Prepare for space battles galore because Rising Star Games is pleased to announce it has signed the rights to bring retro-style shooter XG Blast! to Europe. Scheduled for release in November 2008, XG Blast! (short for eXtreme Gravity and refers to the main in-game weapon) will be available exclusively on the Nintendo DS and in all PAL territories. Undergoing a secret experimental journey, the spaceship Aknathen detects an energy spectrum identical to the one emitted by its prototype weapon, the XG Blast. Travelling to investigate, Aknathen is sucked through a wormhole and into a dimension filled with aggressive alien life-forms determined to take the weapon for themselves. Fight your way through hordes of enemies to uncover the origin of the mysterious signal and find your way back home.
XG Blast! is an arcade shooter delivered in a bright and colourful retro style. Players control a spaceship with the sole purpose of destroying the invading hordes before they do the same to you. A vast array of powerful weaponry and the special gravity blast creates a screen full of vibrant action with intensely addictive gameplay. Your ship is controlled using the D-pad and either the action buttons or the Touch Screen, allowing simple yet varied styles of play.
Set to revolutionise multi-terrain racing with the largest environment ever created in race gaming, Codemasters today announced signing the worldwide publishing rights to FUEL from Asobo Studios. Promising a truly next generation addition to the racing genre, FUEL is in development at Asobo Studios in Bordeaux, France, for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Games For Windows LIVE and due to release in 2009.
Born of Asobo Studios’ cutting-edge proprietary engine, the result of over four years in development, FUEL will present players with an astonishing no-boundaries playfield that’s over 5,000 square miles (14,000+ km²) in size. Creating the ultimate competitive go-anywhere racing experience, FUEL will have players competing across wildly different terrain and executing spectacular death-defying stunts as they race dozens of varied two and four-wheeled rides and explore this epic world on an unprecedented scale.
FUEL is set in an alternate present in which whole swathes of the globe have been ravaged by the effects of climate change brought on by decades of environmental abuse. Here oil prices have rocketed and yet a new breed of racing junkie takes to the wastelands, pitting their grungy home-tuned vehicles against each other in an all-new extreme sport as they compete to win fuel supplies. To triumph means travelling the wastelands to challenge the best; from the tsunami-wrecked pacific coast through the Nevada wastelands, including the Grand Canyon, up treacherous snow-capped mountains, thick forests, arid deserts, abandoned lakeside resorts and much more.
Bringing this vast, open ended landscape to life is a dynamic weather system with full day and night transitions, brilliant sunshine, torrential rain and everything in between, plus destructive tornados, sandstorms, thunderstorms, lightning strikes, and blizzards requiring mid-race strategy changes.
“FUEL raises the bar in terms of scale and exhilaration for racing games. We begin with the largest racing environment to appear in gaming – ever. With our accelerated effects of climate change and dynamic weather system we add an extra dimension that change races on-the-fly and constantly presents new challenges to players,” said Sebastian Wloch, Chief Executive Officer, Asobo Studios.
“Player choice lies at the heart of FUEL’s action-packed races and with a huge range of vehicles, packs of up to 16 vehicles speeding across diverse terrain and a no-boundaries, no-limits approach to racing, means players have never had so much freedom to conquer the wilderness and take the chequered flag.”
“The technology Asobo Studios has developed to build FUEL is ground-breaking. To create a game on this unprecedented scale to this level of graphical quality, complete with all the dynamic weather effects, is a great achievement,” said Barry Jafrato, Senior Vice President of Brand, Codemasters. “FUEL had to be a special title for Codemasters to include in our racing portfolio and we believe that from both a gameplay and a technical perspective, FUEL compliments our long standing tradition of driving excellence.”
Complete with the ability to go online to explore this massive world and compete in hundreds of multiplayer challenges, FUEL is coming in 2009 for the PLAYSTATION 3 system, Xbox 360 and Games For Windows. More on FUEL will be revealed from Games Convention Leipzig (20 – 24th August, 2008).
Multiplayer and Community Gaming Feature Integration Now Possible for the Popular Mobile Device
Exit Games today announced that its cross-platform multiplayer gaming service, Neutron, is now compatible with the iPhone. This new compatibility update allows game developers to integrate online multiplayer and social gaming features into iPhone games by using Neutron technology, as well as cross-platform capabilities between an iPhone and other mobile devices, PCs and game consoles.
Features of the Neutron multiplayer and social gaming platform include, among others:
• Real-time, turn-based and tournament multiplayer options • Game lobbies and various matchmaking capabilities • Buddy lists, leaderboards, profiles, etc. • In-game voice and text chat • Billing and in-game microtransactions
“The iPhone presents a very unique opportunity for mobile online gaming as it is both specifically designed for online services and comes with the App Store, an already successful and accessible distribution channel”, said Christof Wegmann, CTO of Exit Games. “Neutron’s support of this new and innovative mobile device will ensure that iPhone game developers have a means to take advantage of its wireless connectivity and add social gaming features.” Wegmann further adds, “The iPhone will surely establish itself as a dominant mobile gaming platform and we’re pleased to support multiplayer and social features in games developed for the device.”
The fully managed Neutron service platform minimizes risk and time-to-market for even the most complex multiplayer and community game development projects on all platforms. Neutron 5.0 SDKs provide a broad variety of connectivity features out-of-the-box, and together with its hosting services it enables game developers to integrate sophisticated online features at minimum time and cost investment. Neutron continues to leverage large user communities, supporting online gaming on the mobile, PC and console platforms including J2ME, BREW, Windows Mobile, Flash Lite, Blackberry, Win32, J2SE, .NET, Flash (Web, Wii, PS3), and now the iPhone.
Known for their out-of-control riffs, fast paced songs and twin guitar solos, DragonForce will ascend the virtual stage once again to unleash “Heroes of Our Time” – the debut single off their new album Ultra Beatdown – in a three-song track pack for Activision Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock. The DragonForce track pack will be available on August 21, 2008 giving gamers the unique opportunity to download and play “Heroes of Our Time” in advance of the album release.
After experiencing the furious fret work of “Through the Fire and Flames,” Guitar Hero fans will have their shredding skills pushed to the limit with “Revolution Deathsquad” and “Operation Ground and Pound” from their third album Inhuman Rampage, in addition to “Heroes of Our Time,” which will set players’ fingers ablaze as they try to keep up with some of the most challenging riffs to date.
The three-song DragonForce Track Pack will be available for download on Xbox LIVE Marketplace for Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and in the PLAYSTATION Store for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system on August 21, 2008.
Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock offers the ultimate rock experience with new wireless guitars, freshly added content and features including a multiplayer action-inspired battle mode, grueling boss battles, a host of exclusive unlockable content and visually stunning rock venues. Expanded online multiplayer modes allow axe-shredders worldwide to compete head-to-head for true rock status as they riff through a star-studded soundtrack including master tracks by legendary artists such as Aerosmith, Guns 'N' Roses, The Rolling Stones, Beastie Boys, Rage Against the Machine and Pearl Jam, as well as original songs by guitar icons Slash and Tom Morello. Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock is now available and is rated "T" for Teen by the ESRB. For more information visit http://community.guitarhero.com.
The second installment of high-quality action figures inspired by the mega-hit CG movie FINAL FANTASY VII ADVENT CHILDREN is here!
Three new figures join the FINAL FANTASY VII ADVENT CHILDREN PLAY ARTS Series: Yuffie, a young Wutai ninja who saved the planet alongside Cloud; Reno, an elite Turks agent working for the Shinra Company, and Kadaj, the leader of the Remnants, who harbor an inexplicable hatred against Cloud.
Complete your collection with the Cloud, Sephiroth, Vincent and Tifa figures currently available, and re-live the excitement of the movie.
FINAL FANTASY VII ADVENT CHILDREN PLAY ARTS VOL. 2 will be available at the Official Square Enix Merchandise Store this coming weekend.
YOUR FAVORITES ARE BACK Look for these popular items to return to our online shop in late October:
FINAL FANTASY VIII PLAY ARTS: SQUALL FINAL FANTASY X PLAY ARTS: TIDUS and AURON FINAL FANTASY VII ADVENT CHILDREN PLAY ARTS: CLOUD, SEPHIROTH and VINCENT FINAL FANTASY VII ADVENT CHILDREN PLAY ARTS: CLOUD & FENRIR SET
...PLUS, more new and exclusive items are arriving in time for the holiday season! FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT THE OFFICIAL SQUARE ENIX ONLINE MERCHANDISE STORE AT http://www.square-enix-shop.com/
Innovative Action-Adventure Gameplay of NAMCO BANDAI Games' Newest Chapter in the Dragon Ball Saga for DS Comes to Europe in December 2008
The Dragon Ball bounces back with the announcement that Atari is bringing NAMCO BANDAI Games’ Dragon Ball: Origins for Nintendo DS to European shores in December 2008. Developed by NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc., Dragon Ball: Origins takes players back to the original Dragon Ball series and around the world for a thrilling action-adventure game with innovative touch pad controls.
The single player game follows Goku and his clever sidekick Bulma as they travel the world overcoming enemies and obstacles to collect the 7 Dragon Balls. In the shoes of Goku, the player must protect Bulma from incoming enemy attacks using special skills, such as fighting with his power pole, or unleashing a kamehameha. Combined with Bulma’s ability to invent machines and weapons, the intrepid pair make a formidable team able to defeat even the strongest enemies or trickiest of obstacles.
The innovative controls mean the player uses only the touch pad to control Goku. Players must draw lines or shapes to direct the character and control the action by tapping on the screen, for example a double tap on Goku followed by tapping on the Ka-me-ha-me-ha letters unleashes his devastating signature move.
Goku can perfect his skills by gaining experience through defeating strong enemies. Goku’s power pole helps him and Bulma not only in the battle but also in solving puzzles throughout the game. For extra Dragon Ball fun, hunt down and collect the many virtual figurines hidden in the game world which can then be swapped and traded with friends via the wireless connection to get the full collection. Dragon Ball: Origins pulls no punches in terms of graphics with both screens displaying vibrant 3D visuals, and with the lively, fun humour of Dragon Ball present throughout the game, fans will be able to immerse themselves completely in the spectacular universe.
The Tale of Despereaux, an interactive game based on Universal Pictures’ animated adventure of the same name. The game shares the fairy-tale look and feel of the upcoming film about a chivalrous mouse, full of courage and honour. The Tale of Despereaux game - created through a licensing agreement with Universal Pictures Digital Platforms Group - will release in conjunction with the film, which arrives in UK theatres on 19th December.
Directed by Sam Fell and Rob Stevenhagen and produced by Gary Ross and Allison Thomas, The Tale of Despereaux features the voice talent of Matthew Broderick, Robbie Coltrane, Frances Conroy, Tony Hale, Ciaran Hinds, Dustin Hoffman, Richard Jenkins, Kevin Kline, Frank Langella, Christopher Lloyd, William H. Macy, James Nesbitt, Stanley Tucci, Tracey Ullman, Emma Watson and Sigourney Weaver.
The game will follow and extend the film’s storyline in adventures spanning from the magical kitchen and colourful rooms of the castle to the dark dungeons of the rat lairs. An introductory training mode, mouse-centric unique abilities, upgradeable skills and objects, and a lot of courage, will help Despereaux face off against a multitude of animal enemies and human foes on his quest to save Princess Pea. Multiple difficulty settings will ensure that a wide range of adventurers can enjoy Despereaux’s heroics again and again.
“Whether charmed by the book or newly introduced to the characters via the film, children of all ages can expand on their love for Despereaux with this title,” said Mitch Davis, co-founder, chairman and CEO of Brash Entertainment. “We’re excited and proud to be translating this classic into an exciting, engaging and enriching game."
“With its focus on publishing film-based games, Brash was the clear partner to develop the interactive adventure that would accompany the film and bring Despereaux to life on gaming screens,” said Bill Kispert, VP and General Manager, Interactive, Universal Pictures Digital Platforms Group. “The game’s attention to detail will allow players to explore all the nooks and crannies of the whimsical Kingdom of Dor.”
The Tale of Despereaux will be available for the XBOX 360, PLAYSTATION 2 computer entertainment system, the Wii videogame system from Nintendo, and PC, and is set to scurry onto shelves this winter.
Having watched the Olympics, do you fancy yourself as the next Rebecca Romero or Zac Purchase? A series of FREE events this summer at Cardinal Place, the shopping destination near Victoria Station, will help you decide.
Cardinal Place will host its very own mini Olympics every day at 12pm from 15th-19th September. Using the latest innovative technology from Nintendo Wii, players can test their sporting prowess and compete against colleagues in a range of different games – the perfect stress-buster.
Just a 2 minute walk from Victoria Station or a 4 minute walk from St James’s Park Station , all of the events will take place surrounded by the array of bars and restaurants on offer at Cardinal Place.
Whether you’re keen to try out your skills and agility or want to cheer on your friends and colleagues, there couldn’t be a better way to spend lunchtime!
James Leech, Senior Estates Manager, Cardinal Place, said:
“We have a series of activities planned this summer showing that Cardinal Place is somewhere to work, shop, eat and generally enjoy yourself.”
For more information about the Cardinal Place Summer Programme please visit www.cardinalplace.co.uk
Nintendo hosts The Conduit at this year's Penny Arcade Expo
The Conduit, a fast paced action-shooter game currently in development for the Wii console, will be featured by Nintendo at this year’s PAX convention. The Conduit is a First Person Shooter (FPS) where players battle fierce alien invaders in a highly detailed 3D world using a dynamic control scheme only possible on the Wii.
Eric Nofsinger, Chief Creative Officer at HVS, had this to say about the news, “PAX is jam-packed wall-to-wall with passionate game fans. We are incredibly honored to be featured there at Nintendo's booth. It's a fantastic opportunity for us to receive input and feedback directly from other gamers.”
The Conduit made a big splash at this year’s E3 convention. HVS received numerous awards and press recognition, including IGN Best Shooter Game of E3 2008 (Wii), IGN Best Graphics Technology of E3 2008 (Wii), IGN Best Overall Wii Game of E3 2008, GameTrailers Best Wii Game of E3 2008, Edge Top 20 Games of E3 2008, and Gamepro 21 Wii Games to Drool Over.
Kerry Ganofsky, founder and C.E.O. of HVS, commented on the attention, “We are honored and overjoyed to have our efforts recognized. To be acknowledged by the industry news media shows that the hard work of our team has not gone unnoticed and only strengthens our resolve to continue to push our game play, graphics, and the technical boundaries of the hardware’s capabilities.”
Mythic Partners with IGN's FilePlanet.com as Preparations Begin for September 7th Open Beta
The open beta for their highly anticipated MMORPG, Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning (WAR), will begin on September 7th, 2008. This means that hundreds of thousands of fans will be able to enter the gritty fantasy world of WAR to experience the thrill of Realm vs. Realm (RvR) combat before the game goes live on September 18th, 2008. Players can get into the North American open beta by pre-ordering WAR or visiting IGN’s popular game download site FilePlanet.com to sign up for a limited number of spots.
"For three years we have been saying that ‘WAR is coming’ and the team has been working hard to deliver on this promise,” said Mark Jacobs, co-founder and general manager of Mythic Entertainment. "In just a few weeks, we are going to throw open our doors and invite more players into the game than ever before. They will have a chance to delve into the open beta and see for themselves that WAR has arrived and it is glorious!"
Mythic Entertainment is partnering with FilePlanet.com to host the open beta client for North America, Australia, and New Zealand, and the site will be giving away 75,000 open beta keys. Beginning on Friday, August 15, the open beta client will be available to download on a first-come, first serve basis at http://www.fileplanet.com/promotions/warhammeronline/.
Players who participated in the North American closed beta will automatically be granted open beta access. Fans who have pre-ordered the game will need to go to the Mythic Entertainment account center (https://accounts.warhammeronline.com/), create an account, and enter their open beta code. They will then be able to download the open beta client from FilePlanet.com at no additional cost.
Prior to the open beta, Mythic will be hosting a special North American Beta Preview Weekend, from August 22nd through August 25th, and 100,000 players will be invited to end the closed beta with a bang. Those who pre-ordered the now sold-out Collector’s Edition will get top priority, but all are welcome to sign up at FilePlanet.com and try for a spot in this exciting event!
Available for PC, Warhammer Online is rated “T” for Teen by the ESRB. WAR will be the first MMORPG to launch servers simultaneously in North America, Europe, and Oceania when it goes live on September 18th, 2008. For more information, visit http://www.warhammeronline.com/.
About Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning Experience the glory of Realm vs. Realm™! Declare your allegiance and join hundreds of thousands of mighty heroes on the battlefields of Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning, the new MMORPG from Mythic Entertainment, creators of Dark Age of Camelot™. Enter a grim fantasy world of perpetual conflict to fight for the Realms of Order (Dwarfs, High Elves, and Empire) or Destruction (Greenskins, Dark Elves, and Chaos). Invade enemy lands, besiege imposing fortresses, and sack sprawling capital cities for the glory of your Realm. Wield devastating magic and deadly weapons, battle monstrous creatures, and join your brothers-in-arms in epic Public Quests. Climb the Bastion Stair, carry your Guild Banner into battle, and unlock the infinite secrets of the Tome of Knowledge as you travel the world. Sharpen your blade and unleash your inner mutation; the Age of Reckoning has begun and WAR IS EVERYWHERE!
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