Sony's PlayStation 3 sells 2 Million in Japan

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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.

Air Traffic Chaos video game lands on Nintendo DS

Majesco Entertainment Announces 'Air Traffic Chaos' For Nintendo DS

New Simulation Lets Players Experience the Life of an Air Traffic Controller

Majesco Entertainment Company, an innovative provider of video games for the mass market, today announced Air Traffic Chaos for Nintendo DS. Developed by Sonic Powered Co., Air Traffic Chaos thrusts players into the hotseat of an air traffic controller whose job is to safely manage a myriad of takeoffs and landings at busy airports around the world.

"Air Traffic Chaos means fun is taking off from Terminal A," said Gui Karyo, Executive Vice President of Operations, Majesco. "The game's frantic pace set against the backdrop of an already high-stress job will challenge fast-fingered Touch Screen gamers in an entirely new way."

In Air Traffic Chaos, players use the Touch Screen to safely manage takeoffs, gate assignments and landings for all incoming and outgoing airport traffic for 14 different airlines in varying weather conditions. Outstanding performance will earn players 16 different merit badges, including "Veteran ATC" and "ATC Legend." An in-depth tutorial teaches players the basics of managing the busy skies while three difficulty levels with five stages in each offer plenty of challenge. Players can also share their high scores with up to 7 friends while Rumble Pack support makes the experience more realistic for aspiring air traffic controllers.

Air Traffic Chaos for Nintendo DS is expected to release in Summer 2008. For additional information about Majesco's exciting line of products, please visit the newly relaunched http://www.majescoentertainment.com/.

DC Comics & Sierra to publish comic series PROTOTYPE Video Game

DC Comics & Sierra Entertainment To Publish New Comic Series Based On PROTOTYPE Video Game

DC Comics and Sierra Entertainment Ink Deal To Create an All-New Comic Book Series Based on PROTOTYPE – One of the Most Anticipated Video Games of 2008

DC Comics, the largest English language comic book publisher in the world, and Sierra Entertainment – a division of Vivendi Games, today announced plans to publish an all-new comic book series based on the eagerly anticipated and already highly acclaimed open-world/action video game PROTOTYPE. The series is set to debut this August via DC’s WildStorm imprint, and the addition of such unique, original IP video games like PROTOTYPE is sure to increase their successful line of best-selling comics based on licensed properties. Further details surrounding the new comic book series will be announced later this year.

PROTOTYPE puts gamers in control of Alex Mercer – a genetically mutated shape-shifter with no memory of his past, hell-bent on solving the mystery of his existence – as he tears through a densely populated New York City moving with Parkour-style fluidity and consuming anybody that gets in his way…assuming their physical identity, memories and abilities. Fueled by a three-way war between Alex, the military’s elite Blackwatch division and a viral outbreak known as the Infected, players will venture deep into a dark conspiracy, 40 years in the making.

“PROTOTYPE is all about shape-shifting action, and we’re using that key element to redefine the open-world game space,” said Al Simone, Sr. VP of Global Marketing, Sierra Entertainment. “Another key feature setting PROTOTYPE apart from other open-world games is its incredibly deep, conspiracy-based back-story, and by joining forces with the largest comic book publisher in the world – DC Comics – we can bring this new anti-hero and his tale to an even wider audience of comics fans and gamers alike.”

“We’re blown away with what Sierra and developer Radical Entertainment have shown us of PROTOTYPE, and know with absolute certainty that this will make for a terrific comic book,” said Hank Kanalz, VP & General Manager, WildStorm. “PROTOTYPE’s back-story, visuals and gameplay are stunning, and we have every intention of bringing those core pillars to our book because this is a great opportunity to expand on the world they’ve created, and build something new and interesting for comic book fans.”

PROTOTYPE delivers a fresh take on open-world games, with key features separating the game from the rest of the pack, including the anti-hero main character Alex Mercer and his deadly shape-shifting abilities, a stunning representation of New York City circa 2008 as the backdrop, and ‘Deceive or Destroy’ gameplay allowing players the choice to either blend in with the population or fully unleash Alex’s deadly powers. With Radical Entertainment behind the wheel using their innovative ‘Titanium’ game engine, and touting a catalogue of successful titles including the highly acclaimed The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction, Simpsons Hit & Run and others, PROTOTYPE is aligned to be the ground-breaking open-world/action experience gamers have been waiting for.

PROTOTYPE is planned to release this autumn for next-gen console systems and the PC, and is currently rated “RP” (Rating Pending) by the ESRB. For more information on PROTOTYPE, be sure to visit the official game website located at www.prototypegame.com.

Rocky & Bullwinkle coming to Xbox LIVE Arcade

ZEN Studios Partners with Bullwinkle Studios to Bring Rocky & Bullwinkle to Xbox LIVE Arcade

XBLA Title Features Rocky & Bullwinkle Returning in 100 Exciting and Hilarious Microgames

And now here’s something we hope you’ll really like! ZEN Studios, a videogame developer and digital publisher known for its innovative arcade and action games, announced today their next title, Rocky & Bullwinkle, a fun party game that’s chock full of microgames for the Xbox LIVE Arcade. Through a deal with Bullwinkle Studios (a joint venture between Classic Media, an Entertainment Rights group company, and Jay Ward Productions, Inc.), ZEN Studios will release Rocky & Bullwinkle starring all the characters from the classic cartoon series “Rocky & Bullwinkle & Friends®,” which TV Guide recently ranked #3 on its list of “Best Cartoons of All Time.&r dquo; The game is coming straight out of Frostbite Falls to download from Xbox LIVE Arcade beginning April 16, 2008.



Just like the cartoon show, Rocky & Bullwinkle has all your favorites up to their usual high jinks. Rocky the heroic squirrel and Bullwinkle the dimwitted moose will continue to foil the evil plots of Boris Badenov and Natasha Fatale of Pottsylvania, while the noble Canadian Mountie Dudley Do-Right, the genius dog Mr. Peabody and his adopted boy Sherman and many more of the show’s characters will be on hand to add to the fun. Fans of all ages will be pleased to see that Rocky & Bullwinkle remains true to its roots by featuring traditional art styling reminiscent of the classic cartoon and by delivering the same wacky, irreverent and heartfelt humor that the original cartoon show made so famous.

“We at ZEN Studios are elated to be given the opportunity to bring such a memorable group of characters together for a very unique gaming experience,” says Zsolt Kigyossy, Managing Director of ZEN Studios. “Rocky & Bullwinkle, with their zany antics, subversive humor and wild cast of supporting characters, will make a great addition to the XBLA platform.”

“Rocky & Bullwinkle is the first Xbox LIVE Arcade title to be released based on these much-loved Jay Ward characters," added Laura Turner Laing, Vice President Digital, Entertainment Rights. "We are delighted to be partnering with ZEN Studios who have done such a fantastic job in re- creating the authenticity and the humor of this classic cartoon series.”

Rocky & Bullwinkle features all of the aspects that have made the Xbox LIVE Arcade such an appealing and popular platform, including:

• Fast Action – Blast, run, dodge and jump your way through each of the microgames, many of which can be played using a cool new gesture system with the Xbox LIVE Vision Camera

• Quick Games – Players can quickly get into the action, load up any of the 100 microgames and collect box tops, just like Bullwinkle’s famous box top collection from the cartoon show; these can be traded in for gadgets that unlock Achievements and increase a player’s overall Gamerscore

• Replayability – With plenty of rewards and variety, you’ll be dying to pull your controller out of Bullwinkle’s hat and play through the game agai n, either alone or in a custom tournament of microgames with up to eight people locally – you can even show off your score to your far away buddies with extensive leaderboard support!

• Great Value – There are eight playable characters and five difficulty settings for all of the microgames - all for only 800 Microsoft Points. Gee whiz, Rock!

Blockbuster Entertainment Experience Of The Summer Isn't At The Movies... Battlefield - Bad Company Ships On June 23

The Blockbuster Entertainment Experience Of The Summer Isn't At The Movies... Battlefield: Bad Company Ships On June 23

SPECIAL GOLD EDITION OFFERS FANS EXCLUSIVE CONTENT AT LAUNCH

Prepare for the gold rush! This summer, the blockbuster action event of the season will not be in theatres. EA DICE, a studio of Electronic Arts today announced that Battlefield: Bad Company will ship to retail outlets on June 23. Action fans and gamers worldwide will get their chance to join the ‘B’ company on exciting, sometimes irreverent, missions that take them through deserts, cities and mountain terrain to capture the spoils of war. Players will experience the tactical, destructive power in the deep single player campaign or go online for intense multiplayer action that only the Battlefield team can deliver.

For a limited time only, gamers will be able to purchase the Gold Edition of Battlefield: Bad Company. The Gold Edition pack features exclusive content with behind-the-scenes action and strategy videos giving Battlefield: Bad Company players tricks and tips on how to own the battlefield. The Gold Edition also gives gamers early access to five unique weapons that players can take into battle. These weapons can also be unlocked after the launch of the game by ranking up to the highest level in multiplayer mode.

“Players can forget about using walls as cover as we’ve fundamentally changed the way to play shooters offline and online through the use of tactical destruction,” says Karl-Magnus Troedsson, Senior Producer for Battlefield: Bad Company. “Players will get the chance to reap the spoils of war this summer as they annihilate the enemy and search for gold in the dark, character-driven, single player storyline while returning Battlefield fans will love the intense and vehicle heavy multiplayer.”

Developed by Sweden-based developer EA DICE, Battlefield: Bad Company will be available for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system. The game is rated “T” by the ESRB and “16+” by PEGI.

Wii Fit To Keep Americans Moving at $89.99 on Nintendo Wii

In anticipation of the U.S. launch of Wii Fit™, the new interactive fitness game for the popular Wii™ system, Nintendo of America Inc. has announced pricing details for this groundbreaking release. Available at Nintendo World store starting on May 19, Wii Fit and the innovative Wii Balance Board™ accessory will be bundled and sold together at a suggested retail price of $89.99.

Boasting a dynamic mix of more than 40 yoga, aerobics, strength training and balance activities, Wii Fit provides consumers with a fun, easy and affordable way to incorporate exercise into their daily routines. Using the included wireless Wii Balance Board accessory, every member of the household can step up and stay active, setting individual fitness goals and tracking their progress over time.

Consumers in the New York area who pre-order Wii Fit from the Nintendo World store in Rockefeller Plaza will receive a special bonus item. From April 18-20, the first 1,000 consumers who place a $5 deposit for Wii Fit will receive a limited edition Wii Fit T-shirt featuring the image and reproduced autograph of legendary Nintendo video game designer Shigeru Miyamoto.

Through mid-February, Wii Fit had sold more than 1.4 million copies in Japan since its Dec. 1, 2007 launch.

Tee-Off Online With Hot Shots Golf - Open Tee 2 For PSP (PlayStationPortable)

Golf Fans Around The World Prepare To Tee-Off Online With Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee 2 For PSP (PlayStationPortable)

Critically Acclaimed Hot Shots Golf Franchise Once Again Drives On To PSP With Exotic Courses, Deep Character Customization, and Robust Online Action


Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA) announced today the North American release of Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee 2, available exclusively for PSP (PlayStationPortable). Developed by Clap Hanz, in conjunction with Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios, Santa Monica Studio, Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee 2 takes the multi-million unit-selling Hot Shots Golf franchise and prepares to deliver another stellar portable golf experience to PSP.

Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee 2 features beautiful new courses and wacky characters, along with hundreds of customization options including clothes, accessories, and equipment. Additionally, the game brings a wide range of exciting multiplayer options including 16-player online tournaments and ad hoc capability for one-on-one or Stroke Mode challenges.



“The Hot Shots Golf franchise has been a perennial winner over the years for PlayStation, and we are very excited to bring the game’s quirky golf experience back to PSP,” said Jeff Reese, director, software marketing, SCEA. “With greater online capabilities, challenging new courses, and a variety of gameplay modes, Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee 2 is a stimulating portable experience that delivers all the charm and fun the Hot Shots Golf series has to offer.”

In addition to brilliant graphics, colorful characters, dramatic camera angles, and realistic golf physics that fans of the series have come to love, Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee 2 features a variety of gameplay modes to satisfy even the most hardcore golfer. Players will have the opportunity to golf on 12 breathtaking courses across tropical islands, vast desert plains, snow-capped mountains, and oceanfront views.

Internet play is available to allow players the opportunity to challenge other Hot Shots across the globe in tournaments of up to 16 players. Additionally, players can tee-off locally with up to eight others via Match Play or go head-to-head in Ad Hoc mode. In single player, fans can engage in Stroke Play mode, offering traditional golf on any available course, as well as Challenge Mode, giving players the opportunity to compete in a regular season filled with tournaments and the ability to unlock various characters and items throughout the game. To improve individual skills, players can access a Training mode to perfect every drive, pitch, and putt before the real challenge. Additionally, a fun and challenging Hole-in-One mini-game is available to test each player’s shot-making prowess and enhance their character’s overall accuracy.

Character customization includes more than 320 options to personalize characters with a variety of items including clothing, hairstyles, clubs, accessories, and more. Players can also utilize special combinations of clothing and accessories to provide a unique boost to character attributes as well as overall fashion style. Successfully conquering challenges in the game will allow players to further upgrade equipment, allowing for more accurate shots, longer drives, and impeccable control.

CAPCOM ships widescreen ŌKAMI on the Nintendo Wii

CAPCOM SHIPS ŌKAMI FOR THE NINTENDO Wii

Wii Remote Integration, Widescreen 480p Graphics Bring New Life to Award-Winning Game

Capcom Entertainment, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, is pleased to announce that Ōkami™ for the Nintendo Wii™ has begun shipping to retail. Offering an unequalled level of control built around the intuitive Wii Remote™ and available for the first time for widescreen with higher definition 480p graphics, Ōkami gives players an opportunity to rediscover a critically-acclaimed and beautifully crafted adventure as if they are playing it for the first time. Ōkami is rated T for Teen by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) and is available for $39.99 MSRP.

Previously released for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system in 2006, Ōkami was hailed as “Game of the Year” by multiple magazines and websites, including Associated Press, PSM, Village Voice, IGN.com, Game Revolution and many more. This new iteration of Ōkami on the Wii is already following in its predecessors footsteps with strong reviews across the board as IGN.com gave it a score of 9/10, stating that, “You need to buy Okami for Nintendo’s system,” while 1up.com/Electronic Gaming Monthly gave the game a glowing “A”grade on the website and in their latest issue.

Ōkami tells the story of Amaterasu, the Japanese sun god, who takes the form of a wolf and sets out on an amazing journey to restore a ruined, darkened world into a beautiful place full of life and color. Commanding the elements and various magical abilities, the player uses Okami’s signature “Celestial Brush” to revitalize life and defeat the tyrannical and destructive monster Orochi, effectively “painting” on the screen with the Wii Remote. Ōkami for the Wii takes the unique gameplay experience to a whole new level, creating one of the most compelling games for the Wii on the market today.

Mixing Japanese folklore and a stunning traditional Japanese art style, Ōkami comes alive on Wii with its awe-inspiring art style and scenic 3D levels that have the appearance and texture of paper scrolls brushed with watercolor-like calligraphy art. Renowned development studio Ready At Dawn Studios® has painted a whole new Okami experience on Wii through a blend of stylized graphics, movements and unique gameplay, resulting in a rich and dynamic experience never seen before.