Overlord Raising Hell demo comes to the PLAYSTATION 3

Summon Sample Minions from PLAYSTATION Network today ahead of full game launch on June 20th

Prepare to experience the brilliantly brutal Minion-on-sheep action of Overlord Raising Hell in the playable demo, launching today for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system. Taken from the forthcoming extended and extra evil edition of Triumph Studios’ twisted fantasy blockbuster, the demo is set to be available – along with Minion-infested wallpapers and themes – from PLAYSTATION Network later today.

In the demo, players don the Overlord’s illustrious armour and embark on a session of serious destruction in the once tranquil area of the Mellow Hills. As the delightfully despotic Overlord, players are supported by the Minions, a raucous horde of impish creatures. The Minions are more than willing to act as instructed, no matter how unpleasant that may be for the unsuspecting populace and, most notably, the local wildlife.

Players use their ever loyal and ever lethal Minions to gather life-force from the somewhat unwilling sheep in order to grow the size of the minion horde. Add to that upgrades for the Minions, including pumpkins as helmets, throw in some peasant intimidation and a show-down with the Guard Troll at the Slave Camp and that’s just as taste of the havoc that a minion horde can wreak.

In the full game, players will be able to amass armies of up to 50 minions and select from three further minion types to lead into battle as they explore and conquer the world’s five kingdoms. Overlord Raising Hell also takes players deeper into the Overlord’s warped world with a series of additional hellish levels, each a supernatural abyss for the game’s domains.

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 June 20th for the PLAYSTATION 3 system. For video and the latest minion-infested wallpapers, be sure to visit www.codemasters.com/overlordraisinghell

Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII on Sony PSP

Square Enix the publisher of Square Enix interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, today announces that CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- will be released across all PAL territories on 20th June 2008, exclusively on the PSP (PlayStationPortable) system.

CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- is the highly anticipated prequel to the biggest selling FINAL FANTASY of all time, taking players on an exhilarating adventure filled with grandeur, excitement, characters that captured the hearts of a generation and many new secrets to discover hidden within the world of FINAL FANTASY VII.

With awe-inspiring visuals, full 16:9 widescreen presentation, an engaging battle system, and additional gameplay challenges not included in the original Japanese version, fans and newcomers alike can experience the world of FINAL FANTASY VII from an all-new perspective. As an added incentive to pre-order, a special edition version of the game, with hardback artwork book and slipcase is available exclusively with selected online retailers while stocks last.

John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Ltd. comments, "CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- is one of the most anticipated FINAL FANTASY releases of all times. Pushing the boundaries of the PSP hardware, it offers a truly fantastic gameplay experience to not only existing fans, but new ones as well."



For more information about CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- and for details of how to pre-order please visit the official website at crisiscoregame.co.uk


About CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII-

Story
Set seven years prior to the events of the first FINAL FANTASY VII, the Shinra Company is rapidly increasing its influence through its monopoly on mako energy and military might. With the burgeoning city of Midgar as its base and symbol of prosperity, Shinra is on the verge of establishing absolute dominance over the world.

SOLDIER is a group of skilled combat operatives within Shinra. The elite within the group — those strong enough to be deemed SOLDIER 1st Class — are respected and idolized by the citizenry.

Zack is a young SOLDIER 2nd Class who aspires to become a 1st. He spends his days carrying out assignments under the guidance of his 1st Class mentor, Angeal. During an operation in Wutai, a large number of SOLDIER member, led by 1st Class operative Genesis, go missing. The severity of the situation prompts Shinra executives to deploy even more SOLDIER operatives in hopes of bringing an end to the war with Wutai—and conducting an investigation into the mass desertion. The ones assigned to the mission are Zack, Angeal, and the 1st Class hero who is known the world over as Sephiroth...

What truths lie behind Genesis's disappearance? What secrets bind the three SOLDIER 1st Class operatives? For Zack, a cruel and fateful struggle awaits...

Features

• Complete the FINAL FANTASY VII experience and reunite with the most recognised RPG characters created by world-renowned character designer Tetsuya Nomura
• Witness stunning graphics and CG cutscenes coupled with top-notch voice acting in a 16:9 widescreen presentation, made possible by the PSP system hardware
• Innovative D.M.W (Digital Mind Wave) system enhances the action-packed real-time battle system, allowing players to unleash special attacks or call upon iconic FINAL FANTASY summons
• Take on challenges with the all-new "Hard Mode" which was not in the original Japanese release
• Acquire unique accessories, items and abilities made available through 300 side missions to further enrich the gameplay experience

Official Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli website

Veteran videogame publisher System 3 has unveiled its latest masterpiece, as the Official Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli website races onto the Internet, located at www.system3.com.

The website is, in keeping with the official Ferrari license, one of the most prestigious in gaming, offering a host of game-related information in one of the most lavish packages ever produced.

Alongside phenomenal imagery and videos, the official site for the official game offers stacks of beautiful artwork, exquisite models taken from the developers’ drawing boards, and official tips from driving supreme Tiff Needell.

Each of the 16 North American and European Ferrari Challenge tracks featured in the game is described in great detail, so players can learn each course in advance. The title’s incredible authenticity – a result of developer Eutechnyx’s racing expertise and consultancy from race driver Bruno Senna – means that each of the countless vehicles within the game require some mastery, just like the real cars themselves. The official website contains details of each Ferrari, offering a head start for those prepared to study in advance.

For those wishing to see for themselves how each version of Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli compare, there are screenshots and videos from each of the game’s platforms – illustrating the technical limits the game pushes across each format.

In addition, a developer's journal and an extensive FAQ section offer in-depth background information about the game. As time progresses through to release, the website features a continually updated news section with all the very latest information – along with the opportunity to bag some money-can’t-buy prizes.

Finally, a comprehensive downloads section offers everything fans will need to dress their PCs and mobile phones with the game’s official livery.

“Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli is the ‘Ferrari’ of video games,” says Mark Cale, CEO of System 3, “so we wanted to ensure the site represents this completely. Like the game itself, the site is the slickest, most comprehensive digital representation of the prestigious Ferrari brand, with a stack of content which we hope will satisfy fans’ lust for the game through to launch and beyond. The official site will also be the place to find out the latest on the game beyond release – we’ve an absolutely incredible opportunity for those that buy the game, one that’s never been done in gaming before. We can’t wait to see the reaction of our fans now we’ve finally opened the virtual garage doors.”

The official website of the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli is online now, at www.system3.com

The game will launch on PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS and PlayStation 2 throughout the summer.

Microsoft Xbox 360 console sales to Reach 10 Million in US

Xbox LIVE tops 12 million members globally as Xbox 360 console sales hit more than 19 million worldwide.

Microsoft Corp. today announced that the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system has sold over 10 million units in the U.S., making it the first current-generation gaming console to break the 10 million mark in the U.S. The U.S. install base contributes to global sales of over 19 million.

“This year will be the largest in the history of the video game industry, with Xbox 360 leading the charge in the U.S. and abroad,” said Don Mattrick, senior vice president of the Interactive Entertainment Business in the Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft. “History has shown us that the first company to reach 10 million in console sales wins the generation battle. We are uniquely positioned to set a new benchmark for the industry.”

This announcement comes on the heels of one of the biggest entertainment launches in history, “Grand Theft Auto IV,” on April 29, 2008. Gamers eager to experience “Grand Theft Auto IV” online helped boost Xbox LIVE global membership to over 12 million this month. Fueled by an unparalleled combination of access to friends and family, the best online gaming features, and the best entertainment content, the Xbox LIVE service has doubled in membership in only one year’s time.

“Reaching an installed base of 10 million consoles in the U.S. is a significant achievement and an essential milestone on the road to market leadership,” said Billy Pidgeon, research manager at IDC. “Perhaps more important is the Xbox 360 worldwide online base — 12 million Xbox LIVE gamers is the largest community in the connected console games sector, which represents the greatest growth opportunity in the console market and where Microsoft has been the leader for two generations.”

Xbox 360 leads with the industry’s highest software attach rate, more than any other console this generation, and is home to the best-selling games. With the launch of “Grand Theft Auto IV” in April, Xbox 360 is now the home to more than 16 platinum titles that have sold through 1 million units or more, including hits such as “Halo 3,” “Madden NFL 07” and “Madden NFL 08,” “Gears of War,” “Guitar Hero II” and “Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock,” and “Call of Duty 2,” Call of Duty 3” and “Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare,” giving Xbox 360 two times more platinum-selling titles than the Wii and a 16:2 lead over the PlayStation 3 in game titles topping one million in sales. Games not only sell better on the Xbox 360, they play better, too: Xbox 360 has 91 titles with a Metacritic review score of 80 or higher, compared with just 22 titles for Wii and 50 titles for PlayStation 3.

Deco Online MMORPG Open Beta

Joymax Announces Deco Online Open Beta

Take a Glimpse at the New MMORPG's Unique Combat System

Joymax, an independent developer and publisher of interactive entertainment for the global market, announced today that the open beta for Deco Online, the new free-to-play casual massively multiplayer online role-playing game, has begun. After a highly successful closed beta phase, Deco Online is now available to any adventurer who wants to jump into the fantasy world of Millena and Rain, two warring nations that pit steel against sorcery. Players are invited to log in and become an expert in swordsmanship, archery or wizardry while mastering the engaging combo attack system to defend their nation from monsters and invaders.

Deco Online features include:

• Vibrant 3D graphics
• Hundreds of skills and exciting quests
• Two distinct races and a unique character advancement system
• Combo attacks that that emphasizes player skill more than traditional MMORPG combat systems
• Step-by-step NPC tutorials and guides to help players get into the game right away
• Character attire customization options
• A huge and varied selection of armor, shield, weapon, gear, and accessory types

Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People for WiiWare and PC

Gameplay video and storyline of premiere episode, "Homestar Ruiner," revealed

With the series' launch approaching, Telltale has released the first gameplay video from Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People (SBCG4AP for short), as well as a synopsis of the premiere episode, "Homestar Ruiner." The episodic point and click series is being developed in close collaboration with Homestarrunner.com creators Mike and Matt Chapman, who have been chronicling Strong Bad's exploits through online cartoons since 2000. The new game series is being developed for WiiWare™ and PC.

SBCG4AP gives players the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become Strong Bad—a loudmouthed, boxing-glove-wearing megalomaniac and the self-proclaimed coolest person ever—in his ongoing quest to achieve total awesomeness. "Homestar Ruiner" kicks off a typical day in the House of Strong, with our hero answering emails, dominating in video games, and setting out to pummel his enemies. Then Strong Bad's scheme to win the tri-annual Race to the End of the Race lands him with an unwanted guest: his dimwitted adversary, Homestar Runner. Now Strong Bad must find a way to get the disgraced athlete back on the Free Country, USA A-list (and out of his house).

The Chapman brothers have been working closely with Telltale designers Mark Darin, Mike Stemmle, and Dave Grossman on the episode. The result is a hysterical gaming experience that puts the player inside of an extended Homestar Runner cartoon. In addition to the main plot, which unfolds through intuitive story-driven gameplay, the episode contains achievements and side activities such as the Videlectrix arcade classic Snake Boxer 5 and the ability to create your own "Teen Girl Squad" comics.

SBCG4AP is scheduled to launch on WiiWare and PC this summer. More information about the series, including new "Homestar Ruiner" screenshots and a gameplay video featuring an awkward pre-race exchange between Strong Bad and Homestar, can be viewed at http://www.telltalegames.com/strongbad. This page is also home to Strong Bad's semi-insightful development blog, which is penned by the game's star himself (with a little help from series creators Mike and Matt Chapman).

Sims 2 IKEA stuff for your home coming this June

New Content From The Sims Provides A Selection Of Must-Have Items For Your Sims' Home From IKEA

The Sims, an Electronic Arts Label, today announced details for The Sims 2 IKEA Home Stuff. The latest new content for The Sims 2 brings a selection of must-have items from IKEA to key living spaces in your Sims’ home focused on the bedroom, the living room and the home office. Now you can give your Sims’ home a makeover with new furniture and décor based on stylish designs by IKEA! The Sims 2 IKEA Home Stuff Pack ships to retailers everywhere on June 23 in North America, June 27 in Europe and June 20 across the Asia-Pacific regions.

Whether you want to create a trendy, spacious home office, a chic living room, or a cozy and inviting bedroom, with the new The Sims 2 IKEA Home Stuff, you can make your Sims’ dream home truly special. Design your Sims’ rooms to fit their personalities with all-new sofas, beds, tables, a TV unit, shelving and more in a variety of colors and patterns for a truly customized look. You can even add the finishing touches with popular IKEA wall art, mirrors, lighting options and vases. Be your Sims’ interior designer with inspiring, contemporary styles from IKEA!



“The Sims is thrilled to collaborate with IKEA for more customization of your Sims’ homes, adding fun and inspirational design options for the bedroom, living room and home office,” said Rod Humble, Head of The Sims Studio. “This new content will certainly contribute to the players’ ability to make their Sims’ dream home. The Sims 2 IKEA Home Stuff will expand creative opportunities and that is what The Sims is all about. Home is central to the experience of your Sims and with IKEA additions, it’s sure to be the most inviting place in the neighborhood.”

Turn your Sims’ living room into a haven of comfort and relaxation with a plush EKTORP sofa, a unique EXPEDIT TV unit, a complementing LEKSVIK coffee table and chic décor like the VÄNNA mirror. Create a revitalizing space in the bedroom, your Sims’ most intimate place at home with a new MALM bed, matching chest of drawers, a shapely Storm floor lamp and a bright red IKEA PS rug.

For those Sims who might work at home, indulge them with an office that is sure to promote an environment dedicated to productivity. Decorate with an elegant VIKA HYTTAN table, inspiring KILA lamp, bold HELMER drawer unit and LACK zigzag wallshelf.

These are just a few of the items from The Sims 2 IKEA Home Stuff that can be integrated into your Sims’ living space.

“Players of The Sims have asked for IKEA by name, and if you look at the living spaces they design, it reflects the style of IKEA,” said Steve Seabolt, Vice President Global Brand Development for The Sims. “We are pleased to collaborate with IKEA and we know players of The Sims will be excited to add IKEA content for their Sims’ homes.”

Seabolt added, “The IKEA collaboration with The Sims echoes the desire of players to see real-world brands and products for which they have affinity integrated into gameplay. The Sims’ successful collaborations with Ford and H&M prove this to be a great and enjoyable experience for the player.”

The Sims 2 IKEA Home Stuff will be available for $19.99 USD in North America and €14.99 EUR in countries across Europe.

Product Specifications
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Developer: Electronic Arts Redwood Shores
Platform: PC / PC Expansion Pack*
Ship Date: US: June 23, 2008 and Europe: June 27, 2008
Category: Simulation/Strategy
ESRB Rating: T for Teen with descriptors of Crude Humor, Sexual Themes, Violence
PEGI Rating: 12+

Requires The Sims 2 Double Deluxe, The Sims 2 Deluxe, The Sims 2 Special DVD Edition, or The Sims 2 Holiday Edition for PC to play.

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Battlestations - Midway video game coming to Mac June 27th

Created by Eidos Studios Hungary, the game invites you to take command of the greatest battles of the war in the Pacific. Players will experience every aspect of combat in a superb blend of action and strategy as they lead a host of US and Allied air, sea and underwater units through intense, action-packed missions in hotspots from Pearl Harbor to the Battle of Midway itself.

"Battlestations: Midway offers a compelling experience,” said Feral Interactive’s David Stephen. “It’s an unusual mix of action and strategy with a sophisticated multiplayer mode, and we are confident that the Mac audience will find it an excitingly different take on World War II gaming.”

"We are delighted to have Feral bring Battlestations: Midway to the Mac platform," said Trevor Burrows, Brand Manager, Eidos. "It's a game that delivers a new type of game play experience, and one that deserves to be seen and played by as wide an audience as possible."

The game will retail in the U.S. for $49.95, £29.99 (inc VAT) in the UK and 39.95 Euros throughout Europe.

Games consoles price rise as production costs increase

Leading Gaming Manufacturer Outlines Plans for Price Increases

Nyko Technologies today announced price increases for most of its products as a result of the changing global economy.
New Chinese labor laws have resulted in a significant increase in production costs of almost 40%. In addition, the price of oil continues to break record highs, contributing to higher shipping rates and the rising cost of plastic materials. Those factors, combined with a 10-20% increase in the cost of raw materials commonly found in electronics including gold, silver, and copper, have companies worldwide re-evaluating their business models. In response, Nyko has chosen to focus on delivering high quality products rather than lowering its production standards in order to maintain current price points.

“The cost of manufacturing continues to rise while the value of the U.S. dollar grows weaker, forcing us to adapt,” said Herschel Naghi, CEO of NYKO Technologies. “Experience has shown that maintaining quality at a higher price, instead of degrading our product in order to keep costs low, is a strategy that will prevail in the long run.”

12-player online races with full car damage – Race Driver: GRID's multiplayer

Reflecting the ethos, spirit and attitude of the offline game, Race Driver: GRID will bring a world of motorsport to life online as Codemasters today announced that the game's multiplayer content will feature 32 exhilarating online race events on 80 circuits at 15 intercontinental locations.

Featuring up to 12-player events with incredible full car damage, Race Driver: GRID's online multiplayer races will see gamers competing in aggressive races on iconic city streets and famous championship circuits across Europe, the U.S. and Japan.

"Race Driver: GRID online is the ultimate expression of what the game is all about – incident-packed, aggressive, wheel-to-wheel racing," said Ralph Fulton, Chief Game Designer, Race Driver: GRID. "Our wide range of motorsport disciplines, stunning locations and full damage 12-player races make for a uniquely spectacular race experience and our immersive new ranking system rewards player skill and deepens the challenge online."

Players will be able to take their custom livery online and make it feared and respected by competing in a huge range of racing disciplines; from drifting around Yokohama Docks, charging through the mean streets of Detroit, racing touring cars around Spa-Francorchamps to competing in chaotic demolition derbies.

The pure race experience is at the heart of Race Driver GRID's gameplay and, in online multiplayer, everything is geared towards maximising player time spent on track and minimising time spent in lobbies. Players can rapidly find the event they want and a slick voting system, matchmaking mechanism and seamless host migration means gamers find competitive races quickly and sessions stay together longer.

An innovative new online ranking system charts players' progress as they advance from Junior Rookie to Legend, with experience points being awarded based on a wide range of achievements, from events won to beating higher ranked opponents.

As players rise through the rankings, online leaderboards record the fastest laps for each track and gamers can download ghost cars to test out their skill against the best in the world in Test Drive mode or check out the competition in Spectator mode. Players can also fully customise their game including switching damage on or off, enabling catch-up mode, setting driver aids and allowing public and private games.

Race Driver: GRID is coming May 30th (Europe/PAL) for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft®, the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and Games For Windows®. A Nintendo DS edition will follow. Race Driver: GRID playable demos – featuring two online multiplayer events – are now available from Xbox LIVE Marketplace, PLAYSTATION Network and, for the Games For Windows demo, please visit www.racedrivergrid.com