Build-A-Bear Workshop Game on Nintendo Wii

First Build-A-Bear Workshop Game For The Nintendo Wii System Scheduled For Global Release In October 2008

The Game Factory Extends Licensing Agreement With Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.

The Game Factory, an international publisher of family-friendly and casual videogames, is extending its worldwide licensing agreement with Build-A-Bear Workshop, the only global company that offers an interactive make-your-own stuffed animal retail-entertainment experience. The Game Factory will be publishing the first Build-A-Bear Workshop video game for Wii, entitled Build-A-Bear Workshop A Friend Fur All Seasons, which will be available in the fourth quarter 2008.

The Build-A-Bear Workshop brand entertains millions of children and families throughout the world. Since 1997, over 60 million furry friends have been made at more than 370 stores worldwide. With the launch of the Build-A-Bear Workshop Game for the Nintendo DS system in November 2007, the game has sold more than 180,000 units.

“We’re thrilled to extend our licensing agreement with Build-A-Bear Workshop to create a Wii game that the whole family can enjoy,” said Henrik Mathiasen, president of The Game Factory. “In 2007, we introduced a way for parents to share with their children the interactive Build-A-Bear Workshop experience using the Nintendo DS system. We look forward to the release of the new Build-A-Bear Workshop Wii game this holiday season, to extend the family play experience.”

"The Game Factory has done a great job translating the core values of our brand into the Wii game format, creating another way for our Guests and their families to experience the furry fun of Build-A-Bear Workshop,” said Maxine Clark, Build-A-Bear Workshop founder and chief executive bear. “After the success of our Nintendo DS game, we are beary excited to once again partner with The Game Factory and bring our interactive fun to the Wii system.”

About the Game
Build-A-Bear Workshop A Friend Fur All Seasons for Nintendo Wii is the ultimate family-friendly game. Like a party game, up to four players can participate by personalizing their own furry friend, playing the mini games for medals, experiencing adventure mode, and using the medals to ‘purchase’ more outfits and accessories. Players can use the revolutionary Wii remote to hop their way through a sack race using the motion control function, and use the pointer function to throw flying discs or jump on a trampoline using the Wii Remote buttons. In the end, all players attend the party hosted by Bearemy and Pawlette Coufur, huggable Build-A-Bear Workshop mascots.

Created by game developer Neko Entertainment, the characters and levels in the Build-A-Bear Workshop game will be rendered in 3D and a player's choice of a furry friend, outfits and accessories will trigger a variety of animations and behaviors. Neko will also incorporate full interaction between the player and his/her furry friend to unlock mini-games that will take full advantage of Wii system.

Bratz Kidz Party for the Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS systems and Bratz Ponyz 2 for the Nintendo DS

The Game Factory Renews Licensing Agreement With MGA Entertainment To Continue Publishing Bratz Video Games

Bratz Kidz Party for the Nintendo Wii and DS systems and Bratz Ponyz 2 for the Nintendo DS Scheduled for Global Release in 2008

The Game Factory, an international publisher of family-friendly videogames, announced today the renewal of its worldwide publishing agreement with MGA Entertainment to market Bratz Kidz Party for the Nintendo Wii and DS systems, and Bratz Ponyz 2 for Nintendo DS. Following the success of the first Bratz Ponyz game launched in July 2007, the Game Factory will add the three new Bratz interactive games to their catalogue in Q4 2008.

“We’re thrilled to expand our licensing agreement with MGA this year to publish the Bratz Kidz and Ponyz games,” said Henrik Mathiasen, president of The Game Factory. “The Bratz™ brand has been a leader in the toy business for girls ages six to 12 and continues to gain recognition amongst this age group.”

"We strive to promote individuality and creativity among Bratz fans in new and innovative ways,” said Isaac Larian, President and CEO of MGA Entertainment. “We’re excited to be working with The Game Factory again this year to bring these new videogames to Bratz fans worldwide and spark their imagination while they play with their favorite characters.”

About Bratz Kidz Party for the Nintendo Wii
Designed for girls ages six and older, Bratz Kidz™ Party for the Wii features a collection of mini-games set in a slumber party environment. Up to four players can choose and customize any of their favorite Bratz Kidz™ characters and dress them up using a selection of 350 fashion accessories and clothing items. Players can utilize the intuitive motion controls of the Nintendo Wii system to browse the party photo album and complete missions that test their speed, endurance, reflexes and precision abilities.

Bratz Kidz Party for the Nintendo Wii Quick Facts:
Release Date: Fall 2008
Platform: Nintendo Wii
Rating TBA
Developer: Neko Entertainment
Publisher: The Game Factory

About Bratz Kidz Party for the Nintendo DS
Bratz Kidz Party for the DS features 15 fashion and beauty mini-games set in a slumber party environment and is designed for girls ages six and older. Players can choose from and customize any of their favorite Bratz Kidz characters, as well as design their own bedroom. With multiplayer capabilities, Bratz Kidz Party for the DS allows players to compete against each other using the platform’s wireless connection.

Bratz Kidz Party for the Nintendo DS Quick Facts:
Release Date: Fall 2008
Platform: Nintendo DS
Rating TBA
Developer: Neko Entertainment
Publisher: The Game Factory

About Bratz Ponyz 2 for the Nintendo DS
Designed for girls ages four and older, Bratz Ponyz 2 for the DS allows players to develop their ‘passion for fashion’ by participating in the Bratz Ponyz Town beauty pageant. Players can choose from four different Bratz Ponyz, which they can dress-up with accessories collected throughout the game’s fashion, beauty, music, dancing, and arts and crafts-themed adventures. Players can also guide their Bratz Ponyz through the tropical islands to meet and befriend other Bratz Ponyz characters, exchange pictures, race their friends and compete in a drawing contest using the platform’s wireless connection.

Bratz Ponyz 2 for the Nintendo DS Quick Facts:
Release Date: Summer 2008
Platform: Nintendo DS
Rating TBA
Developer: Neko Entertainment
Publisher: The Game Factory

Kart N' Crazy Beta Approaching the Finish Line

Kart n’Crazy’s beta test is drawing to a close! There are only four days to test all the race-cars and game tracks from GOA.com’s free online kart racing extravaganza. To close this beta phase, the testers will have unlimited access to all the game items this week. The beta test will finish up on the 28th April.

In order to treat all players fairly and equally, all accounts will be reset at zero, the Nitros, experience and the collected items have been deleted from the servers. However, all those taking part in the beta will receive an exclusive reward as a special thank you present when the game is released!



Kart n’Crazy, the free PC karting game from Goa.com, will be on official release and can be played online from the 29th April by logging on to http://www.goa.com/#/kartncrazyhome/.

Overlord - Raising Hell preview video turns up the heat for Sony PLAYSTATION 3

Devilishly good Overlord - Raising Hell preview video turns up the heat for PLAYSTATION 3 system edition.

Be ruthless, determined, and even a little despotic as the bad-ass blockbuster from Triumph Studios gets an extended PLAYSTATION 3 system edition.

Thursday, 24th April 2008 (2pm UK Time) – With a trailer fit for a tyrant, Codemasters today released a video preview of Overlord: Raising Hell, the anarchic action adventure title coming this June exclusively for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system. The video, mixing CGI and gameplay, is now available to view and download from the game's all-new despotic domain at www.codemasters.com/overlordraisinghell

Marking the Overlord's first appearance on the PLAYSTATION 3 system, Overlord: Raising Hell is set in a world of twisted fantasy scenarios, featuring angry dwarves, weird elves and messed up zombies. As the dastardly Overlord, players must master control of the Minions, a raucous horde of impish creatures. Controlling them is crucial if the Overlord is to sweep through the kingdoms, wipe out his foes and conquer the entire land.

Overlord: Raising Hell comes to the PLAYSTATION 3 system with a devilish array of hot new content, including never-before-seen exclusive features and all of the 'Raising Hell' levels, which takes players even deeper into the Overlord's warped world. In these hellish new realms, a supernatural abyss for each of the game's five kingdoms, the undead denizens are on the attack and threatening the Overlord's superiority. There's only one thing for it: assemble the Minions, descend into each abyss and embark on a fresh wave of tyranny in order to claim the underworld throne.

With the addition of online co-operative pillaging, and split-screen head-to-head slaughter, the PLAYSTATION 3 system edition will also be enhanced with detailed visuals, a top-spec audio system with 7.1 surround sound and feature additions, such as the new on-screen mini-map. Prepare for a hellishly good time being bad with Overlord: Raising Hell, coming this June for the PLAYSTATION 3 system. For the 'how to be a total bad ass' training video and the latest minion-infested wallpapers, visit www.codemasters.com/overlordraisinghell

wii make millions say Nintendo and plan to make millions more Wii consoles

Nintendo Announces Record Sales And Profits, Increased Shipments For Wii Console

Nintendo Co., Ltd., has announced record revenues and profits for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2008. Nintendo posted sales of more than 1.67 trillion yen, an increase of 73 percent over the prior year. Nintendo also reported FY08 operating profits of more than 487 billion yen, a year-over-year increase of 115.6 percent.

The company also increased projected shipments of the popular Wii™ home video game console for the current fiscal year. During the 12 months ending March 31, 2008, Nintendo shipped 18.61 million Wii console to its distributors and retail customers globally, bringing the worldwide total to 24.45 million since its debut in November 2006. For the fiscal year that began April 1, 2008, Nintendo forecasts global Wii console shipments increasing to 25 million.

Nintendo also forecasts shipment of 177 million Wii software units for FY09, while the FY08 shipment was 119.6 million units. Through March 31, 2008, Wii enjoys a life-to-date tie ratio of 6.07 games per system worldwide.

During the 12 months ending March 31, 2008, Nintendo shipped 30.31 million Nintendo DS™ systems worldwide, bringing the total worldwide shipment to 70.6 million. By March 31, 2009, Nintendo forecasts shipments of an additional 28 million Nintendo DS systems. Nintendo also forecasts shipment of 187 million Nintendo DS software units for FY09, while the actual FY08 software shipment was 185.62 million. Through March 31, 2008, Nintendo DS enjoys a life-to-date tie ratio of 5.24 games per system worldwide.

The company announced a full-year dividend for Nintendo shareholders of 1,260 yen per share (including the interim dividend of 140 yen already paid), 570 yen higher than the annual dividend of 690 yen paid one year ago.

echochrome - Sony PlayStation 3 and PSP puzzler fact sheet

echochrome

Fact Sheet

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA)
Studio: SCE Japan Studio
Platform: PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3) via PLAYSTATION Network and PSP (PlayStationPortable)
Genre: Puzzle Game
Rating: “E” for Everbody

OVERVIEW

Featuring elegantly designed black and white drawings, echochrome is a puzzle game for PS3 and PSP available via download on PLAYSTATION®Network and on PLAYSTATION Store on PC. Each version of echochromefeatures 56 exclusive levels - totaling over 100 levels across both versions - with each unique level designed specifically to match that platform’s characteristics. Gamers are challenged to play within five simple laws of perspective that govern how one advances through each stage. Offering the most gameplay with the least graphics, echochrome is likened to playing a M.C. Escher drawing on PlayStation®. The player controls an infinite canvas, guiding a mannequin figure by carefully controlling the perspective, tilting and turning the level to create a continual pathway for the character to walk safely through the design. The goal of each level is to reach all of the echos, or shadow guides, as quickly as possible.

There is no set pathway for any level in echochrome. Players will find different and limitless ways to advance through each stage. Additionally, players are able to create their own unique levels using Canvas Mode, and share them with their friends. Additionally, the PS3 version will allow players to upload their favorite custom levels to the developer, and the developer will pick the best of the best to distribute to all online players of the PS3 game (via a free download).

A simple and highly addictive puzzle game, echochrome will change your perspective.

THE 5 PERSPECTIVE LAWS THAT GOVERN echochrome

• Perspective traveling - By manipulating the viewpoint, the player can connect two pathways that are apart and the character will travel across as if the routes are connected.
  
• Perspective landing – The character will fall down a hole and land on whatever appears beneath it.
  
• Perspective jump – The character will jump when if it walks over a jumping platform. One it begins its descent, it will land on whatever appears underneath it.
  
• Perspective absence - By hiding jumping platforms or holes, they cease to exist.
  
• Perspective existence – If a gap in a pathway is blocked, the character will walk over it as if the pathway is connected.
  

DRAGON QUEST SWORDS: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors video game on Nintendo Wii this May

DRAGON QUEST MAKES Wii DEBUT IN MAY WITH
DRAGON QUEST SWORDS

Square Enix, announces DRAGON QUEST SWORDS: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors for Wii will be released across all PAL territories from 9th May, 2008.

DRAGON QUEST SWORDS: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors, available exclusively on Wii, is an action-packed Virtual Experience where the player becomes the hero of the story. As the hero, the player must use the Wii controller to control their legendary sword, and fight off horde after horde of monsters. Slice at enemies, parry with your shield and block attacks to launch powerful counter-combos.

DRAGON QUEST SWORDS contains all the familiar features people have come to expect from the DRAGON QUEST series, such as a system to power up weapons and the ability to perform a large array of powerful attacks. Additional mini-games add to the fun as you catch darts with your shield and try to defeat Slime monsters as quickly as possible to win bonus items.


John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Ltd. comments, "We are excited to be bringing DRAGON QUEST SWORDS to PAL territories. The DRAGON QUEST series is an international hit having sold over 43 million units worldwide, but is still relatively new to Europe. We hope that DRAGON QUEST SWORDS will find a place in the hearts of everyone."

About DRAGON QUEST SWORDS: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors

Story
In the town at the foot of Avalonia Castle, a young man enjoys a peaceful life with his father. That young man is you. It is your sixteenth birthday at last, and time to take the Walk of the Worthy, the trial of strength which all young Avalonian males must undergo upon coming of age.

You will need to put all of your training in the ways of the sword into practice if you are to pass the test, and take your rightful place amongst Avalonia's warriors. Should you succeed – who knows what adventures await you!

Features

- The first DRAGON QUEST title to be developed exclusively for Wii
- Use the Wii Remote as your legendary sword! Immerse yourself fully in the action as you slice at the enemy!
- Explore a rich, vibrant 3D world in first-person perspective
- Engage a variety of diverse and colourful enemies, who are brought to life with detailed animation and graphics
- Series creator Yuji Horii, legendary manga artist Akira Toriyama and renowned composer Koichi Sugiyama, team up once again to create an unforgettable gaming experience
- Become the hero in a dramatic storyline that is suitable for all
- Beautiful audio score fully immerses you into the world of DRAGON QUEST
- New International version includes revised gameplay offering a more intense and challenging experience
- In-game text is localised into English, French, German, Italian and Spanish

FINAL FANTASY IV SET FOR NINTENDO DS

FINAL FANTASY IV coming to NINTENDO DS

FINAL FANTASY IV
THE STORY THAT SET A NEW RPG STANDARD
RETURNS ON NINTENDO DS

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

FINAL FANTASY IV, one of the highest rated adventure games of all time, makes an impressive return on Nintendo DS. With improved 3D graphics, fully-voiced dramatic cut-scenes, an inspiring remixed score and additional content never before seen, there has never been a better time to immerse yourself in this masterpiece of interactive storytelling.



The game that broke the RPG moulds with its innovative Active Time Battle (ATB) system has been revamped, whilst keeping all the charm of the original release. The gameplay benefits from all the Nintendo DS capabilities and allows for a deeper and richer experience of a tale of exceptional heroes, inevitable betrayal, unforeseen redemption, endless love and colossal magic.

John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Ltd. comments, "FINAL FANTASY IV is a benchmark in RPG history. This improved version of FINAL FANTASY IV is a great opportunity for fans, old and new alike, to experience one of the definitive titles in the FINAL FANTASY series in an exciting and innovative new way".

About FINAL FANTASY IV

Story

Four elemental Crystals, each possessing the awesome power, lie scattered throughout the realm. However, men are quick to covet things which offer strength, and easily corrupted by the might which they possess…

Seduced by the promised power of the Crystals, the kingdom of Baron begins employing unprovoked force to seize them from peaceful nations. The dark night Cecil – Lord Captain of Baron's elite force, the Red Wings – is ordered by his king to obtain the Crystals, but soon begins to question the monarch's motives. Stricken with grief at his own actions, yet burdened by his loyalty to his country and his personal sense of honour, Cecil at last decided to turn from the path of darkness and destruction.



Enraged, he king accuses him of disloyalty, strips Cecil of his command, and sends him off to slay a mysterious beast that lurks in the nearby Valley of Mist. Cecil embarks on a fateful journey that will bring trials, betrayals, friendship, loss and self-discovery. Can Cecil open his eyes and become the man of honour that he must be?

Features

- One of the most loved FINAL FANTASY games ever made, returns with a full remake for Nintendo DS.
- A classic, superbly written adventure with heroes, betrayal, redemption, love and magic are awaiting you.
- Beautiful 3D graphics with a stunning hand-painted style and fully arranged audio immerse you into the world of FINAL FANTASY IV like never before.
- Superb gameplay now with all-round additions including Touch Screen control, enhanced Dual Screen usage, arranged boss battles, a dungeon mapping system and also the facility for characters to learn abilities from their friends.
- Fully-voiced cut-scenes, with high quality 3D characters maximise use of the hardware to set a new standard in Nintendo DS storytelling.
- New additional episodes let you explore the unseen lives of the main characters.
- Event Theatre bonus mode lets you replay any scenes that have already been viewed.
- Special new mini-game lets you nurture your own summon monster and battle a friend via DS Wireless Communications!

Wii Picross - 3200 Picross logic art puzzles - Griddlers, Nonograms, Picture Crosswords

WiiPicross

www.WiiPicross.com, the rapidly growing home to over 3200 Picross logic art puzzles (aka Griddlers, Nonograms, Picture Crosswords), invites Nintendo Wii and PC players from around the world to discover a package of exciting new features

User Profiles, Picross Points, Gamercards and our Live Global Rankings! *

Wii Picross is a top ranking destination for curious and dedicated logic art puzzlers alike, with over 1.3 million puzzles already served in a wide variety of difficulties. Continuing with Quest Engine's friendly, 'free to play', 'user driven content' approach, you can now become a Wii Picross member and create a user profile that tracks all of the puzzles you play, fave, and design. You can watch your achievements stack up and share all of your picross creations with the convenience of a single link.

A new competitive element has been added to the site in the shape of Picross Points. These are earned in a variety of ways as you play and design puzzles, and they define your position on three live, global rankings: Player, Designer, and an Ultimate leaderboard.
Gamercards are generated around the clock too, so those fighting their way up the ranks can display their position with pride wherever they go.

Full details of Picross Points can be found here

Picross is an immensely rewarding game that blurs the line between mathematics and art, and is uniquely enjoyed by people of all ages. At Wii Picross, we aim to foster its healthy aspects by encouraging people to learn, play and design their own puzzles to share with the world. Our dedicated staff are always on hand in the friendly community forums to talk tactics and we test, label and approve all submissions manually.

Puzzle fans have one more reason to explore the fundamentals of the game. Wii Picross will be holding its first puzzle design contest and theme week starting May 12th, with prizes awarded for the seven best submissions. All information for this will be announced on-site soon, so come and get familiar with our picross design suite and then play to win!

Prize of a lifetime with Princess On Ice for Nintendo DS

Princess On Ice have teamed up with Dancing On Ice 2008 champion Matt Evers to offer the prize of a lifetime to any wannabe Suzanne Shaws by presenting an exclusive one-to-one ice-skating lesson from the man himself. The winner will have a unique opportunity to learn from one of the most recognised figure skaters in the world, and garner all the tips and advice necessary to become a real life Princess On Ice.

American born Matt Evers is probably best known for his glittering performances in ITV's Dancing On Ice, where he has competed as professional partner to Bonnie Langford, Lisa Scott-Lee and most recently with winning partner Suzanne Shaw. With Suzanne, Matt achieved a perfect score of 30 for their flying routine and another perfect 30 for their favourite routine to win a tense final and be crowned overall champions.

“Matt has become a household name who we’re proud to have associated with Princess On Ice,” commented Juliette Fielder, 505 Games UK Product Manager. “We’re hoping the opportunity to pick up some tips from Matt will inspire plenty of fans to get involved!”

In Princess On Ice, players must jump, spin and pirouette their way to figure skating fame in this stylus-led rhythm game. Choosing one of four hopeful candidates, the action takes place on the lower touch screen where players must tap in time to the beat to see the results unfold on the top screen. Customisation is also the order of day, as hundreds of accessories and clothing options are unlocked as you progress through the game.

The competition will run exclusively on the Princess On Ice website - www.505games.co.uk/princessonice - from the 25th April.

Princess On Ice will be published by 505 Games for Nintendo DS on 25th April 2008.