Star Ocean - The Last Hope - Fact Sheet for Xbox 360

STAR OCEAN - THE LAST HOPE

Developer: tri-Ace Inc.
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platform: Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft
Genre: RPG
Ship Date: Spring 2009

STAR OCEAN - THE LAST HOPE is the latest entry in the futuristic space opera RPG series, STAR OCEAN. Science fiction and fantasy meld in this long-awaited continuation of the celebrated franchise from developer tri-Ace Inc.

STORY
The year is S.D. 10. In the aftermath of World War III, humanity voyages into the stars in search of a new home…and a second chance.

FEATURES

• A prequel that combines sci-fi and fantasy elements, spanning multiple planets and the vastness of space itself to recount the origins of the STAR OCEAN universe

• Exhilarating combat expands upon the franchise’s famous real-time battle system, including the amazing graphics and visual effects only possible on the Xbox 360

• Features breathtaking CG movies by Visual Works, the cutting-edge studio whose previous work includes cut scenes for the acclaimed FINAL FANTASY RPG series

Star Ocean - First Departure + Second Evolution- Fact Sheet for PSP

STAR OCEAN - First Departure + Second Evolution

ESRB: Not Yet Rated
Ship Date: October 21, 2008
STAR OCEAN: Second Evolution
Ship Date: January 6, 2009
Developer: SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platform: PSP (PlayStationPortable) system
Genre: RPG

Following the exploits of humankind’s journey across the stars, the STAR OCEAN saga comes to life in the completely remastered STAR OCEAN: First Departure and STAR OCEAN: Second Evolution, exclusively for the PSP (PlayStationPortable) system. Both feature a revised game engine, an improved battle system and fully voiced, all-new animated scenes displayed in 16:9 widescreen. And with a newly added layer of character interaction, players can enjoy their journey into the rich STAR OCEAN universe like never before.



STORY STAR OCEAN - First Departure
Space Date 346: The crew of a Terran Federation ship arrives on the planet Roak. With the help of a stalwart band of local heroes, the crew must work together to unravel a mystery and halt a galactic war. STAR OCEAN: First Departure marks the first time that the initial instalment in the popular STAR OCEAN franchise is available in North America.



STAR OCEAN - Second Evolution
Space Date 366: A young Federation officer finds himself transported to a mystical planet, where he is suddenly anointed as the Hero of Light. He begins a journey to fulfill a prophecy and save a newfound race. STAR OCEAN: Second Evolution continues the STAR OCEAN saga!

FEATURES

• Completely rebuilt for the PSP system, with real-time battles that keep players immersed in the action

• STAR OCEAN: First Departure, the entry that started it all, now available to North American audiences for the first time

• Brand-new, fully voiced animated cut-scenes provided by anime powerhouse Production I.G.

• The private action system adds depth to the story, introducing riveting subplots between characters

Monster Lab - Fact Sheet Nintendo DS & Wii

MONSTER LAB

PUBLISHER: Eidos, Inc. and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
DEVELOPER: Backbone Vancouver
PLATFORMS: Wii, Nintendo DS
RELEASE DATE: October 2008
GENRE: RPG/Action Hybrid
ESRB: RP – Expecting E10+
URL: www.monsterlabthegame.com

DESCRIPTION:
MONSTER LAB is an RPG/action hybrid game where the player conducts outrageous experiments and ventures out on wild quests and challenges. Players can battle against evil monster minions or friends online all while creating their very own mad monster.



STORY:
MONSTER LAB is set in an eerie, supernatural world where the evil Baron Mharti rules the region with a cruel hand. The player takes on the role of an apprentice scientist who must perform a vast array of intricate experiments to create their very own monster from over 150 available monster parts. Taking control of your monster, the player can then explore the land; searching for ingredients to make more monster parts, hunting out other monsters to defeat in combat and uncovering fun quests and challenges. The ultimate goal is to vanquish the evil Baron Mharti and liberate the villagers through mastering experiments, creating a powerful army of monsters and conquering all of the vast environments. Only then will the player rise through the ranks and become a scientist worthy of defeating the Baron!



KEY FEATURES:

• Step into the shoes of a Mad Scientist – Starting as an apprentice working under three eccentric mentors, level up through the ranks as you master the mad sciences.
  
• Outrageous Experiments – Cultivate your science skills through crazy yet ingenious experiments both in and outside the lab!
  
• Create your own Mad Monsters – Over 150 million monster combinations allow you to create a truly unique creature.
  
• Explore a challenging fantasy realm – Delve into six eerie regions facing quests, challenges and collecting powerful ingredients needed for your next mad monster creation.
  
• Gesture Combat – Go head-to-head against evil Monster minions in a fast-paced, ferocious, turn-based combat system.
  
• Monster Generation System – Never fight the same monster twice!
  
• Multiplayer – Challenge and compete against your friends’ monstrous creations.
  

BattleStations - Pacific - Fact Sheet

BattleStations - Pacific

Title: BattleStations: Pacific
Genre: Strategy/Action (Blends RTS/Flight/Naval)
Platforms: Xbox 360, Games for Windows
ESRB Rating: RP (Teen target)
Developer: Eidos Studios, Hungary
Publisher: Eidos, Inc.
Game URL: www.battlestations.net
Release date: Q1 2009

Description

BattleStations: Pacific is the immense sequel to the critically acclaimed Battlestations - Midway. The innovative franchise returns to complete the entire Pacific War with two massive single-player campaigns, the historically based US campaign and a historically possible Japanese campaign.



Players will experience one war through two epic sagas to be a part of history or change it. Commanding the US Fleet, players relive the grandest and most critical naval battles of the Pacific War and for the first time, as the Japanese, players lead the IJN Fleet to a completely different ending to the war.

No other game delivers the challenge of an RTS with the rush of real-time WWII flight and naval warfare. Players need intelligence and expertise to plan their moves in order to remain one step ahead of the opponent. The players command both strategy and action to anticipate every opponent move and turn the tide of war.

Twice the size of the original, the sequel includes 28 major battles, 100 units including 21 new units, five new innovative multi-player modes across eight new multi-player maps, and new features which include island capture, kamikaze attacks, and an improved easy-to-use interface.



Key Features

Combined Real-Time Strategy, Flight, and Naval Action gameplay: Command the air, sea, and sub forces. Launch full-scale attacks and at anytime switch to and take full-control of any plane, ship or sub. You command, fly the attack, fire the battleship’s 15-inch guns, and submerge the mini-sub anyway you choose throughout the battle.

Two Massive Campaigns: 28 full-scale battles across two unique campaigns. The historic American campaign begins after Midway and goes to Guadalcanal, Leyte, Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and more. The “what if” Japanese campaign begins at Pearl Harbor and goes to the Java Sea, Port Moresby, Midway, and beyond.

100 War Machines: Fighters, bombers, carriers, battleships, cruisers, destroyers, subs, mini subs and more. 17 US planes including the new Corsair fighters and Curtis Helldivers, and 20 Japanese planes including the Mitsubishi J2M Raiden (Thunderbolt), and the night-fighting Nakajima J1N1 Gekko.

Innovative Online Multi-player Battles: Huge multi-unit battles for up to eight players (four on each side) on Xbox Live and Games for Windows Live. The largest battle involves over 100 units. And five all-new online gameplay modes: Island capture, Duel, Siege, Escort, and Competitive.

New & Improved Features:

• New Kamikaze attacks: The deadly attack is now fully integrated. Also features the manned Ohka, rocket powered kamikaze aircraft.
  
• New Island Capture: Capture and hold islands. Support the landing forces and take over artillery, radar stations, and airstrips.
  
• New Cockpit View: Go inside the WWII cockpits of fighters, dive bombers, torpedo planes and more.
  
• New Skirmish mode: Team up with a friend against the AI and expand your single player and multi-player experience.
  
• New Level of Realism: Greater detail and depth of field. New plane and ship destruction effects. Bullet tracers. New smoke and fire effects.
  
• New Interface: Improved command and control map screen, artillery, and repair controls. New hints and tips feature for new players.
  

Bioshock First Person Action - Fact Sheet

BioShock

Publisher: 2K Games
Developer: 2K Marin, 2K Boston, 2K Australia, Digital Extremes
Platform: PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system
Release Date: October 2008
Web Site: http://www.bioshockgame.com

Product Overview:
Considered to be one the finest games in the history of interactive entertainment, BioShock is a watershed entry into the world of video games. As one of the most lauded franchises in the past decade, BioShock introduces gamers into an exciting world filled with fascinating characters, intelligent enemies and complex moral choices that define the foundation of the game world. With its rich story, meticulous attention to visual detail, tense action and infinite replay value, BioShock delivers the perfect blend of storytelling and first person action.
Developed by 2K Marin, 2K Boston, 2K Australia and Digital Extremes, the PLAYSTATION 3 system release brings forth new features and content that expands the world of BioShock in new and exciting ways.

Story Overview:
Barely surviving a plane crash, the player lands in icy uncharted waters and discovers an undersea city called Rapture, a failed utopia whose citizens had embraced genetic engineering before the city descended into pure anarchy. Power and greed have run amok and the city has succumbed to civil war. Fans have embraced BioShock’s mysterious world filled with powerful technology and fascinating characters. BioShock is also renowned for its rich visual detail depicting a gorgeous Art Deco world set deep beneath the sea.



Features:

• All-new PLAYSTATION 3 system exclusive content: In addition to the original revolutionary game experience, PLAYSTATION 3 system fans can enjoy a brand new difficulty mode – Survivor – as well as enjoy Trophy support as they explore Rapture. And the experience doesn’t end there – all new exclusive BioShock downloadable content will be available only on the PLAYSTATION 3 system after launch

• Choices and consequences: Make meaningful choices and mature decisions, ultimately culminating in the grand question: do you exploit the innocent survivors of Rapture…or save them?

• The world is your weapon: Take control of your world by hacking mechanical devices, commandeering security turrets and crafting unique items critical to your survival

• Weapon upgrades provide ammunition for every situation: Upgrade your weapons with ionic gels, explosives and toxins to customize them to take advantage of your enemies’ weaknesses

• Gameplay that evolves around your playing style: Customize your experience by genetically modifying your body through dozens of Plasmid Stations scattered throughout the city and turn your body into the ultimate weapon

• Adaptive AI provides challenges around every corner: Explore a living world where the inhabitants have interesting and consequential relationships with one another that impact your gameplay experience

• Immerse yourself in Rapture: Experience breathtaking visuals that vividly illustrate the forlorn Art Deco city, highlighted by strikingly realistic water effects and meticulously detailed environments

Borderlands First Person Game - Fact Sheet

Borderlands

Publisher: 2K Games
Developer: Gearbox Software
Platform: PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Games for Windows
Release Date: 2009
Web Site: http://www.borderlandsthegame.com

Product Overview:
Borderlands combines the best in first-person action with player customization and vehicular combat for incredible layers of gameplay depth. The game features a groundbreaking content generation system allowing for near-endless variety in weapons, item drops and character customization. Borderlands allows for multiple players to share the same game experience simultaneously online in co-op gameplay. Players can freely join or leave each other's games at anytime, or choose to play in the full single-player mode. These features, along with a rich and deep fiction that touches upon the mysteries buried beneath the surface of a danger-filled planet, combine to form a breakthrough experience that challenges the conventions of modern shooters.
Features:

• Gun Lust: Choose from an arsenal of hundreds of thousands of weapons, each with their unique manufacturers, specifications and advantages. A revolutionary new content generation system provides for near infinite tools of destruction

• Co-op Engineered Game Design: Borderlands is built from the ground-up to be an exciting and intuitive co-operative multiplayer experience that rewards players for executing advanced strategies and tactical maneuvers

• FPS Action Meets RPG Character Progression: Players earn experience and gain proficiency in a number of specialties as they do battle with enemies

• Intense Vehicular Combat: Get behind the wheel of and engage in intense vehicle-to-vehicle combat, complete with extensive damage modeling and spectacular explosions

• Next Big Original IP From Gearbox Software: Experience the action and creativity derived from the pedigree of one of gaming’s most innovative and respected developers

Champions Online RPG - Fact Sheet

Champions Online

Publisher: 2K
Developer: Cryptic Studios
Platform: DVD-ROM for the Windows Vista, Windows XP and the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft
Release Date: Spring 2009
Web Site: http://www.champions-online.com/

Product Overview:
Champions Online, a massively multiplayer online action game based on the popular pen-and-paper Champions RPG, will give players the power of total customization of their hero experience while they explore a vast universe of richly detailed 3D environments. Champions Online is all about total customization – it will offer a near infinite amount of character customization so that all players will have a unique game experience. Gamers will be able to create their hero’s name, back story, costume, powers and abilities as well as design their own personal arch-enemy and his or her back story, which will guarantee a truly unique experience.

Features:

● Total Character Customization: The character creation system is bar none the most exhaustive and flexible system to date. With hundreds of unique costume pieces, the ability to alter and re-color each piece, the option to select which powers your hero will use and the ability to change the powers’ colors as well, there are limitless customization options in Champions Online. You’ll even be able to customize your own personal arch-enemy and customize his or her appearance and abilities as well

• Genre Redefining Combat: Champions Online introduces an action-based combat system that redefines MMO combat. With an immediate and intuitive combat system, players spend more time engaging enemies and less time waiting for meters to recharge. The result is exciting and visceral fights while keeping the strategic element inherent to MMO combat intact

• Cross Platform Gaming: Champions Online will be the first massive multiplayer online action title to allow Xbox 360 and Windows gamers to play online with each other simultaneously

• Varied, Expansive Environments: Rather than taking place in a single city, Champions Online takes place over the entire Earth and beyond. Huge environments such as Millennium City, monster infested islands, creepy underground ruins, even outer space – it’s all accessible in Champions Online

NHL 2K9 - Fact Sheet

NHL 2K9

Publisher: 2K Sports
Developer: Visual Concepts
Platforms: Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system, Wii home video game system from Nintendo, and PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system
Rating: E10+ with mild violence and lyrics
Release Date: September 9, 2008
Cover Athlete: Rick Nash (Columbus Blue Jackets)

Game Overview:
Do you long for the days when hockey video games didn’t require an engineering degree to master? 2K Sports has listened to the masses by bringing the fun back to hockey video games with an intuitive control scheme, hard-hitting action and by announcing the debut of NHL 2K9 on the Wii™ console. Developed by award-winning Visual Concepts studios, NHL 2K9 brings a totally rebuilt NHL experience to life with a brand-new in-game presentation system, as well as fresh player animations and controls that fans will enjoy from the moment they play their first game, until well after they become a seasoned veteran. Further adding to an unmatched level of fun and celebrating the NHL’s uniqueness are an all-new Zamboni™ mini-game, playoff beards, a new fighting engine and more! Complete with new commentary, a user-friendly franchise mode and upgraded online features, NHL 2K9 brings the fun back to game consoles on 9.9.08!



Key Features List:

• Pick-Up-And-Play Controls – Fans asked and 2K Sports answered with easy-to-learn controls that still provide depth for the season veteran. With 2K Sports' classic default controls, a player’s first game will be as enjoyable as their one-thousandth, while the new and intuitive hybrid controls will provide the depth experienced vets are looking for.


• Enhanced Gameplay - An updated arsenal of highlight reel-worthy superstar moves, blocked shots, stick-handling moves, hit-by-puck collisions, and a greatly-enhanced skating engine make up for an exciting and all-new hockey experience complete with more than 1,400 new gameplay animations.


• All-New Presentation System – Pre-game intros, menus, new crowd animations, game summary replays, and brand new commentary featuring Randy Hahn and Drew Remenda of the San Jose Sharks bring a fresh new look and sound to NHL 2K9’s visual and audio experience.
  


• True Hockey Fun! – Fans can indulge in what makes hockey such a unique and fun sport with the addictive Zamboni mini-game, user-controlled Stanley Cup celebrations, playoff beards, enhanced checking and a brand-new fighting engine.


• Reel Maker 2K9– Included this year on both Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION3, fans will be able to save, edit, share and rate user-generated NHL 2K9 highlight reels online through Xbox Live and PlayStation Network.



• 2K Beats – Featuring Pennywise, Bad Religion, The Offspring, NOFX, The Ramones, Inner Circle, Mastodon, Operation Ivy, High on Fire and more.
  

Wii Key Features List:

• 2K Sports is proud to announce NHL 2K9 will be coming to the Wii Console from Nintendo this fall. As the first and only officially licensed NHL and NHLPA video game for Wii, NHL 2K9 will offer fans the fun opportunity to play like the pros using the Wii Remote controller as a hockey stick and experience the sport in a new, entertaining and wholly unique manner.
  


• Wii Remote Shooting – Execute wrist shots with the flick of the Wii Remote or put some power into shots by holding the B button while flicking the Wii Remote to blast a slapper.
  


• Wii Remote Fighting – Adding a never-before-seen layer of fun to hockey video games, NHL 2K9 features on-ice showdowns. When two players have raised their aggression enough to fight, pointing the Wii Remote and Nunchuk controller downward drops the gloves. Once a fight has started, punch with the Nunchuk and balance with the Wii Remote to get your opponent off their feet.


• Precision Passing / Chain Passing – Exclusive to Wii, take the guesswork out of which player is going to receive a pass by selecting players with the Wii Remote cursor. One-timers, give-and-go and tic-tac-toe passing are executed by selecting multiple players prior to pressing the pass or A button.
  


• Wii Remote Goaltending – Gesture-based goaltending allows fans to get between the pipes and flash the leather. Even take control when it counts the most - in shootouts!
  


• Full Featured Simulation – NHL 2K9 on Wii offers the same full-featured, fun hockey experience as available on other platforms complete with franchise mode, practice mode with a tutorial, pond hockey, and much more!
  

Shaun the Sheep - Fact Sheet or Sheep

SHAUN THE SHEEP

FACT SHEET

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
The only handheld videogame based on the award-winning TV show from Aardman Animation, Shaun the Sheep allows players to assume the role of the lovable sheep, Shaun, as he tries to find the rest of the flock before the Farmer arrives home. Designed exclusively for the Nintendo DS, Shaun the Sheep will feature the fan-favourite characters, items, and locations from the popular stop-motion animated series on the Disney Channel, as well as original content for all new experiences with Shaun and the rest of the flock.

Gamers will explore areas based on the series, unlock show-related items and work with other sheep to manoeuvre around obstacles and access hidden areas. A family-friendly gameplay experience, Shaun the Sheep offers three different gameplay modes that include fun filled mini-games such as “Baaath Time” and “Flock ‘n Roll”, collectable slide puzzles and more that extend the gameplay experience for players of all ages.



KEY FEATURES:

• The Only Handheld Videogame that Lets Players Relive the Award-Winning TV Series and Beyond – Play as the loveable sheep, Shaun, and interact with favourite characters from the show such as Shirley, Timmy, Bitzer and more. Adventure through familiar locales based on the series such the junk pile, the sheep pool and the circus tent, unlock show related items, and experience original content for all-new adventures with Shaun.

• Enjoy Varied Gameplay Modes – Experience three different gameplay modes: Story Mode, Mini-game Mode and Collection Mode that include eight unlockable mini-games such as Baath Time and Flock ‘n Roll and eight collectible slide puzzles that feature stills from the television show. Five “micro” games offer more interactivity and depth for players by showcasing memorable moments from the show—corral wayward sheep before the Farmer comes home or save Timmy from the circus high wire!

• Pick-up and Play Gaming – Intuitive pick-up and play gaming appeals to players of all ages while delivering the sheep humour the show is known for through funny menu titles, adventure gameplay, cute character animations and “micro” games that players are sure to enjoy.

• Dual Screen Action for Nintendo DS – Players will utilize the stylus to explore new areas, wind up balls of wool to distract Pidsley the cat, scrub sheep clean and then blow into the microphone to blow dry sheep and more!

• Based on a Successful Television Series – The Shaun the Sheep show debeud in July 2007 on the Disney Channel and consistently outperforms the channel’s primetime average rating in all key demographics with more than half a million kids tuning in each week. New episodes air every Sunday during primetime and the shows are repeated throughout the week.

• Exceptional Level of Authenticity – The game’s art style, sound effects and music are 100% authentic to the show and bring the personality and humour of the series and its characters to life.

Publisher: D3Publisher

Developer: Art Co. Ltd.

Release Date: Fall 2008

Platform: Nintendo DS

Suggested Retail Price: $29.95

ESRB Rating: “E” (Everyone – Comic Mischief)

Sony adds online movies to PlayStation 3 consoles

Sony on Tuesday added online movie sales and rentals to the repertoire of PlayStation 3 videogame console features.

read more | digg story