RockStar 09 open for entries

Major Major are likely to remember the day they filled in the application form for RockStar 08. Since winning the competition back in September they've supported Franz Ferdinand and the Ting Tings in front of 4,000 people at the legendary Pilton Equinox Party, spent time recording at Peter Gabriel's renowned Real World Studios and seen their name up in lights as the first confirmed act for Glastonbury 2009.

Next year RockStar 09 will offer these incredible opportunities to another group of unsigned artists and bands. They'll pit themselves against each other in a bid to impress some of the most influential people in the music industry. Of course, they'll hope to emulate last year's talented four-piece from Liverpool.

Conor Clarke, Major Major's front man, said: “It's amazing to be the first band confirmed for Glastonbury next year. The RockStar gigs were immense and the competition has, put simply, changed our lives - there's absolutely no question of that.”

RockStar 09 is open to any and all unsigned bands/performers and will take place in the legendary village of Pilton, the home of the festival and the spiritual home of many of the greatest music legends.
It all kicks off after 24 bands have been selected by an experienced panel of judges to take part in the live heats.

These heats will take place over four shows in May 2009 (15th & 16th and 29th & 30th May) at Pilton Working Men's Club where the bands will compete to try and impress the judges to get through to the live final on the 1st of August 2009.

The RockStar 09 winner will be the first confirmed act for Glastonbury 2010. They'll also get to spend valuable recording time at Peter Gabriel's Real World Studios, as well as play a full set at Michael Eavis' Pilton Equinox party on 19th September 2009 where several thousand dedicated music fans party the night away at his home, Worthy Farm.

A spokesperson for Real World studios added: “We are eager to hear and see some of the undiscovered rock talent the UK has to offer in 2009. We were thrilled to be so heavily involved in RockStar 08, the standard of the finalists was phenomenal, and this year? …Well, let's just say we're all very excited!”

The competition is open to all, bands, solo artists, young and old, the only criteria is to be unsigned. Entries must be in before the closing date on 1st of March 2009.
To enter bands and artists must download and complete the entry form, available at http://www.rockstarbands.co.uk/5/09news.html and send a clear recording, of no less than 2 tracks, of themselves/their band playing to:

RockStar 08, PO Box 4249, Glastonbury, Somerset, BA6 8UU.
Further information and terms and conditions can also be found on the PDF form or you can email info@rockstarbands.com with any additional questions.

Free-to-play FlyFF - Fly for Fun - Snow event announced

Celebrate winter with the gPotato team with a frosty event in the free-to-play MMORPG Flyff!

Players of the free-to-play MMORPG Flyff (Flyff for Fun) have a treat in store for them this month. After a fantastic response to our Christmas events, a brand new mission awaits players in-game between the 13th and 19th of January. The event, organised by the gPotato team gives players a series of quests to save Winter from a terrible threat.

From the 13th to the 19th of January, Flarine City hosts a special guest: the Winter God, and he needs players help! The monsters of Madrigal have kidnapped his servants and he can’t put the key elements of magic and snow that make Christmas without them. Players will therefore have to find the Fairies and Snow Crystals scattered throughout the Flyff world and return them to him.



There are plenty of in-game rewards up for grabs for players who complete these quests, including some brilliant items which will allow them to temporarily increase their combat abilities and defensive skills. For those players who find all Winter God’s servants, a special reward can be found in the skies of Flarine.

By organising regular in-game events for the FlyFF community, the gPotato team hopes to offer a vibrant and constantly evolving environment for players of all levels. To create a strong community spirit and meet players expectations, lots of activities and events are coming to 2009.

Please find enclosed the exclusive screenshots of the special Flyf Winter event. For additional information, please visit the official website http://flyff.gpotato.eu

About Flyff

FlyFF: Fly for Fun is a free-to play MMORPG featuring a “manga-ish” atmosphere and is operated in French and German by Gala Networks Europe Ltd. Become an adventurer and discover the world of Madrigal, flying above hordes of monsters and resolving intriguing mysteries. On more than 120 levels, FlyFF offers players a diverse and thrilling adventure, allowing them to fly freely on a brush or a magical hoverboard! For more information, please visit the official FlyFF website at the following address: http://flyff.gpotato.eu.

FIFA Interactive World Cup champion officially crowned at FIFA World Player Gala

Record numbers already signed up for FIFA Interactive World Cup 2009. Barcelona confirmed as venue for 2009 competition grand final in May.


FIFA, the world’s governing body of football, Electronic Arts and Sony today announced that Alfonso Ramos, the FIFA Interactive World Cup 2008 Champion, has received his official winner’s trophy at the FIFA World Player Gala in Zurich. Ramos was joined by some of the world’s greatest footballers, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Fernando Torres at the star-studded event which also saw Cristiano Ronaldo crowned the 2008 FIFA World Player of the Year.

The FIFA Interactive World Cup (FIWC) 2009 has received a record number of entrants with around 320,000 competitors already signed up to compete in this year’s competition. The FIWC has become one of the largest and fastest growing sports gaming competitions in the world with players from around the globe battling it out on EA SPORTS FIFA 09 for PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3) in a bid to be crowned the best virtual footballer in the world and receive the $20,000 1st place prize. For anyone who thinks they’ve got what it takes, there is still time ahead of 31st March to enter and show the world what you’re made of, so get registered and start laying your claim to the crown.

FIFA, EA and SCEE have also announced that the FIWC 09 grand final in May will take place in Barcelona, one of the world’s greatest football cities. The glamorous grand final marks the culmination of months of qualifying rounds currently taking place both online via the PlayStation Network and at FIWC 09 Live Qualifier Events around the globe, in countries including Australia, Brazil, UK, Germany, France, Italy, South Africa and the US.

“We got involved in the FIFA Interactive World Cup with the intention of creating an iconic gaming competition, but to achieve the huge increase in competitors that we have seen this year is something that exceeds even our most optimistic predictions”, said Darren Carter, Vice President for Brand and Consumer Marketing, SCEE. “Everything about the FIWC this year is bigger and better and to see so many competing online on PlayStation Network really highlights how PlayStation has grown along with the tournament. We can’t wait to welcome the best virtual footballers to Barcelona, Spain.”

“We are extremely proud to once again be supporting the FIWC alongside FIFA and Sony Computer Entertainment”, said Matt Bilbey, Vice President International Marketing, EA SPORTS. “We believe that FIFA 09 is our best ever football title and we are delighted to see so many gamers battling it out in the game both online and at physical qualifying events around the world. The FIWC has grown over the years to become a truly global gaming competition which captures the heart and spirit of football and gaming and we look forward to crowning this year’s victor at the grand final in May.”

Details about the live qualifier events near you will be made available over the coming weeks at www.FIFA.com/FIWC, so check in regularly to keep your fingers on the pulse of the FIFA Interactive World Cup 2009.

Racing Simulator game - GTR 2

Leading PC digital distribution platform GamersGate announced today that they exclusively have GTR 2 in there catalogue and it is available for direct download on http://www.gamersgate.com.

Simbin AB finds it very exciting to finally launch there highly ranked game GTR 2 on the digital platform GamersGate.com.

GTR 2 is the successor to the international award-winning racing simulation GTR accurately represents the challenges of Motorsport racing. The detailed, photo-realistic depiction of these powerful cars and beautiful circuits, thanks to the latest graphics technology, and the enhanced driving model will make your adrenaline rise in one of more than one hundred HP-beasts.

Beginners can start with the driving school where they are taught the basics of race driving by a professional instructor. Thanks to dynamic day, night and weather changes and an impressive damage system, the races of the exciting FIA GT series become a thrilling gaming experience.

To find out more about GTR2 on GamersGate, please go to: http://www.gamersgate.com/?page=product&what=view&sku=DD-GTR2

FIFA 9 tops UK video game chart for 10th January 2009

1 FIFA 09 EA SPORTS
2 CALL OF DUTY: WORLD AT WAR ACTIVISION
3 NEED FOR SPEED: UNDERCOVER EA GAMES
4 WII FIT NINTENDO
5 WII PLAY NINTENDO

6 GUITAR HERO: WORLD TOUR REDOCTANE
7 MARIO & SONIC AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES SEGA
8 QUANTUM OF SOLACE ACTIVISION
9 LEGO INDIANA JONES: ORIGINAL ADVENTURES LUCASARTS
10 MARIO KART WII NINTENDO
11 CARNIVAL: FUNFAIR GAMES 2KPLAY
12 FAR CRY 2 UBISOFT
13 DR KAWASHIMA'S BRAIN TRAINING NINTENDO
14 FALLOUT 3 BETHESDA SOFTWORKS
15 GEARS OF WAR 2 MICROSOFT
16 GUITAR HERO III: LEGENDS OF ROCK REDOCTANE
17 100 CLASSIC BOOK COLLECTION NINTENDO
18 LEGO BATMAN: THE VIDEOGAME WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE
19 SONIC UNLEASHED SEGA
20 PRINCE OF PERSIA UBISOFT

NinjaTrick Free-to-play browser game for Facebook in February.

Free-to-play browser based action game “NinjaTrick ()” – on Facebook Open Platform on February, 2009.

NinjaTrick is a browser based action game where players can select various kinds of Ninjutsu (special techniques and accessories) and challenge each other, controlling their own “Ninja” character with a mouse. The simple rules and fast-paced game development enable players to battle strategically against others without needing experience in mass multiplayer online games.

Anyone can easily play this game just by accessing the website. Unlike the conventional games and virtual worlds which require downloading 3D software, Adobe Flash Player allows NinjaTrick to run on web browsers.

The biggest attraction of this game is that players can create their own Ninja. Ninjas will show different characters depending on the Ninjutsu they select. Furthermore, using the virtual currency, Ninja Gold, enables players to purchase special accessories and customize their Ninja freely, which is not only a great opportunity for players to enjoy the game, but also the chance to interact with other players .


NinjaTrick Introduction

Simple, profound game modes.
This game is a battle game playable with up to eight players. In addition, players will need to find GEMs hidden around the playing field within the time limit.

The rules are simple, but utilizing the various Ninjutsu allows players to experience diversified, thrilling battles with other players.

Combination of Ninjutsu expands strategy Dozens of Ninjutsu, differing in characteristics and effects are available. In accordance with opponent’s strategy, players can change Ninjutsu and arrange effective combinations to enjoy strategic matches.

The game options also allow players to select from a single match to a maximum four-to-four team battle, and diverse stages are added sequentially, offering players a wide variety of game play.

Virtual world – “Ninja City”

The virtual world, Ninja City, features the following functions: players can chat with other players, make friends, form guilds for battle preparations, etc. By using the virtual currency, Ninja Gold, players can also exchange digital goods such as special Ninjutsu , costumes, and equipments to deck out their Ninja. For younger users, CyberAgent America, Inc. will take appropriate measures to maintain the soundness of the community by regulating chat contents and establishing a report system supported by players.

Wonderland Online - Birthday Gifts

Besides the Leveling for Gifts event, Wonderland Online players can also get great gifts on their birthday. The system will give out gift boxes automatically if players log in the game on the day of their birthday. Before opening the gift box, remember to make a sweet wish.

Note

1. Must be Level 30+.
2. Double click the gift box to see what’s inside.
3. When a players birthday arrives, please make sure there is at lease one slot for the gift box. The gift box will still be given out the next day if a player doesn’t have enough space on their birthday.
4. Players will not get the gift box if they do not log in the game on their birthday.
5. Each account can get a gift box only once per year.
6. Players should provide the correct data, and if the data is changed, the system will give them their gift box the next year.

Tales of Pirates - The Magical Lone Tower

It is said in Tales of Pirate that the Magical Lone Tower symbolizes true love and the accompanying loneliness that separation from it, or not having it at all, brings. Whether you have found your true lover or are still alone, you can find the love code after visiting the magical tower, but it’s not easy to get close. It is guarded by various monsters. Now we are going to share the Lone Tower X file with all players.

The Lone Tower has a total of 6 floors. Each floor has different BOSSes. Players can access the Lone Tower by getting a Lone Tower Pass, available in the Item Mall now, or directly buying the Pass to the specified floor of the Lone Tower in game. Players can also run there themselves using Auto-trace. Players who want to challenge the Lone Tower should note before entering, that the critters inside are all senior rank BOSSes. The 1st floor BOSS is a powerful Level 69, and their levels gradually increase from the 2nd floor to the 6th floor. This place is recommended for players Level 70+ to challenge, and they’d better go in groups.

If you ever explore the depths of the Lone Tower, you may have seen the following BOSSes: the Mad Tribal Witchdoctor, the Frenzied Lizardman and the Feral White Bobcat. They all contain rich treasures. Want to obtain this treasure? Well, watch yourself, because they are not easy to fight with. Defeat them and obtain drops including the Bloodied Carcass , the Bloodied Bow , the Essence Dagger , the Arcane Lobster Muffs and the Big Health potion.

Players, if you want to test your limits, come to challenge the magical Lone Tower in Tales of Pirates! Remember to bring your friends to watch your back!

Restaurant Empire 2 PC video game

Paradox Interactive has today announced that it has finalized a publishing agreement with Enlight Software to release Restaurant Empire 2 in North America. Restaurant Empire 2 builds on the highly popular Restaurant Empire franchise, a title that has already sold over 300,000 units in the United States alone.

With two handfuls of cash and a dream of creating a legacy, you will build, cook and hire your way to the very top of the culinary world, where tasty food is king and smart management reels in the dollars. If you’re skilled enough in the kitchen and behind the management desk, you just may go further than any aspiring restaurateur before you and cement your status as a true legend of cuisine.

“Enlight has done a tremendous job with the Restaurant Empire franchise. It offers everyone the opportunity to put their cooking and entrepreneurial skills to the test,” said Fredrik Wester, Executive VP of Paradox Interactive. “We are looking forward to working with them to bring the second instalment to North America.”

“Paradox has proven itself as the premier strategy-based PC publisher and we could not think of a more appropriate partner to take Restaurant Empire to the next level,” said Trevor Chan, CEO, Enlight Software.

Myth War II New version Dragon - 1.0.4.27 download released

The people at Myth War II are giving out a special New Years Surprise! The latest version of the game has been released (1.0.4.27) with a new server with a cool name Dragon.

Client Update

1 A new fully playable server: In this updated version, the game designers have added a new server called Dragon to the game. Lord Gaea, the creator of all lives on Rarus Continent is portrayed as a titan cursed with a dragons head, wielding a huge sword and wearing golden armor. Every realm in the game is guarded by 12 dragons which are the toughest and most violent creatures in Myth War II universe.

2 No limits to players’ titles for their pets involved in combat. In this new server, players are allowed to combat with many high level pets even as newbies.

3 A new NPC trying to help correct bugged resistance distribution for reborn players. This new NPC will be found in the Church. With one click, you will get the bug in resistance distribution fixed.

Download the latest client here: http://mw2.igg.com/download/client.php

New Server

The new server has been available since January 8th and new updates have all been unpacked. As a fair play is advocated, people from Myth War II hope that with the successful launch of this new server, all players can enjoy this game as much as possible.

The decision to shut down the old Myth War does not mean they chose to give up this classic MMO. Instead, most of features that worked well in Myth War have been maintained and even improved in MW2. What’s more, it is reasonable to expect Myth War Ⅲ to come out in 2009, which would probably take you into a 3D Myth World.