Crash Bandicoot Speeds Onto Mobile Phones in New Race Adventures

Vivendi Games Mobile, a division of Vivendi Games, today announced the European launch of Crash Bandicoot® Nitro Kart and Crash Bandicoot Nitro Kart 3D, the latest titles in the billion-dollar Crash Bandicoot video game franchise which has generated more than three million mobile phone unit sales to date worldwide.

In both the 2D (for Java phones) and 3D (for Symbian devices) mobile versions of Crash Bandicoot Nitro Kart, players race on 16 thrilling new tracks through eight different exhilarating environments including underwater and outer space races. Players choose to play as one of their favorite Crash Bandicoot characters and race through an action-packed course with other characters from the Crash® universe. Ten crazy weapons and power-ups, including bonus functions like Kart Jacking and Turbo Plane, help players overtake their competitors and win the race. There are also five game modes including Cup, Arcade, Sudden Death and Monster Truck and an exclusive Story mode with in-race challenges to unlock special features.

“When we decided to create a sequel to our highly successful 2004 mobile game of the same name, we knew we had to set the bar very high and come up with the best kart-racing game available on mobile phones today,” said Paul Maglione, president of Vivendi Games Mobile. “We benchmarked all racing games on mobile phones – not just kart-racing games – and pushed the technology and graphics to the limit in both 2D and 3D and then added the craziness and attitude that make Crash Bandicoot games special. The result; a Crash Bandicoot Nitro Kart game that really packs a punch with all-new backgrounds, tracks, weapons and even different driving sensations.”

The European launch of the Crash Bandicoot Nitro Kart mobile game will be supported by an extensive marketing campaign including on-portal contests with unique Australian-themed prizes (in honor of Crash Bandicoot’s homeland); a Crash-branded re-skin of the main European mobile gaming Web site; and a heavily funded WAP (wireless application protocol) banner advertising campaign across key carrier and other mobile entertainment WAP sites.

To celebrate the launch of its 2008 flagship title, Vivendi Games Mobile is also organizing a Crash Bandicoot Grand Prix in each of the main European markets. The events will gather key players from the mobile gaming industry and selected consumers and fans who will confront one another in manic go-kart tournaments to win exciting prizes.

The Crash Bandicoot video game franchise to date has sold more than 40 million units globally and continues to be a big hit among both mobile and traditional console gamers.

Spyro The Dragon Continues His Epic Adventure This Autumn In The Legend Of Spyro: Dawn Of The Dragon

Spyro Trilogy Culminates with Premiere on Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 system; Elijah Wood, Gary Oldman, Christina Ricci, Blair Underwood, Wayne Brady and Mark Hamill Provide Voice-Over Performances

Sierra Entertainment, a division of Vivendi Games, today announced The Legend of Spyro: Dawn of the Dragon, the third chapter in the popular Legend of Spyro trilogy. Developed by Etranges Libellules, the game will be released this autumn for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system, PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system, Wii home video game system, PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system and Nintendo DS. Reprising their roles as the characters of Spyro and his mentor Ignitus, are two popular Hollywood leading men, Elijah Wood (Frodo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings trilogy) and Gary Oldman (Sirius Black from the Harry Potter films). Joining the Spyro roster this year are Christina Ricci, Blair Underwood, Mark Hamill and Wayne Brady, rounding out an all-star voice cast.

In the final chapter of the trilogy, players find Sypro teaming up with an unlikely ally - Cynder, his former enemy, to face his most challenging mission to date. As the Dark Master’s (voiced by Mark Hamill) evil envelopes the world like a plague, Spyro must fulfil his destiny and unlock the true power of the purple dragon within him to stop the Dark Master in his tracks.

The game introduces two never before seen elements into the Spyro universe: Spyro can now fly at any time and players can drop-in/drop-out with the new co-operative feature. The co-op feature allows players to have the option of completing the game as either Spyro or Cynder, giving them more freedom to explore Spyro’s world in completely new ways.

“Spyro has grown up a lot since his debut, and players are going to notice advanced gameplay, character design and story lines in Dawn of the Dragon,” said Al Simone, senior vice president, Global Marketing for Sierra Entertainment. “The game takes some exciting twists and turns – fans of the series and newcomers alike will experience non-stop fun, a renewed sense of intensity and the type of challenging adventure only Spyro can overcome.”

Developed by Etranges Libellules, The Legend of Spyro: Dawn of the Dragon will ship this autumn for the Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3 system, Wii, PlayStation 2 system and Nintendo DS. Vivendi Games Mobile is also making The Legend of Spyro: Dawn of the Dragon available for mobile phones throughout Europe and North America.

Crash Bandicoot - Mind Over Mutant on Wii DS PS2 and PSP

Crash Franchise Returns This Holiday In Sierra Entertainment's Crash Bandicoot: Mind Over Mutant

Crash is Back with New Abilities and his Signature Bandicoot Hilarity; Sidekick Coco Fully Playable for the First Time

Sierra Entertainment, a division of Vivendi Games, today announced the upcoming return of everyone’s favourite marsupial hero, Crash Bandicoot, in Crash Bandicoot: Mind over Mutant, the latest instalment of the best-selling Crash Bandicoot video game franchise. Developed by Radical Entertainment, a Sierra Entertainment studio, Crash Bandicoot: Mind over Mutant is scheduled for release this fall on the Wii home video game system, Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system, PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, Nintendo DS and PSP (PlayStationPortable) system.

In Crash Bandicoot: Mind over Mutant, a rejuvenated Neo Cortex is taking over the world one brain at a time! Cortex and N. Brio devise a new kind of evil – a text-messaging, do-anything device which controls both mutant and bandicoot minds. Armed with his quick-wits and lightening agility, Crash must free his friends, the titans and save the day!

“The Crash Bandicoot franchise has built a wide audience of loyal fans, appealing to both male and female gamers of all ages,” said Al Simone, senior vice president, Global Marketing for Sierra Entertainment. “The Crash series remains one of the most recognizable franchises in our industry and we’re excited to make this year’s family-friendly title appear at the top of every gamer’s wish list this holiday.”

Key features in Crash Bandicoot: Mind over Mutant include:

• Mutant in your Pocket! - Not only does Crash gain the ability to control his enemies when he jacks them – now he can store his favourite monsters in his pocket, upgrade them and utilise their powers when they are most advantageous

• “Free-Romping” World Design - Wumpa Island becomes a “free-romping” environment, allowing players to travel and explore through intersecting worlds, with different gameplay options available depending on what creature you've brought along for the ride

• Girl Power! - Your co-op partner is Crash’s sister, Coco, playable for the first time in the cooperative mode. Not only does Coco make the game that much more inviting for girls to pick up and play, she also brings with her a new tactile “treasure hunt” ability

• New Abilities
- Roll and Counter Combat System - Crash will have a fun, agile dodge move and “counter” move which will inflict extra damage on his enemies
- Digging - Crash can now dig underground as real-life bandicoots really do; this will allow for Crash to unlock bonus items
- Climbing - Crash can climb vertical surfaces and jump side-to-side to connected areas and dodge hazards

Crash Bandicoot: Mind over Mutant is being developed by Radical Entertainment and will be available this fall at retail stores worldwide on Wii, Nintendo DS, Xbox 360, PlayStation 2 system and PSP system.

Zombie Wranglers on Microsoft XBox live - Fact sheet

Zombie Wranglers

Basic Fact Sheet

Publisher Sierra Online

Developer Sierra Online

Category Action

Platform XBox live

Overview/Storyline
Be very, very quiet… we’re wrangling Zombies!! Save the city of Potters Field from an infestation of zany zombies in the quirky and comical Zombie Wranglers, attacking XBLA in 2008! Armed with a trustworthy Wrangler-Pack and your own unique special abilities, play as one of the four gallant apprentice Wranglers and rescue your neighborhood before it’s too late!

Game Features

• Engrossing, Contagious Humor – Laugh out-loud moment galore enhance play
  
• 4 Distinct and Powerful Wranglers – unique upgradeable abilities, powerful weapons and screwball personalities
  
• Unrelenting Enemies – Including the grotesque Fast-Food Zombie, the fast-on-its-feet Skater Zombie and the loving Soccer Mom Zombie
  
• Exhilarating 4 Player Co-op – Play with up to 3 of your friends through the Single Player Story or competitive Arena Mode – Online or Off
  

Availability Q3 2008

Rating TBD

Sea Life Safari on XBox live - Fact Sheet

Sea Life Safari

Fact Sheet

Publisher Sierra Online

Developer Sierra Online

Category Family Games

Platform Xbox 360 - Xbox LIVE Arcade

Overview/Storyline
Embark on a journey the whole family can enjoy! Make a splash as an underwater photographer tasked with capturing the most incredible pictures of wild sea life. Use your camera skills to bring out the bubbly personalities of exotic creatures, from the silly clownfish to the legendary kraken sea monster! Entice your subjects into playful poses, provoke photo worthy reactions, and reel in those picture-perfect scores!

Game Features

• 60 Animated Creatures – Photograph the sparkling personalities of fascinating underwater sea animals to build memorable albums and your own personal scrapbook.
  
• 5 Jaw-Dropping Environments – Explore unique destinations from the colorful Coral Reef to the murky Ship Graveyard, filled with countless treasures to discover!
  
• Family-Friendly Tutorial – Experience a fully interactive tutorial that teaches simple step by step instructions on how to become a great deep-sea photographer!
  
• Intuitive Photo Evaluations – See how your photographs rank as you are scored on 4 different criteria: size, orientation, centering, and interaction with each fish.
  
• Endless Replayability – Discover secret routes, collect hidden items, and encounter special appearances by unique day and night creatures.
  

Availability Summer 2008 XBox live

ESRB Rating E

Assault Heroes 2 On Xbox live Fact Sheet

Assault Heroes 2

Fact Sheet

Publisher Sierra Online

Developer Wanako Games

Category Action

Platform XBox Live

Overview/Storyline
Jump back into the action with Assault Heroes 2, sequel to the award-winning arcade shooter, exploding with more intense combat! Battle on land and in space to save mankind against the sinister alien force before it’s too late.

Game Features

• Enhanced Multiplayer Co-op – Quickly activate improved cooperative weapons to rain destruction on hordes of bazooka soldiers, kamikaze bombers and more
  
• Hi-jackable Enemy Units – Steal the attack helicopter, armored tank or mechanical walker from the enemy base for surprise attacks
  
• More Powerful Weaponry – Utilize a superior arsenal of weapons including the newly designed sub-zero ice cannon, homing missiles, rocket launcher and upgraded firearms from the original
  
• Frantic On-Foot Action – Survive on-foot warfare while equipped with all your weapons in expansive underground areas
  
• Monstrous Bosses – Face-off against challenging mechanoid beasts before they destroy you
  
• New Diverse and Interactive Environments – Blast through the Snowy Mountains, Rainforest and Outer Space with extensive destructible terrain from burning trees to shattering buildings
  

Availability Spring 2008

Rating Teen

Gin Rummy on Microsoft XBox 360 - Fact sheet

Gin Rummy

Fact Sheet

Publisher Sierra Online

Developer Studio Ch’in

Category Card & Board

Platform Xbox 360 - Xbox LIVE Arcade

Game Overview
Enjoy challenging variations of the classic card game Gin Rummy! Strategically select the right cards to complete sets of combinations, minimizing the risk of getting caught with a poor hand. ‘Knock’ out your opponent with high scores and bonus points, and video chat with players from around the world for endless hours of casual card game fun.
6 Popular Game Modes – Challenge your opponents to a game of Classic Gin Rummy, Speed Gin Rummy, Oklahoma Gin, Hollywood Gin, Three-Hand Gin, or Customize Your Own Rules!
Rapid Auto-scoring – Enjoy immediate automatic scoring at the end of each match to get a detailed breakdown of each player’s total accrued points and bonuses.
Unique Game Themes – Choose from colorful game skins, artistic card decks, and entertaining music selections.
Multiplayer Matches – Test your skills in a real-time multiplayer match with up to 3 other competitors.
Xbox LIVE Vision – Video chat with your friends over Xbox LIVE Vision for a knock-out time!

Availability Q3 2008 (XBLA)

ESRB Rating E

CHARTTRACK WEEKLY UK VIDEO GAMESCHARTS

All formats

(Full price) Week ending 26 April 2008

1 WII FIT NINTENDO
2 MARIO KART WII NINTENDO
3 MARIO & SONIC AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES SEGA
4 PRO EVOLUTION SOCCER 2008 KONAMI
5 CALL OF DUTY 4: MODERN WARFARE ACTIVISION
6 SEGA SUPERSTARS TENNIS SEGA
7 UEFA EURO 2008 AUSTRIA-SWITZERLAND ELECTRONIC ARTS
8 TOM CLANCY'S RAINBOW SIX: VEGAS 2 UBISOFT
9 GUITAR HERO III: LEGENDS OF ROCK ACTIVISION
10 FIFA 08 ELECTRONIC ARTS
11 ASSASSIN'S CREED UBISOFT
12 COOKING MAMA 2 505 GAMES
13 CONDEMNED 2 SEGA
14 MARIO KART DS NINTENDO
15 NEW SUPER MARIO BROS. NINTENDO
16 THE SIMPSONS GAME ELECTRONIC ARTS
17 HALO 3 MICROSOFT
18 FOOTBALL MANAGER 2008 SEGA
19 TIME CRISIS 4 SONY COMPUTER ENT.
20 DARK SECTOR D3P

Ultimate Board Game Collection on Nintendo Wii PSP and PS2

THE GAMES

Ultimate Board Game Collection brings together some of the World’s best loved board and table top games in one must have compilation. Play all time classic games such as Chess, Checkers, Backgammon and Reversi and unlock trophies by completing specific goals. Take on friends and family and learn new games with tutorials included for novice players. You can even customise each game by selecting different rules, environments and piece types.

There’s something for all the family, and no little pieces to lose!

Wii

12 Games included
Chess, Checkers, Backgammon, Naval Battle (Battleships), Sudoku, Mahjong Solitaire, Chinese Checkers, Word Cubes, Quattro, Gomoku, Jigsaws and Reversi.

PSP

24 Games included
Chess, Quattro, Checkers, Enigma, Backgammon, Reversi, Snakes & Ladders,
Naval Battle (Battleships), Parcheesi, Dice, Dominoes, Go, Chinese Checkers, Word Cubes, Mahjong Solitaire, Anagrams, Concentration, Tic-Tac-Toe, Mancala,
Jigsaws, Shogi, Gomoku, Sudoku and Kakuro.

PS2

20 Games included
Chess, Quattro, Checkers, Enigma, Backgammon, Reversi, Snakes & Ladders, Naval Battle (Battleships), Parcheesi, Dice, Dominoes, Go, Chinese Checkers, Word Cubes, Mahjong Solitaire, Anagrams, Concentration, 3D Tic-Tac-Toe, Mancala and Jigsaws.


FEATURES

• A must own collection of the World’s best loved board and table top games.
• With classic family games, all-time favourites, puzzle and strategy games all included, there’s something for players of all ages.
• Play against friends, family or CPU opponent (with multiple difficulty levels).
• Customise each game by selecting different rules, environments and piece types.
• Learn new games with tutorials included for novice players.
• Choose from 4 different soundtracks. Use your own songs as the soundtrack (PSP).
• Unlock trophies by completing specific tasks (PSP, PS2)
• Use the Wii Remote to point, grab and flick pieces with 3 control mechanisms: “flick” control, pointer or +Control Pad. (Wii only).
• Includes lots of different Jigsaw puzzles. Use your own pictures as jigsaws! (PSP).

NARUTO: Ultimate Ninja 3 Brings The Ultimate In Ninja Battles To Europe

Largest Selection of Playable Ninja Coming to Europe in September 2008 for PlayStation 2

Atari today announced the forthcoming European release of NAMCO BANDAI Games’ Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 3 for PlayStation 2. As the latest and most advanced in the fighting game series based on the Naruto Universe, Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 3 boasts the largest ever selection of playable ninja characters, brand new playing modes for even more gameplay variety, and unprecedented freedom and immerson into the Naruto world with a 3D rendered Hidden Leaf Village. Set in the Naruto universe popularised by the anime TV show currently on air across Europe, Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 3 is scheduled for European release in September 2008.

The game’s main story mode, Ultimate Contest, revolves around the Leaf Village where the All-Out Ninja Tournament is being held between the rival Leaf and Sand ninja. The winner of the tournament will be crowned Hokage and will be able to put forward a new rule for the Leaf Village, but this power must not fall into the wrong hands. To ensure this does not happen, the player enters the Naruto world to explore the massive 3D rendered Hidden Leaf Village, engage in all out battle royale matches, interact with residents in the village and complete over 55 missions.

Players can choose their favourite ninja from the most extensive selection of over 40 playable characters from the hit anime TV show including Naruto, Sasuke, Itachi, The Hokages, The Sound Ninja 4 and many more. Battles are made bigger than ever before by unleashing Ultimate Jutsu to customise favourite characters into powerful ninja warriors, and summoning gigantic creatures as allies in Summoning Mode. Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 3 also offers tons of combat variety either as close combat or using a variety of ranged weapons, and support characters can be called upon to help with super attacks.

Another unique feature of Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 3 is the Hero's History mode which lets the player participate in major events and battles from the anime series through the Sasuke Retrieval Arc where the decisive battle of destiny will be played out to determine the fate of the two greatest ninja. For the first time in the series, the player can choose between English and Japanese voiceover to enhance the original flavour of the anime series.

Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 3 for PlayStation 2 is published by NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe SAS, distributed in Europe by Atari, and scheduled for European release in September 2008.