International Track and Field on Nintendo DS from Konami

Released on June 20th, New International Track and Field celebrates 25 years of the arcade classic and retains the ultra competitive multiplayer game play that made the original such a success. Utilising the handheld’s touch-screen and stylus, 24 athletic events await, spanning the 100m sprint, high jump, long jump, through to archery and skeet shooting, pole vaulting, javelin and rowing, amongst many others.



With competition at the heart of New International Track and Field, the European developed game offers a stunning online element that throws it open to players all over the globe. Using the Nintendo DS Wi-Fi connection, players can link into a server that constantly updates the World Records as and when they are broken. Global high scores and world rankings are instantly logged and players are kept updated via an innovative News Feed service and regular messaging. Likewise, it is also possible for friends to send predefined messages to each other, ranging from congratulations to taunts when a record is smashed!



The online service is further extended with players unlocking new characters by registering on the official site www.newtrackandfield.com, while Community Trophies and various rewards are detailed to visitors of the site. Similarly, New International Track and Field also allows up to four players anywhere in the world to get together and compete. Players in Europe, Japan, Korea and the US can find each other in lobby areas, and take each other on in real time – an absolute first for any DS title.



Konami has also announced it is to host a series of official local and worldwide tournaments after the game’s launch. Shortly after release, visitors to the official site will be invited to compete in the Konami Cup with their results used to determine the world’s greatest DS athletes and great prizes up for grabs. Full details of these will be confirmed shortly.

Pro Cycling Manager - Tour De France 2008 - 2nd trailer online

Track Racing gameplay revealed

Pro Cycling Manager – Tour De France 2008 is the latest version of the popular racing management game for PC and PSP. Ascaron and 93 Games have released a second official trailer showcasing the track racing mode, one of the game’s many new features.

Watch the trailer here
http://www.cycling-manager.com/pcm2008/trailer2/



Track cycling offers a different type of gameplay to the other classic and stage races, allowing you to control and experience the intensity of the race as a single rider, rather than as a whole team.

You are required to manage a cycling team, handling finances, training and press relations. A new characteristic editor tool can be used to customise individual rider traits, such as names, nationalities and future potential, ensuring that your team is built the way you want it. A new scout recruitment system will search all over the world for potential talented riders, tracking their race results to ensure you don’t miss out on signing the next big star.

These new features, combined with engaging gameplay, ensure that Pro Cycling Manager – Tour de France 2008 is a highly realistic professional cycling experience.

Visit http://www.cycling-manager.com for more information.



Fast facts:

Publisher: Ascaron Entertainment / 93GAMES
Web: www.ascaron.com / www.cycling-manager.com
Developer: Cyanide
Release date: 27th June 2008
PEGI: 3+
Format: PC / PSP
Genre: Management / Racing

Multiplayer server application released for Ship Simulator 2008

Multiplayer server application for their successful simulation hit, Ship Simulator 2008. The application provides all Ship Simulator 2008 players the ability to create their own stand-alone multiplayer servers. The multiplayer server application is English, but compatible with all available language versions of Ship Simulator 2008.

Furthermore the application is suitable for players with Ship Simulator 2008 and the official add-on Ship Simulator 2008: New Horizons. This highly realistic simulator puts players at the helm of some of the World’s most varied and detailed ships found at sea, allowing them to explore accurately recreated environments. Ship Simulator is available in 20 countries and 7 languages.

To download the multiplayer server application, visit: www.lighthouse-interactive.com

To find out more about Ship Simulator 2008 and to keep up with the latest news, visit: www.lighthouse-interactive.com and www.shipsim.com.



GAME SUMMARY

With the growing number of Ship Simulator users worldwide, VSTEP is continuously adding new content and features. In Ship Simulator 2008, players will perform a multitude of tasks, all set within stunning 3D environments. They will take control of a wide array of vessels – from massive cargo ships and ferries, to speedboats, yachts, water taxis, personal watercrafts, and even the mighty Titanic. The waters you sail are as varied as the ships, including the harbors of New York, the Thai Phi Phi Islands, Rotterdam and Hamburg, plus three newly added harbours Southampton, Marseilles and San Francisco.



Ship Simulator 2008 incredibly recreates real-world locations from around the globe and presents players with the challenges of commanding the vessel of their choice on the open sea.

Tomb of Theos dungeon update for Last Chaos video game launched

Last Chaos, the first title of Aeria Games is prepared to pour out one of its most innovative and latest content updates, the Tomb of Theos.

The Tomb of Theos is a dungeon for level 75-plus players who will have the chance to control entry into the dungeon. The controls of the dungeon are placed squarely into the hands of the master of the guild that owns the dungeon.

In order for a guild to have ownership of the dungeon, the guild must go through the dungeon and secure a crystal, but with certain circumstances. The guilds have only two hours to secure the crystal, and at the end of those two hours the guild who has last secured it will win the dungeon.

“The competition for the dungeon will be fierce,” said Tim Adams, associate producer of Last Chaos. Once the dungeon is secured by the winning guild, a system comes into play that allows the guild to have complete control over the dungeon. The guild has the ability to change the condition in the dungeon from the pollution factor and monster difficulty.

“The owner can increase the damage in 10 percent increments, up to 100 percent effectively doubling the amount of damage players do while inside the dungeon,” Adams said.

In order for guilds to enter the dungeon siege, a fee is imposed by the guild who owns the dungeon, while at the same time they can also impose a tax on all the gold the enemies drop. A guild can earn up to 20 percent of all the gold dropped.

“Overall, owning the castle is a big financial gain for any guild, and is also a symbol of their power on any given server,” Adams said.

Guilds will have the chance to gain ownership of the dungeon once a week but with new obstacles. Once a guild has ownership, they can construct small obstacles for guilds returning that will remain in the dungeon even when the guild loses ownership.

With the new dungeon system implemented, players have a whole new arena of game ahead of them every week in order to have control of one of the most difficult areas in Last Chaos.

“Since the Last Chaos community is so closely knit, every action by guilds on each server is felt by all the players,” Adams said. “At first it may be the most powerful guild who owns the castle, but I wouldn’t be surprised if there are rebellions amongst the players, and guild wars to follow.”

Limited edition Crisis Core - Final Fantasy VII - PSP (PlayStationPortable) bundle

Includes CRISIS CORE
FINAL FANTASY VII
- and engraved silver PSP

CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII, PSP bundle, available on 20th June 2008, priced at 189.99 Euros. The chain of events which set the epic adventure of FINAL FANTASY into motion is revealed this summer with the release of CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- a prequel to FINAL FANTASY VII, the biggest selling FINAL FANTASY of all time. The eagerly-anticipated game will be available for the European market, in a special PSP (PlayStationPortable) bundle coinciding with the game’s release and will include a limited edition, CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- engraved silver PSP and a copy of the game.

As one of the greatest franchises in gaming history, the arrival of CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- on PSP makes this the perfect time for all RPG fans and adventure gamers to pick up the handheld system. A must-have title, the only way to complete this chapter in FINAL FANTASY history is on PSP and this bundle offers the opportunity for gamers to take another step into one of the best loved game worlds in history. CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- also makes the most of the power of PSP, with stunning graphics and CG cut-scenes, state-of-the-art voice acting and widescreen presentation.

Developed by Square Enix Co., Ltd., CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- ups the action from previous FINAL FANTASY titles with an all-new dynamic battle system with real-time action, while retaining the immersive storytelling expected from a game with such heritage.

Now it is your chance to discover the events leading up to the destruction of the metropolis of Midgar and the downfall of the ruthless Shinra Corporation. Following the story of young Shinra solider Zack Fair, CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- revisits a classic world populated by celebrated characters including the heroic Cloud Strife, tragic Aerith Gainsborough and the villainous Sephiroth.

Return to this unforgettable tale once more with the special PSP and CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- bundle, on 20th June 2008.

New Apple 3G iPhone games announced at Apple Keynote speach

Apple announced their expected 3G version of the iPhone and showed some of the games in development for the iPhone.

SEGA are developing Super Monkey Ball which uses the motion sensor built into the iPhone to control the game, other games use the same function to control driving and RPG games.

You can watch the Keynote presentation here Fast forward to 22minutes to the start of the demos.

Look out for 'Band' great software for creating music on your iPhone.

Father's Day celebrated in The Lord of the Rings Online

Codemasters Online invite players to Celebrate Father's Day together in Middle-earth.

Fathers from across the UK are invited to celebrate this year’s Father’s Day in virtual style by taking part in the Father’s Day celebrations set to take place across Middle-earth in The Lord of the Rings Online.

Taking place on June 15th, Codemasters Online will be running a series of in-game Father’s Day events designed to celebrate this special occasion including father and sons fishing, music and fireworks as well as ad hoc competitions and challenges taking place throughout the day. Fathers are invited to attend these events with their sons and daughters and take part in the online festivities with the thousands of other players in Middle-earth.

"What better way to celebrate Father’s Day than spend it with your loved ones in the greatest fantasy world ever created?" said David Solari Vice President of Codemasters Online. "We invite fathers to come and enjoy the festivities that will we be running all day to mark this special occasion.”

The celebrations are open to both existing and new players to The Lord of the Rings Online. New players can download the free trial now at www.trylotro.com to take part in the day’s festivities.

For more information on the Father’s Day celebrations visit the game’s official European community portal www.lotro-europe.com

Soul Bubbles creative game on Nintendo DS

SOUL BUBBLES, the new phenomenon for the Nintendo DS, is set to release across Europe on Friday, 13th June.

In Soul Bubbles, the player takes the role of a young shaman apprentice who is tasked with saving lost ‘souls’ and guiding them to safety. He must safeguard these fragile beings by placing them in protective bubbles so he can transport them through a series of increasingly treacherous and hostile worlds.

As the shaman, use your stylus to draw the bubbles, then deflate, cut or join them to other bubbles to navigate through each environment. You must fill bubbles with water or gas, escape traps, extinguish fires and avoid all the sticky or dangerous surfaces that will slow the bubbles down.

“Soul Bubbles is an extremely creative and unique title which really pushes the physics capabilities of the Nintendo DS,” said Lou Fawcett, Head of Casual Games at Eidos. “The reaction from the press so far has been incredible and we’re hoping the public are going to love Soul Bubbles every bit as much as we do.”

Soul Bubbles features 8 unique worlds, each with its own visual style and gameplay challenges, and over 40 levels to play through on your journey to becoming a true spirit herder.

The Conduit FPS coming to Nintendo Wii Exclusive

The Conduit, a stunning first-person action shooter that promises to provide some of the best visuals seen to date on Nintendo's Wii gaming console, for early 2009 release.

Using their proprietary Quantum 3 Game Engine technology, the team at High Voltage Software is fusing fast and fluid gameplay with an advanced set of visuals intended to squarely establish the Wii as a true next-generation gaming platform. The first-person shooter boasts a competitive online multiplayer component and a thrilling single-player campaign. Advanced graphical features include dynamic environment mapping, interactive water with real-time reflection, and four-stage texture composition including gloss, diffuse, and bump mapping.

"Too many Wii owners have been told that the Wii is a casual platform with no room for serious games or top-tier graphics," said Eric Nofsinger, Chief Creative Officer at High Voltage Software. "With The Conduit, we intend to prove that theory wrong by providing gamers with the kind of title they imagined back when the platform was first announced."

Featuring terrifying alien creatures, an advanced Artificial Intelligence System, and a rich, conspiracy-laden story, The Conduit has more than a pretty face. "The Wii has tremendous potential," said Kerry J. Ganofsky, CEO and founder of High Voltage Software. "We've invested heavily in our technology to make certain that potential is realized with The Conduit."

The Conduit's control scheme was carefully designed from the ground up with the Wii in mind, as were each of the weapons in the extensive armory, providing gameplay not possible on other platforms. As Secret Service Agent Ford, you must learn to master each of these weapons as well as the special "All Seeing Eye" device to defeat enemies, solve puzzles, and unravel the game's mysteries.

"Conduit was especially designed for the Nintendo Wii" states Matt Corso, Creative Director at High Voltage Software. "From the weapons to armory and graphics, we tailored everything to the Wii which sets this game play apart from anything else on the market right now."

Publisher excitement and interest in The Conduit has been overwhelming. High Voltage Software will continue to search for the perfect partner to ensure The Conduit’s success.

The Conduit is tentatively scheduled for release early 2009 exclusively for the Nintendo Wii.

'Spider-Man - Web of Shadows' Preview [Screenshots]

New Spidey game developer Shaba Games believes that their fall-launching Spider-Man: Web of Shadows will be that break.

The team's solution to the game series' stagnation largely consists of implementing tricks they've learned in the company's previous 11 years of development.

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