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Saturday, June 21, 2008

GyroStarr for Nintendo WiiWare


High Voltage Software Releases Fun 4 Player Sci-Fi Shooter.

exciting new sci-fi shooter scheduled for release via the WiiWare downloadable service on Monday June 23, 2008.

Gyrostarr features fast action gameplay across 50 intense levels as up to four players pilot ships on a futuristic track, shooting enemies, dodging obstacles, and collecting upgrades. The game takes advantage of the company's proprietary Quantum 3 Game Engine technology, which provides advanced graphical capabilities. Gyrostarr's controls were built from the ground up to utilize the motion-sensing capabilities of the Wii™.
"Our original vision for Gyrostarr was to capture the fast-paced twitch style action of coin-op classics, but to infuse superior graphics and game design for the next generation," said Kerry Ganofsky, CEO and Founder of High Voltage Software. "I'm thrilled to say that the team has nailed the mark and exceeded our expectations."
"Aside from the visuals, which are gorgeous, there is a lot about Gyrostarr that players will love," said Eric Nofsinger, Chief Creative Officer of High Voltage Software. "As players develop their skills at the game, they will devise strategies to help them make it through all of the levels. Jumping into the game with four players just makes the experience that much better.”

For additional information about Gyrostarr, visit www.high-voltage.com.

FACT SHEET

Gyrostarr

Format: WiiWare
Launch Date: June 23, 2008
ESRB: E (Everyone)
Game Type: Sci-Fi Shooter
Players: 1-4
Developer: High Voltage Software, Inc.

Key Information

Gyrostarr challenges you and up to three other players to fly through a twisting, turning techno-plasma canal in space, collecting energy to penetrate an alien portal and warp to the next conduit. Without that energy, your space vessels will smash head-first into the unforgiving anti-void. Making your task more challenging, each conduit is patrolled by a variety of vicious enemy spacecraft that want to destroy your ships and feast on your collected energy. You must avoid their attacks and harvest their energy by destroying them first! 50 levels of intense action, powerful pickups, bonus levels, 1-4 player mayhem and a unique & flexible control system make Gyrostarr a killer hardcore arcade title!
• All Tied Up - Up to four-player same-screen arcade action, using any combination of Wii Remotes™ or Nunchuks™, using motion control or non-motion control – user choice.
• High Treason – Multiplayer mode is competitive and cooperative.
• The Elf Shot the Food – Irritate other players by “juggling” powerups so they can’t be claimed.
• The Spy who Snagged It – Grab pickups from far ahead, or snare them before another player can – with the Grapple Shot.
• Super-sized – 50 levels of procedurally generated space-track tucked into less than 40 MB.
• Lay Waste – Destructive smart bombs, impenetrable shields, and electrifying weapon powerups keep the explosions coming.
• All Your Base – Variety in tactics, defenses, and special abilities makes our multiple enemy types a strategic challenge.
• Stat Heads – Score Multipliers accumulate when players deftly avoid enemy fire, and bonuses for accomplishing intra-level achievements.


How to progress through the game: Gyrostarr is a high-action twitch shooter with a science fiction setting. Players must destroy enemy ships and collect dropped energy to increase their reserves enough to power the warp gate. Only if enough energy is collected will the warp gate activate, and players can proceed to the next level. If players earn enough extra energy, they can also advance to a bonus level where they can collect even more energy, giving them a chance to build up some excess before the start of the next level.

Special Powerups: Players can collect powerups dropped by enemies to increase their firepower or defenses. Firepower bonuses include triple-shot, tesla-shot, lightning-shot, and charged-shot. Defensive bonuses include an indestructible shield, and a slow-enemies power.

Grapple Gun: This handy gadget allows the player to grab & retrieve pickups from the track ahead of them, giving them weapons more quickly, or allowing them to snare one, while moving to the side to grab a second.

Multiplayer Features: When playing together, players need to cooperate if they want to successfully complete the level, but that doesn’t mean they can’t try to doublecross each other to get choice weapons, increase their score, or just irritate!

The ship positions are staggered down the track, but when one player collects a pickup, his ship moves to the back of the pack, ensuring that everyone has a chance to be in the lead and grab the next one.
Coordinated players can gain the use of a powerful weapon; the Charged Shot. If two ships are lined up on the track, the basic shot type of each becomes “charged.”
Catering to antagonistic players, all the pickups can be targeted, causing them to bounce to the side, and down the track, allowing players in the back of the pack a chance to make life miserable for those in the front. Or they can simply try to grapple the best pickups before the lead player has a chance…

Prince of Persia, PlayStation 3 and Ubisoft...What no Xbox?


There's no doubt that Prince of Persia is one of the most promising titles of the year; it has received a complete overhaul for the new generation so we're expecting something entirely fresh and new.

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Hudson And GameStop To Host Deca Sports Wii Tournament in San Jose, CA


Popular Icon, And Special Guest, "Master Higgins" Will Make His First U.S. Public Appearance in Nearly 20 Years.

A post-launch tournament for the recently launched DECA SPORTS for Wii™ will be held at GameStop’s Tournament Store in San Jose, on 3600 Stevens Creek Blvd. Saturday, June 28 from noon to 3 p.m. As part of the special event, Hudson Soft’s popular games master and all-around character, Takahashi Meijin (Master Higgins), will make his first appearance in the U.S. since 1990.



Three separate tournaments for DECA SPORTS will be held between the hours of noon and 3 p.m. on June 28. Participants will compete for prizes, Hudson Entertainment games and more. Master Higgins will also be on-hand as a special guest and will be giving advice on the game. To sign up for the tournament players need only arrive early to register for tournaments at 12pm, 1pm, or 2pm. Registration and participation are on a first-come, first-registered basis.


Born in Sapporo, Hokkaido Japan in 1959, Toshiyuki Takahashi joined Hudson Soft in Japan in 1982 and was officially appointed “Master” by Hudson in 2006. Meijin became Hudson Entertainment’s most beloved and well-known employee in the 1980’s when the Adventure Island series’ character “Master Higgins” was created based on the real-life Meijin. 

The character, a square-jawed man who wears only a red baseball cap with the Hudson Soft trademark bee and a Hawaiian-style grass skirt and rescues his mate from aliens, sorcerers, witch doctors and much more went on to star in multiple sequels and has become a legend in classic gaming circles. Master Higgins occasionally makes appearances throughout Japan and also maintains a popular blog www.16shot.jp, but has not made an appearance in the U.S. for almost 20 years. He will be here supporting the recently released Wii title, DECA SPORTS.



DECA SPORTS offers an immersive experience for players of any age, motivating them to get off of the couch and up on their feet for hours of entertainment. Featuring 10 sporting activities which support both single and multiplayer modes, the sports include beach volleyball, snowboard cross, badminton, basketball, curling, figure skating, archery, supercross, soccer and kart racing. 

Up to 4 players can compete on one system and in several events, co-op on the same team. Single player modes include Open Match, Tournament (one sport competition between eight teams), Deca League (ten sport decathlon between eight teams) and Deca League (time/point based challenge mode). Team and player management is an important aspect of the game as certain players are better at certain sports. In the Deca League mode gamers must maneuver their players through ten sports as well as manage their fatigue levels through the competition. Awards are also a big part of the game, as the Locker Room feature allows players to keep track of their medals and trophies.

Chronicles of Narnia - Prince Caspian now on PC


The Chronicles of Narnia - Prince Caspian is the new game for PC by Avanquest Software. The new game allows players to explore Narnia, travelling beyond the enchanted world as seen in the blockbuster movie to be released on June 27.

Prince Caspian, the rightful heir to the throne of Narnia, meets with Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter Pevensie, 1,300 Narnian years after the adventure of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. Since their last adventure, Narnia has changed into a darker, more savage land, where its inhabitants hide from the rule of Prince Caspian’s murderous uncle, King Miraz.

Players are on a quest to free the Narnians from King Miraz’s evil reign, restoring magic to the land and Prince Caspian to his rightful throne. Characters such as centaurs, minotaurs, giants and enchanted trees will help players successfully complete their mission.



Over 20 magical characters, including Prince Caspian himself, are available to play in the fantasy world of Narnia. The game also features a unique level that is neither in the novel nor the film. It bridges the gap between The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe and Prince Caspian and tells the story of how Narnia fell victim to the Telmarine hordes, and why the Pevensie children discover the once grand castle of Cair Paravel in abandoned ruins.

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian allows fans to experience the darker side of Narnia. Players can explore the land, solve puzzles and fight in epic battles that all go beyond what is seen in the film, making the game an ideal complement to the cinematic experience.

Fast facts:
Publisher: Avanquest Software Publishing
Web: www.disney.co.uk/disneyinteractivestudios/princecaspian/
Developer: Travellers’ Tales
Distributor: Open
Release date: 20th June
PEGI: 12+
Format: PC
Genre: Adventure
SRP: £9.99

Sins of a Solar Empire - Limited Edition UK version



The strategy title Sins of a Solar Empire, the best selling USA PC product developed by Ironclad Games, hits retail in the UK today. Following tremendous success in the US, having reached No.1 in the US PC charts, and critical acclaim from a host of UK games critics, strategy game enthusiasts in the UK can now get their hands on this epic sci-fi classic.

Sins of a Solar Empire has sold over 100,000 copies over following its US release earlier this year and hit number one in the USA charts. Currently the No.1 game for PC pre-orders on www.game.co.uk, the European retail box will contain an additional bonus of six exclusive maps, a techtree poster and a comprehensive manual.



The survival of humanity stands on the edge of utter ruin as three powerful factions vie for control of the galaxy. Take command of one of three space-faring races as you work to establish your domination of the galaxy in Sins of a Solar Empire. Fighting for the survival of your entire race against relentless foes, your success will depend entirely on your ability to manage your empire and command your vast fleets of starships to victory. Through a combination of diplomacy, economic skill, cultural influence, and sheer military might you will establish order over your corner of the galaxy!

Realistic Rendering of Niko Bellic


Realistic image of Niko Bellic.

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Crumb Puzzle game for Windows and Mac Try Free


Crumb Puzzler for Windows and Macintosh.

Explore the secrets of the Enchanted Forest to discover what’s happened to the Forest Mother. Collect magical crumbs to recover the pages to her journal, which reveal a gripping story as you search for and learn the true identity of the Forest Mother. Crumb features over 50 beautifully detailed levels including four seasons, a fast-paced story set in an Enchanted Forest, and exciting puzzles to solve. Crumb is an exciting adventure for the whole family!



Features of Crumb include:
  • More than 50 challenging levels
  • Exciting, family-friendly story
  • Six characters to choose from
  • An enchanting forest setting featuring a winter, spring, summer, and fall change of seasons
  • In game hints

Crumb is priced at $19.99 USD and available for Windows 2000/XP/Vista and Mac 10.3.9 or better. Crumb can be downloaded from PiddlePup Games’ website www.piddlepup.com.

Tomb Raider - Underworld - screenshoots


Tomb Raider Portal

Eidos Interactive has officially launched the new Tomb Raider Portal - a destination for fans of the series to find the latest news, art, and announcements.
Developed by Crystal Dynamics, this entry marks the first Tomb Raider title built specifically for next generation consoles, bringing Lara Croft and her world into life-like detail.



Tomb Raider - Underworld represents an advancement in exploration-based gameplay, delivering an epic adventure that offers a new level of challenge and choice. Using every weapon in her arsenal – from her signature dual guns and expanded kit of archaeological tools to her own physical prowess and the environment itself – Lara leads a quest that circles the world to uncover the secrets of the Norse underworld and a forgotten power, that if, unleashed could lay waste to all civilization.



Visit the Tomb Raider Portal and uncover all the latest Tomb Raider: Underworld news, screenshots, information and much more from the world of Lara Croft including podcasts and a chance to win some awesome prizes. Register or update your profile today!



Tomb Raider - Underworld launches November 2008 for the Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, DS, PS2 and PC platforms.

Friday, June 20, 2008

Exclusive - Fatal Inertia EX now on PlayStation Network


Gamers can download the full version or the free demo
of KOEI's futuristic racer today and only on PLAYSTATION Network.


Fatal Inertia EX for PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system is available today, and only on PLAYSTATION Network. A free demo of Fatal Inertia EX which includes an online multiplayer mode is also out now.

For more information visit the official website and developer blog at www.fatalinertia.com.



ABOUT FATAL INERTIA EX FOR PLAYSTATION 3

Set in the middle of the 22nd century, Fatal Inertia EX is an evolutionary sporting event that draws from the combined disciplines of rally racing, demolition derby, and tactical air warfare. In this brave new world of combat racing, players pilot their gravity-defying machines through the untamed wilderness, while unconventional weapons move and react to realistic principles of physics and magnetism rather than follow pre-scripted motions.
Fatal Inertia EX features a never-before-seen environment exclusive to the PLAYSTATION 3 system. Situated amidst scorching desert dunes, the Fatal Inertia Proving Grounds is a mecca for aspiring flight jocks driven to prepare themselves for the mental and physical punishment of low-altitude combat maneuvering. Along with offering a restructured training curriculum, the Proving Grounds are also home to the game’s eight new tracks.




A re-tuned flight model improves handling and achieves higher speeds than previously seen. Flight controls take advantage of the DUALSHOCK 3 wireless controller and the option of using SIXAXIS motion sensing technology. The game’s newly-added “Master” level will push the fastest men and women to their limit.
Fatal Inertia EX delivers heightened visuals which include new weather effects, significant scenery enhancements, and an overhauled garage for racecraft customization. Spread across 59 courses in seven exotic high-definition environments including lush rainforests, massive glacier fields, and canyons of razor-sharp rock, the beauty of Fatal Inertia EX could easily mask the harrowing thrills in this high-speed contest of champions.

Developed by KOEI CANADA, Fatal Inertia EX provides a glimpse into the future of racing in stunning 720p HDTV and in-game Dolby Digital audio. Multiplayer features include split-screen two-player races, online and LAN races for up to eight players, plus leaderboards. This game is rated “E10+” (Everyone 10 and older - Fantasy Violence) by the ESRB. Fatal Inertia EX has an MSRP of $29.99.

NCAA Football 09 demo now on Xbox Live and PlayStation Network


Feel the electricity of Big Play Saturday with the NCAA Football 09 Demo on Xbox Live and Playstation Network! Try out two different games modes - Play Now and Mascot Mash Up. Take defending champ LSU into Columbus to battle the Buckeyes or duel mascots when Texas stampedes into The Swamp.

Experience all-new gameplay features like the Breakaway Animation engine and Home Field Advantage. Ice the Kicker before the game winning field goal attempt or take the QB Quiz to help the quarterback regain composure after a turnover. Check out the Interactive Timeouts to instantly improve an aspect of your team. Finally, celebrate with mascots and teammates after the big score!



Authentic college football presentation comes to life with cheerleader and flag-runners, new lighting, enhanced crowds and sidelines, and innovative dynamic attendance. With NCAA Football 09, everyone will experience the glory and pageantry of college gamedays!





NCAA Football 09, scheduled for release in North America on July 15, will feature wide open gameplay, college atmosphere and online enhancements. This year’s iteration of NCAA Football brings to life the fun and excitement of gameday Saturdays.