Limited edition Metal Gear Solid 4 - Guns of the Patriots Hardware bundle

Highly Limited Edition Bundle Includes Gun Metal Gray 40GB PLAYSTATION 3 Computer Entertainment System With Matching Controller And Metal Gear Solid 4 - Guns of the Patriots Limited Edition Game



Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. today announced the availability of a limited edition Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system bundle for North America. Featuring a Gun Metal Gray PLAYSTATION 3 system with a 40GB hard drive, the bundle also includes a matching DUALSHOCK 3 wireless controller and Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots Limited Edition game. The bundle will be exclusively available at Konami's website, www.konami.com, for a SRP of $599.99. Pre-sell for the bundle begins on May 19th, 2008, and limited supplies are available.

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots is the final chapter in the saga of Solid Snake, which sends him around the world in pursuit of his arch nemesis, Liquid Ocelot. Armed with new gadgets and abilities, Solid Snake must shift the tides of war into his favor, using the chaos of the battlefield to infiltrate deep into enemy territory. In his globetrotting final mission, Snake must sneak deep into enemy locations in the Middle East, South America, and other corners of the earth to foil Liquid Ocelot's plans for total world domination.




Metal Gear Solid 4 - Guns of the Patriots is rated "M" for Mature by the ESRB and will be available on June 12, 2008 exclusively on the PLAYSTATION 3 system. The Standard Edition of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots will be priced at $59.99 SRP while the Limited Edition will be priced at $84.99 SRP and only available at Gamestop retailers. The Limited Edition PLAYSTATION 3 system bundle SRP is $599.99, and pre-orders start on May 19th. For more information, please visit www.konami.com.

Europa Universalis - Rome patch release

Recently named "Best PC Game of the month" by one of the largest gaming media outlets in the world*, Europa Universalis: Rome has captivated strategy fans across the entire globe.

Today Paradox Interactive released patch 1.2, accessible via the game's loading screen (update). The patch includes among other things:

- A rebalanced military system that even more closely represents the roman battlefield
- A deeper character interface, providing the player with more statistics and information on each character
- Added events that add to the look and feel of the Rome environment and gameplay
- Compatibility issues with Vista and Intel graphics cards have now been solved.

Patch 1.2 also includes the Day 1 patch.

Europa Universalis: Rome was released on April 15 in North American retail and has since been released on most markets worldwide. The game is also available for direct download via GamersGate.

Konami set to release three Dance Dance Revolution games

Just like last year Konami is preparing three Dance Dance Revolution games. The PlayStation 2, Wii and Xbox 360 each get one. Before the announcement we discovered two of them DDR X (PS2) and Dance Dance Revolution Hottest Party 2 (Wii).

Dance Dance Revolution Universe 3 was the one we missed, but I’m sure the announcement isn’t a surprise. Some of the features are brand new like the emphasis on character customization. In City Mode players dance off against computer controlled bosses and earn parts to build their own character out of 400 parts. Once you pick an outfit, hairstyle and face you can bring your dancer on Xbox Live as a custom avatar for the weekly tournaments. Universe 3 has 70 songs with the ability to create your own with a DJ Mode. Konami hasn’t gone into details about how DJ Mode works. Is it an MP3 importer or a full music creation tool?

Dance Dance Revolution Hottest Party 2 has character customization too. Sort of. You can place your Mii on stage, but Konami hasn’t shown any screenshots with a dancing Mii. Finally, you can have your Michael Jackson Mii dance to “Black and White” by the pop icon. Other songs in Hottest Party 2 include “Umbrella” from Rihanna, “Makes Me Wonder” by Maroon 5 and “We Got the Beat” from the Go-Gos. All the gimmicks that you loved or loathed are back too with new gimmicks like the Triple Stomp. The biggest gimmick is Dance Dance Revolution Hottest Party 2 aims to teach players actual dance moves in the Hottest Training Mode. I admit, I’m actually curious about this.

While Dance Dance Revolution Ultramix 3 and Dance Dance Revolution Hottest Party 2 are adding new features, Dance Dance Revolution X is more of the same. The big change is really the graphics. Cel-shaded gangster rappers and spilt screen close-ups make Dance Dance Revolution X superficially appear different. The other change is a new LAN mode that lets players connect multiple PlayStation 2s together until you have eight dancers. Konami hasn’t announced any of the 70 songs, but glancing through the screenshots the Time Hollow theme song is in this for sure.

Screenshot comparison time! From top to bottom: Dance Dance Revolution Universe 3, Dance Dance Revolution Hottest Party 2, Dance Dance Revolution X.

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SEGA announce four game Platinum deal

Famed Developers Confirm Exclusive Four-Game Deal with SEGA

SEGA Europe Ltd. and SEGA® of America, Inc. today announced a worldwide partnership with PlatinumGames Inc., the development studio recently formed by the team behind some of the most successful franchises in the video game industry. Under the agreement, PlatinumGames will develop three ground-breaking new SEGA titles - MADWORLD™, Infinite Line™ and Bayonetta™ – covering a variety of game genres with innovative design concepts that explore the depths of today’s best-selling platforms. A soon-to-be-announced fourth title, being directed by legendary gaming icon Shinji Mikami, is also part of the agreement.

“The creative forces at PlatinumGames bring a new level of imagination into the SEGA family at a pivotal time in the video game industry when the demand for quality, originality and fun has never been greater,” said Tatsuya Minami, President and CEO, PlatinumGames. “These new titles will contribute meaningfully to SEGA’s brand, while adding a new level of depth to the strategic portfolio of games in our library.”

“We are thrilled to have forged this new relationship with such a talented team of individuals and we are understandably excited about the titles that they are producing for us,” commented Mike Hayes President and COO of SEGA Europe Ltd. “SEGA continually strives to release games for all consumers that are of the highest quality, working with Platinum Games further enhances that strategy.”

MADWORLD, the first title set for release in Q1 2009, is an inventive third-person action game exclusively for Wii™. Produced by Atsushi Inaba, MADWORLD has a unique black and white style, depicting an incredibly sharp backdrop that straddles graphic novels and 3D worlds. As players battle opponents, they must master the use of various weapons and items found within their environment, such as chainsaws and street signs, while entertaining sports commentary adds to the third-person gameplay. With its irreverent humour and over-the-top violence, MADWORLD will deliver a unique core gaming experience currently missing on the Wii system.

Infinite Line (working title), a role playing game exclusively for the Nintendo DS™ portable handheld system, takes place in outer space and gives players the ability to control, build, outfit and customise more than 150 spaceships. Infinite Line stretches the DS hardware to the limit, offering over 200 characters and the ability to control multiple spaceships at any one time. Releasing in 2009 and currently being produced by Atsushi Inaba and directed by Hifumi Kouno (from developer Nude Maker), Infinite Line is one of the most complex RPG titles developed for the DS to date.

Bayonetta is a stylish and cinematic action game, directed by creator Hideki Kamiya and set for release in 2009 on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system. A witch with powers beyond the comprehension of mere mortals, Bayonetta faces-off against countless angelic enemies, many reaching epic proportions, in a game of 100% pure, unadulterated all-out action. Outlandish finishing moves are performed with balletic grace as Bayonetta flows from one fight to another. With magnificent over-the-top action taking place in stages that are a veritable theme park of exciting attractions, Bayonetta pushes the limits of the action genre, bringing to life its fast-paced, dynamic climax combat.

Proof RARE were pi**ed off at Nintendo; Mario beheaded by Banjo

Rare unveiled a trailer yesterday for its forthcoming Xbox 360 vehicle-based platformer Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts. It looks very lovely, as Rare games often do, but discussion about the video now seems to be less about the game, and more about a brief cameo from Mario.

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Microsoft games not suitable for handheld systems

Microsoft Game Studios corporate VP Shane Kim has said he is "very happy" the company hasn't made a handheld games console partly because the games Microsoft produces aren't suitable for that market.

"I'm very happy we didn't get into it, because launching a handheld platform is like launching another Xbox 360. You have to be fully committed, as an organisation, from a resource standpoint, to doing that," he told Eurogamer.net during an interview.

"Frankly we've got a lot on our plate with Xbox 360 and Xbox Live. We don't have any experience in that space. Our content assets don't naturally lend themselves to driving success in that particular market. So we're happy to let Sony and Nintendo slog it out."

"Mobile is probably the more important platform in the future," Kim went on to say.

Space Chimps - action adventure videogame

Brash Entertainment today announced the release of Space Chimps, a brand new action adventure videogame title. Based on the hotly anticipated CGI-animated Space Chimps film from the creator of Shrek, John H. Williams (Shrek and Shrek 2), Space Chimps the videogame combines the same colourful world and characters of the forthcoming film with a unique storyline that puts fans in the heart of the action with 11 levels of monkey fun and mayhem. Space Chimps the videogame will release alongside the film and will be marketed and distributed across Europe by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment in August 2008.

Space Chimps is a hilarious new action adventure-comedy film that follows the exploits of mischievous young circus chimp, Ham (voiced by Andy Samburg) who happens to be the grandson of the first primate ever sent into space! As a publicity stunt, Ham is chosen to lead an exploratory mission into outer space to investigate a mysterious new planet. But when he and his crew crash-land in a bizarre and beautiful new world and find their lives in peril at the hands of the tyrannical King Zartog, Ham must step up to his dangerous mission to save his fellow space chimps, Titan (voiced by Patrick Warburton) and Luna (voiced by Cheryl Hines), and lead the emancipation of the imprisoned aliens and the planet.



In the game, players can take part in this galactic adventure first hand by tumbling, jumping, climbing and swinging their way through environments taken straight out of the film, as well as explore some unique and unseen planet locations. They can switch between fighting and puzzle solving mode as they travel from level to level playing as Ham and Luna on a harrowing mission through a dangerous inter-universal wormhole. Across 11 levels, battle in two-player co-op style and interact with brand new characters as well as familiar faces from the film and encounter 13 entirely new enemies. The Nintendo DS™ version even offers entirely exclusive gameplay with 3D side-scrolling action and two-player multiplayer.

“The Space Chimps film introduces a colourful cast of characters that fans will love,” explained Mitch Davis, co-founder, chairman and CEO of Brash Entertainment. “We’ve collaborated with Vanguard to create a game that incorporates the characters and world of the movie whilst adding a unique storyline with additional new characters, that will give fans the opportunity to live in the Space Chimp world a little longer.”

“We’re excited about the upcoming release of Space Chimps, and equally happy that Brash is the company that produces the first ever game based on a Vanguard project,” said Williams, who is chief executive of Vanguard Animation. “We know this game will enable fans to extend the Space Chimps experience.”

Space Chimps will be available for the XBOX 360, PLAYSTATION 2 computer entertainment system, the Wii and Nintendo DS videogame systems from Nintendo in August 2008.

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