket Gamer has published 5,750 pieces of portable gaming-specific editorial.

“It’s a fittingly rewarding way of celebrating two years of hard work, and one that, ultimately, reflects the great efforts made during that period by the members of our hand-picked team, both past and present,” reflected Pocket Gamer editor Joao Diniz Sanches. “With new formats joining the handheld gaming scene, it’s a particularly exciting time to be covering this sector and we look forward to continued growth as we enter the next stage of PG’s development.”

King's Bounty: Official Website Is Now Live!!

King's Bounty: The Official Website Is Now Live!!

King Maximus is dying … The demoniac Arech Dragonbreath has recently stolen the sceptre of Order!

The destiny of the four continents is in your hands, young knight. Recruit an army, brave dark Legions, and travel through four continents, in search of the sceptre of Order. Your quest is King Maximus’ last hope, but be wary … because your path will be full of pitfalls! May you be protected by the spirits of Order, and return the King’s Bounty!

For help you in your quest, stay connected on www.kings-bounty.com

An exclusive trailer will be the next level of your “training”…

HOT WEBSITE CONTENT

• Tone of super screen, showing the amazing King’s Bounty graphics.
  
• Authentic & impressive artworks and sketches of armies, characters, monsters!!!
  
• 3 breathtaking trailers in high definition, showing the brilliant real time action and the exciting TBS combat phases.
  
• Be the first one to customize your computer with super eye catching wallpapers (12) !!
  
• Join the King’s Bounty community by posting your first comments and impressions on the forum.
  
• Sign the guest book and enter the legend!!

AND MANY MORE TO COME!!

About the game
Genre: Real-time / Turn-based Strategy with RPG elements
Website: www.kings-bounty.com
Platform: PC
Developer: Katauri Interactive
Publishers: Nobilis/1C
Release date: October 2008

Flight Simulation to the Rescue Pilot goes Gold for Flight Simulator X! Free demo

Flight Simulation to the Rescue

RESCUE PILOT GOES GOLD!

Title Rescue Pilot – Mission Pack
Label Just Flight
Developer: Just Flight
Genre: Flight Simulation
UK Release: 25th April 2008
SRP: £19.99 / €29.95 / $39.99
UK Barcode: 5035063005643
German barcode: 5035063005667

An exciting mission pack series for Flight Simulator X is on its way!

Rescue Pilot – Mission Pack, the first in a series of exciting expansions from Just Flight, has now gone 'gold' and the UK release date is set for 25th April.

In Rescue Pilot Flight simulation fans will get the chance to put their virtual flying skills to use. You are a pilot of an air rescue medical service and your job is to respond to any emergency calls that are received at your home base. A typical day for a Just Flight Rescue Pilot could find him airlifting an injured person from a car accident, picking up a stranded mountaineer or flying a life-or-death dash with a vital medical cargo. The work is always challenging - but never dull - and the job satisfaction is immense!

Rescue Pilots must use their flying experience to the full in a variety of fixed wing and rotary aircraft to complete the missions but there is also a choice of settings to match an individual's skill levels.

The twelve authentic missions with realistic ATC and convincing scenarios will keep virtual rescuers glued to their joysticks. It's time to get airborne and do your bit!

Why not try the first mission yourself by downloading the free demo direct from the website? Visit http://www.justflight.com/product.asp?pid=233 and click on the 'Download Demo' button at the foot of the page.

BABYSITTING MANIA VIDEO GAME FOR NINTENDO DS

MAJESCO ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES 'BABYSITTING MANIA' FOR NINTENDO DS

Popular Online PC Title Coming to Handheld This Autumn

The multi-tasking mayhem ensues, as Majesco Entertainment Co., an innovative provider of video games for the mass market, and Gogii Games today announced Babysitting Mania for Nintendo DS. Based on the hit PC simulation, Babysitting Mania challenges players to manage unruly kids, lists of chores and out-of-control houses without losing their cool. The game is also the sequel to the smash success Nanny Mania that has been downloaded more than 7 million times.

“Balancing a busy household with energetic kids of multiple ages is incredibly demanding,” said Gui Karyo, Executive Vice President of Operations, Majesco. “Babysitting Mania brings the challenge ‘home’ so players can develop their ability to multi-task and maintain order despite the rigors of running a modern family.”

In Babysitting Mania, players progress through more than 100 levels of fast-paced, overlapping tasks as they feed, entertain and clean up after a slew of kids in 20 chaotic houses. Players will use the Touch Screen to manage every aspect of the household with speed and precision, from strategically employing “Timeouts” to overseeing bonus birthday party levels that add neighbourhood party guests to the mania. Players must also care for children in various stages of their lives-from babies to toddlers to teens. Only the ultimate babysitter will survive the frenzy!

Babysitting Mania for Nintendo DS is expected to release in late 2008. It will be distributed throughout Europe and to PAL territories by Codemasters. For additional information about Majesco’s exciting line of products, please visit the newly relaunched www.majescoentertainment.com and www.majescoeurope.com.

Second Volume of PopCap's Casual Video Game Hits for Sony PlayStation 2

Second Volume of PopCap's Casual Video Game Hits for Sony PlayStation 2 Coming Soon

PopCap Hits Vol. 2 Arriving at Stores in June

PopCap Games, the leading developer and publisher of “casual” video games, today announced the imminent arrival at retail of a new PopCap Hits compilation for PlayStation 2 featuring two of the company’s best-selling puzzle and “arcade action” games. PopCap Hits Volume 2 features Heavy Weapon and Zuma, carries an SRP of US$19.95, and marks the first time that those two games have been made available for PlayStation consoles. PopCap Hits Volume 2 is expected to hit store shelves in June 2008.

“We’re pleased to be bringing our second PlayStation2 ‘greatest hits’ compilation to stores so quickly after the first volume, and expect the upcoming product to be even more popular with consumers,” said Greg Canessa, VP of Video Game Platforms at PopCap. “Heavy Weapon and Zuma are two of our most successful games on the Xbox LIVE Arcade Service, and should prove equally well received by the PlayStation 2 audience.”

Zuma is a fast-paced action puzzler requiring quick reflexes and pattern-solving strategy as players rotate the stone frog at the center of the screen to shoot colored balls into place. Make sets of three or more balls to succeed – and don’t let the chain of balls reach the golden skull! Zuma is also available for Xbox 360, PC, Mac, online and select mobile devices. Zuma is also the highest-rated game for iPod, based on iTunes’ customer reviews.

Heavy Weapon is a light-hearted side-scrolling action game in which players strive to defeat hordes of enemy armies in the form of tanks, jeeps, fighter jets, helicopters and other land and air vehicles. Power-ups and secret weapons that provide additional speed, shields, firepower and more help the player overcome increasingly nasty enemy forces and bosses while progressing through levels representing the oppressed (fictitious) countries over which the war is being waged. Multiplayer modes available for the PlayStation 2 version of the game enable players to join a friend for furious shoot-’em-up fighting in multiplayer Arms Race and War Party modes. In addition, PopCap Hits Volume 2 provides exclusive behind-the-scenes access in “The Making of a Classic.” Explore early game concepts, high-res game art, and video clips featuring development history and tips from the games’ creators.

InstantAction Offering fully 3D, console-like games in a web browser

InstantAction open To Gamers

The Next Big Thing in Web Gaming is Here; Sign Up and Play at www.instantaction.com

InstantAction open To Gamers

The Next Big Thing in Web Gaming is Here; Sign Up and Play at www.instantaction.com

InstantAction today invited gamers across the globe to enter its public beta.

Offering fully 3D, console-like games in a web browser, InstantAction is launching with four games available to the public today.

“Initial feedback on InstantAction from gamers has been very positive and we are ready to pull the covers off and let everyone take a look,” said Josh Williams, CEO of GarageGames. “Even though it’s early, and there is a lot more to add and improve, InstantAction is already impressive. Now with the community’s help, we’re going to work on making it truly mind blowing.”

With the public beta, four games – MarbleBlast Online, Screw Jumper, Think Tanks and Wideload Shorts’ Cyclomite – are already playable. More games will be added in the coming weeks, including the much anticipated FPS, Fallen Empire: Legions.

Early comments from beta testers have filled the InstantAction feedback boards. Regarding MarbleBlast Online, one tester said of his first experience with the title, “This game is surprisingly a lot of fun to play.” While another tester praised Wideload Shorts’ Cyclomite proclaiming “Cyclomite is my new favorite addiction on InstantAction.com. It's good, crazy fun.”

Social gaming is a core part of the InstantAction experience. Gamers can host parties and invite their friends to jump into a game via a URL link which can be sent via email or IM. Gamers can also seamlessly switch games and move their party with them.

“This is only the beginning. New games and features will be added each month,” added Williams.

Ubisoft My Health Coach: Weight Management for Nintendo DS

A Healthier Life Thanks To My Health Coach: Weight Management on Nintendo DS

Premiere on Nintendo DS : An exclusive accessory, the pedometer

Ubisoft, one of the world’s largest video game publishers, announced that it will publish My Health Coach: Weight Management for the Nintendo DS system, in summer 2008. Developed in Ubisoft’s Montreal studio, under the guidance of both a fitness coach and a nutritionist, My Health Coach: Weight Management is a new and innovative way to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle and loose weight. For the first time on Nintendo DS, My Health Coach: Weight Management includes an exclusive accessory: a pedometer which counts the steps you walk each day.

Your new daily partner

More than two thirds of UK inhabitants are overweight, and almost 25% of them are obese (source World Health Organization). All over Europe, the number of people that are overweight is increasing every year, and there are common concerns about obtaining a healthier way of life, changing nutrition habits and finding the energy to exercise in order to lose those extra kilos.

My Health Coach: Weight Management has been designed to be an engaging and fun method to help reach and maintain a proper balance between the food you eat and the physical exercises you perform. When other methods keep you in front of your TV or send you to the closest gym, My Health Coach Weight Management slips in your pocket so your personal coach is always at hand, and will keep you motivated as it fits into your daily routine.

No more lack of motivation!

My Health Coach: Weight Management is totally adapted to the needs of our modern lifestyles. Instead of putting you under pressure and setting you distant objectives, it is a fun, short and rewarding method to help you and guide you, step by step, to a healthier more balanced lifestyle. After just 10 to 15 minutes playing each day, the coaching sessions, daily challenges, mini-games and quizzes will leave you feeling the difference.

If you take healthy steps, how far would you go?

For the first time on Nintendo DS, My Health Coach: Weight Management includes an exclusive device: a pedometer. Record your daily activity as you would with any normal pedometer, then simply slot it into the DS and transfer your efforts into your personalized health program!

An added fun incentive is that all your efforts and achievements are translated into distance. Eat better, exercise a bit and keep a track of your daily walking distance with the pedometer… and you will soon have travelled the distance equivalent to the Great Wall of China!

Apart from the physical challenges and daily sessions, My Health Coach: Weight Management also features trivia games, hints and tips so that you can learn everything you need to know about proper nutrition and working out.

My Health Coach: Weight Management will be available this summer 2008.

Warrior Quest, The Online RPG For PC, Wii And PS3, Receives Its First Major Update

Warrior Quest, The Online RPG For PC, Wii And PS3, Receives Its First Major Update

Online RPG Optimized for PC, Mac, and Home Consoles Receives Updated Battle System, New Locations and Characters to Meet

NextGenBooks.com has today announced that, following a huge response to Warrior Quest’s launch, the game has received its first major update. Adding new and improved functionality to the original game engine, the new build of the game features an optimized battle engine, and new areas to explore, adding a roster of characters to meet and interact with. This update is the first stage in adding non-combat based quests to the game, and will be followed throughout March by further incremental additions to continue improving upon the adventure experience.

“User response to Warrior Quest has been incredibly positive with many players suggesting ideas and improvements that have been incorporated into this update.” explains site manager Ray Reid, “We had no idea the response would be so large. Releasing this update ahead of schedule, and incorporating our player’s suggestions, was something we wanted to do as a thank you to our great player base.”

Warrior Quest launched in 2008, an online RPG that has been optimized to run not only on PCs and Macs, but also on home consoles such as Wii and PS3. Since its launch, Warrior Quest has gathered a strong user base across all compatible formats, particularly the PS3 which has the largest console based audience playing this exciting online adventure. Little has been made of the PS3’s ability to play online games, up to this point, and the success of Warrior Quest on the system demonstrates that there is a strong demand for accessible and casual online gaming content for home videogame consoles that NextGenBooks.com is striving to provide.

In addition to tailoring Warrior Quest for home consoles, a PSP compatible version is also being developed, tentatively scheduled for release by the end of March. Further updates to Warrior Quest are also being developed with a view to releasing at least one major update a month and incremental updates on a weekly basis.
For more information please visit www.nextgenbooks.com