Wizard101 School of Fire Magic Assets Now Available

Magic in Wizard101

There are six main schools of magic and a meta-school that modifies the use of the other six. The three external schools are Fire, Ice, and Storms, and they relate to the ancient Titans that ruled the world in the Days Before (dragons, giants, and tritons). There are three internal schools, Myth, Life, and Death, which encompass the internal powers of the mind, body, and spirit. The school of Balance blends all of these. Each of the six major schools exhibits a feel and philosophy, in rhythm with its own nature. In addition, each of the three inner schools dwells in the midst of two outer schools, drawing some small part of themselves from those framing forces.

Outer Schools

The spells of the outer or external schools focus their energies on somehow requiring other beings to serve you or do your bidding. Each school has its own particular method of doing such, but each one needs minion creatures to be effective.

School of Fire (Passion)

"If the Mind is like a candle, the Heart is like the sun."
Fire is passion, the bright, burning flame of raw emotion sweeping over everything in a relentless embrace. Those who follow the Fire Art, known as Pyromancers, are tempestuous, quick to anger, and deeply immersed in whatever drives them at the moment. They discover that it is necessary to walk a fine line with fire; having great passion and enthusiasm for one's loves in life is good, but watch out, lest that passion burn you up and consume you, leaving you nothing but a charred husk of your former self. Pyromancers use Incantations to dominate and coerce fire creatures to do their bidding. The Fire Arts trace their origins back to the fierce Fire Dragons, the race of Titans that ruled the land in the Days Before.

About Wizard101

Wizard101 is an elaborate 3D virtual world in which magic and sorcery come to life as players embark on a quest that involves a massive cast of good, evil and frequently silly characters. Designed to fill the void between online play sites for the very young and Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) games with mature ratings, Wizard101 puts players in the fantasy role of a Wizard apprentice at the Ravenwood School of Magical Arts.
For additional details go to www.wizard101.com.

In development: "Perimeter 2: New Earth"

Four years after release of the critically acclaimed RTS “Perimeter” the developers are ready to announce a sequel of the game.

Hundreds years of traveling through time and space are over, but not the actual story. The fate of humanity that has been forced to leave dying Earth and flee to the deadly worlds of the Psychosphere is once again in your hands.

The Exodus, lead by the wise Spirits has been searching for the New Earth. The Harkback has lost faith in Spirits, throw off their rule and decided to head back for the Old Earth, not believing its death. They refused to believe in death of their planet. Both sides took the final step on their way, but the chain has enclosed and mortal enemies entered the same planet face to face.

What has caused the great Chain of Worlds to form a circle? Where has the dream about a new home led people? Are Exodus and Harkback controlling their own fate or are they just mere tools in somebody’s hands? What are the true origins and intention of the Empire? All these and more new secrets of the “Perimeter” Universe will be revealed in the series of games which are currently in development by KDV Games studio.

The first game of the series will be released under the title “Perimeter 2: New Earth”.

“Perimeter 2” is a game for fans of the strategy genre, who appreciated the ideas of territorial gameplay, introduced in the original “Perimeter” game. Territorial warfare, confrontation of the main elements will become the basis of gameplay in sequel.

“Perimeter 2” is a strategy for the fans of the “Perimeter” Universe, who are willing and ready to know the truth about the fate of Exodus, Harkback and Empire, as well as other forces affecting the course of events in the Universe.

“Perimeter 2” is a project for progressive gamers, searching for fresh ideas and new experience in the RTS genre. The game will introduce new energy gathering and utilization technologies and unit transformation mechanisms. New gameplay elements include excavation in search of mysterious psy-crystals and many more. The game also includes an original RPG system and unusual story-telling methods.

“Perimeter 2” series are developed using the updated VistaGame Engine technology, expanding gameplay possibilities and overall interactivity of gaming environment.
Visit the game’s website at http://perimeter2.kdvgames.com for more information, screenshots and videos.

The first Perimeter 2 gameplay video is already available at: http://perimeter2.kdlab.com/eng/upload/Perimeter2_eng_trayler_july.avi

Deep Silver and GSC Game World release box shot for S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky

GSC Game World, computer games developer, its publishing subdivision GSC World Pub-lishing and Deep Silver, the games label of Koch Media, a leading producer and distributor of digital entertainment products, today announce the official box shot for S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky, the long-awaited prelude to S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky is a survival FPS game for PC based on a 'what-if' scenario of the second Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant accident. The game is created as a warning to mankind against mindless play with technologies. S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky is the official prequel to the renowned S.T.A.L.K.E.R. game by the Ukraine-based GSC Game World studio. The game is set in 2011and brings forth the events to have preceded the third cam-paign of Strelok to the Zone center. S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky introduces an alternative look onto the events of the original game and offers the player to try himself out as a mercenary s.t.a.l.k.e.r. in search of his own path in the world of S.T.A.L.K.E.R.

Official game site: www.stalker-game.com

Bungie Day

Bungie celebrates fans and rewards players with a new free multiplayer map, gamer pics, dashboard theme, and Legendary Map Pack price drop

July 7, or 7/7, has long been heralded as “Bungie Day” among “Halo” players and fans of the renowned developer. This year, Bungie is celebrating this day with the release of new multiplayer map Cold Storage, as well as new gamer pics and a Bungie Day Xbox 360 dashboard theme, all for free on Xbox LIVE Marketplace. The “Halo 3” Legendary Map Pack will also drop in price to 600 Microsoft points in honor of the occasion.

The tradition of Bungie Day was born in part due to the significance the number 7 has played in all of Bungie’s games over the years, including the “Halo” series (7 Halo rings, Master Chief is Spartan 117, etc.), and each year the developer makes a point to use this date to treat fans to something special – usually new content, a free download or other surprise.

This year marks the best “Bungie Day” yet, as eight million plus “Halo 3” players can now download Cold Storage, a free new multiplayer map inspired by the original map Chill Out found in “Halo: Combat Evolved.” The Cold Storage facility was once a vibrant, active research center on Installation 05. An accidental contamination resulted in an unforeseen outbreak, which compromised the Forerunner center. Now, emptied and silent, watched only by a local caretaker, the abandoned structure serves as a reminder of how something as powerful as science is ultimately beholden to nature.

In addition to the new map, players will be able to download 7 exclusive new gamerpics and a Bungie Day dashboard theme for free on Xbox LIVE Marketplace. Fans will need to be sure they download these on 7/7, because they will be available for one day only.

Sony Ericsson selects GlobalFun as official content acquisition partner

GlobalFun, a Publisher and Developer of premium mobile games has today announced that GlobalFun will be one of two main official content acquisition partners for the Play Now Arena and Fun & Downloads services run by Sony Ericsson.

The deal follows 5 years of close cooperation between the companies.

“We have since the beginning of our business aimed to provide our customers, of which Sony Ericsson is a highly valued one, with high quality premium content. This appointment serves for us as a proof that our strategy on content acquisition and account management has been and still is the correct one” commented Bertil Krumnack, EVP Sales & Business Development GlobalFun.

Marcus Johansson, CEO of GlobalFun added “The trust that Sony Ericsson is showing us by appointing us as one of two content acquisition partners is very flattering. We will do our very best to exceed the expectations in this area and to continue to grow our mutual business”.

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles - My Life as a King New Content Now Available to Download

Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of Square Enix interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, today announces that new downloadable add-on content for FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: My Life as a King for WiiWare is available from today.

The additional features provide additional dungeons and challenges for your adventurers, the chance to earn the new library building and additional outfits for Chime and the King.
The full list of new content is as follows:

Infinity Spire
300 Wii Points / Blocks Required: 8
Adds two dungeons to the game, such as the Infinity Spire. The spire gains levels every time it is cleared, presenting a challenge to even the bravest champions of your realm.

Castle Renovation
100 Wii Points / Blocks Required: 8
Adds a dungeon to the game which adds a jukebox and the ability to rename your adventurers in the castle once cleared.

Library
200 Wii Points / Blocks Required: 8
Adds a dungeon to the game which adds libraries to the building menu once cleared. Libraries teach adventurers race-specific abilities.

Fresh King
100 Wii Points / Blocks Required: 3
Purchase an additional costume for the king-a casual outfit designed for warmer seasons. You can change costumes in the castle immediately after downloading.

Summer Chime
100 Wii Points / Blocks Required: 3
Purchase an additional costume for Chime-a cool outfit suited for tropical climates. You can change costumes in the castle immediately after downloading.

For more information about FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: My Life as a King, please visit the official website at http://www.mlakgame.com

MIDWAY AND EPIC GAMES ANNOUNCE THE AWARD-WINNING UNREAL TOURNAMENT 3 FOR XBOX 360 IS NOW AVAILABLE

Midway Games Ltd., a subsidiary of Midway Games Inc. (NYSE: MWY), a leading interactive entertainment publisher and developer, and world-renowned developer Epic Games, today announced Unreal Tournament 3, for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, is now available in Europe, with several new features including split screen, five exclusive maps and two all-new characters, as well as all previously released downloadable content. Rated +18 by PEGI, Unreal Tournament 3 is available for a suggested retail price of £39.99 / €59.95 in Europe. Unreal Tournament 3, the award-winning first-person-shooter, has already shipped more than 1 million units for Windows PC and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system.

Xbox 360 owners will get an exclusive video preview of Gears of War 2, the eagerly anticipated sequel to the 4.7 million unit-selling blockbuster third-person action game, included on the Unreal Tournament 3 disc. The exclusive video content will include never-before-seen footage of the game’s multiplayer modes featuring new maps, new modes, new weapons and new gameplay elements. The video is narrated by Epic Games’ design director, Cliff Bleszinski, and Gears of War senior producer, Rod Fergusson.

“We are extremely excited to put the fast-paced, frenetic gameplay of Unreal Tournament 3 in the hands of Xbox 360 owners,” said Leonie Manshanden, European Marketing Director, Midway Games Ltd. “The exclusive maps, new characters, two-player split screen support and exclusive Gears of War 2 multiplayer video make Unreal Tournament 3 the must-have video game for Xbox 360 this summer.”

“Searing-hot first-person shooter action comes to Xbox 360 this summer with Unreal Tournament 3,” said Mark Rein, vice president of Epic Games. “With a bevy of new and exclusive content, Xbox 360 owners can now get their frag on by choosing to play online with friends over Xbox LIVE or against our amazing AI ‘bots.’”

Eledees power on to DS

Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH has announced the return of its popular Eledees characters, as the cute energy creatures head to DS in an all-new title Eledees: The Adventures of Kai and Zero heading to Europe this Winter.

Eledees was an original title designed for the Wii and starred the titular creatures who have the ability to supply electricity when gathered together. As such, players were charged with locating and collecting the tiny Eledees creatures needed to power their home, and this basic concept has been retained for Eledees: The Adventures of Kai and Zero, but within a touch-screen adventure created specifically for the Nintendo handheld.

Eledees: The Adventures of Kai and Zero acts as a direct sequel to the Wii game, and adds a mystical slant to the story. The two titular heroes find themselves transported into a mysterious realm by a magical bus created by Kai’s inventor Father. As they get used to their surroundings, the pair must use all their skills to gather the Eledees they will need to assist their progression, with Kai making good use of his special capture gun, which is used to grab the evasive Eledees, and lift, manipulate and move any objects in his path.

In addition to locating the various Eledees to power devices, players are also challenged with locating a new species of ‘Omega’ Eledees, who boast a wider range of abilities and act as side-kicks who accompany Kai through the vast stages. As the game progresses, ‘Omega’ Eledees capable of locating hidden areas, freezing water, and illuminating dark areas must be found and put to good use to progress to later stages.

The DS game also extends the multi-player elements of the Wii title, with the Nintendo DS Wi-Fi service allowing players to compete head-to-head, or in four-player battles to round up the errant power sources.

Relive the greatest battles of the Wars that made America!

Features

The new great historical strategy video game about the Wars in America

Birth of America II: Wars in America 1750-1815 follows the successful historical strategy videogame Birth of America, AGEOD's American Civil War and Napoleon's Campaigns. It is the long-awaited well-expanded sequel of the acclaimed first game that made AGEOD. You can now fight all the big wars that made America between 1750 and 1815.

Wars in America 1750-1815 is a stand-alone game not compatible with the previous one. It includes:

New Rules
• New cohesion system (based on the American Civil War/Napoleon’s Campaigns model) and its impacton combat
• Brand new concept of Engagement Points, allowing options for armaments purchases, political,economic and diplomatic options.
In addition, a challenging Foreign Entry competitive engine will allow player to struggle in the race forthe French Intervention.
• New orders (e.g. spiking the guns, surrender with the Honour of War, remove leader, distant unloadfrom ships).
• New abilities (adapted from those of American Civil War/Napoleon’s Campaigns and new rules here)
• Different updates and other rules (e.g. combat, Indians, minutemen, blockade, privateers, navaltransport, optional limited activation rules, German mercenaries, etc...)

New functionalities
• New in game Replay module allows to see the turn you played (or any other – exchange them with friends!)
• Updater module to check if you play with the latest game version.
• Play-by-email and TCP/IP ARES module
• Improved AI
• Multiple resolutions Interface

New data
• New map: extension of the map up to the Mississippi in the west, blockade and commerce raiding boxes, new European off-map boxes (France, GB, Spain, Holland) or in the Americas (Hudson Bay, Newfoundland, Cuba)
• Over a hundred new leaders and units.
• New Scenarios (including at least the following)
-Scenarios 1750-1780: Lord Dunmore War, new FIW 1755-1763 war campaign, Galvez 79
-Scenarios 1780-1800: Fallen Timbers 1791-1794
-Scenarios 1812-1815: Great Lakes 1813, Full War of 1812-1815 campaign, New Orleans 1815
• New Events (according to scenarios) and wide set of options for you to customize your strategy.
• Widely extended manual and player’s aides.
• New extra in game music from the time, thanks to the performance and support of 3rd US Infantry Regiment and the US Army Fife and Drums Corps.

Dynamedion contributes soundtrack to Runes of Magic

Best German Soundtrack 2004, 2005 and 2007 (German Game Developers Award) plus best main theme 2007 (GANG Award at GDC San Francisco) – Dynamedion has many reasons to be proud of its prestigious awards collection. Publisher Frogster has now entrusted the prestigious studio with an impressive soundtrack for its upcoming fantasy MMORPG Runes of Magic. Dynamedion can fall back upon a great amount of experience in that particular field. The creative hotbed of sound-engineering situated in the German town Mainz already recorded the fantastic backdrop for Spellforce, John Woo’s Stranglehold, Anno 1701, Drakensang and Die Siedler V & VI. Even in the world of movies, Dynamedion can boast of successful work for 10.000 B.C. or The Bourne Ultimatum.

According to Managing Director Pierre Langer the sound’s atmosphere for Runes of Magic is going to be impressive high fantasy orchestral music. “We see Runes of Magic as an amazing challenge. It is […] our first Fantasy-MMO, one of our preferred genres.” Especially the concept “… to create ever changing moods in the game world, in order to achieve an intensive connection between game and music,” is what excites him about the project.

A small sample of the Runes of Magic main theme is now available on our media server. On the teaser site, interested parties can still subscribe to the newsletter and will automatically be informed when the beta registration process starts: www.runesofmagic.com.

Runes of Magic – a world full of wizardry and adventure
With an extensive range of features Runes of Magic prepares to redefine the standard of free-to-play MMO games. Right from the launch Runes of Magic will convey its absorbing story in over 600 quests embedded in an atmospheric world. Players can choose from six main classes. Combined with a secondary class they dispose of 36 individual character classes over all. All characters possess unique skills with impressive combo attacks and can use mounts in the later stages of game play. A particularly attractive feature for guilds and players is the possibility to arrange their own virtual homes with individual furnishing. Thanks to an extensive crafting and reputation system, thrilling PVP as well as demanding dungeons and boss-monsters, no wishes remain unsatisfied. The Taiwanese developer Runewaker has developed Runes of Magic according to western MMO standards within a time frame of three years. The studio will provide new challenges for players every three to four months with free add-ons and updates. MMO fans can find first pictures and a registration form for the newsletter on the official teaser site www.runesofmagic.com.

Runes of Magic features:
• Free2play, no monthly fees, free download
• Dual class system with switchable primary and secondary classes
• Enthralling background story
• Already over 600 quests and level comprehensive quest series on launch
• Instanced and persistent dungeons
• Individually developed skills and spells
• Armor sets with special bonuses
• Dynamic item system: Upgrades with hundreds of runes
• Activatable PvP system (Player vs. Player duels)
• Epic crafting system with the possibility to improve existing items
• Individual coloring of clothes and armor
• Housing: personalization with individual furniture for players and guilds
• Special zones for guild houses
• Reputation system
• Scalable user interface based on the users preference (development of your own add-ons possible)
• In-game map and radar system to find dealers, resources and quests easily
• Auction house: auction and purchase items
• Teleporting possibilities per runes
• Different and unique mounts
• Controlling with mouse (point & click) and keyboard (WASD or arrow keys) possible