Final Fantasy tactics A2 - Grimoire of the Rift in Europe - June

Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of Square Enix interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, today announces that FINAL FANTASY TACTICS A2 - Grimoire of the Rift will be released across PAL territories on 27th June 2008 exclusively on the Nintendo DS handheld system.

Lead your party to victory across the famous world of Ivalice! FINAL FANTASY TACTICS A2: Grimoire of the Rift turns your Nintendo DS into a tactical battlefield where you can take control of a clan of fighters, mages and more. Summon mighty Scions and Espers to overcome the challenges that await, fulfil your destiny and return home victorious!

With victory comes fame. Earn a reputation for your clan as you win battles and a whole new level of party customisation will open for you to enjoy. The stunning visuals, special effects, and orchestral soundtrack in FINAL FANTASY TACTICS A2: Grimoire of the Rift immerse you in the world, while the soundtrack narrates the famous adventures and triumphs of your clan.

John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Ltd. comments, “To our fans’ delight, fun strategy gameplay and an engaging story come together in FINAL FANTASY TACTICS A2: Grimoire of the Rift. Nintendo DS users will be able to enjoy a tactical and epic adventure while exploring the world of Ivalice. This is a deep and absorbing title that I hope everyone will find time to enjoy this summer.”


About FINAL FANTASY TACTICS A2 - Grimoire of the Rift

Story

Our tale begins as Luso, an energetic young boy, discovers a mysterious book whilst tidying the library as a punishment for his latest episode of light-hearted mischief. He opens the book and is transported to another world called Ivalice. Before he can catch his breath, he finds himself joining a clan led by a friendly, if gruff, man named Cid. With his new clan at his side, he sets out to find a way home…

Features

• Enjoy turn-based, tactical battles on isometric 2D maps set in the hugely popular FINAL FANTASY universe
• Lead a clan of fighters, mages and more as you explore the world of Ivalice, the setting of FINAL FANTASY XII
• Battle enemies with steel, magick and summoned monsters
• Amazing graphics with special effects that push the limits of the Nintendo DS
• Immersive soundtrack from the composer of FINAL FANTASY XII
• Endless variety and customization with over 50 available jobs – more than any other FINAL FANTASY game
• More than 300 quests provide hours upon hours of gameplay
• Enhanced Law System that rewards players for upholding the law with bonuses during and after battle
• Compete with rival clans to claim territory in the unique Auction mini-game
• Includes touch screen functionality, a feature not included in the original Japanese version

Pirates - The Key of Dreams on Nintendo WiiWare - Fact Sheet

WiiWare Game Fact Sheet

Title: Pirates - The Key of Dreams
Developer: Oxygen Interactive Ltd
Number Of Players: 1 - 4 players
Genre: Action
Controllers Used: Wii Remote, Nunchuk, Classic Controller
PEGI Rating: 3+

Game Overview

Pirates: The Key of Dreams is a frantic nautical shoot-em-up. Sail your way across the Caribbean, cannons blazing, looting booty, running blockades, and ultimately, battling Blackbeard himself.

The player takes control of a Navy Captain sent deep undercover as a ruthless Pirate, in order to seek out and retrieve The Key of Dreams, a valuable and dangerous cursed artefact. Rescue castaways to bolster your ship's crew, gaining performance increases to your navigation, weaponry, structural integrity and cartography skills. Collect increasingly powerful weaponry including Rockets, Mines, Chain Shot, Saw Blades and a Flamethrower to hurl destruction into the path of your enemies.

• Play against three of your scurvy friends or AI opponents in pitched multiplayer battles over 35 levels, in seven themed environments. Choose from different ship types that reflect your play style. Play in turbo mode if you're Pirate enough!

TV Show King on Nintendo WiiWare - Fact Sheet

WiiWare Game Fact Sheet

Title: TV Show King
Developer: Gameloft
Number Of Players: 1 – 4 players
Genre: Trivia, TV Quiz, TV Show
Controllers Used: Wii Remote
PEGI Rating: 3+
Additional Information: Supports Miis

Game Overview

Become King of a fun TV trivia show! Confront friends and family with your Mii and see who is the smartest!

Confront friends and family in a TV quiz game show! Let your Mii try to answer fun and challenging trivia questions, from the classics to original stumpers, spanning across history, geography, literature, science, sports and entertainment! For an extra challenge, use your Wii Remote in original ways.
Make it to the finals and see who can win the greatest amount of cash in one last, ultimate duel. TV Show King will challenge your brain! Now, get ready… get set… and go play TV Show King!

• Have fun and test your general knowledge with more than 3,000 questions on all kinds of subjects; for an alternately serious and hilarious game.
• Use your own customized Mii as your in game character for a truly immersive experience.
• Numerous entertaining themes including music, cinema, entertainment, history, geography, sports, common knowledge, fun and pop culture.
• Answer the questions following the different game rules: use your Wii Remote as a torch light, as a scratching tool or as a pointer.
• A true animated TV set: highly colourful characters (a host, a DJ and a cheering crowd)
• A turning wheel to spice up the game: double your gain, loose everything or swap your cash!
• Increasing tension with an increasing difficulty and stakes!

Dr. Mario & Germ Buster - Nintendo Wii Ware - Fact Sheet

WiiWare Game Fact Sheet

Title: Dr. Mario & Germ Buster
Developer: Nintendo
Number Of Players: 1 – 4 players
Genre: Puzzle
Controllers Used: Wii Remote
PEGI Rating: 3+
Additional Information: Supports Miis, WiiConnect24, Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection

Game Overview

The all-time puzzle classic returns for the Wii generation, featuring online gameplay and a new Germ Buster mode! Destroy all the viruses trapped in the bottle by dropping and slotting capsules to create lines of matching colours. The more viruses you clear, the faster the capsules drop.

In Dr. Mario, challenge the computer in 1 Player mode, go head-to-head with a friend in 2 Player mode, or prove your skills against the world via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. You can also send a demo version of the game to a friend (within your region) using WiiConnect24.

In Germ Buster (based on the relaxation game in More Brain Training from Dr Kawashima), up to four players can use their Wii Remotes to grab, spin and slot capsules as your Miis try to keep the nasty bugs at bay. Who thought that catching germs could be so much fun?

BUZZ! - Master Quiz on Sony PSP - Fact Sheet

BUZZ! Master Quiz

FACT SHEET

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
Developer: Relentless Software
Platform: PSP (PlayStationPortable) handheld entertainment system
Genre: Social Gaming/Trivia
Players: Single-player, Multi-player up to six players
Launch Date: Fall 2008
Rating: “RP” for Rating Pending

OVERVIEW

This summer, get ready to take the popular game show host BUZZ! on the road with the release of BUZZ! Master Quiz for PSP (PlayStationPortable), the handheld entertainment system that offers gaming, web access, movies, music, photos and more.

Packing over 3000 questions on topics including music, celebrities, TV, sport, science, nature, movies and more, BUZZ! Master Quiz puts gamer’s knowledge to the test at home or on the move. With six new round types specifically designed for PSP including the speed-is-of-the-essence ‘Quickfire Challenge’, the picture-puzzler ‘Picture This’ and the mind-boggling ‘Virus Challenge’, each round also comes complete with pictures and videos .

The focus of BUZZ! has always been on social gaming and the PSP version is no different, with three exciting multiplayer modes ideal to play with friends and family. Pass Around is a mode that enables players to use one PSP and pass the system from player to player. Pass Around is a mode that enables players to use one PSP and pass the system from player to player. In this mode, gamers can quiz their friends’ general knowledge wit and choose who to pass the PSP, adding a new tactical edge to gameplay.

Game sharing is also supported; where up to four players can connect multiple PSP’s and share just one copy of the game in an effort to determine who can succeed in frenzied ‘Fastest Finger’ play. Additionally, Quiz Host mode enables up to six players to play against each other, with one taking control of the game to select and ask the questions. The Quiz Host runs the whole game, with the power to award (or even deduct) points however they see fit.

Not only does BUZZ! Master Quiz offer innovative multiplayer handheld quiz action; it also has more robust single player mode than previous BUZZ! games. This mode presents players with a series of 15 different quiz challenges designed to test all aspects of general knowledge. In each round, players can earn bronze, silver and gold medals for performance according to how many points they collect from correct answers. There is also a variety of special trophies to collect according to how many correct questions the players has answered in a row, or how fast the players react.

KEY FEATURES

• Three new multiplayer modes, all requiring either just one PSP or one copy of the game to enjoy: Pass Around, Game Share and Quiz Host
• Enhanced single-payer mode with 15 different quiz challenges designed to test the limits of a player’s knowledge.
• Six all-new single and multiplayer round types specially created for PSP.
• Over 3000 unique questions alongside hundreds of licensed picture assets and videos
• Eight question categories: Music, TV, Science, Celebrities, Nature, Sport, Movies and General Knowledge

Secret Agent Clank - Sony PlayStation 3 - Fact Sheet

Secret Agent Clank

FACT SHEET

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
Developer: High Impact Games
Platform: PSP (PlayStationPortable) handheld entertainment system
Genre: 3rd Person Action/Adventure
Players: Single-player
Launch Date: June 17, 2008
Rating: E10+ for "Everyone 10 and older"

OVERVIEW

Ratchet, Clank, and Captain Qwark return to PSP this summer in Secret Agent Clank, an all new adventure where Clank takes the lead as the titular character. Developed by High Impact Games, the studio that brought Ratchet & Clank®: Size Matters to PSP, Secret Agent Clank brings the humor, quality gameplay and action that fans have come to expect from the franchise back to PSP.

Taking cues from spy classics of the past, Secret Agent Clank presents the Ratchet and Clank universe with a spy themed twist, including Clank as the Galaxy’s greatest undercover agent dressed in a tuxedo. With gadgets ranging from Cufflink Bombs to the Tie-arang and the introduction of Clank-Fu, Clank’s very own style of martial arts, Secret Agent Clank features action oriented moves and gadgets newly upgraded for the franchise. Also new to Clank’s move set are timing based puzzles enabling him to avoid laser fields, struggle to stay alive in a dance of death and subdue enemies with his bare hands. For the first time in the franchise, Clank masters snowboards, speed boats and other vehicles to take part in exciting chases, escape missions and to tail enemies.

In an all new story, players find Ratchet in a maximum security prison for a crime he didn’t commit. The player follows Clank as he dons his secret agent persona in order to prove Ratchet’s innocence. With a combination of stealth, puzzle solving, melee combat and spy weaponry, Clank gathers evidence and follows a trail of clues that takes him to the far reaches of the universe. Ratchet returns as a playable character, receiving weapons from Clank to help him stay alive in prison. Another first for the franchise, Captain Qwark appears as a three dimensional playable character, retelling the tales of Clanks exploits as if he were the champion with the exaggerated, over-the-top humor only Captain Qwark can provide.

KEY FEATURES

• Ratchet and Clank return to PSP in an all-new story that focuses on Clank and his Secret Agent persona as he attempts to rescue Ratchet from wrongful imprisonment.
• Clank-focused gameplay features new move-set offering stealth moves, more speed and power and the ability to subdue large enemies using Clank-Fu.
• State-of-the-art espionage weapons and gadgets, such as the deadly Tanglevine Carnation, explosive Cufflink Bombs, and the deadly Tie-A-Rang aid Clank in his pursuit.
• Travel from the ski resort of Glaciara to the intergalactic casino/resort world of Le Paradis De Tricheurs Casino.
• Contextual gameplay helps Clank avoid laser fields, dance with the mysterious Countessa Lottabolts and compete in high stakes galactic card games.
• Drive the latest in spy vehicles, ranging from sport cars, speedboats, and snowboards.
• Four playable characters: Clank, Ratchet, Captain Qwark, and all new Gadgebot gameplay.
• Ratchet returns as a playable character in arena based battles to earn new weapons and bolts.
• Captain Qwark appears as a three dimensional playable character for the first time in the franchise, retelling the tales of Clanks exploits as if he were the hero.
• Familiar characters from Ratchet & Clank franchise return in a humorous storyline that will satisfy all Ratchet & Clank fans.

BUZZ! - Quiz TV on PlayStation 3 - Fact Sheet

BUZZ! Quiz TV

FACT SHEET

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
Developer: Relentless Software
Genre: Social Gaming/Trivia
Players: 1-8 Players
Platform: PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system
Peripherals: BUZZ! wireless buzzers
Launch Date: Fall 2008

OVERVIEW

This fall BUZZ!, the popular quiz show franchise, makes its way for the first time to the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system with BUZZ! Quiz TV. Developed by Relentless Software, BUZZ! Quiz TV comes packed with BUZZ! wireless buzzer peripherals for an easy, pick-up-and-play game show experience. Combining to deliver over 5,000 questions divided into five different genre channels (Music, Movies & TV, Sports, Brainiac and Lifestyle), the new Channel Hopper mode allows players to switch between the different categories of questions in order to play a variety of quizzes that lets all your friends get into the action.

Extending the quiz show network beyond the disc, up to four players from anywhere in the U.S. can team up for trivia showdowns in the online multiplayer mode, Sofa vs. Sofa. New quiz packs will be available to download from the PLAYSTATION Network, so players will never run out of fresh questions. Also, for trivia fans wanting to see if they can trump others with their own vast library of knowledge, MyBUZZquiz.com will provide a global community for players to create and share their own custom quizzes online and then make available to download onto PS3.

KEY FEATURES

• Features over 5,000 questions divided into five different genre channels (Music, Movies & TV, Sports, Brainiac and Lifestyle).
• New Channel Hopper mode allows players to switch between question genres.
• Includes all-new characters and round types, as well as an all-new studio in high-def.
• Play with up to eight friends and family members live in your living room.
• Four-player Sofa vs. Sofa mode allows for online multiplayer gaming anywhere in the United States.
• Downloadable quiz packs containing 500 questions available on the PLAYSTATION Network to extend the gameplay experience. Quiz Packs will focus on specialized genres such as Sports, Music, Pop Culture, etc. Once packs have been downloaded, the new content will be integrated into the Channel mix.
• MyBUZZquiz.com extends the trivia experience even further as players can create their own mini-quizzes with up to eight questions, upload them and share with other quiz fans. Players also can download other Buzz fans mini-quizzes, or create personal quizzes to share with family and friends
• Utilizes fun and easy-to-use BUZZ! wireless buzzer peripherals to create an immersive quiz show experience.

Siren - Blood Curse on Sony PlayStation 3 - Fact Sheet

SIREN: Blood Curse

Fact Sheet

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA)
Studio: SCE Japan Studio
Platform: PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3)
Distribution: 12 downloadable episodes via PLAYSTATION Network
Genre: Survival Horror, Adventure
Rating: RP for “Rating Pending”
Release: Summer 2008

OVERVIEW

Released in twelve downloadable episodes, SIREN: Blood Curse delivers a haunting and horrifying story exclusively to PS3. In SIREN: Blood Curse, players are pulled into an epic tale with realistic gameplay and graphics complemented by chilling cut scenes. The unique “sight jack” system allows the player to see from the point of view of the Shibito, or living dead, to avoid their detection or anxiously watch as they close in. Intense graphics, realistic character animation, and a gritty film-like graphical presentation add to the horror of SIREN: Blood Curse.

STORYLINE

Set in the Japanese village of Hanuda, an American TV crew has arrived to research and film an exposé on the legend of a “vanished village.” Controlling seven different playable characters, the player must discover the mystery behind the curse that grips the eerie village of Hanuda.

KEY FEATURES

• Epic Story - spread across 12 dramatic episodes, SIREN: Blood Curse will feature interactive scenarios and gripping cut scenes in each episode to keep players on the edge of their seats.
• Enhanced ‘Sight Jack’ System – the automatic and seamless sight jack system allows players to see exactly what their enemies see
• Playable Characters – players will control seven playable characters throughout the haunting story
• Fatal Moves - Sneak past the deadly Shibito or take them head on with over 50 kinds of weapons, each with unique fatal finishing move animations
• Archive System - lets player unlock a variety of story clues and important background information

Resistance 2 on Sony PlayStation 3 - Fact Sheet

Resistance 2

FACT SHEET

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
Developer: Insomniac Games
Platform: PLAYSTATION 3 system
Genre: First Person Shooter
Players: Single player, 8-player online co-op, and up to 60 players online
Launch Date: Fall 2008
Rating: “RP” for Rating Pending

OVERVIEW

On the brink of annihilation, mankind resumes the fight against the unstoppable Chimera on the shores of the United States. And thus the stage is set for Resistance 2, the highly anticipated follow-up to Insomniac Games’ best-selling PS3 launch title, developed exclusively for the PLAYSTATION 3 system. Players will once again step into the war-torn boots of Nathan Hale, who not only faces near impossible odds on the battlefield, but also constantly struggles with the Chimeran virus raging inside his own body. In addition to an epic single-player campaign, Resistance 2 will offer a truly unprecedented eight-player, class-based online co-op campaign with a separate, parallel storyline and 60-player online competitive multiplayer built upon a ‘massive battles, greater intimacy’ mantra. Players can also expect a re-designed MyResistance.net featuring social networking tools designed to enhance a user’s gameplay experience whether they’re engaged in single, co-op or competitive combat

STORYLINE

Picking up immediately where Resistance: Fall of Man concluded, Resistance 2 follows. Nathan Hale as he finds himself once more in a world transformed by war and invasion. Undaunted by their defeat in London, the Chimera have continued to advance, now poised to attack the United States. Entire cities have been leveled and communities annihilated. In this war where the odds are so heavily stacked against the human race, few are left who are willing and able to fight.

Fortunately, Hale is not alone. A group of super soldiers simply known as the Sentinels will fight alongside Hale as they collectively attempt to thwart the inevitable.

KEY FEATURES

• Take on the role of Nathan Hale as he battles the Chimeran virus raging within. Fight for humanity’s survival against new swarms of vicious Chimera equipped with new weapons along with re-designed favorites from Resistance: Fall of Man such as the Bullseye and Auger.
• Set in an alternate reality 1953 America, explore highly-detailed and interactive environments where the familiar meshes with the alien, resulting in an American landscape both beautiful and haunting.
• Experience online co-op in a completely new way. Choose between three distinctive character classes and join seven other players to battle through a unique story that parallels the main campaign. Players will also enhance their characters’ attributes as they unlock new armor sets and equipment along the way.
• Online competitive multiplayer – a cornerstone to Resistance: Fall of Man’s global appeal – just got better. Engage in massive 60-player competitive combat with an entirely new squad-based focus designed to balance progression, firefights and rivalries.
• Join MyResistance.net, an unrivaled FPS community complete with skill-based match-ups, dedicated gaming/community/stats servers, social networking tools and an open invite system.

PixelJunk Eden on PlayStation 3 - Fact Sheet

PixelJunk Eden

Fact Sheet

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA)
Developer: Q-Games Ltd.
Platform: PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3) via PLAYSTATION Network
Genre: Organic Platformer
Release: Summer 2008
Rating: TBD

OVERVIEW
Welcome to the garden of PixelJunk Eden, a refreshingly different platform game wrapped in a vibrant world exclusively on PS3. In PixelJunk Eden, the latest downloadable entry to the PixelJunk series from developer Q-Games, living and luminous plant-life grows in real-time to form a lively stage. In this constantly evolving environment, players control a small creature called a “Grimp” (from “grip” and “jump”) to explore a dynamic setting alive with color and sound. By smashing into enemies, the player releases batches of pollen that can help the lush alien plants change and grow. As they develop, players can leap, swing and soar between them to get further through the undergrowth and gather all the bundles of energy and light from the level before the time available runs out.

PixelJunk Eden is the third game in Q-Games’ PixelJunk series, which blends simple, addictive gameplay with crisp and attractive graphics designed for optimal viewing in full 1080p High Definition (HD)*.

KEY FEATURES

• Distinctive Visuals and Music – Features 10 unique stages with stylishly designed graphics and original music from award-winning Japanese artist Baiyon.
• Dynamic Animations and Effects – Organic growth animations for each plant, plus environmental and particle effects bring the setting to life and keep it constantly evolving.
• Rumble Support – Feel the thrilling effects of clinging, attacking and falling from plants.
• Trophy and Online Support - Players can compete for trophies and track single player and co-op high scores on the online leaderboards.
• Remote Play – Supports Remote Play for PSP system.