High Tech Heroes Return to the Nintendo DS in Code Lyoko - Fall of X.A.N.A

Previously entitled Code Lyoko 2; Code Lyoko: Fall of X.A.N.A scheduled for June Release

The battle continues as family-friendly video games publisher The Game Factory announced today its popular Teen action-oriented franchise will return to the Nintendo DS system in” Code Lyoko: Fall of X.A.N.A.” Boasting an exciting new storyline, multi-player modes and a unique real-time turned base-battle system, “Code Lyoko: Fall of X.A.N.A” offers a new role playing game experience and newly-designed characters. Based on the hit animated TV series CODE LYOKO, from Taffy Entertainment, players can expect fierce cyber action with challenging missions set in the CGI 3D world of Lyoko. “Code Lyoko: Fall of X.A.N.A” is set to be released in June 2008.

“Once again, we feel very proud to be partnering with Taffy to deliver a new sequel to the Code Lyoko video game universe. Responding to the success of the first installment, we felt compelled to give fans a new take on interacting with their favorite characters,” said Leah Kalboussi Vice President North America at The Game Factory. “With Code Lyoko: Fall of X.A.N.A, the role-playing experience is a natural evolution to developing the franchise, offering a deeper immersion into the Code Lyoko lifestyle."

A brand-new tale, based on the fourth season of the show, unfolds as William is being held captive somewhere on Lyoko by the evil virus X.A.N.A. Gamers will follow our heroes on a quest to destroy X.A.N.A. Their final challenge is to defeat the mysterious and dangerous Volcano Replika containing the very core of X.A.N.A.: a crater containing a number of towers one of which holds William…

Code Lyoko: Fall of X.A.N.A features include:

• Control with your stylus fully-customizable characters with upgradeable attacks, Powers, Functions and virtual Items (Firewalls, Viruses, Bugs, programs...)
• Fight your way through the Digital Sea and battle more enemies using subterranean vehicles ( Navskids)
• Battle against your friends in 4 different multiplayer modes : normal, handicap, bet & challenge
• Play with the four Lyoko warriors and experience a Unique Real Time turn base Interactive battle system
• Defeat X.A.N.A’s minions in 100 different Battle Arenas
• Enjoy Newly-designed heroes in Super-Deformed style

Pendulum Lends Cinematic Spark To Stuntman: Ignition

Pendulum Lends Cinematic Spark To Stuntman: Ignition

THQ-Paradigm calls upon on Pendulum for development of four HD cinematic trailers

Pendulum, a leading digital animation studio for the advertising, video game and entertainment industries, has announced its recent production of four HD cinematic trailers for THQ's Stuntman: Ignition. Developed by THQ's Paradigm Entertainment, Stuntman: Ignition is the second installment in the critically acclaimed, million-plus-unit selling Stuntman franchise. The game challenges players to pull off death-defying stunts with precision driving by dropping them into the adrenaline-fueled role of a Hollywood stuntman, where they help make "Night Avenger", "Strike Force Omega", "Never Kill Me Again", and "Whoopin' and a Hollerin' II".

The trailers draw inspiration from iconic films throughout the superhero, action, spy, and comedy film genres. THQ relied upon Pendulum and the project's creative directors, studio owners Michael McCormick and Robert Taylor, for a turn-key solution that included not only full 3D production, but also look, style and script development, full-performance motion-capture, voice and mo-cap talent casting & direction, sound design, and the creation of original musical scores for each trailer.

"When you combine Pendulum's talented team and their ability to create visually compelling content for games, with Paradigm's desire to replicate a true Hollywood style trailer, there was no doubt we would get a stunning cinematic product for the title," says Jim Galis, Executive Producer for THQ-Paradigm. "Pendulum's attention to detail, their amazing facial animation software, all around competency from storyboard to render and their dedication to a superior final piece went above and beyond our expectations."

Leaning on the intriguing character designs and genres provided by Paradigm, Pendulum began by creating a story treatment for each movie. Since the four trailers would exhibit out-of-context movie sequences, as in the typical Hollywood-style movie trailer, the directors felt a solid background story was necessary to motivate each shot and convey the scope and depth of a full-length film. In mimicking the traditional editorial style of movie trailers, each one would require a level of scene diversity uncommon for such short 3D pieces. "To paint a believable picture for each trailer we had to create environments specific to each film's genre and story, some of which were used for only a single shot," says Pendulum's Director of Animation, Michael McCormick. "Each film had a distinctive look and feel, which drove the need for unique cinematography and lighting styles, as well as a huge number of environments, matte paintings, characters, vehicles and props. Building so many assets and maintaining stylistic consistency for each trailer was a big challenge, requiring a great deal of organization and planning."

Faced with the creation of a large number of high-quality believable characters, who needed to exhibit dynamic personalities, dramatic actions and considerable amounts of dialogue, Pendulum employed their well-honed character development pipeline and a uniquely powerful full-performance motion-capture solution. The studio relied upon their longstanding relationship with premiere motion-capture studio, Vicon House of Moves, where they directed all of the project's mocap. Vicon's leading-edge full-performance mocap technology allowed Pendulum to capture multiple actors' bodies, fingers, and facial motions, while simultaneously recording their voices. This resulted in vast amounts of high-quality data, especially for the characters' faces. However, transferring complex facial data onto digital characters, to create emotive and realistic looking facial animation, is a well known and difficult hurdle in 3D animation. To meet this challenge, Pendulum made extensive use of their proprietary facial performance software, AlterEgo, which allowed the studio to apply many minutes of facial mo-cap data to the project's large number of characters, creating realistic and accurate facial animation in a short period of time. The software also allowed the team to animate on top of the mocap data, to enhance or modify facial expressions as needed. "It was critical to the project that we were able to manipulate facial performances to achieve the right amount of drama or intensity demanded by each scene," says Pendulum's Exec Producer, Robert Taylor. "AlterEgo provided us the ideal tool to achieve this flexibility, and at a speed and cost that I doubt would have been possible with any other solution."

Clothing for the trailers' many characters presented its own challenges. To increase efficiency, Pendulum built a library of reusable wardrobe elements which, with a few texture and modeling tweaks, provide for a flexible digital wardrobe department. However, some of the characters required some very specific and creative outfits. For this and all of the project's production efforts, Pendulum relied upon a combination of Pixologic ZBrush, Autodesk Maya, Syflex Cloth Simulator, Shave & Haircut, the mental ray renderer, and eyeon's Fusion compositing software. Other critical tools used were Wondertouch's particleIllusion, Apple's Final Cut, and the studio's proprietary facial software, AlterEgo.

The game allows players to showcase their skills in a wide variety of big-budget action films, commercial shoots and tournaments while commanding more than 25 unique vehicles, including exotic sports cars, motorcycles and hovercraft. Online multiplayer mode allows rival stuntmen to battle it out on the film sets and custom built back-lot arenas, or players can devise their own insane stunt runs and challenge other stuntmen at their own game. Stuntman: Ignition is available for Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3 system and PlayStation 2.

To see stills and video clips from the trailers go to: http://www.studiopendulum.com/qt_images_stu.html

GameStop - Battlefield - Bad Company with Bonus Exclusive Closed Beta Access!

Pre-order now and get into the GameStop Exclusive Closed Multiplayer Beta for Battlefield: Bad Company beginning on March 25, 2008 and ending on April 25, 2008. This exclusive offer is only available for GameStop customers who pre-order Battlefield: Bad Company for the Xbox 360. Only the first 5,000 pre-orders will receive a beta key, so pre-order now! Allow 48 hours from time of purchase to receive your code, excluding weekends and holidays. Please provide a valid e-mail at time of purchase.
Beta Features

Only the 3rd X360 title to have a closed beta, 1st for EA.
Multiplayer gameplay with 2 maps, Ascension and Oasis
Ascension is an infantry based map, Oasis is vehicle based with tanks, jeeps and helicopters
First look at an all new game mode, “Gold Rush” with 12v12 action
When you pre-order Battlefield Bad Company online, you will receive a GameStop Exclusive Limited Edition Sniper Rifle. Customers, who pre-order online, will receive their code by e-mail to unlock the sniper rifle. Codes will be e-mailed one week prior to ship date or sooner. Please supply a valid e-mail address at time of purchase.

More information here

Sierra Online Announces Lost Cities video game on Microsoft XBox 360 and XBox Live

Sierra Online Announces Lost Cities

Sierra Online, a division of Vivendi Games, is bringing the award-winning card game Lost Cities exclusively to Xbox LIVE Arcade for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system this Spring for 800 Microsoft points.

In Lost Cities, players draw from a pool of cards with the goal of amassing the most points and making prosperous expeditions through the various lost cities: the Himalayas, the Brazilian rain forest, the ever-shifting desert sands, ancient volcanoes and the mystifying depths of the Oceans.

50 Cent Is Back in a new Microsoft Xbox 360 and Sony PlayStation 3 Video Game

50 Cent Is Back In New Xbox 360 And PLAYSTATION 3 Video Game

Hip-Hop Fans Welcome Long Awaited Sequel to the Multi-Million Unit Selling 50 Cent - Bulletproof

Sierra Entertainment, a division of Vivendi Games, announced today that 50 Cent will reprise his role as video game hero with the upcoming sequel to the hit 2005 PlayStation 2 and Xbox game with 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand. 50 Cent and G Unit’s Lloyd Banks, Tony Yayo and DJ Whoo Kid will star and provide voice and likeness in the upcoming video game this fall on Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system, and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system.

In this fictional follow-up story to the multi-million unit selling Bulletproof video game, players will be able to play as one of the world’s biggest hip-hop stars in an all-out battle to protect 50 Cent’s assets and to collect payment from a crooked overlord.

“We are taking this sequel to the next level with exciting combat and gunplay, new original music, great graphics and a new story,” said 50 Cent. “50 Cent: Blood on the Sand will have everything my fans are looking for in a 50 Cent game.”

The 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand video game will feature multi-player drop-in and drop-out co-op, interactive counter-kills, driving, and aerial combat. Following the success of the 2005 Spike TV Video Game Award winner for Best Original Song “We May Be Crazy”, 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand will be packed with more exclusive unreleased music from 50 Cent and G-Unit.

“50 Cent and shooter fans everywhere came out to support 50 Cent in Bulletproof and made it a multi-million unit selling video game,” said Al Simone, senior vice president of Global Marketing for Sierra Entertainment. “Gamers will be excited that 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand will provide the ultimate 50 Cent next-gen game experience.”

The 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand video game is written by Kamran Pasha, Producer of Bionic Woman, and is being developed by Swordfish Studios. For more information, please visit the game’s official website at www.50bloodonthesand.com.

Vivendi Games Mobile is also making 50 Cent - Blood on the Sand available for mobile phones throughout North America and Europe.

PC video game Exteel Developer Tutorial Feature - free to play online game

NCsoft Europe Presents Exteel Developer Tutorial Feature

Exteel Developer Tutorial - Overview and the 'Pinkett'

NCsoft is starting work on Exteel, the free to play online game where huge warrior robots fight against one another for supremacy. The action is fast and furious, where only the most competitive of player will dominate and improve their Mech for future engagements.

One of the reasons why Exteel is so easy to play and master is that it contains a comprehensive tutorial system that all players can access, complete and even run through again if they wish. Not only do the extensive and interactive tutorials give you a full sense on how to play Exteel, they grant extra in-game credits and other bonuses that will prove extremely beneficial almost immediately.

Exteel features nine tutorial missions altogether, five of which are “beginner”-type missions, built around teaching basic movement, using the booster, jumping, using weapons, overheating and swapping (exchanging) weapons. You won’t get any bonuses or extra goods for finishing these tutorial missions, but they’ll give you a good understanding on how Exteel plays at its basic level.

The four “advanced”-level missions delve into using specific types of weapons in Exteel. For instance, the first mission, “Rifle Training”, deals with proper use of rifles and destroying the enemy at range. “Sword and Shield Training” describes how to use melee weapons as well as defensive shields. These missions usually require the player to kill a certain number of opponents within a time limit. Advanced tutorials, once completed, also give a reward to the player, depending on the mission. For finishing “Cannon Training”, the player will receive a giant cannon. Completing the tutorial “SMG Training” will reward the player two decent SMGs and a nice credit bonus.

Here’s a listing of the tutorials and associated rewards:

• Beginner Training 1: Movement

• Beginner Training 2: Booster Movement

• Beginner Training 3: Jump Movement

• Beginner Training 4: Aiming and Attacking

• Beginner Training 5: Overheating and Weapon Swapping

• Advanced Training 1: Rifle Training
Reward: 2 Marauder-C rifles

• Advanced Training 2: Cannon Training
Reward: Poseidon-C cannon

• Advanced Training 3: SMG Training
Reward: 2 Planet Eagle-C SMGs and 5,000 credits

• Advanced Training 4: Sword and Shield Training
Reward: 10,000 credits

You can stop playing any of the tutorials at any time, and come back to finish them off later. However, you can only receive the reward for completing an advanced tutorial mission only once.

The Pinkett
All players also start out with the Pinkett, also known as “Old Reliable”, the standard all-around multi-purpose Mechanaught. The Pinkett is a decent light Mechanaught valuable for new recruits; equipped with the p-booster backpack, it can perform well in a combat environment and can even be deadly at the hands of an expert pilot.

Pinketts come equipped with two sets of weapons, a pair of Tommy Striker-C SMGs for short-distance ranged combat, and a Crimson Edge-C blade with a Defender-C shield for melee combat. The SMG is a very basic, rapid-fire close-in weapon. It doesn’t overheat quickly and can easily hit targets without requiring exact aim. In other words, it’s perfect for a beginner. The blade and shield combo is typical of a second set of weapons; when the SMGs eventually overheat, switching to this set will you move in close for some sword fighting. The shield, when in use, will block a portion of the damage received from incoming fire.

Another benefit of the Pinkett (and the sets of weapons it comes with) is that it doesn’t degrade through usage. Most Mechanaught parts and weapons have a durability rating, and you must repair each item (by purchasing repair points in the store) before they become useless. Because the Pinkett or its weapons won’t wear out, new pilots don’t have to worry about buying repair points just yet. Note that you cannot scrap these items for credits like they can with regular items (like the weapons rewarded from advanced tutorial missions).

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PC video game - Wonderland - Online Alpha Test

Wonderland Online Alpha Test Coming Soon

The Wonderland Online Alpha Test will start at 9:00pm EST on March 27th and last until 9:00pm EST April 2nd, which is 1 week in total. The server name is Aries. There are 2 main goals for this test: 1. Perfect the game. 2. Prepare for the upcoming Closed Beta Test.

These are some notes that players should pay attention to before starting the Alpha test:

A. Make sure the Alpha Test client has been downloaded. If it hasn’t, use the link below to download it. http://wl.igg.com/download/download_client.php

B. Make sure the Alpha account has been activated. If the account hasn’t, click the link below to activate it. http://wl.igg.com/news/newscontent.php?aid=340

C. The Wonderland team has prepared a newbie guide for all players. Check it out now! http://wl.igg.com/guide/guide.php?acid=190

Although the test period is not long, the Wonderland team will be holding as many cool events (including online events and forum events) as possible.

All participants’ character information will be wiped out at the end of the test, but the Wonderland team will be compensating them for the loss. (“Compensation” will be announced at the end of the test)

The official Wonderland Online website

SPACE INVADERS EXTREME for Nintendo DS and Sony PSP plus ARKANOID on Nintendo DS

Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of Square Enix interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, today announces that ARKANOID DS for the Nintendo DS handheld system and SPACE INVADERS EXTREME for the Nintendo DS handheld system and the Sony PSP (PlayStationPortable) system will be available across Europe in Summer 2008.

30 years after the original SPACE INVADERS ignited an entire entertainment medium and founded a gaming generation; players can now prepare to play the most extreme embodiment of the game ever created.

SPACE INVADERS EXTREME combines the captivating essence of the original game with a stunning alliance of futuristic graphic design and cutting-edge audio. The gameplay experience has been developed to maximise on the consoles’ abilities, offering players a whole new range of amazing features including a vast array of new power-ups, DS Wireless Communications and Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.

ARKANOID DS updates the classic block-busting gameplay of the 1986 original, with the Vaus vessel, balls and bricks all still intact. Different modes of play provide unique challenges including Clear with 140 levels to complete and Quest mode that sets different rules for clearing each round. Points won in the game can be used to customize the game further, with new backgrounds, blocks and sound effects waiting to be unlocked.

John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Ltd. comments, “Both ARKANOID and SPACE INVADERS transcend different generations and gaming abilities, they are as loved for the gameplay experience as they are for their iconic status. With the launch of SPACE INVADERS EXTREME and ARKANOID DS we can offer existing fans the chance to enjoy the next level of gameplay, while offering a new audience the chance to experience these classics in a contemporary way.”

SPACE INVADERS EXTREME features

• Futuristic, techno-inspired graphic design takes SPACE INVADERS to new heights
  
• Interactive, totally immersive sound scheme where sound effects are synchronised to match the beats of the music
  
• Wide range of amazing new power-ups
  

Additional Nintendo DS version features

• Play a friend with Nintendo DS Wireless Play
  
• Challenge other players with Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection
  
• High-Score table supported by Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection
  
• Share the multiplayer fun from a single cart with DS Download Play

Additional PSP version features

• Play against another player via ad hoc mode
  
• Widescreen 16x9 support
  
• Soundtrack provided by critically acclaimed musicians and DJ’s including SUGIURUMN, WALL FIVE, DJ Aki, ATOM & MASAKI SAKAMOTO and ALTZ
  

ARKANOID DS features

• Over 140 levels to complete in Clear Mode, Quest mode adds extra challenge with different rules for each level
  
• Customize your game by exchanging points earned for new design features such as new backgrounds, Vaus vessels, blocks and sound effects
  
• Power-up items carefully selected from the ARKANOID series plus exciting new Power-up items: Barriers, Warp and Vanish
  
• Compete against friends with 2 and 4-player DS Wireless Communications
  
• Share the multiplayer fun from a single cart with DS Download Play
  
• High-Score table supported by Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection
  
• Optional Paddle Controller gives analogue control just like the coin-op
  

FINAL FANTASY TACTICS A2 - Grimoire of the Rift exclusive on Nintendo DS

TURN YOUR NINTENDO DS INTO A TACTICAL BATTLEFIELD WITH

Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of Square Enix interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, today announces that FINAL FANTASY TACTICS A2: Grimoire of the Rift will be released across PAL territories in Summer 2008 exclusively on the Nintendo DS handheld system.

Lead your party to victory across the famous world of Ivalice! FINAL FANTASY TACTICS A2 - Grimoire of the Rift turns your Nintendo DS into a tactical battlefield where you can take control of a clan of fighters, mages and more. Summon mighty Scions and Espers to overcome the challenges that await, fulfill your destiny and return home victorious!

And with victory comes fame. Earn a reputation for your clan as you win battles and a whole new level of party customisation will open for you to enjoy. The stunning visuals, special effects, and orchestral soundtrack in FINAL FANTASY TACTICS A2: Grimoire of the Rift immerse you in the world, while the soundtrack narrates the famous adventures and triumphs of your clan.

John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Ltd. comments, “To our fans’ delight, fun strategy gameplay and an engaging story come together in FINAL FANTASY TACTICS A2: Grimoire of the Rift. Nintendo DS users will be able to enjoy a tactical and epic adventure while exploring the world of Ivalice.”

About FINAL FANTASY TACTICS A2: Grimoire of the Rift

Story
Our tale begins as Luso, an energetic young boy, discovers a mysterious book whilst tidying the library as a punishment for his latest episode of light-hearted mischief. He opens the book and is transported to another world called Ivalice. Before he can catch his breath, he finds himself joining a clan led by a friendly, if gruff, man named Cid. With his new clan at his side, he sets out to find a way home…

Features

• Enjoy turn-based, tactical battles on isometric 2D maps set in the hugely popular FINAL FANTASY universe
• Lead a clan of fighters, mages and more as you explore the world of Ivalice, the setting of FINAL FANTASY XII
• Battle enemies with steel, magick and summoned monsters
• Amazing graphics with special effects that push the limits of the Nintendo DS
• Immersive soundtrack from the composer of FINAL FANTASY XII
• Endless variety and customization with over 50 available jobs – more than any other FINAL FANTASY game
• More than 300 quests provide hours upon hours of gameplay
• Enhanced Law System that rewards players for upholding the law with bonuses during and after battle
• Compete with rival clans to claim territory in the unique Auction mini-game
• Includes touch screen functionality, a feature not included in the original Japanese version

Discover The Secrets Of Uld - With free Chapter Three Of Mythos

Discover The Secrets Of Uld - With Chapter Three Of Mythos

Flagship Studios Seattle releases new chapter and launches redesigned site for highly anticipated free casual MMORPG

Ping0, LLC, a joint-venture between Flagship Studios and HanbitSoft, Inc., today announced the introduction of the third chapter for the closed beta program of the highly anticipated massively multiplayer online role-playing game Mythos™. A new official website has also launched. (www.mythos.com)

Mythos' third chapter introduces the Umbral Peaks and the towns of Mistglade and Arcled and includes quest content that will allow players to progress to level 30. New features include the introduction of a new Cyclopean character race, a crafting system, in-game mail, socketable armor, trinkets, and stat bonuses for skill tier investment. For the first time, players can participate in PvP dueling thanks to a dedicated PvP world, the Shadowlands.

"We are excited to announce the next stage of the Mythos closed beta with new content and a redesigned official site," said Max Schaefer, Development Director of Mythos and founding member of Flagship Studios. "With new environments to explore and quests to complete, the third chapter will keep our dedicated Mythos community busy for quite some time."

Mythos is an online, action role-playing game that is free to download and free to play. Set in the land of Uld – a fantasy world arising from the ashes of an epoch-long war of darkness – players assume the roles of fantasy heroes as they explore, adventure, and quest through entirely randomized dungeons and environments. With an elegant point-and-click interface and an accessible "isometric" perspective, Mythos is poised to have near-universal appeal. The game allows thousands of players to interact within the same world while using mostly "instanced" dungeons to create unique gaming experiences suited for both solo and group-minded players.

As players journey into Mythos' ever-expanding universe, they select one of four races (Human, Satyr, Gremlin, or Cyclops) and opt to play as a particular character class using a huge variety of skills and items. Through heroic quests players search for gold, gems, armor, and weapons, while unlocking the secrets of Uld. Mythos presents a constantly expanding, continuously updated world where something new lurks around every corner.

Mythos is an online role-playing game developed by Flagship Studios Seattle, a division of Flagship Studios. Mythos will be digitally distributed in North America and Europe in 2008 by Ping0. HanbitSoft, Flagship Studios' partner in Ping0, will be responsible for distributing Mythos in Asia.