Sam & Max Season Two Collector's DVD

Special package featuring five complete games, hours of video bonuses, and original cover art by Sam & Max creator Steve Purcell available for order now at www.telltalegames.com

Collector's DVD for the acclaimed game series Sam & Max Season Two is available for ordering today. Telltale has given the second season of "gaming's first sitcom" the premium boxed-set treatment that has become common for television favorites, with behind-the-scenes extras and loads of special features. Telltale is also introducing new merchandise today to celebrate the release, including a signed commemorative print, a 2-CD Season Two soundtrack, and several special bundle offers.

Sam & Max Season Two has garnered critical acclaim from numerous sources, including two Editor's Choice awards from PC Gamer and positive reviews from mainstream press ranging from the New York Times to Playboy. The series is based on comic book characters created by Eisner award-winning cartoonist Steve Purcell, who has been publishing stories starring the offbeat dog and "rabbity-thing" crime-fighting duo for over twenty years. Purcell contributed an original painting inspired by the games' events to serve as the cover for this unique DVD release.

In addition to all five games from the award-winning episodic series, which play on a PC with a DVD-ROM drive, the Season Two Collector's DVD contains hours of region-free video viewable on a PC or in any standard DVD player. Special features on the disc include game footage reels with audio commentary from the development team, the 20-minute holiday video feature "Sam & Max Nearly Save Christmas," outtakes and promotional trailers, concept art, desktop wallpapers, and an MP3 soundtrack sampler. Samples of the video content can be viewed at http://www.telltalegames.com/samandmax.

Customers who already bought the downloadable Sam & Max Season Two set from Telltale can get the Collector's DVD for just the cost of shipping and handling. For new customers, the Season Two Collector's DVD sells for $34.95 and comes with free downloadable copies of the games. The DVD is expected to start shipping in August. More details are available here: http://www.telltalegames.com/store/samandmax-season2-disc


To celebrate the arrival of the Season Two DVD, Telltale's store has been stocked with new Sam & Max merchandise and great value bundles. The following new items are now available for preorder:

• The complete Sam & Max Season Two soundtrack, a 2-CD set featuring nearly three hours of jazz music from the games and another Steve Purcell original on the cover, retailing for $19.99
• A limited edition case file stuffed with "evidence" from each Season Two episode, priced at $5.99
• A poster print based on the Season Two DVD cover art, available unsigned for $14.99 or signed for $19.99
  

10 Undergarments Worn by Women in Video Games

Crazy things happen all the time in video games. People get shot, die, then come back to life. Plumbers traverse magical pipes and fight grumpy mushrooms. Monkeys voluntarily enter giant plastic balls and roll around collecting bananas...

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Microsoft Drops Player Fees On Games For Windows Live

Games For Windows Live is "now offering completely free online multiplayer" service, Microsoft said in a statement posted on the service's Web site. The company previously charged a monthly fee of $7.99. However, the emergence of several free online gaming services may have prompted Microsoft to drop the monthly charge.

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MidEast Crisis 2 - Blackhawk video game mod

The total conversion for CnC3 MIDEAST CRISIS 2 marches onward to its now confirmed August 2008 release date in style with the new transport unit known as the Blackhawk. The Blackhawk carries infantry across the map in style.

Also, if you've ever wondered how some of this mod's unique features pan out in the field, wonder no more! The lead dev explained how to survive as GOI against a Merkava attack in a recent forum post and screenshot 

"See a large force of Merkava's approaching your base? Your MiGs are busy reloading. What do you do?


It's simple. Hit the 'Mr.Stop' and 'Production Boost' powers, halting the enemy units and drastically increasing your production speed and letting you crank out T-90's with ease. Something to note: when your production is increased, the smoke stacks of your factories spew fire (you can see it on the production building in the screens)."

Inkheart movie becomes Nintendo DS video game

Inkheart video game coming to Nintendo DS. Based on the Hollywood movie starring Brandon Fraser, the game will release in conjunction with the movie during the fourth quarter of 2008.

Inkheart is the first installment in the Inkheart trilogy, written by Cornelia Funke and successfully published in 23 languages. In addition to the novels, audio books and tabletop games based on the franchise are sold.



JoWooD Productions and Tivola Publishing are working together in creating an extensive PR & marketing campaign, targeting both gamers and the movie audience. In cooperation with film distributors throughout the territories, sales figures and sell-through ratio will be optimized. A special bu ndle offer for the DVD release is being prepared together by Tivola and JoWooD.

Release: Q4 2008
Plattform: Nintendo DS

WATCHMEN - episodic download movie based game

WATCHMEN, an episodic downloadable game based on the upcoming Warner Bros. Pictures’ film for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC in 2009.

The game captures the action and intrigue of the Watchmen feature film, directed by Zack Snyder, who previously helmed the blockbuster 300. The screenplay for Watchmen is by David Hayter and Alex Tse, based on the award-winning graphic novel illustrated by Dave Gibbons and published by DC Comics. The film is produced by Lawrence Gordon (Die Hard), Lloyd Levin (United 93) and Deborah Snyder (300), with Herbert W. Gains (The Brave One) and Thomas Tull (The Dark Knight) serving as executive producers. Watchmen is a presentation of Warner Bros. Pictures and Paramount Pictures in association with Legendary Pictures.

A complex, multi-layered mystery adventure, Watchmen will take us to the brink of destruction. In alternate 1985 America – in which costumed superheroes are not only real but have ultimately been outlawed – one former hero goes looking for the truth behind the murder of one of his own, but uncovers a devastating conspiracy to drag the world implacably closer to its own end.

Playing the film’s core group of “masks,” the masked adventurers at the center of the story, are Malin Akerman (The Heartbreak Kid), Billy Crudup (The Good Shepherd), Matthew Goode (Match Point), Carla Gugino (Night at the Museum), Oscar nominee Jackie Earle Haley (Little Children), Stephen McHattie (Shoot ‘em Up), Jeffrey Dean Morgan (TV’s Grey’s Anatomy), and Patrick Wilson (Little Children).

“We’re bringing the Watchmen universe to gamers in a distinct episodic game revealing action and combat for a great overall experience for fans,” said Samantha Ryan, Senior Vice President, Production and Development, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “The filmmakers have been extremely helpful in developing the high-quality game story and we are working to match the outstanding visual style of the film.”

The videogame based on WATCHMEN will go beyond the film and delve into the characters, rivalries and challenges in a mature action-brawler. The game provides gamers with visceral superhero combat as urban vigilantes Rorschach and Nite Owl.

Jimi Hendrix video game debut on Guitar Hero - World Tour

Video Game to Feature Music and Likeness of One of Rock's Most Influential Guitar Legends

The iconic legacy of late singer/guitarist Jimi Hendrix continues in the upcoming Guitar Hero World Tour video game from Activision. One of the most creative and influential musicians of the 20th century, Hendrix will be featured in the game as a playable character, along with two of his most recognisable master tracks, “Purple Haze (Live)” recorded in 1969 at the San Diego Sports Arena and “The Wind Cries Mary.” Additional exclusive songs from the legendary artist will follow as downloadable content.

“Guitar Hero games have become the virtual rock stage for the industry’s most beloved artists and Guitar Hero World Tour continues that tradition by honoring the great Jimi Hendrix and celebrating some of his greatest work,” said Tim Riley, Vice President of Music Affairs for Activision Blizzard. “His presence in the game will serve to satisfy multiple generations of his fans and Guitar Hero devotees, as well as create new fans by reintroducing his genre-defining guitar style through the unique Guitar Hero experience.”

Guitar Hero World Tour is being developed by Neversoft Entertainment for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system. The Nontendo Wii version is being developed by Vicarious Visions. The PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system version is being developed by Budcat. The game is not yet rated by the ESRB. For more information on Guitar Hero World Tour, please visit www.guitarhero.com.


About Activision
Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision, Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products.

Activision Publishing maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, the Netherlands, Australia, Japan and South Korea. More information about Activision Publishing and its products can be found on the company's website, www.activision.com.

OPERATION Mania - a new twist on the classic Operation board game

What do you do when you are the doctor and someone comes into your hospital with butterflies in their stomach, water on the knee, and a frog in the throat? Operate of course! From EA’s casual games site Pogo.comTM comes OPERATIONTM Mania - a new twist on the classic OPERATION board game from Hasbro. Become an expert surgeon as you admit, diagnose and treat patients with the zaniest ailments in healthcare history. Play as Dr. Humerus who is an up and coming surgeon as he builds his reputation and is called in to save the day at five different hospitals in fun and wacky locations.

Race against the clock to send a variety of patients including well-known and beloved Cavity Sam through a series of treatment stations. Perform surgery and become an expert surgeon by completing micro-games reminiscent of the board game. Be quick and effective with treatment before the patient’s nose starts flashing and time is up! OPERATION Mania will be available online at Pogo.com in North America and the U.K. in August and at retail in North America in September for $19.95.

Key features of OPERATION Mania include:

• Hospital management: Diagnose and treat both standard and emergency patients, and run them through a gauntlet of medical procedures including admissions, x-ray and of course operations!
• Unique hospital settings: Advance through 35 levels and five hospitals in different regions on a wacky continent.
• Two game modes: Rise through the ranks in Story Mode or go for a challenge in Marathon Mode to care for patients as long as possible and experiment with endless upgrade combinations.
• Micro-games: Show surgical finesse by completing micro-games with a steady hand. The bite sized challenges are reminiscent of the board game that people have come to know and love.
• Upgrade the hospital: Spend money earned curing patients to buy upgrades for the hospital, including better equipment, faster service and additional staff.
• Multiplayer: Overcrowded waiting rooms can be alleviated by referring patients to friends and family online.

Mister Slime - Revolutionary adventure puzzler on Nintendo DS

Mister Slime for Nintendo DS is available now on retail shelves in North America. The revolutionary adventure puzzler is rated “E” for everyone.

Tucked away in the deepest, darkest corner of the universe lies a seemingly peaceful world inhabited by strange and fascinating creatures. The Slimes and the Axons are the chief inhabitants of the planet, and they have brought chaos to the planet with constant bickering over the limited resources available to them. Every 40 years there are ritual battles held to redefine the territorial boundaries for each clan. No one, Axon or Slime, has had the courage to step up and stop this viscous cycle - until now.

Players enter the world as Slimey, a young slime determined to stop the violence between the warring clans. Using the touch screen and microphone capabilities of Nintendo DS, players must navigate the levels by stretching and manipulating Slimey’s arms to grab hold of small anchor points scattered throughout each level.

Mister Slime is available at an MSRP of $19.99.

Mata Hari Dances On the Internet: Adventure Game's Official Homepage Online

There´s still some time left to go until her great performance: Mata Hari, legendary danceress and spy, will be seducing the gamer community in the up and coming PC Adventure Game by Cranberry Production and dtp entertainment, which is scheduled for release in Fall 2008.

However, on the Internet, Mata Hari has already found herself a stage: she is currently practicing her dance moves on the official website of the Adventure, www.matahari-game.com. This is where Adventure Game fans will find extensive information about the game and its characters, as well as attractive graphical material. What makes this website special is that it will also feature background information about some of Mata Hari’ s famous contemporaries such as, for example, Marie Curie.



With the Point & Click Adventure Game Mata Hari, dtp entertainment will be telling a compelling story surrounding the legendary danceress and spy.

Mata Hari’s daring performances at lavish parties during the so-called “Belle Époque” attract influential political and economic leaders, among them the handsome Swiss Oscar Samsonet. He soon reaches the conclusion that the exotic dancer is the perfect tool for reaching his goals. Samsonet panders to Mata’s sense of adventure and lures her with fast money: she turns into a spy.



Her finesse, charm, and seduction skills aid Mata Hari in learning explosive secrets. Yet she soon finds herself in the crossfire: the Entente and the Mittelmächte are caught in a merciless arms race and the first World War looms on the horizon.

Adventure Game icons Hal Barwood (e.g. “Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis; LucasArts) and Noah Falstein (e.g. “Indiana Jones and the last Crusade; LucasArts) are responsible for story and game design. The game is developed by the Hannoverbased team Cranberry Production.

dtp aims to release Mata Hari in October 2008.