Huge multiplayer warfare offered as a free update for ARMA

A major new update is available free for ARMA: Armed Assault, ARMA: Combat Operations and ARMA: Gold

Featuring:
ARMA WARFARE - Brand new multiplayer mode combining RTS and FPS elements
USMC DESERT TROOPS - New units
ARMA PATCH 1.14 - Dozens of improvements, tweaks and bug fixes
LINUX SERVER - Dedicated server platform for Linux
EDITING TOOLS - Complete set of tools for creating custom maps, vehicles, weapons & units

Bohemia Interactive, the developer of award wining computer games and proven training systems for military customers (currently working on ARMA 2, the next installment in its successful series of military games), today released a major new update for its latest military PC game ARMA: Armed Assault (published as ARMA: Combat Operations in North America, also available including the official expansion pack ARMA: Queen's Gambit as ARMA: GOLD in some countries).

"ARMA has come a very long way since the original release one year ago. Here at Bohemia Interactive we've always provided ongoing support for our games but this free update is a truly significant milestone. In terms of stability, performance and gameplay, ARMA is now a distinctly superior game to the initial release."

says Marek Spanel, CEO of Bohemia Interactive.

The ARMA update to version 1.14 also includes a unique new multiplayer mode called WARFARE. WARFARE blends tactical, team-based multiplayer missions with deep realtime strategy. Two sides fight for control of the entire 400 sq km map in titanic battles over air land and sea. Players must capture whole cities to gain resources that can be channelled into manufacturing even more weapons of war. Each side has one commander, who can build factories and defensive structures in and around their base. As long as they have enough money and resources, players can use these factories to build units, weapons and vehicles. Defensive structures can be used to defend bases and the units stationed there. Players must take account of logistical considerations outside their bases and cities too as truck convoys ferrying supplies between settlements are vulnerable to attack. Players on each side are divided into a maximum of 16 teams. The commander can give these teams side missions and specify tasks or objectives, coordinating the entire side to ensure victory. This is war on a unprecedented scale, even for ARMA!

Other highlights of the updated version include:

• New anti-cheat methods for a more secure online experience
  
• Improved performance and stability
  
• Removes disc based copy protection systems (Securom or Starforce depending on the territory)
  
• Improved aircraft flight model
  
• Now fully compatible with the Vista x64 platform
  
• Many AI and gameplay tweaks and fixes
  
• Improved voice over net functionality including the unique "direct voice over net": See your avatars talk as you chat to your friends and hear them in full surround simulation.
  

Additionally this update includes a dedicated server platform for Windows and Linux.

In the same time, full editing suite for ARMA is also available for free to the editing and modding community, including all modelling, map editing and packing tools, allowing users to create their own maps, vehicles, weapons and units to support the very active ARMA modding community.

SuddenStrikeNet - new multiplayer interface for Sudden Strike 3 Arms for Victory

Leading video game developer and publisher, Fireglow Games, today announces "SuddenStrikeNet" - a new multiplayer interface. New user interface was added in the addon to ease searching for multiplayer games. Now you don't need any third party applications (GameSpy) to create, find and join the game. Currently it is in closed final beta-testing stage.

New settings were added to multiplayer game creation interface, such as:
Random color - setting this option "ON" prevents all players from changing their color. The colors will be assigned automatically, with red, yellow, brown and orange colors go to the red team while all others - to the blue one.
Capture time - flags capture time.
Capture period - periodical reinforcements' interval.
Disable howitzers - disables howitzers in reinforcements.

About Sudden Strike 3: Arms for Victory:

Sudden Strike 3: Arms for Victory is the latest instalment in the award-winning, critically acclaimed and hugely popular Sudden Strike series. It features historically authentic models built to scale, fully interactive giant maps and full 3-D state-of-the-art graphics in the popular Sudden Strike style. Only Sudden Strike plays like the 'real thing'. WW2 gaming at its best: on land, at sea and in the air!

Features:

• Fully interactive landscape (all objects can be destroyed, all buildings and pillboxes can be used as shelter)
• Massive operations on big maps, strategic scale of the maps (front line can be a few kilometres long)
• Thousands of units fighting in real time
• More than 300 tanks, ships, soldiers, guns and planes with original weapons built to scale
• Great sounds, 5.1 supported, nations speak native languages
• New feature - advanced Micro AI-behaviour allows your troops to act exactly as you plan
• Joint naval and ground operations, air raids, artillery strikes etc.
• State-of-the-art technology to render 3D landscape, realistic lines of sight and fire
• Spectacular visual & lighting effects
• Multiplayer mode: up to 8 players, GameSpy supported
• Five campaigns playable for American, British, German, Japanese and Soviet sides

2008 CGS World of Warcraft arena championship

- Top 1,000 World of Warcraft Arena teams from North America and Europe will compete June 9-22;

- Top two teams from each region will travel to the CGS World Final in Los Angeles July 19 to compete for US$50,000

Championship Gaming Series (CGS), the only worldwide professional video gaming league, announced its second annual World of Warcraft Arena Championship, an invitational Arena tournament that will feature the top 1,000 Arena teams from North America and Europe in independent open-ladder competition from June 9 to June 22, 2008. The two highest-ranked teams from each region will receive an all-expenses paid trip to Los Angeles to battle against each other to determine the top team from Europe and North America and fight for their share of $50,000 in prize money. The final match between the North American champion team and the European champion team will be streamed live from Los Angeles, Saturday, July 19 at thecgs.com. The top finisher will be crowned CGS World of Warcraft Arena Champion and receive US$25,000.

The CGS World of Warcraft Arena Tournament will follow the same 3v3 rule set and competition structure used in Blizzard Entertainment’s 2008 Arena Tournament. The top 1,000 eligible teams participating in that tournament will be invited to register for the 2008 CGS World of Warcraft Arena Championship. All players will be provided with tournament-specific accounts which allow access to the CGS Tournament Realm, created specifically for the competition. Players will have access to the same gear and configuration options used for the Blizzard Entertainment 2008 Arena Tournament.

Ranking information will be updated daily on thecgs.com.
2008 CGS WORLD OF WARCRAFT ARENA CHAMPIONSHIP PRIZING

• 1st place team: $25,000
  
• 2nd place team: $12,500
  
• 3rd place team: $6,250
  
• 4th place team: $6,250

Ace Combat 6 - Fires of Liberation on Xbox live - Fact Sheet

Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation

Xbox Live Market Place Downloadable Content Available 29 May 2008


Su-33 - TYPE ACE2- (200 Microsoft Points)
Ace Combat 2 Aircraft. A faithful recreation of the Ace Combat 2 aircraft performance design. Outstanding stability and lack of recoil provide for a truly unique sense of flight. Although possessing an extremely durable body, this aircraft lacks SP weapons, which were not introduced until after Ace Combat 2.

Su-47 -GRABACR EMBLEM- (FREE)
Ace Combat: Squadron Leader Grabacr Squadron Aircraft. An aircraft that boasts increased mobility in designated speed zones, but a slight decrease in all other zones. The need for precise speed control makes this aircraft suitable for experienced pilots. The signature aircraft of the Belkan Air Force 229th Tactical Fighter Squadron. Originally employed as an Osean Federation offensive squadron, they took their final stand for the pride of Belka against the rival Razgriz squadron.

RAZGRIZ SET 04 – (300 Microsoft Points)
This is a 3 airplanes set with the colors from the Razgriz airplane colors from Ace Combat 5. The 3 airplanes included are: F-22A、F-117A、Mirage2000-5

• F-22A Raptor - RAZGRIZ
The heroes of Ace Combat: Squadron Leader, Razgriz Squadron Aircraft. Advanced accident prevention systems, and high durability have been incorporated into the design to ensure the survival of all squadron members. Known as both heroes and demons, the Razgriz Squadron's drive towards victory smashed all who stood before them. When history witnesses a great change, Razgriz reveals itself.

• F-117A Night Hawk – RAZGRIZ
The heroes of Ace Combat: Squadron Leader, Razgriz Squadron Aircraft. Advanced accident prevention systems, and high durability have been incorporated into the design to ensure the survival of all squadron members. Known as both heroes and demons, the Razgriz Squadron's drive towards victory smashed all who stood before them. When history witnesses a great change, Razgriz reveals itself.

• Mirage2000-5 – RAZGRIZ
The heroes of Ace Combat: Squadron Leader, Razgriz Squadron Aircraft. Advanced accident prevention systems, and high durability have been incorporated into the design to ensure the survival of all squadron members. Known as both heroes and demons, the Razgriz Squadron's drive towards victory smashed all who stood before them. When history witnesses a great change, Razgriz reveals itself.

JUNGLE, FLAMINGO SET – (300 Microsoft Points)
This includes the F-14 in green and the A-10A in pink.

• F-14D SuperTomcat - JUNGLE WING
Monotone color, Green Aircraft. A modified sky painting aircraft for shows and exhibitions, this aircraft is equipped with colored smoke missiles. The missile payload has been maximized for show purposes.

• A-10A ThunderBoltⅡ - FLAMINGO WING
Monotone color, Pink Aircraft. A modified sky painting aircraft for shows and exhibitions, this aircraft is equipped with colored smoke missiles. The missile payload has been maximized for show purposes.



THE IDOLMASTER AMI,MAMI SET – (400 Microsoft Points)
This set includes F-16C and the F-2A with some special Idolmaster colors.

• F-16C Fighting Falcon - THE IDOLMASTER MAMI
THE IDOLMASTER, Mami Futami Aircraft. It's time for this fun-loving prankster to strut her stuff! The battle will hinge on your ability to use her wild and mischievous qualities to your advantage!

• F-2A - THE IDOLMASTER AMI
THE IDOLMASTER, Ami Futami Aircraft. It's time for this fun-loving prankster to strut her stuff! The battle will hinge on your ability to use her wild and mischievous qualities to your advantage!

One Million download Race Driver - Grid playable demo

It's not too late to enter the race to win a BMW 3 Series for real – the European Fastest Final Lap Challenge closes at midnight on May 23rd

Race gaming has never been so fierce or closely fought as Codemasters today announced that the Race Driver: GRID playable demo has roared past the one million downloads mark across the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and Games for Windows formats since its launch on May 8th.

For Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 system gamers, racing in the demo has become seriously competitive as the European Fastest Final Lap Challenge reaches its final few days. With a brand new BMW 3 Series car† as the ultimate prize, it’s not too late to join the legions of players on the Jarama circuit and set a personal best in the demo’s Time Trial section.

To be placed amongst Europe’s finest and fastest racers, the time to beat currently stands at just over an incredible 73 seconds – 1:13.63 – with contenders from the U.K., France and Belgium currently amongst the top-ranked drivers. To view the latest and greatest lap times on the leaderboard, visit:
http://community.racedrivergrid.com/win-a-bmw/scoreboard.php.

The Fastest Final Lap Challenge concludes on Friday 23rd May at midnight. The top five ranked players will be invited to the live European playoffs, to be held on Friday 30th May at the zavvi store, Oxford Street, London, and compete head-to-head to win the BMW 3 Series as part of Race Driver: GRID’s European launch day celebrations. Further details and full terms and conditions are available from the website.

The Race Driver: GRID demo is now available to download from Xbox LIVE Marketplace and PLAYSTATION Network with the Games For Windows demo available from http://community.racedrivergrid.com/. The Fastest Final Lap Challenge is exclusive to the console editions of the demo.

Taking players to dramatic and beautifully realised race locations over three continents to compete in an exhilarating variety of racing events, Race Driver: GRID is set to launch May 30th across Europe/PAL regions for the Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3 system and Games for Windows with a Nintendo DS edition to follow.

Dragon Quest on Nintendo DS in Europe

DRAGON QUEST - The Chapters of the Chosen, DRAGON QUEST - The Hand of the Heavenly Bride and DRAGON QUEST - Realms of Reverie are coming to Europe and PAL territories. The trilogy begins this September with the release of DRAGON QUEST - The Chapters of the Chosen exclusively on the Nintendo DS system.


Get ready to journey through the lands, seas and skies of the vibrant DRAGON QUEST world with a trilogy of updates that bring three classic tales exclusively to Nintendo DS. With 3D graphics, newly animated monsters and dual screen presentation, the series that has shipped over 43 million units to date promises to captivate an entirely new generation of players, as well as treat long-time fans to three beloved adventures.


The trilogy begins with DRAGON QUEST: The Chapters of the Chosen, an exciting new update of the classic NES title DRAGON QUEST IV. The forthcoming trilogy, not only represents an opportunity to now play the titles on the Nintendo DS, but it is the first time these classic titles have been released in Europe.

John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Ltd. comments, "DRAGON QUEST: The Chapters of the Chosen is another excellent addition to the beloved DRAGON QUEST series. I hope that game players throughout Europe will enjoy the humour and excitement and look forward to future adventures with DRAGON QUEST: The Hand of the Heavenly Bride and DRAGON QUEST: Realms of Reverie."


About DRAGON QUEST: The Chapters of the Chosen

Enjoy a unique storyline split between five distinct chapters as you accompany a host of heroes in a colourful world filled with memorable monsters and secret treasure. DRAGON QUEST: The Chapters of the Chosen receives a complete audio/visual overhaul that breathes new life into this classic adventure with advanced 3D graphics and DS Wireless Communications.

Story

DRAGON QUEST: The Chapters of the Chosen is made up of five chapters, each chapter introducing new and unique characters to the tale. As the player, you will experience the story along with these characters, unfolding a vast and epic adventure as you go.

Chapter 1: Ragnar McRyan and the Case of the Missing Children
Once upon a time, in the far away kingdom of Burland, the Royal Knight Ragnar Mc Ryan was ordered by the King to investigate kidnappings that had been troubling the kingdom. Did he manage to solve the mystery? There's only one way to find out...

Chapter 2: Alena and the Journey to the Tourney
Alena, precocious Tsarevna of Zamoksva, was a curious child whose skill in combat marked her as something of a tomboy. She was forever causing trouble for her father, the Tsar, and his retainers. But one day, she finally managed to escape the confines of the castle...

Chapter 3: Torneko and the Extravagant Excavation
Torneko Taloon was an apprentice merchant who was blessed with a lovely wife and son. He passed his days in peaceful obscurity-until he decided to set off and fulfil his dream of becoming the greatest merchant in the world...

Chapter 4: Meena and Maya and the Mahabala Mystery
Maya, a beautiful dancer, and Meena, her fortune-teller sister, set out on their travels to exact revenge on the murderer of their father, a world-renowned alchemist who was killed several years earlier. Did the sisters ever locate their father's mysterious assassin? Play on to find out...

Chapter 5: The Chosen
Once there was a small village that stood quietly in the deepest corner of the mountains. You, the hero, lived there with your doting parents, and passed endless happy days with your best friend Eliza. But one day everything changed, and your fate was altered forever...

Features

- The first appearance of a classic DRAGON QUEST adventure in Europe!
- Unique storyline of five main chapters each introducing new characters. Continue the story to unfold an epic and vast adventure!
- A vast, beautiful and colourful world to explore - with even more colourful characters to meet, monsters to battle and secret treasures to find!
- A complete audio/visual overhaul breathes new life into a classic with advanced 3D graphics and an arranged orchestral score.
- Use DS Wireless Communications to welcome pioneers met through chance encounters in the real world, transforming a tiny town into a metropolis!

Rock Band lets the good times roll with the Cars' classic 1978 self-titled debut album

Harmonix and MTV Games announced today their second complete album addition to the Rock Band downloadable content catalog: The Cars’ 1978 self-titled debut, which will be available Tuesday, May 27.

Hailed by Rolling Stone as one of the 500 greatest albums of all time, The Cars was released 30 years ago this month by Elektra Records and spawned new wave classic hits such as "Good Times Roll," “My Best Friend's Girl,” “Just What I Needed," “You're All I've Got Tonight” and pop-culture’s favorite bikini-top-removing theme song "Moving in Stereo."

Each track will be available for $1.99 per track (160 Microsoft Points for Xbox 360) or $14.99 (1200 Microsoft Points for Xbox 360) for the album.

Release date: Tuesday, May 27, 2008 (Xbox LIVE Marketplace)

Thursday, May 29, 2008 (PLAYSTATION Store)

Tracks: The Cars The Cars album

1. "Good Times Roll"
   
2. "My Best Friend's Girl"
   
3. "Just What I Needed"
   
4. "I'm in Touch with Your World"
   
5. "Don't Cha Stop"
   
6. "You're All I've Got Tonight"
   
7. "Bye Bye Love"
   
8. "Moving in Stereo"
   
9. "All Mixed Up”
   

(All nine tracks utilize the original master recordings)

Price: $14.99 (1200 Microsoft Points for Xbox 360) for the Album

or

$1.99 (160 Microsoft Points for Xbox 360) per track

Locations: Xbox LIVE Marketplace and PLAYSTATION Network

Asterix at the Olympic games' coming to Xbox 360

Coming Summer 2008, New Fifth Platform for Video Game of the Film Boasts HD Graphics, Featuring Unique Blend of Live Action, CGI and Gameplay Animation

Atari today announced details of the forthcoming video game Asterix at the Olympic Games for Xbox 360. Scheduled for release this summer, Asterix at the Olympic Games revolutionises the world of Asterix by bringing it to a next-generation console for the very first time with impressively detailed and vibrant High Definition graphics and multiplayer action. The game of the highly successful feature film of the same name, Asterix at the Olympic Games blends live action elements from the film with high quality computer generated and video game animation to deliver fans an extraordinary and unique Asterix experience in HD. The game is currently available on PlayStation 2, Nintendo DS, Wii and PC, with the Xbox 360 version scheduled for release this summer 2008.

Developed by Etranges Libellules in close collaboration with Asterix licensor Les Editions Albert René and film production company La Petite Reine, the game follows Asterix, Obelix and their devoted druid Getafix as they travel to Olympia to help their love-sick friend Lovestorix win the heart of the Grecian Princess Irina and stop mighty Brutus from destroying the world. Success at the games is the only guarantee of putting an end to Brutus’ evil ways. This original story takes a parallel course to the film and comic book series, and the new multiplayer feature allows friends to enjoy our Gallic heroes’ hilarious, action-packed road to victory together.

In Asterix at the Olympic Games, players can choose from two playable characters, Asterix and Obelix, and switch between them throughout a series of escapades, including physical challenges and brainy problem-solving. The “adventure mode” plays out the love story involving Brutus, Lovestorix and the Grecian Princess Irina, whilst the “antique mode” offers players the chance to compete in over ten disciplines as 12 playable characters, notably a host of our friends from Gaul and athletes from countries of olden times. The more sardonic player could even choose to play as Brutus. There is of course a hearty dose of Roman bashing too. Tutorial videos and excerpts from the feature film appear throughout the game to bring the world of Asterix to life.

Over 14.6 million people across Europe have seen the feature film Asterix at the Olympic Games at the cinema, a success which has been shared with the versions of the game already launched. The advanced and enhanced Xbox 360 version of Asterix at the Olympic Games will be released in the same period as the feature film’s DVD launch to make sure fans can enjoy the full Asterix experience.

The DVD of the live action feature film is scheduled for release across Europe this summer. Asterix at the Olympic Games for PlayStation®2, Nintendo DS™, Wii and PC is available in stores now with the Xbox 360 game scheduled for release across Europe this coming summer.

AGP Tour - First Person Shooter (FPS) 1v1 action in ways never before seen

Vida, LLC, announced today the Association of Gaming Professionals (AGP) and the AGP Tour™ on their official site.

The AGP Tour will be presenting First Person Shooter (FPS) 1v1 action in ways never before seen. The prime focus of each production will be on the professional player and the action of the game in a made for TV environment, with the ability to stream each match online via the official site. Each match will have full in game statistics available to the viewer, player interviews, live commentating, and “…many surprises”, says Jarod Reisin, President and founder of the AGP Tour. “FPS 1v1 has all of the action, skill, and excitement of a true sport. We are going to celebrate it and its players with their established celebrity and fan bases by presenting their long and diverse histories and the intense drama and amazing skill these games provide. Finally the time has come where all of the communities can unite and FPS 1v1 fans around the world can watch their favorite games and players fight it out at the highest level of competition”.

Beginning in 2009, the AGP Tour will be hosting four international tournaments, called the AGP Majors. Held every three months, each Major will feature one FPS 1v1 game. Following each Major, a new game season will begin based on another 1v1 FPS title. The games chosen for the 2009 seasons are as follows (in no particular order):

Quake 4
Quake 3 or potentially Quake Live
Warsow
Unreal Tournament 3

In working through the Association, the players will be able to vote in new FPS 1v1 games to the Tour to replace another, allowing evolution and continual growth as this sport ever changes with new game releases.

Subsequently, the AGP Tour is working with other organizers to house the AGP Elitist Series. These tournaments will take place within each game’s seasons and are second in prize purse and ranking points to the Majors. The AGP Tour is hoping to have as many as two tournaments per season in addition to the four Majors, for a combined total of twelve professional tournaments each year.

The AGP Rankings are based around accumulated points throughout the season.

Players will qualify to attend tournaments based on their rankings and point totals throughout the season. Amateur tournaments will be available as well, called the AGP Circuits.
The AGP Circuits will be for all players with a certain rank or lower. Each tournament will have a prize purse and give ranking points for the player that is chasing the dream of becoming a pro level player and participating in the Majors and Elitist Series.
With the growing limitations of professional E-Sports, the AGP Tour is hoping to give the gaming communities what they have always wanted in a very professional, pre-existing sport that has thrived for over ten years.

Reisin adds, “In light of the more recent decisions of other leagues and tournaments, I heavily feel that the gaming communities deserve what has recently been ignored, the FPS 1v1 genre. Through their support we will thrive and take pro gaming to that next level through a structured skill hierarchy, top notch presentation of every match, and heavy focus on each player. We plan on showcasing everything a professional sport needs to survive and succeed, for the players, for the communities and for the viewers. I am very excited and hope everyone is ready for FPS 1v1 to station itself as the premiere E-Sport”.

The Association of Gaming Professionals itself will be announcing details concerning its cause and goals shortly.

Vida LLC is based out of Kansas City, MO. The company’s goal in the video gaming world is to give the serious sport of professional gaming the proper attention and treatment it deserves for the fans and players alike. Beginning with the AGP and the AGP Tour, Vida LLC is hoping to become your primary source of professional gaming entertainment and representation worldwide.

Izuna 2 - The Unemployed Ninja Returns on Nintendo DS - Fact Sheet

1. Izuna:
Yep, that’s me! I am such a sexy kunoichi. Look at my deep green eyes, my full bodied figure and- Oh, you wanted to hear about my personality? Well, I’m the main character of this little show. People say I’m lazy, self-centered, and that I have no common sense. You know what though? They’re just jealous of my star power.



2. Gen-An:
We call him “Grandboss,” because he’s pretty much our boss and our only family. In fact, we’d follow him to the end of the world in search of a place where he can settle down. Last time... that didn’t work out so well, but we’ll keep looking. I know you’re tired Grandboss, don’t worry...

11. Shino:
This is my best friend, Shino. I call her Shino-Sis, because she treats me more like a younger sister than a friend. But she actually has a real sister who got separated from her a long time ago. Even though her expression doesn’t change much, she burns with fiery passion on the inside. I’m sure of it!

12. Mitsumoto:
Oh... him. He’s the guy who vowed his allegiance to us, making him our eternal servant. He totally thinks he’s awesome, and he’s always trying to pick up on girls. What a loser. And listen, it’s still MY game, so BACK OFF!

21. Ichika:
She’s a really strong fisherwoman from Suirei who I totally thought would never get married. She’s too buff for her own good, and she’s kind of a tomboy. But apparently she found someone, so...

15. Suiren:
She’s the goddess of Water who just thinks she’s sooo mature! I’ll tell you what she really is though! A brat! A brat with a temper who likes to play tricks on people! Is it obvious we don’t get along?

31. Sakichi:
Ehh, he’s not the best looking guy in the world, and he’s just a simple fisherman from Suirei, but he’s kinda smart, and honest, too. Looks like his love for Ichika paid off...

4. Shuuchi:
He’s the god of Earth, and he’s way into honor and following Bushido, the code of the warrior. Whatever floats his boat. Even though he won’t admit it, he’s totally my biggest fan. Isn’t that right, you big Earth god, you!?


5. Fuuka:
The goddess of Wind. She’s always so calm and kind. Even to me, and that’s really something. People say she’s got a violent side, but they must be mistaking her for someone else. I think...

14. Kagen:
If he had half as much brains as he did brawn... Well, he’s the god of Fire, and he’s... compassionate and emotional, but... simple. Very, very simple.