Guitar Hero III mobile game heads for one million downloads

Guitar Hero III Mobile was the number one selling mobile game on Verizon Wireless phones in the first quarter of 2008. Initially released exclusively by Verizon Wireless, Guitar Hero III Mobile is striking a chord with fans all over the world, shattering mobile game records with nearly 1 million downloads, including monthly subscriptions, across all wireless service providers.

Ryan Hughes, vice president of digital media programming for Verizon, said, "Verizon Wireless customers have shown a tremendous appetite for mobile games - the category is an important part of our strategy to increase data revenue, and marquee titles such as Guitar Hero III help create demand and engage our customers in mobile gameplay."

Guitar Hero III Mobile has become one of the fastest selling games in mobile gaming history. More than 250,000 songs are played every day by mobile subscribers across the U.S. The most played songs include "Slow Ride" (re-record), "Mississippi Queen" (re-record) and "Black Magic Woman" (re-record).

"Fans of the Guitar Hero console games have been very impressed with the title's translation onto BREW handsets," said David White, chief executive officer of Hands-On Mobile. "Guitar Hero III Mobile has opened the eyes of a whole new group of consumers to the world of mobile games."

Mobile research firm M:Metrics said that consumer demand for mobile games in the U.S. has yet to reach its peak, but as it has seen from the demand for Guitar Hero III Mobile since its launch, this title is clearly a game changer. "Guitar Hero is a recognizable franchise that has already won over consumers with the console version, setting it up for great success on the mobile platform," said Seamus McAteer, senior analyst, M:Metrics. The firm reports that the number of people downloading a mobile game continues to grow, with 20 million playing a downloaded game in March.

In addition, Hands-On Mobile announced the Guitar Hero III Mobile June Song Pack, a feature that offers subscribers the opportunity to download three new songs every month. Songs available to wireless users on June 1 include "Stricken" (original recording), "Talk Dirty to Me" (re-record) and "Rock and Roll All Nite" (re-record). Through the Song Pack downloads, players will be able to access more than 50 songs and 150 unique note charts across all three difficulties (easy, medium and expert) within one year of the game's release.

Featuring four authentic guitars and three venues, Guitar Hero III Mobile challenges players to hit number keys in synch with colored notes that appear on a scrolling fret board. The game offers 15 instantly accessible tracks taken from the console series.

For more information, please visit www.GuitarHeroMobile.com. Guitar Hero III Mobile may be downloaded by text messaging the keyword GH to 46966. Verizon Wireless customers can check out Guitar Hero III Mobile in the Top Selling Games aisle on Get It Now-capable phones for $4.49 monthly access or $11.99 for unlimited use purchase. Airtime or megabyte charges may apply when browsing, downloading and using the application.

Dracula - Origin PC video game demo released

Download demo for new adventure PC game.

The game puts you in the role of Professor Van Helsing, the renowned vampire hunter on a quest for Dracula. Hunt down history’s most famous vampire, liberating the souls of all those who have crossed his evil path and preventing him from raising the dead.

Dare you play the deadly demo?

In anticipation of Dracula: Origin’s imminent release, Ascaron has announced the availability of a playable demo for the fearsome adventure game.

Discover an enthralling and gruesome tale, as you embark on a mysterious journey of intriguing adventure. Immerse yourself in the bewitching atmosphere that surrounds Dracula and his fellow characters, as you travel through the various gothic locations.

Begin the game as the infamous vampire hunter Professor Van Helsing, who receives a disturbing letter, pre-empting the pursuit of Dracula. Firstly, make sure the beautiful Mina, the object of Dracula’s affection, is safe. Then retrace Dracula’s sinful steps through the heart of London, a city recently terrorised by the Dark Prince.

After solving these initial clues, travel onwards to a ghostly cemetery that lies adjacent to Dracula’s evil lair. As night falls, numerous puzzling mysteries must be solved as you hunt for your prey. But who is really the prey and who is the hunter?

Using conventional Point & Click gameplay, Dracula: Origin is a superb adventure supported by impeccable graphics and a rich storyline taking you to London, Egypt, Austria and, of course, to Transylvania; the famous home of the great vampire. The world, inspired by the celebrated author Bram Stoker, is reproduced through 2D environments and animated 3D characters.

Download the playable demo of Dracula: Origin (606 Mb)


Fast facts:
Publisher: Ascaron Entertainment / 93 Games
Web: www.Ascaron.com / www.Dracula-Origin.com
Developer: Frogware Studio
Release date: 6th June 2008
PEGI: 12+
Format: PC
Genre: Adventure

Pro cycling manager – Tour de France 2008 - new trailer and screenshots released

The first look at in-game footage...

Pro Cycling Manager – Tour De France 2008 is the latest version of the popular racing management game for PC and PSP. To demonstrate the games outstanding graphics engine, Ascaron and 93 Games have released the official trailer and 9 new PC screenshots.

Watch the trailer here

Pro Cycling Manager – Tour de France 2008 features 180 real-time 3D playable races, including the famous Tour de France 2008. The new trailer displays the improved racing graphics, new lighting system, highly detailed environments and incredibly realistic rider models and animations. The trailer also includes footage of professional track cycling, a new type of racing to challenge fans of the series.

Chase the yellow jersey

Become the manager of one of 65 official cycling teams, handling all aspects of a professional season; choosing the team, finding new talent, taking charge of races, organising contracts, scheduling training and looking after finances. A variety of race commands and actions let you take control of your team, implementing winning tactics as you race to victory.

New features, combined with Pro Cycling Manager’s engaging gameplay ensure that Pro Cycling Manager – Tour de France 2008 is a highly realistic and enjoyable professional cycling experience.

New British tanks in Free Sudden Strike 3 Arms for Victory addon

Fireglow Games presents a pack of screenshots showing new British tanks: Sexton, Deacon, Bishop and Archer in the FREE addon for Sudden Strike 3 - Arms for Victory.

Sexton

Deacon

Bishop

Archer

Top Japanese games designers make rare European appearance

Four esteemed video game designers from Japan will make a rare appearance in Europe this summer when they take to the podium at Develop, Europe’s leading conference for the game development community.

Atsushi Ii (Ejun), director, Pyramid Inc. and Junichi Yoshizawa, associate producer, SCE WWS JAPAN Studio will present a fascinating insight into the development of Patapon, widely regarded as not only the best rhythm game ever released but also one of the best PSP(PlayStationPortable) titles ever created. Patapon was developed by Pyramid and produced by SCE JAPAN Studio.

Jun Fujiki, concept, JSPS/Kyushu University and Tatsuya Suzuki, director, SCE WWS JAPAN Studio will also present at Develop, addressing delegates on the uniquely captivating Echochrome video game that launched on PSP and PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3) to critical acclaim earlier this year. A fellow at Kyushu University Faculty of Design, Jun Fujiki is the creator of the Object Locative Environment (OLE) coordinate system, which provided the special engine behind Echochrome.

The Develop Conference and Expo takes place from 29-31 July in Brighton and securing such high-profile Japanese speakers is a major coup for organiser Tandem Events: “We are privileged to welcome Ii-san, Yoshizawa-san, Fujiki-san and Suzuki-san to the Develop Conference and are thrilled that we can offer our delegates the opportunity to be inspired by what can only be described as some of the most creative video games designers on the planet,” said managing director Andy Lane.

The third annual Develop Conference will host more than 90 speakers and 60 sessions moulded around tracks that are key to the world of games development: Audio, Art & Animation, Business, Coding, Game Design, Production and World View.

A full list of confirmed sessions can be found online at www.develop-conference.com. Registration is now open and delegates can apply for Super, Standard, Mobile, Audio and Expo passes for the Develop Conference and Expo online at www.develop-conference.com. Discounts are available on all passes purchased before 1 July 2008.

The expo pass is free of charge – please register online.

How Guitar Hero Works on the DS [Video]

A look at how Guitar Hero works on DS.

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Enemy territory - Quake Wars on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360

The alien invasion has begun with Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars published by Activision for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system has shipped to retail stores nationwide. Set in the year 2065, Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars pits the armies of Earth’s Global Defense Force (GDF) against the invading alien menace, the Strogg, in an all-out struggle for the fate of the planet. Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars is slated to arrive on European store shelves on May 30, 2008, Australian store shelves on June 4 2008.

"Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars raises the bar for next-gen console games with its variety and intense combat," said Kevin Cloud, Executive Producer, id Software. “Whether you’re playing online with fifteen friends, or playing a single-player campaign against amazing AI, Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars delivers a new level of team play and combat strategy to the PS3 and 360.”

Set within the expansive QUAKE universe in the year 2065, Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars is the ultimate team and mission-based multiplayer warfare game offering console gamers distinct classes, vehicles and weapons to choose from, giving players countless ways to join the battle. Players work as a team to defeat the enemy and achieve objectives either online against other players or battle offline with surprisingly lifelike AI. Across multi-mission campaigns, players earn experience and promotions while stats are recorded globally for players to track their rank and prestige in the community at www.enemyterritory.com.

Based on the critically-acclaimed game from id Software and Splash Damage for Windows PC that has received over eighty awards and nominations, Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars was developed for the Xbox 360 by Nerve Software.

Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars has been rated “15” by the BBFC.

Simcity creator from the sims label for the Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS

Create, Enjoy, Destroy Amazing Cities On The Wii; Develop Your City From Ancient Times To The Modern Day On The Nintendo DS

First details for SimCity Creator, exclusively for the Wii and Nintendo DS. SimCity Creator is an open-ended, highly creative game with a sense of humor that allows players to utilize the distinctive gameplay aspects of the Wii and Nintendo DS to create, enjoy and destroy epic cities. The most accessible and light-hearted game from the SimCity franchise, SimCity Creator will ship on September 22, 2008 in North America and on September 19, 2008 in Europe and Asia-Pacific regions. SimCity Creator is designed to be a city-game experience for families and players of all ages!

SimCity Creator for the Wii
Be a powerful mayor - create, enjoy and destroy your ultimate city. Start by zoning your city, constructing homes, businesses, factories, skyscrapers, freeways, railroads, and much more. SimCity Creator is a visually exciting experience with a completely new user interface, designed specifically for the Wii and the Wii remote. You’ll discover many ways to customize your city, including 13 city styles to explore, such as American, European and Asian themes. More city styles will be revealed, so stay tuned for more information!

You can also place a selection of more than 30 “Hero” buildings into your city to make it distinctive and momentous. Some of these iconic buildings are based on the current day, some on history and some on fantasy. The more city styles you explore, the more Hero building options you have.


For the first time, take the liberty to build transportation systems with free placement of rounded and curved roads and rail lines, taking your city to new creative and curvy heights. And get a new perspective on your cityscape from a helicopter, a jet or a propeller plane which you can use to fly over your creation. Check out what you’ve built in your aircraft of choice!

Disasters that players of SimCity always love remain an important and entertaining element in SimCity Creator. Using the Wii remote you can create earthquakes, tornados, call in destructive robots and monsters, create fires and discover many more ways to cause havoc. You created it, and now you can destroy it. With hours of fun and replayability, the fate of your city and its citizens are in your hands!

SimCity Creator for Nintendo DS
Guide your city from ancient times into the future with SimCity Creator for Nintendo DS. Evolve your city through time, starting with ancient times, the middle ages, modern times, present day and the future. Four play modes are available, Challenge, Free Play, Chance Encounter and Gallery, giving options to make the game as challenging or as creative as you want. Earn epic landmarks along the way to enhance your city and mark your progress into the next era. Choose your path through history and make a city for the ages.

“SimCity Creator for the Wii and Nintendo DS brings two separate, delightful new ways to create, enjoy and destroy your own cities,” said Rod Humble, Head of Studio for The Sims Label. “On the Wii, for the first time in the SimCity franchise, you will have the ability to build curved roads and differently shaped zones allowing you to make more authentic places all utilizing the motions of the Wii remote. Employing the new city advisor system, you will be able to make the game as complex or simple as you want. On Nintendo DS, we will give you the ability to make a city develop through time and to overcome the different challenges each era of urban development presents. I know both long-time and new SimCity players will enjoy these innovative experiences in SimCity Creator starting this September!”

SimCity Creator will be available on the Wii and Nintendo DS on September 22, 2008 in North America and on September 19, 2008 in Europe and Asia-Pacific regions.


Product Specifications
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Platform: Wii/Nintendo DS
Ship Dates: September 22, 2008 in North America; September 19, 2008 in Europe and Asia-Pacific regions
Category: Simulation/Strategy
ESRB Rating: This game has not been rated
PEGI Rating: This game has not been rated

Allen Carr’s Easyway to Stop Smoking with your Nintendo DS

Ubisoft said today it will develop a video game based on the successful Allen Carr’s Easyway to Stop Smoking method. Designed for Nintendo DS, Allen Carr’s Easyway to Stop Smoking is scheduled for release in November 2008.

Published in 50 countries, Allen Carr’s Easyway to Stop Smoking book is an international best seller, and Allen Carr’s Easyway network of clinics spans the globe. Over 10 million smokers worldwide have already turned to Allen Carr’s Easyway books, clinics or DVD in order to stop smoking. The method removes the smoker’s belief that smoking provides them with any genuine pleasure or crutch, takes away the feeling of deprivation and therefore rids the smoker of the fear of stopping. The clinics offer a full money-back guarantee based on which the success rate after 3 months is over 90% and independent scientific studies confirm a success rate of over 50% after 12 months.

Brought to an exciting interactive platform, Nintendo DS, Allen Carr’s Easyway method will take on a whole new dimension. Players will be actively participating in the game’s content as they input the details of their smoking habits and even select their own Allen Carr’s Easyway coach to take them through the process of quitting.

Developed in conjunction with Allen Carr’s top experts, the game echoes the philosophy of Allen Carr’s Easyway method, enabling players to be entertained, challenged and to stop smoking at the same time.

“Ubisoft’s creative team has worked hard to deliver a game that successfully communicates Allen Carr’s Easyway method via play,” said Christian Salomon, vice president of worldwide licensing at Ubisoft. “The player experiences a truly interactive engagement with the game through which he or she learns that it can actually be enjoyable to quit smoking.”

Robin Hayley, managing director of Allen Carr’s Easyway to Stop Smoking, concurs. “There was an amazing synergy between Allen Carr’s Easyway team and Ubisoft as we worked on this project,” he said. “Our experts worked hand in hand with the Ubisoft team to create an entertaining and illuminating game that delivers Allen Carr’s Easyway method in a new, dynamic and highly effective way.”

Play Battlefield Bad Company Before Everyone Else!

In a week, EA will be launching the Battlefield Bad Company demo over Xbox Live and PlayStation Network across the globe. Until then, a lucky few can get in on the action before anyone else. Game Freaks 365 is teaming up with Electronic Arts to disburse free codes to the Battlefield Bad Company demo one week before its launch.

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