Age of Conan video game ready for launch on PC

Age of Conan gets ready for launch

- Pre-order programs now available in all Western territories - Get three day head-start in Hyboria -

Funcom and Eidos announce that Age of Conan pre-order programs are now fully available in all major territories, including USA, Germany, France, Spain, UK, Oceania and the Nordic countries. Conan fans and MMO gamers are already raving about the incredible pre-order items, including the War Mammoth and Killer Rhino, and today Funcom ups the ante and confirms that everyone who pre-orders may access Hyboria several days prior to the retail launch.*

Ever since Funcom and Eidos started the first pre-orders in early 2008, the program has received great feedback. The exceptional Age of Conan Collector's Edition has topped the charts in numerous online retail chains for weeks, including being No.1 on several all-format lists. The most eager fans are therefore urged to order their copy of the Collector’s Edition immediately as it only comes in one print-run.

Funcom now also confirms an early access program which will give customers a chance of a head-start in Age of Conan. Funcom reveals that American, European and Oceanic players may enter Age of Conan as early as the 17th of May. Mere weeks away, early adopters can now live, fight and explore in Hyboria, as well as getting an essential head-start before the hordes invade.

“We are very pleased with the reception Age of Conan has had in retail and we naturally hope that the early interest and our early access programs will materialize in an eventual success,” said Morten Larssen, VP Sales and Marketing of Funcom. “The positive indications are naturally an honor, but they also bring a great responsibility. As we prepare the roll-out, we know our servers will be put to the test. We therefore hope potential players will aid us by signaling their interest as soon as possible so we can scale our servers and services accordingly.”

Age of Conan launches on the 20th of May and is consistently mentioned as one of the most anticipated PC games in development. It has received more than twenty-five magazine covers and more than fifteen major awards, including numerous "Best MMO of E3" awards and the "Best Online Game of Show" award at GC 2007. Age of Conan is a key title in Microsoft's Games for Windows line-up, as well as a showcase title for nVidia.

Visit www.ageofconan.com to join the thriving community or to sign up for the Beta

For a list of participating retailers or to get more information about the game, please visit www.ageofconan.com

The early access program is only available with certain retailers. A participant list can be found on the official Age of Conan websites. The early access is entirely voluntary, and opens up on the 17th of May for Oceanic and North American gamers, and on the 20th of May for European gamers. Pre-loading of the client will commence in advance. You need to pay a nominal 5 USD / EUR fee to take advantage of the offer, which includes client download and 10 days of subscription. When the early access offer expires you must enter the physical retail box gamekey to continue playing.

Nintendo DS - Guitar Hero - On Tour Fact Sheet

Following on from its ground-breaking success on home console and PC, the Guitar Hero series is coming to Nintendo DS. To celebrate, Activision Inc. and RedOctane have released a fact sheet demonstrating how gamers will now be able to rock out whenever and wherever they want.

Product Description:
For the first time, handheld gamers have the freedom to unleash their inner rock star anytime, anywhere with Guitar Hero - On Tour. Utilising the revolutionary Guitar Hero Guitar Grip peripheral that fits snugly into the Nintendo DS and a unique Guitar Hero pick-stylus, Guitar Hero - On Tour brings a new dimension to handheld gaming and gives fans the ability to shred along with their favorite tunes with complete portability.



The game delivers a unique experience by challenging handheld gamers to rock out and prove their shredding skills on the most diverse set list of master tracks ever offered in a Guitar Hero game, including classic rock, alternative and pop favorites.

Key Features:

- Rock out anytime, anywhere – Fans can now take the Guitar Hero experience wherever they go with Guitar Hero: On Tour. The Guitar Hero Guitar Grip is an ergonomic extension that mimics a guitar fret board and fits seamlessly in people’s hands to deliver the same core gameplay that defines Guitar Hero.

- Strum with the stylus – Included with the game is a new Guitar Hero pick-stylus that allows gamers to strum away in style on the touch activated screen of the DS.

- Jam with friends – On a local wireless network, friends can join together to play in co-op mode, or challenge one another in a Guitar Duel using new battle items unique to the DS platform.

- Become a rock legend – Players can blow into the microphone to extinguish a pyrotechnics effects gone wrong, or use the touch screen to autograph a fan’s shirt in the middle of their set.

- Personalize your experience – With a vast collection of Gibson guitars, five unlockable venues and six characters to choose from – including two new rockers exclusive to Guitar Hero: On Tour – gamers can personalize their Guitar Hero experience to their heart’s desire.

- Pick a song, any song – Fans can prove their shredding skills on the most diverse set list of master tracks ever offered on a Guitar Hero game, including classic rock, pop and alternative favorites such as Nirvana, OK Go and No Doubt.

Blasting onto Nintendo Wii - Star Soldiers R on WiiWare

Hudson's Classic Shooter Returns to Put Your Skills to the Test

Hudson Entertainment, the North American publishing arm of Hudson Soft, today announced that it is bringing Star Soldier R to WiiWare on the Wii. (ESRB Rating: E for Everybody, Fantasy Violence).

This tournament-style outer space shooter challenges players to achieve a high score in either a 2-Minute or 5-Minute Mode. In 2-Minute Mode, players have just enough time to battle through one action-packed stage and one giant boss. In 5-Minute Mode, they also have enough time to fight their way through a second level with its own boss. Additionally, players can play Quick Shot Mode to see if they have the fastest trigger fingers around! Once gamers have their scores, they can go to the online leaderboards to see how they compare with other players in their region and can keep playing to improve their ranking. There’s also significant depth and replay value to this challenging game, as players can keep practicing to learn all of the different strategies to achieve bonus points in both 2-Minute and 5-Minute Modes. If they discover them all, players might have a shot at having the top score in the world!


Like traditional vertically-scrolling shooters, the game features a top-down perspective and players fly from the bottom of the screen towards the top, shooting at any ship or structure that obstructs their path. As players progress, they can collect power-ups to increase their weapon or shield strength, and an all-new Force System enables gamers to collect up to five orbiting satellites that can be held close to the ship for defensive cover, or can be sent out for additional firepower. Players can also decide how they want to play, choosing from three control schemes – Nunchuk and Wii Remote, Wii Remote only (held sideways) or the Classic Controller.

“There is a lot of excitement surrounding WiiWare and we are proud that Star Soldier R will be one of the titles available on the platform,” said John Greiner, President and CEO of Hudson Entertainment. “For Hudson, the potential of WiiWare is endless, and gamers can be certain that we will be bringing additional content to WiiWare in the coming months.”

Monster Madness - Grave Danger – New trailer

Monster Madness: Grave Danger – New trailer.

SouthPeak Games is pleased to release the new trailer from its upcoming PLAYSTATION 3 release, Monster Madness: Grave Danger.

SouthPeak Games' first PLAYSTATION 3 title will be a follow-up to its riotous comedy-horror arcade shooter Monster Madness: Battle For Suburbia, which saw 2007 releases on PC and the Xbox 360 entertainment system from Microsoft.



Monster Madness: Grave Danger overhauls the best features of its predecessor and adds huge amounts of new content, including customisable character costumes with power-up accessories, 4-player co-op either online or offline and 25 new challenge missions. With this new functionality adding to the original's 18 story mode levels and its fully-featured 12-person online competitive multiplayer modes, Monster Madness: Grave Danger is set to become the co-op favourite for PLAYSTATION 3 owners looking for a big slice of frenzied comedic arcade action.

Monster Madness: Grave Danger will be released for PLAYSTATION 3 in the UK on 30th May 2008.

Download the trailer here

TRACKMANIA NATIONS FOREVER – FULL FREE GAME AVAILABLE TO DOWNLOAD NOW

TrackMania Community Unites

TRACKMANIA NATIONS FOREVER – FULL FREE GAME AVAILABLE NOW

TrackMania Nations Forever is available today as a free download.

The highly awaited sequel to TrackMania Nations (launched two years ago), TrackMania Nations Forever offers a new complete ‘Forever’ version of the stadium environment, a complete solo mode and 65 brand new, progressively difficult tracks.

TrackMania Nations Forever will unite an even larger number of players thanks to its engaging multiplayer modes, innovative online functions and revolutionary interactivity between players.

TrackMania Nations Forever will allow the convergence of the huge TrackMania community. For the first time, players of the free versions will now be able to play online with players from the retail version of the new TrackMania United Forever. This is achieved by using servers dedicated to the Stadium environment common to both games.

In addition to being compatible with Nations Forever, the retail release of TrackMania United Forever has many more bonuses - including tracks that have never been seen before, new design blocks (build your own tracks) for the game environments and a spectacular graphics update for the Desert, Snow and Rally environments.

TrackMania Nations Forever features:

• 65 brand new, progressively difficult tracks
• A new ‘Forever’ version of the Stadium environment
• Engaging multiplayer modes
• A solid solo mode
• A brand new track editor
• Innovative communications between competing racers via PC

Links to download the free game TrackMania Nations Forever (500 MB)

FileFront

Worthplaying

GamersHell

ComputerGames

Internode

TrackMania Official Website


Fast facts:

Publisher: Ascaron Entertainment / Focus Home Interactive
Web: www.Ascaron.com
Developer: Nadeo
Release date: 16th April 2008
Price: FREE
PEGI: 3+
Format: PC
Genre: Racing

Atari Launches Test Drive Unlimited PC Megapack to download

Atari Launches Test Drive Unlimited PC Megapack

Available Now for Download, Including 46 Beautiful Cars and Bikes

Atari today announced that the Test Drive Unlimited PC Megapack is available for download, including the patch, activation key and 46 immaculate dream machines, all for €14.99 from the Metaboli digital download service which can be accessed via the official website of racing reinvented at www.testdriveunlimited.com.

“We’re very pleased to now be able to bring these fantastic vehicles to players of the PC version of Test Drive Unlimited and we really want to thank the PC community for their patience,” said David Nadal, Studio Head, Eden Games. “Hopefully there’s enough beautiful cars here to make you want to spend spring time in Hawaii, even if it’s not the real one.”

“As a reward to the committed PC fans this pack of 46 incredible vehicles offers even better value for money compared to the same content via Xbox Live Marketplace,” said Cyril Voiron, VP Brand Management Worldwide Publishing, Atari.

The 45 cars and one motorbike included in the pack range from American muscle to Italian grace with some of the most desirable vehicles on the planet rendered in painstaking detail. After installing the pack, all cars can be bought as normal from the relevant in-game dealerships. The full list of vehicles in the pack is below.

1. Alfa Brera
   
2. Audi RS4 quattro Saloon
   
3. Audi S6
   
4. Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 coupe
   
5. Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 Roadster
   
6. Dino 246 GT
   
7. Dodge Challenger RT
   
8. Dodge Charger Super Bee
   
9. Dodge Viper SRT-10 coupe
   
10. Edonis
    
11. Ferrari 250 GTO
    
12. Ferrari 308 GTS Quattrovalvole
    
13. Ferrari 512 TR
    
14. Ferrari 612 Scaglietti
    
15. Ferrari Challenge Stradale
    
16. Ferrari F40
    
17. GM (Cadillac) Cien Concept
    
18. GM (Cadillac) CTS-V
    
19. GM (Chevrolet) Corvette C1 1957
    
20. GM (Chevrolet) Corvette C6 Convertible
    
21. GM (Chevrolet) Corvette Stingray™ Convertible 1971
    
22. GM (Saturn) Curve Concept
    
23. Holden Efigy Concept
    
24. Kawasaki Ninja ZX-12R
    
25. Koenigsegg CCR
    
26. Lamborghini Countach 25th anniversary
    
27. Lamborghini Gallardo Coupe
    
28. Lamborghini Murciélago Roadster
    
29. Lexus GS 450h
    
30. Lexus IS 350
    
31. Lexus LS 460 L
    
32. Lexus LS 600h L
    
33. Lexus SC 430
    
34. McLaren F1 GT
    
35. McLaren F1 LM
    
36. Mercedes CL CLK GTR
    
37. Nissan Skyline GTR R34
    
38. Noble M400
    
39. Pagani Zonda C12S Roadster
    
40. RUF RGT
    
41. RUF RK Spyder
    
42. RUF Rt 12
    
43. RUF Rturbo
    
44. Spyker C8 Spyder
    
45. Spyker C8 Spyder T
    
46. TVR T440R
    

Developed by Eden, the team behind the award-winning Xbox 360 version, Test Drive Unlimited for PC features 90 incredible cars and bikes from the world’s most desirable brands including Ferrari, Maserati, Aston Martin, Jaguar, Ducati, and many more. Requiring no monthly subscription to play, the game has been adapted to get the best out of cutting edge PC hardware, allowing it to be played in high resolution. Other enhancements include TrackIR™ support, improved effects, steering wheel support, simplified matchmaking, and a new hardcore simulation mode for an ultra-realistic driving experience.

Test Drive Unlimited is available now for Xbox 360, PC, PlayStation 2 and PlayStationPortable (PSP). For more information visit www.testdriveunlimited.com

Get The Family Fit For Summer with Wii Fit on Nintendo Wii

Wii Fit is a new exercise game that launches on 25th April at Gamestation stores nationwide. Designed to get you and your family up on your feet and moving, Wii Fit combines fitness with fun by using the all-new ‘Wii Balance Board’.

Allowing you to get fitter in the comfort of your own home the Wii Balance Board has been created exclusively for the Wii console and is fun and simple to use. It’s pressure sensitive as well as wireless so that it easily goes on the floor in front of your TV.

Helpful tutorials are provided throughout the game by a personal on-screen fitness trainer who is on hand to offer encouragement and set improvement goals for you and your family. Allowing up to 8 people to monitor their progress and performance at any one time, players can calculate their BMI and measure the center of their bodily balance to establish their Wii Fit Age.

With 4 training categories including Aerobic Exercises, Muscle Workouts, Yoga and Balance Games, Wii Fit will help to improve your body balance and control, burn fat, tone and increase aerobic stamina. With an array of activities including the likes of Hula Hoop™, Ski Jump, Press-up Challenge, Rhythm Boxing, Rowing Squat, Lunges and Yoga, players can be sure they won’t get bored!

Sony's PlayStation 3 sells 2 Million in Japan

Watch the video here

Sony's PlayStation 3 reaches the 2 million sales mark in Japan, a year and a half after its release in the region...

The PlayStation 3 has sold 2 million units in Japan and, meanwhile, Sony's PSP sits atop the Japanese console charts for the week ending April 6th - it's been a bumper week for the Japanese electronics giant.

This is according to figures from Japanese market research firm Media Create (via gi.biz). However, it's taken the PS3 a year and a half to reach this milestone, a point illustrated by the console's weak 11,303 unit sales last week (only 900 more than the PS2).

The PSP, on the other hand, topped the list of Japanese console sales by shifting an impressive 120,964 units between March 31st and April 6th. This doubled the sales of its closest rival, Nintendo's DS, which achieved 55,190 unit sales.

The PSP's sales were boosted by the release of Monster Hunter Portable 2 G (also offered in a PSP bundle). Having played the game's predecessor, we really can't understand why, so we'll just have to file it under 'anomalous Japanese game successes' (right next to Dynasty Warriors).

Nevertheless, the game has sold an impressive 1.5 million copies in its first two weeks of sales, selling half a million of these last week.

Source: TGV

Get Joy From Your Wii Without Pulling a Muscle with Opoona on Nintendo Wii

Get Joy From Your Wii Without Pulling A Muscle

KOEI tones down the physical side and cranks up the emotions with Opoona.

KOEI today announced that Opoona will be coming to Europe exclusively for Wii this July. From the remarkable talents of some of the most renowned developers in Japan, Opoona takes players on an incredible adventure as a whole new world of exploration, joy and danger unfolds across a delightfully engaging tale. Opoona will be available to buy on July 25, 2008.

“With its imaginatively unique controls and compelling storyline, coupled with the amazing talents of the development team, Opoona offers gamers something very different to explore and enjoy.” Said Will Curley, Sales Manager KOEI. “It melds everything that we’ve come to love about Japanese RPGs with some masterful innovations and a captivating tale that will delight both veteran gamers and newcomers alike.


About OPOONA

While on an interplanetary family vacation, the young boy Opoona crash lands on Planet Landroll after his spaceship is involved in a mysterious accident. Separated from his family, Opoona is forced to live alone. On the planet, Opoona must find a job, search for his siblings, and defend himself and the people of Landroll against creatures known as the Dark Rogues. Luckily for Opoona, he is the descendant of a long line of warriors known as the Cosmo Guards. Thus, Opoona’s adventure begins as he struggles to establish a new life and reunite his family.

The game’s action-oriented battle system lets players use powerful “Energy Bonbons” against their enemies. Using just the Nunchuk™, players can manipulate an Energy Bonbon’s trajectory in a number of different ways. All of Opoona’s commands are also controlled by the Nunchuk, to allow a complete “single-hand control” of the game.

Opoona is not just about battling; it is a “Lifestyle RPG.” As Opoona, players must adapt to a new environment, meet new people, and contribute to society through work, all while becoming aware of the precious world and people around him. As the game progresses, Opoona will develop relationships and uncover a broader range of activities including new jobs and clues to new adventures.



The unique characters and a modern fantasy world created by Art Director, Shintaro Majima, are sure to fascinate gamers. From futuristic buildings to ancient ruins and strange rock formations in the wild, the world of Opoona is a remarkable fusion of both contemporary design and whimsical fantasy.

Developed by ArtePiazza, the team behind four instalments of the best-selling DRAGON QUEST series of RPGs, Opoona showcases the talent of some of today’s most creative game designers including: Art Director Shintaro Majima, Planning Director Sachiko Sugimura, and Composer Hitoshi Sakimoto, acclaimed for his contribution to the FINAL FANTASY XII soundtrack.

Championship Gaming Series Announces 2008 North America Training Camp

Championship Gaming Series Announces 2008 North America Training Camp

General Managers will make final starting-roster decisions during Training Camp

In preparation for the 2008 North America regular season which begins in June, the Championship Gaming Series (CGS) announced the launch of the CGS North America Training Camp for players from all six North American CGS teams: Carolina Core, Chicago Chimera, Dallas Venom, Los Angeles Complexity, New York 3D and San Francisco Optx. Beginning April 22 and running through May 25, players from each team – selected during last month’s North America Draft in Austin, Texas – will compete in online matches four times each week for five consecutive weeks.

“With this first-ever official Training Camp, we’re further realizing our vision of establishing the CGS as the only worldwide professional video gaming league,” said Andy Reif, CGS Commissioner. “Our webcast programming for the Training Camp is merely the first step toward our ambitious 2008 online initiatives focused on original programming, all-new tournaments and other content which will provide us with more opportunities to engage our audiences.”

The North America Training Camp will allow General Managers (GMs) to evaluate player performance and make modifications to their teams – including player trades and substitutions in accordance with the CGS Trade & Taxi-Player Substitution Policy – serving as a valuable opportunity for the players and GMs to prepare for the regular season. The final deadline for player trades leading into the regular season is June 18.

“Training Camp is going to give me the opportunity to fine-tune the team roster that I believe will win the World Final this season,” said Jason Lake, General Manager for the Los Angeles Complexity. “My players will have to step up to the plate during Training Camp or sit down on the bench for the regular season.”

Competitions and web programming will take place each week on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday nights, with Thursday matches broadcast live beginning at 7 p.m. EST on thecgs.com. Footage from the other matches during the week will post online following the events. Matches during the five-week CGS North America Training Camp will consist of three competitions in a Round Robin format, with players from each team going head-to-head once each night:



Tuesdays (April 22, 29; May 6, 13, 20)
Match 1: Dead or Alive 4 – Male
Match 1: Dead or Alive 4 – Female
Match 2: Dead or Alive 4 – Male
Match 2: Dead or Alive 4 – Female
Match 3: Dead or Alive 4 – Male
Match 3: Dead or Alive 4 – Female

Wednesdays (April 23, 30; May 7, 14, 21)
Match 1: FIFA 08
Match 2: FIFA 08
Match 3: FIFA 08

Thursdays (April 24; May 1, 8, 15, 22)
Match 1: Counter-Strike: Source
Match 2: Counter-Strike: Source
Match 3: Counter-Strike: Source

Sundays (April 27; May 4, 11, 18, 25)
Match 1: Forza 2
Match 2: Forza 2
Match 3: Forza 2

More information including Training Camp schedules, instant score updates, featured streaming matches and the official CGS Trade & Taxi-Player Substitution Policy can be found online at thecgs.com.