STAR OCEAN -: Second Evolution™ will be released across Europe and all PAL territories in Spring 2009, exclusively on the PSP (PlayStation Portable) system.
Following the exploits of humankind’s journey across the stars, the STAR OCEAN saga continues with the completely remastered STAR OCEAN: Second Evolution. Featuring a revised game engine, an improved battle system and fully-voiced, all-new animated scenes displayed in 16:9 widescreen. With a newly added layer of character interaction, players can enjoy their journey into the rich STAR OCEAN universe like never before.
John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Ltd. comments, “STAR OCEAN has already proved to be a popular series in Japan, we now hope that players around the world can discover why by experiencing the origin of the series through the PSP releases of STAR OCEAN: First Departure™ and the newly announced STAR OCEAN: Second Evolution.”
About STAR OCEAN: Second Evolution
Story 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
• The second game in the STAR OCEAN series, rebuilt for the PSP system • Exciting real-time battles that keep players fully immersed in the action • 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
Image via WikipediaGAMEVIL brings a next big thing to mobile.
Super Boom Boom 2: Space Adventure that will feature a new business model, micro-transaction.
Korea is the first country to establish a nationwide high speed internet infrastructure, which help started the online PC game market around the world. In addition, with global handset manufacturers such as Samsung and LG, it is the first country that started the wireless internet trend. Having one of the fiercest and fast changing business environments in the world, looking at the trend of Korean mobile industry is a way to predict the future U.S., European, and global mobile market.
Another first for Korea is that they are the inventers of the micro-transaction business model for mobile gaming.
Previously, the purchasing of mobile games was similar to console or PC, it would be an unlimited, one-time purchase deal. In contrast, the newly adopted micro-transaction would create revenue by deriving users to purchase game items or money for a better gaming experience.
“Gang-a-ji (Puppy)”, was the first ever micro-transaction game published by GAMEVIL and released in September 14th 2006 via SK Telecom. The game started a new trend in Korea’s mobile gaming market, now making micro-transaction the most widely accepted business model. The micro-transaction system has proven to be a huge success, creating on average 30~40% extra revenue and up to 300% for certain titles; showing that post-revenues of well structured micro-transaction games can even exceed revenues from actual downloads.
GAMEVIL’s “Baseball Superstars 2008” with 1.3 million downloads in 10 months of its release is one of Korea’s top mobile games. To download the game, users pay $3 USD. The micro-transaction allows users to purchase virtual currency “G-Points” which is used within the game. The average user will purchase $1.50 USD worth of G-Points, a 50% extra revenue, adding 2 million USD to the 4 million USD already generated from downloads alone.
The key to the success of “Baseball Superstars 2008” micro-transaction system is in the detailed virtual currency eco-system structure. Users are able to earn G-Points for free while playing the game, but those who wish to skip this step can purchase G-Points directly and with it, users can purchase special skills and items.
This very successful micro-transaction business model from Korea, is now taking its shot in the U.S. for the first time.
GAMEVIL USA will soon be launching Super Boom Boom 2: Space Adventure in the U.S. Covering over 90 handsets, it will be the first game in the U.S. with a micro-transaction system to cover 98% of available handsets including Blackberry and Windows Mobile. Using micro-transaction, users can purchase G-points (virtual currency within the game) to purchase three completely new stages, items, and play mini games. Super Boom Boom 2: Space Adventure is scheduled to launch in October, 2008.
Dance Dance Revolution Fans Now Have Popular Disney Characters and 40 Favorite Disney Songs for the Nintendo Wii
Dance Dance Revolution - Disney Grooves for the Nintendo Wii. The title is being developed by Bemani, the original pioneers of the video game music genre that brought to market the hit sensation Dance Dance Revolution Hottest Party! The latest installment, combines the popular rhythm-dancing phenomenon with classic Disney songs and characters creating a "must-have" for fans of Dance Dance Revolution - Disney Grooves Dance Dance Revolution, Disney and the Nintendo Wii.
"Dance Dance Revolution - Disney Grooves marks the third time we have worked with Disney on a DanceDanceRevolution title," said Anthony Crouts, Vice President of Marketing for Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. "However, this is the first one that utilizes the unique capabilities of the Wii to offer an ultimate interactive dancing experience that is certain to thrill fans of Disney and the DanceDanceRevolution franchise."
Dance Dance Revolution - Disney Grooves features some of the most popular Disney characters of all-time including Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald and Daisy along with enhanced graphics and 40 favorite Disney tunes. Players will have to complete dance challenges in order to unlock more and more music. For a more personalized experience Dance Dance Revolution - Disney Grooves will allow players to customize their very own Mii's with special Disney costumes in its Dressing Room mode.
Additional exclusive modes that will extend the game beyond the standard Dance Dance Revolution format include a Groove World where players achieve goals to unlock cool new costumes stages and songs. Workout Mode, Training Mode and Advanced Mode will challenge the physical limits of experienced players. The game will also feature a My Studio mode that enables players to take pictures of their customized characters, or strike a pose with classic Disney characters.
Dance Dance Revolution - Disney Grooves is scheduled to launch this March 2009.The bundle version includes dance pad controller and game software.
Swedish Pop Star Lisa Miskovsky's "Still Alive" Remixed By Top DJs Including Benny Benassi, Paul van Dyk and Junkie XL
A remix album for their highly anticipated title Mirror’s Edge™ will be digitally released worldwide on November 11th in conjunction with the launch of the game. The album features the title track “Still Alive” performed by Swedish rock/pop star Lisa Miskovsky and remixes by some of today’s hottest artists including Benny Benassi, Paul van Dyk, Junkie XL, Teddybears, and Armand Van Helden.
“A groundbreaking videogame demands an equally provocative theme song,” said Steve Schnur, Worldwide Executive of Music and Marketing for EA. “We’ve taken an unprecedented approach to this track, bringing together several of the world’s top remixers to create an album that will not only cross genres and borders, but also redefine how great new music can be delivered to the world.”
Recorded exclusively for Mirror’s Edge, “Still Alive” was written and produced by Rami Yacoub and Arnthor Birgisson who are best known for their chart-topping work with artists Pink, Britney Spears and Kelis. The song was performed by Lisa Miskovsky who earned international acclaim for her #1 self-titled debut album and #1 Platinum follow-up Fallwater. She also won Sweden’s top music awards including Best New Artist, Best Female Artist and Artist of the Year.
“When given the opportunity to work with Lisa, Rami and Arnthor, who are all avid gamers, we knew we had something very special on our hands,” added Magnus Walterstad, Audio Director at DICE. “With ‘Still Alive,’ we created a Mirror’s Edge theme song that is able to stand on it’s own two feet as well as accurately representing the emotional experience of playing the game.”
The complete track listing for the Mirror’s Edge Remix ALBUM is as follows:
ARTIST - Song
Lisa Miskovsky Still Alive – Mirror’s Edge Theme Song Benny Benassi Still Alive – Remix Junkie XL Still Alive – Remix Paul van Dyk Still Alive – Remix Teddybears Still Alive – Remix Armand Van Helden Still Alive – Remix
“This is a terrific song from a tremendous new artist,” said Terry McBride, CEO of EA label partners Nettwerk Music Group. “And every one of these remixers responded not only to the power of the track itself, but also to what this project will mean to the continued convergence of music and gaming. Our entire worldwide marketing team is committed to making this a landmark digital release.”
When customers pre-order Mirror’s Edge at Best Buy in the U.S., they can pick up a music CD containing the theme song to Mirror’s Edge and an exclusive remix by Benny Benassi.
Mirror’s Edge is a revolutionary first person action adventure game that delivers players straight into the shoes of Faith, a modern day heroine who traverses the vertigo-inducing cityscape, engaging in intense combat, fast-paced chases and challenging puzzles.
WWII Battle Tanks - T-34 v Tiger PC video game out October 24th
WWII Battle Tanks: T-34 vs. Tiger (PC), their interactive and exhilarating multiplayer tank simulation game, has achieved Gold Master status. Following in the footsteps of their massively successful Ship Simulator series, Lighthouse is confident that WWII Battle Tanks: T-34 vs. Tiger will impress simulation fans with yet another high quality and genre-defining simulation game.
"The team at Lighthouse strives to provide fresh content for different segments within the gaming community," said Erik Schreuder, President of Lighthouse Interactive. "Partnering with G5 Software to bring T-34 vs. Tiger to market has given us the opportunity to offer a stimulating new experience that invigorates the simulation genre. The multiplayer component will further compliment the game's realism and bring a whole new level of gameplay to the forefront."
Players will experience the power of some of the most advanced tank weaponry of its time, as they battle the enemy head on during critical World War 2 campaigns. Its historically accurate representations of environments and vehicles (interiors and exteriors), realistic physics, and Internet and LAN multiplayer gameplay for up to sixteen players, promises to engage simulation fans in true-to-life tank warfare.
WWII Battle Tanks: T-34 vs. Tiger for Windows® will begin storming retail shelves across Europe and digital download sites, including: GamersGate.com and TotalGaming.net beginning October 24, 2008.
GAME SUMMARY
WWII Battle Tanks: T-34 vs. Tiger takes place in Belarus during the summer of 1944, in which the Soviet Union launched 'Operation Bagration', the Belarusian offensive, against the retreating German Wehrmacht. After Kursk, this was the most significant struggle of the two tank armies that resulted in the complete destruction of the German Army Group Centre and the Soviet recapture of all territories within their 1941 borders.
Experience the battlefield from within the Russian T-34 and the German 'Tiger' tanks, with fully animated 3D interiors and playable Driver, Gunner, and Commander positions. The tanks' dynamics include: realistic physics, accurate ballistics, and elaborate damage models. Interior models feature historically accurate gun-sight optics.
The vast Belarusian landscape of the early 20th century – with its rolling hills, villages, and large forests – was carefully recreated from historical reference photos and maps. The rich battlefield environment features AI controlled Russian and German tanks, infantry, armoured-personnel carriers, anti-tank guns, and airplanes.
Stunning special effects such as: explosions, fires, and smoke, and the ability to completely destroy vehicles and buildings, all combine to create a lifelike combat environment. The action can be viewed from various camera angles in first or third person.
WWII Battle Tanks: T-34 vs. Tiger includes two single-player campaigns and two multiplayer modes (skirmish and team-play) for LAN and Internet play for up to 16 players.
FEATURES
• German and Russian Campaign missions are based on 'Operation Bagration', the codename for the Soviet Belarusian Offensive during World War II
• Playable Tanks: The Russian T-34/85 and the German Sd.Kfz. 181 'Tiger' Ausf. E.
• Control your tank from fully modelled and animated 3D positions (driver, gunner, and commander)
• The Napalm Engine's 3D technology allows for impressive effects, such as: dynamic shadows, glow, and bloom, self shading, bump mapping, and specular maps
• Stunning realistic graphics and vast landscapes to explore
• Interactive environment with various levels of destruction – buildings, trees, and vehicles can be damaged or destroyed by cannon, MG fire or ramming attacks
• AI Controlled Vehicles: T-34/85, T-34/76, Tiger, Sk.Kfz.251, M3A1,ZIS-5, Opel Blitz, ZIS-3, Pak. 40, IL-2, FW-190
• Multiplayer LAN and Internet for up to 16 players with Skirmish and TeamPlay modes
• GameSpy Arcade ready for online multi-player sessions and uses DirectPlay technology for direct IP multiplayer connections via LAN and Internet
• TrackIR support immerses the player in hands-free first person views for all available crew positions.
For more information on 'WWII Battle Tanks: T-34 vs Tiger' and to keep up with the latest breaking news, visit www.lighthouse-interactive.com.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
OS: Windows 2000 / XP / Vista CPU: 2,4 GHz Intel Pentium 4 or equivalent AMD Athlon processor RAM: 1 GB RAM (2 GB recommended for Windows Vista) Video: DirectX 9.0c compliant video card with 128 MB RAM (NVIDIA GeForce 6600 or better/ATI Radeon 9600 or better) PC DVD-ROM and CD-ROM: 4x Available Hard Disk Space: 2 GB Sound: DirectX 9.0 compatible sound card Multiplayer: LAN or 56 Kbps Internet connection or faster Other: Keyboard, Speakers and Mouse
NARUTO - Clash of Ninja Revolution 2 Goes Gold, Soon to be Available to Ninja-in-Training Everywhere.
NARUTO - Clash of Ninja Revolution 2 for the Nintendo Wii has gone gold and will be shipping to stores on October 21st. Based on the hit animated series by VIZ Media, Clash of Ninja Revolution 2 offers an all-new storyline that takes Naruto and the Anbu to lands beyond the Hidden Leaf Village, challenging sinister villains created just for North America. With 35 playable characters, improved gameplay mechanics, and new fighting modes, NARUTO: Clash of Ninja Revolution 2 brings the ultimate jutsu-testing experience to the Wii this fall.
“We’ve crafted a NARUTO fighting sequel that is both intense and action-packed,” said Laura Yoshioka, director of consumer software at TOMY Corporation. “New players and dedicated Naruto fans alike will enjoy the original story, as well as the polished fighting system and the huge cinematic special moves.”
About NARUTO - Clash of Ninja Revolution 2
NARUTO - Clash of Ninja Revolution 2 is set to provide players with quality fighting game mechanics and a fast-paced gameplay experience on Wii. Set after Sasuke leaves the Hidden Leaf Village to gain more power from Orochimaru, the title offers a slew of playable characters, including those developed especially for the storyline. Clash of Ninja Revolution 2 features destructible stages and four-player multiplayer battles, along with gameplay modes and characters not yet seen in the Clash of Ninja series.
Ship Simulator 2008 Collector's Edition has achieved Gold Master status. This Collector's Edition will include the latest updated version of Ship Simulator 2008 and the official add-on New Horizons, as well as unique, never-before-seen bonus material such as a 70+ page Captain's Journal of references and a 'Making of' video, giving players a sneak peek behind the scenes during the creation of the Ship Simulator series. This comprehensive package will begin hitting store shelves across the United Kingdom on October 10, 2008.
"We are very happy that the simulation community has embraced the Ship Simulator franchise," said Erik Schreuder, President of Lighthouse Interactive. "With the Collector's Edition, VSTEP has gone above and beyond taking players deeper into the Ship Simulator world, which exemplifies their commitment to fans of the genre."
"With this Collector's Edition, we want to give simulation fans a total immersive experience of the Ship Simulator games," said Frank Dolmans, CMO of VSTEP. "The CE will provide players with hours of fun and realistic simulation gameplay as well as provide them with some unique bonus content to immerse them even more into the game."
Lighthouse Interactive is part of SilverBirch video game division.
Ship Simulator 2008 Collector's Edition is the ultimate sailing simulator box set for PC. Become the captain of one of the most impressive ships in the World and take on the fierce ocean, or sail to an array of well-known ports across the globe. Ship Simulator 2008 Collector's Edition includes both, the much appreciated Ship Simulator 2008 game and the official Ship Simulator 2008 Add-On: New Horizons, which features exciting Online and LAN multiplayer missions. The Collector's Edition is packed with unique, never-before-seen bonus material such as a 70+ page Captain's Journal of references and the 'Making of' video, which gives players the opportunity to sneak a peek behind the scenes at the creation of the Ship Simulator game series. This comprehensive box set is a complete package not to be missed by any simulation fan!
FEATURES
• Captain 24 vessels, from powerboat to tugboat, port carter, oil tanker, superfast personal watercraft… or even the Titanic!
• Walk around on board any ship and examine everything in minute detail
• Sail through some of the Worlds' most famous and detailed ports and locations, including Rotterdam, San Francisco and Marseille, or take on the wild storms of the open sea
• Sail together with your friends and other Ship Simulator fans in Online Multiplayer mode (Internet connection required)
• From beginner level, to advanced - includes fast pick-up & play missions for the sailing fan, to extremely realistic simulation missions for real captains!
• Make use of advanced instruments aboard and experience the impressively realistic sailing characteristics of every ship
• Experience breathtaking adventures and missions in Mission mode, or sail the globe freely experimenting with the ever-changing weather conditions in Free Roaming mode.
OS: Windows 2000 / XP / Vista CPU: 2,4 GHz Intel Pentium 4 or equivalent AMD Athlon processor RAM: 1 GB RAM (2 GB recommended for Windows Vista) Video: DirectX 9.0c compliant video card with 128 MB RAM (NVIDIA GeForce 5900 or ATI 9600 Pro / X600 video card or better recommended) PC DVD-ROM and CD-ROM: 4x Available Hard Disk Space: 2 GB Sound: DirectX 9.0 compatible sound card Multiplayer: LAN or 56 Kbps Internet connection or faster Other: Keyboard, Speakers and Mouse with scroll wheel Optional Controllers: Joystick, Joypad or Steering wheel
Wii Speak Channel and Wii Speak accessory will connect friends and family and herald the next evolution of social gaming
Socialising and communicating with friends and family has just got easier – and more fun – as the new Wii Speak accessory and Wii Speak Channel are launched for Wii across Europe on 5 December 2008.
Wii Speak enables people to connect to and communicate with friends using the free-to-use Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection* in a way that is very socially inclusive. Wii Speak can be connected directly to the console and pick up the conversations from an entire room of people, meaning friends and families can all get involved in conversations, sharing gaming and social experiences together. It’s just like using a phone to make a call and chat with other Wii-friends: but with Wii Speak, everyone in the room can get involved in the conversation.
The new Wii Speak Channel, accessed from the Wii’s main menu, allows up to four console users – who can be anywhere in the world – to connect together to chat, or to share pictures and text messages at no extra cost. Once connected, the Wii Speak Channel brings user’s Miis to life: as users’ Miis represent them on-screen during their conversations. When players are talking to each other, their Miis also ‘talk’ to match the sound that is being picked up by the Wii Speak accessory.
Users have to share their private Friend Codes to be able to communicate with each other, which makes the experience safe and fun.
As well as enabling people to connect together through the Wii Speak Channel, Wii Speak also opens up a new world of social gameplay. The first game to use the full capabilities of Wii Speak is Animal Crossing: Let’s Go to the City, in which players can create and share their personalised worlds.
For the first time, friends can chat in the game and, as the action happens in real time and creates a world in which players celebrate real festivals and events, sharing the gaming experience over the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection on Christmas Day will be a uniquely magical experience, with characters and other players in the game all joining in the festive fun! Animal Crossing: Let’s Go to the City and the Wii Speak microphone will be offered as a bundle at launch, making a perfect gift for friends and family this Christmas.
In the future, Wii Speak will be incorporated into other Wii games, meaning that new opportunities can be created for social gameplay amongst the console’s fans.
Enjoy a whole new use for your Wii with Wii Speak and enjoy the chance to create – and talk about – the perfect world that you create in Animal Crossing: Let’s Go to the City on 5th December 2008, when they launch across Europe both as a bundle and sold separately.
there are no fees or subscriptions to pay (Usual broadband line rental and Internet Service Provider costs apply when accessing the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection at home)
Hello Kitty Daily DS, the coolest and pinkest PDA ever to North America. Hello Kitty Daily for Nintendo DS is the new Personal DS Assistant that Hello Kitty fans and young Nintendo DS owners won’t be able to live without!
Arnaud Blacher, Nobilis Publishing Managing Director, added “Hello Kitty Daily will be for sure the new must- have for the millions of Hello kitty fans around the world. It’s adorable, super trendy, useful and totally adapted to the Nintendo DS. A great title to hit the busy casual gaming market! ”
“Hello Kitty is one of the most popular and well-known brands on the planet,” said Ted Staloch, Executive Vice President of Publishing at Aspyr. “Hello Kitty Daily for DS is a perfect marriage of style and function, built on this target audience’s ideal platform. Aspyr is a team of experts at managing products based on the world’s biggest franchises and we look forward to making Hello Kitty Daily a huge success in North America.”
About HELLO KITTY DAILY DS Platform : Nintendo DS Genre : Personal DS Assistant Dev : Dorasu Publisher : Nobilis Publishing
Afro Samurai's Stylish Tale of Revenge Comes to Europe in 2009
Atari gets ready to take arms with news that Afro Samurai, the vengeful videogame from NAMCO BANDAI Games, is coming to Europe for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system. Based on the manga created by Takashi Okazaki and the hit anime series starring Samuel L. Jackson, Afro Samurai drips with cutting edge style through its fusion of hip hop and Japanese culture that’s as sharp as Afro’s sword. Afro Samurai will fight its way into Europe in 2009.
Afro Samurai is the story of a man on a lifelong journey to avenge his father killed by the lethal fighter Justice. Now, shedding Justice’s blood is Afro’s only reason to live. Seeking Justice and fighting his final adversary to the death won’t be easy as loyal assassins and trained henchmen are determined to destroy our tormented hero. In killing Justice, Afro will take the coveted number one headband for himself, and in this bitter world of chaos and megalomania, there’s only room for one at the top.
Afro Samurai captures the essence of the anime and Afro’s character through its beautifully portrayed environments and characters drawn using dynamic cross-hatching visuals to give the game a pen and ink hand-drawn look, with Samuel L. Jackson once again providing the voice for Afro. The innovative combat system gives Afro the ability to dismember enemies with ease. This system coupled with Afro's expansive arsenal of graceful and elegantly sharp moves make Afro Samurai a blood-spattered masterpiece. Staying true to the soul of the anime series, Afro Samurai is set to an original hip hop musical score with a new track by The RZA of Wu Tang Clan fame, a legend of hip hop music and culture.